Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Elizabeth Lodal, who is retiring after 40 years of service to Fairfax County Public Schools.

Mrs. Lodal, the principal of Thomas Jefferson High School for Science and Technology, studied math and physics at Rice University. She began her career as an english and history teacher; later, she was the principal of Joyce Kilmer Middle School and Langston Hughes Middle School. After her tenure in the middle school system, she served as the principal of McLean High School for 10 years. She will be retiring this August, which comes 6 years after she came out of retirement to lead Thomas Jefferson High School at the behest of Daniel Domenech, the former supervisor of Fairfax County Public Schools.

Mrs. Lodal has received numerous accolades, which are all testaments to her dedication to this community. In 1998, she received the Distinguished Alumni Award from her alma

mater, Rice University. In addition, she has received the McLean Chamber of Commerce President's Award as the Outstanding Chamber Member and she was awarded the Rabbi Richard Sternberger Social Justice Award for combating racism, bigotry and prejudice in Northern Virginia.

Mrs. Lodal is dedicated to all aspects of the county. She serves on the Board of Trustees of the Washington Opera and she is active in the American Boychoir School and Vinson Hall, a Navy, Marine, and Coast Guard retirement community. She lobbied for the renovation of McLean High School in the 1980s. She maintains a strong sense of duty to all students, as she will continue to fight for women's involvement in the math and sciences during her retirement.

Our students are our number one resource. Mrs. Lodal has dedicated her life to ensuring that they are given the opportunity to achieve success. Over the past 40 years in Fairfax County, she has made a lasting impact on thousands of students. She will continue her remarkable career by representing Virginia as a delegate to the Education Commission of the States.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding Elizabeth Lodal and congratulating her retirement after a distinguished career.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to any attempts to cut funding for the Andean Counterdrug Initiative. President Uribe's reelection to a historic second term reaffirms the Colombian people's commitment to his program of democratic security and the war on drugs. His popularity among Colombians illustrates how important the struggle against narcoterrorism is and it helps measure success over the last few years.

Under Uribe's leadership, Colombians finally have the courage to fight back against the FARC and the drug traffickers. And as the rest of the continent is moving away from the United States, Colombia remains our staunchest ally in South America. We need to reaffirm, not dismantle, our commitment to this program, to the people of Colombia, and to American citizens who want illegal drugs off their streets.

I have led several congressional delegations to Colombia during my time as chairman of the Government Reform Committee, and I can say firsthand that our significant investment is paying dividends. Together, with the strong commitments of the Uribe administration and historic levels of support from the Colombian people, U.S. involvement in Colombia is beginning to hit narcoterrorism where it hurts.

Mr. Chairman, how can we cut funding when we are seeing tremendous results in illegal crop eradication and record reductions in coca productions and the destruction of drug labs? Coca eradication through spraying have gone from 47,000 hectares the first year of Plan Colombia to 138,000 last year. As a result of ACI funding, we are seeing unprecedented levels of drug interdictions. Drug flow to the U.S. has dropped by 7 percent, making American streets safer for our youth. Progress like this would not be possible under the amendment.

The Colombian Government is reestablishing state presence in areas of the country that for decades have lacked it. All 1,098 Colombian municipalities now have a permanent presence thanks to President Uribe's fearless efforts. Criminals who have remained at bay for years are being captured and extradited to the U.S. for prosecution. Colombia has extradited over 300 Colombian citizens to the U.S. since August of 2002, mostly on narcotics-related charges. How can we justify pulling the plug on the ACI funding when we are seeing record numbers of extraditions to the U.S. of FARC and drug cartel members?

Over 30,000 paramilitaries have now been demobilized since President Uribe took office. Thousands of weapons and rounds of ammunition have been surrendered. The demobilization and reincorporation of illegal armed groups is part of a peace process that is providing stability to the entire Andean region. Colombians are finally beginning to feel safe and secure in their own country. Kidnappings are down by 51 percent and the murder rate has dropped to 13 percent.

Mr. Chairman, Plan Colombia is working. I have seen firsthand the devastation that drug production and trafficking has on Colombia. To those who question our investment, I would ask them to visit, as I have, Colombian soldiers who have lost their limbs or eyesight or sustained permanent disability in their battle to return peace to their nation and to keep drugs off American streets.

