Hinojosa Statement on the Death of US Army National Guardsman Tomas Garces of Weslaco

Hinojosa Statement on the Death of US Army National Guardsman Tomas Garces of Weslaco

September 8, 2004 -

Congressman Rubén Hinojosa (TX-15) today issued the following statement on the death of United States Army National Guardsman Tomás Garces, 19, in Iraq. Garces died September 6 in Baghdad, Iraq when his convoy was attacked by enemy forces using an improvised explosive device. Garces was assigned to the National Guard's 1836th Transportation Company from Fort Bliss, TX. His family resides in Weslaco, TX where Tomás attended Weslaco High School.

"This past weekend, the Valley lost another of its soldiers while bravely serving his country during Operation Iraqi Freedom. At just 19 years of age, Tomás' loyalty to the cause of freedom was steadfast and clear. A 2003 graduate of Weslaco High School, Tomás was a champion wrestler, and took his lessons from the mat with him to the Guard. In July, he had been recommended for a Bronze Star for his actions during an ambush.

"These brave troops in our nation's military are working every day to guarantee the safety, security and freedom for Americans and Iraqis, and Tomás was no exception. My thoughts and prayers are with his parents, Rafael and Sonia, his brothers and sister, and his entire family at this difficult time.

"As we all learned this week, 1,000 U.S. men and women have lost their lives during Operation Iraqi Freedom, and each, including Tomás, should be remembered for their courage and valor."

Garces is the 10th soldier from the Valley to die in the line of duty in Iraq since the conflict began. In July, he had been recommended for a Bronze Star for actions taken during an ambush.