[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 80 (Tuesday, May 13, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E414]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE INCREDIBLE SERVICE OF UNITED STATES MARINE CORPORAL 
                             JOSEPH DONALD

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EUGENE SIMON VINDMAN

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 13, 2025

  Mr. VINDMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor United States Marine 
Corporal Joseph Donald for his incredible service to our country and to 
recognize his recent approval to receive the Purple Heart.
  The Purple Heart is one of the oldest and most revered military 
decorations. It is awarded to those who have been wounded or killed in 
action while serving in the U.S. Armed Forces. It represents not just 
injury, but sacrifice--the physical cost of defending our freedoms.
  Corporal Donald served honorably for over six years, including 
deployments to both Afghanistan and Iraq. His time in uniform coincided 
with some of the most dangerous years of conflict, ending in 2011. 
During that period, he witnessed the loss of many fellow Marines--
brothers and sisters in arms who gave their lives in service.
  In 2011, while deployed in Afghanistan, Corporal Donald was severely 
injured in an explosion. Despite the severity of his injuries, Corporal 
Donald's resiliency is a true testament of his character and to the 
Marine Corps values of honor, courage, and commitment.
  Today, as we recognize Corporal Donald's receipt of the Purple Heart, 
we also reflect on the sacrifices made by so many service members like 
him. His story is one of bravery, dedication.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Corporal Donald formally on 
the honor of receiving the Purple Heart award. I join the rest of the 
community in thanking Corporal Donald for his courage and bravery in 
the line of duty.

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