[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 13 (Wednesday, February 5, 1997)]
[House]
[Pages H303-H312]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO THE LATE CONGRESSMAN FRANK TEJEDA

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of 
January 7, 1997, the gentleman from California [Mr. Becerra] is 
recognized for 60 minutes as the designee of the minority leader.
  Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, we have taken out this special order of an 
hour for the purpose of trying in the short time that we have to try to 
commemorate the life of a friend, of a colleague, of a great American 
hero, Frank Tejeda, who passed away but a few days ago in his home in 
Texas shortly after having been sworn in to the 105th Congress.
  Without further remarks on my part at this stage, I do want to yield 
time to someone who was a great friend of Mr. Tejeda, and I want to 
acknowledge that Mr. Tejeda's family is here with us today, but I think 
it is most fitting that the individual who knew him best, who would sit 
right back there every day of a vote with Frank and laugh and do work 
and do the business of this country with him should best have the 
opportunity to go first in making remarks about our great friend.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman 
from Texas, Mr. Solomon Ortiz.
  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, first of all, I would like to thank the 
gentleman for asking for this special order today in memory of a great 
American and a great friend.
  Mr. Speaker, I was one of those fortunate Members of Congress who was 
able to visit with Frank about 3 weeks before he died and, as we all 
know, Frank loved his children. And even before Frank was diagnosed 
with this cancer, he was telling me about the heavy schedule and how 
important it was for him to attend some of the soccer games that his 
boy, Frankie, played. He said this is one of the things I miss the 
most, being with my family.
  When I visited with Frank this last time again, we talked about the 
family and about the marine that he was, how he loved the military. But 
at this moment we are very fortunate to have Frank's mother with us in 
the gallery, Mrs. Tejeda, Frank's sister, and members of his family, as 
they were recognized last night during the President's State of the 
Union Message.
  For 4 years Frank and I sat together in that same corner listening to 
the State of the Union Message and looking forward to seeing what was 
in that message that we could dissect and take back to our district and 
tell people how we would be able to change their lives, and impact on 
their lives something on the positive side.
  Frank was a very religious individual. This last year I would ask 
Frank to go out with me to attend certain functions, and Frank would 
say, I am sorry, I cannot go with you because this is my prayer time. I 
have to go to my home and spend time talking to my God and reading my 
Bible.
  Frank was also kind and forceful and generous and committed to those 
he served. After Frank fought for his country, he fought very hard for 
veterans, farmers, and Hispanics in Texas and in Washington. Frank was 
a wonderful person who died far too soon, too young. He taught us all 
how to be better people and he set an example for all of us to live by. 
Frank had a quiet

[[Page H304]]

strength. His decent life spoke volumes about Frank.

                              {time}  1345

  He was very uncomplicated. When he wanted to tell you something, he 
was very blunt, but he spoke the truth. At this moment, I would like to 
include the rest of my statement for the Record, because I know that 
there are many, many friends who would like to take time in this 
special order today to honor a great hero, a great friend, Frank 
Tejeda.
  I thank the gentleman from California [Mr. Becerra], the chairman of 
the Hispanic caucus.
  Because he was contented, he was unflappable. Frank was also kind, 
forceful, generous, and committed to those he served. After he fought 
for his country, he fought hard for veterans, farmers, and Hispanics in 
Texas and Washington.
  Frank was a beautiful man who died far too soon--too young. He taught 
us all how to be better people, and he set an example for all of us to 
live by.
  Frank had a quiet strength. His decent life spoke volumes.
  He was uncomplicated--he meant what he said and he said what he 
meant. His word was literally his bond.
  His story was very much the American story--about the ingenuity and 
creativity of one man's rise from obscurity to power.
  Frank was an inspiration to me. Frank exemplified the very best in 
public service, honesty, and integrity. He was a true leader who 
believed in the value and decency of the working class.
  He always said he was proud to be a marine grunt--he didn't want it 
any other way. That same ideal moved him to work hard all his life and 
to stick up for the working people he represented so well. Frank always 
approached problems with commonsense solutions and an engaging sense of 
humor.
  This Chamber still feels empty without Frank--yet I know that Frank 
is watching us now and telling someone we are making too big a deal 
over him. For that was Frank--simple, low-keyed, and focused.

  Frank showed enormous grace and courage over the past year while 
dealing with the pressures of cancer and chemotherapy. As always, the 
highly decorated and respected marine fought the valiant fight.
  He was such a disciplinarian--with his professional life, with his 
personal ethics, and with his physical health. I greatly admired him--
as did many Texans. Frank Tejeda was one of the best friends I ever 
had.
  We need to remember Frank's children--Marissa; Sonya; and Frank III--
and his mother Lillie during this difficult time. His mother was here 
with us last night, honored by President Clinton as an American hero in 
Frank's stead.
  We should also remember his sister Mary Alice Lara--who accompanied 
their mother last night--and his brothers--Juan Tejeda, Ernest Tejeda, 
and Richard Tejeda in our prayers.
  Frank Tejeda was a giant among men, and among leaders.
  Frankie--I love you brother. You leave us a beautiful memory. We will 
all miss you, but we will cherish your memory.
  I thank the gentleman from California for sponsoring this special 
order.
  Mr. BECERRA. I thank the gentleman for his remarks and I think he is 
right, he probably could speak longer on this than anyone, about Frank, 
I know he would love to, but at this point I yield to the dean of the 
Texas delegation, someone who has been a fighter for Texas for some 
time, I know Frank spoke of him with great regard, that is the 
gentleman from Texas [Mr. Gonzalez].
  Mr. GONZALEZ. I thank the gentleman from California [Mr. Becerra] for 
yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, it is very unnerving and soul shaking to consider that 
such a young and promising life was cut so short and, therefore, 
deprived us and this House of what unquestionably would be great 
contributions.
  I have watched the course of this great man in Congress, as a fellow 
Congressman, as he developed and being very familiar and intimately 
acquainted particularly with that section of our city in which he grew 
up and to which I have an undying and unbreakable attachment, since I 
myself am a native son and actually born at a time when San Antonio was 
a lot smaller, and that part of the city in which Frank developed and 
grew was not there. So it is very difficult to find words with which to 
express completely and fully the dimensions of an individual such as 
the Congressman who from very humble and unpretentious origins and 
beginnings reached the pinnacle of political achievement by dint of 
character and sacrifice. He of course proved himself in the field as a 
full-fledged member of the Marine Corps. It was my privilege to be 
identified with that particular section of the city when it was not 
part of the city. I am a native of San Antonio, and what we call Bexar 
County and the city is of such a proportion today that it is difficult 
for me to evoke the size and the aspect of the city at the time. I want 
to thank my colleague for pausing and taking time in order to recognize 
a great man.

