[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 15]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 20256]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO LCPL RENE MARTINEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 26, 2006

  Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor 
of LCpl Rene Martinez, who was killed in action fighting enemy forces 
in Iraq on September 24, and extend my deepest condolences to his 
family for their loss. You have this Nation's most sincere appreciation 
for your son.
  As a U.S. Marine, LCpl Martinez represented the best our Nation has 
to offer. He served with great distinction in the 2nd Marine Division. 
According to a spokesman for his unit he was a ``well decorated Marine 
for his age'' having earned medals for combat action, overseas 
deployment and global terrorism service.
  The U.S. Marine Corps motto is semper fidelis--``ever faithful.'' 
LCpl Rene Martinez exemplified this commitment. He was faithful to God, 
country, family and the Corps. He gave the ultimate sacrifice for this 
great Nation so that his family and country could live in freedom. All 
that we hold dear only exists thanks to our military and marines like 
Rene Martinez. His selfless service to his country and community is a 
model for all of us to emulate.
  As President Ronald Reagan once said, ``Some people spend an entire 
lifetime wondering if they made a difference in the world. But, the 
Marines don't have that problem.'' LCpl Rene Martinez made a difference 
in this world. And his country will forever be grateful.

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