Webb County, Texas TXGenWeb | Biographies from the 109th Congressional Record

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Webb County, Texas, Biographies

Last modified: 28 JUN 2007

These biographical entries were read into the Congressional Record of the 109th Congress of the United States.

All Years
103rd-108th US Congress | 109th US Congress | 110th US Congress

Table of Contents
Cantu, Angelica 19 JUN 2006
Garcia, Ruben M. 27 APR 2006
Gutierrez, Adolfo E. 2 MAY 2006
De La Cruz, Joseph 29 JUN 2006
Meyer, Samuel Alexander 2 MAY 2006
Ursuline Sisters 9 JUN 2006
Ollervides, Mr. Jose 24 MAY 2006
Greenblum, Irving 2 MAY 2006
Greenblum, Leo 2 MAY 2006
Carranco, Rosedo30 MAR 2006
Morales, Lula 19 JUN 2007
Lopez, Lance Corporal Adolfo 1 FEB 2005
Garibay, Ruben 19 JUN 2006
Flores, Mayor Betty 15 MAR 2006
Arechiga, Juan, Sr. 8 DEC 2005
Beckelhymer, George M. 9 MAR 2005
Cantu, Dennis 9 MAR 2005

Honoring Angelica Cantu
SPEECH OF HON. HENRY CUELLAR OF TEXAS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
MONDAY, JUNE 19, 2006

  • Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Angelica Cantu, a certified public accountant with Garza, Martinez & Co., P.L.L.C., in Laredo, Texas, on her being selected for the Distinguished Business Award by the Laredo Development Foundation's Small Business Development Center, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the Laredo Chamber of Commerce.

  • Ms. Cantu, in her current position as a certified public accountant with Garza, Martinez & Co., P.L.L.C., is known for her professionalism in accounting and client relations with those in the business community in the City of Laredo, Texas. Prior to her current position, Ms. Cantu was a senior accountant with Baum, Mejia & Co., P.L.L.C. She has shown extensive knowledge in the areas of payroll, tax, and audits through 11 years of experience in the accounting field. She graduated from Texas A&M International University in Laredo, Texas, with a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting in December 1993.

  • Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me to honor Ms. Cantu, one of the valued members of Garza, Martinez & Co., P.L.L.C., in recognition of her selection as a recipient of the Distinguished Business Award.

Honoring Ruben M. Garcia
SPEECH OF HON. HENRY CUELLAR OF TEXAS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, APRIL 27, 2006

  • Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Ruben M. Garcia on his 75th birthday and for his remarkable dedication to the City of Laredo, Texas .

  • Ruben M. Garcia was born on April 27th, 1931, to Manuel B. Garcia and Elena Montemayor, in Laredo, Texas. He graduated from Martin High School in 1950 and served his country in the Korean War. After his wartime service, he returned back to Laredo and married Helen Ramirez.

  • Mr. Garcia has admirably served the community of Laredo, Texas, through his membership and work in several civic, social, educational, and governmental organizations such as the Federal Reserve Bank of San Antonio, Central Power and Light Board, Laredo Junior College, Laredo Development Foundation, Laredo Chamber of Commerce, South Texas Private Industry Council, Laredo International Fair & Expedition.

  • In addition to his community service, Mr. Garcia was honored as the Laredo Morning Times Man of the Year in 1974. Since his retirement from his family business in the construction industry, he has dedicated himself to raising cattle. For his dedication and hard work in the ranching industry, he was honored as Rancher of the Year by the Laredo International Fair and Expedition in 2006.

  • Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the bravery and dedication of Ruben M. Garcia.

Tribute To Adolfo E. Gutierrez
SPEECH OF HON. HENRY CUELLAR OF TEXAS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESv TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2006

  • Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Adolfo E. Gutierrez for his induction as a laureate in the 2006 Laredo Business Hall of Fame, and for his incredible dedication to the City of Laredo, Texas .

  • Adolfo E. Gutierrez was born and raised in Laredo, Texas. He graduated from J.W. Nixon High School in 1974 and graduated from Texas A&M University in 1977. Shortly after graduation, he started his first four businesses, Melanie's Auto Sales, Clark Car Clinic, Fancy G Iron Works, and later, 3-G Electrical Supply which he opened using the money from his first three businesses, at age 21 in Laredo .

  • In 1979, Mr. Gutierrez married his high school sweetheart, Mary Alice York, and the couple have three children, Mary Kathryn, Adolfo Jr., and Amanda Leigh. At just thirty-nine years of age, Mr. Gutierrez joined Falcon National Bank as President and CEO.

