[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 147 (Thursday, September 17, 2026)]
[Senate]
[Page S4794]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO MARVIN BARNES

 Mr. RISCH. Madam President, the Gem State is made strong by 
the hard-working, dedicated, and selfless actions of Idahoans. Across 
our State, hundreds of thousands of veterans, first responders, 
volunteers, and public servants go above and beyond for the communities 
they call home. These people are pillars of our State and are essential 
to keeping Idaho the best place to live, work, and raise a family. 
Through my Idaho Service Spotlight, I recognize these exceptional 
Idahoans whose service and leadership have made a lasting impact on the 
Gem State. Today, I am pleased to recognize Marvin Barnes as an Idaho 
Service Spotlight recipient for the month of September 2026.
  Following in the footsteps of his father and uncles, Marvin joined 
the Air Force in 1962. Throughout his military career, Marvin earned 
numerous awards for his courage, dedication, and professionalism, 
including three Meritorious Service Medals and the Air Force 
Commendation Medal. Even after retiring from Active Duty in 1982, 
Marvin continued to serve his country as a recruiter. During the 
Vietnam war, Marvin was part of a two-man team tasked with developing 
Air Force Medical Corps recruiting and later trained enlisted airmen 
and officers as a master instructor in the Air Force School of Applied 
Aerospace Sciences.
  Today, Marvin resides in Twin Falls with his wife Kathy and remains 
deeply committed to serving the community. An active member of Joining 
Forces Magic Valley, he provides support and fellowship to local 
veterans and their families. Whether it is helping a veteran obtain a 
vehicle so they could commute to work or securing heat for the home of 
a veteran's widow, Marvin is always ready to step up for a military 
family in need.
  Marvin's efforts extend far beyond the veteran community. He has been 
instrumental in the success of Mustard Seed Ministries, a local 
nonprofit which offers food, clothing, and financial assistance to 
Magic Valley residents. He also uses his talent for 3D printing to give 
back, creating and gifting items to nurses, doctors, special needs 
children, and anyone facing hardship.
  Faith has long been at the heart of Marvin's service. Recently, in 
the aftermath of a tragic shooting in Twin Falls, he was among the many 
individuals who gathered to support, console, and pray with their 
neighbors. While Marvin does not keep track of his good deeds, his 
kindness, compassion, and generosity are well known throughout the 
Magic Valley.
  On behalf of the people of Idaho, I thank and congratulate Marvin for 
being selected as an Idaho Service Spotlight recipient for the month of 
September 2026. You reflect the very best of our State, and Idaho is 
stronger because of your actions.

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