Tom Udall: “I rise today as we enter a new year to honor a brave young soldier who, sadly, did not see this new year. Army SSG…”

“I rise today as we enter a new year to honor a brave young soldier who, sadly, did not see this new year. Army SSG Pernell Herrera died December 31, 2011, while serving in Afghanistan. He was 33 years old. At times like this, words of elected officials seem so inadequate. Words will not ease the profound loss of Staff Sergeant Herrera's family. Words will not fully express our gratitude for Staff Sergeant Herrera's service to our Nation. But the death of a young soldier like Staff Sergeant Herrera demands our attention. It demands our respect, and it demands that we remember. Pernell Herrera just wanted to serve his country. He enlisted in the New Mexico National Guard in 2006. He was assigned to C Company, 1st Battalion, 171st Aviation Regiment, and he served honorably over the last 5\1/2\ years. His journey ended in the course of that service. We are forever in his debt. When we talk about our fallen soldiers, we honor their sacrifices and we also honor their lives. Pernell Herrera was born in Los Alamos. He grew up in Espanola and graduated from Espanola High School. He leaves behind a son Julian and a daughter Alicia. Pernell wrote about himself on his Facebook page the following description: I am a very easygoing dad of one son, and one daughter. They are the biggest joys of my life. I enjoy spending my free time with my mom, and brother, family and friends. I'm currently in Afghanistan with the United States Army.…”