[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 106 (Tuesday, June 25, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E661]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING FIRST SERGEANT MARC BELO

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JASON CROW

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 25, 2024

  Mr. CROW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service 
of Marc Belo, First Sergeant, 2-135th General Support Aviation 
Battalion. Marc was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on April 8, 1970, 
and graduated from Duquesne University with a Bachelor of Arts in 
Political Science in 1992.
  Marc served this country for over 30 years beginning with his 
enlistment in the Marine Corps in 1994. He had the distinction of being 
a member of the elite Marine Helicopter Squadron One and transported 
the President, Vice President, and other heads of state around the 
world.
  Following an honorable discharge in 2000, Marc enlisted in the 
District of Columbia National Guard to continue his love of flying, 
mainly on the UH-60 Blackhawk. As part of this enlistment, Marc was 
among those who responded to the Pentagon on 9/11. In 2004, Marc 
transferred to the Colorado Army National Guard and joined the 2-135th 
``Blackjacks.'' During his service, Marc completed deployments to 
Afghanistan, Iraq, Jordan, and Kosovo. While stateside, Marc 
contributed to critical missions including wildfire fighting and the 
National Guard helicopter high-altitude rescue program.
  Marc was a dedicated husband and father whose humility, leadership, 
and good humor touched thousands of lives. He met his high school 
sweetheart Jennifer in 1986 and married in 1995. Together Marc and 
Jennifer had two daughters, Danjela and Nadija. Marc loved nothing more 
than spending time with friends. Marc and Jennifer lost their oldest 
daughter Danjela following a battle with brain cancer on August 15, 
2023, only to learn a few months later that Marc had colorectal cancer. 
Marc passed on May 15, 2024, nine months to the day after his daughter 
Danjela.
  This world is a better one because of the legacy that Marc leaves 
behind in those he impacted through his service, his friendship, and 
his dedication to his family. His service to our nation exemplifies the 
man, soldier, and Marine he was. I honor Marc and extend my condolences 
to his wife Jennifer, his daughter Nadija, and his friends and family.

                          ____________________