[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 97 (Friday, July 21, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1489-E1490]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO SEVERO MARTINEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. TOM UDALL

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 20, 2006

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 
the life of Severo Martinez who passed away in Santa Fe on Sunday, July 
16, 2006 surrounded by his loving family and friends. Severo's family 
and friends have lost a very special person and New Mexico has lost a 
patriot who answered his country's call early in his life to fight for 
democracy in Europe and the South Pacific.
  Severo was born on May 7, 1916 in Chama, New Mexico. He loved to fish 
and hunt throughout northern New Mexico with his brothers, son, 
grandchildren, and nephews. My former Legislative Director Tony 
Martinez, Severo's great nephew, joyously recalls going on many of 
those outings with his uncle where Severo would always be ready to pass 
the time by telling some jokes, playing cards and sharing stories of 
his service during World War II and in the South Pacific.
  Severo was a proud veteran of World War II where he served with the 
58th Quartermaster Battalion in Europe and in the South Pacific. He was 
recalled to federal service as a member of the New Mexico National 
Guard during the Korean Conflict. As a forward observer he was awarded 
the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. After release from federal 
service he remained in the New Mexico National Guard until his 
retirement at the rank of Major.

[[Page E1490]]

  Severo was always very proud of the men he served with in the 
National Guard and loved them dearly. After his service in the Armed 
Forces and the National Guard, Severo was employed with the New Mexico 
Employment Security Commission for 39 years. His faithful and dedicated 
public service assisted many New Mexico Veterans and citizens to obtain 
employment and helped start new careers for them throughout New Mexico. 
Severo is a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, a life member 
and charter member of the Military Order of the Purple Heart, Patrick 
Hurley Chapter.
  To Severo's grandchildren: David, Will, Meagan, Ashley and Natalie, 
your grandfather lived through 90 years of extraordinary events 
throughout our country and world. His service during World War II and 
the Korean Conflict helped contribute to the preservation of democracy 
and freedom that exist today. That is something you should all be very 
proud of him for--in addition to the love he held for each of you as a 
proud grandfather.
  Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my condolences to his children 
Vince, Norie, Kate, Becky, and the whole Martinez Family. I ask that my 
colleagues in the House of Representatives join me in honoring the 
memory and life of a proud veteran, proud father, proud grandfather and 
New Mexican--Severo Martinez.

                          ____________________