Congressman Mike Pence

Washington, D.C. – U.S. Congressman Mike Pence paid tribute to a local soldier and other guardsman who lost their lives in Afghanistan this week. His remarks are below:

"Madame Speaker,

"I rise with a heavy heart to remember two Hoosier National Guardsmen who fell in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, on 16 July, this week: Army Specialist Sergio Eduardo Perez of Crown Point, Indiana, and Specialist Nicholas Andrew Taylor, of Berne, Indiana. Both lost their lives in the same attack while courageously supporting combat operations.

"Specialist Perez, and Specialist Taylor both served with the 713th Engineer Company of the Indiana National Guard based out of Valparaiso, Indiana.

"Specialist Perez was born in Crown Point, Indiana. He enlisted after graduating from nearby Lake Central High School in 2010. By all accounts, he was a young man who could get along with everyone. He was the pride of his family and would do anything for anybody.

"Army Specialist Nick Taylor was from a town in my district – Berne, Indiana. Despite receiving several offers to play college football after graduating from South Adams High School in 2010, Taylor signed up to serve his country in the Indiana National Guard. He was a hard worker, a man of integrity. He excelled in everything he tried and was active in the First Missionary Church.

"Our hearts in Indiana are heavy as we remember those who lost their lives wearing the uniform of the United States on our behalf, and those they left behind. On behalf of all Hoosiers, I extend our deepest sympathies to their families, including Specialist Nick Taylor's father, Police Chief Timothy Taylor, his mother Stephania, brother Drew, sisters Holly and Sophia, and Specialist Sergio Perez's father, Sergio and mother, Veronica. The Bible tells us, 'The Lord is close to the brokenhearted,' and that shall be our prayer."

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