[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 66 (Wednesday, May 24, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E945]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE OF MAJOR MICHAEL R. MARTINEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. SAM GRAVES

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 24, 2006

  Mr. GRAVES. Mr. Speaker, I have the honor today to recognize the life 
of Major Michael R. Martinez, who passed away on January 7, 2006 in 
Iraq while in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. As a husband, father, 
lawyer, and soldier, Major Martinez will be missed by many.
  Major Martinez lived in Platte County, Missouri during a two year 
posting at Fort Leavenworth. Major Martinez most recently served as a 
lawyer in the Judge Advocate General Corps. The Major served with the 
24th Infantry Division at Fort Riley and the Combined Arms Center at 
Fort Leavenworth. He was assigned to Fort Carson, Colorado as chief of 
legal assistance and went to Iraq with the 3rd Armored Cavalry 
Regiment.
  While in Iraq, Major Martinez served as a legal counsel to the 
troops. Major Martinez helped soldiers with wills, power of attorney, 
and provided legal guidance. Major Martinez's expertise gave soldiers a 
sense of comfort that all of their legal concerns would be addressed 
and that they had someone to talk to about their legal affairs.
  Major Martinez was a good friend to many in the military and in the 
State of Missouri. He was very knowledgeable on issues pertaining to 
the law. He was an outstanding leader that will be missed. In 16 years 
of enlisted service to his country, Major Martinez developed a 
reputation as being a dedicated soldier that created a strong work 
environment and was a great person to work with.
  I offer my condolences to his wife, Kelly, sons Alexander, Colby, and 
Benjamin, and step-daughters Kathryn and Samantha, and the rest of the 
Martinez family. In this time of sorrow, may the thoughts and prayers 
of friends and family comfort them and may his memory bring them peace.

                          ____________________