I would also ask them to visit Barrio Nelson Mandela, a USAID- sponsored facility for internally displaced people who have been forced from their homes by drug traffickers and guerrillas. This facility showed me how work on behalf of Colombia's millions of internally displaced people is offering suffering men, women, and children a second chance at a violence-free and productive life.

On a trip to Colombia last year, I accompanied the Colombian National Police to a manual eradication site in the Andean mountains and helped them pull the coca crop from the mountainous terrain that helicopters can't reach. These are dedicated people who literally risk their lives to destroy the drug trade and rid their country of drugs and violence.

My travels to Colombia have shown me just how critical U.S. assistance is to their government. With such promising results over the last 5 years, we have to sustain this momentum, not wipe it out. Of course obstacles remain. The progress is slower than we would like it to be. But now is not the time to turn our backs on this battle that is so intrinsically tied to the war on terrorism and the scourge of illegal drug use.

The Uribe administration, reelected with 62 percent of the vote last week, needs U.S. assistance to improve mobility, intelligence, and training. Make

no mistake, Colombia today is doing its share. Spending on security forces has increased under President Uribe and continues in his second term. We simply cannot afford for President Uribe to fail in this heroic effort to rid his country of the narcoterrorist threat, nor would Colombians understand such a step if this amendment prevails. Full funding of the Andean Counterdrug Initiative for FY 2007 is critical to sustaining our success in Colombia.

It is simple, Mr. Chairman. Now is not the time to turn our backs on the progress we are making against narcoterrorism in Colombia. We can't win this war on drugs and drug-supported terrorism without the proper tools and resources. And the message this sends to our allies would be devastating.

I ask my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the McGovern amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I rise to join my colleague from New York in expressing my extreme displeasure with the Department of Homeland Security's recent announcement regarding Urban Area Security Initiative grants.

The outcome of DHS's process defies common sense. I am hard pressed to understand how the National Capital Region, one of the regions deemed most at risk in the United States, should incur such a drastic reduction in funding. The nation's capital bears a disproportionate burden in terms of homeland security costs and ensuring public safety needs. This region was one of two targets on September 11; it was the target of anthrax attacks and sniper shootings.

To the best of my understanding, DHS's decision to reduce funding for the national capital area was based on the opinion that region's planning was inadequate. As of this date, I have not been briefed in detail on the process or criteria used to make this determination. This will be rectified when the Government Reform Committee holds a hearing on the subject on June 15th. For the time being, the entire evolution suggests unnecessary secrecy and an overemphasis on bureaucratic expertise.

The risk doesn't go away if a region is planning poorly; rather, the risk to the citizen increases. I truly hope DHS would take the necessary steps to remediate an inadequate plan for UASI funds--to offer a region the help it apparently needs. Cutting funding should not be the method to address any alleged planning deficiencies.

We have to protect the interests of the taxpayer, but we also have to protect the taxpayer. Much was made about the Department of Homeland Security's renewed emphasis on sending funds where the need was greatest. We're not getting off to a good start.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 763.

This resolution passed out of my committee with unanimous consent on May 4th and has support from Members on both sides of the aisle.

This resolution supports the goals and ideals of a national children and families day to encourage adults to support and listen to their children to help them achieve their hopes and dreams.

Being a parent is the toughest job an individual will ever have, but it is important to recognize that strong, healthy families improve the quality of life and the development of children.

In today's fast-paced society, and with so many demands placed on adults and children alike, it is important to take the time out and recognize the basic necessity of encouraging our Nation's youth as they are the future of this great Nation.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. Chairman, as you know, the Department of Homeland Security is currently in the process of consolidating its data center as part of its infrastructure transformation program.

The bill includes $41 million to establish services for a mirror data center to provide sufficient back-up and redundancy for the Department of Homeland Security data operations.

Mr. Chairman, I yield to my friend from Virginia who shares my concerns.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Amendment Offered by Mr. DeFazio

Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor the Paul VI Catholic High School's Girls Cross Country Team, who won the 2005 Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) Championship, the Virginia State Catholic Championship, and the Virginia Independent Schools (VIS) Cross Country Championship by defeating 40 other schools and their 230 long distance athletes.

The Paul VI Panthers, from Fairfax County, completed the 2005 season with the first triple

crown championship win in 11 years for the school. The Panthers won the WCAC with six of their seven allowed athletes in the top 20, won the Virginia State Catholic Championship with seven athletes in the top 12, and won the VIS with five of 10 allowed runners in the top 22.

