Vela and Gonzalez Issue Statements Following the Deadly Collision of the USS Fitzgerald

Statement

Today, Representatives Filemon Vela (D-Brownsville) and Vicente Gonzalez (D-McAllen) released the following statements following the discovery of the bodies of the seven missing sailors from the USS Fitzgerald:

"As we grieve the loss of the sailors who committed their lives to protecting and serving our country, I am particularly saddened to learn that one of the sailors found was a South Texas native, Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Noe Hernandez of Weslaco," said Rep. Vela. "My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of all the brave sailors of the USS Fitzgerald and with the entire United States Navy during this extremely difficult time. The defense of our democratic values rests on the shoulders of the men and women of our armed forces. Because these brave individuals are willing to risk their lives in service to their country, Americans enjoy security and freedom."

"I am deeply saddened by the death of Weslaco native, Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Noe Hernandez," Congressman Gonzalez said. "I want to offer my sincerest condolences to Noe's family, crew mates, loved ones, and friends as we mourn the loss of a dedicated and selfless young man who represented the very best that the Rio Grande Valley has to offer. As we remember Noe and the six other sailors lost in the accident aboard the U.S.S Fitzgerald, let us not forget the sacrifices that our men and women in uniform make every day to serve our country."

Source