[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 66 (Thursday, May 10, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E757-E758]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN RECOGNITION OF JASON BRANCH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 10, 2012

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate 
Specialist Jason Branch, the winner of the Massachusetts Army National 
Guard's 2012 Best Warrior Competition.
  To be eligible for the grueling contest, Spc. Branch was first 
selected by his unit, the 189th Engineer Detachment, as the most 
qualified candidate. The Massachusetts Best Warrior Competition is 
known to test participants with rigorous physical and mental 
challenges. Now in its fourth year, the competition continues to evolve 
to meet the caliber of the contestants. This year's event included 
tests

[[Page E758]]

of physical fitness and marksmanship, a written exam and a challenging 
mock urban combat situation. The demanding weekend culminated in an 
interview with a board of Command Sergeants Major testing each 
participant's knowledge on a variety of subjects.
  Throughout the competition, Spc. Branch demonstrated the dedication, 
ingenuity and perseverance that make an excellent soldier, and in the 
end, emerged victorious amongst the commissioned officers competing. 
When not in uniform, he continues to serve his community as a Unit 
Manager at Plymouth's Radius HealthCare and Pediatric Center, playing a 
vital role in the rehabilitation of the center's patients. Spc. Branch 
truly represents the very best of our community and our country.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Spc. Jason Branch as he 
is honored for his excellence as a soldier, and we wish him the best of 
luck as he moves on to the regional stage of the competition.

                          ____________________