[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 146 (Friday, August 14, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E762]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




          TRIBUTE TO CORPORAL CESAR ``NOVA'' VILLANUEVA, USMC

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 14, 2020

  Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to 
a hero and true American patriot, United States Marine Corps Corporal 
Cesar A. Villanueva. Throughout the history of our great nation, we 
have asked young men and women to step forward and voluntarily assume 
the duties, responsibilities, and sacrifices required of all Americans 
who join the finest military in history. Cpl. Villanueva took that 
important step and today I ask that the House of Representatives honor 
and remember this incredible young man who died in service to our 
country.
  Cpl. Villanueva, or Nova as his friends knew him, is remembered as a 
kind, respectable man who was outgoing, and had a passion for service. 
Nova's love for his country and desire to serve led him to join the 
Marine Corps about four years ago. Cpl. Villanueva has received 
numerous awards and accolades for his years of service including the 
National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism 
Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Sea 
Service Deployment Ribbon, and a Certificate of Appreciation.
  On July 30, 2020, just a month after he married the love of his life, 
Sarah, Cpl. Villanueva boarded an amphibious assault vehicle for a 
routine training exercise with Marines and sailors of the 15th Marine 
Expeditionary Unit. The vehicle sank off the coast of San Clemente 
Island, resulting in the death of Cpl. Villanueva, seven other marines, 
and a sailor.
  As we look at the rich history of our country, we realize that this 
history is comprised of men and women, just like Cpl. Villanueva, who 
so bravely chose a life of military service. Each story is unique and 
humbling for those of us who, far from the dangers they will be called 
to face, live our lives in relative comfort and ease. Cpl. Villanueva' 
s memory lives on through his father Juan, mother, Maria, his wife, 
Sarah, his two brothers, and numerous extended family members and 
friends.
  While we send our deepest sympathies to his family, there are no 
words that can express or alleviate the grief of losing a son, husband, 
and brother. Cpl. Villanueva's family have given a part of themselves 
in the loss of their son and brother, and I hope they know that the 
goodness he brought to this world and the sacrifice he has made will 
always be remembered.

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