[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 30 (Thursday, February 13, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E125]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING STAFF SEARGENT FELIX LOPEZ ON HIS 100TH BIRTHDAY

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 13, 2025

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, Staff Seargent Felix Lopez was born on 
February 17, 1925, in Rio Piedras, Puerto Rico. He was raised with his 
brother, Lorenzo, by his single mother, Calixta Bonano. SSG Lopez 
entered the Army voluntarily in 1943 at the age of 17 and served as a 
rifleman with the 65th Infantry Regiment--known as the Borinqueneers--
in Europe during World War II. He was later called to duty in 1952 to 
serve in the Korean War. SSG Lopez remained on active duty and served 
with the 972nd Signal Battalion, USARPAC, in Qui Nhon, Vietnam.
  After numerous postings throughout the United States, including three 
tours in Germany, SSG Lopez retired from the military in 1971 with over 
23 years of dedicated service. He then returned to Puerto Rico and 
became a U.S. Marshal. SSG Lopez proudly served the Puerto Rican people 
until 1978, when he moved with his family to Orlando, Florida.
  For his selfless and dedicated military service, SSG Lopez's awards 
and decorations include an Army Commendation Medal, Good Conduct Medal 
(5th award), American Defense Service Medal, World War II Victory 
Medal, Army of Occupation Medal (with Germany clasp), Nation Defense 
Service Medal (with bronze silver star), Korean Service Medal (with two 
bronze service stars), Vietnam Service Medal (with two bronze serving 
stars), United Nations Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign 
Ribbon (with Devise--1960), and Expert Badge (with carbine bar & rifle 
bar).
  On April 13, 2016, in Washington, D.C., SSG Lopez and members of the 
Borinqueneers were presented with a Congressional Gold Medal for the 
regiment's valorous service in WWI, WWII, and Korea.
  He is lovingly known as Felix ``The Cat'' Lopez, his favorite 
childhood cartoon. He has dedicated his life to his wife, Carmen, and 
three daughters, Maria, Mayra, and Sonia: his six grandchildren, 
Lourdes, Wendy, Kelly, Christian, Jonathan, and Giovanny; his nine 
great grandchildren, Joshua, Alyssa, Loriann, Alina, Briana, Lymarie, 
Lera, Emma, and Camilla; and his 3 great-great grandchildren, Victoria, 
Valentina, and Jenesis.

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