On Tuesday, Representative Derrick Van Orden, 53, of Wisconsin announced his daughter’s departure to the public.

The press department of Van Orden issued a statement announcing the death of Sydney Marie Martenis, the congressman’s oldest daughter, after a yearlong battle with cancer.

“It is with the most profound sense of grief and joy that Sara Jane and I announce the passing of our oldest daughter, Sydney Marie (Van Orden) Martenis, after a year of battling a very aggressive form of cancer. She died peacefully surrounded by her family,” Van Orden, a former Navy Seal, stated.

“We are heartbroken that we cannot share her smile and laugh in person any longer but are so thankful that she is resting with our Lord and that we were able to spend these years with her and her family.”

The representative disseminated the news via official announcements posted on his website and social media platforms administered by his press office.

Sydney is survived by her grandmother Virginia Whitelock, spouse Chris, daughter Madelyn, sons Charlie and Roman, father and mother Derrick and Sara Jane, sister Abigail (Williams), brothers Theodore and Daniel, as well as numerous aunts, uncles, and cousins, according to the release.” “We appreciate all the kindness you have shown to our family. May God bless each of you.”

Chris Martenis, the deceased’s spouse, took to social media on the same day to share a brief eulogy for his late wife, in which he extolled her as a paragon of marital and maternal virtues.

“She was the hardest working, most thoughtful, and deeply caring person that I know. She was a wonderful mother – she was always surprising me with interesting and challenging experiences for our kids,” Martenis stated.

He further expressed, “She was a better partner and wife than I deserve – she made me a better person through her example in how to be a good friend, how to care for kids, and how to take part in a loving marriage. She was exemplary – she held herself to a standard that few, if any, could meet. The world is less bright without her here.”

Legislative colleagues extended condolences to Van Orden upon his passing.

“No parent should have to experience this kind of heartbreak. I’m praying for [Rep. Van Orden] and his family during this tragic time,” House Speaker Kevin McCarthy relayed.

Senator Tammy Baldwin of Wisconsin expressed, “I am so incredibly sorry for your loss, Representative Van Orden.” During this challenging time, my heart goes out to you and your loved ones who are grieving this loss, and I will keep you in my thoughts.

At age 18, Van Orden entered the Navy. According to his campaign website, he retired as a Navy SEAL senior chief after five combat deployments and multiple others to troubled regions around the globe.

Following the signature of the Dayton Peace Accords, his first combat deployment was to Bosnia and Herzegovina. During this time, he realized how genuinely exceptional and magnificent America is, and why She is not only worth emulating but also worth protecting.

Derrick’s military service continued with multiple combat deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq. In addition, he served in South and Central America, Asia, Europe, and the Horn of Africa.

During his 2012 mission in Europe under the Obama administration, he was in charge of planning Special Operations contingency operations for the European Continent.

This is where he learned that when the United States has ineffective leaders, the American people pay the price for this weakness. This led directly to the tragic deaths of his former colleague Ty Woods and fellow SEAL Glen Doherty during the terrorist attack on the Benghazi, Libya embassy annex.

Act of Valor was the film in which Derrick debuted as an actor during his military service. His acting career persisted, and he appeared in two more films. A Book of Man: A Navy SEAL’s Guide to the Lost Art of Manhood is also one of Derrick’s best-selling works.

More on this story via The Republic Brief:

After retirement, Derrick utilized his leadership skills in the private sector consulting with Fortune 500 companies until he and Sara retired to their farm. CONTINUE READING…