[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 81 (Monday, June 14, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1101]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      PAYING TRIBUTE TO LANCE CORPORAL BENJAMIN RIGOBERTO GONZALEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 14, 2004

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker I rise to pay tribute to Lance Corporal 
Benjamin Rigoberto Gonzalez, U.S. Marine Corps, a member of the E 
Company, 2nd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, 
deployed from Camp Pendleton, California. Lance Corporal Gonzalez died 
as a result of wounds suffered while engaged in combat operations 
during Operation Iraqi Freedom on May 29, 2004.
  Lance Corporal Gonzalez was from my hometown of El Monte. He was born 
on April 25, 1981, in Montebello, California. He received a public 
school education and attended Monterey High School, where he played 
football and participated in the school's drama and music programs.
  For love of our country, Lance Corporal Gonzalez joined the U.S. 
Marine Corps at the tender age of 19 on October 10, 2000. He served the 
country with courage, pride and loyalty.
  Lance Corporal Gonzalez' future was bright and filled with promise. 
Upon his return, he planned to marry Anna Isabel Martinez, his fiancee, 
and start a family. Lance Corporal Gonzalez was an active youth leader 
at the Iglesia Cristiana del Este de Los Angeles. Lance Corporal 
Gonzalez's life and love is treasured and fondly remembered by 
countless friends and loved ones.
  Lance Corporal Benjamin Rigoberto Gonzalez is survived by his 
brothers: Samuel, Christopher, Andres, Josue, and sisters Betsy, 
Stephanie, Elizabeth, Juliana, Mia as well as his parents, aunts, 
uncles and cousins who were deeply touched by his kind heart and gentle 
strength.

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