[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16556]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




      TRIBUTE TO SPC. RAYMOND SALERNO III OF LAND O'LAKES, FLORIDA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. GINNY BROWN-WAITE

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 28, 2006

  Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 
an American soldier who gave his life in service to our Nation.
  Army Specialist Raymond Salerno III of Land O'Lakes, Florida recently 
passed away following an extensive battle to recover from wounds 
sustained during operations in Iraq. Specialist Salerno was 27 years 
old, and leaves behind a fiancee, a 7-month-old son, and a grieving 
family.
  While on patrol in Iraq in October, Specialist Salerno's tank was 
struck by a roadside bomb, sustaining third-degree burns over much of 
his body. While recovering in Fort Benning, Georgia, Specialist Salerno 
had recovered enough to perform basic tasks like answering telephones. 
His death came as a shock to everyone who knew him.
  A dedicated wrestler, Specialist Salerno graduated from Land O'Lakes 
High School in 1997. Following his high school career, he worked at 
Response Mail, a direct mail marketing company. Yearning to one day 
gain a college education, Specialist Salerno joined the Army. His dream 
was to potentially go to the police academy and earn a pilot's license.
  Specialist Salerno leaves behind his fiancee Nerea Guerrica and their 
son Nikolas; parents Robin and Raymond Salerno; brothers Christopher 
and Joshua; and sister Camille.
  Mr. Speaker, it is soldiers like Specialist Raymond Salerno III who 
have volunteered to protect the freedoms that all Americans hold dear.
  While brave men and women like Ray have perished in the cause of 
freedom and liberty, his family, friends and loved ones should know 
that this Congress will never forget their sacrifice and commitment.

                          ____________________