   Mr. Speaker, I want once again to offer a few words of praise and 
tribute in honor of my late friend and colleague, Frank Tejeda.
  As so many of my colleagues--and indeed the President of the United 
States--have remarked here in the House and elsewhere, Frank Tejeda was 
a brave and remarkable man. He started with little, but soon found 
direction, and when he did, proved his talent and mettle. He went a 
very long way in a very short time.
  Frank died too soon, and I am sure that he knew how long the odds 
were against surviving the tumor that killed him. But he never 
complained, never faltered, never felt sorry for himself or asked 
anyone to pity him--he went right on doing the best he could, to serve 
his district and this House in an exemplary way. There was not a day, 
not an hour, that he did not give his best--and that was very good 
indeed. The people of his district, the Members of the House, were well 
served by Frank Tejeda.
  Frank went from high school dropout to decorated marine, and from 
there to the best schools in the Nation. His accomplishments were 
remarkable, undeniable--and probably unexpected by those who saw him as 
a restless adolescent. Frank was a quiet man. Proud as he was, and he 
was very proud, he never let his accomplishments balloon into egotism. 
He just hung the medals up, and alongside them the diplomas, and went 
on about his quiet and extremely effective service to the people of his 
community and district.
  Frank always had the time to help a friend or a neighbor. And if he 
did not have the money to help out, he'd get it somewhere, even if that 
meant taking on a bank loan. But typically, he never would tell anyone 
about the sacrifices that he was making.
  High or low, rich or poor, powerful or weak--everyone who came in 
contact with Frank Tejeda was treated with unfailing courtesy and 
respect. He was that kind of man.
  He was a man of integrity and decency. Frank Tejeda lived with honor, 
served with honor, and brought honor to all of us.
  I will miss Frank. All of us will. I hope, as I said yesterday, that 
all of us will learn from knowing him, and that all of us will remember 
him by living as he did, with grit and grace, decency and honor, 
generosity and compassion, energy and determination.
  Frank Tejeda lived well and served well. With profound regret and 
sorrow, I say farewell to Frank--but will never say farewell to his 
memory.
  Mr. BECERRA. I thank the gentleman for his remarks.
  Let me now turn to another colleague from Texas, Mr. Reyes, a 
gentleman whom Frank respected a great deal. We are looking forward to 
working with him as a new Member.
  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise this afternoon to join my colleagues 
in recognizing the many contributions that our esteemed colleague and 
my good friend Congressman Frank Tejeda, made to this great 
institution, our great Nation, and in particular the people of Texas 
and the 28th District.
  Much has already been said about Frank and his influence on the lives 
of those he touched, but I rise this afternoon as one more testimony of 
what will be his legacy, a legacy that will ensure that the memory of 
Frank Tejeda will live forever in the hearts of all of us.
  Frank was a man of extraordinary character and integrity. Frank 
understood what was required of public service. At a time when some 
Americans are wondering about and sometimes questioning those that seek 
and aspire to public service, we have been left with the legacy of a 
devoted father, a selfless public servant, and an honorable man to 
reassure us that America can and still provides us with those that seek 
no other measure than to serve with dignity and simply aspire to do 
what is right and just.
  Frank Tejeda was an example of what is right and noble. But more than 
that, Frank will forever live in the hearts of his people, in the 
hearts of all people, for he was a man of the people. In death, as in 
life, he stirred within his people a dignified and moving tribute for 
all of us to see last Monday as

[[Page H305]]

whole neighborhoods of San Antonio turned out to show respect and 
farewell. It was a sight that will never and must never be forgotten. 
It is the ultimate tribute that a grateful community gives a warrior 
statesman. It was fitting and proper and, to use Frank's own words, it 
was the right thing to do. Straightforward, honest, respectful, 
dutiful, and courageous, Congressman Frank Tejeda fue un hombre entre 
hombres, a man among men, and he will be missed but he will never be 
forgotten.
  God blessed us all with Frank and now it is up to us to keep his 
legacy alive and thriving within this great place, with great 
responsibilities to this great Nation.
  I thank the gentleman for this opportunity.
  Mr. BECERRA. I thank the gentleman for his remarks.
  Mr. Speaker, another colleague who will serve this institution so 
well is another gentleman from Texas [Mr. Jim Turner].
  Mr. TURNER. I thank the gentleman from California [Mr. Becerra] for 
yielding.
  Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to stand and speak in the 
memory of our dear friend Frank Tejeda. Frank Tejeda served not only in 
this body, ably and with distinction but he also served as a member of 
the Texas House of Representatives and the Texas Senate where I had the 
pleasure of serving by his side. I can say without question, Frank 
Tejeda was a man who stood firmly for principle, a man who voted his 
conscience irrespective of the pressure that may come to bear. He was a 
man who believed very firmly that truth was more important than any 
other virtue, and he was a man who believed very firmly that when 
something needed to be done, he was going to be there and be counted.
  Frank Tejeda grew up in south San Antonio. He did not graduate from 
high school but he went into the Marine Corps. It changed his life, and 
he from that point on achieved great heights academically.
  He served the people of south side San Antonio and the other counties 
in his congressional and Senate and House districts with great 
distinction. As I sat next to him on the floor of the Texas Senate on 
one occasion, I noted Frank was rather quiet and yet as I began to hear 
the particular debate, I began to realize that Frank was ready to 
speak. And when Frank rose to speak, everyone listened, because you 
knew when Frank Tejeda spoke, it was worth listening to. We will miss 
Frank Tejeda. He was a great Texan, a great American, and a great 
friend to all of us.
  Mr. BECERRA. I thank the gentleman for his words.
  Let me now ask another colleague from the great State of Texas and a 
great friend of mine, Mr. Gene Green, for his remarks.
  Mr. GREEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California [Mr. 
Becerra] for allowing me a few minutes to discuss my friendship with 
Frank Tejeda. Like my colleague from Texas, Jim Turner, we served with 
Frank in the House and the Senate and now in Congress. I grew to admire 
him as a man who was committed to the highest ideals and actions. 
Almost 2 years ago, I remember when Frank became ill, I prayed to God 
that he would be healed, and the Lord let us have Frank until last 
Thursday night. He was a man of integrity and honor and commitment and 
service. He was a great man who gave of himself, selflessly to others, 
whether it be serving his community as an elected official or to the 
children of south San Antonio in organizing and helping in little 
league games, baseball, football, you name it. Again, my colleague from 
El Paso talked about earlier this week when we saw the thousands of 
people who gathered along the roadways to pay tribute to Frank Tejeda, 
who came from their neighborhood and did so much good.
  I was so impressed with Frank when I first met him, he was so proud 
to be a marine. He was a role model for other marines. In fact, I did 
not know until much later that Frank had received the highest academic 
average in the Marine Corps history in officer candidate school. Frank 
even took it a step further when he won the Colonel Phil Yekel award 
which combined his skills academically with his natural leadership 
ability and his extraordinary physical fitness. His pride in the 
Marines and military translated into his work as a legislator, both 
here and in Austin, TX, whether it be serving veterans as a State 
legislator or State Senator in securing funds for an outpatient clinic 
in San Antonio or for a public health clinic in Duval County. He was a 
firm believer in military-civilian cooperation. He sponsored 
legislation to train physicians assistants at Fort Sam Houston. He 
helped expand the GI bill for educational benefits for service 
personnel and certified teaching. Frank touched so many people, Mr. 
Speaker. We will miss him, not just the people of San Antonio and the 
people of Texas but the people of the House. Frank Tejeda's commitment 
to this institution, his country and to its people should be an example 
we all should live by. Frank, we will miss you.
  Mr. BECERRA. I thank the gentleman for his remarks.
  Another colleague from Texas and I think it is clear the respect of 
the Members from Texas for Frank Tejeda as they come here to express 
themselves, I would like to invite another gentleman who just got 
elected and will serve us well in this Congress, Mr. Ruben Hinojosa, to 
please add his remarks.
  Mr. HINOJOSA. I thank the gentleman from California [Mr. Becerra] for 
yielding.
  Last night in President Clinton's State of the Union speech, he paid 
special tribute to the Honorable Frank Tejeda. He mentioned and 
recognized Frank's mother Lillie and his sister and relatives who 
attended. They are here this afternoon. And so it is with great 
pleasure, it is with great honor that I too come to join my fellow 
colleagues in expressing our feelings and support of the bill just 
passed today which is going to name a post office in San Antonio the 
Frank Tejeda Post Office.
  There are many things about Frank Tejeda that stand out in my mind. 
One is that he was the son of Mexican immigrants. Two, that he was a 
first generation south Texan, and very proud of that. He was proud to 
be an Hispanic leader from Texas and to be here in Washington 
representing his constituents. From San Antonio all the way down to 
south Texas, in Zapata, in Roma, in Rio Grande City, a district that 
borders with mine and thus we create a very special friendship. I had a 
lot of respect for Frank, and I had looked forward so much to working 
with him.
  Frank was proud to have ascended, to have become a national leader. 
For that, he will always serve as a role model for many Hispanics 
throughout the State of Texas and other parts of the country.
  This afternoon, I attended a meeting with Secretary of the Navy John 
Dalton. He too paid tribute to Congressman Tejeda. He spoke of this 
great American hero, a gentleman who distinguished himself in so many 
ways. I know that those of us who are sitting here this afternoon are 
going to be joining a very large number of individuals who want to pay 
respects and honor Frank Tejeda.
  Mr. BECERRA. Let me now recognize a colleague of mine from the State 
of California, a friend and someone whom I know knew Frank well and 
respected him, Mr. Duke Cunningham.
  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. I thank my friend for yielding. I know the Texas 
delegation got together, which is very responsible, to offer this for 
Frank Tejeda. I want you to know it is not just the State of Texas that 
grieves, that this Nation has lost a favorite son, that when this 
country asked Frank to serve, he went and he served in Vietnam and did 
very well there. I want to also tell you that even when he was 
diagnosed with cancer, Frank never gave up hope.
  I know one time I had learned and I tried to break the ice a little 
bit with him, and I said, Frank, you know that being a Navy guy, that 
we own the Marine Corps and that if he did not believe it, to check the 
front side of his paycheck. It is signed Department of the Navy.

