[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 11 (Monday, February 7, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S1046]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES SERGEANT JAVIER MARIN, JR.

  Mr. GRASSLEY. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a fallen Army 
soldier, SGT Javier Marin, Jr., of the A Company, 2nd Battalion, 2nd 
Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division. Sergeant Marin died on the 
24th of January, 2005, in Mohammed Sacran, Iraq, when his military 
vehicle overturned into a nearby canal. He had just turned 29 years old 
on the 21st of January. Sergeant Marin is survived by his mother, 
Leslie Marin, and his sister, Evalina Marin, who live in Storm Lake, 
IA, as well as his father, Javier Marin, Sr., and many more family 
members and friends.
  This simple tribute does not do justice to the immense courage and 
patriotism exemplified by SGT Javier Marin, Jr. In times of war and 
conflict such as this, it is often difficult to appreciate the gravity 
of a single loss in the midst of the increasing numbers of those who 
have given their lives. However, it is important that we take the time 
to reflect upon the lives of each of the men and women who have made 
the ultimate sacrifice for the peace and freedom of the United States 
and the world. Today we honor the life of Sergeant Marin as we 
contemplate the ideals of liberty and democracy for which he fought and 
sacrificed. SGT Javier Marin, Jr., and all the men and women who have 
lost their lives in service to their country will have our eternal 
gratitude. My prayers are with Javier's family and friends and my most 
heart-felt appreciation goes to the late SGT Javier Marin, Jr.

                          ____________________