STAFF REPORT Washington, DC – Reps. Linda T. Sánchez (CA-38) and Grace F. Napolitano (CA-32) today released a resolution honoring the life and service of Petty Officer Raul Guerra, a U.S. Navy journalist and native of Montebello, California. In 1967, Petty Officer Guerra died when his plane crashed during a combat mission in Vietnam. Earlier this year, the U.S. Department of Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency positively identified Guerra’s remains and returned them to California, where his loved ones finally laid him to rest. “While Petty Officer Raul Guerra paid the ultimate price, his story affirms our commitment to bringing home the brave Americans who serve our country,” said Congresswoman Sánchez. “For several years, I worked closely with former U.S. Marine Ruben Valencia and the rest of the Bring Raul Home Committee to identify and return Petty Officer Guerra’s remains to the United States. They never lost hope or gave up. It is a true testament to the life and sacrifice of this serviceman, who was decorated with the National Defense Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and the Vietnam Campaign Medal, that his loved ones remained so dedicated to ensuring he was not forgotten. His service, patriotism, and memory deserve to live on, which is why I’m proud to introduce this resolution with Congresswoman Napolitano.” “Petty Officer Raul Guerra was thought to be missing forever, but because of the perseverance of his former classmates, friends, and loved ones, his body was recovered and finally returned home this year, 52 years after he was pronounced killed in action,”said Congresswoman Napolitano. “Just as Petty Officer Guerra answered the call of duty, enlisting in the Navy Reserves and deploying to Vietnam, the Bring Raul Home Committee members remained unwavering in their mission. We commend all of the members of the Committee—Ruben Valencia, Donna Peterson, Gary Peterson, Ray Penailen, Carmele Hobley, Gena Valencia, Emily Valencia, and Amanda Santos—who went to great lengths on behalf of Petty Officer Guerra. Their patriotism reminds us we must never forget our brave men and women in uniform, nor their service and sacrifices to our nation. I am proud to join Congresswoman Sánchez in introducing this resolution to pay tribute to the courage and character of Petty Officer Raul Guerra and to recognize the dedication of those who worked tirelessly to bring his remains home to California.” |