                              {time}  1400

  Frank reminded me with the humor of the time and says, ``Duke, that's 
because the Marine Corps has protected the Navy throughout history, and 
you owe us that.''

[[Page H306]]

  But he was a man of integrity and even though that with the issues 
sometimes we disagreed, Frank was well respected on this side of the 
aisle as well as that side of the aisle, and I would ask, Mr. Speaker, 
that when our children look for heroes or role models that someone that 
was as dedicated to family as Frank Tejeda, someone who was as 
dedicated to this Nation in serving as Frank Tejeda, has strong faith 
in God and his country, I cannot think of a stronger role model for my 
children or anyone else's.
  Mr. BECERRA. I thank the gentleman who knows a little bit about what 
it means to be a member of the military for his kind words toward 
Frank.
  Let me now ask another fine gentleman and distinguished Member of 
this House from the State of Texas to come forward, and that is the 
gentleman by the name of Ken Bentsen.
  Mr. BENTSEN. I thank the gentleman from California for yielding, and 
I join my colleagues in grieving the loss of our colleague from Texas, 
Frank Tejeda. I have to say I did not know Frank until I was elected to 
the 104th Congress, but I often drove through the lower part of his 
district in Starr County, where part of my family resides, and I saw 
Frank's signs down there, and he was one of the only people I have ever 
known who could run for office and never be opposed from either party 
or in either primary, and I have to say as I got to know him I came to 
understand why.
  I have never met anybody who did not like Frank Tejeda, who was not 
proud of what Frank Tejeda had accomplished, and while the service the 
other day in San Antonio was quite sad, I was moved by what Bishop 
Yanta said in the homily when he said that we are sad that Frank is 
gone, but he has gone to a better place and we should celebrate what he 
did in his life here.
  And you look at many resumes in this job and you hear many people 
testify and you meet many of us who were in this body who have very 
interesting backgrounds, very distinguished backgrounds, but I do not 
know if we have had anybody in quite some time who had the 
distinguished background of Frank.
  I had the occasion to talk with one of our former Members, Sonny 
Montgomery, a very respected member of the military who served in this 
body, who told me the day after Frank's passing that he in fact--Frank 
in fact had been the most decorated Member serving in the Congress in 
these last few years.
  And so I think it is a great loss for us, but I also have to say what 
a tribute and what a celebration as we left St. Leo's in the south side 
of San Antonio to see the people lined up on the street holding up the 
signs saying: ``We will miss you, Frank''. He is truly a dedicated--was 
truly a dedicated individual who cared about his constituents, who 
cared about his country, who cared about his family, and we are all 
better for having the chance to have known him and worked with him and 
we will miss him.
  I thank the gentleman for yielding.
  Mr. BECERRA. I thank the gentleman from Texas for his words, and it 
is absolutely true. Those of us who had the opportunity to be at the 
memorial service saw just this throng of people outside trying to send 
a wish to Frank, and that perhaps was one of the most moving things 
that I saw in my trip to Texas.
  Let me now yield to a very distinguished Member from Texas as well 
and a good friend, Mr. Chet Edwards.
  Mr. EDWARDS. I thank the gentleman.
  Mr. Speaker, in this House our Members are often judged by what they 
have accomplished in life, and on that basis Frank Tejeda would be 
judged very well because he made a difference for his State, for his 
country and for his beloved constituents in south Texas.
  But the thing for which I will always remember and respect Frank 
Tejeda is not his list of accomplishments, though many and impressive, 
but the character of the individual. He is what I would have to believe 
every father and every mother would hope their child would grow up to 
be, and as a father of a small 1-year-old son, I could think of no 
greater satisfaction in my life, far beyond anything I could do in this 
body that would bring me pleasure, than to think that my son would some 
day have the character and integrity, the decency and the honesty and 
the compassion of Frank Tejeda.
  Several years ago I met a young 9-year-old Hispanic girl who was also 
fighting a fight against cancer. She was trying to get help, to get 
care in a hospital and was not sure that she would win that fight for 
her life. She sent me a card that I think is appropriate for Frank 
Tejeda at this moment, a card that I will never forget, and what it 
said was this:
  ``When we leave this world we leave behind all that we have, that we 
carry with us all that we have given.''
  I am confident, Mr. Speaker, that on his journey to heaven Frank 
Tejeda carried much with him for he gave so much here on Earth to his 
country, to his family and his beloved friends of south Texas.
  Mr. BECERRA. I thank the gentleman for his remarks.
  Let me now ask a distinguished friend and colleague of the House who 
has served so very well representing veterans for so long, the 
gentleman from Illinois [Mr. Evans].
  Mr. EVANS. I appreciate the gentleman for yielding.
  At the end of World War II, General Patton, while eulogizing our 
American war dead, reminded our grieving Nation that it is foolish and 
wrong to mourn the men who died. Rather, we should thank God that such 
men lived. And those words sustain us as we remember our colleague 
Frank Tejeda today. Rather than mourning his too early death, let us 
thank God for his life, let us thank God that we had the opportunity to 
work with him and let us thank God that we had the privilege to know 
him.
  Frank was a favorite in this House of Representatives. He was a 
friendly, decent, kind, and quiet man. His participation in a hearing 
or meeting guaranteed civility and tolerance. When he spoke others 
listened. I firmly believe that his notable courtesy and obvious 
concern and regard for the views of others was the result of a lifetime 
of challenges that he faced as a young man growing up in San Antonio, 
as a highly decorated Marine veteran of Vietnam, as a student at three 
of our country's most highly respected institutions of higher 
education, University of California, Harvard, and Yale.
  As a fellow member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I 
know that Frank's thoughtful and informed comments and constructive 
participation were well regarded. He was among the first to sound the 
alarm concerning gulf veterans' problems. He championed improvements in 
the GI bill. He fought to ensure that many veterans living in San 
Antonio were well cared for and taken care of at the Audie Murphy 
Hospital in San Antonio.
  I was also privileged to serve with him on the Committee on National 
Security, where his faithful and effective participation demonstrated 
his commitment to the members of our Armed Forces and to a strong 
national defense.
  We all considered Frank to be a good friend and colleague. Our 
admiration grew, however, into a real sense of awe as we watched him 
literally wage the battle of his life, a fight that he carried on with 
enormous courage and dignity. None of us will ever forget the Honorable 
Frank Tejeda or the special grace with which he lived his life.
  Our deepest sympathy goes to his family, his loyal and devoted staff, 
and the residents of the 28th Congressional District of Texas, who 
Frank so ably represented here in Congress. Please let us know what we 
in this House can do in any way to help you during the difficult months 
ahead. Let us all thank God for the life of Frank Tejeda.
  Mr. BECERRA. I thank the gentleman for his remarks.
  Let me now ask the gentleman who has served this country in the 
military and is now serving his country just as ably here in Congress, 
a good friend, the gentleman from Pennsylvania, Mr. Paul McHale.
  Mr. McHALE. I thank the gentleman.
  Mr. Speaker, I recall with respect and affection my friend, 
colleague, and fellow marine, Frank Tejeda. Two years ago Frank stood 
at this very microphone and gave a special order commemorating the 
courage of those

