[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 17135]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING LIEUTENANT COLONEL JIM KOKASKA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 13, 2012

  Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant Colonel 
Jim Kokaska, who has safely returned from his most recent tour in 
Afghanistan. With a distinguished career in the U.S. Army spanning over 
two decades, his efforts and sacrifices deserve our recognition and 
gratitude.
   Lt. Colonel Kokaska's overseas service began when he was deployed to 
Germany, and later to Bosnia, where he served as a combat engineer on 
de-mining operations. More recently, he has completed one tour in Iraq 
and two tours in Afghanistan with the 416th Engineer Battalion. 
Although his position as an engineer is incredibly stressful and 
taxing, he has continued to serve admirably and deserves the respect of 
all Americans. His impressive service record is not only defined by his 
skills and expertise abroad, but by the continuous commitment and 
loyalty that he has demonstrated throughout his long career.
   Lieutenant Colonel Kokaska is also a devoted husband to his wife, 
Jane, and father to their five children: Ashlynn, Matthew, Lauren, 
Julia, and Ella. He will be joined by his friends and family to 
celebrate his homecoming on Saturday, December 15th, at St. Linus 
Catholic Church in his hometown of Oak Lawn, IL.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask that my distinguished colleagues join me to pay 
tribute to Lieutenant Colonel Kokaska for his selfless contributions 
and long-time service to our nation.

                          ____________________