[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 53 (Wednesday, April 27, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E798-E799]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      RECOGNIZING THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE OF THE CASTRO BROTHERS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DUNCAN HUNTER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 27, 2005

  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor eight 
brothers who have distinguished service records worthy of commendation. 
Although men in the same families have served side by side and 
generation after generation throughout our nation's history, few 
families can claim the level of service that is shared by the Castro 
family. Together, the Castro brothers' military service totals 172 
years, an average of nearly 22 years each.
  As Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, I want to thank 
the Castro brothers for their distinguished leadership, dedication and 
service to their country, community and fellow veterans. My fellow 
colleagues, I ask that you join me in recognizing: Master Sergeant Abe 
Castro, Sergeant First Class Carlos Castro, Sergeant Jose Castro, 
Sergeant Juan Castro, Sergeant Erasmo Castro, Captain Julio Castro, 
Master Sergeant Basilio Castro, and Sergeant Arthur Castro. While each 
of the Castro brothers served our nation with honor and distinction, I 
would like to pay particular attention to the service of Abe and Jose 
Castro. As a rifleman in World War II and Korea, Abe was wounded a 
total of five times, received four Purple Hearts, two Combat Infantry 
Badges, a Silver Star, a Bronze Star, and seven battle stars. His 
brother Jose, who served in the Korean War, was wounded 3 times in 
combat, and recommended for the Bronze and Silver Stars.
  During this time of conflict, patriotism runs high and many Americans 
ask what they can do for their country. The Castro brothers, like those 
on guard today, have made the bold and courageous decision to dedicate 
a part of their lives to making our nation and the world a safer place 
for all. They responded to our nation's call by voluntarily offering 
their service and contributing their very best.

[[Page E799]]

  In his first inaugural message as Governor of California, Ronald 
Reagan is quoted as saying, ``freedom is a fragile thing and is never 
more than one generation away from extinction. It is not ours by 
inheritance; it must be fought for and defended constantly by each 
generation, for it comes only once to a people. Those who have known 
freedom, and then lost it, have never known it again.'' We will 
continue to rely on individuals and families, like the Castros, that 
are willing to uphold the tradition of military service and put their 
nation before themselves.
  Family means many things to different people. To the Castro brothers, 
family means military service. It is a real pleasure for me--both 
professionally and personally--to recognize and pay tribute to these 
brothers and their distinguished service records.

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