Filemon Vela

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Texas A&M University's (TAMU) Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy (ANRP) Internship Program for the admirable work they do to provide students a front-row seat to experience and understand the policymaking process. For over 30 years, the ANRP internship program has provided students in the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences with the chance to immerse themselves in the legislative process at the state, federal, and international levels. This program helps students obtain internships in a variety of settings that match their career goals in Washington, D.C.; Austin, Texas; and Rome, Italy, and provides the opportunity to use their academic knowledge in a professional setting while gaining real-world experience. From 2013 to 2021, I had the pleasure of hosting 25 ANRP interns in my Washington, D.C. office, many of whom went on to pursue careers in teaching, law, agriculture, and other commendable fields of work. Thanks to the excellent education they received at TAMU and the unparalleled experience they gained through the ANRP program, two of those students, Mickeala Carter and Hannah Followill, rose through the ranks to become full-time staff members on my team. Both Mickeala and Hannah are now government professionals in the Department of Agriculture and the Department of Commerce, respectively. It has been an absolute pleasure to work with the students from this program during my tenure in Congress, and I commend the ANRP Internship Program for the great work they do in shaping the leaders of tomorrow.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 268, legislation to add the Fort Brown earthworks to the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historic Park, and I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this bill. I introduced this legislation to preserve a piece of history that is not only central to south Texas, but to our great Nation. Adding this piece of Fort Brown is critical to interpreting the Mexican-American War and the changes made to our international boundary. It is a record of our Nation's border expansion extending to the Pacific Ocean. In hopes of establishing the Rio Grande River as the southern border of the United States, General Taylor ordered the construction of Fort Texas in March of 1846. On May 3, 1846, Mexican General Mariano Arista attacked Fort Texas. Under the command of General Zachary Taylor, U.S. forces, including Lieutenant Ulysses S. Grant, fought at the Battle of Palo Alto and the Battle of Resaca de la Palma, two decisive victories that would force the Mexican retreat across the Rio Grande. While the siege produced limited damage to the fort, Major Jacob Brown, who had command of the post, was mortally wounded in its defense. Afterward, General Taylor named the site Fort Brown, and the surrounding area became the town of Brownsville, Texas. The Fort Brown earthworks is the only standing architecture in the United States associated with the Mexican-American War. Bringing the earthworks into the Palo Alto Battlefield National Historical Park helps tell our Nation's story and protects this important symbol of the transformation of the country resulting from the 19th century westward expansion. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this legislation so we can protect an essential piece of our history that will help us to tell the story of our Nation long into the future. I thank the chairman and the ranking member for their support in this legislation.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Texas State Senator Eddie Lucio, Jr., a man who has devoted his life to bringing dignity and prosperity to the people of the Rio Grande Valley. Eduardo Andres ``Eddie'' Lucio, Jr. was born on January 20, 1946, in Brownsville, Texas. The second of ten children, Eddie grew up in the Bougainvillea neighborhood, where he learned the importance of hard work and a good education. He attended the University of Texas-Pan American in Edinburg, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Education. Eddie served as an educator and coached football, basketball, and track and field in the Brownsville Independent School District before running for office in 1971. At the age of 25, Eddie became the youngest person ever to be elected County Treasurer in the State of Texas. He also served as Cameron County Commissioner before his first election to the Texas House of Representatives, where he represented the people of Brownsville from 1986 to 1990. He then successfully ran to represent District 27 in the Texas Senate, a position he held continuously for 31 years until he announced his retirement in 2022. Eddie leads by example and believes that looking out for your neighbors, especially those who have fallen on hard times or are economically disadvantaged, is the heart of public service. He has assisted families who have lost their homes to fire with food, clothing, and rent, and he donates hundreds of Thanksgiving turkeys every year. After witnessing the destruction of Hurricane Harvey, he purchased a food truck, which he operates with the help of friends and family to feed residents in remote locations when they are affected by natural disasters or other events such as the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. As a former educator, Eddie is a fierce advocate for students and teachers and is well-known throughout South Texas for his work to help young scholars, awarding thousands of dollars in scholarships from funds raised by his annual golf tournaments over the past 30 years. In the State Senate, Eddie authored bills to increase public school funding, expand bilingual education, improve bus safety, ensure nutritious school lunches, and secure better pay for teachers. He also fought to improve access to higher education in the Rio Grande Valley. He was instrumental in the establishment of the University of Texas Regional Academic Health Center and helped fast-track the creation of the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley and its groundbreaking medical school, which are helping to train the next generation of doctors and medical professionals in a medically underserved area of the country. To honor his countless contributions to education in the community, Brownsville ISD named Lucio Middle School after him in 1997. Eddie has changed the landscape of South Texas. As Vice Chair of the Finance Committee, he worked to secure millions of dollars in state funding for infrastructure, which contributed to the designation of the first interstate highways in the Rio Grande Valley and addressed water and wastewater needs for colonias. He also introduced legislation in support of bringing the World Birding Centers to the area and building an artificial reef off the coast of South Padre Island, boosting tourism and ecotourism in the area. Eddie was an early advocate for bringing SpaceX to the region, knowing it would eventually spur a boom of economic development. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, Eddie's wife, Minnie; his children, Eddie Lucio Ill and Lynda; and his grandchildren, Eddie `Luc' Lucio IV and Olivia Rose, in thanking him for five decades of selfless dedication to his community.