  • Under his leadership, Falcon Bank grew from 20 employees and $52 million in assets to 245 employees and over $500 million in assets, and includes offices in San Antonio, Eagle Pass, Buda, McAllen, Del Rio, and offices in Guadalajara and Monterrey in Mexico.

  • Mr. Gutierrez has admirably served the community of Laredo, Texas, through his membership and work in several civic, social, educational, and governmental organizations such as the Laredo Under Seven Flags Rotary Club, the Salvation Army, the March of Dimes, and the United Way. For his dedication and hard work in making the Laredo business community stronger and better, he will be honored by the Junior Achievement League in his induction into the 2006 Business Hall of Fame.

  • Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the bravery and dedication of Adolfe E. Gutierrez, and I thank you for this time.

Honoring Joseph De La Cruz
SPEECH OF HON. HENRY CUELLAR OF TEXAS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
MONDAY, JUNE 19, 2006

  • Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Joseph De La Cruz, owner of the NAPA Auto Parts Store in Laredo, Texas, on his being selected as a recipient of the Distinguished Business Awards by the Laredo Development Foundation's Small Business Development Center, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the Laredo Chamber of Commerce.

  • As a young man, Joseph De La Cruz worked at an automotive parts store, and the auto parts industry intrigued him with the vast types of automotive parts needed to keep with the constantly changing marketplace. During this time frame, Mr. De La Cruz received a grant from the United States Government which enabled him to attend college upon the condition that he work for the Government for a period of at least five years. After almost twenty-five years of federal service, Mr. De La Cruz retired in 1998.

  • Mr. De La Cruz renewed his interest in the automotive parts industry by exploring the purchase of an existing NAPA Auto Parts Store along with his son, Joseph De La Cruz II. The project was discussed with Albert De Llano of Commerce Bank, a preferred Small Business Administration Lender. Together, with technical support from Business Development Specialist Gladys Rangel of the Laredo Economic Development Foundation SBDC, the dream became a reality. Shortly after the purchase of NAPA Auto Parts Store, he increased the stock inventory, hired more employees, increased marketing, and all these initiatives established the infrastructure for success. After one year in operation, the store achieved a sales increase of 116%, making Mr. De La Cruz one of the leader in the auto industry in Laredo, Texas .

  • Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me to honor Mr. De La Cruz, owner of NAPA Auto Parts Store in Laredo, Texas, in recognition of his selection as a recipient of the Distinguished Business Awards.

Tribute To Samuel Alexander Meyer
SPEECH OF HON. HENRY CUELLAR OF TEXAS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2006

  • Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the late Mr. Samuel Alexander Meyer for his induction as a laureate in the 2006 Laredo Business Hall of Fame, and for his incredible dedication to the City of Laredo, Texas .

  • Samuel Alexander Meyer was born on November 19th, 1917, the only child of the late Samuel Meyer of Rochester, New York, and Maryanne Alexander Meyer of Laredo, Texas. During his summers that he spent as a young boy with his Aunt Frances and Uncle Lewis Alexander on Victoria Street, he got to know the City of Laredo .

  • He graduated from the University of Rochester in 1940 with a bachelor's degree and attended graduate school at the University of Texas with a degree in Spanish and Latin-American civilization. After graduation, Mr. Meyer served in the United States Navy for four years in the South Pacific as an ensign from 1941 to 1946, and joined the faculty at Laredo Junior College in 1947 where he taught Latin-American history and economics for five years.

  • Mr. Meyer married Olga Rosenbaum, and had three children, Frances Carolyn, Miriam Alexis, and Alexander Samuel Meyer. In 1953, he became a co-owner of Laredo's only Studebaker automotive dealership, and then later assumed responsibility for one of Laredo's first men's stores, Alexander Fine Men's Wear. He also started Meyer Investments while running the family business.

  • Mr. Meyer has admirably served the community of Laredo, Texas, through his membership and work in several civic, social, educational, and governmental organizations as chairman of the board of trustees at Laredo Community College, chairman of the board for the Laredo Public Library, member of the Child Welfare Board for Webb County, director of the Laredo Philharmonic Orchestra, a member of the Socratic Club, president of the Civic Music Association, president of the board of the Boys and Girls Club of Laredo, president of the Astronomy Club, a member of the Somosiete hunting lodge, a member of the French Club, and a member of the Stardusters.

