[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 12]
[Senate]
[Page 16839]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     REMEMBERING GERARDO HERNANDEZ

  Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring 
the life of Gerardo Ismael Hernandez, a loving husband and father and 
respected homeland security agent who was dedicated to protecting the 
safety of the American people. Tragically, Agent Hernandez was struck 
down by a gunman at Los Angeles International Airport on November 1, 
2013, becoming the first Transportation Security Administration officer 
killed in the line of duty since the agency's creation. He was 39 years 
old.
  A graduate of Los Angeles High School, Gerardo Hernandez was born in 
El Salvador and came to Los Angeles with his family at age 15. The 
youngest of four brothers, Gerardo worked hard to succeed and always 
wanted to give something back to his country. He went to work for TSA 
in June 2010 and became a behavior detection specialist at LAX. He was 
devoted to his job, his country, and his beloved family.
  Gerardo met his future wife, Ana Machuca, when he was 19 years old. 
Married in 1998, the young couple settled in Porter Ranch, CA and were 
proud parents to a daughter and a son. His friends and colleagues 
remember him as a devoted husband and father and a wonderful friend 
with a great sense of humor who frequently went out of his way to help 
others.
  Agent Gerardo Hernandez, like all those who serve in law enforcement 
and homeland security, put his life on the line to protect and serve 
his community. His commitment to public safety and to the citizens he 
protected will never be forgotten.
  On behalf of the people of California, whom he served so well, I send 
my gratitude and deep sympathy to his friends and family. We are 
forever indebted to Agent Hernandez for his courage, service, and 
sacrifice.

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