[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 159 (Friday, October 4, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1247]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING SERGEANT FIRST CLASS ELIS A. BARRETO ORTIZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. GEORGE HOLDING

                           of north carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 4, 2019

  Mr. HOLDING. Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate the life of 
Sergeant 1st Class Elis A. Barreto Ortiz, who was killed in the line of 
duty earlier this month.
  Sergeant Barreto Ortiz grew up in Morovis, Puerto Rico. Following in 
the footsteps of his father, he joined the Army in 2010 and was 
assigned to the 259th Transportation Battalion. In 2013, Sergeant 
Barreto Ortiz was deployed to Afghanistan for a nine-month stint. Four 
years later, he graduated from the U.S. Army Airborne School and was 
assigned to the 82nd Brigade Support Battalion of the 82 Airborne 
Division based out of Fort Bragg, North Carolina.
  This past June, Sergeant Barreto Ortiz left for his third deployment 
to Kabul, Afghanistan. His mission was to support and operate alongside 
a contingent of special operations forces.
  On Thursday, September 5th, Sergeant Barreto Ortiz was killed in 
action when his vehicle was hit by a suicide car bomber. Sergeant 
Barreto Ortiz was 34 years old and is survived by his wife, two sons, 
and a daughter.
  He is described by those who knew him as a kind and compassionate 
leader who was proud to serve his country.
  During his distinguished and decorated career Sergeant Barreto Ortiz 
was awarded the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army 
Commendation Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Achievement 
Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army Good Conduct Medal with two 
Oak Leaf Clusters, the Combat Action Badge, the Basic Parachutist 
Badge, the Army Driver and Mechanic Badge.
  Sergeant Barreto Ortiz's death is a painful reminder of the enormous 
sacrifices our service members and their families make to protect the 
freedoms we all enjoy.
  While Sergeant Barreto Ortiz will be dearly missed, he will not be 
forgotten. May he rest in peace, with the humble thanks of a grateful 
Nation.

                          ____________________