Dianne Feinstein: “during the height of the war in Iraq, I came to the floor to honor those from California who had made the ultimate…”

“during the height of the war in Iraq, I came to the floor to honor those from California who had made the ultimate sacrifice. And I paid tribute to these service members who embody the very best of the American spirit, those willing to give their own lives so we and others around the world can enjoy the blessings of freedom. At least eight men with California connections have died in Iraq since May 1 due either to accident or hostile enemy fire. I strongly believe that they and the others from across our country must be awarded the same respect and admiration as any American, in any war, at any time in our history. SGT Atanasio Haro Marin Jr., 27, known as ``Nacho'' to his family, was born in Momax, Mexico, and lived there with his mother while his father worked in California to support seven children. The family was reunited in Los Angeles when he was 2 years old, moving to suburban Baldwin Park. He competed on the Sierra Vista High School track team and also ran in a Los Angeles marathon. Upon graduation, he joined the National Guard. When his tour of duty ended, he transferred to the Army. Sergeant Marin was assigned to Battery C, 3rd Battalion, 16th Field Artillery Regiment, and died on June 3, when his checkpoint south of Balad, Iraq, was attacked with gunfire and rocket-propelled grenades. He was 27 years old. He last saw his family during a January leave, 2 months before he left for the Middle East.”