[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Pages 13534-13535]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      TRIBUTE TO NICHOLAS J. WELLS

 Mr. TESTER. Mr. President, today I wish to honor Nicholas J. 
Wells, a veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Nicholas, on behalf of all 
Montanans and all Americans, thank you for your service to this Nation.
  It is my honor to share the story of Nicholas Wells' service in 
Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  After graduating high school in Darby, MT, Nicholas completed basic 
training at Fort Knox and trained at Camp Irwin, CA. He became an Army 
scout assigned to the 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division, 
2-9 Cavalry Regiment.
  Nicholas arrived in Iraq in October 2005. He served in the north and 
central zones near Baghdad, Mosul, Adwar and Tikrit. While in country, 
Nicholas survived gunshots, 24 I.E.D. blasts, and a helicopter crash. 
He continues to be treated for injuries that he suffered in the war.
  Since retiring from the Army in 2008, Nicholas attended the 
University of Montana and now drives trucks in North Dakota.
  After serving his country with honor, Nicholas Wells never received 
all of the medals he earned from the Army.

[[Page 13535]]

  Earlier this month, in the presence of his family, it was my honor to 
finally present to Nicholas his Iraq Campaign Medal with two Bronze 
Stars. This decoration is a powerful symbol of true heroism, sacrifice, 
and dedication to service. This Iraq Campaign Medal is presented on 
behalf of a grateful nation.

                          ____________________