Henry Cuellar

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the many accomplishments of Yvonne Delgado, Travis Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Delgado is a Deaf Education Teacher at Travis Elementary. She holds a Bachelor of Science and a Master's Degree in Communication Sciences and Disorders/Deafness Studies from the University of Texas at Austin. She has been the Lead Deaf Education Teacher at Travis since 1997, putting her philosophy to work for the benefit of her students. As Lead Deaf Education Teacher, Mrs. Delgado oversees the Deaf Education team of three teachers and three interpreters, as well as managing the cases of five to ten students and working as a classroom teacher herself. In addition, she provides training and expertise to the general education staff on deaf education issues, equipment, and modifications. Mrs. Delgado has wanted to be a teacher since she was a child, and has always had a keen interest in sign language. She is absolutely committed to her students, getting to know them outside of school and treating them as members of her family. She works constantly to provide her students with better communication skills and confidence in themselves. She is a tremendous contributor to her community and to her students, and I am honored to have the chance to recognize her here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the accomplishments of Sherri Harris Stokes, Miller Junior High Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Stokes has a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education from Texas A&M University. She is certified in kindergarten, mathematics, and gifted and talented education. She has taught mathematics at Miller Junior High for 6 years, and is already producing excellent results. Mrs. Stokes knows that math can be intimidating for many students, and works constantly in her classroom to make mathematics more accessible, and to help her students build confidence in the subject. She constantly challenges her students and encourages them to try new things, an approach she learned from the mentors who were important in her own development. She has been heavily involved in helping students grow outside her classroom, as well. She has served for 3 years as the Math Department Chair, 4 years as a National Junior Honors Society Sponsor, and 1 year as a Student Council Sponsor. She strives to make a personal connection with students, continuing to check on their progress as they move forward into high school. Teachers of math are enormously important for getting our children ready for the jobs of the 21st century, and Mrs. Stokes has worked unfailingly toward that goal. Her commitment to education and to her students is laudable, and I am proud to have had the chance to recognize her here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Moon Hernandez, Bowie Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Hernandez is currently a second grade teacher at Bowie Elementary. She received her teaching degree from Texas A&M University, making her the first of five children in her family to graduate college. Mrs. Hernandez has served on the District Education Improvement Committee for the last four years and is presently the Literacy Link Lead teacher for the second grade teachers at Bowie. She has served as the second grade team leader and as a technology presenter at the TCEA 23rd Annual Convention. Mrs. Hernandez's goal in teaching is to help children become independent thinkers so that. they can be better prepared for the real world. She credits her mother, who would not let her miss a day of school even as a young child, as her inspiration for learning and teaching. She works tirelessly to provide her students with superior problem solving skills and confidence in themselves. Mrs. Hernandez is an incredible contributor to her community and to her students, and I am honored to have the chance to recognize her here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the countless contributions of Gayle Rhoades, San Marcos High School Teacher of the Year. Gayle Rhoades has a Bachelor of Science degree from Mississippi State University. She has been teaching Academic Biology and Pre-AP Biology at San Marcos High School for the past four years. She combines tough discipline and dedication to helping individual students into an effective teaching strategy. Ms. Rhoades has recently proved herself in one of her school's toughest assignments, as a teacher in the PASS program. PASS is a program for second and third year freshman repeaters. Many of the students in the program have persistent attendance and discipline problems, and are resistant to authority and advice. Ms. Rhoades has dealt with these students with firmness and patience, and her efforts have paid off. Many of her students credit her with putting them on a path to graduation and success in the face of considerable odds. Ms. Gayle Rhoades has been a tremendous role model and source of support for her students, and an excellent resource for her school system and community. She has taken up challenging assignments without complaint, and changed numerous lives for the better. She represents the best of our public education system, and I am proud to have the opportunity to recognize her here.