[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 130 (Tuesday, August 1, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         HONORING THE SERVICE OF MARINE CORPORAL LUKE McDERMOTT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 1, 2017

  Ms. STEFANIK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the 
service and sacrifice of Marine Corporal Luke McDermott.
  Corporal McDermott was serving his second deployment in Afghanistan 
when on June 9, 2010, an improvised explosive device detonated 
underneath his vehicle during a routine security patrol. The damage 
caused by this explosion cost Corporal McDermott both of his legs, but 
it did not take away the fighting spirit which enabled him to persevere 
through the difficult recovery process.
  It is a true testament to Corporal McDermott's character that these 
injuries have not prevented him from pursuing life to its fullest. In 
addition to actively training and traveling with the U.S. National Sled 
Hockey team, he has continued his service to the global community by 
participating in a volunteer trip to study social development in 
Morocco.
  Through the generous work of Homes for our Troops, Corporal McDermott 
will soon become a resident of New York's 21st District, and we are 
proud to welcome him. Since 2004, the organization has built 236 
adapted homes for veterans, and now Homes for our Troops is providing 
Corporal McDermott with an accessible residence in Clayton, New York. 
Here, he can live comfortably and pursue his dreams of working toward a 
law degree.
  I would like to thank Corporal McDermott for his service to our 
county and for the sacrifices he has made for our way of life. He is a 
deserving recipient of the incredible opportunity that Homes for our 
Troops provides.

                          ____________________