[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 133 (Tuesday, September 6, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1174]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             ASHLYN DARNELL

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. JOHN SHIMKUS

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 6, 2016

  Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge Ashlyn Darnell for 
completing Basic Combat Training for the United States Army. Ashlyn is 
a Goreville, Illinois native who just turned 18 early in August, and 
she will be returning to Goreville to finish her senior year of high 
school before reporting for Advanced Individual Training.
  Ashlyn was able to attend basic training thanks to the Split Training 
Option program, which allows high school students to complete basic 
training during the summer between their junior and senior years. After 
completing her Advanced Individual Training, Ashlyn plans to attend 
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville and will enter the ROTC 
program as she pursues a degree in nursing. Once she graduates, Ashlyn 
plans to enlist in active duty for the U.S. Army.
  Ashlyn's sense of duty and service guided her to pursue a future in 
the U.S. Army. Despite her successful career as a two-sport high school 
athlete and the opportunity to play basketball for a university 
program, Ashlyn still seeks a career as a member of the U.S. military. 
She cites her desire to work for the freedoms of our country as a core 
factor in her decision. Ashlyn is so driven to join the military 
despite her youth that she even had her parents sign the consent forms 
that allowed her to enlist in the reserves.
  I offer my congratulations to Ashlyn Darnell for her completion 
of.Basic Combat Training, and I wish her the best of luck as she 
pursues a career of service with the U.S. Army.

                          ____________________