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Brigadier General Dr. Thomas W. Travis for his dedication to public service. Brigadier General Dr. Thomas W. Travis is commander of the 311th Human Systems Wing of the Brooks City Base in the great State of Texas. Serving as both a command pilot and chief flight surgeon, he believes strongly that the human being is the real key to developing capable armed forces. A distinguished graduate of numerous schools and universities, he has earned a Bachelor of Science, a Master of Science degree in physiology, a Doctor of Medicine degree from the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences School of Medicine, a Master of Science degree in public health, and a Master of Science degree in national resource strategy. His ongoing dedication to knowledge and learning has helped to make the 311th Human Systems Wing, located in Brooks City Base, the excellent unit it is today. Brigadier General Travis is the recipient of numerous awards and decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal with four oak leaf clusters, Aerial Achievement Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Combat Readiness Medal, and the Air Force Recognition Ribbon. I am proud to honor the many accomplishments and awards of Brigadier General Dr. Thomas W. Travis. His service sets a strong example for all of those who serve under his guidance.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the many accomplishments of Texas State Board of Education Member Joe Bernal. Mr. Bernal is a proud product of the Texas educational system. He received his Bachelor of Arts degree from Trinity University, his Master of Arts degree from Our Lady of the Lake University, and his doctorate from the University of Texas at Austin. He has amassed a distinguished record in service to his country and his state. He is a WorId War II veteran who served in the Philippines and Japan. Altogether, Mr. Bernal has more than 50 years experience in education and government service, including time spent as a social worker, a classroom teacher, a principal, an assistant superintendent, a Texas state representative, and a state senator. During his legislative career, Mr. Bernal was a tireless advocate for education and civil rights. He championed bills that created free statewide kindergarten for needy five-year-olds, established the University of Texas at Austin, authorized the state's first minimum wage law, and expunged from the state statute all laws supporting racial segregation. He now serves the people of Texas as a Member of the State Board of Education, a position he has held with distinction for seven years. Joe Bernal has had an extraordinary career, and his state is immeasurably better off because of all he has done. He is an example to all of us, and I am honored to have the chance to recognize him here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedicated public service of Hays County Constable Lupe R. Cruz. Mr. Cruz is a native of the San Marcos area. He attended San Marcos High School, and later Austin Community College. He began his career in public service in the military: he served in the United States Navy and Naval Reserve for 30 years, at the end of which time he received an honorable discharge. Mr. Cruz began his career in law enforcement in 1981. From 1981 to 1988, he served his community as a Hays County Deputy Sheriff and Corrections Officer. He continued to learn and train in modern law enforcement methods, and holds both an Advanced Certification in Law Enforcement and the title of Licensed Peace Officer from TCLEOSE. In addition, he has received training in Criminal Law, Civil Law, and Criminal Procedures. In 1989, Mr. Cruz was elected to the position of Hays County Constable for Precinct One. He has served in this post with distinction. He has also found spare time to dedicate to a variety of charitable community organizations. He is a member of the Fraternal Order of Police, VFW Post 3413, and is on the board of directors for both the Southside Community Center and the San Marcos Area Food Bank. Mr. Cruz has had a tremendously productive and successful career in law enforcement, and his community and county are grateful to him for his service. I am proud to recognize him before this body for all the good work he has done.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the exemplary public service of Justin R. Rodriguez, District 7 Trustee of the San Antonio Independent School District. Justin R. Rodriguez, a long time Texas resident, was born in San Antonio in 1974. In addition to his current career in education, he also has extensive legal experience in both his own law practice and through his former job as Assistant District Attorney. Mr. Rodriguez understands the needs of our community. As Trustee, his goal is to prepare our children for both higher education and for the future workforce. Setting out to help end teenage pregnancy, and working hard to improve high school graduation rates, Justin Rodriguez believes in our kids. He is the recipient of numerous awards, most notably the Bruce F. Beilfuss Memorial Award for outstanding service to the University of Wisconsin Law School. Justin R. Rodriguez has also served as the President of the Jefferson Neighborhood Association. Justin Rodriguez currently lives in San Antonio with his wife Victoria and three children: Miranda, Aidan, and 0livia. It is an honor to recognize the hard work of Justin R. Rodriguez of the San Antonio Independent School District. His dedication to the education of our children will help to insure the futures of our youngest citizens.