[[Page H307]]

marines who fought for and died in pursuit of the capture of Iwo Jima. 
Unbeknownst to Frank that evening, watching on C-SPAN was a former Navy 
corpsman who called Frank the next day. He was unaware that Frank had 
survived war wounds received in Vietnam. That corpsman was in fact the 
doc who had provided aid to Frank on the battlefield and placed him 
aboard the helicopter when he was medivac'd. That chance appearance of 
Frank on C-SPAN and the awareness of that Navy corpsman set in process 
a series of events that resulted in Frank receiving posthumously the 
Silver Star.
  Among other events that day on the battlefield in Vietnam, Frank had 
gone out into a rice paddy under fire, had attacked an enemy position, 
had killed the enemy gunner and had pulled back into a tree line, at 
which point he saw the body of a marine in the rice paddy. Again under 
fire he went out to that marine, recovered the body and brought the 
body back to safety. Frank in this Chamber later said to me, ``Paul, 
that wasn't courage. I simply remembered what they taught me at 
Quantico.''
  That was courage, and like Frank's intelligence, his decency, his 
bravery was such an inherent part of his character he did not think it 
was special. But we who served with Frank know just how special he was.
  In a line that is delivered by marines with a sense of humor, but one 
that I think appropriate today, the closing stanzas of the Marine Hymn 
talks about the streets of heaven being guarded by U.S. marines. Mr. 
Speaker, they now have a new commanding officer: Maj. Frank Tejeda, 
U.S. Marine Corps.
  Semper fidelis Frank.
  Mr. BECERRA. I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania, [Mr. McHale] 
for his remarks.
  Let me now ask a colleague from California, a friend, someone who 
also knew Frank well, the gentleman from southern California [Mr. 
Matthew Martinez], to come forward to make some remarks.
  Mr. MARTINEZ. Thank you, Mr. Becerra.
  Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of my friend Frank Tejeda. I met 
him for the first time right back here in the back of the Chamber 
sitting with Solomon Ortiz and I think it became almost a routine thing 
that when we came down to the House to vote we would spend a few 
minutes visiting with one another. Although I only knew him for a short 
time and many of us only knew him for the 4 years that he was here in 
Congress, if you knew him one day though, you really knew him because 
he was exactly as he seemed to be, a real nice guy, and beyond that he 
was a great American and a great patriot, and I do not say that just 
because he was a fellow marine but because he proved it. He proved it 
every day of his life the way he acted with himself, his family, his 
constituents, and especially the way he proved it when he was a marine.
  The true test of a man's character I think is many times tested under 
stress and the greatest proving ground of all I believe is war or 
battle, and Frank was tested in that manner and he proved that he was a 
hero. But Frank was not just a Vietnam hero; he was a hero to his 
family as well and to all those who knew him.
  Many of you have heard the things that my colleagues have said about 
him, his charitable acts, his acts of concern for his constituency as 
he dealt with the huge bureaucracy we call the U.S. Government, and 
many of us spoke of it in our eulogy to him. But there are three short 
statements that were written in the book that was issued to commemorate 
his memorial, and they were from his children, and I would like to 
include those for the Record, along with a ledger of his longstanding 
accomplishments, many of which you have already heard and many of which 
you will hear from other Members who love them as much as we do.
  But one particular of the three that his children wrote was written 
by his daughter Marissa, and I would like to share that with you. It 
really came from her heart, and it is a true sentiment of how she felt 
about Frank and I think that many of the people that knew him felt 
about him too. It says:

                   Loving Thoughts From His Children

     You are a celebrity to me . . . I've watched you grow all 
           these years with me, almost as if you were a big star 
           on the screen . . . I've watched you give to others--
           this taught me the gift of giving.

     I've watched you make your dreams come true--
     This taught me to believe in dreams. I've watched you play my 
           fan at my softball and soccer games--This taught me to 
           find courage and self-worth.

     I watched you play my teacher--This taught me the meaning of 
           moral gratification and education.
     I watched you play my DAD--when you loved me unconditionally 
           and supported me with all your faith--This taught me 
           the magic in love and the ability to bring life to 
           others.

     And I watched you as you played my friend--every day, when 
           you talked to me, cried with me and laughed with me . . 
           . You were a star to me, I was your biggest fan.--
           Love,
                                                          Marissa.

       Dad, I love you more than words can say. You have always 
     been my inspriration and my will to strive for the best. No 
     matter how hard or how long the battle was, you still came 
     out a winner and that is how I will always remember you. You 
     are my hero, my shining star, MY EVERYTHING. I know God is 
     taking care of you and you are still protecting us like 
     always. You have been set free, but you will never leave my 
     heart. Dad, I miss you already, but there is no comparison to 
     where you are right now. I love you dearly and may the 
     eternal light shine on you forever.
           Love,
                                                            Sonya.

       Dad, You have been the greatest inspiration and role model 
     in my life. You have taught me morals and values that anyone 
     can teach, but the way you taught me made me admire you and 
     love you the way I do. I miss you and I love you more than 
     words can say. You will always be with me no matter where I 
     am. I love you, dad.
           Love,
                                             Frank M. Tejeda, III.


                                His Life

       A native Texan, Frank M. Tejeda, was born in Southside San 
     Antonio on October 2, 1945. He was the son of Lillie Tejeda 
     and the late Frank M. Tejeda, Sr.
       Frank attended St. Leo's Catholic School and Harlandale 
     High School. He volunteered for the United States Marine 
     Corps, where he earned the Bronze Star for valor, and 
     received the Purple Heart for wounds sustained in combat. At 
     the Marine Corps Officers Candidate School, his 99.08 percent 
     overall average ranked the highest at the time. He received 
     the Commandant's Trophy, the Marine Corps Association Award 
     for the highest academic average in Marine Corps history at 
     the time (99.6 percent), and the Colonel Phil Yeckel Award 
     for the best combined record in leadership, academics, and 
     physical fitness.
       Frank graduated from St. Mary's University with a Bachelor 
     of Arts in Government; at the University of California at 
     Berkeley School of Law, he earned a Juris Doctorate; at 
     Harvard University's Kennedy School of Government, he earned 
     a Master in Public Administration; and at Yale University 
     School of Law, he earned a Master of Laws.
       Frank began his professional career as an attorney at law. 
     He served as a State Representative in the Texas House of 
     Representatives from 1977 to 1987. He was elected to the 
     Texas Senate, serving from 1987 to 1993. In 1992, he was 
     elected to the United States House of Representatives and 
     served in Congress from 1993 to 1997.
       Frank M. Tejeda was a devoted public servant who dedicated 
     his entire life to making Southside San Antonio, the greater 
     San Antonio-Bexar County metropolitan area, his South Texas 
     congressional district, and the nation a better place for all 
     to live. Education, youth athletics, civil rights, and 
     veterans service organizations have honored Frank's service 
     to the community. His extraordinary life will be a lasting 
     inspiration to us all.


                    His Legislative Accomplishments

       During the 103rd Congress, Congressman Frank M. Tejeda 
     supported a strong national defense, community and economic 
     development, expanded educational opportunities, crime 
     control and enhanced veterans benefits. He advocated 
     community participation. He was an outspoken supporter of 
     local military bases and brought millions in additional 
     federal funding for building construction and base 
     maintenance. He strongly spoke in their favor during the 1993 
     and 1995 base closure deliberations.
       To assist those who risked their lives for our nation, 
     Frank introduced and helped pass legislation to expand 
     veterans' educational benefits. He sought to expand 
     health care access for veterans and others in Southern 
     Bexar and surrounding counties. A believer in military-
     civilian cooperation, he sponsored and helped pass 
     legislation to expand a program for training physician 
     assistants at Fort Sam Houston and the University of Texas 
     Health Science Center. He introduced a bill to expand the 
     Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery to continue our 
     tradition of honoring those who served their country. 
     Congress incorporated it into legislation that was signed 
     into law by President Clinton.

[[Page H308]]

