[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 52 (Monday, April 13, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E469]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           HONORING MARK WRAY

                                  _____
                                 

                      HON. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 13, 2015

  Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise with 
great pride to honor the life of Mark Wray, a dedicated family man who 
committed himself to his community in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
  Mark Daniel Wray, Sr. was born on January 30, 1960 in Los Alamos, New 
Mexico. When Mark was one year old the family decided to move to nearby 
Santa Fe. It's here, in Santa Fe, where Mark built his life, raised his 
family, and watched his children grow in a community he loved dearly.
  It did not take long for Mark to find and marry the love of his life. 
Shortly after graduating, Mark and his high school sweetheart Elizabeth 
Salazar tied the knot and embarked on a lifelong journey together. That 
journey began with Mark's new job with the Santa Fe Fire Department, an 
experience that molded Mark into the man he became. In 21 years of 
dedicated service, Mark ascended to rank of Captain earning a 
reputation for his selfless bravery. He took many risks to save 
people's lives; his greatest joy was to see the smiles on the faces of 
those he saved.
  In September 1999, Mark's beloved Elizabeth was diagnosed with 
Multiple Sclerosis. Mark spent countless hours volunteering with the 
local Multiple Sclerosis Support Group and National Multiple Sclerosis 
Society, helping with pot lucks, securing resources, and raising money 
for the society to develop a cure for the disease. Mark's support for 
his loved ones was unwavering, and he saw his community as an extension 
of his family.
  Mark was known as ``Team Dad'' among members of the Reserve Officers' 
Training Corps (ROTC) at Santa Fe High School and the Pony Express 
Drill team at St. Michael's High School. He was a Boy Scout leader, a 
leader at the local Little League and All Star baseball teams, helped 
build props for his children's classes, and volunteered at many 
organizations, including the St. Francis Catholic School and National 
Dance Institution of NM.
  While Mark is no longer with us, his lasting contributions are still 
a presence in the community to this day. His character is espoused in 
the individuals he inspired throughout his life, and his enduring 
principles live on in the hearts and minds of all those he met. May the 
memory of Mark continue to live on in all of us.

                          ____________________