Fallen Soldier Given U.S. Citizenship

Rubio killed in Iraq

MISSION - He died for our country. Now he'll be honored as a hero and a citizen. U.S. Senator John Cornyn says Corporal Jose "Joe" Rubio will be granted full U.S. citizenship.

Rubio was born in Mexico and grew up in Mission. He filled out the paperwork for citizenship, but never mailed it in before being sent to Iraq. He died in Baghdad last week when roadside bomb exploded near his vehicle.

Cornyn says Rubio will be granted citizenship posthumously because "he embodies the true meaning of patriotism."

Funeral services for corporal Rubio are set for today. There will be a mass at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Guadalupe Church in Mission. Burial will follow at the Rio Grande Valley State Veterans Cemetery.

NEWSCHANNEL 5 will have complete coverage of Rubio's day of honor.