Virginia Indepenent Schools Cross Country Association sponsors the highest level championship among all private schools in the Commonwealth. In the VIS Championship, the Panthers' top five runners completed the 3.2-mile course before 218 of the State's best female long distance runners.

Led by Head Coach Melanie Kiernan and assistants Keith Mitchell, Joe Gesker, and Mike Kiernan, the Panthers trained intensively throughout a dramatic and triumphant season.

I congratulate all the talented members of the Paul VI Girl Cross Country Team: senior Jen Scolese; juniors Kelsey Budd, Nichole Kauffmann, Michelle Kew, Caroline Manning, Rosie Loftus, Tessa Reed, and Lee Shine; sophomores Meg Clark, Mackenzie Singh, and Kate Still; and freshman Natalie Cowden.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to honor their championship, and to wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the opportunity to talk about the good work being done by the Virginia Science Museum at Belmont Bay in Prince William County.

The Belmont Bay Science Center accomplishes a large number of valuable services, including the long-term water quality monitoring program that promotes the environmental health of the Occoquan and Potomac Rivers. These, as we all know, flow into the Chesapeake Bay.

Specifically, this program monitors chemical and biological conditions in these rivers. While my colleague is from Arizona, I am sure he is aware of the dire environmental concerns that affect the Potomac and Chesapeake Bay, especially in terms of high levels of nitrogen stemming from sewage treatment plants and agricultural run- off. Thus, monitoring is a critical importance.

The center also serves to teach Northern Virginia residents about the Potomac and Occoquan Rivers, as well as the Chesapeake Bay, and the attending environmental issues.

As a co-chair of the Chesapeake Bay Task Force, I have joined with other concerned colleagues to work to restore health to the Bay and its tributaries. This request for the Virginia Science Museum is part and parcel of those efforts.

The Bay watershed includes Pennsylvania, Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. It is therefore an interstate--or federal-- concern.

I again thank my colleague for the opportunity to advertise the virtues of the Virginia Science Museum--virtues that would have otherwise been obscured by the stark black and white print of the committee report.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert Schwaninger, the 2006 Mason District Citizen of the Year.

Robert Schwaninger became involved in Mason District community activities in 2001 by joining with his neighbors to participate informally in local land use issues. Through his involvement, he found that shaping the future of Mason District was an ongoing process that required engaging citizens at various levels.

He continues to work with members of his community to spur greater community involvement and voter participation. He authored and sent thousands of letters to residents of Mason District in order to encourage their participation in community development, local services and public cooperation. During the past two elections, Mr. Schwaninger worked the polls in his precinct, providing support and information to voters.

In 2005, Robert Schwaninger accepted the position of Chairman of the Area Plan Review Task Force. In doing so, he took on the responsibility of providing a forum for citizens to offer input regarding future land development throughout the District. Mr. Schwaninger guided the APR Task Force in an efficient and open manner, allowing for the timely and fair completion of the task.

Also during that time, Robert Schwaninger offered his expertise in the area of telecommunications law to Mason District and Supervisor Gross on issues related to emergency communications interoperability in support of first responders, land use issues related to the construction of radio towers and broadband infrastructure as well as other matters that fall within his practice specialties. As a widely- published, and often-quoted authority in the telecommunications field, Robert Schwaninger's consulting services have been a valuable contribution to Mason District.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to express my gratitude to Robert Schwaninger for all of his efforts on behalf of Mason District. I call upon my colleagues to join me in applauding his selection as the 2006 Mason District Citizen of the Year.

Madam Speaker, I am honored today to speak today in support of H.R. 3682, a bill to rename the Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge after Elizabeth Hartwell.

For almost 20 years, Mrs. Hartwell spearheaded efforts to protect the Mason Neck area. Her efforts led to the establishment of the 2,300-acre Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge, the 1,800-acre Mason Neck State Park, and the 1,000-acre Pohick Bay Regional Park.

Mrs. Hartwell began her environmental crusade in February 1965 when she learned about a rezoning application in Fairfax County for the development of a satellite city of 20,000 people on the most ecologically sensitive area of Mason Neck. She decided to lead an effort to stop this development and to preserve Mason Neck habitat for the endangered American bald eagle.

