[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 119 (Monday, July 16, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1014]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING ZACH MARTINEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DANA ROHRABACHER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 16, 2018

  Mr. ROHRABACHER. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to honor the service to 
our country of an exemplary American, Zach Martinez. Born in East Los 
Angeles, Mr. Martinez entered the United States Navy in 1966, answering 
the call to duty as our country engaged in one of its most agonizing 
conflicts, the Vietnam war. He answered by throwing himself fully into 
harm's way for the freedom of the Vietnamese people and fighting 
shoulder to shoulder with his brothers in arms. A mine explosion left 
him with shrapnel torn into his body and a steel ball bearing in his 
skull. He returned home, not only with a richly deserved Purple Heart, 
but with a determination to nurture the spiritual health of his fellow 
veterans. He became a certified chaplain offering free counseling to 
those suffering from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Even more: He 
rallied his fellow citizens to found and maintain grounds dedicated to 
our heroic veterans in Huntington Beach, called Patriot Point, where on 
this day a memorial service will take place in his honor. To his wife 
Alberta, his three sons and six grandchildren, I want them to know that 
he inspires this Member of Congress to serve our country with all the 
spiritual fortitude and love that he so manifestly gave. May all of us 
here be so inspired.

                          ____________________