[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 10]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 13449-13450]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 TRIBUTE TO FIRST SERGEANT HECTOR SOTORODRIGUEZ FROM THE UNITED STATES 
                   MARINE CORPS HOUSE LIAISON OFFICE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE COFFMAN

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, August 3, 2012

  Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize and pay 
tribute to First Sergeant Hector Sotorodriguez United States Marine 
Corps, on the occasion of his transfer from the United States Marine 
Corps House Liaison office back into the Fleet Marine Force. First 
Sergeant Sotorodriguez has served our great Nation for many years, 
earning many decorations and awards. I, and many other members of this 
chamber, have had the pleasure of working with him over the past two 
and a half years that he has served as part of Headquarters U.S. Marine 
Corps Office of Legislative Affairs, OLA, Fellow and as the Senior 
Staff Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge of the House OLA liaison 
office.
  First Sergeant Sotorodriguez distinguished himself through 
exceptional meritorious service while serving as the Senior Staff Non-
Commissioned Officer In-Charge of the Marine Corps House Liaison 
office. Every day he served in direct support of not only the Marine 
Corps Office of Legislative Affairs but in direct

[[Page 13450]]

support of every member of Congress, every Marine and every American. 
His keen abilities in organization, interpersonal relationships, and 
communication were extremely critical to the successful accomplishment 
of the Marine Corps mission. His achievements and ability to get the 
job done have been understated but always effective and noteworthy. 
While serving in the Liaison office, First Sergeant Sotorodriguez was 
able to develop and execute legislative strategy for the United States 
Marine Corps. This strategy was instrumental in creating a shared 
understanding between congress and the Marine Corps, allowing 
leadership the ability to train and equip the Nation's most elite 
fighting force, ensuring their success on the battlefield. He routinely 
turned broad guidance into action which energized the Office of 
Legislative Affairs and members of Congress alike. His actions allowed 
the Marine Corps to engage members of Congress and their staffs, 
directly facilitating the increased emphasis on improving Congressional 
relationships--a cornerstone of the CMC's strategic vision.
  Throughout his service he consistently demonstrated his expertise and 
knowledge by providing timely and accurate information to the 
Congressional Members and their respective staffs. First Sergeant 
Sotorodriguez was a vital asset for all matters relating to the Marine 
Corps in the House of Representatives. Members and staffers alike 
respected and trusted First Sergeant Sotorodriguez's straightforward 
and dependable assistance. His forthrightness and knowledge were key 
attributes in maintaining the Marine Corps' superb relationships with 
the many Members of the House of Representatives.
  Throughout his tour, First Sergeant Sotorodriguez personally 
responded to, or supervised hundreds of congressional inquiries, some 
of which gained national level attention. Through his exceptional 
inter-personal skills, broad knowledge in a wide range of military 
affairs, and personal efforts he assisted the Director, Marine Corps 
Liaison Office, in gaining the Members' support and trust on critical 
issues. First Sergeant Sotorodriguez's has contributed immeasurably as 
a member in the Marine Liaison Office here on Capitol Hill and to the 
Marine Corps as a whole. I wish him well in all of his future 
endeavors.

                          ____________________