[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Pages 1823-1824]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES


                    army specialist patrick herried

  Mr. JOHNSON. Mr. President, on February 6, 2006, one of South 
Dakota's sons made the ultimate sacrifice while serving in Iraq. Army 
SP Patrick Herried died when an improvised explosive device detonated 
under the armored military vehicle he was driving. He was a member of 
the 4th Squadron, 14th Calvary Regiment, 172nd Stryker Brigade Combat 
Team based in Fort Wainwright, AK.
  Specialist Herried was a 1994 graduate of Roosevelt High School in 
Sioux Falls and was fondly remembered by his classmates and teachers. 
Like many South Dakotans, he was passionate about sports and the 
outdoors. He was a member of the Roosevelt High School football team 
and enjoyed skateboarding and mountain biking.
  Specialist Herried joined the Army in the hopes that it would lead to 
a better career and even college. His mother, Rita, agreed that the 
Army had a positive impact on her son. ``He was just a good kid,'' she 
said. ``Really quiet, but very directed since he's been in the service. 
He was a good son.''
  Patrick's family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers during 
this trying time. Coming to terms with the loss of any soldier who 
gives their life in defense of freedom is difficult. While we are awed 
by Patrick's selfless sacrifice, we are reminded that his life ended 
much too soon. It is my sincere hope that Patrick's family may take 
some small measure of comfort knowing our Nation is eternally grateful 
for his dedicated service to our country.


                         Corporal Jesse Zamora

  Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the life 
of CPL Jesse Zamora. I regret to inform my colleagues that Corporal 
Zamora was killed in Beiji, Iraq on February 3, 2006.
  Those close to Corporal Zamora recognized an indomitable love of 
country and a passionate desire to serve his Nation in the military at 
an early age. Friends and family recall that as a young man, Corporal 
Zamora would often drive into the desert near Las Cruces in his pickup 
to practice his marksmanship. This simple custom is indicative of his 
discipline and certainly contributed to his great skill as a soldier. 
In 2002, shortly after graduating from high school, Corporal Zamora 
enlisted in the Army, fully knowing that his country would soon be 
going to war abroad. This brave decision illustrates the selflessness 
that endeared Corporal Zamora in the hearts of his family members, his 
friends, and his brothers in arms. It also demonstrates his passionate, 
disciplined approach to service and the selfless demeanor that is at 
the core of what the American Army prides its servicemembers on honor, 
duty, humility, and loyalty.
  His mother Paola, stepfather Sergio, sister Christy, are all in our 
thoughts. His brother Tyrel is another brave member of the U.S. Army, 
and I hope that we can soon guarantee him a swift and safe journey 
home.
  Corporal Zamora was assigned as an infantryman to the 101st Airborne 
Division. We can never fully express our gratitude for our veterans' 
service; I ask that we stop now to thank Corporal Zamora and 
acknowledge the sacrifice of his family for their Nation.

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