[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 13]
[House]
[Page 17284]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING THE LIFE OF PETTY OFFICER FIRST CLASS NICHOLAS CHECQUE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Murphy) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. MURPHY of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy 
heart to honor Petty Officer First Class Nicholas Checque, a true hero 
who sacrificed his life in the most honorable of ways--to protect and 
save the life of another human being. His life was a testament to the 
core values of the United States Navy: honor, courage and commitment.
  On December 9, 2012, Petty Officer Checque embarked on a daring 
Special Forces operation in eastern Afghanistan to rescue a kidnapped 
American doctor from the Taliban in the Sarobi district near Kabul. A 
veteran of the Iraq war and decorated Navy SEAL, Petty Officer Checque 
died following critical injuries sustained on the successful mission to 
save the life of Dr. Joseph. A grateful Nation grieves for him and his 
family.
  Petty Officer Checque strived for excellence, Madam Speaker. As a 
Norwin High School student, peers described him as diligent and driven, 
always aware he would someday serve his country. He was a dedicated 
student and a wrestler. He consistently challenged himself to pursue 
excellence in everything he did. Such dedication to one's country was 
also carried on by Petty Officer Checque. That is truly remarkable, but 
it's also expected of a Navy SEAL.
  Among many commendations, Petty Officer Checque was awarded the 
Bronze Star, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, and the Navy and 
Marine Corps Commendation and Achievement Medals for service during 
combat, and now, the Purple Heart.
  The Bible reminds us that ``There is no greater love than to lay down 
one's life for one's friends.'' Through his incredible sacrifice, Petty 
Officer Checque not only exhibited his great love of country, but 
unwavering affection for his brothers and sisters.
  ``The Navy Hymn,'' also known as ``Eternal Father,'' has a verse 
added. I don't know the author, but it is fitting to recall now. It 
goes on to say:

       And when at length her course is run, her work for home and 
     country done, of all the souls that in her sailed, let not 
     one life in thee have failed; but hear from heaven our 
     sailor's cry, and grant eternal life on high.

  To Petty Officer Checque, we all bid him fair winds and following 
seas for eternity. May he rest in peace, and may the Lord keep him and 
his family in his loving hands.

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