[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 37 (Tuesday, April 5, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E526]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN MEMORY OF SPECIALIST FRANCISCO G. MARTINEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 5, 2005

  Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give remembrance to 
Specialist Francisco G. Martinez, from the 26th Congressional District 
of Texas, for serving our country during Iraqi Freedom. Spec. Martinez 
suffered a fatal wound to the hip when his unit made contact with small 
arms fire from the insurgents. Spec. Martinez was assigned to 1st 
Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, 2nd Infantry Division, Camp Hovey, 
Korea. He was 20 years old.
  I would like to recognize and celebrate Spec. Martinez's life today. 
SPC Martinez grew up with a military background. His father, Francisco 
Thomas Martinez, served in the United States military from 1981-1991. 
SPC Martinez swore off the military in high school believing he had 
enough during his up bringing, but his father later explained to SPC 
Martinez how the military could help him through college and reach his 
dream of becoming a graphics designer.
  Although SPC Martinez did not always agree with political 
philosophies surrounding Iraqi Freedom, he did believe that what he and 
his fellow soldiers were doing in Iraq was the right thing to do. SPC 
Martinez worked to keep in touch with his father as much as possible 
while stationed in Korea. Even though the e-mails became more sporadic 
after leaving for Iraq, SPC Martinez's father said that his son was 
clear on his sense of duty, wanted to protect his fellow soldiers and 
help rebuild Iraq.
  It was my honor to represent Specialist Francisco G. Martinez. I 
extend my deepest sympathies to his family and friends. He will be 
deeply missed and his service was greatly appreciated.

                          ____________________