[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 156 (2010), Part 4]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 5716]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING T.C. MARSH'S JUNIOR RESERVE OFFICERS TRAINING CORPS AND 
                          CORPORAL DAVID BATES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETE SESSIONS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 15, 2010

  Mr. SESSIONS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize T.C. Marsh 
Middle School's Army Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (JROTC) and 
Corporal David Bates on their winning the National Middle School Drill 
Championship for the third time.
  Corporal David Bates has led the JROTC program for the past eleven 
years. He has taught them the importance of personal responsibility, 
discipline, commitment, and hard work. Under his leadership, T.C. 
Marsh's JROTC has taken the prestigious title of National Champion 
three times in the past four years.
  After spending countless hours practicing their drills, the cadets 
were ready to compete and capture the national title once again. In 
addition to practicing daily, cadets also garnered the support of 
teachers, families, friends, and the local community to raise $12,000 
to help cover the cost of equipment and travel expenses. They are the 
essence of discipline, dedication, and hard work. By working together, 
the cadets have developed a mutual respect for each other and honed 
their leadership skills.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my esteemed colleagues to join me in 
congratulating the members of the JROTC and Corporal David Bates on 
their well-deserved victory. I commend them for their dedication and 
hard work and I wish them all my very best.

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