I hope that everyone was able to spend quality time this past weekend with family and loved ones, but in the midst of the barbeques and gatherings, I hope we all took the time to reflect on the true meaning of Memorial Day. This is a time to honor those who have fallen in battle and to recognize the high price paid for our freedom. We are reminded through stories, parades, and ceremonies of the many heroes within our own communities.
One of these heroes is Marine Sergeant Dietrich Schmieman. A bright scholar, standout athlete, and elite Marine Raider, Dietrich lost his life in 2017 in a military transport plane crash in Mississippi. He graduated from Hanford High School while simultaneously earning an Associate of Arts Degree from Columbia Basin College through the “Running Start” program. After enlisting in the Marine Corps in September 2010, he completed paratrooper training and qualified as an Arabic linguist. He also trained as a supply specialist and earned the rank of Honor Graduate of his class.
Sergeant Dietrich's first assignment was to the 3rd Marine Recon Battalion at Okinawa, where he participated in training deployments around the Pacific Rim. In 2014, he volunteered for and was accepted by the Marine Special Operations Command. After further intensive training, he was assigned to Marine Special Operations Team 8232 in the 2nd Marine Raider Battalion. Military operations are often dangerous, even when combat is not involved, and the promising career of this bright young Marine was cut short on July 10, 2017. He was a passenger aboard a Marine Corps KC-130T tanker that broke apart midair after a propeller failure, resulting in the loss of all on board.
During the 115th Congress, I was honored to sponsor H.R. 5504, which designated the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4801 West Van Giesen Street in West Richland, Washington, as the “Sergeant Dietrich Schmieman Post Office Building.” This post office will serve as a lasting tribute to his dedication and bravery, and it is a privilege to be able to memorialize him in a lasting way. However, Sergeant Dietrich Schmieman is only one of many Central Washingtonians who have lost their lives in duty to our great nation.
Part of my duty in Congress is ensuring those who served have the support they earned. My office makes it a top priority to assist our Central Washington veterans and help them receive the benefits they deserve, so if you or your family needs assistance with receiving VA benefits, lost service records, hard-earned war medals, or any other veterans-related issues, please reach out to one of my District offices.
This Memorial Day, remember the sacrifice our fallen soldiers have made and reaffirm our commitment to bettering the lives of those who served going forward. For it is their commitment that has and will continue to protect our way of life. The United States can remain the land of the free, only because of the brave.
