[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 42 (Thursday, March 21, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E350-E351]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      MICHAEL RILEY--A PATRIOT WHO NEVER TOOK ``NO'' FOR AN ANSWER

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 21, 2013

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, Michael Riley, an American patriot, 
exemplifies that through dedication and determination, one can achieve 
great things in our country. Faced with adversity from a young age, 
Michael was no stranger to obstacles. He wasn't brought up by the most 
encouraging family. Instead of being surrounded by love and support, he 
was laughed at and ridiculed by his family members for wanting to serve 
and represent his country.
   Michael was always small in stature, in comparison to others his 
age, and he was told he would fail at his dream for that very reason. 
Despite these hardships, he was determined to succeed. Michael had his 
eyes set on his goal, and there was no turning back for him. On his 
own, he enlisted himself in the Marines just one week after turning 18. 
He chose the Marines, the toughest branch, because he wanted to prove 
wrong everybody that tried to tell him he couldn't do it. Before long, 
Michael surpassed everyone's expectations, or lack thereof. It didn't 
take much time for Michael to impress his superiors with his work ethic 
and determination, eventually earning the rank of Chief Warrant Officer 
4, a remarkable achievement.
   Every day, Michael was out there serving his country in full force. 
He recalled the days that he experienced conflicts many others hadn't 
at his age. One day, his squad was ambushed and surrounded by their 
enemy. Adrenaline was pumping, but you could still smell some fear in 
the air. In the attack, his squad leader became wounded, and his 
lieutenant was killed. It wasn't the outcome they had hoped for, but 
the fight had to go on. When he was only 19, Michael led a squad of 
Marines in combat, a task that not many would be able to accomplish at 
such a young age.
   Throughout his service, Michael served in several conflicts, 
including Vietnam, Cuba, and Iraq. But despite his service overseas, he 
says he is most proud of his service securing our nation's borders. 
When his service in the Marines was over, Michael joined the United 
States Coast Guard. During the devastating aftermath of September 11, 
2001, he was appointed Task Force Leader to design and implement the 
Sea Marshal Program, a security measure that, to this day, has provided 
safety and security for the Port of Houston. The program, which Michael 
oversaw from start until finished, was launched to prevent terrorism in 
a given port. Michael and his armed protection teams boarded ships and 
guarded them for their voyage through the Houston Ship Channel.

[[Page E351]]

   For his involvement in the Sea Marshal Program, Michael Riley was 
awarded the 9/11 medal by the United States Department of 
Transportation. This is a very highly regarded honor that recognizes 
civilians or military men and women who made significant and heroic 
accomplishments after the September 11, 2011, terrorist attacks on our 
country. Overall, Michael has received 20 medals and ribbons throughout 
his illustrious career, the highest one being the 9/11 medal.
   Michael exemplifies a true American patriot who never let anyone or 
anything stand in his way. I've met Michael several times. He's never 
been someone to boast about his prestigious accomplishments being the 
humble person he is. However, today, I would like to thank him and 
recognize him for his dedication to keeping America the ``land of the 
free and the home of the brave.'' Despite the hardships, he faced when 
he was young, and everyone that told him he couldn't do it, he served 
our country and he served it well. It takes a very special kind of 
person to accomplish everything that Michael did throughout his service 
to America.
   And that's just the way it is.

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