[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 141 (Tuesday, August 26, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E785]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





                 HONORING U.S. ARMY VETERAN DAVE LOERA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JUDY CHU

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 26, 2025

  Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commemorate the life 
of my dear friend and U.S. Army Veteran, Mr. Dave Loera, who passed 
away on August 16, 2025. Dave was a remarkable man whose entire life 
was defined by service. He bravely answered the call of duty during the 
Vietnam War, and when he returned home, he never stopped serving as a 
leader, a mentor, and an unwavering advocate for his fellow Veterans. 
As Commander of VFW Post 3208 and later VFW District 11, he fought to 
ensure that every Veteran received the recognition, respect, and 
resources they had earned.
  In 2016, Dave was instrumental in renaming the Sierra Madre Post 
Office after World War I hero Louis Van Iersel--a Sierra Madre resident 
who received the Congressional Medal of Honor for saving 1,000 American 
soldiers during the Great War. Before this effort, few people knew of 
Sergeant Van Iersel's story. Knowing that heroes should never be 
forgotten, Dave brought his persistence and passion to this fight, 
helping us pass my bill to rename the Post Office, which was signed 
into law by President Obama. Today, Sergeant Van Iersel's name is 
forever etched into the heart of Sierra Madre, inspiring future 
generations with his courage and sacrifice, something that would not 
have been possible without Dave.
  Dave was also instrumental in the fight to establish a Veterans 
Outpatient Clinic in Arcadia. For far too long, local Veterans were 
forced to travel far from home just to receive basic care from the VA. 
Dave refused to accept the status quo and we worked together to bring a 
VA clinic to the San Gabriel Valley. He attended every meeting, spoke 
at every town hall, rallied our community, and stood shoulder-to-
shoulder with advocates as we pushed the VA to act. Because of his 
leadership, Veterans in the San Gabriel Valley can finally get the 
health care they need and deserve close to home.
  Dave's record of service touched every corner of his hometown of 
Sierra Madre, which is why he was honored as Citizen of the Year by the 
Chamber of Commerce. For ten years, he protected his neighbors as a 
Reserve Police Officer. He coached youth sports, poured his heart into 
civic projects like the Fourth of July Parade and improving Dapper 
Field, and inspired others to give back to their hometown. Dave's 
dedication to our community reminds us that service is not about 
recognition, but about lifting every one of our fellow citizens up.
  Just last year, I was proud to honor Dave at my Veterans Forum for 
his decades of service and unwavering leadership. My office could 
always count on him to help others. Every year we worked with Dave to 
provide turkeys and toys to underserved families during the holiday 
season. His life truly embodied service, compassion, and community 
Dave's legacy will live on in every Veteran who receives care, every 
young person inspired by his example, and every life touched by his 
kindness. I will remember him not only as a leader and a Veteran, but 
as a trusted friend who made our community and our county better.
  Dave is survived by his wife, Teri Loera, their children, and a 
community that mourns his loss and celebrates his legacy of 
selflessness and kindness. May his memory inspire others to follow in 
his footsteps and lead a life of generosity and service.

                          ____________________