  • For his dedication and hard work in making the Laredo business community stronger and better, he will be honored by the Junior Achievement League in his induction into the 2006 Business Hall of Fame.

  • Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the bravery and dedication of Samuel Alexander Meyer, and I thank you for this time.

Resolution Honoring The Ursuline Sisters Of Laredo, Texas
SPEECH OF HON. HENRY CUELLAR OF TEXAS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FRIDAY, JUNE 9, 2006

  • Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker,

  • Whereas, the Ursulines, an order founded in Italy by Saint Angela Merici in 1535, were the first religious women to corne to the New World. The sisters, who had been in New Orleans since 1727, were the first order to volunteer for service in the new State of Texas, establishing a long-held presence in the communities of Galveston, San Antonio, Dallas, Pecos, and Laredo .

  • Whereas, Mother Saint Joseph Aubert, one of the esteemed Ursuline sisters, at the request of Bishop Claude Dubuis, went to Laredo in the State of Texas with Sister Teresa Pereida to establish a convent and a school for the education of the young women in the City of Laredo in May 15th, 1868.

  • Whereas, the convent for the Ursuline Sisters was built on January 15th 1869, and the Sisters began to educate girls of every age and condition. This was the beginning of their contribution to the education of the youth of the City of Laredo, Texas, for over a hundred and thirty-eight years.

  • Whereas, the Ursuline Sisters established St. Peter's Memorial School in 1989, Ursuline Academy in 1940, and were a part of the faculty at Our Lady of Guadalupe Elementary School, and Blessed Sacrament School.

  • Whereas, the new era of Ursuline education was begun through Ursuline Academy, which became a well-recognized center of education, serving as a college preparatory high school. Many graduates of Ursuline Academy went onto higher education, obtaining advanced degrees due to their excellent education provided them by the Ursuline Sisters.

  • Whereas, loyal to their Ursuline calling and tradition, despite all the difficulties and challenges of their journey, the Ursulines remained committed to their ministerial call in the City of Laredo in providing education to the youth of the City of Laredo until their departure from the City of Laredo this spring.

  • Whereas, at the end of their service in the City of Laredo for a hundred and forty years, the Ursuline Sisters of Laredo will be forever remembered for their educational commitment to the youth of Laredo, and their religious service to the City of Laredo. In the Spirit of Saint Angela, their founder, they will continue to be women of peace and reconciliation in our world today, living and working for peace through justice in all their relationships toward all peoples and cultures, and towards the earth and all creation.

  • Be it hereby resolved, That Congressman Henry Cuellar commends the Ursuline Sisters for their religious service to the community of Laredo, and their remarkable history of providing quality education for the youth of Laredo, Texas.

Tribute To Mr. Jose Ollervides
SPEECH OF HON. HENRY CUELLAR OF TEXAS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, MAY 24, 2006

  • Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Jose Ollervides, a highly regarded anchor with KLDO TV News, a subdivision of Univision. He was recently honored by the Texas State Teachers Association with the prestigious Texas School Bell Award for his excellent coverage on educational issues that affects teachers and students in the State of Texas .

  • Mr. Ollervides is a highly intelligent, driven professional who is well-regarded in his community and among his peers in the broadcasting industry. He graduated from Universidad Del Noreste, in Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico with a Licenciado in Ciencas De La Comunicacion, which is similar to a Bachelor of Arts in Communications.

  • Within ten years of his graduation from Universidad del Noreste in Tampico, Tamaulipas, Mexico, he attained the prestigious position of being a television reporter for the KLDO TV Station, an affiliate of Univision in Laredo, Texas. The station was rated by Nielsen as #1 for the last five years, where due to his strong work ethic, he was instrumental in reporting important news and events for the community of Laredo, Texas, and other affiliates such as KWEX TV Station in San Antonio, Texas .

  • Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the great honor bestowed upon Mr. Jose Ollervides by the Texas State Teachers Association.

Tribute To Irving Greenblum
SPEECH OF HON. HENRY CUELLAR OF TEXAS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2006

  • Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Irving Greenblum for his induction as a laureate in the 2006 Laredo Business Hall of Fame, and for his incredible dedication to the City of Laredo, Texas .

  • Irving Greenblum was born in 1929 in Nuevo Laredo, Mexico, and moved with his family as a young boy to the City of Laredo. He graduated from Martin High School in 1946 and later graduated from the University of Texas in 1950 with a degree in Latin-American economics.

