[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 74 (Tuesday, May 8, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E599-E600]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING LIEUTENANT COLONEL MICHAEL ZACCHEA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. ELIZABETH H. ESTY

                             of connecticut

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 8, 2018

  Ms. ESTY of Connecticut. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Lieutenant Colonel Michael Zacchea of Brookfield, Connecticut, for his 
lifelong commitment to the military and public service. Lt. Col. 
Zacchea is a highly respected member of our community for his 
passionate advocacy for his fellow veterans and his tremendous 
leadership at home and abroad. I would like to take this opportunity to 
thank and recognize him for his countless contributions that have 
positively influenced the lives of many.
  While serving in the United States Marine Corps, Mike participated in 
operations in Haiti, Somalia, and Iraq. Among his many accomplishments, 
he helped build, train, and lead the first Iraqi army battalion trained 
by the United States military. In his book, The Ragged Edge: A US 
Marine's Account of Leading the Iraqi Army Fifth Battalion, Mike 
details how he was able to break down cultural barriers to create a 
united front. His courage, resiliency, and fortitude are an inspiration 
to not only other service members, but to all Americans across the 
country. Thanks to his sacrifices and dedication to defend our freedom 
he has been awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor device, the Purple 
Heart Medal, and was the first American to be recognized by the Iraqi 
Government with the Order of the Lion of Babylon.
  Since retiring from the Armed Forces, Mike has devoted his civilian 
life to advocating for and supporting veterans. In 2009, he founded the 
UConn Entrepreneur Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities, through 
which he has helped veterans start over 140 businesses, creating more 
than 350 jobs, and $40 million in economic activity. As Chairman of the 
Advisory Committee on Veterans Business Affairs for the Small Business 
Administration, he advises the Administrator on policies and issues 
that affect more than 2.5 million veteran-owned business. I am very 
proud to have Mike and his guidance on my Veterans Advisory Board.
  Mr. Speaker, Lt. Col. Zacchea leads with his heart. He has dedicated 
his life to honorably serving our great nation and epitomizes the very 
best traditions of the United States. I thank him for his decades of 
hard work to ensure the protection and success of others, as well as 
his dear friendship. Therefore, it is fitting and proper that we honor 
Mike here today.

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