PRESIDIO OF MONTEREY, Calif. -- A Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center graduate was memorialized with a building dedication June 22 in recognition of his bravery and selflessness in paying the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
While redeploying with his unit to Ghanzi, Afghanistan, Cpl. Bernard P. Corpuz, a 2005 DLIFLC graduate, died June 11, 2006, from wounds sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated during combat operations while he traveled in a convoy of vehicles conducting a village assessment.
He died in the arms of a catholic chaplain at the age of 28.
In recognition of his high professionalism as a Soldier, community members and leaders gathered to dedicate building 607, the Multi Language School, as Corpuz Hall June 22.
In attendance at the event hosted by Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center Commandant Col. Danial D. Pick were Representative Sam Farr, local civic representatives and school and garrison leaders and staff. Additionally Peggy Wilson Corpuz, mother of Cpl. Corpuz attended the ceremony with family and close friends.
Pick expressed his deepest sympathies to the family and friends for their loss.
"It is a testament to your son's character that he has already been memorialized with a Recreation Facility in Afghanistan and with a tree planted in his name at the University of LaVerne," Pick said to Corpuz's mother. "Today we do our part to memorialized your son, by naming this building Corpuz Hall."
Farr commented on the importance of the occasion and the building being named after one of DLIFLC's own.
"This is what I like about DLIFLC," Farr said, "most buildings get named after president, scholar, and other famous people."
He went on to acknowledge the privilege he felt to be part of a ceremony that recognized a fallen Soldier by giving him such high status and an impressive state-of-art building. "I am so proud to be able to dedicate this building to a local Soldier."
According to the narration, those who knew Corpuz well described him with such words as: quality, outstanding, eager, hero, funny, gregarious, brave, inspiration, passion, uplifting, integrity, honorable, fast, lion-hearted, vibrant, priceless, fun-loving, kind-hearted, and unique.
"Corpuz contributed great value to the history of DLIFLC," Farr said, "with his exemplary service as a translator, with his valiant actions as a Soldier, and by the very strength and positive energy of his personality and lifestyle."
Corpuz Hall joins a select group of buildings; buildings named in honor of the Defense Language Institute Foreign Language Center's most distinguished graduates and faculty members.
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