[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 106 (Wednesday, June 24, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E614]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF MR. MICHAEL CORTEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. RICHARD McCORMICK

                               of georgia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 24, 2026

  Mr. McCORMICK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
service of Michael ``Phoenix'' Cortez.
  Michael's childhood during the Great Depression instilled him with 
humility and determination, eager to explore the world and take on 
life's challenges. Michael served in both the U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine 
Corps as a bilingual service member, then he went on to be a reservist 
in the U.S. Air Force. After the conclusion of Michael's active 
service, he demonstrated his lasting commitment to the public sector 
through his work as a civilian employee in the Department of Defense. 
Over the course of his career, Michael participated in highly 
classified missions and collaborated on advanced aircraft systems. He 
was able to travel the globe, broadening his horizons across several 
cultures and lifestyles and engaging in top secret defense programs. 
Michael's enduring dedication to his country was characterized by 
unwavering loyalty and selfless devotion.
  My prayers are with the Cortez family as they go through this 
difficult time. In addition to being an incredible man, Michael was a 
loving husband to his wife, Sharon, and a devoted father to his five 
children, Michael, Michele, Sherry, Marnie, and Blayne. He is also 
survived by four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren. Service 
requires sacrifice, and military families pay that price in the time we 
spend away from our families, while defending our great Nation.
  May God watch over Michael, Michele, Sherry, Marnie, and Blayne, and 
Sharon, who stood by Michael throughout his career.

                          ____________________