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Foster Recognizes Marine Cpl. Sara A. Medina of Aurora On House Floor

May 21, 2015

Washington, DC—Today, Congressman Bill Foster (IL-11) spoke on the house floor to honor the memory of Marine Cpl. Sara A. Medina of Aurora who lost her life while on a relief mission in Nepal.

Video of Foster's speech is available here.

Text of Foster's remarks is below:

Today it is with great sorrow that I rise to mark the loss of one of Aurora's brightest lights.

On May 12th, 2015, while performing relief work following the Nepal earthquake, Corporal Sara A. Medina and five other Marines tragically lost their lives in a helicopter crash.

Corporal Medina was from Aurora, IL, and graduated from East Aurora High School in 2010.

While still in high school she decided to serve her country by joining the Marines.

In the face of such a tragedy, we often ask why?

To paraphrase the President, wherever a disaster strikes, the world looks to America to lead because of our extraordinary people who rise to the challenge.

As a father, I know that no words that I say on this floor will be able to fill the hole in the hearts of those who knew and loved Sara.

But still, we must speak because all should know that Corporal Sara Medina gave her last full measure of devotion in service to her country, helping those who needed it most.

For her sacrifice, and for her family's terrible loss, we offer our condolences and the thanks of a grateful nation.

Thank you Mr. Speaker, and I yield back.