[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 113 (Wednesday, July 13, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1110]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE OF JEAN CARLOS MENDEZ PEREZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ALAN GRAYSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 13, 2016

  Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Jean 
Carlos Mendez Perez, who lived in Kissimmee, Florida, and was a 
resident of my district. Jean lost his life during the tragic shooting 
at Pulse nightclub in the early morning hours of June 12, 2016. He was 
35 years old.
  Jean moved to Florida from Puerto Rico when he was a teenager. He 
quickly made friends and built a new life for himself. He was charming, 
full of life and had a warmth that everyone loved to be around. Jean 
loved indulging his nieces and nephews with candy and ice cream. He was 
humorous and fun-loving.
  Jean was a salesman at a perfume store. He assisted a customer, Luis 
Daniel Wilson-Leon, several years ago, who would become his partner in 
life. Their friends described the moment they met as ``love at first 
sight,'' and the beginning of their nine-year relationship. The two 
shared a home, frequented their favorite Hispanic restaurants and loved 
going to Latin Night at the Pulse club.
  Jean and Luis were together at the club on the night of the shooting. 
The couple died alongside one another that night.
  Jean Carlos Mendez Perez will never be forgotten in our pursuit of a 
more just and loving world. His loving spirit and acts of kindness will 
live forever in the hearts and minds of those who knew him.
  May his family, relatives and friends eventually find solace and 
comfort, and may he rest in eternal peace.

                          ____________________