[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 100 (Thursday, July 27, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1358]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE IN APPRECIATION OF DANIEL ZARAZUA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 27, 2000

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, today I congratulate Chief Master Sergeant 
Daniel Zarazua on his retirement from the Air Force and in appreciation 
for the many years of dedicated service that he has given to his 
family, his community, and his country.
  Born August 5, 1952, Daniel Zarazua has lead a heroic and 
inspirational life. He joined the United States Air Force in 1970, and 
after completing basic training and technical school, he graduated as a 
Medical Service Specialist at Sheppard Air Force Base in Texas. He has 
served all over the world, including assignments in Taiwan, the 
Philippines, Italy, and Korea, and rose from the rank of Airman to 
Chief Master Sergeant in less than 20 years. He has received the 
Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, and the 
Air Force Achievement Medal, among other decorations during his 
distinguished career.
  But Daniel Zarazua has always been more than just a soldier. He has 
always been a dedicated family man. Ask his mother Lila, a truly 
remarkable woman in her own right, and she will tell you that her son, 
Dan, called her nearly every single Monday throughout his military 
career. And with a wife and two children of his own, seven natural 
siblings, nine step-siblings, he has had opportunities to be a husband, 
a father, a big brother, a little brother, and an uncle.
  Throughout American history, there are stories of great heroism, 
tremendous sacrifice, and epic courage. America is safe and free 
because generations of men and women willingly endured the hardships 
and sacrifices required to preserve our liberty. They answered the call 
and were there to fight for the nation, so that all of us could enjoy 
the freedoms we hold so dearly. America is truly the land of the free 
and home of the brave because of men like Daniel Zarazua who were 
willing to risk their life at the altar of freedom.
  It was General George Patton who said ``Wars may be fought with 
weapons, but they are won by soldiers. It is the spirit of the soldier 
who follows and of the soldier who leads that gains the victory.'' Mr. 
Speaker, Daniel Zarazua has always been a ``soldier who leads'', and I 
ask all of my colleagues to join me in honoring him for his unending 
dedication to his family, his community, and his country. I could go on 
and on about Daniel's patriotism, but I wanted to recognize him for all 
that he has done, and wish him well in the days ahead, days that will 
be filled with all the good fruits of a well-deserved retirement. I 
know that he will spend even more time with his mother, his wife Sue, 
and his two children, Dan and Monica. Daniel Zarazua has lived a truly 
incredible life, and he serves as a role model and an inspiration to 
everyone who has had the pleasure to know him.

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