[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 47 (Tuesday, April 19, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E687]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING SPECIALIST MANUEL LOPEZ III

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NITA M. LOWEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 19, 2005

  Mrs. LOWEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Manuel Lopez 
III who gave his life in service to our country in Baghdad, Iraq.
  Manny, a graduate of North Rockland High School, was a dedicated 
friend, son, husband, father, and citizen. Throughout his life Manny 
assumed extraordinary responsibility and always handled it masterfully. 
With the passing of his father and 4-year-old brother, Manny became the 
rock on which his mother would lean at an early age. While still a 
young man, Manny would later assume the role of father and husband, 
providing a home for wife Kira, and their daughter, Isabella. It was 
for Kira and Isabella that Manny decided to enlist in the Army, hoping 
to provide them a better and safer future.
  Manny was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Regiment, 3rd 
Infantry Division, based in Fort Stewart, Georgia. In January of 2005, 
Manny and his unit were deployed to Iraq as part of Operation Iraqi 
Freedom. On April 1, 2005, Manny was recognized for promotion to 
Specialist. Less than two weeks later, Manny died when the military 
vehicle in which he was traveling was struck by a rocket propelled 
grenade.
  Only twenty years old, Manny was a true patriot who never stopped 
providing for his family or his country, and he paid the ultimate price 
for loyalty to both. Our nation is blessed to have dedicated, talented 
men and women like Manny Lopez fighting to protect us and others around 
the world.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Specialist 
Manuel Lopez III along with all of our nation's other fallen heroes.

                          ____________________