[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 65 (Thursday, April 10, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E310]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING SERGEANT JESS GOMEZ, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. NORMA J. TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 10, 2025

  Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
life of Sergeant Jess Gomez, Jr., and his commitment to our nation 
throughout his three years of military service and twelve years of 
service in the U.S. Army National Guard (USANG). During his service 
with the USANG, he achieved the rank of Sergeant with Service Battery 
2/144 Field Artillery.
  In 1965, on Christmas Day, Sergeant Gomez was deployed to Vietnam, 
and in July of 1968, he was honorably discharged. Sergeant Gomez 
further answered the call to service with the USANG, demonstrating his 
dedication to protecting and serving his community. His unit was 
located at the U.S. Armory in Arcadia, California, where he 
participated in monthly weekend drills and annual Summer Camp for two 
and a half weeks. He was loved by many in his personal and professional 
life, including his section of Ammo buddies, with whom he kept in touch 
throughout his life.
  As a result of his service, Sergeant Gomez was praised by local 
leaders for his dedication to protecting the safety of his local and 
greater community, regardless of the need. He was an Army truck driver 
for firefighters during the Northern California Red Bluff fires. In 
1992, during the Rodney King riots, he was called out to protect cities 
in the Los Angeles area. The community was known to express genuine 
respect and heartfelt gratitude toward him and his team for the 
protection they provided as members of the National Guard.
  Following Sergeant Gomez's military and USANG service, he became a 
loyal member of Vietnam Veterans of America's (VVA) Chapter 47 and 
Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW) Post 12034.
  Not only did he spread awareness for the VVA by serving as a board 
member and by joining his chapter in local parades, but he also 
volunteered for the VVA Food Pantry. Mr. Gomez's work with the VVA Food 
Pantry was critical to ensuring more than 500 veterans received 
essential food products each week throughout the Greater Los Angeles 
region.
  VFW Post 12034 remembers Sergeant Gomez fondly for his mentorship of 
younger and incoming veterans, praising him for embodying the phrase 
``still serving.'' He regularly attended community events to increase 
membership and engagement, and could be found annually at Rancho 
Remembers, ensuring high schoolers could understand the experiences of 
veterans.
  During a challenging time when our city faced funding cuts that led 
to the potential closure of Pomona's beloved library, Sergeant Gomez 
showed up for his community--organizing and protecting a space that 
serves as a cornerstone for learning and dedication. His tireless 
efforts not only safeguarded the Pomona library but also inspired a 
renewed sense of unity and purpose.
  For his outstanding accomplishments, it is my honor to recognize 
Sergeant Jess Gomez, Jr. His civic service and commitment to both 
California and our Nation are worthy of the highest commendation.

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