[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 18332-18333]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE LIFE OF PRIVATE FIRST CLASS MATTHEW CHRISTOPHER COLIN, 
                           UNITED STATES ARMY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 29, 2011

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States 
Congress, it is with great respect and honor that I rise today to 
recognize the life and selfless sacrifice of Northwest Florida's 
beloved Private First Class Matthew Christopher Colin of Navarre, 
Florida.
  Private First Class Colin was killed in action by an improvised 
explosive device on Wednesday, November 16, 2011 while on patrol in 
Kandahar Province, Afghanistan. At the time, he was assigned to the 1st 
Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment, 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 25th 
Infantry Division, out of Fort Wainwright, Alaska. His military 
decorations and honors include the Bronze Star Medal, the Purple Heart, 
the Army Good Conduct Medal, NATO Medal, and the Combat Infantry Badge.
  A resident of Navarre, Florida, Matthew was born in St. Augustine, 
Florida on January 20, 1989, to Ken and Kathy Colin. Active in the 
Navarre Youth Sports Association, Matthew played football, basketball, 
baseball, and soccer. He was recognized as a top competitor in track 
and field at the age of seven. He graduated from Navarre High School in 
2007. Following in the footsteps of his father, also an Army veteran, 
he answered the call to arms in

[[Page 18333]]

February 2010. Upon successful completion of basic training at Fort 
Benning, Georgia, he reported to Fort Wainwright, Alaska in September 
2010.
  Matthew's selflessness and sense of community were apparent even 
before he joined the Army. His former high school teachers describe him 
as an honorable young man with a strong sense of values and morals. He 
previously worked as a fitness instructor at the YMCA in Navarre, where 
he was well-liked by staff and patrons.
  Matthew was a beloved member of his community. He is survived by his 
loving family, mother, Kathleen; father, Kenneth; brother, Michael; 
grandparents, Bob and Margaret Dawson; five aunts; four uncles; and 
many cousins. He is also survived by his four dogs, Spartacus, Patton, 
Captain, and Goldie.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged 
to honor the life of Private First Class Matthew Christopher Colin for 
his selfless service and sacrifice in defense of our Nation. My wife 
Vicki and I offer our prayers for his entire family. He will be truly 
missed by all.

                          ____________________