[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 19221]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 ANNOUNCING RECIPIENTS OF THE 2013 CONGRESSIONAL VETERAN COMMENDATION 
                    FOR THE THIRD DISTRICT OF TEXAS

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. SAM JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, December 16, 2013

  Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to honor 
fourteen distinguished military veterans, community servants, and 
American patriots who call the Third District of Texas home. All 
faithfully answered the call of duty and placed service above self for 
the sake of our great nation. Each one leaves a legacy to be 
remembered, for future generations to follow, a legacy of bravery, 
loyalty, dedication, and sacrifice. For their selfless service, bold 
leadership, and undying commitment for their neighbor and nation, the 
following individual has been selected as a recipient of the third 
annual Congressional Veteran Commendation:
  Lance Corporal John Wangler served in the United States Marine Corps 
from 2007 to 2011. His commitment to the military began at a young age, 
learning from his grandfather, a Korean War Veteran, the value of 
placing duty to country above self. Immediately after graduating from 
high school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps in February 2007, because 
eighteen years was long enough for him to wait to serve. In 2008, Mr. 
Wangler deployed to Iraq where he completed more than 200 combat 
patrols throughout the Al-Anbar province. The following year he 
deployed to Afghanistan where he led mortar missions as the adjusting 
gun squad leader and commanded a six-man vehicle checkpoint that 
implemented security measures and registered local population. Because 
of his service and leadership, he was awarded the Combat Action Ribbon, 
Presidential Unit Citation, Afghanistan and Iraq Campaign Medals, as 
well as numerous other medals.
  After returning to civilian life, he redirected his commitment to the 
college classroom at Collin College. Recognizing the difficulty of 
transitioning from military to civilian life, Mr. Wangler became an 
officer of the Student Veterans of America (SVA) organization where he 
currently helps other student veterans navigate through the GI Bill. He 
also volunteers as a mentor in the new Veterans Welcome and Resource 
Center on campus. Additionally, he is one of only three student veteran 
advisors, which plans and hosts events to honor the sacrifice of our 
service members. Mr. Wangler truly represents the best of our young 
generation. We need more young people like him who will give their 
time, energy, and efforts to make this community a better place.
  Lance Corporal John Wangler, let me both thank and congratulate you 
on your exceptional service to our country and community both past and 
present. It is my pleasure to award you the 2013 Congressional Veteran 
Commendation for the Third District of Texas.

                          ____________________