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, l rise to recognize The Honorable Eddie Lucio, III, who has admirably represented the people of southwestern Cameron County in the Texas House of Representatives for the past 15 years. Eduardo Andres ``Eddie'' Lucio, III was born in Brownsville, TX, on December 19, 1978, to Andres ``Eddie'' Lucio, Jr., and Herminia Cerda Lucio. He graduated from James Pace High School in 1997 and attended Texas Tech University for a year before transferring to the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in 2001 and a J.D. from the University of Texas School of Law in 2005. After law school Eddie was called to public service, a value instilled in him at a young age by his parents. He worked for the Texas Comptroller for Public Accounts before running for Texas State Representative of District 38 in 2006, a position he won and to which he was re-elected in every consecutive election until he announced his retirement in 2022. Eddie worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for residents of Cameron County during his tenure in the Texas House of Representatives and through his work as a lawyer. His efforts have made an indelible impact on the Rio Grande Valley, especially in the areas of children and families, education, and the environment. As a state representative, he found a way to make Pre-K education cost-neutral for Cameron County school districts, giving young children a better chance to succeed in school; and championed legislation that gave foster children a voice in their placement. Eddie also aided in the creation of the University of Texas-Rio Grande Valley (UTRGV) in 2013, which came into being through the merging of the University of Texas-Pan American and the University of Texas at Brownsville/Texas Southmost College. UTRGV has had a transformative influence on the community thanks to its affordable tuition, its diverse academic curriculum, and the establishment of a new medical school that fills a void in an area of the country that is medically underserved. Eddie's concern for the environment is evident in his work to pass legislation to preserve Texas' access to water for future generations through the creation of a regulator system for seawater desalination, and his efforts to secure funding for the State Water Plan. He also led the effort in the Texas House to make it illegal to buy or sell shark fins in Texas, receiving special recognition for the bill's passage by the Discovery Channel during its annual Shark Week programming. In addition to his work in the Texas House of Representatives and his law practice, Eddie's commitment to the community is widely reflected through his volunteer work for the Brownsville Independent School District, the City of Brownsville's ``Just Say No'' Program, Meals on Wheels, Survivors of Domestic Violence Program, Good Neighbor Settlement House, the Optimist Club, and Help One Student to Succeed Program. He is also a local Orangetheory Fitness franchise owner, providing good jobs at his two locations in Brownsville and Harlingen and promoting a healthy lifestyle in the region. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, his wife, Jaime, and his children, Olivia Rose and Eduardo Andres `Luc' Lucio IV, in recognizing Texas State Representative Eddie Lucio, III, for his many years of public service and his personal contributions to the success, happiness, and well-being of the residents of the Rio Grande Valley.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Aniceto ``Cheto'' Perez, Jr., of Alice, Texas. Aniceto has dedicated his life to public service and law enforcement for over three decades and has made a lasting impact on the people of South Texas. Aniceto was born to Aniceto Perez, Sr. and Martha Valerio Perez of San Diego, Texas in 1959. After graduating from San Diego High School in 1978, Aniceto knew he wanted to establish a career in law enforcement. He began his career with the Duval County Sheriffs Department in 1978, serving as a telecommunicator and jailer before transferring to the City of Alice Police Department. Aniceto started at the Alice Police Department as a uniformed patrol officer and was promoted three years later to the Narcotics Unit. As a narcotics investigator, Aniceto performed undercover operations and served as a member of the Narcotics Task Force, working closely with local, state, and federal agencies. Aniceto was then promoted once again, this time to Sergeant Investigator of the Narcotics Unit, making him the lead investigator on many cases. During his tenure in the Narcotics Unit, Aniceto assisted in the seizure of several tons of illegal narcotics, millions of dollars in narcotics-related currency, and countless weapons utilized by drug trafficking organizations. Aniceto also held roles as an Internal Affairs Investigator; Interim Lieutenant for the Patrol and Traffic Division; Training Coordinator; Commander of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) Team; Police Bicycle Patrol Instructor; Firearms Instructor; Honor Guard Member; Licensed Forensic Hypnosis Administrator; and Chief of Police. Aniceto retired from law enforcement after 39 years of service with the Alice Police Department, the longest tenure to date. Although it would be impossible to list all the impactful cases he worked on and all he achieved during his time at the Alice Police Department, these cases stand out over the course of Aniceto 's storied career: In 1994, Aniceto was a member of the team assigned to investigate the capital murder case of Trini Gonzalez, who was only 9 years old at the time of her death. This investigation led to the arrest and conviction of two people. In 2008, Aniceto was a member of the investigating team that responded to an armed bank robbery of a Wells Fargo Bank that involved the shooting of an Alice police officer. This investigation led to an arrest, conviction, and recovery of stolen currency. In 2018, Aniceto was made lead investigator on the murder case of Matthew Murphy, a police officer shot in the line of duty. This case had remained unsolved since 1974, but through much diligence and investigation Aniceto and his team obtained a confession, arrest, and conviction for the case, which spanned from Texas to Alabama. Aniceto also participated in a lengthy multi-agency surveillance operation of a suspected member of the Asian Triad who was living in Alice and owned a business there. Upon his arrest, the suspect was found to be in possession of floor plans of a federal building in Corpus Christi. This operation is believed to have stopped a possible terrorist attack on the building. Aniceto has accumulated an impressive number of awards and commendations over the course of his career, including the City of Alice Chamber of Commerce Police Officer of the Year Award in 1995 and 2018, the City of Alice Police Department Achievement Award, and the Jim Wells County Leadership Award. He is also very engaged in the community, and has served as a board member, volunteer coach and official for the Boys and Girls Club, regional coordinator for Toys for Tots, and judge for various local athletic organizations including the Alice Swim Team and the Coastal Bend Allstars Swim Team. Aniceto expresses no desire to slow down anytime soon. He is currently a Professor and Criminal Justice Faculty Lead at Coastal Bend College, where he shares his knowledge and expertise with students. Aniceto has expressed gratitude and love for his career; however, he states his greatest accomplishments are being a husband to his wife Jo Ann for 37 years, being a father to his daughter Sabrina and son Aeren, and being a grandfather to his two grandchildren, Aaden and Alaina. Madam Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Aniceto Cheto Perez, Jr., a truly passionate public servant who represents the best of our community. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating him on his outstanding career and thanking him for his devotion to the people of the Rio Grande Valley.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I was present and intended to vote ``YEA'' on Roll Call No. 449 on final passage of S.J. Res 33. However, it has come to my attention that my vote was not recorded, and I would like to state that my vote would have been YEA on Roll Call No. 449 on final passage of S.J. Res 33.