EL PASO – On Wednesday, November 7, 2007 at 11:00 a.m., Senator Shapleigh will honor Capt. Gabriel L. Navarrete with a posthumous "Adelante Con Ganas Award."  Every month Senator Shapleigh awards one or more persons who have made an extraordinary commitment to service, family and community.  This month's honoree, Capt. Navarrete, led the Boys of Company E in Italy during WWII .

Capt. Navarrete was a graduate of Cathedral High School and most of the Boys of Company E were graduates of Bowie High School in El Paso.  During the Italian campaign, 5th Army Commander General Mark Clark needed a diversionary attack to prevent the Germans from attacking the main Allied invasion forces landing at Anzio.  According to EPCC researcher Leigh E. Smith, Jr., they planned an assault across the Rapido River in the Cassino Valley in the central part of Italy.

The 36th division was one of the primary units involved, and in less than 48 hours, more than 1,700 men from the division were killed—including many of the Boys of Company E.

The posthumous "Adelante Con Ganas" Award will be received by Capt. Navarrete's son, David Navarrete.  Senator Shapleigh is also working with the Navarrete family and Bowie Alumni to name a high school after Capt. Navarrete, in remembrance of his bravery and bravery of his men.        

What:  Posthumous "Adelante Con Ganas" Award to Commander Gabriel L. Navarrete.

When:  Wednesday, November 7 at 11:00 a.m.

Where:  Office of Senator Eliot Shapleigh, 800 Wyoming Ave., Suite A.