[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 163 (2017), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15177]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF FALLEN MISSISSIPPI MARINE LANCE CORPORAL (LCPL) 
                            JOSHUA SCOTT OSE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TRENT KELLY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 27, 2017

  Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of 
fallen Mississippi Marine Lance Corporal (LCpl) Joshua Scott Ose who 
gave his life while in service to our nation on September 20, 2010, 
during Operation Enduring Freedom. LCpl Ose was assigned to the 1st 
Battalion, 8th Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary 
Force.
  LCpl Ose was killed by enemy gunfire while conducting combat 
operations in Musa Qala, Helmand Province, Afghanistan. The day after 
LCpl Ose's death was announced, a United States flag was flown over the 
U.S. Capitol in his honor. That same day, flags were flown at half-
staff in his hometown of Hernando, Mississippi.
  LCpl Ose enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps during his senior year at 
Hernando High School. He graduated in 2009. Sissy Fernandez Ose, LCpl 
Ose's mother, said her son began talking about serving in the military 
when he was in the sixth grade. ``That was all he wanted to do,'' Mrs. 
Ose said. ``It was his choice. He was very proud.''
  Reverend Robert A. Hatcher, pastor of the First Presbyterian Church 
of Hernando, delivered the eulogy at the funeral which was held at the 
Trinity Baptist Church in Southaven. According to the Associated Press, 
Rev. Hatcher praised LCpl Ose for his service. ``Josh was fighting to 
keep terrorism away from American soil,'' Rev. Hatcher said. ``Some may 
question the philosophy of war, but do not question this young man's 
desire to put an end to terrorism. He did not shirk his duty to fight 
for America.''
  Lee Caldwell, a family friend, said LCpl Ose set a great example for 
others to follow. ``He was an exemplary young man,'' Mrs. Caldwell 
said. ``He paid the ultimate sacrifice. We will never forget him and 
all those who have fought for our country as he did.''
  Retired U.S. Marine Corps Reserve Colonel (Col) John Caldwell was 
asked by the family to escort LCpl Ose's body from Dover Air Force Base 
to the First Presbyterian Church of Hernando where a visitation was 
held. Col Caldwell said LCpl Ose was a true hero. ``He epitomized what 
it was to be a Marine,'' Col Caldwell said. ``He wanted to represent 
his country and fight. He and Marines like him are true heroes. We need 
to remember them every day. We need to remember them for paying the 
ultimate price.''
  In 2011, the Mississippi State Legislature passed House Concurrent 
Resolution No. 49. The resolution commended LCpl Ose for his service. 
It further stated that LCpl Ose is counted among Mississippi and 
America heroes who committed to our nation's safety and security.
  LCpl Ose is survived by his parents, Ross and Sissy Ferdandez Ose, 
grandparents, Earl and Darlene Ose; aunts and uncles, Brenda and John 
Conrad, Sherry and Scott Fernandez, Dr. Dennis and Dr. Wendy Ose, and 
Paul and Sarah Ose.
  LCpl Ose will always be remembered for his sacrifice to protect 
America.

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