[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 35 (Tuesday, March 12, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S1707]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        REMEMBERING LEO SANCHEZ

  Mr. BARRASSO. Madam President, on Sunday, March 10, 2013, Wyoming 
lost a beloved veteran and citizen, Leo Sanchez. I would like to tell 
my colleagues about this patriot.
  There is a Marine Corps saying, ``Marines never die; they regroup at 
the pearly gates and wait for Saint Peter to issue them orders.'' Those 
who knew Leo are certain he is running through a list with Saint Peter 
regarding his ideas to improve heaven.
  Leo served our great Nation first in the Army National Guard and then 
in the Marine Corps. He fought in Korea. Following his service, he came 
home to Wyoming and had a successful career as an educator. His desire 
to serve his community did not end in the classroom; Leo became an 
involved member of every veteran organization. His priority was helping 
fellow veterans from every branch and period, at every opportunity.
  It is impossible to measure the loss of a man like Leo Sanchez. His 
absence will be felt by Wyoming for generations. Leo was one of my 
State's great treasures. He always gave more than he himself required. 
I could always count on seeing Leo in uniform beaming with pride and 
celebrating fellow veterans and our Nation's patriotic events.
  Leo was not only a veteran but a beloved teacher. Leo's legacy is in 
the children of Wyoming, those whom he taught and inspired. Leo 
recognized a secret that very few embrace: regardless of the conditions 
of the day, America will always remain great as long as her children 
understand patriotism and choose to live their lives to those patriotic 
standards. Leo wholeheartedly believed that there is always hope as 
long as the next generation values the cost and necessary sacrifice 
that accompany freedom.
  Regardless of an individual's race, creed, or handicap, Leo found a 
way for every man, woman and child to participate in what it means to 
be an American. He appreciated that what makes the United States great 
isn't the flag on a flagpole but rather the hands that hold the 
flagpole. Leo instilled in everyone the importance of service, 
sacrifice, duty and love of country through his every action.
  Semper Fidelis, Leo Sanchez, you will be missed.

                          ____________________