Mercer VA Clinic Would be Renamed in Honor of Michael A. Marzano

September 17, 2008

(Washington, D.C.)—Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed legislation introduced last year by Congressman Jason Altmire (PA-4) and Congressman Phil English (PA-3) to honor Marine Sergeant Michael A. Marzano’s dedication and service to the nation (H.R. 1594). Opened in 2006, the Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic in Hermitage, Pennsylvania would be renamed after Sgt. Marzano, who was killed in action on May 8, 2005. He was the first soldier from Mercer County, Pennsylvania to give his life in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

“By renaming this outpatient clinic, we will honor Sgt. Michael Marzano’s memory and recognize his bravery and sacrifice,” said Congressman Altmire. “Sgt. Marzano is representative of all who have worn the uniform proudly, upheld the military’s traditions of courage and faithful service, and once stood ready, if duty required it, to make the ultimate sacrifice.”

A native of Greenville, Pennsylvania, Marzano grew up with the dream of becoming a Marine. Upon graduating from Sharon high school, Marzano applied to the U.S. Marine Corps and was actually denied entry because of a knee injury he suffered during his senior year of high school. Determined to fulfill his dream, Marzano underwent surgery to correct the condition and continued to reapply to the U.S. Marine Corps until he was finally accepted four years later in 1999.
 
In December 2004, Marzano, now a Sergeant, reiterated his commitment to our nation by volunteering for a tour of duty in Iraq. Tragically, on May 8, 2005, after serving only 2 months in Iraq, 28-year-old Sgt. Marzano was killed by a suicide bomber while taking part in an offensive against insurgents in the city of Haditha, Al-Anbar Province, Iraq. Following the incident, which also claimed the lives of three other American servicemembers, Sgt. Marzano’s Commanding Officer recalled his leadership and bravery stating, “many more lives were saved due to [his] sacrifice.”

The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill today by a vote of 410 to 0 and it now moves to the Senate for consideration. To view Congressman Altmire’s floor statement in support of the bill, please click the following link.