(Washington, D.C.) - Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison congratulates Captain Lewis Larkin O'Hern III on being named an Army Congressional Fellow. Captain O'Hern is stationed at San Antonio, Texas.
Captain O'Hern, who served seven months as an infantry platoon leader in Kandahar, Afghanistan, was critically wounded in December of 2010 when his patrol was hit by an Improvised Explosive Device (IED).
As a result of the blast, O'Hern lost both legs and his right hand. Thanks to the work of doctors, therapists and his own determination, O'Hern is walking again with the use of a cane.
Senator Hutchison met Captain O'Hern at the Center for the Intrepid in San Antonio, Texas and recommended him for the Congressional Fellowship program to the Army Chief of Staff, General Ray Odierno. Both Senator Hutchison and General Odierno believe Captain O'Hern will provide members of Congress a special insight into the challenges facing wounded service members and veterans.
"I was so pleased to hear the news of Captain O'Hern's selection to the Army Congressional Fellow Program. As a graduate of West Point and a decorated war hero, he has so much to offer my colleagues in the House and Senate when it comes to understanding the Army, the strength and patriotism of today's soldiers, and the human effect of war. Having met him in person, I can say, you cannot help but be impressed by his hard work, sacrifice and determination to succeed.
"Captain O'Hern continues to build a life and career for himself despite the hardships that have been thrust upon him through service to his country. I know his time on Capitol Hill will give him a new perspective on government and perhaps open new avenues he hadn't previously considered."
Senator Hutchison has had a military fellow working with her staff throughout her nearly twenty years in the U.S. Senate. "I have sponsored legislation based on fellow recommendations and have been touched by their stories of combat heroism in service to their country," she said.
The Army Congressional Fellowship Program educates selected officers, non-commissioned officers and civilians on the importance of the strategic relationship between the armed forces and Congress. The Army Fellowship is a forty-three month program which includes the pursuit of the Master's Degree in legislative affairs at George Washington University and service on the staff of a member of Congress.
