[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 81 (Monday, June 14, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1102]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           IN MEMORY OF SGT. 1ST CLASS TROY ``LEON'' MIRANDA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. MIKE ROSS

                              of arkansas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 14, 2004

  Mr. ROSS. Mr. Speaker I rise today to honor Sgt. First Class Troy 
``Leon'' Miranda, who died on May 20, 2004, in Iraq. Leon was 44 years 
old and of Wickes, AR, part of my Congressional District. I wish to 
recognize his life and achievements.
  Those who knew Leon well say he was destined to be a soldier from an 
early age. He signed on with the Army Reserve in 1984. In Iraq, a staff 
sergeant in the National Guard, he served as a commander of his unit, 
specializing in combat warfare, germ warfare, and chemical warfare. 
Leon was deployed last October in large part due to his specialized 
training.
  The Miranda family received a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, and Arkansas 
Distinguished Service Medal on Leon's behalf. Leon lost his life while 
making the ultimate sacrifice to serve our country, and I will be 
forever grateful to him for his courageous spirit.
  Leon gave his life to serve our country and will forever be 
remembered as a brother, son, hero, and friend. My deepest condolences 
go out to his parents, Bobby and Carlos, and his brother, Phillip. I 
know Leon was proud of his service to the U.S. Army and to our country. 
He will be missed by his family, fellow soldiers, and all those who 
knew him well.

                          ____________________