[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 63 (Friday, May 19, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E912]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING SGT. FIRST CLASS ROBERT V. DERENDA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRIAN HIGGINS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 19, 2006

  Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant First Class 
Robert V. Derenda, a brave American soldier who paid the ultimate 
sacrifice in his service to this Nation on a mission in Iraq.
  A native of Cheektowaga, New York, SFC Derenda earned a degree in 
Education from The Citadel and a Chemical Engineering degree from the 
State University of New York at Buffalo.
  After serving 4 years of active duty with the United States Army, SFC 
Derenda joined the reserves and worked as a drill sergeant in the 1st 
Brigade, 98th Division, based in Rochester, New York.
  Comrades knew SFC Derenda as a leader and a mentor who shared his 
skills and experience so that others could serve and protect in the 
name of freedom. In fact, SFC Derenda's last mission involved the 
training of recruits for Iraq's military.
  As a young boy, SFC Derenda walked down Candlelight Lane on his way 
to St. Joephat's School. On May 20th, western New York will pay tribute 
to this soldier and patriot by renaming that street ``R.V. Derenda 
Lane'' in his honor.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the residents of the 27th Congressional 
District and all Americans, I wish to extend my sincerest gratitude for 
the supreme sacrifice made by Sergeant First Class Robert V. Derenda, a 
courageous and noble soldier. He has served to protect the safety and 
freedoms that make this Nation great and his memory will live on for 
those who travel down ``R.V. Derenda Lane'' for generations to come.

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