Recognizing Dr. Matthew Martin As Constituent of the Month

Floor Speech

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Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Dr. Matthew Martin, a local Army veteran and trauma surgeon at Scripps Mercy Hospital, as my Constituent of the Month for May. The novel coronavirus has swept through our country, leaving devastation in its path and particularly hitting the residents of New York City. When a colleague reached out asking for more hands on deck at the Jacobi Medical Center in New York City, Dr. Martin did not hesitate to volunteer.

After five deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan, Dr. Martin certainly recognizes the call to serve. Upon arriving to the front lines of America's coronavirus epicenter, the former Army doctor saw a New York City hospital that was overwhelmed and overrun. Every day, Dr. Martin and his new team risked their own health to treat others, even as the virus claimed the lives of fellow healthcare workers.

Despite the hardship he confronted daily, Dr. Martin found inspiration in the resolve and resilience of his new colleagues and did not lose sight of the battle. Since returning to San Diego, Dr. Martin brought back with him the determination he saw in his New York colleagues and a goal to ensure our community never experiences the level of devastation he found during his time at the Jacobi Medical Center.

I launched a Constituent of the Month program to recognize individuals who have gone above and beyond to make our region and our country a stronger place for everyone to live and thrive. As our nation faces this unprecedented health crisis, there are countless first responders and essential workers in California's 49th district who deserve our gratitude and recognition. Today, I am proud to recognize Dr. Martin as well as the courageous team at the Jacobi Medical Team, whose selflessness to join the fight in saving lives is inspiring. I am honored to recognize Dr. Matthew Martin as my Constituent of the Month, and I thank him not only for his service to our country, but also for joining the fight to combat this global pandemic.

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