[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 110 (Monday, July 23, 2012)]
[Senate]
[Page S5255]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS

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                     HONORING KENNETH SAAVEDRA, JR.

 Mr. BLUMENTHAL. Madam President, for a few minutes, let us 
recall a young patriot, a military veteran, and a Connecticut son who 
tragically passed away on July 15, 2012. His name was Kenneth Saavedra, 
Jr. He was just 29 years old.
  Kenneth was born in Bridgeport, CT and lived in Shelton for most of 
his life. He graduated from Shelton High School and the University of 
Connecticut. Kenneth was an electrician and worked for Sikorsky 
Aircraft.
  But I speak about Kenneth today because of another job a different 
distinction that he held for a number of years: sergeant in the U.S. 
Army.
  Kenneth Saavedra, Jr., served with the Army's 1st Battalion, 102nd 
Infantry Regiment, including two tours of duty in Afghanistan, and 
served with the National Guard for almost 10 years.
  Kenneth was an American patriot. He selflessly dedicated his life to 
serving his country and never asked what he would receive in return. 
And after he came home from two tours in Afghanistan, he continued to 
stay active in veterans' causes as vice chair of the Teamsters Veterans 
Caucus Connecticut Chapter 1 and an avid supporter of the Wounded 
Heroes Fund.
  This Saturday, Kenneth will be laid to rest in the Connecticut 
Veterans' Cemetery in Rocky Hill with full military honors. We owe a 
debt of gratitude to Kenneth Saavedra, Jr., and to military men and 
women like him who have risked everything to protect our Nation, and 
served and sacrificed, often at great cost to themselves. We must keep 
faith with them and make sure that we leave no veteran behind.
  I want to offer my sincere condolences to Kenneth's parents, Evelyn 
and Kenneth Sr., as well as to his many family members and friends who 
are mourning his loss.

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