[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 161 (Tuesday, October 25, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1926]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING UNITED STATES ARMY SPECIALIST RICARDO CERROS, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, October 25, 2011

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and deep sadness 
that I wish to commend United States Army Specialist Ricardo Cerros, 
Jr. for his bravery and willingness to fight for his country. 
Specialist Cerros was assigned to B Company, 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger 
Regiment at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. While serving in 
Afghanistan on his first deployment, Specialist Cerros was killed by 
enemy forces during a firefight while conducting combat operation on 
October 8, 2011. His sacrifice will forever be remembered by those he 
fought to protect.
  A native of Gary, Indiana, Ricardo spent his early childhood years in 
Gary, Indiana, before moving to Salinas, California, to live with his 
father. He graduated from Everett Alvarez High School in Salinas and 
continued his studies at the University of California in Irvine. He 
enlisted in the United States Army in July 2010. Family members recall 
that Ricardo had a strong feeling to join the military, and that he 
wanted nothing more than to serve his country. Colleagues remember 
Specialist Cerros as a well-respected leader. Family and friends 
remember Ricardo for his cheerfulness, positive attitude, and happy-go-
lucky manner. For his courage and sacrifice, Ricardo has been honored 
by the military with awards including: the Bronze Star Medal, the 
Purple Heart, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service 
Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terrorism 
Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, 
the Combat Infantryman Badge, and the Parachutist Badge. Ricardo will 
be greatly missed by so many people in the communities he was part of 
and forever cherished by those who loved him.
  Specialist Cerros leaves behind a loving family. He is survived by 
his father, Ricardo Cerros, Sr., and stepmother, Deborah A. Cerros, 
both of Salinas, and his mother, Marguerite D. Cuevas, of Gary, 
Indiana. Ricardo also leaves to cherish his memory his siblings; 
Nicholas, Theresa, and Marco Cerros. He also leaves behind many other 
dear friends and family members, as well as saddened communities and a 
grateful nation.
  Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished 
colleagues join me in honoring a fallen hero, United States Army 
Specialist Ricardo Cerros, Jr. Specialist Cerros sacrificed his life in 
service to his country, and his passing comes as a great loss to our 
nation, which has once again been shaken by the realities of war. 
Specialist Cerros will forever remain a hero in the eyes of his family, 
his communities, and his country. Thus, let us never forget the 
sacrifice he made to preserve the ideals of freedom and democracy.

                          ____________________