[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 15]
[House]
[Page 20261]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1110
               TRIBUTE TO STAFF SERGEANT VINCENT J. BELL

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Schiff) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. SCHIFF. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Staff 
Sergeant Vincent J. Bell, United States Marine Corps. He was 28 years 
old, the son of Pamela Alexander-Bell and James Bell, the husband of 
Karen Navarrete, and the brother of London Bell and Andrea Roe.
  Staff Sergeant Bell enlisted in the Marine Corps on July 7, 2001, and 
became an artilleryman. During his career, Staff Sergeant Bell served 
his country with distinction and deployed in support of Operation Iraqi 
Freedom with Battalion Landing Team 2/1; 2nd Battalion, 11th Marine 
Regiment; Battalion Landing Team 2/4; and 5th Battalion, 11th Marine 
Regiment.
  On October 31, 2011, Staff Sergeant Bell deployed with the 2nd 
Battalion, 11th Marine Regiment, where he served as a Howitzer section 
chief for a 10-man team in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. On 
November 30, Staff Sergeant Bell was in Kajaki, Helmand province, 
Afghanistan, when he stepped on an improvised explosive devices while 
on a dismounted patrol. He succumbed to his wounds, making the ultimate 
sacrifice for his country.
  Staff Sergeant Bell loved being a marine. He said that ``the ability 
to serve is the greatest calling an American could do, even more so to 
be a United States marine.'' Staff Sergeant Bell was well respected by 
his seniors and subordinates alike. His company commander, Captain 
Joshua Kling, said he ``can't remember one conversation with Staff 
Sergeant Bell where he wasn't smiling and telling me how great it was. 
To suffer hardness and adversity with good cheer is the quality of a 
fine man. He was a rocket man, a cannoneer, a platoon sergeant, an 
entrusted marine who always got the job done.''
  His platoon commander, First Lieutenant David Waters, said that all 
marines who served with Staff Sergeant Bell ``understood his sacrifice 
and will miss him as a brother and friend. He faced the fear and danger 
of this profession with a true heart. He had the heart of a warrior and 
spirit of a true patriot. I know he will be in heaven guarding the 
way.''
  Staff Sergeant Bell loved his marines and being a mentor to them. 
Previously, he served as an instructor with the 11th Marine Regiment's 
Artillery Training School where he provided advanced training to the 
section chiefs for the regiment.
  Upon returning to the 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines, Staff Sergeant 
Bell was excited that he was with a unit getting ready for deployment. 
Captain Kling noted that he was ``chomping at the bit to be 
challenged--for an opportunity to train, teach, and mentor marines.'' 
Sergeant Erick Granados described Staff Sergeant Bell as ``an 
outstanding marine, a great leader, and most of all, a good man. Firm 
but fair, guidance was always there when we needed it, but he let us do 
our job. He empowered his marines to take responsibility and lead 
others.''
  Staff Sergeant Bell was devoted to his family, fellow marines, and 
friends. His brother said that ``Vincent was an outstanding marine and 
a good man. He had courage, commitment, and strong values. He believed 
in following orders, loved our country, and served our country with 
pride. He believed in doing the right thing for the right reason. 
Vincent had an amazing sense of humor, even in tough times. He had a 
very caring and nurturing personality and was a mentor to young people 
since he was a young man.''
  Staff Sergeant Bell told his mother that it was a privilege to serve 
under both President George Bush and President Barack Obama. In 2009, 
Vincent called his mother from Iraq and told her that he had reenlisted 
because he wanted to have the privilege to serve under the first 
African American President of the United States.
  Staff Sergeant Bell's wife Karen said that ``Vincent was a kind, 
giving man. I'll miss my husband every day of my life, but his spirit 
will remain alive with me, his family, and his marines.'' Karen's 
brother and sisters considered Vincent to be their big brother. Her 
parents shared a mutual respect for Vincent. They knew how much he 
loved and cared for her. In addition to his family and friends, Staff 
Sergeant Bell was also devoted to the family's wonderful dogs Nala and 
Nemo.
  Staff Sergeant Bell's personal decorations include the Purple Heart, 
posthumously; the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with one gold 
star; the Good Conduct Medal with two bronze stars; and the Combat 
Action Ribbon with one gold star.
  Since Staff Sergeant Bell's death was announced, his unit has 
received condolences from marines across the globe who served with him. 
This reflects his professionalism, leadership, and the lives he touched 
as a United States Marine. Our Nation has lost a good man--a son, 
brother, husband, and a marine--who gave his life in defense of 
freedom. He will be missed, and his sacrifice will not be forgotten.

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