[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 212 (Wednesday, December 8, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1337]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





    RECOGNIZING CAPTAIN DEREK HERRERA AS MY CONSTITUENT OF THE MONTH

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                            HON. MIKE LEVIN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 8, 2021

  Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to 
recognize Marine Corps Bronze Star veteran, Captain Derek Herrera, for 
my November Constituent of the Month. After graduating from the U.S. 
Naval Academy, Captain Herrera attended The Basic School and Infantry 
Officers Course in Quantico, Virginia. From then on, he was deployed on 
several missions, the last of these in June of 2012 in Afghanistan. On 
this mission, Captain Herrera was shot and paralyzed from the chest 
down. He was medically evacuated back to the United States.
  While he was determined to walk again, Captain Herrera came to 
realize that his injury was more permanent than he anticipated. With 
this new found understanding and a new mission, Herrera refused to give 
up his dream of finding normalcy, and in this process, discovered his 
new life's calling. Captain Herrera began forging his new path by 
pursuing a Master of Business Administration at UCLA and founding 
UroDev Medical, a company that designs and manufactures innovative 
solutions for men living with Urinary Retention.
  As he learned more about medical research and technology, Captain 
Herrera became intrigued not only by its' potential to help him, but 
also others with disabilities, including his fellow injured veterans. 
That's when Captain Herrera discovered the ReWalk Exoskeleton, a 
product that enables Captain Herrera to walk, stand, and sit. Although 
this technology isn't permanent, Herrera saw a space and opportunity 
within the medical technology realm to give veterans injured in combat, 
another chance to feel a semblance of normalcy.
  Overcoming a life-changing injury is an incredible challenge, and I 
am inspired by the strength and perseverance Captain Herrera has 
embodied in his recovery journey and beyond. I thank Captain Herrera 
for his service to our country and his dedication to helping other 
veterans in similar circumstances. Captain Herrera's personal 
decorations are a testament to his selfless service and sacrifice, 
including the Purple Heart, Combat Action Ribbon, Bronze Star (with 
combat distinguishing device), Navy and Marine Corps Commendation 
Medal, and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal. As long as I 
have the privilege to serve as Vice Chairman on the House Veterans' 
Affairs Committee, I will look to heroes like Captain Herrera as an 
exemplary model of what it means to serve and support our veterans with 
reverence and resolve. I am deeply grateful for Captain Herrera's 
continued service in helping our veterans, and I'm proud to recognize 
him as my Constituent of the Month.

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