Remarks Honoring the Memoriy of SSGT Matthew Ingham, USMC

Mr. Speaker:

Last Friday, I attended the funeral service of a constituent, Staff Sergeant Matthew N. Ingham, United State Marine Corps, who was killed in action in southern Afghanistan on Jan. 11, 2010.
I rise today to recognize his life and his extraordinary service and sacrifice for our country.

Matthews parents, Gary and Tammi Ingham of Altoona, PA and his wife, Yasmin Ingham, mourn the loss of a remarkable young man. They are in my thoughts and prayers and I pass on my most sincere condolences.

Staff Sergeant Ingham was awarded the Bronze Star with Valor for the heroic actions that ultimately led to his death.

He was responsible for saving the lives of 9 Marines by crawling to a radio to call in air support after his unit was ambushed. Although apparently wounded, Staff Sergeant Ingham exposed himself to more enemy fire and put the lives of his fellow Marines above his own.

Staff Sergeant Ingham was a 2002 Altoona High School graduate. He enlisted in the Marine Corps in July 2002 and was promoted to staff sergeant in April. He had served two tours in Iraq and went to Afghanistan in the fall as part of a reconnaissance outfit assigned to 3rd Marine Division, in Okinawa, Japan.

The 9th District of Pennsylvania and our entire nation owes a debt of gratitude to Staff Sergeant Matthew N. Ingham and all those who have sacrificed their lives in the pursuit of freedom.

I yield back the balance of my time.

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[runforrester]

Thank you for your kind comments. Matthew was my second cousin and was assigned to my brother's unit.

[UFCextra]

wow saved the lives of 9 marines

honor this man and celebrate his life...

for we should thank god men like him existed

thoughts and prayers are with you and your family...

-with much love and respect

-SF,CA

[TheReconmom]

Heartfelt condolences to Matthew's family and fellow 3rd Recon Brothers. God bless this hero and grant him peace; and

give him his Place Of Honor in The Holy Guard.

Semper Fi, SSgt Ingham.