[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 110 (Wednesday, September 7, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1776]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE OF PFC RAMON A. VILLATORO, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 7, 2005

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life 
of Private First Class Ramon A. Villatoro, Jr., who lost his life 
supporting Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  Mr. Villatoro, 19, joined the United States Army on July 24, 2004. He 
attended Basic Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Knox, 
Kentucky. Shortly thereafter, he reported to his first assignment at 
the Replacement Detachment. Within a few days, Mr. Villatoro's 
leadership and dedication was recognized and he was assigned to the K 
Troop, 3rd Squadron, and 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment on January 7, 
2005. Mr. Villatoro was committed to his role in his Primary Military 
Occupational Specialty, as a 19D, Cavalry Scout.
  Mr. Villatoro was deployed to protect our country in Operation Iraqi 
Freedom on March 3, 2005. Prior to leaving on his envoy to Iraq, Mr. 
Villatoro was promoted to Private First Class (PFC). Unfortunately, Mr. 
Villatoro's tour in Iraq ended when an improvised explosive device 
detonated near his military vehicle on July 24, 2005.
  Mr. Villatoro's strength of character and valor earned him well-
deserved recognition, including: Army Good Conduct Medal (Posthumous); 
National Defense Service Medal; Iraq Campaign Medal; Global War on 
Terrorism Service Medal; Army Service Ribbon, Combat Action Badge 
(Posthumous). He also received the Bronze Star Medal (Posthumous); and 
the Weapons Qualification Badge, which certified him as an expert in 
certain rifle weaponry. Finally, Mr. Villatoro was awarded a Purple 
Heart, currently the oldest military decoration in the world, awarded 
to members of the armed forces who are wounded or killed in the line of 
action.
  Surviving Mr. Villatoro is his wife of eight months, Amanda 
Villatoro. Mrs. Villatoro is expecting their first child in three 
months. Also surviving Mr. Villatoro is his family, all of whom reside 
in Bakersfield, CA.
  I would like to extend my heartfelt sympathy and condolences, to Mr. 
Villatoro's family, for the loss of his life. His loss symbolizes the 
ultimate sacrifice one can make for his country. His service 
represented his commitment to protect his family, community, and our 
Nation. Mr. Villatoro's dedication to the principles of freedom and 
democracy will serve as an example to all of us, for generations to 
come.

                          ____________________