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I was present and voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 449, final passage of S.J. Res. 33. However, it has come to my attention that my vote was not recorded, and I would like the record to show how my vote would have been counted on S.J. Res. 33. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 449. members recorded pursuant to house resolution 8, 117th congress Amodei (Balderson) Armstrong (Johnson (SD)) Axne (Wild) Baird (Bucshon) Barragan (Beyer) Bass (Cicilline) Beatty (Blunt Rochester) Bera (Aguilar) Bilirakis (Fleischmann) Blumenauer (Beyer) Bonamici (Kuster) Bowman (Pocan) Boyle, Brendan F. (Evans) Brooks (Moore (AL)) Brownley (Kuster) Buchanan (Waltz) Butterfield (Kildee) Carl (Joyce (PA)) Calvert (Garcia (CA)) Cardenas (Gomez) Carter (TX) (Weber (TX)) Case (Correa) Clark (MA) (Kuster) Cohen (Beyer) Cole (Lucas) Crist (Soto) Cuellar (Green (TX)) Curtis (Stewart) DeFazio (Brown (MD)) DelBene (Larsen (WA)) DeGette (Blunt Rochester) DeSaulnier (Beyer) Diaz-Balart (Burgess) Doggett (Raskin) Doyle, Michael F. (Evans) Escobar (Garcia (TX)) Espaillat (Correa) Fletcher (Raskin) Frankel, Lois (Kuster) Fulcher (Johnson (OH)) Garamendi (Sherman) Gimenez (Cammack) Gohmert (Weber (TX)) Gonzalez, Vicente (Correa) Gosar (Boebert) Gottheimer (Sherrill) Granger (Arrington) Graves (MO) (Fleischmann) Green (TN) (Fleischmann) Grijalva (Stanton) Guthrie (Bucshon) Hagedorn (Moolenaar) Hartzler (DesJarlais) Hayes (Wild) Hern (Lucas) Herrera Beutler (Rice (SC)) Horsford (Carter (LA)) Huffman (Levin (CA)) Jacobs (CA) (Correa) Jacobs (NY) (Garbarino) Jackson (Van Duyne) Jayapal (Raskin) Johnson (TX) (Beyer) Jones (Craig) Joyce (OH) (Garbarino) Kahele (Mrvan) Katko (Meijer) Khanna (Connolly) Kilmer (Kildee) Kim (CA) (Gonzalez (OH)) Kinzinger (Meijer) Kirkpatrick (Pallone) Krishnamoorthi (Brown (MD)) LaHood (Wenstrup) Lamborn (Bacon) Lawson (FL) (Evans) Leger Fernandez (Gallego) Lesko (Joyce (PA)) Long (Banks) Loudermilk (Fleischmann) Lowenthal (Beyer) Luetkemeyer (McHenry) Maloney, Carolyn B. (Wasserman Schultz) Mast (Waltz) McCaul (Burgess) McEachin (Brown (MD)) Meng (Kuster) Meuser (Burgess) Miller (WV) (Van Duyne) Moore (UT) (Stewart) Moulton (Beyer) Nadler (Pallone) Napolitano (Correa) Neal (Beyer) Neguse (Perlmutter) Nehls (Fallon) Newman (Wild) Nunes (Garcia (CA)) Ocasio-Cortez (Garcia (IL)) O'Halleran (Stanton) Owens (Stewart) Pascrell (Pallone) Payne (Pallone) Peters (Kildee) Pingree (Kuster) Porter (Aguilar) Posey (Cammack) Price (NC) (Connolly) Reed (Rice (SC)) Reschenthaler (Burgess) Rodgers (WA) (Joyce (PA)) Roybal-Allard (Connolly) Ruiz (Aguilar) Ruppersberger (Aguilar) Rush (Quigley) Salazar (Cammack) Sanchez (Costa) Schrader (Correa) Sewell (Cicilline) Simpson (Stewart) Sires (Pallone) Speier (Scanlon) Stansbury (Kuster) Stefanik (Burgess) Strickland (Schrier) Suozzi (Kildee) Swalwell (Gomez) Titus (Connolly) Tonko (Pallone) Torres (NY) (Cicilline) Trahan (McGovern) Trone (Brown (MD)) Underwood (Casten) Van Drew (Burgess) Vargas (Correa) Velazquez (Clarke (NY)) Wagner (McHenry) Walorski (Banks) Watson Coleman (Pallone) Welch (McGovern) Wilson (FL) (Brown (MD)) Wilson (SC) (Dunn) Zeldin (Timmons)

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Manuela Rendon, a dedicated leader in South Texas who has given 50 years of service to Head Start programs and has made a lasting impact on thousands of children and families in our community. Ms. Rendon's advocacy journey began in 1971 during her time as a teacher at Bonita Park Head Start program in Harlingen, Texas. During her first year as an educator, she developed a passion for Head Start and committed herself to helping underserved families. Ms. Rendon was quickly promoted to center manager, where her vision was to enhance early childhood development, empower parents and families, and advocate for the less fortunate. After six years at Bonita Park Head Start, Ms. Rendon was invited to lead the Head Start initiative for Cameron and Willacy Counties Community Projects (CWCCP). There, she continued her work on behalf of South Texas youth and families, and collaborated with the Policy Council, Board of Directors, and other staff members to carry out the Head Start mission. With the belief that there is strength in numbers, Ms. Rendon made the pivotal decision to work with community leaders to create a network of support for children and families. As CWCCP's Head Start Director, Ms. Rendon became dissatisfied by the lack of resources available to Head Start parents. Ms. Rendon faced this challenge with purpose and determination; and worked to reform the program and champion a new initiative. In 1989, with the support of Head Start parents and other community leaders, Ms. Rendon established the non-profit organization Neighbors In Need of Services, Inc. (NINOS). The purpose of NINOS was to advocate for the Head Start program in Cameron and Willacy counties, and it quickly succeeded. NINOS was awarded a Head Start grant in 1990 and has continued to successfully secure funding for programming to support local families. The program, which initially served a few hundred children, now serves over 2,400 Head Start and Early Head Start families; and provides a wide range of services including health and nutritional assessments, medical and dental follow-ups, individualized ``school readiness,'' nutritional meals and snacks, and pre- and post-natal education for pregnant women. Ms. Rendon is the driving force behind the success of NINOS--she has created a quality program that is nationally recognized by the Head Start community by focusing not only on early childhood education, but also on parent involvement. She has even provided parents with opportunities to travel and advocate for Head Start in Texas and across the country. Ms. Rendon's commitment to Texas families began with Head Start in Harlingen, but her influence goes far beyond that. She has served on and chaired many boards and committees including the Region VI Head Start Association, Texas Head Start Association Board of Directors, Texas Department of Human Services Licensing Advisory Council, State Colonias Advisory Committee, and Texas Southmost College Early Childhood Advisory Council. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Manuela Rendon, who after 50 years of service continues to be a voice for those in need, and whose dedication to bettering the lives of children strengthens the health and prosperity of South Texas families.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Texas Southmost College (TSC) as they celebrate their 95th anniversary, making it the oldest institution of higher learning in the Rio Grande Valley. Texas Southmost College is the first accredited community college in the State of Texas. Originally named The Junior College of the Rio Grande Valley, TSC was established on August 9, 1926, with 84 students attending the first classes held on September 21, 1926. In 1931 it was renamed Brownsville Junior College, before its final renaming to Texas Southmost College in 1949. After a 20-year partnership with University of Texas at Brownsville, TSC's Board of Trustees voted to re-establish the college as an independent institution in 2011 and it was operating independently by 2013. The campus, spanning over 48 acres, is located in Brownsville, Texas on the historic site of Fort Brown, the first United States military post in the state. TSC was selected as a ``Bright Spot'' by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics in 2015 for its efforts to bridge the achievement gap and expand access to quality higher education. In addition to offering high-quality programs that lead to careers that are in demand, TSC is the most affordable institution of higher learning in the Rio Grande Valley, thanks to TSC's Board of Trustees decision in 2013 to reduce tuition by 40 percent. TSC currently offers two-year academic credential progression in over 50 programs of study for students pursuing bachelor's degrees, and career and technical education leading to industry certifications and associate degrees. They also offer dual-credit academic, career, and technical courses at no cost to students, saving families in the Lower Grande Valley $28 million in tuition and related fees since 2017. In 2018, TSC earned the designation of fastest-growing community college in the state of Texas, and their graduation rate now outpaces the Texas state average by more than three percent. The Board of Trustees, along with TSC President Jesus Roberto Rodriguez, Ph.D., continue to set goals to ensure the long-term viability of the institution with a focus on fostering student success, leading regional workforce development, enriching student experiences, enhancing community connections, and investing in each other. Texas Southmost College prides itself on fostering a welcoming environment and a sense of belonging for all. