[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 129 (Friday, September 21, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1652]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF SPC JOSHUA N. NELSON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. G. K. BUTTERFIELD

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 21, 2012

  Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, it is with mixed emotions that I rise 
today to honor the life of Specialist Joshua N. Nelson of the United 
States Army. Specialist Nelson was a native of Greenville, North 
Carolina, which is in my Congressional District. Specialist Nelson was 
one of four soldiers that tragically lost their lives in Zabul 
Province, Afghanistan on September 16, 2012.
  Specialist Nelson graduated from North Pitt High School in 2008 and 
later enlisted in the Army where he became a signals intelligence 
analyst. Specialist Joshua Nelson was a source of great pride in his 
hometown of Greenville. He exemplified to the community what was 
possible with determination, and epitomized what it meant to serve with 
honor and distinction.
  These facts were demonstrated in the various awards and decorations 
Specialist Nelson received during his career in the Army. Specialist 
Nelson received the National Defense Service Medal, the Overseas 
Service Ribbon, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the NATO 
Medal, and the Army Service Ribbon. In only 22 short years, Specialist 
Nelson accomplished more than most people do in a full lifetime.
  Unfortunately, earlier this month, Specialist Nelson perished while 
serving his country. He is survived by his wife, Quamisha Nelson; his 
mother, Kathy Glover; his father, Brian Nelson; and his stepmother, 
Valorie Nelson. I offer my sincere appreciation to his loved ones for 
his service in the United States Army and his selfless efforts in the 
defense of our great nation.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in offering heartfelt 
condolences to Specialist Joshua Nelson's family. I pray that his life 
serves as a guiding force for the Greenville community and others 
around the country. We are forever indebted to his family for the 
ultimate sacrifice he paid on our behalf.

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