[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 117 (Thursday, August 2, 2012)]
[House]
[Page H5688]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               ARMY PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JULIAN L. COLVIN

  (Ms. SEWELL asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to the 
life and service of Alabama's own fallen soldier, Army Private First 
Class Julian L. Colvin, a courageous soldier, loving son, an American 
hero.
  PFC Colvin was a dedicated soldier assigned to the 508th Special 
Troops Battalion, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 82nd Airborne Division from 
Fort Bragg, North Carolina. PFC Colvin lost his life at the age of 21 
on July 22 while supporting Operation Enduring Freedom in Kandahar, 
Afghanistan.
  PFC Colvin, a Birmingham native, proudly joined the United States 
Army on March 9, 2011 as a combat engineer. As a remarkable paratrooper 
and outstanding engineer, he was considered a shining example of 
excellence in our military service.
  Born on March 2, 1991 in Birmingham, Alabama, PFC Colvin was the 
loving son of Carla and Alfred Colvin. As a young man, PFC Colvin 
dutifully answered the highest call to duty for this country. PFC 
Colvin was a selfless servant leader who bravely sacrificed for the 
love of his country. During his brief military career, PFC Colvin 
earned numerous honors, including the distinguished Bronze Star Medal, 
the Purple Heart, and the Army Commendation Medal.
  The Seventh Congressional District in the State of Alabama and this 
Nation have suffered a tremendous loss. Our Nation is eternally 
grateful for PFC Julius Colvin and his dedicated service and 
patriotism. I ask those present today to join me in honoring the life 
and legacy of this heroic soldier, PFC Colvin.


                             General Leave

  Ms. SEWELL. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks 
and include extraneous material on the subject of my 1-minute speech.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentlewoman from Alabama?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing the U.S. House to 
honor Army Private First Class Julian Colvin of Birmingham, who lost 
his life in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan on July 22, 2012, in the 
defense of his country.
  Pfc. Colvin was a dedicated paratrooper and combat engineer assigned 
to the 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
  Although just 21 years of age and on his first deployment, Pfc. 
Colvin was highly decorated for his service, with awards including the 
Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, the Army Commendation Medal, the 
National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the 
Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the 
Overseas Ribbon, the Combat Action Badge, and the Basic Parachutist 
Badge.
  But perhaps the highest honors have come from the innumerable 
testimonials to his high character.
  Pfc. Colvin was, according to Lt. Col. Peter Levola, commander of the 
508th Brigade Special Troops Battalion, ``a shining example of the 
inspiration and promise of our young, remarkable Paratroopers--a 
selfless hero who willingly took on one of the most difficult jobs in 
the Brigade by leading patrols with a mine detector.''
  Services for Pfc. Colvin will be held at the 6th Avenue Baptist 
Church in Birmingham on Saturday, August 4. Our thoughts and prayers 
are with his family and loved ones during this difficult time.
  We will always remember Pfc. Colvin as a young patriot and hero to us 
all and it is appropriate for our nation to remember his service today.
  As the senior member of the Alabama delegation, we join with 
Congresswoman Terri Sewell in her tribute to our Alabama hero, Army 
Private First Class Julian Colvin.

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