[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17132]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING LANCE CORPORAL SCOTT SMOLIK

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 13, 2012

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome home an exemplary 
young Marine from Illinois' 3rd District, Lance Corporal (LCpl) Scott 
Smolik. Having recently returned safely from his first tour in 
Afghanistan, it is a privilege to recognize LCpl Smolik's commitment to 
serving our nation.
   LCpl Smolik was originally stationed with the 1st Battalion/7th 
Marines at Twentynine Palms Base in California. During Operation 
Enduring Freedom, LCpl Smolik served with the 1/7 in Southern 
Afghanistan, contributing to counterinsurgency efforts and support for 
local Afghan National Security Forces operations. While stationed in 
the volatile Helmand Province in the cities of Sangin and Musa Qala, 
his duties switched from mortarman to machine gunner atop Armored Mine-
Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles, a role requiring particular 
fortitude and bravery.
  LCpl Smolik will be welcomed by his mother, Sharon, and his younger 
sister and brother, Katie and Jimmy. They will be celebrating his safe 
arrival this Saturday, December 15, at St. Linus Catholic Church in Oak 
Lawn, IL.
  I am proud to honor, commend, and thank LCpl Smolik for his service, 
and wish him the best in the future.

                          ____________________