[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Pages 1769-1770]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


       Navy Special Warfare Operator First Class William Marston

  Ms. AYOTTE. Mr. President, I wish to honor the life of William 
``Blake'' Marston, a Navy SEAL from New Hampshire who was tragically 
killed in the line of duty.
  Blake Marston was an extraordinary man who served our Nation with 
honor, courage, and commitment. His decision to become a Navy SEAL and 
take risks in training and combat missions alike speaks to his love of 
country and his dedication to serving his fellow Americans. His 
ultimate sacrifice in the line of duty leaves all New Hampshire 
citizens in Blake's debt.
  Blake grew up in Bedford, NH, where he excelled as a student athlete 
and was known by his coaches for being a hard worker and dedicated team 
member. He loved baseball and was an alpine ski racer. It is clear that 
Blake was special from an early age. From his involvement in the church 
youth group, to his mentorship of young athletes, Blake was devoted to 
helping others.
  At Stonehill College, Blake majored in criminal justice and studio 
arts, and it was during his senior year that he decided that he wanted 
to become a Navy SEAL--a member of the most elite special forces unit. 
Blake's athleticism, leadership, and determination provided him with 
the physical and mental toughness he needed to endure one of the most 
grueling training experiences in the world in order to become a SEAL. 
And he succeeded.
  Blake's service to our Nation included two tours of duty in 
Afghanistan. He never let up on his desire to improve and be the best 
SEAL he could be. Just as he put in the time in his backyard with his 
dad honing his baseball skills, he also worked tirelessly at being the 
best that he could be as a defender of our country.
  Blake died training to conduct the kinds of missions that keep 
Americans safe. We owe our freedom and security to Blake and the men 
and women like him in our armed services.
  During the Celebration of Life service held in Blake's honor, his 
family, friends, and classmates described a young man who was kind, 
compassionate, thoughtful, and funny--a gentle giant, yet also a highly 
trained, elite warrior. In describing his devotion to his fellow SEALs, 
Blake once remarked to his father, ``You know, Dad, I can't possibly 
imagine being in any other profession where I have such respect and 
love for my teammates.''

[[Page 1770]]

  Blake will be laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, a hero 
surrounded by his brothers in arms.
  My thoughts and prayers are with Blake's parents Nancy and Bill, and 
sister Emily, who have lost a loving son and brother. May God bless 
Blake and his family.

                          ____________________