[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 118 (Friday, August 3, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1393-E1394]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING MARINE SERGEANT JUSTIN M. HANSEN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DAN BENISHEK

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 2, 2012

  Mr. BENISHEK. Mr. Speaker, today, I join all Northern Michigan in 
extending my greatest sympathies to my constituent Ms. Vickie Hayes, of 
Vanderbilt, Michigan, as she and her family mourn the loss of Marine 
Sergeant Justin Hansen. Sergeant Hansen was killed during combat 
operations in Badghis Province, Afghanistan on July 31, 2012. Justin 
had previously served in Iraq and was serving his second tour of duty 
in Afghanistan.

[[Page E1394]]

   A gifted athlete, Sergeant Hansen served as captain of the track, 
wrestling and football teams for the Kingsley High School Stags during 
his high school career. Sergeant Hansen also enjoyed outdoor activities 
such as snowboarding and was an avid motorcyclist--often doing these 
activities with members of his family.
   Sergeant Hansen graduated in 2003 from Kingsley High School and 
enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 2005. He attended the 
School of Infantry at Camp Pendleton, California, where he graduated 
with honors. In 2006, Sergeant Hansen was selected to participate in 
and graduated from the Basic Reconnaissance Course in Coronado, 
California. He was also stationed at Camp Schwab with the 3rd 
Reconnaissance Battalion in Okinawa, Japan. He was later deployed with 
the 31st Expeditionary Marine Unit and joined the Special Operations 
Command in 2009. His honors include the Purple Heart, two Combat Action 
Ribbons, two Good Conduct Medals, certified Corps Parachutist, and a 
brown belt in the U.S. Marine Corps Martial Arts program.
   Sergeant Hansen is survived by his parents, Ms. Vickie Hayes of 
Vanderbilt, Michigan, and Mr. Richard Hansen, of Williamsburg, 
Michigan. Sergeant Hansen is also survived by his stepmother, Shawna 
Hansen; stepfather, Steven C. Cornell; sisters, Adrienne (Matthew) 
Russell, of Traverse City, Morgan Compton and Veronica Compton of 
Kingsley; stepbrothers, Jeremy Borey, of Chicago, IL, and Adam Cornell, 
of Traverse City; stepsister, Jessica Borey, of Elk Rapids; 
grandparents, Wayne and Ardyce Hansen, of Traverse City, Ken and Sandra 
Sleder, of Traverse City, and Carol Hays, of Jackson; niece and nephew, 
Madison Goodwin and Garrett Russell, of Traverse City; aunts and 
uncles, Steve Hansen of Pacifica, California, Richard and Sue Costlow 
of Traverse City, USAF Chief MSgt. Erick M. and Mary Hays, of Benton, 
Louisiana, Lonnie and Valerie Schaub, of Grand Rapids, Dave and LeAnne 
Sleder, of Traverse City, Jeff and Bev Sleder, of Katy, Texas, and 
Kathy Sleder, of Fort Collins, Colorado; as well as a large extended 
family throughout the United States.
   I can find no words that can fully express my gratitude for his 
service to our country or for the sympathy I feel for family, friends, 
and loved ones by the loss of this young man. I know Justin's memory 
will live on through our actions and conduct towards others.
   To Justin's family, I can offer only the hope that you will find 
solace in the loving embrace of your family, friends, and the kind 
providence of God. I am well aware that my words will not soften your 
overwhelming grief, but I am reminded of the words of President 
Lincoln, written to a mother during the Civil War, ``I pray that our 
Heavenly Father may assuage the anguish of your bereavement and leave 
you only the cherished memory of the loved and lost, and the solemn 
pride that must be yours to have laid so costly a sacrifice upon the 
altar of freedom.''
   On behalf of the citizens of the First District of Michigan, I would 
like to express my profound sadness for the loss of Sergeant Justin 
Hansen. Northern Michigan has certainly lost one of its finest, and his 
memory and service will not be forgotten.

                          ____________________