[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22742]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING THE MARINES OF LIMA COMPANY FOR THEIR SERVICE IN IRAQ

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. PATRICK J. TIBERI

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 7, 2005

  Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the brave Marines of Lima 
Company, 3rd Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment who returned home to 
Columbus, Ohio this morning after deploying for ten months, eight of 
which they spent in Iraq.
  This reserve Marine Corps infantry unit, which is composed of young 
men from all walks of life, left home, family, career, and college to 
respond with honor and courage to the call of service issued by our 
great nation. Lima Company served in western Iraq in Haditha, in al 
Anbar Province, one of the most dangerous and insurgent-infested areas 
of the entire country. They pursued their mission to seek out and 
engage insurgents in their strongholds to reduce the terrorists' 
ability to disrupt Iraq's new democratically elected government.
  Central Ohioans could not be more proud of their service. These brave 
young Marines participated in operations ``Matador,'' ``New Market'' 
and ``Quick Strike,'' conducting house to house searches for weapons 
and terrorists. Lima Company engaged in direct combat with the enemy 
and performed with great honor and distinction fighting side by side 
with our active duty troops.
  It is often said that freedom is not free. Nobody knows the truth of 
this statement better than the Marines and their families of Lima 
Company. In the performance of their duties, Lima Company suffered 
grievous casualties. 16 Marines lost their lives, and 34 Marines were 
wounded.
  I am grateful to the Marines of Lima Company who put themselves in 
harm's way to make our country safer, and to make the world a better 
place. I urge my fellow Americans and this Congress to never forget the 
debt we owe these young heroes and their families. Now that they have 
returned, they need our help as much as ever to heal from their wounds, 
to reconnect with their families and resume their lives. And in the 
case of those families whose Marine did not return home, they need our 
support and prayers as they face each new day without the one they 
loved.
  We must all work together to help these Marines and their families as 
they return to civilian life. To the Department of Veterans Affairs, I 
say give these heroes the best care possible. I ask employers to give 
these young Marines a chance to serve in your organizations. I urge the 
people of Central Ohio to help the families of the fallen. Finally to 
the brave Marines of Lima Company, I simply say thank you and God bless 
you for your service to our country.

                          ____________________