[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 8327]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




         IN HONOR AND MEMORY OF STAFF SERGEANT ROBERT HERNANDEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. C.A. DUTCH RUPPERSBERGER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 16, 2006

  Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to honor the 
life of a fallen Maryland soldier, Staff Sergeant Robert Hernandez, a 
veteran reservist of 24 years who died on the 28th day of March 2006.
  Sergeant Hernandez was a member of the 3rd Battalion, 318th Regiment 
Military Police, 80th Division, U.S. Army Reserve, Fort Meade. He was 
killed when a makeshift bomb detonated near his military vehicle during 
combat operations in Al Taquaddurn, Iraq.
  The 47-year-old soldier was a former member of the Baltimore and 
Washington Police Departments. He was praised by colleagues for his 
hard work and jovial personality. He easily earned respect from those 
who knew him and worked with him daily.
  As a member of the Prince George's County force, Sergeant Hernandez 
offered his expertise in a division that lacked Spanish-speaking 
officers. He served as a field training officer assisting officers who 
graduated from the police academy. He also served as a mentor at a 
local elementary school. Sergeant Hernandez is remembered for his 
leadership skills and ability to help others.
  Sergeant Hernandez is survived by his fiancee and three children of 
Silver Spring. He is also survived by his parents in Puerto Rico. He 
will forever be remembered as a dependable, trustworthy and captivating 
person with a passion for life, children, family, and country.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that you join with me today in honoring the life 
and memory of a Maryland hero. Staff Sergeant Robert Hernandez was 
loyal to the citizens of the United States and deserves our recognition 
and appreciation.

                          ____________________