  • Mr. Greenblum has admirably served the community of Laredo, Texas, through his membership and work in several civic, social, educational, and governmental organizations such as the Banco BCH, Laredo Philharmonic, Children's Museum, San Antonio Manor Home for the Aged, Ruth B. Cowl Rehabilitation Center, Congregation Agudas Achim, and the DeMolay Masonic Children.

  • In addition to his community service, Mr. Greenblum has served on the boards of International Bancshares Corp. and International Bank of Commerce. He currently serves as president and founding member of the Laredo Area Community Foundation. For his dedication and hard work in making the Laredo business community stronger and better, he will be honored by the Junior Achievement League in his induction into the 2006 Business Hall of Fame.

  • Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the bravery and dedication of Irving Greenblum, and I thank you for this time.

Tribute To Leo Greenblum
SPEECH OF HON. HENRY CUELLAR OF TEXAS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
TUESDAY, MAY 2, 2006

  • Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Leo Greenblum for his induction as a laureate in the 2006 Laredo Business Hall of Fame, and for his incredible dedication to the City of Laredo, Texas .

  • Leo Greenblum was born in 1923 in Augustow, Poland, and moved with his family to Tampico, Mexico, in 1926 in search of a better life. His family later moved to Nuevo Laredo, where his brother, Irving Greenblum, was born. He graduated from Texas A&M University with a chemical engineering degree in 1946 after his military service in World War II.

  • Mr. Greenblum has admirably served the community of Laredo, Texas, through his membership and work in several civic, social, educational, and governmental organizations such as Tesoro Savings and Loan, Mercy Hospital, and the Nuevo Laredo Chamber of Commerce. He also operated Mueblerias Mexico, the largest retail furniture and accessory business in Nuevo Laredo, for 65 years, before closing the business in 2002 to enjoy retirement with his wife, Sue, and his three children and four grandchildren.

  • For his dedication and hard work in making the Laredo business community stronger and better, he will be honored by the Junior Achievement League in his induction as a laureate into the 2006 Business Hall of Fame.

  • Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the bravery and dedication of Leo Greenblum, and I thank you for this time.

Honoring Rosendo Carranco
SPEECH OF HON. HENRY CUELLAR OF TEXAS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2006

  • Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rosendo Carranco, an upstanding citizen of Laredo, Texas, who was recently awarded the Spirit of Jerusalem Award by the state of Israel.

  • It is a great honor for me to enter into the RECORD the accomplishments of Mr. Carranco in tribute to his dedication to the business community, and numerous charitable works that have benefited the citizens of Laredo. After he graduated from Texas A&M University in 1977, he returned to Laredo to start his own accounting firm, Carranco & Lawson, where his wife, Mary, serves as partner. In addition to his work as an accountant, Mr. Carranco works as a real estate developer whose work includes the Cielito Lindo subdivision, and he is also involved in various business ventures that include insurance, oil, and gas. He and his wife, Mary are the proud parents of three children, Andrew, Kathryn, and Robert.

  • Mr. Carranco is well known in Laredo for his gregarious and outgoing demeanor as well as numerous contributions to community service. He is a beloved coach in the local youth basketball, football, and baseball teams as well as a highly active participant in the Boys and Girls Club, Young President's Organization, United Way, Junior Achievement, Laredo A&M Club, and Daybreak Rotary organizations. His exemplary compassion and his deep commitment to his faith make him a fine role model for young people in Laredo, Texas .

  • Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me to honor Rosendo Carranco, recipient of the Spirit of Jerusalem Award by the state of Israel.

Honoring Lula Morales
SPEECH OF HON. HENRY CUELLAR OF TEXAS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
MONDAY, JUNE 19, 2006

  • Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lula Morales, owner of Lula Morales Realty Inc., on her being selected "2006 Laredo Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Business Person of the Year" by the Laredo Development Foundation's Small Business Development Center, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the Laredo Chamber of Commerce.

  • Ms. Morales, a native of San Luis Potosi, Mexico, came to Laredo by way of San Antonio where she attended Incarnate Word High School and Incarnate Word College where she met her husband, Richard Morales in 1989. She has pioneered the way for women in the commercial real estate industry by harnessing the bounty of international trade and investing in economic growth in the city of Laredo in the great State of Texas. She first started out by selling properties but she soon discovered her passion for commercial real estate by developing Regency Park.

  • Ms. Morales is one of the pillars of the real estate industry in Laredo, Texas, and she helped in the unprecedented economic growth of Laredo through her company, Lula Morales Realty, Inc. Her willingness in reaching her goals by helping others achieve their dreams of owning their own homes or businesses, and going the extra mile for her clients have brought her to where she is today as the 2006 Laredo Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Business Person of the Year.

  • Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me to honor Ms. Morales, owner of Lula Morales Reality, Inc., in Laredo, Texas, in recognition of her selection as the 2006 Laredo Chamber of Commerce Distinguished Business Person of the Year.

Honoring Lance Corporal Adolfo Lopez
House of Representatives - February 01, 2005

The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Price of Georgia). Under a previous order of the House, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Cuellar) is recognized for 5 minutes.

Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of United States Marine Lance Corporal Adolfo Lopez.

On Thursday, November 18, 2004, Lance Corporal Lopez, a member of Battery T Unit, 5th Battalion, 11th Marines, 1st Marine Division, died at the young age of 19.

Mr. Lopez was killed in tragic rollover accident near Tucson, Arizona, while traveling home to Laredo, Texas, from a California military base.

Mr. Lopez, also known as Buffy, was coming home to Laredo to spend the holidays with his family before being deployed to Iraq. Although he did not make it to the battlefield, Adolfo was proud to be called a Marine.

Mr. Lopez, a 2003 graduate of J.B. Alexander High School, was described by his high school senior counselor as dedicated, disciplined and goal oriented. She said one of Adolfo's greatest moments was when he was informed that he had been accepted to the United States Marines.

While in the United States Marines, Adolfo received the National Service Defense Medal. According to Jose Antonio Lopez, his brother's goal was to become a Sergeant in the United States Marine Corps.

One of Adolfo's high school teachers, Mrs. Cecilia Santos, recalls letters and e-mail Adolfo sent her from boot camp in which he would mention how hard it was being away from his home, his family and his friends. Nevertheless, the growth in character he was experiencing was evident in his letters. Mrs. Santos noted in a letter that Buffy was fast becoming a man, a man of great moral fiber who was a role model to our youth.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my constituents in Laredo, Texas, I ask this great body to join me in sending our most heartfelt condolences to the family of Lance Corporal Adolfo Lopez.

May God watch over his parents, Daniel and Mercedes Lopez, and his brothers and sisters, Daniel, Jose, Herminia, Christian, David, Dennise, and Eddie Lopez.

Honoring Ruben Garibay
SPEECH OF HON. HENRY CUELLAR OF TEXAS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
MONDAY, JUNE 19, 2006

  • Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ruben Garibay, owner of R.T.T. Automotive dba A-1 Auto Stop Super Center, on his being selected as a recipient of the Distinguished Business Award by the Laredo Development Foundation's Small Business Development Center, the U.S. Small Business Administration, and the Laredo Chamber of Commerce.

  • Mr. Garibay is widely recognized by the business community in Laredo, Texas, for his strong commitment to his business and the community. He is responsible for over 60 employees at his business, and R.T.T. Automotive dba A-1 Auto Stop Super Center recently finished out the year with over $7 million dollars in total sales revenues. Due to his entrepreneurship in the automotive industry, he has previously received the 1999 SBA Small Business Person of the Year for the San Antonio District, the first from Laredo to win the award, and the youngest recipient to date.

  • Mr. Garibay attended the University of Texas at San Antonio and pursued a career in mechanical engineering. During the summer of his sophomore and junior years of college, Ruben began his career in the automotive industry as an automotive technician at Automotive Surgeons of San Antonio, and was an integral part of the company until his departure in 1990. He returned to Laredo, Texas, with the plan of owning his own business and bringing modem technology to the automotive repair industry. He opened R.T.T. Automotive dba A-1 Auto Stop in 1991, which has become one of the top three auto repair facilities in Laredo. Mr. Garibay then took ownership of several trailer repair facilities, expanding his business further.

    Ruben Garibay is married to Tina Fasci Garibay and has two children, Abigail and Isaac. The Garibay family is known for their generosity and community involvement. They are involved in many charitable organizations such as the March of Dimes, The Make a Wish Foundation, The Laredo Medical Center Senior Circle, The United Way, the Christmas Angel Wish, and the Thanksgiving Programs for Webb County.

  • Mr. Speaker, thank you for allowing me to honor Ruben Garibay, owner of R.T.T. Automotive dba A-1 Auto Stop Super Center, in recognition of his selection as an recipient of the Distinguished Business Award.

Tribute To Mayor Betty Flores
SPEECH OF HON. HENRY CUELLAR OF TEXAS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 15, 2006

  • Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Betty Flores, an accomplished mayor from my hometown of Laredo, Texas .

