[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 105 (Tuesday, June 20, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E847]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LIFE OF NOE HERNANDEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 20, 2017

  Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of 
Weslaco native, Gunner's Mate 2nd Class Noe Hernandez, one of the seven 
sailors lost in the tragic collision between the U.S.S. Fitzgerald and 
the ACX Crystal in the Philippine Sea on June 17, 2017.
   Noe attended Weslaco High School where he participated in United 
States Army Junior Reserve Officer Training for four years. By the time 
he graduated in 2009, Noe had reached the rank of cadet major and 
served as the program's executive officer. Following graduation, he 
reported to the U.S. Navy Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, 
Illinois.
   He was a student at the Recruit Training Command and the Center for 
Surface Combat Systems in Great Lakes until March 2010. He then served 
at the Navy Munitions Command in Sigonella, Italy, for three years and 
then reported to San Diego, California, for Littoral Combat Ship 
Training and classes at the Center for Surface Combat Systems until 
October 2015. Later that year, Noe and his family moved to Yokosuka, 
Japan, where he was stationed at Navy Force Japan and subsequently on 
the U.S.S. Fitzgerald. During his time in the U.S. Navy, Noe became an 
Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist and earned the rank of Gunner's 
Mate 2nd Class.
   Noe was a first-generation patriot who cared deeply for the United 
States of America and took pride in serving his country. His friends 
and family describe him as modest, loving, and kind and many remember 
him for his selflessness and unwavering faith in God.
   Noe is survived by his wife Dora and his son Leon. He loved his 
country, and he will be sorely missed.
   Mr. Speaker, I offer my sincerest condolences to Dora, Leon, the 
Hernandez family, friends, and loved ones. Our country has lost one of 
the best South Texas has to offer and I hope his family can find peace 
in this trying time. I am proud to commemorate the life of Gunner's 
Mate 2nd Class Noe Hernandez and I thank him for his service to our 
great nation.

                          ____________________