Sestak Honors Local Fallen Soldier at Memorial Dedication
Congressman Joe Sestak (PA-07) joined with officials and residents of Lower Providence Township, Montgomery County in dedicating a memorial marker at Redtail Park honoring one of their own, Staff Sergeant Marc J. Small, a member of the United States Army. On February 12, 2009 Marc was killed in action while fighting Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan.
“Staff Sergeant Small is a true American hero who fought for those who desire nothing more than to live in peace and freedom,” said Congressman Sestak. “Going above and beyond the call of duty, not only did he care for his fellow comrades in arms but also worked to improve the lives of those living in the Afghan community in which he served.”
Staff Sergeant Small, 29, was a Special Forces Operational Detachment-Alpha team medical sergeant assigned to Company A, the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne) out of Fort Bragg, N.C.
Shortly after learning of Staff Sergeant Small’s death, Congressman Sestak read a statement into the Congressional Record in his honor vowing never to forget his service or sacrifice. Later, he visited with SSG Small’s family to express his condolences, present them with copies of the Congressional Record Entry, and to thank them for their son’s service and ultimate sacrifice in service to our grateful nation.
Growing up, Marc J. Small, described by family and friends as an avid soccer player, played for Methacton United Soccer Club and Methacton High School. Today’s dedication ceremony was held in conjunction with the inaugural Marc J. Small Memorial Tournament, cosponsored by Methacton United Soccer Club and Lower Providence Township to honor Marc’s memory. Proceeds from the tournament will fund two Marc J. Small Scholarships to be awarded annually to a male and a female senior from the Methacton High School soccer teams who, like Marc, grew up playing for Methacton United Soccer Club.
“Nothing can bring Staff Sergeant Small back,” noted Congressman Sestak. “However, by keeping his memory alive in ways that change the lives of others, we will ensure that his noble sacrifice for our great nation was not in vain and will never be forgotten.”
Born and raised in Delaware County, former 3-star Admiral Joe Sestak served in the Navy for 31 years and now serves as the Representative from the 7th District of Pennsylvania. He led a series of operational commands at sea, including as Commander of an aircraft carrier battle group of 30 U.S. and allied ships with over 15,000 sailors and 100 aircraft that conducted operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. After 9/11, the Congressman was the first Director of “Deep Blue,” the Navy’s anti-terrorism unit that established strategic and operations policies for the “Global War on Terrorism.” He served as President Clinton’s Director for Defense Policy at the National Security Council in the White House, and holds a Ph.D. in Political Economy and Government from Harvard University. According to the office of the House Historian, the Congressman is the highest-ranking former military officer ever elected to the U.S. Congress.
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