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating TSC on 95 years of invaluable service to the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Through education, community outreach and the promotion of individual success, Texas Southmost College continues to strengthen the state of Texas' prosperity and talent.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Texas Southmost College (TSC) as they celebrate their 95th anniversary, making it the oldest institution of higher learning in the Rio Grande Valley. Texas Southmost College is the first accredited community college in the State of Texas. Originally named The Junior College of the Rio Grande Valley, TSC was established on August 9, 1926, with 84 students attending classes. In 1931 it was renamed the Brownsville Junior College, before its final renaming to Texas Southmost College in 1949. After a 20-year partnership with University of Texas at Brownsville, TSC's Board of Trustees voted to reestablish the college as an independent institution in 2011 and it was operating independently by 2013. The campus, spanning over 48 acres, is located in Brownsville, Texas on the historic site of Fort Brown, the first United States military post in Texas. TSC was selected as a ``Bright Spot'' by the White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for Hispanics in 2015 for its efforts to bridge the achievement gap and expand access to quality higher education. In addition to offering high-quality programs that lead to careers that are in demand, TSC is the most affordable institution of higher learning in the Rio Grande Valley, thanks to TSC's Board of Trustees decision in 2013 to reduce tuition by 40 percent. TSC currently offers two-year academic credential progression in over 50 programs of study for students pursuing bachelor's degrees, and career and technical education leading to industry certifications and associate degrees. They also offer dual-credit academic, career, and technical courses at no cost to students, saving families in the Lower Grande Valley $28 million in tuition and related fees since 2017. With a growth rate of 72 percent in the past four years, TSC is the fastest-growing community college in the state of Texas, and their graduation rate outpaces the Texas state average by more than three percent. The Board of Trustees, along with TSC President Jesus Roberto Rodriguez, Ph.D., continue to set goals to ensure the long-term viability of the institution with a focus on fostering student success, leading regional workforce development, enriching student experiences, enhancing community connections, and investing in each other. Texas Southmost College prides itself on fostering a welcoming environment and a sense of belonging for all. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating TSC on 95 years of invaluable service to the Lower Rio Grande Valley. Through education, community outreach and the promotion of individual success, Texas Southmost College continues to strengthen the state of Texas' prosperity and talent.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the work of Dr. Patrick Burchfield, Director of the Gladys Porter Zoo, which is located in Brownsville, Texas. Under Dr. Burchfield's leadership, the Gladys Porter Zoo has grown significantly since it first opened in 1971, and he has served at the forefront of one of the world's most notable international endangered species recovery programs. Dr. Burchfield joined the staff at the Gladys Porter Zoo in 1971, working in every capacity and eventually became director in 2007, which he earned through hard work and dedication to the Zoo. As director of the Zoo, Dr. Burchfield has led efforts to make the zoo more inclusive and accessible to all members of his community--but especially those with disabilities. Last year, the zoo opened a newly renovated Giraffe Landing Feeding Experience--complete with an ADA- accessible platform so that all may participate. Under his leadership, the zoo has added facilities for critically endangered species such as Orinoco crocodiles and threatened species like nurse sharks. Along with creating a safe environment for these imperiled species, the Gladys Potter Zoo has showcased species that are native to the Rio Grande Valley such as diamondback terrapins, black- spotted newts and red-crowned amazons. Forty years ago, endangered Kemp's ridley sea turtles were on the brink of extinction, but this changed shortly after Dr. Burchfield, then the Zoo's Curator of Herpetology, stepped into the picture. In 1981, Dr. Burchfield, at the request of the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service, accepted the role of Coordinator for the U.S. contingent of the U.S./Mexico Binational Kemp's Ridley Sea Tuttle Recovery Program. Program activities included protecting the wild nests and hatchlings of this imperiled species at its primary nesting grounds in Rancho Nuevo, Mexico. From 1985 to present, the number of nesting female turtles rose from 283 to an estimated 7,000 to 9,000. When asked why he cared so much about Kemp's Ridley sea turtles, Dr. Burchfield said, ``I saw an opportunity to try and do something meaningful, and that maybe we would have a shot at saving this species. So, my job was to do whatever I could do to help make that happen.'' Since 1992, Dr. Burchfield has been an instructor at the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley in the Department of Biology. He is primarily responsible for the development and implementation of the introductory zoo biology course, a prerequisite for all aspiring zoologists. In this capacity, Dr. Burchfield sought to further the efficacy of his animal conservation efforts by inspiring the environmental champions of tomorrow right in the heart of South Texas. Madam Speaker, not only is Dr. Burchfield a leader in animal conservation, but he is undoubtedly one of the most humble men I have had the pleasure of meeting. His work has never revolved around self- interest or accolades, but rather his genuine desire to save species and raise awareness about the need to preserve our planet's dwindling natural resources. I thank him for the essential role he has played in shaping a healthier future for all and for choosing to make Brownsville, Texas his home.