[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 61 (Thursday, April 26, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H2193]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 IN HONOR OF LANCE CORPORAL CODY EVANS

  (Mr. FLEISCHMANN asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Mr. FLEISCHMANN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding 
young man from my district who I've recently had the pleasure of 
getting to know. Lance Corporal Cody Evans of Speedwell, Tennessee, 
serves in the United States Marine Corps as a combat engineer, one of 
the most dangerous jobs in the military.
  While serving in Afghanistan, Lance Corporal Evans stepped on a 
pressure plate while sweeping for IEDs, nearly losing his life. He lost 
both legs and suffered numerous other injuries. I met Lance Corporal 
Evans in January of this year in a visit to Walter Reed. To say that I 
was impressed by this young man's spirit and resilience would be an 
understatement. Cody has the spirit of a fighter, a spirit that has led 
to his continued recovery.
  No mention of Cody would be complete without mentioning his mother, 
Regina, who has been with him constantly. Her dedication to her son is 
incredible.
  As a Nation, we must recognize those who serve, who have the 
character and commitment to risk their lives so that we may sleep 
peacefully at home. Cody Evans deserves this recognition, which is why 
it is my honor to ask that this poem penned by Albert Caswell be placed 
into the Congressional Record.
     I. . .
     I Volunteered. . .
     But, to do my very best. . .
     As I so raised my hand like all of the rest!
     Patriots, who over the years our nation have so blessed!
     As I so went off to war, but for the greater good like all of 
           the rest!
     Men of steel, whose hearts so chose to crest!
     As Cody, you so watched your brothers die!
     While, holding them in your arms as you began to cry. . .
     And oh yes you Cody, you have so proudly worn. . .
     Those most magnificent shades of green, that uniform!
     Because, to be A United States Marine. . . you were born!
     For you'd much rather die for something, than live for 
           nothing at all!
     As why Cody you so answered that most noble of all calls!
     That Call To Arms, That Call To War. . . while standing tall!
     As you almost died, oh yes a couple of times. . .
     While, there on the very edge of death you so lie!
     As you could have given up, but instead you chose to rise. . 
           .
     As your newest mountain you were about to climb!
     Because, Cody you Volunteered for that fight!
     Yea Cody, because you're from Tennessee where men with brave 
           hearts ever burn bright!
     Who, In Strength In Honor do so believe!
     Where them and their families are as strong as Hickory trees!
     And all in our Country Tis of Thee, they do so believe!
     This Volunteer from Tennessee!
     As yes you have lost your two strong fine legs, but you won't 
           moan and you won't beg!
     Because, that's just The Volunteer all in you!
     In fact Andrew Jackson Cody, would be so proud of you!
     All because of what upon the battlefield of honor, into what 
           you so grew. . .
     For surely Cody you had one of the toughest jobs of that war. 
           . .
     As a Combat Engineer, where every new step meant but death 
           for sure!
     Something that so demanded such faith and nerves of steel!
     As you and your brothers so fought and died for was right and 
           what was real!
     And still somehow on this very day, your strength and will to 
           so come back from the dead so impresses me!
     To So Teach Us All!
     To So Beseech Us All!
     To So Reach Us All!
     To This Our Nation To So Bless!
     For you are but The Toast of Tennessee!
     But, in Heaven you need not arms or even legs!
     And that is where you are going Cody one fine day!
     And if ever I had a son!
     I wish he could but shine just half as bright, as this great 
           one!
     This United States Marine!
     Who embodies the very heart of Tennessee!
     Who so Volunteered, all for this our Country Tis of Thee!
     As you so Volunteered to make America Safe and Free!
     I could do a million great things, but such light to this our 
           world I could never bring!
     As you are a most magnificent United States Marine!
     All in what your fine life has said, and so means!
     Moments are all we have to so make a difference in all we 
           have!
     To bring our light, to fight the bad!
     Cody, to be an American. . . you make me so proud to be!
     For you are one of her greatest of all sons, Ooh. . . Rah, a 
           Shining Son of Tennessee. . .
     If it were not for Heroes like you and Volunteers, where 
           would this nation be?
     --By Albert Carey Caswell.

     

                          ____________________