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the exemplary work of the Kirby, Texas Police Department. The Kirby Police Department was established in 1968. At the time, it had only one police car, and was run by Harold Peterson, the first Kirby Marshal. Mr. Peterson received only $50 salary per month, and had to furnish his own transportation and pay his own expenses. The department began to grow in the 1970's, under the leadership of Police Chief Bill Madison. A former counterintelligence officer and San Antonio police sergeant, Madison expanded the staff, purchased new facilities, and worked with county government to modernize Kirby's traffic control system. He was a strong advocate for Kirby, and worked tirelessly to find federal and state level funding to help protect Kirby's growing population. The Kirby Police Department was one of the first to participate in the Selective Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP), which pioneered the use of the breathalyzer to combat drunk driving in high-risk areas. Through the 1980's and up until the present day, the Kirby Police Department continued to grow in size and sophistication, purchasing new cars, radar guns, and 2 communication equipment. As it has grown, it has creatively used its relatively small budget to provide outstanding service and protection to the people of Kirby. I am pleased to have this opportunity to honor the men and women of the Kirby Police Department for over 35 years of exemplary work.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bishop David M. Copeland for his dedicated ministry to the people of San Antonio. David Copeland is a native of Buffalo, New York, and received his early spiritual training in the Baptist Church. He completed his undergraduate education at the State University of New York at Brockport, where he received his bachelor's degree in Sociology and Speech Communications. He earned his Master of Divinity in Church Administration at the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia. He was baptized into the Church of God in Christ at the age of 18, and was called to the ministry in 1969. Bishop Copeland was the founding Pastor of the Good Shepherd Church of God in Christ in Atlanta, Georgia, as well as serving as the Chaplain and Deputy Sheriff of Dekalb County, Georgia. He has a history of taking on especially challenging ministries; he and his wife were the first active duty African American couple in the United States Air Force Chaplaincy, and he is a board member of the Fellowship of Inner City Word of Faith Ministries (FICWFM). Bishop Copeland currently serves as the Senior Pastor of the New Creation Christian Fellowship of San Antonio, Texas. His church has grown and thrived under his leadership, purchasing new facilities and increasing its membership. His 35 years of ministry have changed countless lives for the better, and have strengthened all of the communities in which he has lived and worked. Bishop Copeland is a blessing to the people of Texas, and I am proud to have the opportunity to thank him today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished public service of Hays County Justice of the Peace Beth Smith. Beth Smith attended Austin Community College and Southwest Texas State University, studying Criminal Justice. She has set an example for other law enforcement professionals by continuously updating her educational credentials, working as a Campus Manager for Austin Community College and substitute teaching for the Hays County Independent School District. She was elected as the First Mayor of Mountain City in 1984, and served in that capacity for 14 years. Judge Smith has been tremendously active in the community. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the Hays Caldwell Council on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, and the President of the Gang Response Intervention Program. She has held the position of Associate Municipal Judge for the City of Kyle, and is President of Hays County Rural Fire District #5. Ms. Smith is married to her husband Everett, and has three children. She was first elected to office in 1999, and represents Precinct 2 on the County Justice Court. She has been especially zealous protecting the well-being of Hays County youth, and has been consistently involved with intervention programs to help those most at risk. Justice of the Peace Beth Smith is a tremendous resource for her community, both as a volunteer and a public official. She has served her neighbors with distinction, and I am honored to have the chance to recognize her here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the distinguished public service of Andrew Cable. Andrew Cable graduated from Southwest Texas State University in 1992, and received his Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice. Upon graduation, he decided to pursue a career in law and real estate. He has had an extremely varied and successful professional life: he currently holds a real estate license, a license as a community corrections officer, and a certification in commercial banking. He and his wife, Rebecca, have been tireless volunteers in their community. Mr. Cable is a member of many organizations, including the Texas Justice Court Judges Association, the Texas Community Justice Task Force, the Wimberly High School Mentor Program, and the Community Emergency Response Team Advisory Board. Mr. Cable was elected Justice of the Peace in 1998. He represents Precinct 3 of Hays County, which includes, among several other towns, Mr. Cable's home of Wimberly. His extensive education and experience make him an excellent public servant, and an important resource for his friends and neighbors. Mr. Cable is the sort of energetic, knowledgeable leader who holds our communities together. The people of Hays County are lucky to have him as a Justice of the Peace, and I am happy to have the chance to acknowledge him here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished public service of Pearsall City Councilman Conrad D. Carrasco, Jr. Conrad Carrasco has long been an established part of Frio County's legal community. He entered public service