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor a key leader and transformative figure in South Texas, Ann Awalt. Ann has over four decades of first-hand experience in developing rural community service systems and has dedicated her time and leadership to the people of South Texas. Her service and passion for her work is reflected in the lasting impact she has had on TX-34 communities and families. Ann Awalt is a South Texas native, where she attended The University of Texas at Austin and graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and Government. She went on to develop several rural service systems, including the Community Action Corporation of South Texas (CACOST) and its network of resources. Ann then attended graduate school at The University of Texas at Arlington and graduated with a Master of Public Administration. Ann is now the Executive Director of CACOST, which serves South Texans in 17 counties by providing an integrated range of health and human services. The network includes federally qualified health centers, child and family development services through Head Start and Early Childhood Intervention, and community services for nutrition, housing, and energy assistance. In 2013, Ann strongly advocated for the funding of Head Start, a federally subsidized program that provides traditionally underserved children from birth through age five, with meals, educational programs, and other services to build a solid foundation as these children head into their school years. In 2020, over 4,200 children benefited from Head Start programs in TX-34. The program also includes senior nutritional services, which provide elderly residents home-delivered meals; and last year served nearly 16,000 persons through their Federally Qualified Health Center and assisted over 13,000 persons with utility assistance. Her hands-on leadership and commitment to her community has helped CACOST secure funding from contracts and grants at the federal and state levels, including those available through the Head Start model, which have enriched the lives of seniors, children and families. This past year, Ann led the Community Action Agency's response efforts to the challenges from the COVID-19 pandemic. Alongside a team of medical experts, she set up six clinics around the Coastal Bend to provide lifesaving vaccines and COVID-19 tests for the region. Her perseverance led to over 22,000 vaccinations administered by CACOST. Ann's collaboration with community partners in the Coastal Bend ensure that these vital health and nutritional services will continue to be available to those living throughout South Texas. Ann also represents South Texas as a member of the Texas Association of Community Action Agencies, serving on both the Executive Committee and the Legislative Committee. Ann Awalt is truly a pillar of determination who exemplifies selfless service and dedication to her community. She continues to foster growth and action, while advocating for the people who need it most. It is clear that Ann Awalt is deeply invested in the people of South Texas and we cannot thank her enough for her service.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the outstanding work and lasting impact of the Gladys Porter Zoo in Brownsville, Texas as they celebrate their 50th Anniversary. Since its opening in 1971, the Gladys Porter Zoo has served as a pillar of the community, committed to the preservation of nature through research, conservation, and education. The founder of the zoo, Gladys Porter, was an active philanthropist responsible for administering the funds established by her father's foundation, the Earl C. Sams Foundation. In the 1960s, Gladys and her husband Dean enjoyed traveling the world. Their love of traveling led to a passion and appreciation for nature and wildlife. As the vision for a zoo in the Rio Grande Valley came to fruition, Gladys and members of the Sams Foundation planned the project. Mrs. Porter was highly involved in the process of the zoo's planning, construction, stocking, and equipping. Upon the Gladys Porter Zoo's completion, it was given to the City of Brownsville by the Sams Foundation. The opening of the zoo was met with critical acclaim. In 1972, the zoo published its first newsletter entitled the `Zoo News'. The newsletter is still circulated as a quarterly publication and provides zoo members updates on the animals. In light of the energy crisis in 1974, the zoo launched the ``Adopt-an-Animal'' program. This program is still widely popular today and encourages school groups, families, and individuals to ``adopt'' an animal, and financially support it for a year. In 1978, the zoo expanded its community education efforts by starting summer-study programs. These programs are focused on providing students with a hands-on learning experience through face-to-face engagement with the animals, indoor overnight camping, night tours of the zoo, and internship opportunities. The program has since grown in enrollment and is now offered to all youth grades K-12 in the spring, summer, and fall. These examples exemplify the zoo's continued commitment to public service and community engagement. In addition to the zoo's involvement with the community, the Gladys Porter Zoo has remarkably carried out its conservation mission by contributing to various projects focused on preserving endangered species. Joint ventures between the zoo staff and Mexican authorities in the conservation efforts of the rare Coahuilan box turtle and Atlantic Ridley sea turtle led to recognition from both the United States and Mexican government. The zoo has also contributed to preservation efforts of endangered and threatened species including, the Western lowland gorillas, Philippine crocodiles, and Rhino hornbills. Over the years, the Gladys Porter Zoo has contributed funds to projects that specifically focus on animals in need of attention. These contributions include funding to Dr. Edward Louis, Jr. in support of his work with Galapagos tortoises, and the International Iguana Foundation, which actively works to conserve iguanas and their habitats. Madam Speaker, the Gladys Porter Zoo is a cultural staple for the Rio Grande Valley, while also serving the world of wildlife preservation, zoology, research, and education in countless ways. For 50 years, the Gladys Porter Zoo has proven to be a world-class zoological and botanical park through its exceptional work in wildlife preservation, research, education, and the community. I congratulate them on reaching this 50-year milestone; and for their continued efforts to support and educate the South Texas community on the need for conservation and preservation of our wildlife and planet.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to one of the most influential individuals in Jim Wells County, Sheriff Daniel J. Bueno. Sheriff Bueno has dedicated his life to protecting and serving the people of his county, and its surrounding areas. His innovation and passion for his work will leave a lasting impact on his community. Sheriff Bueno was born on December 10, 1955 in Alice, Texas, and graduated from Ben Bolt High School in 1974. In his early career, he worked as an X-Ray Technician at the local Alice Hospital. There, he witnessed the tragedies of child abuse, domestic violence, and substance abuse. Seeing these issues drove the Sheriff to find solutions to this rising problem in the community. Sheriff Bueno began working for the Alice Police Department in 1977 and gradually climbed the ranks, becoming the Chief of Police in 1999. Sheriff Bueno is one of the longest serving police chiefs in South Texas. Sheriff Bueno is the son of Army Veteran Guillermo Bueno and Elva Perez Bueno. Lessons in discipline and the importance of family, instilled in him as a child, led him to become involved in the Community Action and Outreach of South Texas, where he served as President and a longstanding board member. In this role, the Sheriff prioritized speaking to South Texas families about domestic violence and child abuse prevention programs. The Sheriff was also a part of the Los Ninos Program, a group that provides educational programs to parents from the City of Alice and across the Rio