[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 160 (Tuesday, November 12, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1638]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE LIFE OF COLONEL TOM NETTLING

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM REED

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 12, 2013

  Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a true American 
hero, Colonel Tom Nettling. Colonel Nettling had a distinguished 
military career with the U.S. Army that spanned twenty-five years 
before passing away after a courageous battle with cancer on August 29, 
2013.
  Colonel Nettling was a 1960 graduate of Central Dauphin High School 
before completing his Bachelor's degree at Shippensburg University in 
1964. Less than ten years later, he completed his Master's from the 
University of Southern California. Colonel Nettling has the rare 
distinction of joining the U.S. Army as a private and retiring as a 
full Colonel. He was well respected among his peers as a combat war 
veteran of the Vietnam War and was ultimately given the honor of 
leading at both the company and battalion levels.
  In addition to his advancement through the Army, Colonel Nettling was 
the recipient of numerous awards and decorations including the Bronze 
Star on three separate occasions, a Purple Heart, the Vietnamese Cross 
of Gallantry with Palm, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge to name a 
few.
  Additionally, Colonel Nettling was a lifelong member of the Army War 
College Foundation and a proud member of the American Legion, the Elks 
Club, and the NRA. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, golfing, and spending 
time with his family. Colonel Nettling leaves behind his wife of forty-
five years, Linda, two children, four grandchildren, and many more 
close family members.
  I can state with great pride that Colonel Nettling was interred at 
Arlington National Cemetery will full military honors on November 6, 
2013. It is but a small token of our appreciation for a man who 
admirably served our nation over such a long and distinguished career.

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