[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 6 (Wednesday, January 18, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E38]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING THE UNITING OF TWO MARINE FAMILIES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JERRY McNERNEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 18, 2012

  Mr. McNERNEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the uniting of 
two Marine families. On January 14, 2012, Lance Corporal Ronnie Porta 
met the parents--Chuck and Teri--of Corporal Charles Palmer II of 
Manteca, California.
  LCpl. Porta and Cpl. Palmer served together in Iraq, braving daily 
dangers in order to protect our freedoms and liberty. Tragically, in 
March of 2007, Palmer and Porta's vehicle hit an improvised explosive 
device, severely injuring LCpl. Porta and taking the life of Cpl. 
Palmer, the first casualty of the war from the City of Manteca.
  Palmer, who grew up in Manteca before joining the Marine Corps in 
1992, received the Global War on Terrorism Service Award and Marine 
Corps Good Conduct Medal for his service.
  Since the event in 2007, LCpl. Porta has undergone more than 120 
surgeries over 4\1/2\ years at a medical facility in Texas. His ability 
to endure and succeed through the years is indicative of his good will 
and tremendous spirit. LCpl. Porta traveled from Texas to California to 
meet Chuck and Teri for the very first time.
  At the January 14 event, members from all corners of the community 
rallied together in support of both families and to express their 
gratitude to those who serve. The City of Manteca, the Patriot Guard 
Riders, Marines, veterans' organizations, families, business leaders, 
and other members of the community worked as one to make this event 
possible.
  As a nation, we are truly blessed to be represented by the brave men 
and women wearing the U.S. uniform.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in support of this tremendous occasion 
and in honor of the sacrifices of Cpl. Palmer and LCpl. Porta.

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