During the ensuing weeks and months, she organized a watchdog group called the Conservation Committee For Mason Neck. She made films of the wildlife that thrived there to show other civic organizations around the region. Mrs. Hartwell even gave tours by boat along Mason Neck's waterways and enlisted the support of several environmental organizations at the local, regional, State, and Federal levels.

The Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1969 for the protection of nesting, feeding, and roosting habitat for bald eagles. It was the first Federal refuge established specifically for the then-endangered bald eagle. Today, there are multiple nests on the refuge and on neighboring public and private lands.

I am pleased to support the effort of several Mason Neck area homeowners associations to rename the Mason Neck National Wildlife Refuge in honor of Mrs. Hartwell, who passed away on December 14, 2000. She dedicated her life to nature and to helping the environment, and it would be a fitting tribute to rename the Mason Neck Refuge after the woman who fought so valiantly for its creation.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 788) supporting the goals and ideals of Peace Officers Memorial Day.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Madam Speaker, each day, law enforcement officers in this country face grave danger as they protect the rights and freedoms we enjoy as Americans. Their commitment and sacrifice make our streets safer, our neighborhoods stronger, and our families more secure.

May 15 is set aside each year to honor the service and sacrifice of America's law enforcement officers and their families. It also promotes increased public support for the law enforcement profession and helps to promote law enforcement safety. The more than 850,000 men and women who guard our communities do so at great risk. Each year, one in 15 officers is assaulted, one in 46 is injured, and one in 5,255 is killed in the line of duty.

After the hijacked planes hit the World Trade Center in New York City on 9/11, 72 peace officers died while trying to ensure their fellow citizens got to safety. That act of terrorism resulted in the highest number of peace officers killed in a single incident in the history of this country.

Just 8 days ago, the tragedy of an officer killed in the line of duty struck my community in Fairfax County. Police officer Vicky Armel was killed and two officers were wounded after a gunman opened fire with high-powered weapons in the parking lot of a Chantilly police station during a shift change. These tragic events shook the community, and the Fairfax police force, to the core.

It is important to recognize the sacrifices that these officers and their families make each day to ensure that we will have a safe environment in which to live, work, and raise our families. National Peace Officers Memorial Day will provide the people of the United States with an opportunity to honor the extraordinary service and sacrifice given year after year by our police forces.

The annual ceremony, which was held the evening of May 13, featured several contributions from police officers all over the country, including the singing of the National Anthem by Fairfax County, Virginia, police officer Laura Zambron. Following the ceremony, prominent law enforcement leaders, survivors, and law enforcement supporters read the names of the 466 fallen officers whose names were officially added to the memorial.

I urge all Members to come together to honor the dedication of these brave men and women, like Detective Armel, by adopting House Resolution 788.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my distinguished colleague, the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Hefley), the author of this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and urge Members to support the adoption of House Resolution 788.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 795, a resolution I introduced condemning the terrorist attacks in Dahab and northern Sinai in Egypt.

On April 24 and 26, 2006, a series of explosions at Dahab and in northern Sinai, Egypt, planned and carried out by terrorists, resulted in the deaths of scores of civilians and the injuries of many others.

Over the years, the relationship between the United States and Egypt has proven to be of critical importance to both countries. These relations have always been founded on mutual and deep understanding of each country's interests and role, both at the regional and international levels, in creating a world that is more safe and secure.

Like the United States, Egypt is a prime target of terrorism. President Sadat lost his life in 1981 as a price for signing the peace accords with Israel. Between 1990 and 1997, Egypt suffered from a series of terrorist attacks, mainly targeting the tourism sector that had long been the anchor of economic growth in the country.

Since September 11, Egypt has been a crucial ally to the United States in the global war on terror. Egypt, along with other Middle East allies such as Israel and Jordan, have paid a price for that too. Terrorist attacks rocked the Sinai Peninsula three times over 18 months. Moreover, last year, Egypt lost its Ambassador to Iraq.

The bloody attacks that took innocent lives in Dahab earlier this month indicate that terrorism does not discriminate by race, ethnicity, or region. Instead, terrorists target those seeking to live a peaceful and free life. We must hunt the terrorists down and bring them to justice. There is no other way

to respond to those so committed to the destruction of life. We must also stand with the Egyptian people in solidarity.

This resolution does just that, making it clear that Congress and the American people are behind them during this difficult period.

Mr. Speaker, let the House of Representatives speak in unison and with clarity on this issue: Terrorism has no place in this world and it will not be tolerated.

