HONORING THE LIFE OF MARTIN OLONDRIZ TUASON

On 2026-01-13, Representative Darrell Issa (R-CA-48) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE OF MARTIN OLONDRIZ TUASON" in the House. The speech addressed gun policy and also covered trade policy.

HONORING THE LIFE OF MARTIN OLONDRIZ TUASON

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 9 (Tuesday, January 13, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 9 (Tuesday, January 13, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E35] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE OF MARTIN OLONDRIZ TUASON ______ HON. DARRELL ISSA of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, January 13, 2026 Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in both tribute and sorrow for the life and loss of an outstanding man, an extraordinary innovator, and a great friend. We lost Martin Olondriz Tuason late last year, and the news is as difficult to fathom today as it was then and every day since. He was larger than life and a person of boundless energy, but those who had the privilege to spend time with him out of the spotlight saw the rest of Martin: his warm smile, compassionate heart, unwavering kindness, and indefatigable spirit. He commanded the heights of his business and was a trusted advisor to government leaders around the world, yet he was available, accessible, and the easiest man to talk to. As consuming as his career was--as President and CEO of Armscor/Rock Island Armory--he made everyone else his priority. Martin was a singular force but also a loyal teammate, an enterprise leader but also an industrywide advocate, a decisive decision-maker but also a patient consensus builder. He had an unwavering belief in doing things the right way, and he kept faith with more than a century of his family's history and legacy by protecting the values of his father and grandfather: respect, integrity, craftsmanship, and service. These are the hallmarks that made his company the largest privately owned firearms and ammunition manufacturing company in Southeast Asia with exports to more than 60 countries, including the United States and Australia, as well as nations in Europe, South America, and Southeast Asia. But Martin's most proud role--as he would unhesitatingly tell everyone--was not in the C-suite, but as a loving husband to Tammy and a fiercely devoted father to Nate, Olivia, James--and as so many have shared--a father figure to many more. Outside of his family he left an indelible mark on every life that he touched--and for one man, he managed to touch so many lives around the world. Those who knew Martin best have shared what was best about him: he carried his charge willingly, graciously, and without complaining--out of duty and love in his big heart. He truly cared for others. He was smart, fearless, gentle, and kind. There is a void to fill in our world, and that is the challenge for the friends of Martin Tuason: those of us who knew him, who admired him, and who will always miss him. ____________________