[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 11 (Wednesday, January 26, 2011)] [House] [Page H504] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] TRIBUTE TO CORPORAL ERIC M. TORBERT, JR., U.S. MARINE CORPS, OF LANCASTER, PENNSYLVANIA The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Pitts) is recognized for 5 minutes. Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to remember and honor Corporal Eric M. Torbert, Jr., of Lancaster, Pennsylvania. On December 18, 2010, Eric was killed by an explosion while conducting combat operations in the Helmand Province of Afghanistan. In 2007, Eric displayed his willingness and enthusiasm to serve and defend his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps at Parris Island, South Carolina. He was then assigned to the 1st Combat Engineer Battalion, 1st Marine Division, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Pendleton, California. He deployed to Afghanistan in October in 2010. Eric understood what it means to live a life with purpose. He served a cause greater than himself. He served the cause of liberty. Eric gave his life to bring hope to all freedom-loving people as did many marines before him in the 1st Marine Division. Activated aboard the battleship Texas on February 1, 1941, the 1st Marine Division is the oldest, largest, and most decorated division in the United States Marine Corps with nine Presidential Unit Citations. Eric has joined this storied tradition of service and excellence. Before deploying to Afghanistan, Eric married Marcelle L. Sebastian on June 12, 2010. Marcelle supported Eric when he joined the Marine Corps in 2007 and throughout his entire career. Her steadfast care and sacrificial love for Eric and our Nation deserve our sincerest gratitude. {time} 1450 Eric was a leader. He was a caring husband, a friend, a son, a brother, and a devoted member of a local band. He leaves behind family and friends proud of his service and his distinguished career in the military. Eric earned a number of awards during his service in the Marine Corps, which demonstrates his commitment to our Nation and his professionalism as a marine. His personal service awards include the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon. May God grant to Eric's family the peace that surpasses all understanding. We grieve their loss. Our prayers and most heartfelt gratitude go out to them, and I offer them my deepest condolences. I am humbled by the dedicated service and sacrifice of their loved one. Eric's valor and service cost him his life, but his sacrifice will live on forever among the many dedicated heroes this Nation has called to defend freedom. He joins the revered ranks of the many thousands of men and women throughout American history who have given their lives to secure the freedom of the people of the United States of America and the freedom-loving people around the world. He is an inspiration to us all. Semper Fidelis. ____________________