The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO LANCE CORPORAL KAREEM M. NIKOUI
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HON. KEN CALVERT
of california
in the house of representatives
Friday, September 10, 2021
Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a hero and true American patriot, Norco resident and Marine Corps Lance Corporal Kareem M. Nikoui. Today, I ask that the House of Representatives honor and remember this incredible young man who died in service to our country on August 26, 2021, as the result of a terror attack in Kabul, Afghanistan.
Through his actions, Lance Corporal Nikoui has evoked pride in his community for many years. He was passionate about the martial art of jiu jitsu and won multiple medals at competitions throughout the region. As a student at Norco High School, Lance Corporal Nikoui joined the Air Force JROTC. He volunteered for Norco's Pearl Harbor anniversary as well as POW events. According to his fellow JROTC cadet Gabrielle Murray, ``He was a leader . . . he always tried to help out those in need.''
After graduating from high school in 2019, Lance Corporal Nikoui joined the Marine Corps, where he was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 1st Marines unit stationed at Camp Pendleton. When he was afforded leave, he often returned home to Norco. Eager to share a home-cooked meal and the comforts of home with his fellow Marines, Lance Corporal Nikoui invited many of them to tag along for the short trip to Norco where his parents happily hosted. His father said his son loved his Marine Corps family.
The compassion of Lance Corporal Nikoui once again shined bright during the final days of his life. Thrust into a chaotic and dangerous mission, he performed his duties with courage and empathy for people desperate for refuge and freedom. In addition to providing safe passage for Americans, our partners, and Afghans, Lance Corporal Nikoui sought to comfort children in distress by giving them candy. Through his deeds, he embodied the ``no better friend'' motto of the unit he served so faithfully until his last breath.
As we look at the incredibly rich military history of our country, we realize that this history is comprised of men and women just like Lance Corporal Nikoui, who bravely fought for the ideals of liberty and democracy. Each story is unique and humbling for those of us who, far from the dangers they have faced, live our lives in relative comfort and ease. The day the Nikoui family learned of their son and brother's death was surely the hardest day they have ever faced, and our thoughts, prayers, and deepest condolences go out to them. His sacrifice is forever etched in our nation's great history of freedom triumphing over oppression. Lance Corporal Nikoui's family has given a part of themselves in the loss of their loved one, and we hope they know that the goodness he brought to this world and the sacrifice he has made will never be forgotten.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 156
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