Christopher Shays: “Madam Speaker, today we honor the life of Marine Corps Master Sergeant Kenneth Mack, a soldier who strongly believed in…”

“Madam Speaker, today we honor the life of Marine Corps Master Sergeant Kenneth Mack, a soldier who strongly believed in the fight for freedom and was a true American hero. In 1982, shortly after graduating from Southwest High School, Master Sergeant Mack joined the Marines, where he served honorably for 23 years. Master Sergeant Mack was a Postal Service mechanic and Master Sergeant in the Marine Reserve assigned to the Second Marine Expeditionary Force out of Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. In March of last year, this dedicated soldier was called to duty in Iraq for the second time and once again had to leave his family to serve his country. On the morning of May 5th of that year, a roadside bomb struck Master Sergeant Mack's vehicle in Al Anbar Province, Iraq. In a flash, an outstanding 23-year Marine Corps career was over and he was killed. A passionate family man, Sergeant Mack's wife remembers him as a person who put his family first and made sure the family participated in many activities together. His primary goal in life was to be a mentor for his children and to all children, according to his wife. He leaves behind his wife, mother and two children. I might just add, obviously he put his country first, too.”