[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 90 (Friday, June 25, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1282]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR FALLEN HEROES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DEVIN NUNES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 25, 2004

  Mr. NUNES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to pay 
tribute to three soldiers from the 21st Congressional District who gave 
their lives during combat in Iraq.
  It is for the greater good that they joined the military, serving 
their country with honor and distinction. These native sons of ours 
played an integral part in securing peace in Iraq and giving freedom to 
an oppressed people.
  They represent the best of our community and of our military. All 
three men grew up from humble means, working hard to achieve in school, 
sports, and work. They were of good moral character, quick to stand up 
for what is right and to defend those who needed it--friends and 
strangers alike.
  Army 1st Lt. Osbaldo Orozco, 26, of Earlimart died when his Bradley 
Fighting Vehicle rolled over as his unit rushed to help others under 
attack near Tikrit on April 25, 2003. Lt. Orozco was a true leader and 
role model for those around him. He excelled in everything he did--
school, sports, and life itself--inspiring those around him along the 
way.
  Army Sgt. Michael W. Mitchell, 25, who grew up in Porterville, was 
shot by a sniper April 4, 2004, in Iraq as he stood in the open hatch 
of a tank. He was a bright young man with tremendous determination who 
was gifted athletically and who excelled at being a soldier.
  Army Spc. Daniel Paul Unger, 19, was killed by shrapnel from a 
rocket-propelled grenade as he helped Iraqi civilians take cover during 
an attack May 24, 2004. He loved being a soldier. He also loved to 
share with others the love for God he kept in his heart. He was a 
compassionate young man whose ambition drove him to achieve in every 
arena in life.
  Theirs was a sacrifice we cannot repay. We will cherish their memory. 
We will point to their selfless example. We will aspire to their 
bravery, and we will carry on under the liberty they defended. May God 
bless their souls and the families they left behind.

                          ____________________