Honoring Our Fallen Heroes
HONORING OUR FALLEN HEROES -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 25, 2004)
SPEECH OF
HON. DEVIN NUNES
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FRIDAY, JUNE 25, 2004
Mr. NUNES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to pay tribute to three soldiers from the 21st Congressional District who gave their lives during combat in Iraq.
It is for the greater good that they joined the military, serving their country with honor and distinction. These native sons of ours played an integral part in securing peace in Iraq and giving freedom to an oppressed people.
They represent the best of our community and of our military. All three men grew up from humble means, working hard to achieve in school, sports, and work. They were of good moral character, quick to stand up for what is right and to defend those who needed it-friends and strangers alike.
Army 1st Lt. Osbaldo Orozco, 26, of Earlimart died when his Bradley Fighting Vehicle rolled over as his unit rushed to help others under attack near Tikrit on April 25, 2003. Lt. Orozco was a true leader and role model for those around him. He excelled in everything he did-school, sports, and life itself-inspiring those around him along the way.
Army Sgt. Michael W. Mitchell, 25, who grew up in Porterville, was shot by a sniper April 4, 2004, in Iraq as he stood in the open hatch of a tank. He was a bright young man with tremendous determination who was gifted athletically and who excelled at being a soldier.
Army Spc. Daniel Paul Unger, 19, was killed by shrapnel from a rocket-propelled grenade as he helped Iraqi civilians take cover during an attack May 24, 2004. He loved being a soldier. He also loved to share with others the love for God he kept in his heart. He was a compassionate young man whose ambition drove him to achieve in every arena in life.
Theirs was a sacrifice we cannot repay. We will cherish their memory. We will point to their selfless example. We will aspire to their bravery, and we will carry on under the liberty they defended. May God bless their souls and the families they left behind.