[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 145 (Monday, September 26, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1357]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                   HONORING SERGEANT PATRICIA ORISINI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. PETER J. ROSKAM

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 26, 2016

  Mr. ROSKAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant Patricia A. 
Orisini for her life of service to our country and her strong 
leadership of the Wounded Warrior Program. As the Program's first 
director, Sergeant Orisini took a new idea and transformed it into a 
life-changing opportunity for our nation's veterans.
   Sergeant Orisini joined the United States Marine Corps in 1975. 
After 24 years of active duty and a combined three decades of service, 
she obtained the highest grade of an enlisted Marine--the rank of 
Master Gunnery Sergeant. She has represented our men and women in 
uniform through her work with the Department of Veterans Affairs and 
with the American Legion. Re-called to active duty during Operation 
Iraqi Freedom, she built and managed a ``medical hold'' program 
designed to assist injured reservists.
   Sergeant Orisini's experience culminated with her outstanding 
guidance of the Wounded Warrior Program. After joining the Program only 
eight years ago, she retires having helped 182 wounded and disabled 
veterans become Wounded Warrior Fellows, over 100 of who have either 
returned to college or become full time employees with a Congressional 
office and other government agencies.
   Sergeant Orisini, who earned her bachelor's degree by studying in 
the evenings while on active duty, holds affiliations with the Foreign 
Joint Services NCO Association, Disabled American Veterans, Women 
Marines Association, Marine Corps League and the National Italian 
American Foundation. Through her hard work and visionary leadership, 
she is a model American and public servant.
   Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing this special occasion as 
we celebrate the life and career of Sergeant Patricia A. Orisini and 
her faithful service to our country.

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