in 1980, and served as Justice of the Peace for Precinct No. 3 through 1990. The Justice of the Peace is the judicial officer who works most closely with average citizens, and Mr. Carrasco's duties included the issuance of warrants and the settlement of small claims disputes between citizens. In this role, as in his other roles, Conrad Carrasco served the people of Frio County with distinction. He was elected to the City Council of Pearsall in May, 2000. Mr. Carrasco has worked while on the council to safeguard Frio County's natural beauty and to ensure that the city is run in an accountable and effective manner. He serves in Place No. 3 on the Council, for a term that extends through May 2006. Finally, he has distinguished himself as a businessman. He has been employed with KBJ's Loan Company since 1995, and continues to be a valuable part of his community's financial sector. Conrad Carrasco has accumulated an impressive record of success in business and service to the people of Frio County. He is an important resource for his community, and I am proud to have had this opportunity to thank him.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the important contributions of Atascosa County Appraiser Eddie Bridge. Eddie Bridge is a hard working member of our community, helping to appraise real estate and personal property in Bee, Crane, Crockett, and Refugio Counties. He also spends his time consulting and assisting the staff members of Frio, Hall, Irion, Martin, Menard, and Starr Counties in both physical and statistical reappraisals. Starting off as a Valuation Consultant with Pritchard and Abbot in 1993, Mr. Bridge has many years of experience in his special line of work. Mr. Bridge is a model of energy and commitment, often working from eight in the morning till nine in the evening. Despite his demanding schedule, Mr. Bridge still finds time for ranching and running cattle. Eddie Bridge lives in Pettus with his wife of 24 years and his two children. Both of his children are Valedictorians and his son Edward II serves at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Our Nation is built upon the hard work and dedication of citizens like Eddie Bridge, and it is important to recognize the value of their daily contributions to both town and country. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have this opportunity to recognize the contributions of Atascosa County Appraiser Eddie Bridge.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions of City Attorney Charles E. Zech. Charles Zech serves as the City Attorney for New Braunfels, Texas. He handles all aspects of municipal representation for the City of New Braunfels by providing representation and legal advice to the City Council, city employees, and 27 boards and commissions. Before graduating from Southwest Texas State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Economics and Finance, Mr. Zech was a member of the United States Navy. He went on to receive his law degree from St. Mary's University School of Law. Attorney Zech is licensed to practice in all County and District Courts of Texas, the Texas Supreme Court, and the United States District Court. He is a member of the Texas Bar Association, the San Antonio Bar Association, the Comal County Bar Association, and the Phi Alpha Delta International Legal Fraternity. As an active member of the Board of Directors of the Texas City Attorney's Association and the chair of the ethics section of the International Municipal Lawyers Association, it is obvious that Mr. Zech plays an active role in the legal community. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have this opportunity to recognize New Braunfels City Attorney Charles Zech for his dedication and contributions to the community and his service to our Country.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Thomas C. Lopez of the San Antonio Independent School District for his dedication to public service. A long time resident of Texas, Thomas C. Lopez was born in San Antonio. He is a strong believer in his community, where he continues to work hard ensuring that our children receive the education that they deserve. Thomas C. Lopez is no stranger to public service. He spent thirty- four years in the United States Army Reserve in active and reserve time. Having served his country, he retired with the rank of Major in 2004. A strong believer in education, Mr. Lopez currently serves as Secretary and District 5 Trustee of the San Antonio Independent School District. He has also helped to improve our community through his involvement with the Affordable Housing Board of San Antonio Housing Services. Mr. Lopez has striven to achieve the continued rebuilding of our inner-city neighborhoods. Because of his dedication toward education and housing, San Antonio, Texas is a better place for our families to live. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply proud to have been given this opportunity to recognize Thomas C. Lopez of the San Antonio Independent School District for his dedicated service to his community.