[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 5]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 6932]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING THE SERVICE OF ERIC CROWNOVER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 6, 2014

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Eric Crownover, 
who served honorably as a Marine during the Iraq War. Eric's commitment 
and dedication to ensuring the safety of the American people deserves 
to be commended.
  Eric was born in Chowchilla and attended Chowchilla High School. In 
1997, he graduated and soon after enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps.
  After completing boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot, Eric 
completed the School of Infantry Training course and was designated as 
an infantryman. He qualified as Expert on the M-16 rifle and reported 
to Company F, 2nd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment at Camp Pendleton.
  Eric quickly advanced in rank and military proficiency. He completed 
the Machine Gunners Course and became involved in the USMC Mixed 
Martial Arts. Eric decided to re-enlist and remained in the 1st 
Marines.
  In January 2003, the 1st Marines were deployed to Iraq as part of 
Regimental Combat Team 1, a combined task force of 5,000 men. Eric and 
his fellow Marines fought their way from Kuwait to Baghdad, with 
actions at An Nasariyah, Al Kut, and Baghdad.
  After the fall of Baghdad, Eric and the regiment conducted security 
and stability operations in Baghdad and Al Hillah. He returned to Camp 
Pendleton in the summer of 2003, where he completed Martial Arts Grey 
Training. Later in 2003, Eric returned to Iraq for a second tour and 
was in combat in Fallujah and Ramadi.
  In addition to his service in Iraq, Eric also spent several months in 
Afghanistan fighting the Taliban and insurgent forces. He eventually 
returned to Camp Pendleton where he joined Golf Company, 2nd Battalion, 
5th Marine Regiment. He continued with the USMC Mixed Martial Arts and 
earned a brown belt.
  Eric became a CST instructor and was selected for the Sergeant's 
Course. After completing the course, he was promoted to sergeant. 
During his off-duty hours, Eric took courses in criminal justice at 
Saddleback College, Mission Viejo.
  In February 2006, Sergeant Eric L. Crownover received an honorable 
discharge from the United States Marines Corps. For his service, he was 
awarded the Combat Action Ribbon with one star, Presidential Unit 
Citation, the Good Conduct Medal with one star, the Iraq Campaign 
Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, 
Navy Achievement Medal, and Navy Meritorious Unit Commendation, Letter 
of Commendation, and Letter of Appreciation. He was also awarded the 
Expert Rifleman's Badge and a Brown Belt in Mixed Martial Arts.
  Eric has three children and lives in Merced, California. He is a Life 
Member of Veterans of Foreign Wars Chowchilla Post 9896.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Eric 
Crownover for his honorable service to our great nation and wishing him 
the best of luck and health in his future endeavors.

                          ____________________