[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 23666-23667]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING LOCAL MARINES FROM INDIA COMPANY FOR THEIR SERVICE TO THIS 
                                 NATION

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 25, 2005

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today to express thanks to the 
Marines from India Company who have just completed a tour of duty where 
they fought heroically on behalf of the United States of America.
  The brave soldiers from India Company were deployed to Iraq in March 
of this year to aid in Operation Iraqi Freedom and have just recently 
returned to be with their families in western New York.
  In particular, I would like to recognize Sgt. Eugene O'Connor, Cpl 
Joshua O'Connor, PVT Matthew Shaw, Sgt Gary Spengler Jr., PVT Jarred 
Leavitt, Cpl William Maher, Sgt James Thompson, LCpl Chris Manns, LCpl 
Jason Florea and Cpl Jonathan Monaco, our local heroes who selflessly 
defended peaceful international relations and helped secure freedom for 
the Iraqi people. Each played an integral role in their company and 
deserve our recognition and respect.

[[Page 23667]]

  Through their valiant efforts they assisted stabilizing the city of 
Hit in the province of Al Anbar, protecting Iraqis and their comrades, 
aiding in the arrest of 116 insurgents, and assisting in exposing over 
150 weapons stores and 160 bombs.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the residents of the 27th Congressional 
District and all Americans I wish to extend my sincerest gratitude to 
these courageous and noble soldiers. Their service and sacrifices help 
protect the safety and freedoms that make this Nation great.

                          ____________________