Grande Valley. Sheriff Bueno believes the home is the foundation for a child's success. The Sheriff's mother, Elva, also influenced his career path. His mother was heavily involved with the education system in South Texas. This is where he found his passion for the betterment of local education. He served as President of the Mexican American School Board Association of Texas, and the Ben-Bolt Palito Blanco Independent School District Board of Trustees. In 2017, Sheriff Bueno created the Loose Livestock and Theft Prevention Program. Farmers and ranchers fill out a questionnaire with information pertaining to their land and should anything happen, local law enforcement officials can notify the owner and aid in helping them resolve the issue. Since its creation, the program has grown to over 350 participants and has helped recover over a million dollars in missing property. Sheriffs from all over the state have looked to Jim Wells County as a model for implementing similar programs. Sheriff Bueno and the Loose Livestock and Theft Prevention Program have given residents in these rural areas peace of mind knowing that their law enforcement officials have the tools in place to protect them. Sheriff Daniel J. Bueno is an inspiration for all who know him. He continues to foster justice, protect the people of Jim Wells County, and promote safety for those living in rural communities. It is clear that Sheriff Bueno is deeply invested in the people of South Texas and we cannot thank him enough for his service.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Guadalupe Espinoza, a World War II veteran celebrating his 100th birthday. Mr. Espinoza is a Rio Grande Valley native who not only succeeded but thrived despite tremendous odds. Mr. Espinoza dropped out of elementary school after fifth grade and worked at a bakery to help his family during the Great Depression. He was drafted into the Army on Oct. 2, 1942, and while he never imagined joining the military, this experience shaped the spirited and strong-willed man he became. While serving in the United States Air Force, Mr. Espinoza worked as a ground crew member supporting bomber and fighter aircrafts. He was assigned guard duty near the stern of the second biggest ship, the Queen Mary, and he and his crew voyaged throughout the sea as a German submarine closely followed them. After the four days it took to cross the Atlantic Ocean, he was stationed at a base in England and became an aviation mechanic. Mr. Espinoza continued to serve our nation in the Air Force for six years, from 1942 to 1948. Upon completion of his service, he returned to his native city of Raymondville, TX where he constructed the building that would house Espinoza Bakery, which he owned and operated until 1980. Throughout his life, Mr. Espinoza has exemplified true leadership and public service. As we honor Guadalupe Espinoza today, I ask my colleagues to join me, his family, and our community in celebrating his legacy and thanking him for his outstanding service to our great nation.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to extend my sincerest congratulations to Mr. Ascencion Mata, Sr., who celebrates his 100th birthday on Wednesday, May 12, 2021. Ascencion Mata, Sr. was born in 1921, in San Benito, Texas, the eighth child of the late Manuel and Isidora Mata. Ascension's parents instilled in him the values of religious devotion, honesty, resilience, and hard work at a young age, and his resilience pushed him to travel four miles every day to attend Sebastian Elementary School. While the pursuit of knowledge has always been a priority for Ascencion and his family, he was only able to receive a second-grade education. Although his academic time was cut short, his hardworking mindset propelled him forward as he spent his childhood on the farm and in the fields with his father to help provide for his family. In 1937, when Ascencion was just sixteen years old, his father passed away, leaving his mother a widow and sole provider for him and his seven siblings. Ascencion continued to work to ensure his family persevered. Ascencion married the love of his life, Eloise De La Rosa, in 1942. They were faithfully married for 53 years until Eloise's passing in 2003. Over the years, they were blessed with six children: Ascencion Mata Jr., Vincente Mata, Guadalupe Mata, Celia Mata Delgado, Roberto Mata, and Janie Linda Mata Cantu; seven grandchildren; and eight great- grandchildren. As doting parents, Ascencion and Eloise created a nurturing environment built on a solid faith in their love for God that would become the moral foundation for their children, grandchildren, and a host of other family members throughout their lives. In addition to being a committed family man, Ascencion is also a proud Veteran who served his country during World War II. After he was drafted, he was assigned to an Army base in Salt Lake City, Utah where he spent one month in basic training. He was then assigned to an Army base in Lincoln, Nebraska, where he received an additional eight months of training. After completion of his training Ascencion was sent to New York, where he was preparing to sail overseas to join the Armed Forces in Germany. However, on November 9, 1943, Ascencion was honorably discharged from the United Stated Army because he did not meet the Army's education requirement, which at the time was a sixth-grade education level. After he was discharged, Ascencion returned to his home in Sebastian, TX where he worked various jobs including managing a field crew, working at Alberti's Seafood Packing shed in Harlingen, Texas for about 12 years, and at La Feria Water Irrigation District for many years until his retirement. During that time, he purchased 20 acres of land near Santa Rosa, TX, that he and his family used to cultivate cotton and sorghum crops. Today, Ascencion lives near Sebastian, where he continues to uphold the same values of resilience, faith, honesty, and hard work that have allowed him to live a long and fulfilling life with his family. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Ascencion Mata, Sr., on 100 years of life, service, and dedication to his community and country, and wish him continued happiness surrounded by loved ones.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Corpus Christi Army Depot (CCAD) as it celebrates 60 years of operations as the premier rotary winged helicopter repair and maintenance facility for the United States Army. Established on March 10, 1961 as the U.S. Army Transportation Aeronautical Depot Maintenance Center (ARADMAC), Naval Air Station, Corpus Christi, it was accepted by the U.S. Army on April 21, 1961 and officially re-designated as the CCAD in 1974. CCAD has become a critical asset in Army readiness since helicopters first took center stage of combat operations during the Vietnam War. Throughout Corpus Christi and the Rio Grande Valley, the names Huey, Chinook, Black Hawk, and Apache evoke pride in our Veterans, active duty personnel, and retired service members and civilians alike, whether in war or peacetime. Members of CCAD served valiantly on the USNS Corpus Christi Bay (formerly the USS Albemarle) during the Vietnam War as the Army's sole floating maintenance depot and saved time, money, and lives during the conflict. Thousands of troops and civilian contractors have walked the halls, worked in the hangars, turned the wrenches, flown the aircraft and dedicated themselves to the operation of CCAD since 1961. Their commitment to the mission of the United States Army safeguards the freedom and security that citizens of the United States enjoy today. I am proud to honor CCAD, and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing and showing deep appreciation for the service of all personnel of the CCAD, past, present, and future. Even in the midst of a global pandemic, like a battle-hardened soldier, CCAD remains strong, committed, and dedicated to ``Keep the Army Flying''.