Lance Corporal Eric Valdepenas: December 2014

Thursday, December 11, 2014

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The Loss Of Lance Corporal Eric Valdepenas

Rep. Jim Langevin

Mr. Speaker, it is with profound sorrow that I rise to recognize the loss of a brave Marine in Iraq, Lance Corporal Eric Valdepenas, who served his country with dignity and honor. I join his family and the people of Rhode Island and Massachusetts in mourning this great loss.

Lance Corporal Valdepenas, a resident of Seekonk, Massachusetts, was a graduate of Bishop Hendricken High School in Warwick, Rhode Island, my own alma mater. He was an honors student and co-captain of the school's championship lacrosse team. He is remembered by his teachers and classmates as having tremendous energy and an exceptional character. After high school, he attended the University of Massachusetts at Amherst and was pursuing an engineering degree when his Marine Reserve unit was called up in December 2005.

Lance Corporal Valdepenas served with the 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, 4th Marine Division. He demonstrated the same commitment and positive attitude in Iraq that his family and friends knew well, and he earned numerous military awards, including the Purple Heart. On September 4, while on patrol in al Anbar province, an improvised explosive device detonated next to his vehicle, killing him and two other Marines.

This loss causes us to reflect on the bravery demonstrated by our men and women in uniform as they carry out their obligations in the face of danger. When Lance Corporal Valdepenas's nation called him to duty, he answered without hesitation. We will remember him as a patriot who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.

He is survived by his parents, Jesus and Ann-Marie, and seven siblings Marie Drury, Karen Ing, Nora Lough, and Teresa, Edna-Anne, Neil, and Sean Valdepenas. They will remember his great love for his family, his loyalty and his kindness. May we keep them and other friends and family in our thoughts and prayers as they endure this difficult period. We will also continue to hope for the safe and speedy return of all of our troops serving throughout the world.http://capitolwords.org/date/2006/09/13/E1713-4_the-loss-of-lance-corporal-eric-valdepenas/