[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 146 (Monday, September 15, 2008)]
[House]
[Pages H8073-H8075]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  MICHAEL A. MARZANO DEPARTMENT OF VETERANS AFFAIRS OUTPATIENT CLINIC

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 1594) to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs 
Outpatient Clinic in Hermitage, Pennsylvania, as the Michael A. Marzano 
Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic.
  The Clerk read the title of the bill.
  The text of the bill is as follows:

                               H.R. 1594

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. DESIGNATION OF MICHAEL A. MARZANO DEPARTMENT OF 
                   VETERANS AFFAIRS OUTPATIENT CLINIC.

       (a) Designation.--The Department of Veterans Affairs 
     Outpatient Clinic in Hermitage, Pennsylvania, shall after the 
     date of the enactment of this Act be known and designated as 
     the ``Michael A. Marzano Department of Veterans Affairs 
     Outpatient Clinic''.
       (b) References.--Any reference in any law, regulation, map, 
     document, record, or other paper of the United States to the 
     outpatient clinic referred to in subsection (a) shall be 
     considered to be a reference to the Michael A. Marzano 
     Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Filner) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Stearns) 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California.
  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, this bill is to name the VA Outpatient Clinic in 
Hermitage, Pennsylvania, after U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Michael A. 
Marzano. It was brought to us by Congressman English and Congressman 
Altmire from Pennsylvania.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1594, a bill to name the VA 
Outpatient Clinic in Hermitage, Pennsylvania, after U.S. Marine Corps 
Sergeant Michael A. Marzano.
  A native of Greenville, Pennsylvania, Sgt. Marzano courageously 
overcame a wrestling injury to his knee during his senior year of high 
school to realize his long held aspirations of becoming a United States 
Marine, four years after initially being denied entry for this reason. 
What tenacity!
  In fact when called up in 1999, having won several amateur titles, he 
was training as a boxer in preparation for competing in the 2000 
Olympics. But he sacrificed it all for his country to serve as Marine.
  I think we can all agree that it takes a special kind of courage to 
volunteer one's self to serve in harm's way for the good of our Nation. 
Well, Sgt. Marzano volunteered twice to serve as a member of our 
military armed forces. For his last tour, Sgt. Marzano enlisted with a 
Marine Reserve unit with the specific intention of serving in Iraq.
  Duing his tour of duty in Iraq, Sgt. Marzano served in Iraq with 
Ohio's 3rd Battalion, 25th Regiment of the 4th Marine Division, and was 
a leader among his fellow Marines.
  According to one of the many veterans' organizations supporting the 
dedication of this VA clinic in his honor, ``he performed his duty with 
honor and heroism and was a shining example to his men, to the U.S. 
Marine Corps and to everyone who served and continues to serve our 
great country.''
  On May 8th of 2005, Sgt. Marzano was part of a Quick Reaction Force 
serving in the city of Haditha in Al-Anbar province, Iraq. Sgt. Marzano 
and the members of his team were tasked with protecting the rest of the 
force as they battled several insurgents who had overrun a local 
hospital. The local hospital contained many workers and patients who 
were held captive as insurgents used them as human shields.
  Sgt. Marzano and his small group heroically kept the insurgents at 
bay providing the platoon the time they needed to engage the enemy and 
turn them back. Tragically, a suicide bomber driving in a vehicle borne 
with an improvised explosive device detonated in the area where Sgt. 
Marzano's quick reaction force was operating, killing Michael and three 
of his fellow service members.
  Because of the valiant actions and sacrifice of Sgt. Marzano, Lance 
Corporal Lance Graham, Sergeant Aaron Cepeda, and Petty Officer 3rd 
Class Jeffrey Wiener, the Marines were able to secure the area under 
siege and free the Iraqis trapped inside the hospital which had been 
set on fire by the explosion of the IED.
  No doubt, Sgt. Marzano is a true hero. His good nature, leadership-
by-example and love-

