[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 44 (Thursday, April 18, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E574]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  PAYING TRIBUTE TO ELI MARTINEZ-----

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, April 18, 2002--

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a solemn heart and yet great 
pride that I take this opportunity to pay respect to a United States 
Marine, Eli Martinez . Eli was killed over a year ago during training 
exercise at the age of twenty-one. He was a well-respected young man 
who is dearly missed by the community of Trinidad, Colorado who relied 
on him for his willingness and desire to help others. His legacy of 
kindness now has the opportunity to pass on through the efforts of his 
mother, Marie Martinez. She has recently established a memorial fund to 
continue Eli's quest to better his surroundings and his community. As 
she begins this quest, I would like to recognize her son before this 
body of Congress, and this nation. ---
  According to his mother, Eli's purpose and goal in life was to simply 
help others in any way possible. At the age of seventeen, he could 
often be found praying for those in need, those who were sick, and 
those who were less fortunate. He reached out and touched the lives of 
people from all walks of life in Trinidad, regardless of age, class, or 
religion, and was known as a truly kind soul. Eli felt that the 
ultimate gift to others was to serve them in difficult and trying 
circumstances. He joined the Marines at the age of eighteen and was 
well respected amongst his fellow Marines, and officers. Like many 
members of our armed forces, Eli believed that it is every young 
person's duty to be willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice for their 
country. Unfortunately Eli was called upon to pay that price, but his 
memory lives on. The new Eli Martinez Foundation Fund, created by Marie 
Martinez, will continue the work that Eli began. Contributions to the 
fund will go to a variety of causes close to Eli's heart, including the 
homeless and troubled youths.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to pay tribute to Eli Martinez for 
his contributions to the Trinidad community and to our nation. His 
dedication to his community, his fellow man, and to the protection of 
our freedoms deserves the recognition of this body of Congress, and a 
grateful nation. Eli is a fine example for young people of this country 
who strive to better themselves and improve the lives of others. 
Although Eli has left us, his selfless spirit will live on through the 
lives of those he touched, and through the efforts of his mother, 
Marie. Eli, thank you for your service, you will be greatly missed.

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