[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 18, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E37]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   VETERANS WALK FOR WOUNDED WARRIORS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ALLEN B. WEST

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 18, 2012

  Mr. WEST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and stand alongside 
four United States Army Veterans on a mission to raise awareness for 
our Wounded Warriors.
  All residents of South Florida, Sgt. Larry Maroto, Sgt. Katrina 
Taylor, Staff Sgt. Lewis West, and Staff Sgt. Stephen Murphy are 
enduring a 101-mile walk from West Palm Beach to Homestead, as our 
brothers in arms endure injuries from a distant war.
  ``101'' is a symbolic number for these Warriors, as they all served 
in the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army. Known as the 
``Screaming Eagles'' the 101st Airborne Division was renowned during 
World War II and its role in Operation Overlord, the D-Day landings on 
June 6, 1944 in Normandy, France, and action during the Battle of the 
Bulge near the city of Bastogne, Belgium.
  The 101st Airborne is one of the most highly decorated units in the 
United States Army.
  Although our Military Warriors bear harsh conditions away from home 
and from the love of their friends and family, many Wounded Warriors 
find the return home can be even more harrowing. The Wounded Warrior 
Project, of which these Veterans are walking to support, seek to help 
injured veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars transition to 
civilian life.
  My heart is always with my fellow comrades in arms and their families 
who are serving in Afghanistan and across our globe. Their sacrifice, 
courage, and patriotism are the lifeblood of our great nation. These 
Veterans' commitment to our brothers and sisters in uniform reminds us 
all why America is the greatest and most exceptional nation on the face 
of the Earth.
  I believe that the United States Congress can learn a lot from these 
Veterans. They do not know personally all of the people they are 
helping with the money raised from this walk. They do not care whether 
they are Republicans or Democrats. They care that at the end of the 
day, they did their best to help their fellow brothers and sisters.
  I truly commend these Veterans for their unwavering service to our 
nation and to our Wounded Warriors. May they rendezvous with destiny on 
their mission.
  Steadfast and Loyal.

                          ____________________