Whereas, Michael Conrad Nolen was born on February 23, 1989, in Saint Paul, Minnesota, was raised in Spring Valley, Wisconsin, and died on June 27, 2011, while leading a combat operation in Helmand Province, Afghanistan, as part of Operation Enduring Freedom; and

Whereas, Michael was a 2007 graduate of Spring Valley High School and active as a teenager, enjoying rock climbing, paintballing, motorcycle riding, playing in summer soccer leagues, and playing the role of sheriff for Spring Valley High School's performance of Honeymoon at Graveside Manor; and

Whereas, after recovering from Lyme disease and from a broken collarbone due to a motorcycle accident, Michael entered the United States Marine Corps in November 2007; and

Whereas, Michael was pleased to have his entire family travel to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot in San Diego, California, to celebrate his graduation from boot camp; and

Whereas, after recruit training, Michael completed his infantry training in Southern California at the School of Infantry–West at the Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton and enlisted as an infantryman; and

Whereas, Michael was stationed in Bangor, Washington, for two years as a special duty assignment for Security Forces, during which time he continued his leadership training; and

Whereas, Michael was meritoriously promoted to the rank of Corporal on December 2, 2009, joining the esteemed ranks of the Marine Corps noncommissioned officers; and

Whereas, Michael was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 2nd Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, in July 2010 and was deployed to Helmand Province, Afghanistan, in March 2011; and

Whereas, Michael embodied the Marine Corps' values of honor, courage, and commitment, and he is remembered for his integrity and compassionate heart; and

Whereas, Michael was awarded the Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and he posthumously received the Purple Heart; and

Whereas, Michael was the cherished son of Timothy and Judith Nolen, beloved brother of Christina Jensen, Melanie Nolen, T. Samuel Nolen (deceased), and Alexander Nolen, and dear friend to many; and

Whereas, Michael made his family, friends, colleagues, and country extremely proud of his bravery as he made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his nation and in fighting for the cause of freedom; now, therefore, be it