[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 103 (Thursday, July 18, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1085]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING STAFF SERGEANT CLIFFORD M. WOOLDRIDGE AS THE 2013 MARINE 
                     CORPS TIMES MARINE OF THE YEAR

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                           HON. DEREK KILMER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 18, 2013

  Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Staff Sergeant 
Clifford M. Wooldridge, an ``Everyday Hero'' as the 2013 Marine of the 
Year. SSgt. Wooldridge was previously awarded the Navy Cross for 
heroism in Afghanistan. In 2012 he was awarded the USO Marine of the 
Year. SSgt. Wooldridge has continued to serve his country both 
professionally as a Marine and through volunteering. He was selected as 
the Marine Corps Times Marine of the Year for his volunteerism and 
bravery in combat.
   The Marine Corps Times honors servicemembers, like SSgt. Wooldridge, 
who demonstrate pride, dedication, and courage beyond expectations. He 
is an instructor with the Marine Corps Security Force Regiment and 
teaches and mentors junior Marines. He teaches them technical skills 
they will need in close quarter combat and shares personal stories so 
they can learn from previous mistakes.
   Professional duties aside, it is SSgt. Wooldridge's service to his 
community that has earned him this latest honor. He has spent countless 
hours assisting disabled and recovering veterans with the Wounded 
Warrior Project and served as an athlete sponsor and was the host 
Marine for the Special Olympics in Virginia Beach. He helped a 
terminally ill young man receive recognition as an honorary Marine. 
While all his volunteer activities are important to him, SSgt. 
Wooldridge has a special passion for the Honored American Veterans 
Afield, which helps combat veterans transition through hunting, 
fishing, and other outdoor activities.
   SSgt. Wooldridge's outdoor skills were honed in his hometown of Port 
Angeles, in Washington State, the place where I, too, was born and 
raised. There he experienced the beautiful and plentiful natural 
resources found only on the Olympic Peninsula. Graduating from Port 
Angeles High School in 2006, SSgt. Wooldridge completed training as a 
diesel mechanic and left his home in the Pacific Northwest for a life 
as a Marine in service to others.
   Mr. Speaker, I can say with confidence that our community is a 
better place thanks to the ongoing, selfless commitment of people like 
SSgt. Wooldridge. The Port Angeles community applauds SSgt. Wooldridge 
for his service to country and we honor him today as the 2013 Marine of 
the Year. On behalf of our thankful nation, thank you.

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