Barbara Boxer: “I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Gerardo Ismael Hernandez, a loving husband and father and…”

“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.…”