[[Page H8074]]

of-country demeanor, as well as many other fine attributes, are missed 
by many who knew him both inside and outside of the Marine Corps he so 
dearly loved.
  Sgt. Marzano's family has carried on his spirit of service by 
becoming actively involved in programs to benefit the men and women of 
our Nation's Armed Services, including the Packages From Home 
organization which sends care and comfort packages to American troops 
deployed around the globe. His mother, Margy Marzano, is known as one 
of its best volunteers. There is also a scholarship fund established in 
the name of Sgt. Marzano to assist high school athletes in the Mercer 
County area go to college.
  Dedication of this VA outpatient clinic as the `Michael A. Marzano 
Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic' would be a fitting 
tribute to the brave service of Sgt. Marzano. In making the ultimate 
sacrifice for our country, Sgt. Marzano's remarkable heroism was 
displayed on behalf of our country, and we must never forget his 
legacy.
  I thank my colleagues, Congressman English and Congressman Altmire 
for introducing this important legislation.
  I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from 
Pennsylvania (Mr. Altmire).
  Mr. ALTMIRE. I thank the chairman.
  This legislation designates the Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic at 
Hermitage, Pennsylvania, as the Michael A. Marzano Department of 
Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic. I was pleased to join with my 
friend and colleague, Congressman Phil English, last year in 
introducing this legislation, which will pay tribute to the service and 
sacrifice of a true Western Pennsylvania hero, Marine Corps Sergeant 
Michael Marzano.
  A native of Greenville, Pennsylvania, Michael Marzano grew up with 
the dream of becoming a marine. Upon graduating from Sharon High 
School, Marzano applied to the U.S. Marine Corps and was initially 
denied entry because of a knee injury he suffered his senior year in 
high school. Determined to fulfill his dream, Marzano underwent surgery 
to correct the condition and continued to reapply to the U.S. Marine 
Corps until he was finally accepted 4 years later in 1999.
  In December 2004, now Sergeant Marzano reiterated his commitment to 
the Nation by volunteering for a tour of duty in Iraq. But tragically, 
on May 8, 2005, after serving only 2 months in Iraq, the 28-year-old 
Sergeant Michael Marzano was killed by a suicide bomber while taking 
part in an offensive against insurgents in the city of Haditha, al 
Anbar province, in Iraq. He was the first soldier from Mercer County, 
Pennsylvania, to give his life in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  Following the incident, which also claimed the lives of three other 
brave American servicemembers, Sergeant Marzano's commanding officer 
recalled Sergeant Marzano's leadership and bravery, stating, ``Many 
more lives were saved due to their sacrifice.''
  Mr. Speaker, Michael Marzano is a true American hero and was a very 
special individual. By renaming this outpatient clinic, we will honor 
Sergeant Marzano's memory and recognize his bravery and sacrifice. 
Sergeant Marzano is representative of all those who have worn the 
uniform proudly, upheld the military's tradition of courage and 
faithful service, and once stood ready, if duty required, to make the 
ultimate sacrifice.
  I thank Chairman Filner for his willingness to bring this bill to the 
floor, and I especially thank my friend and colleague Congressman 
English for his leadership in introducing this legislation.
  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I rise today in support of H.R. 1594, a bill to designate the 
Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic in Hermitage, 
Pennsylvania, as the Michael A. Marzano Department of Veterans Affairs 
Outpatient Clinic.
  I appreciate the efforts of my colleague Phil English, and obviously 
Congressman Jason Altmire who just recently spoke, and their efforts to 
push this legislation. Obviously this is a very important symbolic 
piece of legislation, and I think it reminds us of what occurred. I 
will defer to Congressman English for further comments on this 
legislation in a few moments.
  As pointed out, Marine Sergeant Michael Marzano, a servicemember from 
Mercer County, Pennsylvania, was killed in action on May 7, 2005, while 
deployed in service to his Nation in Iraq. Reports from the field 
indicate his bravery and leadership while protecting a hospital, and 
many lives were saved due to his sacrifice. Sergeant Marzano was the 
first marine from Mercer County to give his life for freedom in Iraq.
  Mr. Speaker, this legislation has strong bipartisan support and also 
support from the local and State veterans communities, as well as 
support from the entire Pennsylvania delegation.
  As pointed out, I thank Chairman Filner and also Ranking Member Buyer 
for foregoing the existing criteria to move this legislation 
expeditiously forward. It is right that we honor the memory and service 
of a warrior such as Michael Marzano by naming the Department of 
Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic in his honor.
  So I urge my colleagues to support the bill, which is H.R. 1594.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the distinguished 
gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. English).
  Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from 
Florida, and I particularly want to thank the chairman and my good 
friend and colleague, Mr. Altmire, for making the timely consideration 
of this legislation possible on the floor today.
  I arise to ask all of my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 
1594. It does something that I think every veterans' organization in 
Mercer County has asked us to do, which is to designate the Department 
of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic in Hermitage, Pennsylvania, as 
the Michael A. Marzano Outpatient Clinic.
  Marine Sergeant Michael Marzano, as you have heard, was killed on 
Saturday, the 7th of May, 2005, while on assignment in Iraq. I arise 
here to ask you to support this legislation with a great deal of 
emotion because this man was the first soldier from Mercer County to 
give his life in the global war on terror.
  I can't express myself on this as well as his commanding officer 
expressed it in a letter which I was given and which I would like to 
read a portion of.
  ``On 08 May 2005, enemy insurgents fired from positions within the 
local hospital attacking U.S. Marines in the city of Haditha, al Anbar 
province, Iraq. Patients and the medical staff were forced to remain in 
the hospital while enemy forces triggered this attack that included a 
Suicide Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device. The SVBIED exploded 
approximately 30 feet from the hospital patient ward, killing four 
Marines from 3rd Battalion, 25th Marines and igniting a fire within the 
hospital.
  ``Lance Corporal Lance Graham watched his platoon from above as he 
always did above his machine gun. Sergeant Michael Marzano's leadership 
and humor rubbed off on everyone round him. Sergeant Aaron Cepeda 
always welcomed new members to his platoon like they were part of his 
family. Finally, one Sailor who we will always call 'Marine' because he 
continuously acted like one, Petty Officer 3rd Class Jeffrey Wiener, 
all gave their lives that day. They had the job of protecting the force 
as the Quick Reaction Force and many more lives were saved due to their 
sacrifice. All four gave the rest of the platoon precious minutes that 
allowed the Marines to return fire immediately, resulting in the 
insurgents going on the defensive.
  ``Because the bravery of the men of Mobile Assault Platoon 7, the 
remainder of the force of over 70 Marines and Sailors sustained the 
attack and protected the hospital. The members of the 3rd Battalion, 
25th Marines, will always honor and remember what they did. We remember 
our friends fondly. The memory of their leadership, courage, and 
sacrifice live on in the Marines and Sailors who served with them. Even 
in passing, they still continued to protect their brothers.''
  Signed, Captain John A. Kasparian.
  Mr. Speaker, on October 16th, 2006, after a lot of work by several of 
us in the delegation, the veterans hospital in Butler, Pennsylvania, 
opened a Mercer County Outpatient Clinic in Hermitage. Almost 
immediately, veterans from Mercer County contacted me asking to have 
the new clinic named for Sergeant Marzano.
  My staff confirmed their tales of Sergeant Marzano's heroism, and I 
requested input from my veterans' advisory panel to determine if there 
were

[[Page H8075]]

other candidates for this honor. All of the respondents, including the 
families of other fallen soldiers, universally agreed that Michael 
Marzano deserved this honor. He was the first to die in Iraq from 
Mercer County. He epitomizes the bravery and the dedication of all of 
our country's best. He deserves to be remembered, as does everyone who 
has given their lives in that conflict.
  Sergeant Marzano's friends and family have already mourned his death. 
But with this legislation, we will honor his courage and present his 
life as a worthy example for future generations of young men and women.
  Mr. Speaker, I hope my colleagues will join me in this worthy honor 
to this remarkable soldier.
  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman English and Congressman 
Altmire for bringing this bill and letting us know about the heroism of 
Sergeant Marzano.
  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers at this time. I 
do want to thank Mr. English for his presentation, his arduous work in 
getting this to the floor expeditiously, and, obviously, Chairman 
Filner and Chairman Buyer for their efforts too.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back my time.


                             General Leave

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and 
include extraneous material on H.R. 1594.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from California?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. FILNER. I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from California (Mr. Filner) that the House suspend the rules 
and pass the bill, H.R. 1594.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. STEARNS. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a 
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not 
present.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.
  The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.

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