[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 150 (Wednesday, November 17, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Page S7948]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES
Staff Sergeant Ingles DosReis
Mr. LAUTENBERG. Mr. President, I rise today to honor the life of SSG
Ingles DosReis, who was tragically killed on August 28, 2009, while
serving at Aviano Air Base in Italy.
Staff Sergeant DosReis enlisted in the Air Force in February 2005,
immediately following his graduation from high school. He was a member
of the 51st Security Forces Squadron stationed out of Osan Air Base in
South Korea from August 2005 until August 2006. He was subsequently
transferred to the 31st Security Forces Squadron at Aviano Air Base,
where he started as an installation entry controller. He deployed to
Iraq in August 2007 and received the Army Achievement Medal for his
service. Staff Sergeant DosReis served in Iraq until February 2008 and
upon his return he became a certified desk sergeant at Aviano Air Base.
He was posthumously promoted by the Air Force to the permanent grade of
staff sergeant in August 2009.
Staff Sergeant DosReis' family fondly remembers him as an intelligent
and kindhearted man and a loving husband to his wife Katherine and
father to his son Christian. A great athlete, Staff Sergeant DosReis
spent much of his childhood playing basketball and had a passion for
sports. He was also a natural student, earning honors in high school
and later going on to take classes at the Community College of the Air
Force with a major in political science.
Over a year has passed since SSG Ingles DosReis was tragically taken
from those who love him. Today, I join Staff Sergeant DosReis' family
and friends in commemorating his life by entering his name in the
Record. As a member of the Air Force, he showed his loyalty and
commitment to freedom and peace and today we honor his service and
sacrifice for our country.
Lance Corporal Irvin M. Ceniceros
Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, today I honor of LCpl Irvin M.
Ceniceros, 21, of Clarksville, who died on October 14, 2010, while
supporting combat operations in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
My heart goes out to the family of Lance Corporal Ceniceros, who made
the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our Nation. Along with all
Arkansans, I am grateful for his service and for the sacrifice he and
his family have made. I am committed to ensuring that all of our
veterans always have the full support they need and deserve, and I can
assure our brave soldiers and their families that our grateful Nation
will not forget them when their military service is complete.
More than 11,000 Arkansans on active duty and more than 10,000
Arkansas Reservists have served in Iraq or Afghanistan since September
11, 2001. These men and women have shown tremendous courage and
perseverance through the most difficult of times. As neighbors, as
Arkansans, and as Americans, it is incumbent upon us to do everything
we can to honor their service and to provide for them and their
families, not only when they are in harm's way but also when they
return home. It is the least we can do for those whom we owe so much.
Lance Corporal Ceniceros was assigned to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marine
Regiment, 1st Marine Division, I Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp
Pendleton, CA.
Staff Sergeant Carlos A. Benitez
Mr. BENNET. Mr. President, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today
to honor the life and heroic service of SSG Carlos A. Benitez. Staff
Sergeant Benitez, who was assigned to the 10th Cavalry Regiment, 4th
Infantry Division, in Fort Carson, CO, died on October 14, 2010, from
injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near
his vehicle. Staff Sergeant Benitez was serving in support of Operation
Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan. He was 24 years old.
A native of Carrollton, TX, Staff Sergeant Benitez graduated from
Creekview High School and joined the Army in October 2004. He served
three tours of duty: two in Iraq and one in Afghanistan--all with
decoration. His wife and young daughter and son moved to Colorado for
Staff Sergeant Benitez's most recent assignment.
During 5 years of service, Staff Sergeant Benitez distinguished
himself through his courage, dedication to duty, and willingness to
take on any job. He was awarded numerous awards and medals, including
two Army Commendation Medals, the Valorous Unit Award, the Army Good
Conduct Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, and
the Iraq Campaign Medal with four Campaign Stars.
Staff Sergeant Benitez worked on the front lines of battle, serving
in the most dangerous areas of Iraq and Afghanistan. He is remembered
by those who knew him as a consummate professional with an unending
commitment to excellence. Friends and loved ones remember his
commitment to his wife. His mother, Imelda, remembers how her son
wanted to enlist in the Army when he was just 17. She made him wait an
extra year.
Mark Twain once said, ``The fear of death follows from the fear of
life. A man who lives fully is prepared to die at any time.'' Staff
Sergeant Benitez's service was in keeping with this sentiment--by
selflessly putting country first, he lived life to the fullest. He
lived with a sense of the highest honorable purpose.
At substantial personal risk, he braved the chaos of combat zones
throughout Iraq and Afghanistan. And though his fate on the battlefield
was uncertain, he pushed forward, protecting America's citizens, her
safety, and the freedoms we hold dear. For his service and the lives he
touched, Staff Sergeant Benitez will forever be remembered as one of
our country's bravest.
To Staff Sergeant Benitez's wife, their children, and his entire
family--I cannot imagine the sorrow you must be feeling. I hope that,
in time, the pain of your loss will be eased by your pride in Carlos's
service and by your knowledge that his country will never forget him.
We are humbled by his service and his sacrifice.
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