[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 35 (Monday, February 23, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H2238]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING LANCE CORPORAL CHUKWUEMEKA OFORAH

  (Mr. Murphy of North Carolina was recognized to address the House for 
5 minutes.)
  Mr. MURPHY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to memorialize Lance Corporal 
Chukwuemeka Oforah, a marine stationed at Camp Lejeune who tragically 
lost his life in a recent boating accident.
  While conducting operations in the Caribbean on February 7, Oforah 
fell overboard while on the USS Iwo Jima, prompting an extensive 
multibranch, 72-hour search-and-rescue effort by the Navy, Marine 
Corps, and Air Force.
  Despite these efforts, Oforah was later declared deceased. Despite 
the bravery and dedication of all those looking for him, sadly enough, 
his body was not found.
  Oforah, an infantry rifleman, enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2023, 
graduated from Parris Island in February 2024, and completed the School 
of Infantry at Camp Lejeune in North Carolina. He was later assigned to 
the 3rd Battalion, 6th Marine Regiment.
  We mourn the loss of his life. May God give peace to his family in 
their time of profound grief.
  At the time of his passing, he was deployed with Battalion Landing 
Team 3/6 and the 22nd MEU aboard the Iwo Jima.
  We pray that the family feels the gratitude of a nation that will 
never forget their son's sacrifice.
  Our servicemembers sacrifice so much in the line of duty and risk 
their lives to keep our country safe and free.
  As the Representative of Camp Lejeune, as well as Cherry Point and 
New River Air Stations, I remain steadfast in my commitment to 
supporting our heroes in uniform and their families who stand behind 
them.
  May we honor Lance Corporal Oforah not only with our words but with 
our unwavering support for those who continue to serve.

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