(July 13, 2005) Washington, D.C. - Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard (CA-34) presents Hospital Corpsman Third Class Victor Urena of Downey with the distinguished Navy Times "Sailor of the Year" award at a ceremony held at the Reserve Officers Association on Capitol Hill.  The 20-year-old Purple Heart recipient who suffered injuries during his service is a veteran of 50 combat missions and 100 combat patrols in Iraq.  During his tour in Iraq with a battalion that suffered more casualties than any other Marine infantry in Iraq, Petty Officer Urena is credited with saving the lives of many American soldiers and Iraqi civilians by providing advanced trauma life support.  Petty Officer Urena is currently stationed at the Branch Medical Clinic in China Lake, CA.  Born and raised in Downey in the congresswoman's district, Petty Officer Urena attended Downey High School for two years before graduating from Tracy High School in Cerritos in 2002.  Pictured above at the award ceremony from left to right: Armando Urena of Downey (his father); Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard; Petty Officer Urena; Eva Angelica Gigena (his mother) of Pomona, CA; and Eric Urena (his older brother) of Cerritos.

          In presenting the award to Petty Officer Urena, Congresswoman Roybal-Allard, who represents Downey, said about him: "His tireless efforts and knowledge of emergency medicine saved many lives, including his Marines, Army soldiers and Iraqi civilians.  Petty Officer Urena saw more than his share of personal trauma, too - losing a friend, mentor and fellow Navy corpsman during an enemy ambush.  During another patrol, Petty Officer Urena was wounded himself during an attack on his platoon.  Disregarding the pain from his own injuries, he continued to treat the other injured Marines until they were safely out of danger.  Petty Officer Urena received the Purple Heart for his injuries as well as the respect, admiration and eternal gratitude of his Marines for his heroic, selfless concern and care for them.  A native of Downey, California, Petty Officer Urena stands out for his courageous service, and his dedication and compassion for his comrades.  Please join us as we salute Hospital Corpsman Third Class Victor Urena, a most worthy honoree as this year's Navy Times Sailor of the Year."