[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 83 (Wednesday, June 16, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1143]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                MOURNING THE LOSS OF SGT. GERARDO MORENO

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 16, 2004

  Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my deep sorrow for the 
loss of a young soldier from my district, Sgt. Gerardo Moreno, 23, of 
Terrell, Texas. Gerardo, who was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 5th 
Cavalry, 1st Cavalry Division based in Fort Hood, Texas, died on April 
6 in Ashula, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. He had been 
in Iraq since early January and was killed in a grenade attack.
  Gerardo graduated from Terrell High School in 1999 and enlisted in 
the Army after graduation. He was a dedicated soldier and an upstanding 
citizen of Terrell, Texas. In a show of support for the fallen soldier, 
the residents of Terrell lined Moore Ave. on the morning of his funeral 
to pay their respects. I am heartened to see the citizens of this great 
city, state, and nation come out in support of our dedicated soldiers.
  Gerardo was also a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife, 
Teresa Moreno of Terrell and their two children, Dominique and Marrisol 
Moreno. Mourning his death are also his mother, Sandra E. Iracheta, and 
her husband, Noe Iracheta; father, Gerardo Moreno; brother, Jose J. 
Moreno; step-sisters, Yara and Yadira Perez; grandmother, Rita Iracheta 
of Terrell; grandfather, Israel Iracheta of San Antonio, and other 
family members.
  Gerardo made the ultimate sacrifice for our nation, and we are all 
touched by his loss. By defending our freedoms and values, soldiers 
like Gerardo earn a special place in our hearts. Without their 
willingness to serve and put their lives on the line for our nation, 
America would not be the great country that it is today. We are all 
forever indebted to brave men and women like Gerardo.
  Mr. Speaker, as we adjourn today in the House of Representatives, let 
us do so by honoring Sgt. Gerardo Moreno and extending our deepest 
condolences to his family and friends. Like so many other young 
Americans serving and fighting overseas, Gerardo is a hero whose 
sacrifices ensure our continued freedom.

                          ____________________