[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16239]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING GEORGE ALLEN ORTIZ

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 20, 2014

  Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today 
to honor Albuquerque resident George Allen Ortiz for his honorable 
military service in the United States Marine Corps.
  George Allen Ortiz, affectionately known as ``Al'', was born in the 
northern New Mexico town of Raton. At the ripe age of 17, Al began his 
service in the Vietnam War. He would honorably serve his country from 
February 28, 1964 to February 16, 1970 in the First Marine Division at 
battles that ensued in the South Vietnam city of Da Nang.
  I had the pleasure of personally meeting with Al on Veteran's Day to 
thank him for his dedicated service to the United States of America. In 
that wonderful moment I could sense Al's burning pride and fervent 
patriotism. It reminded me of the countless individuals, throughout 
history, who fought tirelessly to preserve the guiding principles and 
enduring freedoms of our country. Al's commitment to the preservation 
of these pursuits and our country's continued success is unwavering.
  Al was recently diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, a 
result of the risks that American soldiers face when they step onto the 
battlefield. He has the wonderful support of Cathy, his wife of 45 
years, daughter Tamra and six grandchildren who love him dearly. Like a 
true soldier, he is always thinking about the young Americans who are 
currently making sacrifices to defend the United States. At age 65, Al 
still talks about his desire to travel overseas to help our brave men 
and women as they courageously engage in combat.
  It is heroes like Al who make our country great. He is a man of great 
integrity, revered by his family, friends and community. I would like 
to take this moment to thank Al for his service, his sacrifice, and his 
steadfast devotion to the great state of New Mexico and the United 
States of America.

                          ____________________