Congressman Serrano Mourns
Mosul
Tragedy &

Recent
Bronx
Soldier’s Death in

Washington, DC
, December 21, 2004—Today, Congressman José E. Serrano (D-NY) expressed his deepest sorrow for the loss of life at Marez Forward Operating Base in
Mosul,
, in the aftermath of the deadliest single attack on US troops since the start of the war.  The attack came on the heels of the tragic death of Victor Martinez, a 21-year-old Army specialist from the
South Bronx
killed last week when his convoy was attacked.

“This is such a sad day for ,” said Serrano.  “I mourn the terrible loss of life at that camp in
Mosul
today, and wish nothing but peace and comfort for the families of those who have lost their loved ones.  With the holidays approaching, this attack could not have come at a more painful time.  mourns their loss, salutes their service, and cherishes their memory.”

The attack was a massive explosion that ripped through a mess tent at the military base near
Mosul
where hundreds of troops had just sat down to lunch.  More than 20 people were killed and close to 60 were wounded.  At least 14 of the dead were American soldiers. 

“I also want to offer my deepest condolences to the family and friends of Victor Martinez,” said Serrano.  “He was a young man of so much promise, and he will be sorely missed.  His loss further underscores the tragedy that is this war in .”

Martinez
, 21, hailed from the

Morris

Heights

section of the
South Bronx
and had expressed hopes of attending

Hostos

Community College

or

Bronx

Community College

when he got out of the Army.  He was shot and killed while stepping out of his vehicle in
Baghdad
last Tuesday.

“These recent attacks underscore the brutal senselessness of our national tragedy in ,” said Serrano.  “Those of us who have served in the military feel the utmost respect for those who have fought and died for our country, and I know that I am one of millions of American veterans who deeply support our troops and pray for their well-being while feeling a great uneasiness toward this war.  This war has been a failure from the start, and we will continue to suffer heartbreaking losses of American life until we bring our troops home.  Let’s do what’s right for our troops by bringing them home now.”