[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 121 (Monday, September 25, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1818]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 REMEMBERING U.S. ARMY SPC JOSE L. RUIZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. STEVE ISRAEL

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 25, 2006

  Mr. ISRAEL. Mr. Speaker, U.S. Army SPC Jose L. Ruiz made the ultimate 
sacrifice for his country on August 15, 2005 while conducting security 
operations in Mosul, Iraq. SPC Ruiz who served in the Army's 3rd 
Battalion, 21st Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 25th Infantry Division, 
also known as the Stryker Brigade Team, was killed by enemy forces 
using small arms fire shot from a passing vehicle. Brave Americans like 
SPC Ruiz are the reason that our country has been able to overcome 
adversity throughout its history.
  SPC Ruiz was inspired to join the military following the attacks by 
terrorists on our Nation on September 11, 2001. In a phone conversation 
with his wife shortly before his death, SPC Ruiz said that he felt like 
he had fulfilled his duty as a soldier and was proud to be defending 
his country. Sadly, SPC Ruiz was scheduled to return home just 6 weeks 
after his death.
  Raised in Brentwood, New York, SPC Ruiz went on to graduate from 
Brentwood High School in my district and then the New York Institute of 
Technology before joining the Army. Ruiz was devoted to his education, 
his family and his country.
  The courage of SPC Ruiz is a testament to the dedication of our young 
soldiers. He is survived by his parents, Eduardo and Juliana King, his 
wife of 6 years Alexa, and his baby daughter, Liana. I would like to 
extend my deepest sympathies to his family and thank SPC Ruiz for his 
selfless devotion to our Nation.

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