I want to thank my colleagues, Darrell Issa, Mr. Wexler and Ms. Ros- Lehtinen for their work on this resolution. It is only through their efforts that we were able to bring it to the floor so quickly. I also want to thank my colleague, Mr. McCotter, for managing this so well. In addition, I thank the leadership on both sides for allowing this bill on the floor today, and I urge an ``aye'' vote.

Mr. Chairman, I rise to offer this amendment to help States all across the Nation deal with the dynamic affects of BRAC can have on their local communities. In my district alone we will incur the single largest loss and gain in the most recent round of BRAC. We will have roughly 23,000 positions vacated out of DoD leased space in Arlington, Virginia and roughly the same number of jobs added to Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

While we give warm welcome to the additional jobs coming to Fort Belvoir we must ensure that we are able to continue to observe our smart growth principles. The transportation infrastructure in the vicinity of Fort Belvoir/Southern Alexandria sector is already overburdened and inadequate. It is important that DoD has a wide array of tools at its disposal in order to work with our local community to help absorb the affects of such a massive growth.

The Defense Access Road (DAR) program currently allows DoD to pay for road projects made necessary by DoD actions. My amendment would simply allow DoD to consider transit projects as part of the Defense Access Road program as well. It does not force DoD to enforce a blanket policy because I know each community has its own specific needs and a one size fits all is simply not appropriate. Some communities could use more roads and others could use buses.

Mr. Chairman, I know my district was not the only one effected by BRAC. My amendment is important to every State across the Nation that was affected by BRAC or any other DoD action that will significantly impact their local communities. I have already received a call from the North Carolina's Governor's office supporting this effort.

Mr. Chairman, in closing I would like to thank Chairman Hunter, Senator Warner, and Jim Moran for working with me to make this amendment a reality. I urge an ``aye'' vote.

Mr. Chairman, I rise to offer this amendment in an attempt to resolve deadlocked negotiations between the State of Virginia and the Army. For years now, the completion of the Fairfax County Parkway, a major parkway in my district, has been held hostage to complications with building through the Engineering Proving Ground. The Engineering Proving Ground was a former military airfield which has environmental concerns that are inherent of its history.

Empirical data has shown the Engineering Proving Ground is suitable for road construction. My amendment simply allows the State of Virginia and the Army the authority they need to negotiate a sensible and environmentally sound solution to complete the parkway. It allows the Army to enter into a special agreement with the State of Virginia. This agreement would authorize the State of Virginia to fund projects on the Engineering Proving Ground while allowing the Army to maintain control of the project.

I was Chairman of the Fairfax County Board back when we completed the largest section of the Fairfax County Parkway and was proud to see the road come to near completion. However, a number of years have gone by since and it is truly frustrating to all northern Virginians not to have the small portion of the parkway through the Engineering Proving Ground completed at this time.

In addition, due to the most recent round of BRAC, Northern Virginia will gain over 23,000 jobs in the Fort Belvoir area. This is equivalent to gaining four major bases--was the single largest BRAC addition in the country. Completing the Fairfax County Parkway is a critical step in setting the infrastructure we need to help assuage the welcome, but massive growth.

In closing I would like to thank Chairman Hunter, Senator Warner, and Jim Moran for working with me to make this amendment a reality. I urge an aye vote.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue as it celebrates its 40th anniversary.

Since its inception in 1966, the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue has achieved great success. Through a combination of career and volunteer workers, the department has provided high quality fire, medical, emergency, environmental, and support services.

In my experiences with the department, I have seen its unwavering dedication to the Prince William County community as well as its uniformed and civilian employees' strong values of unity, performance, and personalized delivery.

The department employees' dedication does not stop at Prince William County's borders. In the aftermath of September 11, 2001, they joined their colleagues from neighboring jurisdictions to provide continual service during that time of crisis. Additionally, I have been witness to their selfless commitment to safety and humanitarian efforts across the nation, such as during the recent Katrina disaster.

I am confident that the core principles, which Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue continually display, will allow the department to continue to excel in the years to come.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the men and women who serve in the Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue. Their efforts, made on behalf of the citizens of Prince William County, are selfless acts of heroism and truly merit our highest praise. I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding this group of remarkable citizens and congratulate their department's 40-year anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Mount Vernon Yacht Club on its 50th annual Commissioning Day.

