[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 116 (Wednesday, August 1, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1375]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO PRIVATE FIRST CLASS JOSE OSCAR BELMONTES

                                  _____
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, August 1, 2012

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a 
hero from La Verne, California, Private First Class (PFC) Jose Oscar 
Belmontes, United States Army. Today I ask that the House of 
Representatives join me to honor and remember this incredible young man 
who died in service of our country.
  PFC Belmontes was born in Riverside, California in 1984. He graduated 
from Polytechnic High School in 2002 and joined the Army in February 
2011. After training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, he arrived at Fort 
Drum in July 2011. He was serving as a construction engineer with the 
630th Engineer Company, 7th Engineer Battalion, 10th Sustainment 
Brigade, 10th Mountain Division, which deployed to Afghanistan later 
that month. He died of injuries sustained from small arms fire in 
Wardak Province, Afghanistan on July 28, 2012 in support of Operation 
Enduring Freedom. PFC Belmontes was 28 years old.
  PFC Belmontes' fellow servicemen and women fondly remember him for 
his positive attitude; Belmontes was known for stepping up to the plate 
and helping out whenever he was needed. PFC Belmontes accomplished so 
much during his short time and he will be dearly missed by his unit and 
all who knew him. PFC Belmontes served honorably, earning many awards 
and decorations including the Purple Heart, the Army Achievement Medal, 
the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one star, the National Defense 
Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon and 
the Combat Action Badge. He is survived by his wife, mother, and 
father.
  As we look at the incredibly rich military history of our country we 
realize that this history is comprised of men, just like PFC Belmontes, 
who bravely fought for the ideals of freedom and democracy. Each story 
is unique and humbling for those of us who, far from the dangers they 
have faced, live our lives in relative comfort and ease. The day the 
Belmontes family learned of their husband and son's death was probably 
the hardest day they have ever faced and our thoughts, prayers and 
deepest gratitude for their sacrifice go out to them. There are no 
words that can relieve their pain and what words we can offer only 
begin to convey our deep respect and highest appreciation.
  PFC Belmontes' family have all given a part of themselves in the loss 
of their loved one and we hope they know that the goodness he brought 
to this world and the sacrifice he has made, will never be forgotten.

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