       Congressman Frank M. Tejeda was concerned about the health 
     and safety of the communities he represented in Congress. 
     During his district work periods, he worked with local 
     elected officials and community leaders to secure crucial 
     federal funding for many worthwhile projects. A few of these 
     projects included securing funding for the construction of a 
     new VA Outpatient Clinic in Southeast San Antonio, securing 
     additional funding for a public health clinic in Duval 
     County, and the construction of numerous clean water and 
     sanitary sewer systems. Alarmed by the contamination of soil 
     at the San Antonio Alamodome site, he called upon the 
     Environmental Protection Agency for assistance and he formed 
     a special committee of community leaders and representatives 
     to identify solutions. His concern for the small farmer and 
     rancher was demonstrated through his efforts to provide 
     assistance for agricultural producers. Frank promoted and 
     worked for the preservation of the historical landmarks and 
     natural resources in San Antonio, and he secured federal 
     funding for the construction of the National Park Services 
     Mission San Jose Visitor Center.
       During the 104th Congress, Congressman Frank M. Tejeda 
     focused his attention on the specific needs of veterans, 
     farmers and ranchers, and communities without access to 
     potable water. He achieved these goals through legislation 
     signed into law, grants for drought relief, and funds to add 
     or improve water infrastructure in underserved communities in 
     the 28th Congressional District of Texas.
       Frank successfully achieved congressional approval of 
     legislation to permanently expand GI bill education benefits 
     for veterans pursuing teaching certificates through state-
     approved alternative certification programs. VA education 
     benefits were limited to certification programs affiliated 
     with colleges and universities, and excluded certification 
     programs administered by a regional service center or large 
     school district. His legislation eliminated that barrier so 
     veterans could consider the transition to the teaching 
     profession upon their discharge from the military.
       Veterans' access to health care is a high priority to 
     Congress Frank M. Tejeda, who worked closely with Department 
     of Veterans Affairs Secretary Jesse Brown to open an 
     outpatient medical care clinic in Southern Bexar County. The 
     clinic, which broke ground on December 8, 1995, will provide 
     access to service to the more than 67,000 veterans who live 
     in Bexar, Atascosa, Frio, and Wilson Counties. This expansion 
     of VA medical care in South Texas is made possible by savings 
     generated from the consolidation of duplicative 
     administrative and other functions at Audie L. Murphy 
     Memorial Veterans Hospital and the Kerrville VA medical 
     facility, one of 16 nationwide management integrations to 
     enhance medical services to veterans and reduce 
     administrative costs.
       The prolonged drought in South Texas severely affected 
     South Texas farmers and ranchers. Frank worked tenaciously to 
     get the USDA to expedite primary emergency disaster area 
     designations for most countries in his South Texas 
     congressional district. In an unprecedented move USDA 
     Secretary Dan Glickman acted on Frank's recommendation to 
     separate Starr County's completed request for a disaster 
     declaration, along with three other countries, from a group 
     of 13 applications submitted by Texas Governor George Bush. 
     Frank emphasized that ``* * * the policy of holding up one 
     county's disaster declaration until all applications are 
     complete leads to unfair and unnecessary delay. Each county 
     should be considered as soon as possible on the merits of its 
     application without regard to the status of other countries 
     submitted by a state governor at the same time.'' Secretary 
     Glickman concurred and signed Starr County's designation to 
     receive primary disaster for loses caused by drought and high 
     winds.
       Congressman Frank M. Tejeda also garnered $1.3 million out 
     of $9 million in unused USDA disaster assistance funds to 
     help South Texas cope with sustained drought. Four South 
     Texas water projects in Frio, Jim Hogg, and Zapata Counties 
     received a share of the unused funds to improve their 
     respective water infrastructure projects.


                               his legacy

       A position Frank valued more than any other elected office 
     or seat he ever held was that of being father to his three 
     children--two daughters, Marissa and Sonya, and a son, Frank 
     II (whom he affectionately called Frankie). Although his 
     duties in public office took him away from his children 
     frequently, he made it a point to spend time with them when 
     he was home. He enjoyed sharing the news of their 
     accomplishments and endeavors with others. He was especially 
     fond of watching his son play soccer.
       He leaves, to cherish his memory, his three beloved 
     children; their mother, Celia Tejeda; his mother, Lillie 
     Tejeda; a sister, Mary Alice Lara; three brothers, Juan 
     Tejeda, Ernest Tejeda, and Richard Tejeda, all of San 
     Antonio. In addition, he has a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, 
     nephews, cousins, and other relatives. Frank M. Tejeda will 
     be missed greatly by his many friends, honored past and 
     current legislative colleagues, his fellow Marines, his 
     faithful constituents, and his loyal and dedicated staff.

  The warmth of Frank's memory leaves me with a great deal of comfort, 
but his loss I think leaves us all with a painful void.
  Frank, I don't say goodbye to you this day, but as a friend and a 
fellow marine veteran I simply say semper fi. May your spirit live on 
forever, and I know it will.

                              {time}  1415

  I thank my friend for his remarks.
  Let me now yield to someone who knew Frank well, who happens to be 
the chairman of the Subcommittee on Military Procurement of the 
Committee on National Security, someone who also has a long and 
distinguished career, not just in the House of Representatives, but in 
serving this country in the military, a friend of all of ours, the 
gentleman from California [Mr. Hunter].
  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for those gracious words. 
But when I compare my brief career in the military in which I went to 
Vietnam, and basically the best thing that could be said about me was I 
showed up, when you compare that with Frank Tejeda, who showed such 
tremendous leadership, it pales by comparison.
  I want to thank my friend for taking out this special order and all 
of my friends who spoke. I came from an appointment in my office. I did 
not get to listen to everybody, but I know what you said, because we 
all knew Frank. And I know many people have talked about his wonderful 
accomplishments. But it occurs to me, probably Frank Tejeda's value to 
all of us and his greatness was reflected probably not in what he did, 
because a lot of lesser Members of Congress have done some things 
legislatively, but Frank's greatness I think was in what he was.
  I reflected back on my times in the service and my time, my service 
here on the Hill. And over your life, you have certain times when you 
have a group of people about you when you are working for a common 
cause when you have a sense of community, a sense of brotherhood, a 
sense of friendship that is very gratifying. And that is the sense that 
I always had when I worked with Frank Tejeda, because that is what he 
inspired.
  I am reminded that I guess it was Alexis de Tocqueville who in 
analyzing what made the United States so unusual, is a historian of 
several hundreds of years ago, finally came to the conclusion that 
America was great. He said America is good because our people are good 
and because we have certain people who are just extraordinary.
  Frank Tejeda was one of those good people. He was a person who was so 
devoid of prejudice or unfairness or ego, a problem which I think 
affects all of us at one time or another, that you could always count 
on him for a good decision. He was an honest broker that people could 
go to, that they could look to, and what a role model for us in these 
difficult times when we get a little bit partisan.
  I have always enjoyed being partisan and the battles we have had on 
the House floor and in committee, and sometimes we get a little heated. 
And you know I am glad that my good friend, the gentleman from North 
Carolina [Mr. Coble], is in the chair right now. He is one of those 
people that has a little bit of Frank Tejeda quality that sometimes 
when we are a little bit heated and when we step over the line a little 
bit, perhaps become a little bit personal. It would not be bad for us 
to always remember Frank, a guy who I think it was Silveriuz who said 
that still waters run deep. What a deep person, what a person who was 
often still, but so valuable to this body and to us as Members. I would 
hope that we could follow Frank's example and remember the great modern 
American portrait role model that Frank was.
  One thing about Vietnam was that this era of Vietnam did not 
produce--and I think probably with the help of the American media--did 
not produce many role models, because the Vietnam war was an unpopular 
war for the American media and there are not a lot of leaders who were 
given a lot of publicity. Frank in his quiet way was perhaps one of the 
greatest role models to come from the Vietnam era. Frank was a man who 
could have carried a national office with great dignity and with great 
expertise and capability.
  So I thank my friend for allowing me to take a little bit of this 
time, and I thank all of my friends who talked about Frank. Let us all 
work in his example and in the great light that he

[[Page H309]]

shed over this body, which I hope will continue to illuminate us in his 
memory.
  Mr. BECERRA. I thank my colleague from California for his words.
  Let me now turn to a good friend and a distinguished Member of this 
body, the Representative from American Samoa [Mr. Faleomavaega].
  Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I too would like to join my good 
friend from California for his kind remarks made about our great friend 
and colleague, Congressman Frank Tejeda. I remember Frank once saying 
that he was just a grunt. As a Vietnam veteran, I would like to join my 
friend from California in saying we were just grunts compared to 
Frank's accomplishments and certainly for his value and bravery for 
which he was awarded the Silver Star, the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star 
and the Marine Commandant's Trophy, the Marine Corps Association Award, 
and the Colonel Phil Yeckel Award for the best combined record in 
leadership, academics, and physical fitness during the time which he 
was in Officer's Candidate School, where he maintained an academic 
average in the 99.6 percentile, the highest ever recorded in Marine 
Corps history.
  Mr. Speaker, Congressman Tejeda was a warrior and a true hero of our 
Nation. Because of his tenacity, because of his leadership, and because 
of his generosity, and because he never forgot where he came from, 
Congressman Tejeda was loved and respected by the people he served.
  One of his constituents said of him, and I quote:

       Even though he spent many years in Washington, his heart 
     was always in San Antonio. He was a community man. 
     Congressman Tejeda never lost touch with the family, friends 
     and constituents who worked on behalf of his political 
     success. He continued to make a home in the neighborhood 
     where he grew up.

