[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 129 (Thursday, September 26, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1380]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF A HUSBAND, A FATHER, A SAILOR, AND A FRIEND: 
                              MARTY BODROG

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. PETE OLSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 26, 2013

  Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, the hearts of every American felt pain when 
we heard that a deranged man killed twelve innocent Americans at the 
Washington Navy Yard on September 16, 2013. My family and I were 
crushed when we learned that we knew one of the victims of this 
senseless crime, Marty Bodrog.
  We lived in the same neighborhood as the Bodrog family in Annandale, 
Virginia. It was a neighborhood where the neighbors truly cared about 
each other. During weekdays, the kids would go to school while the 
parents went to work. The weekends were unique as there was always an 
event or gathering of neighbors. My family would see Marty regularly, 
whether he was walking his dog or hanging out with his family at the 
pool on a summer day. He was part of the fabric that made our 
neighborhood such a special place. We miss him.
  Marty Bodrog's life was a life focused on others and service. A 1981 
graduate of the United States Naval Academy, Marty spent twenty-two 
years on active duty, rising to the rank of Commander. He was a surface 
warfare officer, known as a ``ship driver'' in the Navy. After retiring 
from active duty, Marty spent the rest of his professional career 
making sure that American Naval vessels were the best our world has 
ever seen.
  Marty also served the family he loved. He was married to the love of 
his life, Melanie, for twenty-five years. They were blessed with three 
incredible daughters: Isabel, Sophie, and Rita. No father as ever been 
more devoted to his family than Marty was.
  But, Marty's most important service was his service to the Lord. He 
created a regular Bible study in our neighborhood and was a religious 
education teacher in his church, Immanuel Bible Church in Springfield.
  A wise man once told me that the greatest gift one human being can 
give another is the gift of a smile, or a laugh, or an extra heartbeat 
of excitement. Marty spent a lifetime giving others those gifts.
  In closing, I'd like to say to my fellow Sailor and friend, ``Bravo 
Zulu on a life lived well. May you enjoy fair winds and following seas 
in your new, eternal life. We'll see you again, soon.''

                          ____________________