Jeff Fortenberry: “He was called ``a young man of integrity and respect,'' ``a great marine who loved the Marine Corps,'' ``a loving…”

“He was called ``a young man of integrity and respect,'' ``a great marine who loved the Marine Corps,'' ``a loving husband and father.'' This is how the late Staff Sergeant Michael A. Bock was remembered by those who knew him. Staff Sergeant Bock was conducting combat operations in the Helmand province in Afghanistan when his patrol came under fire. He died from those injuries on August 13. He had served four deployments in both Iraq and Afghanistan and was awarded the Purple Heart, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and the Combat Action Ribbon. He was raised in Springfield, Nebraska, and attended Elkhorn's Mount Michael High School, where he met his future wife, Tiffany. Tiffany and Michael also had a 3-year-old son, Zander. Zander's birth, Michael said, was the happiest moment of his life. While in Afghanistan, he watched online as his son blew out three birthday candles; and for Valentine's Day, he recorded a message and sent it to his young son. Now I'm certain that Zander will always carry his father's voice in his heart. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful Nation, I offer my condolences to the Bock family. May God bless Staff Sergeant Bock and grant eternal life unto him.”