[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 168 (Thursday, December 22, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2648]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING THE LIFE OF SPC RICHARD JUNIOR DE GRACIA NAPUTI

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 22, 2005

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of one of 
Guam's sons, SPC Richard Junior De Gracia Naputi, 24, U.S. Army, of 
Talofofo, Guam. Sadly, on December 20, 2005, our nation lost SPC 
Naputi. SPC Naputi was killed in action while serving in Taji, Iraq in 
support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Born and raised in Guam, he left 
the only home he knew to serve and defend his country. Assigned to the 
1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Infantry Division in Fort 
Benning, Georgia, SPC Naputi embodied the proud history and traditions 
of his unit whose motto was ``Can Do'' and whose lineage traces back to 
the Civil War.
  My thoughts and prayers are with the Naputi family during this time 
of loss. I join his parents, Richard and Naputi, his wife Brianne, and 
all of Richard's extended family and friends, in mourning the loss of 
Richard and in honoring the dignity of his life. While the loss of SPC 
Naputi is painful for our entire island and our nation, he now joins 
that solemn fraternity of heroes who have put their country before 
themselves and made the greatest sacrifice. Heeding the Christmas 
message of ``Peace on earth,'' Richard's loss leads us to reflect upon 
the sacrifices made by the men and women who shoulder the 
responsibility of protecting our liberties and our freedoms. To these 
men and women, we owe a debt of gratitude that is simply unpayable.
  During this difficult time, the people of Guam and I are keeping the 
Naputi family in our thoughts and prayers. I also extend my prayers to 
the many men and women continuing to serve around the world in the 
cause of freedom. God bless the Naputi family, God bless our men and 
women in uniform and God bless America.

                          ____________________