[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 31 (Monday, March 13, 2006)]
[Senate]
[Page S2024]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


               Private First Class matthew lee bertolino

  Mr. GREGG. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to PFC Matthew 
Lee Bertolino of Hampsted, NH, for his service and supreme sacrifice 
for his country.
  Matthew, a 2003 graduate of Pinkerton Academy, Derry, New Hampshire, 
entered the Marine Corps through the Marine Corps Delayed Entry Program 
on September 30, 2004. He started his initial training on January 26, 
2005, at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Parris Island, SC. Upon 
completion of his training he became an infantry marine with an 0351 
assaultman specialty. His awards include the Afghanistan Campaign 
Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, National Defense Service 
Medal, and Expert Rifleman Medal.
  Tragically, on February 9, 2006, this courageous young marine, only 
20 years of age, died as a result of a nonhostile accident while 
operating as part of a combat patrol near Jalalabad, Afghanistan. At 
the time Private First Class Bertolino was serving with A Company, 1st 
Battalion, 3rd Marine Regiment, 3rd Marine Division, III Marine 
Expeditionary Force which was deployed to Afghanistan in support of 
Operation Enduring Freedom--Afghanistan.
  Patriots from the State of New Hampshire have served our Nation with 
honor and distinction from Bunker Hill to Afghanistan--and Matthew 
served in that fine tradition. Daniel Webster said: God grants liberty 
only to those who love it, and are always ready to guard and defend it. 
Matthew was one of those proud and dedicated volunteers who chose to 
serve our Nation, and guard our precious liberty, and for that we will 
always owe our sincere gratitude.
  Family, friends, and fellow marines will no longer be able to enjoy 
the company of PFC Matthew Lee Bertolino. Yet memories of this young 
patriot will last forever with those who were fortunate enough to have 
had the opportunity to know him. He realized a calling for a higher 
service and chose to employ his considerable talents in the service of 
his country. He understood that the freedoms and opportunities provided 
by this Nation need continuous defense and that they are among the most 
precious gifts he can give to his family and loved ones. We honor 
Matthew for the dedication he has shown to his family and our Nation. 
Because of his efforts, the liberty of this country is made more 
secure.

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