[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 82 (Monday, June 20, 2005)]
[Senate]
[Page S6812]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                      lance corporal chad maynard

  Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. President, I rise today to remember one of 
Colorado's fallen heroes, Marine LCpl Chad Bryant Maynard who was 
killed last week in Ar Ramadi, Iraq. He was only 19 years old.
  Lance Corporal Maynard hailed from Montrose, CO, on the Western 
Slope. Growing up, it was his dream to serve his country. Chad 
Maynard's deep patriotism was a family tradition--his father served in 
the Marines, and his brother Jacob returned from his second tour in 
Iraq a few months ago.
  As a high school student, Chad had secretly contacted recruiters when 
he was 16 about his wish to join the Marines. His parents remember him 
sneaking recruiting brochures into the house. The recruiters had to ask 
him to stop contacting them until he was 18.
  But Lance Corporal Maynard was determined to serve his country. He 
joined the junior ROTC at Montrose High School. One of his friends once 
quipped, ``God rested on the seventh day and on the eighth day made 
Maynard for the Marines. . . .'' He worked hard at his classes so he 
could graduate early to go to boot camp. At his 2004 graduation from 
Montrose High, Chad Maynard stood proudly in his Marine Corps dress 
uniform.
  Lance Corporal Maynard's friends and instructors remember him as a 
young man who took his commitment to his country very seriously. On 
September 11, Lance Corporal Maynard organized a prayer around the 
flagpole at school. He sought out the Marines because he wanted to be 
on the front lines, making a difference for his country.
  Today in Montrose is the funeral for Lance Corporal Maynard. Just 1 
year and 6 days after he picked up his diploma, Chad Maynard was taken 
from us, a life of extraordinary promise snuffed out all too soon. He 
served his Nation with honor and distinction.
  LCpl Chad Maynard set an example for all those around him to follow 
and left a positive mark on every life he touched. Chad's brave and 
selfless actions have made the world a better and safer place for all 
of us and we owe him a debt of gratitude which we will never be able to 
pay. To his wife Becky and their soon-to-be-born child, I send my 
humble thanks for Chad's sacrifice on our behalf. Your family will 
remain in my thoughts and prayers.

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