[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 22 (Monday, February 3, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E118]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         SGT. PHOEBE R. ORTIZ WINS 2019 USO MARINE OF THE YEAR

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. PAUL COOK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, February 3, 2020

  Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate 
the 2019 United Service Organization Marine of the Year, Sergeant 
Phoebe Ortiz.
  Sergeant Ortiz was recognized as the United Service Organization 
Marine of the Year in December 2019. She joined the Marine Corps in 
September 2015. In 2016, she completed Recruit Training at Marine Corps 
Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina and Marine Combat Training 
at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. In October 2018, Sergeant Ortiz was 
one of the first female graduates of the elite Marine Corps Mountain 
Leaders Course, this course takes place at the Mountain Warfare 
Training Center within the 8th district. The completion of the course 
qualified her as an instructor for future participants within the 
program. She regularly organizes events for the single Marines of her 
command and volunteers in many community outreach initiatives.
  Sergeant Ortiz conducts herself in a manner that reflects the 
exemplary work of our service members. She is not only an outstanding 
Marine, but a leader within her community and among her peers. I thank 
Sergeant Ortiz for her service, dedication, work ethic, professionalism 
and commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all Americans. 
Semper Fi.

                          ____________________