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Leonel G. Lopez for earning the prestigious Eagle Scout rank from the Boy Scouts of America. Only four percent of Boy Scouts achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, which requires dedication, service, leadership, and integrity. A Brownsville native, Leo is the son of Leonel Lopez and Elia Cornejo Lopez. He is a proud member of Boy Scouts Troop 6 in Brownsville, TX and attends Veterans Memorial High School. Leo has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities including camping, fishing, and hunting. Over the 12 years that Leo has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, church, and community. Most notably, Leo has contributed to his church community through his Eagle Scout project. I applaud Leo's diligence to complete the lengthy review process that accompanies becoming an Eagle Scout. An important part of that process is completing a community service project. As a man of faith, Leo chose his community service project with guidance from his church leaders at Holy Family Catholic Church, where he has been an altar server since he was eight years old. Leo's project included cleaning and repainting every guideline, arrow, and handicap marker in his church's parking lot. Leo's initiative to remedy this problem demonstrates his leadership and his desire to contribute to his community. I proudly commend Leo for his achievements with the Boy Scouts of America. He understands the importance of commitment and perseverance, and I know that he will continue to demonstrate these qualities in his future endeavors. I ask my colleagues to join me and my community in recognizing Leonel G. Lopez and wishing him continued success as an Eagle Scout and in completing his final year of high school.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Larry Spence as he retires as sheriff of Willacy County. Sheriff Spence's interest in law enforcement began at an early age in his hometown of Clinton, Indiana where he was a patrol boy, and culminated in his service to the safety and security of over 20,000 fellow Texans. In 1966 he joined the Air Force and served on its police force in California, Illinois and South Vietnam, where he helped secure his base during the Tet Offensive. After he returned home in 1968, he took a job as a patrolman in his hometown of Clinton and married Maria Reyes, a Raymondville Texas native with whom he had a son, Gary. After six years with the Clinton Police Department, he moved his family to South Texas and rose through the ranks. He was named deputy sheriff on June 1, 1976 and became sheriff of Willacy County on Jan. 1, 1985, a position to which he was re-elected nine consecutive times. During his tenure, he fostered a strong sense of consistency and security in the community. Sheriff Spence received numerous awards throughout his career, including the Silver Star for Bravery and the J. Edgar Hoover Award for Distinguished Police Service. He also received an invitation from President Ronald Reagan to attend the White House Conference for a Drug-Free America to honor his work in Texas' War on Drugs. An example of Sheriff Spence's honorable actions while on duty include his successful deescalation of a union strike in 1979 when he was just a deputy officer: he heroically placed himself between two individuals and singlehandedly prevented a potentially fatal incident. Sheriff Spence will be deeply missed by the many people in South Texas that he helped protect over the last 35 years. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Sheriff Larry Spence's years of service and dedication to the people of Willacy County, and wish him an enjoyable retirement and all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to honor the life and legacy of Customs and Border Protection (CBP) Officer Domingo Jasso III, who passed away on November 5, 2020. Officer Jasso's service to his community and country touched the lives of many, and he will be remembered for the good-natured support he provided his colleagues and those he encountered. Officer Domingo Jasso began his dedicated service as a Customs and Border Protection officer in December of 2011. Officer Jasso was known for his leadership, his exceptional work ethic, and his positive attitude. During his time as a CBP Officer, he served as a devoted trumpet player for the Customs and Border Protection Honor Guard. He was also a member of the Border Patrol's Mobile Field Force and was deployed with Operation Secure Line in 2019. Officer Jasso is survived by his beloved wife Monica Jasso and their three daughters, Jenny, Faith and Alizae. He also leaves behind many dear relatives and the many work friends he made over his career with CBP. Officer Jasso honored his loving family by setting an example as a brave public servant to his community and country. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the legacy of Officer Jasso as a father, husband, role model, and brave servant to our community.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Richard Rivera on his well-deserved retirement from the Weslaco Independent School District. Dr. Rivera instilled his own philosophy of education throughout the local community where now many generations share and foster his ideals. He not only shaped the community as a school board member and superintendent, but also as a teacher, role model, and mentor. Dr. Rivera's journey in education began in 1967 as a schoolteacher and coach. With every student he taught, parent he advised, and co- worker he befriended, his passion to expand and build upon the established education system grew, leading him to rise to the position of Principal at both Mary Hoge Junior High School in 1974 and Weslaco High School in 1979. Dr. Rivera firmly believes that ``education is the great equalizer,'' and made it his life's mission to open doors for the students of our region. To achieve his vision for the community, Dr. Rivera cultivated a nurturing and collaborative environment during his 14 years of service as the Weslaco ISD Superintendent. Dr. Rivera recognized that in order to make a positive impact on students, the educational organization and the individuals who make up the school setting are critical in enriching and growing students' knowledge and experience. As such, our region's education system underwent a phase of great transformation. Student academic programs were expanded, school facilities were upgraded, and staff engagement was prioritized. Dr. Rivera believed in investing in people and prioritized mentoring his employees. There are countless testimonies from Weslaco ISD Staff who credit their careers to Dr. Rivera's dedication and deep commitment to employee support programs. Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize Dr. Richard Rivera for his 53 years of wholehearted devotion to the students and teachers of Weslaco. Dr. Rivera has undoubtedly had an indelible impact on educators throughout our region and has made a lasting impression on our students. I commend him on a well-earned retirement and wish him the best in every future endeavor.