[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 10]
[Senate]
[Page 13965]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                OKLAHOMA LOSS IN OPERATION IRAQI FREEDOM

  Mr. NICKLES. Mr. President, over the past few months we've seen the 
fall of Saddam Hussein's brutal regime coupled with the dawning of a 
new day for the Iraqi people.
  With major military combat operations in Iraq over and the security 
of our homeland bolstered, America and her allies are turning our 
efforts toward helping the Iraqi people build a free society.
  Like many Americans, I was thrilled and heartened by the dramatic 
images of U.S. troops helping Iraqi citizens tear down statues and 
paintings of Saddam Hussein. The Iraqi people needed our help, our 
tanks, our troops, and our commitment to topple Saddam Hussein.
  For the first time in their lives, many Iraqis are tasting freedom, 
and like people everywhere, they think it's wonderful. I'm proud of our 
military and America's commitment to make the people of the Middle East 
more free and secure.
  Our military men and women surely face more difficult days in Iraq, 
and the Iraqi people will be tested by the responsibilities that come 
with freedom. The thugs who propped up the previous regime and outside 
forces with goals of their own will seek to cause problems, stir up 
trouble and initiate violence. Freedom is messy--nowhere more so than 
in a country that has just shaken off a brutal dictatorship.
  But the journey towards a democratic Iraq has now been embarked upon. 
Like so many nations before it, Iraq now endures the growing pains 
common to a fledgling democracy. The uncertainty of today's Iraq, I am 
hopeful, will soon give way to the promise of a better future for the 
Iraqi people. And as we move closer to this goal, we must remember 
those who sacrificed for this noble cause.
  Today, I rise to honor a man who made the ultimate sacrifice one can 
make for his country and the cause of freedom.
  Specialist Jose A. Perez III was killed last week when his convoy was 
ambushed near Baghdad. Perez's convoy received fire from a rocket-
propelled grenade while on a main supply route.
  This San Diego, TX, native was stationed in Fort Sill. He came from a 
family with a proud military tradition who knows all to well the pain 
of losing a loved one. His uncle, Baldemar ``Billy'' Benavides, Jr. 
died in the Persian Gulf in 1992.
  My heart breaks for this family that has given so much to our great 
Nation. Of his older brother, 9-year-old Joshua said, ``He was a very 
good hero, and he died for our freedom. I will never forget him.''
  A good hero indeed.
  As we watch the dawn of a new day in Iraq, let us never forget that 
the freedom we enjoy every day in America is bought at a price.
  Specialist Perez did not die in vain. He died so that many others 
could live in security and freedom. And for that sacrifice, we are 
forever indebted. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family 
today and with the troops who are putting their lives on the line in 
Iraq.
  I yield the floor.

                          ____________________