[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 156 (Friday, September 10, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E957]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO LANCE CORPORAL KAREEM M. NIKOUI

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 10, 2021

  Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a hero and 
true American patriot, Norco resident and Marine Corps Lance Corporal 
Kareem M. Nikoui. Today, I ask that the House of Representatives honor 
and remember this incredible young man who died in service to our 
country on August 26, 2021, as the result of a terror attack in Kabul, 
Afghanistan.
  Through his actions, Lance Corporal Nikoui has evoked pride in his 
community for many years. He was passionate about the martial art of 
jiu jitsu and won multiple medals at competitions throughout the 
region. As a student at Norco High School, Lance Corporal Nikoui joined 
the Air Force JROTC. He volunteered for Norco's Pearl Harbor 
anniversary as well as POW events. According to his fellow JROTC cadet 
Gabrielle Murray, ``He was a leader . . . he always tried to help out 
those in need.''
  After graduating from high school in 2019, Lance Corporal Nikoui 
joined the Marine Corps, where he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 
1st Marines unit stationed at Camp Pendleton. When he was afforded 
leave, he often returned home to Norco. Eager to share a home-cooked 
meal and the comforts of home with his fellow Marines, Lance Corporal 
Nikoui invited many of them to tag along for the short trip to Norco 
where his parents happily hosted. His father said his son loved his 
Marine Corps family.
  The compassion of Lance Corporal Nikoui once again shined bright 
during the final days of his life. Thrust into a chaotic and dangerous 
mission, he performed his duties with courage and empathy for people 
desperate for refuge and freedom. In addition to providing safe passage 
for Americans, our partners, and Afghans, Lance Corporal Nikoui sought 
to comfort children in distress by giving them candy. Through his 
deeds, he embodied the ``no better friend'' motto of the unit he served 
so faithfully until his last breath.
  As we look at the incredibly rich military history of our country, we 
realize that this history is comprised of men and women just like Lance 
Corporal Nikoui, who bravely fought for the ideals of liberty and 
democracy. Each story is unique and humbling for those of us who, far 
from the dangers they have faced, live our lives in relative comfort 
and ease. The day the Nikoui family learned of their son and brother's 
death was surely the hardest day they have ever faced, and our 
thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences go out to them. His 
sacrifice is forever etched in our nation's great history of freedom 
triumphing over oppression. Lance Corporal Nikoui's family has given a 
part of themselves in the loss of their loved one, and we hope they 
know that the goodness he brought to this world and the sacrifice he 
has made will never be forgotten.

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