[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 144 (Thursday, September 7, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1177]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE AND SACRIFICE MADE BY MARINE CORPORAL DAVID 
                                 SONKA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. KEN BUCK

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 7, 2017

  Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service and 
sacrifice made by Marine Corporal David Sonka.
  Corporal David Sonka was a devoted son, husband, and Marine. He grew 
up in Parker, Colorado and knew at a young age he wanted to serve his 
country. Corporal Sonka enlisted in the United States Marine Corps 
immediately following his high school graduation in 2008. He completed 
Military Police school, K9 School, and in 2012 was selected to become a 
dog handler for the Marine Special Operations Command (MARSOC) at Camp 
Lejeune, North Carolina where he was paired with his faithful canine 
companion, Flex.
  On March 31, 2013, Corporal Sonka and Flex were deployed with Marine 
Special Operations Team 8223 to Farah Province, Afghanistan. While on 
watch during a meeting between Afghan military personnel and Marine 
Special Operations Forces on May 4, 2013, an Afghan soldier opened fire 
and fatally injured both Corporal Sonka and Flex. Corporal Sonka has 
since been recognized for his bravery and sacrifice. He received a 
Combat Action Ribbon, the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the Marine 
Corps Achievement Medal, and the Purple Heart. Additionally, the town 
of Parker, Colorado named their dog park after Corporal Sonka as did 
the MARSOC K9 Training Facility in Camp Lejeune.
  Our nation owes no greater debt of gratitude than the one we owe our 
veterans. It is the heroic bravery and incredible sacrifices made by 
individuals like Corporal Sonka that have helped secure the freedoms 
that we as Americans hold dear. On behalf of the 4th Congressional 
District of Colorado, I extend my deepest gratitude to Corporal Sonka 
for his service and sacrifice for our nation.
  Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Marine Corporal David Sonka 
for his sacrifice in defending the United States of America.

                          ____________________