Soldier had planned to become a citizen when he returned from Iraq

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

Rosalba Kuhn watched every move as the two soldiers folded the U.S. flag that had rested on her only son's shiny silver casket just moments before.

An Army representative comforts Rosalba and Tom Kuhn, the mother and stepfather of Army Pfc. Rey David Cuervo, during his funeral at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Cuervo, 24, moved with his family to South Texas when he was 6 and hoped to become a naturalized U.S. citizen. The honor guard carries the casket of Army Pfc. Rey David Cuervo during his funeral at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery.

She gratefully took it from the arms of a captain and gently placed it in her lap as family and friends watched through tear-filled eyes.

They had gathered Monday inside Shelter 1 at the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery to pay their last respects to Army Pfc. Rey David Cuervo, 24, a Tampico, Mexico, native who died Dec. 28 in Iraq.





(Photos by Nicole Frugé/Express-News)
Valentina Barrientez kisses the casket of her brother, Army Pfc. Rey David Cuervo during his funeral at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Cuervo, 24, was a scout with the 1st Squadron, 2nd Armored Cavalry Regiment out of Fort Polk, La.

more: http://news.mysanantonio.com/story.cfm?xla=saen&xlb=180&xlc=1109397

[La_Serpiente]

1. image

[Dogmudgeon]

2. PFC Cuervo was an American through-and-through

He gave his life for America.

(Even if the cause he served was directed by vulgar, arrogant cowards and fools.)

My take is that if you serve America, you're an American. No further questions need be asked. That says more to me than any loyalty oath or Pledge to the Flag.

Cuervo should be awarded Citizenship posthumously. Immediately. With honors, if that is possible. And if he left a widow and children, so should they.

--bkl

[Tom Yossarian Joad]

4. I would think that citizenship would be awarded with membersip

in the Armed Forces.

Otherwise, it begins to sound as if we are simply hiring mercenaries.

[Judi Lynn]

3. ""He just wanted to be in the United States," Ochoa said."

What a shame.

Hope his family will find comfort. Looks like they lost a fine friend, son, and brother.