[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 142 (Thursday, September 22, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1698]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              RECOGNIZING MARINE SERGEANT DANIEL J. PATRON

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JAMES B. RENACCI

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 22, 2011

  Mr. RENACCI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Marine Sergeant 
Daniel J. Patron. Sgt. Patron--a member of the 8th Engineer Support 
Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force--
was tragically killed on August 6 while trying to defuse a roadside 
bomb in the Helmand province of Afghanistan.
  Our Explosive Ordinance Disposal, or EOD, teams are even more 
important and face even more dangerous tasks now that we are dealing 
with an enemy who relies on improvised explosive devices. From the 
start of our combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, insurgents have 
often refused to fight our forces in the open, choosing instead to hide 
in the shadows waiting to attack our brave men and women from afar.
  Standing between our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines and those 
insurgents are our EOD teams. They selflessly place themselves face-to-
face with increasing advanced and intricate explosives. Their office 
resides fully in harm's way, and they know one loose wire or one extra-
sensitive detonator could kill them or their team members. Still they 
accept the job of protecting their brothers and sisters, too often 
laying down their own lives in the process.
  I have no doubt Sgt. Patron knew the risks he took on a daily basis. 
He knew that each day the challenges would be great and the task at 
hand would be vitally important. That kind of noble commitment to 
others may seem incredible to many of us. But what it is truly 
remarkable is how often we see it from those who serve in our Armed 
Forces. Daniel was certainly no exception.
  Sgt. Patron leaves behind his wife Cody Drace Patron, his parents 
Frank and Kathy, and his older brother Matthew. I would like to pass on 
my deepest condolences to his family and share with them the thanks of 
a grateful nation. Daniel was, and will remain, a shining example of 
the best America has to offer.
  I honor Daniel's life, his sacrifice and his memory. He will surely 
be missed by many, but he--along with all of our fallen heroes--will 
not be forgotten.