[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 150 (2004), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 2146]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO SERGEANT ELIU MIERSANDOVAL

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 11, 2004

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a hero from my 
congressional district. On January 31, 2004, Sgt. Eliu Miersandoval, 
born Abi Mier, of San Clemente, California, was killed in action in 
Kirkuk, Iraq. Today I would ask that the House of Representatives honor 
and remember this incredible young man who died in service to his 
country.
  Eliu was born on June 26, 1976, in Durango, Mexico, to Pascual and 
Estella Mier, who currently reside in Pomona, California. Eliu went to 
high school at San Clemente High, and after graduating he joined the 
Army in 1996 for great future opportunities and to travel. In 1999, he 
was sent to Fort Hood, Texas, and was later promoted to Sergeant in the 
4th Infantry Division. He was a light-wheeled vehicle mechanic in what 
is the most technically advanced combat division in the Army. It was 
the 4th Infantry Division that participated in the capture of Saddam 
Hussein.
  Eliu is remembered as an outstanding athlete and talented musician. 
More importantly, he was a loving husband to his wife Amanda and a 
proud father to his son Adrian.
  As we look at the incredibly rich military history of our country, we 
realize that this history is comprised of men and women like Eliu who 
bravely fought for the ideals of freedom and democracy. Each story is 
unique and humbling for those of us who, far from the dangers they have 
faced, live our lives in relative comfort and ease. My thoughts, 
prayers and deepest gratitude for their sacrifice go out to his wife 
and family. There are no words that can relieve their pain.
  His wife and family have all given a part of themselves in the loss 
of their loved one. Their loss is part of a larger effort to give the 
Iraqi people and all people around the world the opportunity to live in 
freedom and without fear. I hope they know that their son and the 
sacrifice he made will not be forgotten.

                          ____________________