[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 91 (Thursday, May 14, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E445-E446]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE OF CPL RORY PATRICK HAMILL

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. ANDY KIM

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 14, 2020

  Mr. KIM. Madam Speaker, I rise today because my community has lost a 
leader, a mentor, a friend, and a father. Corporal Rory Patrick Hamill 
of the United States Marine Corps tragically passed away on May 1, 2020 
at the age of 31.
  Rory leaves behind not just a legacy of decorated service to his 
country, but also of leadership, compassion and a commitment to helping 
those in need. Rory deployed three times with 2nd Battalion, 8th 
Marines in Iraq and Afghanistan before his medical retirement in 2012. 
During his time in service, Rory received the Navy and Marine Corps 
Commendation Medal with Combat ``V'' for valorous actions in direct 
contact with an enemy,

[[Page E446]]

two Combat Action Ribbons as well as many other awards, medals, and 
citations. Rory was also awarded the Purple Heart by President Obama 
for the many injuries he sustained during his deployments, including 
the loss of his right leg.
  Upon his retirement from the Marine Corps, Rory found his calling in 
learning about himself and Post Traumatic Growth, which led him to a 
career in motivational speaking. Rory also volunteered with the 
Veterans Diversion Program at the Ocean County Prosecutors office where 
he acted as a mentor to veterans who had found themselves in the legal 
system as a result of their experiences while serving. Most recently, 
Rory was enrolled in an accelerated Masters Program in pursuit of a 
degree in Social Work at Monmouth University, where he worked to 
identify successful pathways for Post 9/11-era Veterans to reintegrate 
into their communities in New Jersey.
  Rory's commitment to his community and to those struggling is best 
said in his own written words: ``The more we share our pain, open up 
and discuss our mental health; the more power we take away from those 
same traumas that affect us, and the more we can begin to heal. In 
sharing my story, I have found purpose, catharsis, and humility. I have 
found my life's purpose in helping those who suffer as I used to. . . 
.'' ``This is what I live for. Helping my fellow brothers and sisters, 
showing them that there is a way to overcome any obstacle in their 
path; whether during service, or after.''
  Rory's impact on the veteran community was immeasurable, and his 
passing is a tragedy for our state and nation. It is now up to us to 
continue his legacy, to lift each other up and be there for those in 
our community that are struggling as Rory would have. My heart goes out 
to his family, his three children, and all of the friends who Rory 
touched through his work over the years. He will truly be missed.

                          ____________________