[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 94 (Tuesday, June 17, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E997]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN HONOR OF GUADALUPE LOPEZ

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. ANN KIRKPATRICK

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 17, 2014

  Mrs. KIRKPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I 
recognize the life and service of Guadalupe Lopez: veteran of the 158th 
Infantry Regiment of the Arizona National Guard, recipient of the 
Silver Star Medal, and my constituent.
  Mr. Lopez served his country bravely during World War II in the 158th 
Infantry Regiment of the Arizona National Guard, better known as the 
``Bushmasters''. The Bushmasters, whose nickname comes from a deadly 
jungle snake, have a distinguished history that stretches over a 
hundred years, both in Arizona and throughout the world. They are known 
for their expertise in jungle warfare and skill in knife fighting and 
hand-to-hand combat techniques. General MacArthur himself extolled the 
Bushmasters: ``No greater fighting combat team has ever deployed for 
battle''.
  Mr. Lopez was drafted in 1940, and in 1941 was sent to Panama for 
jungle training and to protect the Panama Canal. Between 1942-1945, his 
company regiment was sent to battle in Australia, the Netherlands, New 
Guinea, and the Philippines. Mr. Lopez was released from service in 
1945, after his brother was killed in the war.
  Mr. Lopez is an American hero, and we are proud to call him an 
Arizonan.
  Cuidado, Mr. Lopez.

                          ____________________