Eliu Miersandoval

SGT Miersandoval was a member of Company A 4th Forward Support Battalion attached to 1-22 Infantry.

He was killed when his vehicle was hit by an Improvised Exlposive Device
while on convoy duty near Kirkuk, Iraq.

He was 27 years old and his home town was listed as San Clemente, California.

Eliu Miersandoval was known as a friendly young man who relished soccer and the saxophone and was eager to join the Army. He saw the military as a way to expand his horizons and travel, and enlisted after high school.

"He was just awesome, always had his head on straight," said his cousin Soledad McMillen, who played in the high school marching band with Miersandoval in San Clemente, Calif.

Miersandoval, 27, was among three soldiers killed Jan. 31 when an improvised explosive device hit their vehicle near Kirkuk, Iraq. Stationed at Fort Hood, he is survived by his wife, Amanda, and year-old son, Adrian.

Born in Durango, Mexico, Miersandoval could be counted on to come to McMillen's defense. She remembers a time when he stood up for her when she was picked on during marching band.

"My friends went to tell my cousin. Let's just say the guy never bothered me again," she said.

She recalled phoning Miersandoval just before he left for Iraq. "He said he was taking a bath, mellowing out with his son, that it would probably be his last bath for a long time," she said.

Governor Schwarzenegger today issued the following statement regarding the death of Sgt. Eliu A. Miersandoval of San Clemente, CA:

"Maria and I want to express our deepest sympathy to the family of Eliu Miersandoval. Eliu leaves behind a legacy of profound commitment to our country and our freedom. He will be missed."

In honor of Sgt. Miersandoval, Capitol flags will be flown at half-staff.

http://www.fivestarflags.com

TRIBUTE TO SERGEANT ELIU MIERSANDOVAL -- HON. KEN CALVERT (Extensions of Remarks - February 12, 2004)

HON. KEN CALVERT
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Wednesday, February 11, 2004

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a hero from my congressional district. On January 31, 2004, Sgt. Eliu Miersandoval, born Abi Mier, of San Clemente, California, was killed in action in Kirkuk, Iraq. Today I would ask that the House of Representatives honor and remember this incredible young man who died in service to his country.

Eliu was born on June 26, 1976, in Durango, Mexico, to Pascual and Estella Mier, who currently reside in Pomona, California. Eliu went to high school at San Clemente High, and after graduating he joined the Army in 1996 for great future opportunities and to travel. In 1999, he was sent to Fort Hood, Texas, and was later promoted to Sergeant in the 4th Infantry Division. He was a light-wheeled vehicle mechanic in what is the most technically advanced combat division in the Army. It was the 4th Infantry Division that participated in the capture of Saddam Hussein.

Eliu is remembered as an outstanding athlete and talented musician. More importantly, he was a loving husband to his wife Amanda and a proud father to his son Adrian.

As we look at the incredibly rich military history of our country, we realize that this history is comprised of men and women like Eliu who bravely fought for the ideals of freedom and democracy. Each story is unique and humbling for those of us who, far from the dangers they have faced, live our lives in relative comfort and ease. My thoughts, prayers and deepest gratitude for their sacrifice go out to his wife and family. There are no words that can relieve their pain.

His wife and family have all given a part of themselves in the loss of their loved one. Their loss is part of a larger effort to give the Iraqi people and all people around the world the opportunity to live in freedom and without fear. I hope they know that their son and the sacrifice he made will not be forgotten.

Eli Miersandoval is buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California Sec 47 Site 300