[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 162 (2016), Part 7]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 10262]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        HONORING RETIRED MARINE MASTER SERGEANT RODNEY BUENTELLO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOAQUIN CASTRO

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 5, 2016

  Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a San Antonio 
hero we tragically lost recently. Retired Marine Master Sergeant Rodney 
Buentello bravely served our nation in both Iraq and Afghanistan and 
was awarded the Purple Heart twice.
  Last month, when he and his family were enjoying a day at Bandera 
City Park, Buentello unexpectedly had to tap into the courage and 
selflessness that served him so well overseas. He saw two teenagers in 
peril, drowning in rushing water by the park's dam. Disregarding his 
own safety, Master Sergeant Buentello dove in and rescued the teens, 
saving their lives. Sadly, he was pulled under the water himself and 
drowned before rescuers could reach him.
  Master Sergeant Buentello lost his life a hero, sacrificing to help 
those in need. He is emblematic of the best our military has to offer. 
I offer my deepest sympathies to his wife, their three sons, and all of 
his loved ones in this time of grief. I also want to extend my prayers 
and condolences to the John Jay High School community, where Master 
Sergeant Buentello most recently served as a teacher's aide. His city 
and nation will forever be grateful for his life and his service.

                          ____________________