Doc Hastings: “It is with profound sadness that I rise today with my colleagues who have helped organize this, particularly my…”

“It is with profound sadness that I rise today with my colleagues who have helped organize this, particularly my colleague Congressman Rutherford, to pay tribute to the servicemembers who tragically perished on December 5 during a training exercise off the coast of Japan: Lieutenant Colonel Kevin Herrmann of New Bern, North Carolina; Major James M. Brophy of Staatsburg, New York; Captain Jahmar Resilard of Miramar, Florida, who was raised in my district and whose mother I have spoken with; Staff Sergeant Maximo Flores of Surprise, Arizona; Corporal Daniel Baker of Tremont, Illinois; and, Corporal William Ross of Hendersonville, Tennessee. These decorated marines served our Nation with distinction. Listing their achievements does little to pay adequate tribute to their bravery, courage, and dedication to our country. On behalf of my colleagues, I express our heartfelt condolences to the families of these honorable servicemembers, their friends, and their colleagues in the United States Marine Corps. Our Nation grieves with you, and we pray that you find comfort during these extremely difficult times. Mr. Speaker, I request that the House of Representatives observe a moment of silence in memory of these American heroes. ____________________”