[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 87 (Thursday, June 5, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E910]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING COMMAND SERGEANT MAJOR MARTIN BARRERAS

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. REICHERT

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 5, 2014

  Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life of Command 
Sergeant Major Martin Barreras, who died on May 13, 2014 from wounds 
suffered while serving in Afghanistan. CSM Barreras was serving with 
the 2nd Battalion, 5th Infantry Regiment when enemy forces attacked his 
unit with small arms fire. CSM Barreras joined the Army in 1988 after 
serving five years in the Marine Corps and served 22 years in the 75th 
Ranger Regiment in both 1st and 2nd Battalions. During his time in the 
Ranger Regiment, he served in a large range of positions and completed 
multiple combat deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, Operation Just Cause 
in Panama, Operation Restore/Uphold Democracy in Haiti, and other 
special operations missions.
  His awards and decorations include the Legion of Merit, Bronze Star 
Medal with V device, Bronze Star with three oak leaf clusters, Purple 
Heart with one oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal with two oak 
leaf clusters, Joint Service Commendation Medal with one oak leaf 
cluster, Iraqi Campaign Medal with three stars, Afghanistan Campaign 
Medal with four stars, Combat Infantryman Badge with one star, Expert 
Infantryman Badge, Ranger Tab, Master Parachutist Badge with bronze 
star, Military Freefall Badge and Pathfinder Badge.
  CSM Barreras was respected by both his community and colleagues, and 
deeply loved by his family and friends. He was 49 years old and left 
behind a wife, a young son and two daughters.
  This husband, father, and friend cannot be replaced, but his 
sacrifice will always be remembered and his legacy of compassion and 
service will live on after him. He is gone but not forgotten.
  Mr. Speaker, I salute Command Sergeant Major Barreras, and I thank 
him for all he gave back to the people of this great Nation.

                          ____________________