[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 14 (Monday, January 30, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S141]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                     Staff Sergeant Pernell Herrera

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. President, I rise today as we enter a 
new year to honor a brave young soldier who, sadly, did not see this 
new year. Army SSG Pernell Herrera died December 31, 2011, while 
serving in Afghanistan. He was 33 years old.
  At times like this, words of elected officials seem so inadequate. 
Words will not ease the profound loss of Staff Sergeant Herrera's 
family. Words will not fully express our gratitude for Staff Sergeant 
Herrera's service to our Nation. But the death of a young soldier like 
Staff Sergeant Herrera demands our attention. It demands our respect, 
and it demands that we remember.
  Pernell Herrera just wanted to serve his country. He enlisted in the 
New Mexico National Guard in 2006. He was assigned to C Company, 1st 
Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment, and he served honorably over the 
last 5\1/2\ years. His journey ended in the course of that service. We 
are forever in his debt.
  When we talk about our fallen soldiers, we honor their sacrifices and 
we also honor their lives. Pernell Herrera was born in Los Alamos. He 
grew up in Espanola and graduated from Espanola High School. He leaves 
behind a son Julian and a daughter Alicia.
  Pernell wrote about himself on his Facebook page the following 
description:

       I am a very easygoing dad of one son, and one daughter. 
     They are the biggest joys of my life. I enjoy spending my 
     free time with my mom, and brother, family and friends. I'm 
     currently in Afghanistan with the United States Army. I have 
     served in the military for 5 years.

  In the decade that our military has been fighting in Afghanistan, 
thousands of our fellow citizens have volunteered in service to our 
country. They have put their own safety at risk to protect the safety 
of others--in defense of the ideals we hold so dear. Some of these 
brave warriors, such as Staff Sergeant Herrera, tragically, do not come 
home.
  To Staff Sergeant Herrera's family, I offer my deepest sympathies. We 
mourn your loss while we also honor his dedication to our country, and 
we are thankful for his service.
  Mr. President, I yield the floor, and I suggest the absence of a 
quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. HOEVEN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.
  Mr. HOEVEN. I thank the Chair.
  (The remarks of Mr. Hoeven pertaining to the introduction of S. 2041 
are located in today's Record under ``Statements on Introduced Bills 
and Joint Resolutions.'')
  Mr. HOEVEN. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The clerk will call the roll.
  The legislative clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

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