[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 4 (Tuesday, January 9, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E42]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              MOURNING THE DEATH OF SERGEANT JESSE CASTRO

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 9, 2007

  Ms. BORDALLO. Madam Speaker, since the birth of our great Nation, 
there have been true patriots--men and women--always willing and always 
able to answer the call to arms. Although they realized the risks, 
their love for home and family and loyalty to the Nation overrode their 
fears. In the on-going war against terrorism, my island home has lost 
yet another son, SGT Jesse Castro, U.S. Army, of Chalan Pago. With a 
heavy but proud heart, I extend heartfelt condolences and profound 
sympathy to Jesse's family on behalf of the People of Guam and a 
grateful Nation. Jesse was a caring son, a loving husband, a devoted 
father, and a proud American patriot.
  Jesse will be remembered by so many people, but he will especially be 
remembered by his fellow athletes who shared his enthusiasm for sport 
and adventure. Jesse was a member of Guam's Junior National Baseball 
team, as well as the Tamuning Eagles and Pepsi Giants football teams. 
His passion for the mixed martial arts was remarkable and only equaled 
by his skill and success in the sport, all of which will forever be 
remembered by his fellow fighters, but especially by those who faced 
him in the ring. His intensity, dedication and competitive spirit were 
felt by and known to those who practiced with him for athletic 
competition and later by the Soldiers who trained with him to protect 
peace and freedom in the United States Army. Jesse also enjoyed the 
thrill of off-roading and motorcycling on his Harley-Davidson, passions 
that further reflected his love of adventure and his free spirit.
  But perhaps above all else, Jesse's desire to learn and to serve his 
people marked him. He was clearly a young and mature community leader, 
the kind of young man every community hopes to produce and forever 
embraces. Driven by his sense of duty and public service, he completed 
the Guam Community College's Basic Law Enforcement Academy. Determined 
to put his new skills to use and to act on his sense of duty, Jesse 
would not, however, wait for a vacancy on the police force. He quickly 
enlisted in the United States Army and set out to serve his country and 
the cause of freedom.
  Ultimately, Jesse's life was a celebration of living life to its 
fullest. His love for his family, his devotion to his island, and his 
dedication to his country will forever serve as an inspiration to all 
who know or hear of Jesse Castro. It is said that there is no greater 
love than that a man lay down his life for another. Jesse gave his life 
so that others might some day know the joys of freedom and liberty. 
Jesse's beautiful wife, Therese, his young infant son, Jesse Jr. and 
mother, Doring, will forever know that their Jesse lived a life worth 
living, one marked by dignity, excellence, service, integrity, 
adventure and love. And while we will all forever miss him, we will all 
forever celebrate him. I honor him and his family. God Bless Jesse and 
the Castro family, God Bless Guam and God Bless America.

                          ____________________