[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 59 (Friday, April 11, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E756]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO ARMY STAFF SERGEANT JERRY CORTINAS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 10, 2003

  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Army Staff 
Sergeant Jerry Cortinas, born in Brownsville, who was badly wounded in 
Afghanistan fighting for the cause of freedom from tyranny, and ridding 
that nation of the infestation of al Queda forces that hijacked it for 
their evil purposes.
  His uncle, Santiago Torres of Brownsville, says Jerry always wanted 
to do something important in his life. Now he has. He was already in 
National Guard at age 19 when he wanted to join the Customs Bureau like 
his uncle, but he was too young. So he just went and volunteered for 
the Army.
  Jerry is an excellent soldier, a fact apparent to those who fought 
with him and who have known him since he returned.
  He joined the Army's elite Special Forces and made his mark on the 
first defining war of the 21st Century with the Special Forces. After 
extensive training in the United States, he departed for Afghanistan.
  Jerry was in a terrible accident in Afghanistan. During a drill with 
RPGs, rocket propelled grenades, one of them exploded, killing one 
soldier and causing painful damage to Jerry's body. He lost one of his 
hands, and has had extensive facial damage.
  Jerry was in Walter Reed Army Hospital from December until February. 
He has since been transferred back to Ft. Bragg for rehabilitation. 
Like the good soldier he is, he wants to recover and remain in 
military.
  He is a good young man who cares for his country and believes his 
contribution is important to our Nation.
  I ask my colleagues to remember Jerry as he continues with his 
difficult struggle with a long rehabilitation. Please also remember his 
wife, Celina, and their two-year-old daughter, Dion, who are in 
Fayetteville, NC.

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