Mourning The Loss of Sgt. Gerardo Moreno
Mourning The Loss of Sgt. Gerardo Moreno -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 16, 2004)
SPEECH OF
HON. RALPH M. HALL
OF TEXAS
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, JUNE 16, 2004
Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep sorrow for the loss of a young soldier from my district, Sgt. Gerardo Moreno, 23, of Terrell, Texas. Gerardo, who was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division based in Fort Hood, Texas, died on April 6 in Ashula, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He had been in Iraq since early January and was killed in a grenade attack.
Gerardo graduated from Terrell High School in 1999 and enlisted in the Army after graduation. He was a dedicated soldier and an upstanding citizen of Terrell, Texas. In a show of support for the fallen soldier, the residents of Terrell lined Moore Ave. on the morning of his funeral to pay their respects. I am heartened to see the citizens of this great city, state, and nation come out in support of our dedicated soldiers.
Gerardo was also a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife, Teresa Moreno of Terrell and their two children, Dominique and Marrisol Moreno. Mourning his death are also his mother, Sandra E. Iracheta, and her husband, Noe Iracheta; father, Gerardo Moreno; brother, Jose J. Moreno; step-sisters, Yara and Yadira Perez; grandmother, Rita Iracheta of Terrell; grandfather, Israel Iracheta of San Antonio, and other family members.
Gerardo made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, and we are all touched by his loss. By defending our freedoms and values, soldiers like Gerardo earn a special place in our hearts. Without their willingness to serve and put their lives on the line for our nation, America would not be the great country that it is today. We are all forever indebted to brave men and women like Gerardo.
Mr. Speaker, as we adjourn today in the House of Representatives, let us do so by honoring Sgt. Gerardo Moreno and extending our deepest condolences to his family and friends. Like so many other young Americans serving and fighting overseas, Gerardo is a hero whose sacrifices ensure our continued freedom.