[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 166 (Wednesday, December 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2143]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  PRIVATE ISAAC T. CORTES POST OFFICE

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 14, 2010

  Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6205, to honor 
Private Isaac T. Cortes, a Bronx native who was killed in combat in 
Iraq.
  This legislation would rename the post office in his hometown in his 
honor.
  Private Cortes was a son of the Bronx--he grew up in the Parkchester 
neighborhood, attending local public schools and Christopher Columbus 
High School.
  His love for his hometown led him to work as a security guard at 
Yankee Stadium, a job that he was so proud to hold and that inspired 
him to a lifetime of service. While planning to become a New York City 
Police Officer, he decided to strengthen his skills and serve his 
country by joining the U.S. Army in 2006.
  Private Cortes knew that this choice was dangerous. He also knew he 
would likely be sent to Iraq.
  His family worried for him, but he knew what he had to do.
  After training at Fort Benning and Fort Drum, Private Cortes was sent 
to Iraq in September of 2007. As a rifleman in the Infantry Squad with 
Charlie Troop, 1-71 Cavalry Squadron, Private Cortes performed weapons 
searches and humanitarian aid missions to help the local Iraqi people.
  He loved the Army, and was prepared to make it his career. His family 
has described how proud he was to protect his country. He said the 
military was his ``calling.''
  On November 27, 2007, just after Thanksgiving, Private Cortes was out 
on one of his combat patrols when an improvised explosive device was 
detonated near his vehicle in Amerli, Iraq--about 100 miles north of 
Baghdad.
  Private Cortes was killed instantly, along with Specialist Benjamin 
Garrison, in the roadside attack. He was only 26 years old.
  His awards and honors include the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the 
National Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War 
on Terrorism Service Medal and the Army Service Ribbon.
  The Bronx, the Congress and the Nation will always remember Private 
Cortes as a decorated soldier. But, I would also like to take a moment 
to ensure we forever remember Isaac, the man.
  Isaac lived by the motto ``Go big or go home.'' He was known for his 
big heart and his loving ways, which his family continues in his honor 
through blood donation events and clothing, food and toy drives.
  He was known to his neighbors as a smiling face and a helpful hand, 
always willing to help carry groceries.
  Even while overseas, his family was always in his heart, including 
his parents, grandparents, brother, nieces, aunts, uncles and cousins. 
And above all, he loved the little girl that he raised as his own 
daughter.
  His family has kept his memory alive, and today we take the next step 
in honoring this Bronx native and his service to the United States.
  Renaming the post office in the neighborhood where he grew up after 
him will serve as a reminder to us all of his courage, integrity and 
sacrifice. This legislation will ensure that his service and his spirit 
will never be forgotten.

                          ____________________