[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 37 (Wednesday, March 7, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E328]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF SGT. JUSTIN AVERY EVERETT

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 7, 2012

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today 
with my colleagues, Mr. Nunes and Mr. Denham, to honor the life of 
United States Marine Sgt. Justin Avery Everett. Sergeant Everett passed 
away Wednesday, February 22, 2012 in a tragic helicopter accident 
during a night training exercise near Marine Corps Air Station in Yuma, 
Arizona. He was 33 years old. Sergeant Everett's patriotism, bravery, 
and selfless service to his country will ensure that his legacy lives 
on for years to come.
  A proud son of California's San Joaquin Valley, Sergeant Everett was 
born in Chowchilla, California to James and Patsy Everett. Sergeant 
Everett grew up in Fresno, California with his siblings: James, Jason 
and Jeremy. He graduated from Reedley High School in 1996 where he won 
numerous wrestling medals. After high school Sergeant Everett served as 
a youth group leader at the Church of God Prophesy in Fresno. His 
commitment to service was evident as a young man. He exemplified a 
selfless, noble nature and a commitment to a cause greater than his 
own.
  Following the terrorist attacks of September 11th, Sergeant Everett 
joined the United States Marine Corps in 2002. During his 10 year 
service, he was deployed on two tours of duty in Iraq. He served as a 
Pilot and a Crew Chief with the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing aboard a UH 1Y 
Huey. At the time of his death, Sergeant Everett was preparing for a 
deployment to Afghanistan in July 2012.
  In addition to his legacy as a U.S. Marine, Sergeant Everett will be 
remembered as a loving son, brother, husband, father, and friend. He is 
survived by his parents and his brothers, who are also helicopter 
pilots. Shortly before his death, Sergeant Everett and his wife, Holly, 
celebrated their 11th wedding anniversary. The couple have two 
children, a 5-year-old daughter and a 2-year-old son.
  Mr. Speaker, we offer our most heartfelt sympathy and sincere 
condolences to Sergeant Everett's loved ones. I ask my colleagues to 
join Mr. Nunes, Mr. Denham, and me in honoring his courageous and 
heroic service in the United States Marine Corps. His dedication to 
preserving freedom and democracy will be remembered for generations to 
come.

                          ____________________