[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 108 (Thursday, June 27, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E679]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING AMERICAN HERO COLLIN LEE TEEM

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JOE WILSON

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 27, 2024

  Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. Speaker, Collin Lee Teem, of 
Lexington, South Carolina, was Killed in Action in Ukraine on May 11, 
2024. I am greatly saddened by his death and humbled by his sacrifice. 
Collin is a true American hero, who sacrificed his life fighting for 
freedom and democracy in the Global War on Terrorism and the War of 
Dictators Invading Democracies. As citizens throughout our community 
continue to cope with this tragic loss, my thoughts and prayers will 
remain with Collin's family, his friends and his fellow service 
members.
  I include in the Record the following obituary for Collin Lee Teem:
       Collin Lee Teem, age 23, was born March 30, 2001 in 
     Florida. His family moved to Lexington, South Carolina in 
     2002 where he lived and grew up the remainder of his 
     childhood. He graduated high school in June 2019 then 
     followed his dreams, and in July 2019, left for the United 
     States Marine Corp Boot Camp. Collin then spent the next 4 
     years as a machine gunner in infantry. During his Marine Corp 
     active duty time, he received Good Conduct medal, National 
     Defense Service medal, Global war on Terrorism Expeditionary 
     medal, Global war on Terrorism Service medal, Sea Service 
     Deployment ribbon (2), Sharpshooter Rifle Qualification 
     badge, and Expert Pistol Qualification badge. Collin also 
     completed Advanced Machine Gun training/course. Collin 
     received an honorable DD214 discharge middle of July 2023. 
     Teem then went on to volunteer his skills and military 
     services to join the fight in Ukraine in their time of need. 
     Collin left the United States in Sept 2023 and arrived in 
     Kyiv where he then joined forces with International Legion of 
     Defense. Collin served with Ukraine from September 2023 until 
     he was unfortunately Killed in Action on May 11, 2024. Collin 
     Teem's passions were evident in his life. He lived a life 
     passionate about his hobbies, fun experiences, military 
     service, and freedom. He lived life to the fullest and always 
     tried to lighten the load of others around him--physically 
     and mentally. He brought laughter to many. His enthusiasm and 
     smile were infectious. It's been said that All people die but 
     not All people live, Collin lived! He accomplished and packed 
     so much in his short 23 years. He did what he loved. He 
     touched countless lives by simply just being himself. Many 
     have said he marched to his own beat which lead to many 
     ``Teem Shenanigans'' as his Marine Corp leadership once told 
     us. Collin leaves behind his mother, father, 3 brothers, 1 
     sister, 2 nephews, 2 nieces, as well as grandparents, aunts, 
     uncles, cousins, countless friends, and military brothers and 
     sisters. Collin Teem will always be remembered for his love 
     of fishing, hunting, military service aka guns, warm weather, 
     and a life full of love, laughter, and adventure. But most of 
     all, for his dedication, determination, selflessness, 
     heroism, and sacrifice for All mankind. He will be dearly 
     missed by so many, near and far.
       Legend and Hero to all who knew him.
       #Forever23YoullBe
       His family will hold Memorial Services to Honor the Life of 
     Collin both in his home town on the East Coast on July 6, 
     2024, as well as in a place he fell in love with, grew, and 
     was stationed during his Marine Corp time--on the West 
     Coast--in California--date TBD.