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New York - Congressman Charles B. Rangel on Friday expressed his sorrow over the death of Washington Heights resident Cpl. Juan Alcántara, the 22-year old Army soldier who was killed this week while serving in Iraq.
"No amount of words can replace this young hero, no amount of time will completely heal the wound for his mother Maria, his sister Fredelinda, his fiancé Sayonara, and his one month old daughter Jayleni Marie," said Rangel. "I cannot help but wonder what a difference this young man would have made in the life of not only his family, but the community that he loved so much."
Rangel called Alcántara's death a tragedy because, like many soldiers who are fighting in Iraq, family members say that he enlisted not out of a desire to fight and kill, but instead for a chance to secure the military's lucrative post-service benefits. It was especially heart wrenching because Alcántara was assigned to 2nd Infantry Division out of Fort. Lewis, Washington -- the same infantry division that Rangel served during the Korean War.
"This neighborhood -- like many communities in this country -- have seen too many of their best and brightest come home in body bags," said Congressman Rangel. "'Why? Is there no other way to get a college education or decent health care or own a home? Do you have to stare into the barrel of a gun or dodge a roadside bomb in order to have your fair shot at the American Dream?"
According to Army officials, Cpl Alcántara died of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near his dismounted patrol. Local elected officials, including Congressman's Rangel's office, have reached out to family members to provide assistance. No date has been set for the return of the serviceman's body to the states.
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