PRESS RELEASE

Statement on Death of Private First Class Suárez González

December 20, 2006
Managua

The Government of the United State of America wishes to express its sincere condolences to the family of Private First Class Róger Alfonso Suárez González.  “Our hearts go out to the family of this brave soldier,” said Ambassador Trivelli.  “Private First Class Suárez González, born in Boaco Nicaragua, became a U.S. citizen and chose to fight for his new country.  In doing so, he honored us all.”  Ambassador Trivelli, accompanied by a military honor guard, will attend the funeral for Suárez González in Boaco on December 21, 2006.

Private First Class Suárez González, 22, was killed in action in Ar Ramadi, Iraq on December 5.  He died of injuries suffered from small arms fire while conducting security and observation operations.  He was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 9th Infantry, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division, Fort Carson, Colorado.  Róger Alfonso Suárez González was born in Boaco, Nicaragua on May 8, 1984.    

The family has released the following statement (originally in Spanish):

Statement from the Suarez family

            In these difficult times, our hearts are suffering the loss of one of our dearest family members.

            As we remember our dear Roger at his young age, he was an example of what it is like to be an excellent son, friendly brother, loving husband and a humble human being, with a big heart.  The emptiness that he leaves in our lives will never be filled.

            At this time of sadness we would like to express our thanks to all our relatives, friends, Nicaraguan and American authorities and to the media for their support and thoughtfulness at this difficult time in our lives.

Thanks for accompanying us in our sorrow!

          The Suarez Family