[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Pages 17162-17163]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING ROMEO BARRERAS

 Mr. HELLER. Madam President, today I wish to honor the life of 
Pvt. Romeo Barreras, a Nevadan and Filipino-American World War II 
veteran, whose recent passing is a devastating loss to the Silver 
State. As a member

[[Page 17163]]

of the ``Mighty Five,'' a group of veterans living in Las Vegas, Pvt. 
Romeo Barreras helped lead the fight to provide proper military 
recognition and compensation for nearly 24,000 Filipino World War II 
veterans. I am grateful for his service to defend democracy around the 
world and will continue to do everything within my power to ensure that 
Filipino veterans are honored for their sacrifices.
  Pvt. Romeo Barreras fought bravely for our country and yet was not 
able to qualify for the military benefits he earned and deserved. That 
is why I introduced the Filipino Veterans Fairness Act, to establish a 
process for Filipinos who have fought alongside the U.S. military 
during World War II to work with military historians to determine 
eligibility for military benefits. We have a responsibility to ensure 
that individuals who served honorably alongside U.S. troops are 
recognized for their contributions to our Nation.
  I am humbled to have known Pvt. Romeo Barreras. It was a privilege to 
work with him on behalf of all Filipino American World War II veterans. 
My thoughts and prayers go out to his family during this difficult 
time.
  In memory of Pvt. Romeo Barreras, I will continue fighting to ensure 
that veterans and their families are properly thanked for their 
sacrifices. Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering the 
life of an honorable man who was dedicated to providing justice for 
deserving veterans.

                          ____________________