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the exemplary work of the Pleasanton Police Department of Texas. They have shown outstanding dedication and commitment to the community for 53 years. The Police Department was founded in 1952 and the first Chief of Police was Joe Sanders. Since 1952 there have been eight chiefs of police, and today the police department is made up of 16 commissioned officers, 5 communications operators and 1 data entry clerk. The Pleasanton Police Department officers are devoted to performing their jobs in a professional manner while they are serving the community and the surrounding areas. The police department encourages all of its members to engage in community-building practices in order to provide quality service to all residents of the Pleasanton community. The Pleasanton Police Department always strives to provide the highest quality service, preserving human rights, lives and property, while achieving the goals of the department serving the city and community. Currently holding the position of Chief is Gary Soward and Assistant Chief is John Eric Rutherford. The men and woman of the Pleasanton Police Department are committed to excellence in leadership, providing progressive and proactive services that help to develop community partnerships and building for a better future. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this opportunity to recognize the noble service of all the officers at the Pleasanton Police Department.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the McMullen County Tax Collector Angela Boswick for her dedicated public service. Angela Boswick is a proud native of Southwest Texas. She was born in Menard, Texas, where she attended Menard High School. She began her professional life in the banking industry. During that period, she acquired the expertise and competence in finance that have stood her in such good stead during her work for the county. Ms. Boswick has lived in McMullen County for the past 25 years. She entered public service in the tax office 15 years ago. Her hard work and competence have been repeatedly recognized by the county, and she has repeatedly been promoted, eventually rising to her current position as County Tax Collector. Angela Boswick has been married for 10 years, and has further contributed to her community by raising two wonderful girls. She is the kind of public servant who holds our towns and cities together: hardworking, accountable, persistent and dedicated. Too often, the public servants who hold vital but low-profile positions such as tax collector do not get the recognition they deserve. For that reason, I am especially happy to have had the .chance to thank Angela Boswick here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Doug Sellers of the San Antonio Independent School District for his active work in our community. Doug Sellers was born in the great State of Texas in 1952. He attended high school in San Antonio, where he currently serves as District 4 Trustee for the San Antonio Independent School District. Doug Sellers is the type of educator who listens to our kids. Having started out as a Band Booster, he has been involved in the school district for over 15 years and he understands the unique needs of our children in the San Antonio community. Doug Sellers believes that positive change in the educational community is the best way to help our city rise to the challenges of the next century. He has striven to make the San Antonio Independent School District a place where he is proud to send his own grandchildren. Mr. Sellers is dedicated and passionate about improving our schools and he works hard for our community. Under Doug Sellers guidance, our educational and arts communities have a bright future. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to have been given this opportunity to recognize Doug Sellers of the San Antonio Independent School District for his dedication to the educational and arts communities.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the important contributions of Pastor Andrew Wilson of the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church. A native Texan, Andrew Wilson grew up in San Antonio, Texas. He graduated from Guadalupe Theological Seminary in 1984 and later was named recipient of an Honorary Doctorate of Theology from the Guadalupe District Association College. Reverend Andrew Wilson has served as Pastor of the Shiloh Missionary Baptist Church for over twelve years. Under his active and passionate guidance, the Shiloh ``Missionary Baptist Church has taken on numerous important community projects. He serves as an active member of the Baptist Ministers Union, the Community Churches for Social Action, and as Spiritual Advisor to the San Antonio Chapter of the Texas Gospel Announcers Guild/Gospel Music Workshop of America. He also participates in the Nolan Street Bridge Program, which helps to feed the homeless in our community. Pastor Wilson is the husband of Yevette Wilson, and father of Andrenette and the Reverend Leonard Wilson. Mr. Speaker, Pastor Andrew Wilson is a source of tremendous strength for his community, and his commitment to serving his fellow man serves as a powerful example. I am proud to have the chance to honor him here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mayor Bill Carroll of Pleasanton, Texas for his distinguished record of dedication to his fellow citizens. Bill Carroll was born and raised in Dilley, Texas. He served his country in Vietnam in 1968 and 1969, where he was a member of the 101st Airborne. He received his Bachelor's degree in Spanish from Texas State University, and first came to Pleasanton in 1979. Mr. Carroll has been married to his wife, Beth, for 38 years, and has two sons. He has been highly active in community volunteer activities; he has been a member of the Knights of Columbus for over 30 years, and currently holds the rank of fifth degree knight and Ceremonial Delegate in that organization. In 1998, Mr. Carroll was appointed to represent District 6 in the City Council. He was elected to the same office in 1999, and then rose to the rank of Mayor in May 2000. He has been reelected as Mayor in every subsequent year, and continues to hold the post today. Mayor Carroll has distinguished himself as a soldier, a volunteer, a