Steve Russell Honored As 'Vet Of The Week'
One of the central players in the hunt for and capture of former Iraqi President Saddam Hussein was honored by a resolution as the first "Veteran of the Week" on the House floor.
The resolution, authored by Representatives Mike Reynolds and Paul Wesselhoft and Senator Tom Ivester (D-Elk City), honored native Oklahoman and retired U.S. Army Lt. Colonel Steve Russell for his service to the United States and the protection of freedom.
"Lieutenant Colonel Russell is a hero for his service to America and his sacrifice in the name of freedom, it's as simple as that," said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. "He is one of our treasured native sons, and we are all very proud of his commitment to serve our nation. On top of that, he is as fine a man as you will ever meet."
Each Monday during the legislative session, the House will honor an Oklahoma veteran as the "Veteran of the Week." The program is coordinated by state Rep. Gary Banz, chair of the House Veterans Subcommittee. Each honoree will be given a framed citation and a United States flag that has flown of the Oklahoma Capitol building.
"The 'Veteran of the Week' program is just a small way for the state to honor those who have served our nation with distinction," said Banz, R-Midwest City. "It is always so easy for us to forget who provides our freedoms and liberties, and my hope is that the state of Oklahoma will always find a way to remember our troops and thank them for their dedication and sacrifices."
Russell currently resides in Reynolds' House District 101 and travels across the nation speaking at rallies to support the U.S. efforts in Iraq. He retired from the Army after serving 21 years in Airborne, Light and Mechanized assignments in the Arctic, the desert, the Pacific, and in both Europe and the United States. He served more than 7 years overseas and has deployed operationally to Kosovo, Kuwait, Afghanistan and Iraq. During Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, Russell commanded the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry 'Regulars' and conducted combat efforts in Tikrit, Iraq from spring 2003 through spring 2004. Russell's unit was heavily involved in the hunt for, and capture of, Hussein and has been featured in both Discovery's 'Ace in the Hole' and BBC Panorama's 'Saddam on the Run' documentaries.
"I am so thankful for men like Lieutenant Colonel Russell and all of our brave Oklahoma military servicemen and women who are willing to serve our country so our ideals, our freedoms and our families are protected," said Wesselhoft, R-Moore, a former U.S. Army Chaplain. "Words certainly cannot express the deepest appreciation we feel toward those who are willing to sacrifice so much. Anytime we are able to bring one of our heroes onto the House floor to just say 'thank you' is one of the greatest highlights of my job in the Legislature."
Russell is highly decorated, and has received the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device and Oak Leaf Cluster, the Combat Infantryman's Badge and the Valorous Unit Award during his service.
On Saturday at 10:30 a.m., Russell will speak at the Vets for Victory Rally to support the troops and their mission in Iraq on the south steps of the Oklahoma State Capitol.
The resolution, authored by Representatives Mike Reynolds and Paul Wesselhoft and Senator Tom Ivester (D-Elk City), honored native Oklahoman and retired U.S. Army Lt. Colonel Steve Russell for his service to the United States and the protection of freedom.
"Lieutenant Colonel Russell is a hero for his service to America and his sacrifice in the name of freedom, it's as simple as that," said Reynolds, R-Oklahoma City. "He is one of our treasured native sons, and we are all very proud of his commitment to serve our nation. On top of that, he is as fine a man as you will ever meet."
Each Monday during the legislative session, the House will honor an Oklahoma veteran as the "Veteran of the Week." The program is coordinated by state Rep. Gary Banz, chair of the House Veterans Subcommittee. Each honoree will be given a framed citation and a United States flag that has flown of the Oklahoma Capitol building.
"The 'Veteran of the Week' program is just a small way for the state to honor those who have served our nation with distinction," said Banz, R-Midwest City. "It is always so easy for us to forget who provides our freedoms and liberties, and my hope is that the state of Oklahoma will always find a way to remember our troops and thank them for their dedication and sacrifices."
Russell currently resides in Reynolds' House District 101 and travels across the nation speaking at rallies to support the U.S. efforts in Iraq. He retired from the Army after serving 21 years in Airborne, Light and Mechanized assignments in the Arctic, the desert, the Pacific, and in both Europe and the United States. He served more than 7 years overseas and has deployed operationally to Kosovo, Kuwait, Afghanistan and Iraq. During Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, Russell commanded the 1st Battalion, 22nd Infantry 'Regulars' and conducted combat efforts in Tikrit, Iraq from spring 2003 through spring 2004. Russell's unit was heavily involved in the hunt for, and capture of, Hussein and has been featured in both Discovery's 'Ace in the Hole' and BBC Panorama's 'Saddam on the Run' documentaries.
"I am so thankful for men like Lieutenant Colonel Russell and all of our brave Oklahoma military servicemen and women who are willing to serve our country so our ideals, our freedoms and our families are protected," said Wesselhoft, R-Moore, a former U.S. Army Chaplain. "Words certainly cannot express the deepest appreciation we feel toward those who are willing to sacrifice so much. Anytime we are able to bring one of our heroes onto the House floor to just say 'thank you' is one of the greatest highlights of my job in the Legislature."
Russell is highly decorated, and has received the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal with Valor Device and Oak Leaf Cluster, the Combat Infantryman's Badge and the Valorous Unit Award during his service.
On Saturday at 10:30 a.m., Russell will speak at the Vets for Victory Rally to support the troops and their mission in Iraq on the south steps of the Oklahoma State Capitol.
Labels: Gary Banz, Mike Reynolds, Paul Wesselhoft, Steve Russell, Tom Ivester, Vet Of The Week
posted by Mike McCarville @ 3:25 PM
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