[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 105 (Wednesday, September 8, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1539]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       COMMENDING ARMY RESERVE PRIVATE FIRST CLASS LUIS A. PEREZ

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, September 7, 2004

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and respect that I 
wish to commend Army Reserve Private First Class Luis A. Perez for his 
bravery in the field of battle and his willingness to fight for his 
country. Private Perez was assigned to the 223rd Transportation 
Company, United States Army Reserve, Norristown, Pennsylvania. Private 
First Class Perez lost his life on Thursday, August 26, 2004, in 
Fallujah, Iraq, when the fuel truck he was driving hit a land mine 
causing a deadly explosion. His sacrifice will be remembered by a 
community that has been struck hard by the devastating loss of one of 
its own.
  A native of East Chicago, Indiana, Private Luis Perez attended Morton 
High School in Hammond for two years, but graduated from a high school 
in New York where he had gone to live with his father after his parents 
divorced. He enjoyed playing video games, basketball and he also liked 
to write poetry. All Private Perez ever wanted was to grow up and be a 
soldier like his father. After graduating from high school, he enlisted 
in the United States Army and two weeks later he was off for training.
  It came as no surprise to those who knew Private Perez that he would 
serve his country. Growing up, he traveled with his parents and two 
younger sisters all over the world, living in Hawaii and Germany. A 
true patriot, his love for his country was evident from the time that 
he was a child. At a young age he told imaginative tales of what his 
life would be like, he said he wanted to be a green man and continue 
traveling the world. Relatives urged Private Perez to enroll in 
college, but he wanted to be a hero like his father, Sergeant Jose 
Perez, a 20-year veteran of the United States Army. Private Perez felt 
tremendous pride for his country, and he was willing to endanger his 
own life to protect the lives of his fellow citizens. His courage and 
heroism will always be remembered, and his sacrifice will forever live 
in the hearts and minds of those for whom he battled. He gave his life 
so that the freedoms and values that he treasured could be enjoyed by 
those around the world.
  Although he loved his unit and his country, Private Perez treasured 
his family above all else. He is survived by his wife, Theresa, his 
father, Sergeant Jose Perez, his mother, Lisa Perez, two sisters, and 
his grandmother, Clara Madrigal.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in honoring a fallen hero, United States Army 
Reserve Private First Class Luis A Perez. He will forever remain a hero 
in the eyes of his family, his community, and his country. Let us never 
forget the sacrifice he made to preserve the ideals of freedom and 
democracy.

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