  He was generous with everyone, generous with his time and generous 
with his talents. There are countless stories of how he took money from 
his own pocket to provide uniforms for local baseball teams, how he 
cosigned notes to pay power bills so that the lights could remain on at 
the field, how he took out loans to meet medical expenses for his 
friends, how he bought the furniture for the day care center at the 
local church.
  Mr. Speaker, the list of his good deeds goes on and on. His 
generosity of spirit is well known. He was a mentor to many young 
people. He has gained political stature. He had made sure he helped 
young, aspiring leaders. He opened up windows of opportunity. As Under 
Secretary of the Army, Joe Reeder said of him, and I quote: He was a 
great role model, a great advocate for Hispanics, and a great advocate 
for veterans.
  The gentleman from Texas [Mr. Bonilla] concurred by adding this 
remark, and I quote: Frank Tejeda represented all that is good about 
America. He always led by example, and his character, dignity inspired 
all who met him. He was a genuine American hero, Mr. Speaker.
  Our good friend and a dean from the Texas delegation, the gentleman 
from Texas [Mr. Gonzalez], members of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus 
and chairman, my good friend and colleague, the gentleman from 
California [Mr. Becerra], the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Ortiz], Henry 
Cisneros, and many other distinguished leaders have all spoken of a 
great loss, both personal and communal, because of this untimely death.
  The Hispanic community has lost a great man, Mr. Speaker, a great 
leader and a great warrior. As former HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros 
said, and I quote: You do not find many public officials who stand for 
anything. Frank Tejeda took stands, end of quote.
  Whether we remember the war hero, the antipoverty activist, the 
brilliant attorney, the crusading State legislator and the dedicated 
U.S. Congressman, Mr. Speaker, the role model for our youth, the 
compassionate and general member of the community, the fighter for 
justice and equality, the good friend whose personal warmth was always 
evident, and of any of the other remarkable aspects of this man, we all 
mourn his loss.
  So, Mr. Speaker, we mourn the loss to Texas, the loss to the Hispanic 
community, the loss finally to all of America. We will all miss the 
presence and the leadership of my good friend and colleague, the late 
Congressman, Frank Tejeda.
  Mr. BECERRA. I thank my friend for his kind remarks.
       Members of the Tejeda family, mother Lillie; children 
     Marissa, Sonya, Frank, III; Members of the US Congress; 
     Governor; Colleagues of the Tex. Legisl. Distinguished 
     guests, friends. It is a great honor to be able to speak 
     about Frank M. Tejeda, Jr.
       Frank Mariano Tejeda, Jr. was born to loving parents Frank 
     and Lillie Tejeda Oct. 2, 1945, on his dad's birthday. He was 
     born at 708 Pleasanton Road, on the south side of San 
     Antonio.
       A baby boomer, born to a WWII disabled combat veteran, and 
     his wife. From his dad and his loving mom, Frank learned an 
     intense love of service to his country, his community. Since 
     childhood Frank's dream was military service, as his dad had 
     done before him.
       His parents were loving and very involved in his 
     upbringing. Guiding him in his faith and his daily living. 
     His mom Lillie was and till his death continued to be the 
     heart and hearth of the family. His dad taught Frank about 
     the love of country, about discipline, about loving the land 
     and by example, Frank's dad and mom taught Frank 
     determination, and self-sacrifice.
       Frank's mother and dad were by Frank's side, teaching, 
     guiding and reinforcing the values of love of family, respect 
     of self and of others, dedication to God, family and country.
       The Tejedas sacrificed and sent Frank, Jr. to St. Leo 
     Catholic grade school (the very school across the street) to 
     be followed by his sister Mary Alice, and brothers Juan, 
     Ernest and Richard. A natural leader, he was respected and 
     admired by his classmates and the teachers. Back in the ``old 
     days'' the teachers were mostly nuns.
       Frank was developing his strong spirit and character. He 
     was bright and he did well in his studies; yet, he also 
     managed to get into mischief. He was not allowed to attend 
     the eighth grade picnic because he had lead a group of 
     students who showered the hallways with the fire 
     extinguishers during an evening PTA meeting.
       Frank was raised by his father to love the outdoors, and 
     the military. The home on Pleasanton Road had pens for the 
     dogs that ``Big Frank'' raised for hunting. Frank, Jr. 
     learned about caring for the animals that they raised. 
     Responsibility and love of the outdoors were among the values 
     he learned.
       Frank was devoted to his Catholic faith. As an altar boy, 
     many mornings he would be here bright eyed and ready to serve 
     the 6:00 AM Mass. Here in this church, on this altar, we 
     served Mass for Priests like Fr. Ruiz, Fr. Ebisch, Fr. 
     Singelton (no doubt they will recognize him in heaven) his 
     devotion to the faith continued to his death.
       Frank was much influenced by his father and other members 
     of his family who served in the military. Many of us remember 
     the pride and great pleasure he took in his toy soldiers and 
     particularly the pleasure he enjoyed with the Fort Apache 
     set.
       The Tejedas loved music. Frank grew up listening to his 
     father Frank senior and his uncle Rogelio (his padrino) play 
     guitars and sing the ``corridos'' (ballads) about Mexican 
     heroes and the old songs about men defending their rights, 
     defending their pride. ``Las Polkas adding to the spirited 
     evenings. We all shared many gatherings, ending with 
     breakfast at one of the family homes.
       The Tejedas were and to this day remain a closeknit family. 
     They help each other, stand by each other and their extended 
     families and friends. The importance of family, a value 
     learned from good example.
       All the Primos were athletic. Usually playing baseball or 
     softball. Frank and his cousin Robert became legend in little 
     league and pony league. His Primos Aurelio Jr., Roger and 
     Henry were excellent athletes and were the stars of the show 
     at the donkey-ball games.
       Junior (Rodriguez) was among the family athletes. Frank 
     played baseball for the St. Mary's baseball team, there too 
     he was accepted as a leader.
       Surrounded by aunts and uncles that were loving and 
     supportive, Frank was rooted in the values of respect for 
     self, respect for others and love of family and service to 
     church and country.
       After St. Leos, Frank attended Harlandale. He was often 
     involved in fights with the elements of the school district 
     that gave voice and action to bigotry. The intercom 
     frequently called for A, B, C, and D, students and the 
     ``Tejeda boys.'' Frank was always ready to defend himself, 
     even against a counselor who ``called him an impudent trouble 
     making Mexican.''
       Teachers and counselors urged Frank to study the trades 
     since he ``was intelligent and good with his hands''--the 
     same Frank who earned a BA, a JD, and two masters degrees--
     St. Mary's, Berkley, Harvard, and Yale.
       Frank was out of place in a school like Harlandale was 
     then. He left high school in his senior year, just seventeen 
     (17) years old. Frank's strong spirit had not been harnessed. 
     He had dreams he had to fulfill. He decided to accept the 
     challenge of ``joining the Marines.''
       We all laughed when Frank candidly told of his enlistment. 
     He thought that when he enlisted he would have weeks or 
     months to relax, visit and proudly boast about joining

[[Page H310]]

