[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 15 (Monday, February 5, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E177-E178]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO ROBERT E. LEO, VETERAN AND EDUCATOR

                                 ______


                           HON. FRANK TEJEDA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 1, 1996

  Mr. TEJEDA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of 
a true patriot, a man who dedicated his life to the principles that 
make this Nation great. I am referring to Mr. Robert Leo, a veteran, 
rancher, and educator, who for many decades was a great and respected 
leader in south Texas. Mr. Leo passed away on Saturday, January 27, and 
I respectfully request that this House of Representatives take a moment 
to honor his many accomplishments. South Texas will miss this strong 
leader, who fought so hard and so well for the principles we all hold 
dear.
  Robert Leo served this Nation in the United States Army during World 
War II, defending this Nation in the battle of Attu in the Aleutian 
Islands. He received the purple heart for his service. Mr. Leo 
sacrificed his future for this Nation, because his wound prevented him 
from enjoying a career in baseball with the New York Yankees, who had 
selected him in the baseball draft.
  After serving this Nation in war and sacrificing himself to protect 
our freedoms, Mr. Leo never forgot the foundations of the republic he 
fought to preserve. He knew that a healthy democracy depends on the 
education of its citizens, so he went to work educating young south 
Texans, teaching in his native La Joya and later serving as principal 
and assistant superintendent of Webb County school district in Oilton. 
Even after his retirement, he served as the president of the board of 
trustees of the Ramirez Common School District for many years. He 
enjoyed researching the rich history of south Texas all the way back to 
the Spanish colonial and Mexican land records.

  Robert Leo understood the importance of public service to American 
democracy. He was active with the Disabled American Veterans and was a 
life member of the Boy Scouts of America. He served on many boards, 
including an appointment to the State Committee for the Control of 
Pesticides and the State Committee for Exports to Mexico. As a member 
of the board of directors for Valley Telephone Cooperative, including 2 
years as chairman, he helped spearhead improvements in communications 
for south Texas. Whether it was helping veterans, or young people, or 
promoting the Texas economy, modernizing communications, or preserving 
our agricultural and ranchlands, Robert Leo, with his energy and 
dedication, left his unique stamp on these critical efforts.
  Above all, Robert Leo stood for the importance of the accountability 
of those in Government and the free exchange of ideas. He founded the 
Freedom Party in Duval County, and was appointed to chair the committee 
to investigate county corruption. Above all he cared deeply about our 
Democratic institutions and he was outspoken in their defense, working 
for decades to make them serve the people as they should.
  We in Congress should take a moment to remember this outstanding man, 
who had a rare gift for giving to others and for public service. Above 
all, he stands as a shining example of how to work for change and at 
the 

[[Page E178]]
same time honor the principles of liberty and freedom which make this 
democracy unique.
  As his local newspaper, The Duval County Picture, wrote recently, 
``There will never be another Robert Leo but we must never forget the 
genuine article. He will serve as a role model for all citizens. His 
life will serve as an example to future leaders of what a true public 
servant is about.
  ``We will miss our friend. He can never be replaced but we must never 
stop trying to live up to the high standards he set for all of us.'' We 
have lost a great American, but his memory will provide inspiration for 
years to come.

                          ____________________