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of a remarkable community leader from my district, Ms. Lusila ``Lusi'' Ortega. A native of Lozano, Texas, Ms. Ortega, got her first job as a teacher at the Rio Hondo Head Start in 1971. At the time, the Head Start program did not provide transportation, so she, along with her husband Juan Alaniz, retrofitted an old GSA van and drove it to transport children in the surrounding rural areas. She also organized many fundraisers and fun family events to benefit the Head Start children and families. Ms. Ortega's dedication and success caught the eye of her supervisors and she was promoted to work at the administrative level as a Parent Involvement/Volunteer Services Coordinator. With the support of her peers and community leaders, she helped build a phenomenal Parent Involvement Program that was recognized at the national level. Ms. Ortega spearheaded many fund raising events that provided parents the opportunity to travel and advocate for Head Start in the state of Texas and across the country. In 1990, Neighbors In Need of Services, Inc. (NINOS) was awarded the Head Start grant and Ms. Ortega was promoted to Assistant Head Start Director. During her tenure, the Head Start Program grew from serving a few hundred children to now serving over 2,900 Head Start and Early Head Start students. Ms. Ortega served on the National Head Start Association Board of Directors and she was the first Head Start staff member elected to preside over the Texas Head Start Association (THSA) Board of Directors. The THSA continues to honor her service by awarding a yearly scholarship in her name. Ms. Ortega was also selected to represent Region VI at the White House when President Bill Clinton signed a bill into law that broadened the Head Start Program to include children under the age of three. Ms. Ortega was a member of the National Head Start Association Board of Directors, the Texas Department of Human Services Licensing Advisory Council, the University of Texas at Brownsville Child Care and Development Advisory Council, the Rio Grande Valley OIC Foster Grandparent Advisory Council, and was the Region VI Head Start Association Board of Directors officer. She was also a fellow with the Johnson & Johnson Management program and served as intergovernmental staff in the Office of Children and Families Region VI for one year. Anyone who knows Lusi Ortega knows her as the ``Voice of Head Start.'' I wish her a happy retirement and thank her for her lasting contributions to the educational and personal development of the children of South Texas.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Neighbors In Need of Services (NINOS), Inc. as the organization celebrates 30 years of service to the community. Since its foundation in August 1990, NINOS Head Start and Early Head Start programs have ensured that low-income South Texas families have access to needed educational, medical, and nutritional support for children from birth to four years old. In addition to preparing children to begin pre-school, NINOS provides pre- and post-natal education to expectant mothers. The NINOS mission statement is ``Creating a brighter future for the children and la familia.'' In the past 30 years NINOS has served approximately 50,000 children, an incredible accomplishment that no doubt has had a lasting impact for these children and their families. This organization and its dedicated staff help the next generation of Rio Grande Valley residents reach their potential by ensuring that every child, regardless of economic status, has access to the resources that will help them succeed in school and beyond. I am proud of NINOS and the contributions they have made to the Rio Grande Valley for the past 30 years. I look forward to seeing how they continue to help our community grow stronger. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me and the people of the 34th District of Texas in honoring an organization that is committed to the selfless and important work of educating our children and ensuring families have the help and support they need to thrive. NINOS serves as an outstanding example of how we all should serve our neighbors and community.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to the extraordinary life of Frederick William Rusteberg of Brownsville, Texas. Mr. Rusteberg played an instrumental role in the economic and educational development of the Brownsville community. Born in Brownsville, Texas, on July 1, 1946, Mr. Rusteberg attended Brownsville High School and then Texas A&M University, where he earned a bachelor's degree in finance. He later attended Texas Tech University, where he completed his graduate studies and met his future wife, Frances Hill. In his youth he trained as a Huey helicopter pilot and served in the U.S. Army as a First Lieutenant in South Korea. He later returned to Brownsville where he worked as the assistant Port Director at the Port of Brownsville. He then went on to become the Vice-President at First National Bank, and in 1984, became the founding President and CEO of IBC Bank in Brownsville, where he served for over 35 years until his retirement. Mr. Rusteberg was not only a successful businessman; he was also a respected leader in his community. He served on many academic and city boards throughout his career where he helped to build the city of Brownsville's economy and raise millions of dollars to support education in the Rio Grande Valley. His family established the first scholarship endowment at the University of Texas at Brownsville, now known as the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley. Mr. Rusteberg was a man of great character who helped inspire and motivate those around him. In an interview with UT Brownsville Mr. Rusteberg said, ``I believe we have a certain amount of control over our destiny--you can either sit by and watch things happen, or you can help make them happen.'' Mr. Rusteberg made great things happen. Mr. Rusteberg is survived by his loving wife Frances, his children William (Tammy) Rusteberg and Liz Rusteberg (Chad) Hainley, his two grandchildren Jessie and William Hainley, and his sisters Joy (Bill) Burns and June (Adolph) Dittman. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Mr. Frederick William Rusteberg. He will be remembered as a great banker, a great boss, a great mentor and a great friend. He was a fundamental part of the South Texas community and his legacy will forever be remembered. I join his family in honoring his exemplary life.

Mr. VELA

Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the extraordinary life of Mr. Bobby J. Morrow and recognize his achievements as a three-time Olympic gold medalist. Mr. Morrow was a resident of San Benito, TX for much of his life. He attended San Benito High School, where he excelled athletically in both track and football. Following graduation, Mr. Morrow was a sprinter for Abilene Christian University, where he would go on to break and defend records on the national collegiate scale. At just 21 years old, Mr. Morrow travelled to Melbourne, Australia, for the 1956 Olympics to represent the United States of America. Mr. Morrow would win three gold medals in the 100-meter dash, 200-meter dash, and 4x100-meter relay--even going so far as to break the world record in the relay, and match it in the 200-meter dash. His success on the collegiate and Olympic levels earned him the Sports Illustrated's title of ``Sportsman of the Year'' in 1956. He would also collect the Amateur Athletic Union's James E. Sullivan Award in 1957 before being inducted into the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1975. Bobby Morrow was not only a talented athlete, but also a kind and giving man. He donated all of his Olympic medals in hopes of inspiring others to pursue their own dreams. Mr. Morrow is survived by his longtime, loving partner of 20 years, Judy Parker of Harlingen, TX, his five children, eleven grandchildren, and eight great-grandchildren. His rare talent and character are remembered throughout San Benito and the 34th Congressional District of Texas. San Benito CISD has dedicated two athletic facilities to him as a tribute to his athletic excellence and to share his inspirational story. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating and remembering the life of Mr. Morrow.