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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E739]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
TRIBUTE TO PRIVATE FIRST CLASS BRYAN BALTIERRA, USMC
______
HON. KEN CALVERT
of california
in the house of representatives
Friday, August 7, 2020
Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to
a hero from my congressional district, U.S. Marine Corps Private First
Class (Pfc) Bryan Baltierra. Throughout the history of our republic we
have asked young men and women to voluntarily step forward to guard and
protect the freedoms we hold so dear. Pfc. Baltierra of Corona,
California, took that step forward and assumed the duties,
responsibilities, and sacrifices that are required of all Americans who
join the finest military in history. Today I ask that the House of
Representatives honor and remember this incredible young man who died
in service to our country.
Pfc. Baltierra was born September 18, 2001, to Carlos and Evelyn
Baltierra. As a child, he aspired to serve his country by joining the
military and after graduating from Centennial High School, Bryan
achieved his dream. On July 30, 2019, at the age of only 17, he was
sworn into the U.S. Marine Corps. After graduating from basic training,
Bryan was stationed at Camp Pendleton where he remained close to his
family and was able to visit with them. Bryan is described as someone
who radiated positivity, which you can clearly see from his bright
smile. He shared with his parents and sisters how he loved the
brotherhood that accompanied being a Marine and how he also came to
enjoy the rigorous training and fitness that was required of him.
On July 30, 2020, exactly one year after he was sworn into the Marine
Corps, Pfc. Baltierra boarded an amphibious assault vehicle for a
routine exercise in training for his upcoming September deployment. The
vehicle sank off the coast of San Clemente Island, resulting in the
death of Pfc. Baltierra, seven other marines, and a sailor.
As we look at the rich history of our country, we realize that this
history is comprised of men and women, just like Pfc. Baltierra, who so
bravely chose a life of military service. Each story is unique and
humbling for those of us who, far from the dangers they will be called
to face, live our lives in relative comfort and ease. Pfc. Baltierra is
survived by his father, Carlos, mother, Evelyn, and three sisters,
Natalie, Emily, and Sara.
While we send our deepest sympathies to his family, there are no
words that can express or alleviate the grief of losing a son and
brother. Pfc. Baltierra's parents and sisters have given a part of
themselves in the loss of Bryan. and I hope they know that their son
and brother, the goodness he brought to this world and the sacrifice he
has made, will always be remembered.
____________________