public servant, a husband, and a father. He is the kind of citizen who holds our communities together, through his hard work, energy, and willingness to serve. He is a credit and a blessing to Pleasanton, and I am proud to have the chance to thank him here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Judge Lena F. BlaIock of Pleasanton, Texas for her dedication and commitment to community service. Judge Lena Blalock has made the people of her district proud, by tirelessly dedicating her time to the Municipal Court for 25 years. Judge Blalock, originally from Silverton, Texas, has been the presiding Judge of the Pleasanton Municipal Court since 1985 and works day after day for the betterment of the Pleasanton community. By working as a nurse during WorId War II, working for the police department as a dispatcher, and setting up a business in Pleasanton specializing in TV and radio equipment, Judge Blalock has lived an outstanding life of service to the Country and the community. Judge Blalock has also been a member of the Church of Christ since 1946, and enjoys traveling, photography and crocheting. In her spare time, she also enjoys visiting senior citizens camps in the fall and spring. Judge Blalock has demonstrated great dedication to community service and I am honored to recognize her accomplishments here today.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the important contribution of Judge Danny Valdez of Laredo, TX. In May 1982, Danny Valdez was elected as Justice of the Peace, and is currently serving his sixth four-year term. Judge Valdez has also received numerous awards. Some include: the 2000 Martin High School Tiger Legend, the Liberty Bell Award from the Laredo Bar Association, and the Community Service Award from Lulac Council #12. Aside from presiding over one of the state's busiest courts, he makes time for many community activities. He has worked with at-risk students for the past 23 years, addressing issues such as truancy, gang violence, drug abuse, teen pregnancy and juvenile delinquency. He has been working with the Texas Department of Criminal Justice Education Program to bring male and female inmates to our local middle and high schools to tell their life stories in an effort to educate, warn, and inform students about the dangers and consequences involved in making the wrong choices. Judge Valdez has worked with the Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust in the development of the Lamar Bruni Vergara Boy Scout Camp Huisahche and was also instrumental in the development of the Lamar Bruni Vergara Inner City Recreation Center. Judge Valdez chairs the Annual Toys for Tejanitos Drive and the Angel Wish Program that benefits needy families in our community. He also chairs the Annual Fishing Derby for physically challenged students. This event has received Texas state wide recognition. He has also awarded over $60,000.00 in scholarships to deserving students from L.I.S.D. in Laredo, TX. Judge Valdez is married to Isabel Valdez and has a son, Danny, Jr. and daughter, Maribel. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have had this opportunity to recognize the contributions of Judge Danny Valdez.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mayor Pro-Tem James D. Roberts for his public service to the city of Charlotte, Texas. A patriotic and dedicated American, Mr. Roberts is no stranger to service and sacrifice for his town and country. A veteran of Vietnam, he served in the U.S. Navy from 1968 through 1972. James Roberts is a dedicated public servant, and a lifelong patron of the State of Texas. He has served the City of Charlotte for eleven years, having worked previously as Alderman for 9\1/2\ years. Working closely with numerous community organizations, Mr. Roberts is active in the Atascosa Finance Committee, the Charlotte FFA, the 4-H Club, and the San Antonio Livestock Show Auction Committee. He also serves his community as a volunteer for the fire department, often working as the acting Fire Marshal. Having lived in the community for over 28 years, James Roberts and his wife Marilyn are the owners of a local feed store. They live in Charlotte, Texas with their three children Cody, Jerrold, and Cherlyn. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply proud to have been given this opportunity to recognize the Mayor Pro-Tem of Charlotte, James D. Roberts, for his dedicated public service.

Mr. CUELLAR

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the important contributions of Judge Saul Acevedo, of my Congressional District. Saul Acevedo was born and raised in San Antonio and has been actively involved in the community. He is a product of San Antonio Independent School District and graduated from Jefferson High School in 1981. He earned his Bachelors Degree in Political Science in 1986 from the University of Texas at San Antonio. He then enrolled at Texas Southern University, and in 1989 earned his Law Degree. Judge Acevedo was elected as Precinct 1 Justice of the Peace in 1998; he works constantly to ensure that the people of his community receive the services they need from local government. He is a credit to his community and a tremendous resource for his county. During his time in office he has dedicated himself to the youth of the community. He is extremely active in District 19 little league baseball, and is a past league president. There is one role that Judge Saul Acevedo plays in the community that trumps everything; he is married to Marietta and has two beautiful children. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have this opportunity to recognize Judge Saul Acevedo for his dedication and contributions to the community.