[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 130 (Tuesday, September 25, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1655-E1656]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE OF SERGEANT BRADLEY W. ATWELL

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JOE DONNELLY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 25, 2012

  Mr. DONNOLLY of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to solemnly 
remember and honor the life and dedication to service of Sergeant 
Bradley W. Atwell, a native of Kokomo, Indiana, and a proud member of 
Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13, Marine Aircraft Group 13, 3rd 
Marine Aircraft Wing, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward). 
Sergeant Atwell died in support of Operation Enduring Freedom on 
September 15th, 2012, in Kabul, Afghanistan, as a result of a sustained 
insurgent attack on Coalition Forces at Camp Bastion. This attack also 
claimed the life of Lieutenant Colonel Christopher K. Raible of 
Huntington, Pennsylvania.
  Bradley graduated from Taylor High School in 2003 where he played on 
the baseball team. Described as ``a piece of American apple pie,'' he 
had an undeniable desire to serve his country and enlisted in the 
United States Marine Corps on October 17, 2005. A third generation 
Marine, Bradley deployed with Marine Aviation Logistics Squadron 13 in 
February 2012 and served as an aeronautic electrical systems 
technician. According to Bradley's mother, he was proud to wear his 
uniform.
  Bradley's awards include the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal (second 
award), Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service 
Medal, National Defense Service Medal, NATO Service Medal--
International Security Assistance Force and the Purple Heart.
  Bradley will be remembered by family, friends, and fellow soldiers as 
a dedicated, courageous, and talented young man and the consummate 
Marine. He is survived by his wife of only 10 months, Danielle Cross, 
mother, Cheryl Atwell and her fiance Jimmy Coates, father, Victor 
Atwell and his wife Kimberlee, grandmother, Shirley Oody, brother, 
Dustin, sister, Erin and other loving extended family. Just days prior 
to his last deployment, Bradley was able to hold his newborn niece 
Aubrey who, according to family members, strongly resembles him.
  It is my solemn duty and humble privilege to honor the life, service 
and memory of Sergeant Bradley W. Atwell. He is a testament to the 
great honor possessed and sacrifices made by our brave men and women in 
the Armed Forces. We mourn his passing and offer solemn gratitude for 
his service and sacrifice.

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