This legislative proposal seeks to posthumously honor Lance Corporal Dustin Sekula, a war hero from Edinburg, Texas, by authorizing the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to his family. The medal recognizes his heroic life and ultimate sacrifice while serving in Iraq, highlighting his profound dedication to his country. The bill's findings detail Sekula's background, noting he was born in 1985 and, at 17, chose to join the Marines over a college scholarship. Tragically, he died at 18 on April 1, 2004, due to injuries sustained from enemy fire in Iraq, becoming the first Edinburg native killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom. His community has already honored him by naming a local library in his memory. The Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate are tasked with arranging the medal's presentation, while the Secretary of the Treasury will design and strike the gold medal. The Secretary is also authorized to strike and sell duplicate bronze medals to the public, with funding drawn from the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.
Lance Corporal Dustin Sekula Congressional Gold Medal Act
Introduced in House
Referred to the House Committee on Financial Services.
Lance Corporal Dustin Sekula Congressional Gold Medal Act
USA119th CongressHR-8963| House
| Updated: 5/21/2026
This legislative proposal seeks to posthumously honor Lance Corporal Dustin Sekula, a war hero from Edinburg, Texas, by authorizing the presentation of a Congressional Gold Medal to his family. The medal recognizes his heroic life and ultimate sacrifice while serving in Iraq, highlighting his profound dedication to his country. The bill's findings detail Sekula's background, noting he was born in 1985 and, at 17, chose to join the Marines over a college scholarship. Tragically, he died at 18 on April 1, 2004, due to injuries sustained from enemy fire in Iraq, becoming the first Edinburg native killed during Operation Iraqi Freedom. His community has already honored him by naming a local library in his memory. The Speaker of the House and the President pro tempore of the Senate are tasked with arranging the medal's presentation, while the Secretary of the Treasury will design and strike the gold medal. The Secretary is also authorized to strike and sell duplicate bronze medals to the public, with funding drawn from the United States Mint Public Enterprise Fund.