Recognizing Staff Sgt. Jimmy Arroyave Who Was Killed in Iraq April 2004

RECOGNIZING STAFF SGT. JIMMY ARROYAVE WHO WAS KILLED IN IRAQ, APRIL 2004 -- (Extensions of Remarks - April 28, 2004)

SPEECH OF HON. MIKE THOMPSON OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 28, 2004

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to pay tribute to Jimmy Arroyave, USMC, who was killed in the line of duty in Iraq on April 15, 2004. On his second deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Staff Sgt. Arroyave died in a motor vehicle accident northeast of Al Ramadi.

Serving with the Combat Service Support Battalion, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, which is stationed out of Camp Pendleton, this 30-year-old resident of Yolo County, CA answered his country's call and paid the ultimate price.

Born in Cali, Colombia, Staff Sgt. Arroyave moved to Woodland, CA, at an early age and enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1993. He was proud to be a Marine, loved the military life and had planned on making the military his career.

In addition to his deployments to Iraq, Staff Sgt. Arroyave served in Kuwait from October 2002 until June 2003, and in Japan for 12 months in 1999. He was the recipient of the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and the Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Ribbon.

Staff Sgt. Arroyave was a devoted son, husband, and father. He is survived by his wife Rachelle, who is 3 months pregnant, daughters Vanessa and Natalia, all of Oceanside, and daughter Catie of Dixon. He leaves behind his mother, Carmenza Brennan of Woodland, his father Javier Arroyave of New York, and a loving circle of extended family.

Staff Sgt. Arroyave died serving the country he loved, with comrades he loved and with the love of his wife and family in his heart. Our Nation is humbled and grateful for his sacrifice.

Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize Staff Sgt. Jimmy Arroyave, who gave his life in service to our country.

END