[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 17]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 23460]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




     IN HONOR AND REMEMBRANCE OF GUNNERY SERGEANT ADAM F. BENJAMIN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 30, 2009

  Mr. KUCINICH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of 
United States Marine Gunnery Sergeant Adam F. Benjamin, who 
courageously and selflessly rose to the call of duty, and made the 
ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country.
  Gunnery Sergeant Benjamin grew up in Garfield Heights and graduated 
from Garfield Heights High School in 1993. Shortly after graduating, he 
followed his dream to serve our country and enlisted in the United 
States Marine Corps. He quickly rose up the ranks and by 2006, at the 
age of 31, was promoted to the position of Gunnery Sergeant. He was a 
loyal, courageous and dedicated Marine, who loved every aspect of 
serving our nation in the military. Throughout his youth and career in 
the military, Gunnery Sergeant Benjamin was known for his positive 
outlook on life, caring nature and great sense of humor. He touched 
countless lives with his kind heart, generosity and sense of concern 
for others.
  Gunnery Sergeant Benjamin was a brave and honorable United States 
Marine and an exceptional human being. The sacrifice, service and 
courage he has displayed will be forever honored and remembered by the 
entire Cleveland community, and by the nation. Gunnery Sergeant 
Benjamin's warm smile, generous heart, easy laugh, and joy for life 
will live on within the hearts and memories of those who loved and knew 
him best--his family, friends and fellow Marines. He will never be 
forgotten.
  Madam Speaker, and colleagues, please join me in honor and 
remembrance of United States Marine Gunnery Sergeant Adam F. Benjamin. 
His life, gone far too soon, was framed by his great love of family, 
friends and country. I extend my deepest condolences to his mother and 
father, Judy Watters and Frank Benjamin; to his step-father, Robert 
Watters; to his brothers and sisters: Aaron, Amanda, Asa, Abram, 
Abigail, Amos, Amaryah, Aric, Anyah, Alexis and Allen; to his 
grandmothers, Yolanda and Mary; and to his extended family and many 
close friends.

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