[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 2 (Friday, January 4, 2013)]
[Senate]
[Page S22]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                        SERGEANT CLINTON K. RUIZ

  Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. President, just a few weeks ago 
Americans gathered all across the Nation to commemorate Veterans Day. 
It is a day that we set aside to remember, and express our gratitude 
to, the men and women who have served in our Armed Forces. It is a day 
to honor the heroes among us, and those who, sadly, have left us.
  Today I wish to pay tribute to an American hero, Army SGT Clinton K. 
Ruiz. Sergeant Ruiz died on October 25 while on patrol in Uruzgan 
Province, Afghanistan, from injuries sustained from small arms fire. He 
was just 22 years old. He leaves behind a wife, Kira, and a baby son, 
Caleb.
  As we face the tragedy of this brave young soldier's death, it is 
important too that we remember his life. Sergeant Ruiz's journey on 
this Earth ended far too soon, but his memory among those whose lives 
he touched, and in a nation's gratitude, will endure.
  Clinton Ruiz was born on March 14, 1990. He graduated from Murrieta 
Valley High School in Murrieta, CA, and enlisted with the Army in 2009. 
He was assigned to A Company, 9th Military Information Support 
Battalion, 8th Military Information Support Group. Sergeant Ruiz was 
deployed to Afghanistan in September.
  In the decade that our military has been fighting in Afghanistan, 
thousands of our fellow citizens have volunteered to serve. These 
courageous men and women risk their own safety to protect the safety of 
others. They leave their homes and their loved ones to defend the 
freedoms that we hold dear. Over 2,000 of these heroes have paid the 
ultimate price, for our freedoms, in Afghanistan.
  Words cannot lessen the sorrow of the loved ones who grieve for 
Sergeant Ruiz now. Words cannot fully express the gratitude our Nation 
owes this valiant soldier. We can only remember, indeed we must never 
forget, the sacrifice that SGT Clinton Ruiz made in service to our 
country.
  President Kennedy said that ``stories of past courage . . . can 
teach, they can offer hope, they can provide inspiration. But, they 
cannot supply courage itself. For this, each man must look into his own 
soul.'' Sergeant Clinton Ruiz had such courage. In the face of great 
danger, at great risk to himself, he went where his country sent him. 
He was awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. He kept the 
promise he had made to serve. Our Nation is forever in his debt.
  Sergeant Ruiz loved his family. He loved his country. He made the 
ultimate sacrifice defending it. To Sergeant Ruiz's family, I offer my 
deepest sympathies. We honor Sergeant Ruiz's courage. We remember his 
sacrifice. And we mourn your loss.

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