[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 26 (Friday, February 7, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E108]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





      HONORING OSWALDO ORTIZ AS THE FEBRUARY VETERAN OF THE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LISA C. McCLAIN

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, February 7, 2025

  Mrs. McCLAIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable 
service and enduring dedication of Oswaldo ``Ozzie'' Ortiz, a proud 
American patriot and our February 2025 Veteran of the Month from 
Michigan's 9th Congressional District. With over 20 years of service, 
Ozzie demonstrated unwavering commitment to his country, answering the 
call to duty in both peacetime and war. His story is one of resilience, 
sacrifice, and continued devotion to our Nation.
  Ozzie was born in Connecticut to parents from El Salvador and Puerto 
Rico and was raised in Auburn Hills, Michigan. In 1986, at just 17 
years old, he enlisted in the United States Army as a tanker, 
completing Basic and Advanced Training before being stationed in 
Germany with the 2nd Armored Division, known as ``Hell on Wheels.'' He 
later served with the 1st Infantry at Fort Riley, Kansas, until his 
honorable discharge in 1990.
  Ozzie's sense of duty has never wavered. Following the tragic events 
of September 11, 2001, he re-enlisted with the 1775th Military Police 
Battalion in Pontiac, Michigan. In 2003, he was deployed to Iraq as a 
tanker with the 30th Armored Brigade Combat Team, demonstrating 
extraordinary skill and bravery in combat operations. His service 
continued with the 144th Transportation Battalion in Washington State 
before he was deployed again to Iraq in 2008 with the 275th Heavy 
Transport Unit.
  Upon returning, Ozzie played a critical role in training the next 
generation of soldiers at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, preparing troops 
for deployment to Iraq, Afghanistan, and Egypt as an Observer/
Controller/Trainer. He completed his military service with the 181st 
Brigade Support Battalion in 2015, when he was again honorably 
discharged.
  Ozzie's service was recognized with numerous commendations, including 
the Combat Action Badge, Army Commendation Award, three Army 
Achievement Awards, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Iraq 
Campaign Medal, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. His 
dedication to his country earned him the respect of his fellow soldiers 
and a lasting legacy of service.
  Even after leaving the military, Ozzie continues to serve his 
community. Today, he is a Master Mechanic for BMW Motorrad Motorcycles 
in Plymouth, Michigan, where he provides critical service for law 
enforcement agencies, including the Michigan State Police, Macomb 
County Sheriff, Oakland County Sheriff, and several local police 
departments.
  Beyond his career, Ozzie is committed to supporting his fellow 
veterans. Drawing from his experiences with both BMW and Harley-
Davidson motorcycles, he is working to establish a nonprofit 
organization that will help veterans struggling with PTSD find healing 
and camaraderie through motorcycle building.
  Mr. Speaker, Ozzie Ortiz's service to our Nation did not end with his 
military career--it continues today in his work, his mentorship, and 
his unwavering dedication to his fellow veterans. His story is one of 
courage, resilience, and an unbreakable commitment to those who have 
served.

                          ____________________