[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 94 (Tuesday, June 24, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1334]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF MAJOR GARY L. BERGOSH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 24, 2003

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Major 
Gary Bergosh and celebrate his safe return home from active duty in 
Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Gary is the ultimate 
example of a citizen soldier by serving his country for four years of 
active duty in the Marine Corps Reserves and the state of Florida for 
the past ten years practicing law.
  Gary was raised in a Navy family and attended elementary, middle and 
high school in Pensacola, Florida. Gary attended Pensacola Junior 
College and graduated from The University of West Florida. Shortly 
after graduation, Gary attended Marine Corps Officer Candidate School, 
where he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant.
  Gary attended law school at the University of Memphis while serving 
in the Marine Corps reserves. Upon completion, Gary entered active duty 
with the Marine Corps and served three years in Okinawa, Japan as a 
prosecutor and a defense attorney.
  After leaving active duty with the Marine Corps, Gary decided to 
return home to Pensacola and became a prosecutor for the State 
Attorney's office.
  Gary is currently a senior attorney for the Federal Government, a 
Major in the United States Marine Corps Reserves, and in November of 
2000 was appointed by Florida Governor Jeb Bush to serve as a member of 
the Escambia County School Board.
  Gary's Marine Corps unit, the 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion, was 
activated on January 27, 2003 to fight the nation's war against 
terrorism.
  Gary served as the Battalion's Executive Officer in Kuwait and Iraq 
during Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Gary returned 
with his Battalion to the United States on June 6, 2003. Gary will be 
demobilized from active duty on September 1, 2003.
  While at the Marine Corps Officer Candidate School, Gary married the 
former Carissa Borders, a native of Pensacola. Gary and Carissa are 
currently the proud parents of Alexander. The Bergosh family are active 
members of their church and community.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Major Gary Bergosh for the 
example he has set in his community. I offer my sincere thanks for all 
that he has done for Northwest Florida and this great nation.

                          ____________________