April 26, 2012

"Mr. Speaker, "I rise today to honor an outstanding young man from my district who I have had the pleasure of getting to know recently. Lance Corporal Cody Evans of Speedwell, Tennessee, serves in the United States Marine Corps as a Combat Engineer, one of the most dangerous jobs in the military. While serving in Afghanistan Lance Corporal Evans stepped on a pressure plate while sweeping for IEDs, nearly losing his life. He lost both of his legs and suffered numerous other injuries. "I met Lance Corporal Evans in January of this year in a visit to Walter Reed. To say that I was impressed by this young man's spirit and resilience would be an understatement. Cody has the spirit of a fighter; a spirit that has led to his continued recovery. No mention of Cody would be complete without mentioning his mother Regina, who has been with him constantly. Her dedication to her son is incredible. "As a nation, we must recognize those who serve, who have the character and commitment to risk their lives so that we may sleep peacefully at home. Cody Evans deserves this recognition, which is why it is my honor to ask that this poem penned by Albert Caswell be placed into the Congressional Record. "I yield back. ###