[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 20]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 27751]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




            U.S. MARINE LANCE CORPORAL DAVID A. MENDEZ RUIZ

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH

                                of ohio

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 7, 2005

  Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of 
United States Marine Corporal David A. Mendez Ruiz of Cleveland, Ohio, 
who bravely, honorably and selflessly heeded the call to duty and made 
the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of our country.
  Family, friends and service to others framed Corporal Ruiz's young 
life. He gained personal strength and faith from those who knew him 
best and loved him most, especially his father and mother, Maximiliano 
and Miriam; sisters and brothers, Sandra, Byron, Laura, Mynor, Zucely, 
Edgar and Nydia; grandmother, Elvia Ruiz; and his fifteen nieces and 
nephews.
  Corporal Ruiz was born in Guatemala City, Guatemala, on May 26, 1985. 
In 1991, at the age of six, Corporal Ruiz and his family immigrated to 
the United States and settled in Cleveland, Ohio. He quickly 
assimilated to American culture; his easygoing nature and generous 
heart easily drew others to him. One month after graduating from 
Greater Cleveland Christian High School in May 2003, Corporal Ruiz 
enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, where he served with 
dedication and honor. In February 2004, he left for first tour of duty 
in Iraq. Corporal Ruiz left for his second tour of duty on July 4, 
2005.
  Mr. Speaker and Colleagues, please join me in honor and remembrance 
of Lance Corporal David A. Mendez Ruiz. I extend my deepest condolences 
to his parents, brothers and sisters, grandmother, extended family 
members and many friends. Integrity, kindness, unwavering service to 
others and endless heart defined his young life and his spirit will 
live forever in the hearts and memories of everyone who knew and loved 
him best--his family and friends. Corporal Ruiz's courageous life and 
legacy of service will be forever honored and remembered by the 
Cleveland community and by our entire nation.

                          ____________________