The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“TRIBUTE TO CORPORAL THOMAS JAMES HERRERA” mentioning the U.S. Dept. of Commerce was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E162 on Feb. 12, 2008.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO CORPORAL THOMAS JAMES HERRERA
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HON. J. RANDY FORBES
of virginia
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Mr. FORBES. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Cpl. Thomas Herrera, who enlisted in the United States Army on September 12, 2007. Cpl. Herrera's notable career spans 18 years, and his record of achievements during this period reflects greatly upon himself and upon the organizations with which he has served.
A native of Austin, Texas, Cpl. Herrera has followed a diverse career path of increasing responsibility culminating in his enlistment into the U.S. Army. Mr. Herrera is currently serving as Corporal at Fort Lee, Virginia. Previously, Cpl. Herrera served in the Army National Guard in the States of Massachusetts and Nevada from 2006-2007, when he began active Federal service. From 1987-1990, he served in the U.S. Air Force.
From 1990-1991, Cpl. Herrera worked for the U.S. Department of Commerce, Bureau of the Census as a Computer Operator. Following this, he took a position as Human Resource Assistant for the Governor of Texas from 1991-1996. Cpl. Herrera left government service in 1996 to begin a near ten-year journey in academia, earning commendable credentials that prepared him for his future military and government service.
In May 2001, Cpl. Herrera graduated from the University of Texas at Dallas with a BA in Government Politics. In May 2002, he graduated from the Southern Methodist University with a MLA in Liberal Arts/History. Finally, in December 2005, Cpl. Herrera concluded his academic journey with an MA in Criminology & Criminal Justice from the University of Texas at Arlington.
Cpl. Herrera has also taken it upon himself to become fluent in Spanish, French, Italian, German, and Russian. Additionally, he has a working knowledge of Mandarin Chinese, Korean, and Japanese.
Cpl. Herrera is married to the former Kasi Ann Roberts of Jacksonville, North Carolina. They were married on March 10, 2006 and have one daughter, Emma Belen Herrera, born on February 2, 2006. Mrs. Herrera's parents reside in Sherman, Texas. Although Cpl. Herrera's parents are deceased, he has close family that reside in Austin and Dallas, Texas.
Throughout his life, Cpl. Herrera has overcome poverty and hardship in an effort to meet incredible personal goals and objectives.
Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring Corporal Thomas James Herrera, for his commitment to academic and professional success. He is a remarkable public servant who has served our Nation and epitomized the dedication and professionalism that make our military a model all over the world.
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