[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 10] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 13875] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]TRIBUTE TO CAPTAIN LEE VANDEWATER ______ HON. TOM LATHAM of iowa in the house of representatives Wednesday, June 25, 2008 Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize CPT Lee J. Vandewater of Winterset, Iowa who was honored by the Central Iowa Chapter of the American Red Cross for his heroic efforts serving in the Iowa National Guard overseas, earning him a Bronze Star. Captain Vandewater served as the 1st Platoon Leader, Company B, 168th Infantry of the Iowa National Guard. While serving overseas, he commanded a nine-vehicle convoy carrying 30 soldiers along the Afghanistan and Pakistan borders. Insurgents ambushed the battalion and Captain Vandewater commanded his team to safety and returned with three other men to successfully rescue four stranded soldiers. For his efforts, Captain Vandewater was awarded the Bronze Star Medal with Valor and the Combat Infantryman's Badge. The Bronze Star is the fourth highest award that the Department of Defense gives for bravery, heroism, and meritorious service. For his service he earned a promotion to Captain and was assigned as Commander, Company A 1st Battalion, 168th Infantry of the Iowa National Guard. The bravery and sacrifice displayed by Captain Vandewater goes above and beyond what we are asked of as citizens of this country. I commend CPT Lee J. Vandewater's courageousness and service to our great Nation. It is an honor to represent him in the United States Congress, and I know my colleagues join me in wishing Captain Vandewater safety and success in his future service. ____________________