[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 106 (Thursday, July 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1496-E1497]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JOSE F. GONZALEZ-RODRIGUEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GRACE F. NAPOLITANO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 16, 2003

  Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, it is with immense pride and profound 
sadness in my heart that I rise today to honor Private First Class Jose 
F. Gonzalez-Rodriguez, a 19-year-old U.S. marine from Norwalk, 
California, who was killed on May 12, 2003, while serving our nation in 
Iraq. Private Gonzalez-Rodriguez made the ultimate sacrifice for our 
great country, and for this I am deeply grateful. I offer my sincerest 
condolences to the family members, friends and loved ones that Private 
Gonzalez-Rodriguez left behind and trust that they take comfort in 
knowing the extraordinary service that Private Gonzalez-Rodriguez 
provided for us all.
  Private Gonzalez-Rodriguez was born in Mexico and graduated from John 
Glenn High School in Norwalk, California in 2001. During his high 
school academic career, he was an honor student and maintained a 3.4 
grade point average. While he placed great value upon his studies, he 
was also a well-rounded student who played third base for the John 
Glenn Eagles baseball team, never missing a practice or game and always 
wearing his cap. Teachers and fellow classmates will always remember 
his dedication to his family, his academics and his team, as well as 
his tremendous school spirit.
  In addition to being a talented athlete and student, Gonzalez-
Rodriguez was very well liked by his peers and led an active social 
life. He rarely missed a school event and was

[[Page E1497]]

often the first person out on the dance floor at school dances. 
Although he initially seemed to be a very shy, quiet young man, those 
who knew him spoke highly of his sense of humor. He was famous for the 
humorous pranks he would play on his baseball teammates.
  Private Gonzalez-Rodriguez joined the Marines on August 8, 2001, just 
months after his high school graduation. He was assigned to the First 
Supply Battalion, First Force Service Support Group, based in Camp 
Pendleton. He was sent to Iraq and died in a tragic incident when an 
ordnance he was handling unexpectedly exploded.
  Private First Class Jose F. Gonzalez-Rodriguez was a true patriot and 
exceptional American who will be greatly missed. His loved ones are in 
my prayers.

                          ____________________