[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 123 (Thursday, July 20, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1025]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF FALLEN MISSISSIPPI SOLDIER ARMY STAFF SERGEANT 
                   (SSG) JORGE LUIS PENA-ROMERO, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. TRENT KELLY

                             of mississippi

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 20, 2017

  Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in memory of 
fallen soldier Army Staff Sergeant (SSG) Jorge Luis Pena-Romero Jr. who 
gave his life while in service to our nation on July 16, 2005, during 
Operation Iraqi Freedom. SSG Pena-Romero was killed when an improvised 
explosive device detonated near his military vehicle in Baghdad. SSG 
Pena-Romero was assigned to the 1st Squadron, 11th Armored Cavalry 
Regiment, Fort Irwin, Texas, which was attached to the 155th Armored 
Brigade Combat Team from Mississippi.
  According to the Los Angeles Times, SSG Pena-Romero, a Guadalajara, 
Mexico native, moved with his family to the United States when he was 
2. He loved to draw and build model planes and cars. He also loved 
anything military-related. He collected newspaper clippings, according 
to his wife, Melissa.
  SSG Pena-Romero joined the Army in 1995 after graduating from 
Fallbrook High School. He played football, basketball and baseball. 
While stationed in Fort Hood, he met his wife on a double date with his 
roommate. Melissa recalls that date.
  ``My sister and his roommate didn't last,'' Melissa said. ''We did.''
  The article also states that SSG Pena-Romero served tours in Korea 
and Kosovo. He became a U.S. citizen in 2003, the same year that he was 
assigned to Ft. Irwin.
  SSG Pena-Romero was known in the Army for being generous and 
compassionate. He provided personal equipment if a soldier was missing 
a canteen or a first aid pouch.
  In his personal life, SSG Pena-Romero preferred to spend time with 
his family. He played soccer with his daughter, Alexis. He played 
football with his sons, Jorge III and Adrian.
  SSG Pena-Romero is survived by his wife, Melissa; parents, Jorge Sr. 
and Maria Pena; three children, Alexis Jorge III, and Adrian; and four 
siblings.
  SSG Pena-Romero became a citizen of the United States to live the 
American dream and defend the freedoms we all enjoy. His service will 
always be remembered.

                          ____________________