[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 62 (Monday, May 6, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E592-E593]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING PETTY OFFICER 1ST CLASS (FMF) BENNY MENDIOLA FLORES JR. ON 
                        RECEIVING A SILVER STAR

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 6, 2013

  Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Petty Officer 1st 
Class (FMF) Benny Mendiola Flores Jr., a hospital corpsman serving with 
the Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, on receiving a Silver Star, for 
conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action with combat operations 
against the enemy while serving as Field Medical Service Technician, I 
Marine Expeditionary Force (Forward), on 28 April 2012, in support of 
Operation Enduring Freedom. He was presented with the Silver Star, the 
military's third-highest award for valor, at a ceremony at Camp 
Pendleton, Calif., on May 3, 2013.
   Petty Officer Flores, a native of Guam, graduated from Southern High 
School in 2001, and, shortly thereafter, enlisted in the United States 
Navy. He always wanted to be a corpsman, and, in his remarks at the 
award ceremony, demonstrated his humility and gratitude for the 
opportunity to serve our country. He is currently serving his third 
deployment to the Middle East.
   During his deployment to Afghanistan last year, Petty Officer Flores 
was providing medical coverage for a three-day, Afghan-led mission to 
Zaranj, Afghanistan near Iran's border. He was riding in the back of a 
pickup in Nimruz province's Zaranj district returning to camp after a 
trip to the Iranian border when an improvised explosive device 
detonated near his vehicle as a result of a suicide bomber. Despite 
suffering shrapnel wounds to his arms and back, he immediately began 
helping the wounded. He risked his life four times, running through 
enemy gunfire to help save the Marines and Afghan Uniform Police 
officer who were injured in the blast.
   Petty Officer Flores stayed focused administering combat lifesaving 
skills. Although he

[[Page E593]]

worked hard to make sure everyone was secure, another passenger in his 
vehicle, Master Sergeant Scott Pruitt, died from injuries sustained in 
the attack.
   Petty Officer Flores has received numerous awards and decorations 
for his service, including a Purple Heart, a Joint Service Commendation 
Medal and a Joint Service Achievement Medal.
   He is currently pursuing a college degree and furthering his passion 
for medicine by studying sports management at American Military 
University. He is the son of Benny Flores Sr. and Josepha K. Lizama. He 
lives at Camp Pendleton Marine Corps Base in California with his wife, 
Jerrianne, and their daughter, Jaena.
   I commend Petty Officer 1st Class Benny Flores on receiving this 
high honor for his heroic actions in combat. I join the people of Guam 
in thanking him for his bravery and selfless service to our nation, and 
for making our island proud.

                          ____________________