  • Mr. Speaker, Mayor Flores was elected mayor of Laredo in 1998. Since then, she has worked tirelessly to bring Laredo into the 21st century with success and pride. Whether it be through economic development or the rich culture Laredo is known for, Mayor Flores has been there finding ways to advance the city's agenda.

  • Last year, Laredo received its highest financial rating in its 227-year history. This is the consequence of Laredo being one of the Nation's largest land ports, with 74 of the Fortune 100 companies and 52 countries conducting international trade via the Port of Laredo .

  • Mayor Flores has earned many awards including Laredo Times Laredoan of the Year and Texas Women of the Century from the Woman's Chamber of Commerce of Texas. This is Mayor Flores's last year in office, and she will be missed.

  • Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have the opportunity to honor a citizen like Mayor Betty Flores.

Tribute To Juan Arechiga, Sr.
SPEECH OF HON. HENRY CUELLAR OF TEXAS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2005

  • Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Juan Arechiga, Sr., a decorated World War II veteran and lifelong resident of Laredo, Texas who passed away Saturday, December 3, 2005. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Arechiga was a veteran of the U.S. Army and was a member of Company F, 333rd Infantry, serving in the Rhineland and Central Europe. He s erved bravely from November 25, 1942 to December 9, 1945, when he was honorably discharged.

  • For his dedication while in the service, he received the American Theater Campaign Ribbon, the EAME Campaign Ribbon with three bronze stars and a Good Conduct Medal.

  • Mr. Arechiga was an electrician who was one of the founding members of the Laredo Electrical Association which was formed in 1948. As his business expanded, he developed a construction firm that was contracted to build the first Sears and Roebuck buildings in Barcelona, Spain and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

  • When he returned to Laredo, he became a well-known residential contractor and established his own local construction company. Mr. Arechiga was an important part of Laredo's growth in the late 1970's and we are proud to have had such a respected person as a citizen of Laredo.

Honoring The Contributions Of Laredo Independent School District Board Member George M. Beckelhymer
SPEECH OF HON. HENRY CUELLAR OF TEXAS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2005

  • Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions of Laredo Independent School District Board Member George M. Beckelhymer, of my Congressional District in Laredo, Texas .

  • Mr. Beckelhymer graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, earning his bachelor's degree in radio, television, and film. After graduation he decided to venture into the business world, and he became part owner of L. Bufalo Pawn Shop.

  • In May 2002 he was elected to District 4 of the LISD Board of Trustees, and currently serves as Secretary of the Board. His District includes Sanchez/Ochoa Elementary, Alma Pierce Elementary, K. Tarver Elementary, and J.W. Nixon High School. Mr. Beckelhymer believes in working together with all of the appointed Trustees to create a good working environment between faculty, parents, and children.

  • Mr. Beckelhymer enjoys working for the community, and is an active member of the Citizens Environmental Advisory Committee in the City of Laredo. Beckelhymer hopes to ensure that all students receive the best quality education to prepare them for the future, and he is proud that he is able to help the community move in a positive direction.

  • Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have had the opportunity to honor Laredo Independent School District Board Member George M. Beckelhymer.

Honoring The Contributions Of Laredo Independent School District President Dennis Cantu
SPEECH OF HON. HENRY CUELLAR OF TEXAS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
WEDNESDAY, MARCH 9, 2005

  • Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the distinguished public service of Laredo Independent School Board President Dennis Cantu.

  • Dr. Cantu grew up in Texas, graduating from J. W. Nixon High School. He majored in Biology at Baylor University in Waco, and received his Doctorate in Medicine from Baylor College of Medicine in Houston at the age of 23. He specialized in internal medicine, and is currently a Board Certified Internist who practices at Laredo Medical Center and Doctor's Hospital.

  • Dr. Cantu continues to serve the community as Medical Director of the Laredo Fire Department Paramedics. He was recently honored for his enormous contribution to the health and safety of Laredo when one of the Laredo schools was renamed the Dr. Dennis D. Cantu Health Science Magnet School in his honor.

  • Dennis Cantu is now serving his fifth term as President of the Laredo Independent School District Board of Trustees. He has been a trustee for 15 years, and has previously held the posts of Secretary and Vice President. Dennis Cantu is an invaluable resource for Laredo, Texas, and a tireless advocate for the health and education of his fellow citizens.

  • Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have this opportunity to recognize Laredo Independence School District Board President Dennis Cantu, and to thank him for his service.