[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 56 (Wednesday, May 10, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E763-E764]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE OF CAPTAIN BRIAN LETENDRE

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 9, 2006

  Mr. TOM DAVIS of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
life of Marine Captain Brian Letendre, one of the true heroes of 
today's ongoing war against terrorism, and to recognize his service to 
our Nation.
  Captain Letendre was born in California at Stanford University 
Hospital, but was raised all of his life in Woodbridge, VA. In 1996, 
Captain Letendre graduated from Potomac High School where he was an 
exceptional student and captain of the varsity soccer team.
  Captain Letendre received his degree in Computer Science from 
Milligan College, where he met his future wife, Autumn Crane. Captain 
Letendre then attended Basic Officer School and the Infantry Officer's 
Course in Quantico, VA. After completing these schools, he and Autumn 
were married. Captain Letendre was then assigned to the First 
Battalion, Second Marine Regiment, Second Marine Division. He quickly 
embarked on a six-month deployment to Okinawa, Japan as an infantry 
platoon commander, and after returning to the United States briefly, 
was assigned to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to provide security and guard the 
terrorist prisoners being held there.
  Captain Letendre's battalion was then deployed in support of 
Operation Iraqi Freedom. His battalion fought their way north into Iraq 
after crossing the Kuwait border and were heavily engaged in combat, 
particularly at the infamous battle of An Nasiriyah during the early 
days of the liberation. Captain Letendre was decorated with the Navy 
and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a Combat ``V'' for valor, for 
his heroic actions during combat operations.
  Captain Letendre's wife, Autumn, gave birth to their son Dillon the 
day before Captain Letendre crossed the line of departure into battle. 
A year after returning from combat, Captain Letendre was assigned to 
the Marine Forces Reserve's Inspector and Instructor Staff, 1st 
Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Plainville, 
Connecticut. He was promoted to the rank of Captain on January 1, 2005.
  After two years serving stateside, Captain Letendre bravely and 
selflessly volunteered to join a newly formed elite 11-man unit that 
was

[[Page E764]]

designed to advise and instruct an Iraqi Battalion in combat 
operations. Tragically, on May 3, 2006, while conducting combat 
operations against enemy forces in the Al Anbar province of Iraq, 
Captain Letendre gave his last full measure for our Nation when he was 
killed in action by a suicide vehicle borne improvised explosive 
device. His valor and service cost him his life, but his sacrifice will 
have provided freedom from tyranny and oppression for many around the 
world.
  Captain Letendre's hard work and perseverance contributed greatly to 
his unit's successes and placed him among many of the great heroes and 
citizens that have paid the ultimate price for their country. 
Throughout his career, Captain Letendre earned a series of awards that 
testify to the dedication and devotion he held for his fellow Marines, 
the Marine Corps, and his country. These awards include: the Navy and 
Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a Combat ``V''; the Purple Heart; 
the Combat Action Ribbon; the Army Achievement Medal; the Global War on 
Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; the Global War on Terrorism Service 
Medal; the Iraqi Campaign Medal; the Presidential Unit Citation (Navy); 
the Joint Meritorious Unit Award; the National Defense Service Medal; 
the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (3rd Award); the Navy Unit 
Commendation as well as the expert pistol badge and sharpshooter rifle 
badge. He was also a graduate of the Survival, Escape, Resistance, and 
Evasion (SERE) School and was a Green Belt Martial Arts Instructor.

  Several times throughout his life, Captain Letendre could have chosen 
the easier or more comfortable path, but he didn't. He felt a call to 
something much greater than himself at an early age and followed his 
heart to where he felt he could help make this world a better place. 
Because of men like him, this world is safer and more stable, and that 
is why he is a true hero.
  In an e-mail two days before his death, he wrote that he missed his 
wife and son dearly, but was proud to be over there serving the 
country. Captain Letendre was an exceptional Marine officer, but most 
importantly he was a wonderful and caring father, husband, brother, 
son, and friend to many. And that is how he will be remembered.
  Mr. Speaker, I call upon my colleagues to remember in our minds and 
in our hearts the bravery and sacrifice of Captain Brian Letendre, as 
well as that of all the men and women of the armed services who 
honorably protect the American people.

                          ____________________