[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 1]
[Senate]
[Page 878]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO AARON MANKIN

 Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. President, having served on the Rogers School 
Board, I understand how important the Wall of Distinction is to the 
school district and the community. This honor highlights the 
accomplishments of a wide array of people who have proven their 
commitment to upholding and sharing the values of Rogers.
  I can't think of a better person who fits this description than Aaron 
Mankin.
  I have known the Mankin family for much of my life. I grew up with 
Aaron's dad. Aaron grew up with my three daughters. Our families have a 
long history together.
  Aaron's love for his country led him to join the Marine Corps in 
2003, where he served as a combat correspondent. In 2005 he deployed to 
Iraq, risking his life to protect the interests of his country. I had 
the opportunity to visit with him during a trip to Iraq. Just a few 
weeks later, his life changed forever. He suffered intense burns and 
major lung damage when the armored vehicle he was riding in ran over a 
land mine in Northern Iraq. Aaron was sent to Brooke Army Medical 
Center in San Antonio and placed in the ICU. The damage to his lungs 
was so extensive that he was placed on a ventilator. He had third-
degree burns on his arms and had to have his thumb and two-thirds of 
his index finger on his right hand amputated.
  I have visited with Aaron on several occasions since his devastating 
injuries and heard him share his experiences. He is one of my heroes, 
and I am always moved personally regarding my own efforts after seeing 
how he has fought through his adversity.
  Aaron has faced many challenges, but his contagious enthusiasm for 
life has opened many doors, and I am confident those opportunities will 
continue. Many programs have benefited Aaron along his path to 
recovery, and he has shown his appreciation by becoming a champion and 
spokesperson for UCLA's Operation Mend and the Intrepid Fallen Heroes 
Fund.
  He has a long list of accomplishments and awards, including earning 
the Purple Heart and the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat 
Distinguishing Device for Valor. In addition, he was named as one of 
People Magazine's Heroes of the Year and a 2011 recipient of the 
Veterans Leadership Award presented by the Iraq and Afghanistan 
Veterans of America. The next year, Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta 
invited Aaron to discuss matters affecting wounded veterans.
  He has taken his pain and suffering and turned it into a model of 
perseverance that is helping other soldiers and veterans heal from the 
pain of battle.
  Aaron, we are proud of your visionary leadership and all of your 
accomplishments. You have always maintained an optimistic attitude and 
a determination that can be an example to us all. We are excited to see 
what your future holds, and we are proud to call you a son of Rogers, 
Arkansas. 

                          ____________________