The Mount Vernon Yacht Club was founded in 1956 to offer a variety of social and water-

based activities to family members who live in the Historic Mount Vernon area. The clubhouse and marina facility are located where Dogue Creek joins the Potomac River. The club hosts many official and unofficial social and service-oriented events throughout the year. In season, it supports an active swim team, a power fleet, and a sail fleet. The club actively contributes to the boating community by serving as the home base of two Coast Guard Auxiliary Power Squadrons. It hosts meetings of local Coast Guard, County Police and Emergency Responders for Homeland Security training and communications drills.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Mount Vernon Yacht Club on it's proud history of promoting safe boating, the sport of sailing, and camaraderie among members of the Mount Vernon Yacht Club through it's activities of organized club racing. On the occasion of this 50th annual Commissioning Day, I ask my colleagues to join me in acknowledging this outstanding and distinguished organization.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Marine Captain Brian Letendre, one of the true heroes of today's ongoing war against terrorism, and to recognize his service to our Nation.

Captain Letendre was born in California at Stanford University Hospital, but was raised all of his life in Woodbridge, VA. In 1996, Captain Letendre graduated from Potomac High School where he was an exceptional student and captain of the varsity soccer team.

Captain Letendre received his degree in Computer Science from Milligan College, where he met his future wife, Autumn Crane. Captain Letendre then attended Basic Officer School and the Infantry Officer's Course in Quantico, VA. After completing these schools, he and Autumn were married. Captain Letendre was then assigned to the First Battalion, Second Marine Regiment, Second Marine Division. He quickly embarked on a six-month deployment to Okinawa, Japan as an infantry platoon commander, and after returning to the United States briefly, was assigned to Guantanamo Bay, Cuba to provide security and guard the terrorist prisoners being held there.

Captain Letendre's battalion was then deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. His battalion fought their way north into Iraq after crossing the Kuwait border and were heavily engaged in combat, particularly at the infamous battle of An Nasiriyah during the early days of the liberation. Captain Letendre was decorated with the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a Combat ``V'' for valor, for his heroic actions during combat operations.

Captain Letendre's wife, Autumn, gave birth to their son Dillon the day before Captain Letendre crossed the line of departure into battle. A year after returning from combat, Captain Letendre was assigned to the Marine Forces Reserve's Inspector and Instructor Staff, 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division, Plainville, Connecticut. He was promoted to the rank of Captain on January 1, 2005.

After two years serving stateside, Captain Letendre bravely and selflessly volunteered to join a newly formed elite 11-man unit that was

designed to advise and instruct an Iraqi Battalion in combat operations. Tragically, on May 3, 2006, while conducting combat operations against enemy forces in the Al Anbar province of Iraq, Captain Letendre gave his last full measure for our Nation when he was killed in action by a suicide vehicle borne improvised explosive device. His valor and service cost him his life, but his sacrifice will have provided freedom from tyranny and oppression for many around the world.

Captain Letendre's hard work and perseverance contributed greatly to his unit's successes and placed him among many of the great heroes and citizens that have paid the ultimate price for their country. Throughout his career, Captain Letendre earned a series of awards that testify to the dedication and devotion he held for his fellow Marines, the Marine Corps, and his country. These awards include: the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with a Combat ``V''; the Purple Heart; the Combat Action Ribbon; the Army Achievement Medal; the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal; the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; the Iraqi Campaign Medal; the Presidential Unit Citation (Navy); the Joint Meritorious Unit Award; the National Defense Service Medal; the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon (3rd Award); the Navy Unit Commendation as well as the expert pistol badge and sharpshooter rifle badge. He was also a graduate of the Survival, Escape, Resistance, and Evasion (SERE) School and was a Green Belt Martial Arts Instructor.

Several times throughout his life, Captain Letendre could have chosen the easier or more comfortable path, but he didn't. He felt a call to something much greater than himself at an early age and followed his heart to where he felt he could help make this world a better place. Because of men like him, this world is safer and more stable, and that is why he is a true hero.

In an e-mail two days before his death, he wrote that he missed his wife and son dearly, but was proud to be over there serving the country. Captain Letendre was an exceptional Marine officer, but most importantly he was a wonderful and caring father, husband, brother, son, and friend to many. And that is how he will be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, I call upon my colleagues to remember in our minds and in our hearts the bravery and sacrifice of Captain Brian Letendre, as well as that of all the men and women of the armed services who honorably protect the American people.