     the Marine Corp. He recounted that instead he was handed 
     papers and a ticket to board a flight to California that very 
     same afternoon. He laughed and reported that he felt lonely 
     on that flight to Camp Pendleton, in Calif.
       Again his bearing and leadership became evident, despite 
     the rough going during boot camp. He related how on one 
     occasion his platoon was marching and a crusty old T.I. 
     yelled that everyone else was out of step except for Tejeda. 
     For a brief moment Frank swelled up with pride until he 
     realized, too late, it was he who was out of step. The 
     language with which he was told of his error can not be 
     quoted here.
       After boot camp, Frank embarked on what could have been a 
     career in the Marines. He was the youngest marine staff 
     sergeant to serve in Vietnam. He distinguished himself and 
     earned the Bronze Star with ``V'' for valor and also earned 
     the Purple Heart for his wounds. Frank subsequently pulled to 
     safety, a wounded fellow marine. He was under fire; yet, he 
     courageously tried to save his fellow marine. Frank pulled 
     him out of peril and protected the wounded marine until 
     further support arrived. This fact was not reported until 
     recently, when one of the witnesses to this event saw Frank 
     on national media. The witnesses who verified the event all 
     thought Frank had been killed. Frank, has posthumously been 
     awarded the recognition he earned. The Silver Star for 
     gallantry in the face of enemy fire.
       During his service in Vietnam, Frank and I corresponded. He 
     reported that he and his fellow troops were very saddened by 
     the fact that the ``folks back home'' were demonstrating 
     against the war and heaping insult on returning soldiers, 
     soldiers who had ``put their lives on the line.'' I 
     encouraged him as much as I could and encouraged him to 
     return home and go to college to develop that sharp mind even 
     more.
       After Vietnam Frank was offered officer training school. 
     The Marines had recognized his worth and were anxious to have 
     him as one of their leaders. Frank, instead, opted for a 
     degree from St. Mary's U. Upon his attempt at admission I had 
     to keep Frank from ``mopping the floor'' with the director of 
     admissions who was more interested in technicalities than in 
     Frank's merits.
       In 1968 Frank and I worked for the S.A.N.Y.O. we became 
     aware of rules that were unjust, e.g., if you spoke Spanish 
     you were sent home for the day. Frank organized a protest and 
     as a result the exec. director (a Priest) fired all eight (8) 
     of us on Good Friday 1970. This was the beginning of Frank's 
     activism.
       We next worked for an organization known as the S.N.A.C. a 
     60's war on poverty program. Here Frank met many activists. 
     Some he befriended, some he distanced himself from, but he 
     respected them all and they in turn respected him.
       At S.N.A.C. he met Edmundo M. Zaragoza. A Harlandale I.S.D. 
     school teacher and thus began a close friendship that lasted 
     until 8:25 p.m. on Thursday Jan. 30, 1997. Frank then guided 
     Zaragoza to victory as the First Mexican American elected by 
     the Mexican-American community in the Harlandale school 
     district, thus began the ``southside coalition.'' This name 
     was given to a group of young men who shared strong, personal 
     friendship, shared many, many hours working for the common 
     good of the southside. And more than anything else, they 
     shared values and dreams.
       The continuous collaboration among friends was built on 
     mutual respect. Each friend (or relative) brought a different 
     perspective or added a new element to the melting pot that 
     became what is referred to as the ``southside coalition.''
       Frank used his considerable leadership skills in keeping 
     the community united. A community that shared his views, 
     worked with him and ultimately gave life to common hopes.
       Frank recognized that he needed additional education, so he 
     earned the doctor of jurisprudence from Boalt Hall, in 
     California, the masters in public administration at Harvard, 
     and the masters in law at Yale.
       At Berkeley, Frank befriended Tony Jimenez, at that time a 
     long-haired radical who became the roommate of the 
     conservative marine. ``Talk about the odd couple. Tony has 
     been quoted on first seeing his roommate, as saying ``Holy 
     mackeral, I made a mistake.'' Frank's reaction was ``just as 
     stunned.'' They began a longterm friendship Tony, the Loyola 
     grad, had requested an ``out of state Chicano'' roommate. He 
     got one.
       During law school Frank related taking his first sample 
     test. He wrote his answer and tried to be humorous by adding 
     at the end ``besides that's life.'' Frank recalled that the 
     professor was not amused noting that Mr. Tejeda was not 
     welcome to add commentary. No question Frank learned from 
     this ``sample'' he was the only Hispanic that earned an 
     honors grade his first semester. Tony was the ``eager 
     beaver'' student who raised his hand too often and 
     answered questions, which caused the professor to take 
     note of those in his immediate area. Frank informed Tony 
     that if Tony raised his hand and brought the heat one more 
     time, Frank would break Tony's hand. Tony did not bring 
     the heat again.
       During their studies at Berkeley, there was a madman who 
     was hacking people to death. He was killing nonminorities 
     only. Tony and Frank would on return to their apartment late 
     at night sing Mexican songs, loudly if not well, to make sure 
     that the ``hacker'' (who would pounce from alleys) did not 
     make a mistake. Frank was courageous, but not foolish.
       During law school Frank married Celia Gaitan, who lived 
     across the street from the Longorias. He had been spending 
     much time at the Longoria home obviously it was not just to 
     see his friend. Of this marriage came his pride and joys: 
     Marissa, Sonya, and Frank, III (Frankie). Frank and Celia 
     gave their children love and guidance. The children are 
     beautiful and were a special source of joy for Frank. The 
     many hopes that Frank had for his children (his deep hope to 
     see all his children finish high school and college) must be 
     realized. Sundays were family day. Special days for quality 
     time as a family.
       Frank had sharply honed his mind and as a former marine 
     kept a sharply honed body. He launched himself into pubic 
     service with the help of trusted friends and relatives.
       On the first meeting between Frank and Tony Dramburger (the 
     well financed incumbent) Frank bluntly and confidently told 
     Dramberger, he was going to beat Dramberger. His style was 
     ``no brag just fact.'' And he did.
       Frank served the southside community honorably and with 
     distinction. He fought eloquently against parimutuel betting. 
     His vision of a better community, did not include gambling. 
     He wanted better things for the people of the southside and 
     worked for it. Frank made his mark in the legislature. He 
     championed bills that served veterans (the Veterans Land Act, 
     the Purple Heart licenses among many bills) victims rights 
     bills and other crime bills that helped make our communities 
     safer.
       In the Senate he continued to hold steady his course. He 
     fought for the issues that were important. He would stand 
     along and always held his ground, regardless of power of 
     money.
       During parimutuel battles twice Frank was offered 
     briefcases and suit cases full of cash if he would vote his 
     conscience but not speak his conscience. We all know that 
     Frank refused to waver or give in to the temptation of money.
       While Representatives at time spoke ``to hear themselves 
     speak,'' Frank carefully listened to (a la E.F. Hutton) 
     because he was respected and his fellows knew he was 
     determined, courageous, honest and Christian.
       In the Senate and in Congress Frank served as always, with 
     honor and distinction. Honest and motivated by his true love 
     of church, family and community.
       Frank was generous with his time and with what material 
     goods he had. He was generous to family, friends and 
     community, placing community interest before person gain.
       No festival, no Pop Warner team, no baseball team would 
     suffer if Frank knew about their need. Families who couldn't 
     bury their dead did not suffer if Frank knew about their 
     need. School bands, fund raisers all of us knew about Frank. 
     Flags for schools, PTA, Frank did it all. Many young people 
     have college educations today because of Frank. Many more are 
     assured of college educations in the future, because of 
     Frank.
       God gave Frank to his parents and family. They raised him, 
     nurtured and helped develop his character and then shared him 
     with us.
       In turn Frank gave his family, friends and community love, 
     caring and generosity. He gave leadership, hard work and 
     hope. His generosity was uncommon in character.
       Saint Matthew (Ch22 V34 speaks about the scholar of the law 
     who tried to test Jesus and asked, ``Master what are the 
     greatest commandments?'' Jesus replied, ``Love God above all 
     else. And the second is love thy neighbor as yourself for the 
     love of God. Then in C25 St. Matthew speaks of the judgment 
     of nations: ``When the Son of Man comes in, His glory, and 
     all the angels with Him, He will sit upon his glorious throne 
     and all the nations will be assembled before Him.''
       Frank Tejeda, Jr. son, brother, father, U.S. Congressman 
     did many acts of kindness that will be unreported, will be 
     uncounted. He lived his faith. He loved and served his God. 
     Where he found hunger, he provided food, where he found 
     thirst, he gave to drink, he welcomed the stranger, he cared 
     for all those the least of our brothers.
       He earned the respect of all his peers for his devotions to 
     ``duty, honor, country.'' He personified the motto of his 
     beloved Marine Corps. ``Semper Fidelis.'' He demonstrated the 
     finest qualities of the Christian.
       He did for the least of God's brothers and he did so with 
     love and caring.
       He will never be replaced; but he will forever stand as an 
     example to be followed. God blessed him now he has inherited 
     the kingdom prepared for him.
       May Frank rest in peace.

  Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, at this stage, if I may, I would like to 
take the final moments of our time that we have to just engage in some 
final remarks. I know that my good friend, the gentleman from Texas 
[Mr. Ortiz], could easily have used up the hour, I know I could have 
used the hour just to praise the man we know as Frank Tejeda. But in 
the short time that we have, I think it is only fitting and perfectly 
fitting that Mr. Ortiz and I have an opportunity to just reflect now, 
just perhaps more personally about the man that we are so trying to 
honor today.
  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I was reminiscing with some other Members a 
few

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moments ago when Mr. Becerra was relating to us here at this committee 
hearing involving veterans from Puerto Rico, he made a statement how 
Puerto Rico had lost a great number of men at this great battle and how 
they had to withdraw and retreat. And Frank asked Mr. Becerra, would 
you yield to me? Mr. Becerra was kind enough to yield to Mr. Tejeda, 
and he said, let me make a correction, Mr. Becerra. Marines do not 
retreat, they do not withdraw, they regroup.
  So even though Frank was a quiet man, a very reserved man, he had a 
great sense of humor.
  Another time I remember that yesterday I was talking about his diet. 
Frank had a very special diet. No greasy food, no Cokes, no candy, no 
bread. So a friend of ours came to town, and he took us to a 
restaurant. And Frank asked him, do you have shrimp, and he said yes, I 
like to have boiled shrimp. He got an order of boiled shrimp and he got 
another one. Then he asked, what kind of steaks do you have? He did not 
eat red meat. He said tuna. He said, give me one tuna steak. And then 
he says, can I have another one? This is a fact.
  The gentleman from New Mexico [Mr. Richardson] and the gentleman from 
Arizona [Mr. Pastor] were with us, and I began to feel sorry for the 
guy that was paying. He was another friend of ours. And then he said, 
do you have lobster? And he ordered lobster he ended up eating with a 
green salad. This was Frank Tejeda. He had not eaten all day. Many 
times we go to a restaurant, and he would order stuff that I could not 
eat. So I would eat all the grease, and Frank would eat all the good 
stuff.
  But I will never forget the day when Frank came back, 1995 during the 
Hispanic Caucus dinner. Frank came back and I could see that Frank was 
a little depressed, you know. I could sense something was wrong. And I 
asked Frank, he would not tell me. Then after a while he said, I want 
to talk to you. He says, you know that I was diagnosed with a brain 
tumor, and they cannot perform surgery, and they gave me 3 months to 
live. And I said Frank, do not joke around like this with me. He says, 
I am not joking. Frank, we were sitting back at that corner when that 
day he got ill, it started with a headache, just a bland headache, and 
he says, I want an MRI. I said Frank, I have headaches every day. He 
said, I know my body. He did. He went back and he tried to--he had to 
convince three doctors to run an MRI on Frank.

                              {time}  1430

  The day he was coming back, he was called and told that he had been 
diagnosed with cancer. The good Lord gave Frank 13 additional months. 
Thank God that I learned a lot from a great American, Frank Tejeda.
  Mr. BECERRA. I think, Mr. Speaker, that the gentleman has just 
epitomized Frank Tejeda. This is a man who could have been in the worst 
of pain, who could have been told moments ago that he had no more than 
3 months to live, who could have known that the marine he was about to 
go run out there during rapid-fire, go out to save, had actually 
already perished, but yet he still went out there; who never had to 
really worry about expressing himself, because there was so much about 
him to express, but yet he never took it upon himself to say to anyone, 
feel sorry for me, be honored by my presence, recognize what I have 
accomplished, never once.
  This is a guy who would, as you said, he would walk in, and that is 
the way I think we all remember him, he would come in and take his seat 
right next to you, and there we would see him, the gentlemen from Texas 
[Mr. Ortiz] and Mr. Tejeda.
  As the gentleman from California [Mr. Martinez] also mentioned, you 
would see someone come in and sit next to you, then someone else would 
come, another person would leave. You were there, you were the anchors, 
and folks would come. We knew that the House of Representatives had a 
House that was righted because there was always that anchor there by 
the name of Frank Tejeda.
  I think we can all learn a great deal. I know I have learned because 
I know he was not the friend to me as he was to you, but just in his 
silence you learned so much. I believe the word service takes on such a 
grand meaning when you look at someone like Frank Tejeda because in his 
modest, unassuming way he served, and he served so well. He did not 
have to tell people that he served so well. He just did it.
  Mr. ORTIZ. His death really did not hit me until the day I came back, 
which was on a Tuesday, because that phone call that Frank always made 
did not come through. When we came here to the House Chamber, Frank was 
not around. But we know that he is in a better place. Frank, really his 
last days, he drew himself closer to God. Even though his future, there 
was a lot of uncertainty in his future, he had faith. He knew he was 
going to go to a better place.
  Again, I would like to thank all our friends in this Chamber for 
recognizing and contributing to this special order that we have today 
honoring a great American, Frank Tejeda, and of course his great mother 
and relatives that are with us today.
  Mr. BECERRA. To the family, let me also add my appreciation to the 
fact that they have been here, they have been very strong. To all the 
relatives who have taken the time to say a few words about Frank, I 
thank them as well.
  I will close by saying the following. As we were driving in the bus 
to go to the funeral and on our way back to catch a plane to go to 
Washington, D.C., we drove through streets that reminded me a great 
deal of home. The neighborhoods that I saw in south San Antonio were 
very much like the neighborhoods in which I remember growing up.
  To me it sent a very strong signal: This is a man who, modest in his 
ways, was doing a great deed and a great service for a community that 
oftentimes has never seen that type of champion. As much as he never 
boasted about going to the Harvards and Yales and Berkeleys of this 
world and getting educated, though he never boasted about the fact that 
he went out there and risked his life to save the life of another 
soldier, he was there. To me, seeing the context of his district sent 
home the message that this was really a man who knew his place, and I 
suspect he knows his place now that he is up there with the Lord.
  On behalf of all those who had an opportunity to say some words and 
for those who were perhaps unable to have come but would have loved to 
have said some words, I say to Frank, we will miss you. There are many 
here who would like to speak for you in the future and we look forward 
to being able to do the words and deeds as well as you have done them 
for so many years.
  Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise to remember our friend, 
Congressman Frank Tejeda. Frank's commitment to his constituents, 
family and country was unparalleled. Often when we walked from our 
offices, in the Cannon House Office Building, to the Chamber, Frank 
expressed regret that there were not more hours in a day to accomplish 
his goals and serve his constituents. Sadly, the years afforded Frank 
were too short as well.
  Yet, Frank made the most of the time he was given. His spectacular 
ascent from high school dropout to Member of Congress, alone, is 
eloquent testimony to his drive and dedication.
  Frank's success derived from his renowned discipline. As a proud 
marine, this self-described ``grunt'' exemplified the American dream. 
His hard work and single-minded focus enabled him to overcome every 
obstacle, except the final hurdle of cancer. And, even then, Frank 
fought the good fight. Where most people would have retreated upon 
diagnosis, Frank fought to return to the work he loved--serving the 
people of Texas' 28th district.
  Whether serving as a marine in Vietnam, obtaining his high school 
equivalency, completing graduate programs at Berkeley, Harvard, and 
Yale or representing his constituents, Frank tackled each challenge 
with a sure sense of responsibility.
  Frank felt that he owed this country for providing him with 
opportunity. He repaid the perceived debt fully, by serving in war and 
in peace.
  My condolences go out to Frank's family. We have lost a dear friend 
and colleague, but his children have lost a caring, devoted father. I 
hope that they find comfort in knowing how special he was.
  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay 
tribute and remember my friend, colleague, and a great American, 
Congressman Frank Tejeda. His untimely death is a great loss for the 
constituents of district 28, all of Texas, and the citizens of the 
United States.
  Congressman Tejeda and I worked together for many years in many 
capacities. He and I

[[Page H312]]

were colleagues in the Texas House and the Texas Senate. We were 
elected to this office in the same class in 1992.
  He was a patriot, a Vietnam veteran who risked his life many times to 
defend his fellow marines. He was honored with many medals. He was a 
true American hero.
  My colleague, Frank Tejeda, has been an example and role model for 
many people in many ways. He proved that you can achieve success with 
determination and hard work. He ended his life with the same quiet 
dignity he always showed.
  Mr. Speaker, I overwhelmingly agree with my colleagues from Texas 
that we should honor Congressman Tejeda's memory and his family by 
naming a post office in San Antonio as the ``Frank Tejeda Post 
Office.'' I urge support for the passing of this resolution and we name 
this building for a great Texan-American.
  My heart and prayers are with his family.
  Mr. SANDLIN. Mr. Speaker, Frank Tejeda was a quiet and reserved man 
who truly embodied the spirit of all Americans. The grandson of Mexican 
immigrants, Tejeda, grew up on San Antonio's tough south side; a place 
he loved and a place that was always home. Frank Tejeda was an 
achiever, whether it was in his beloved south side neighborhood, a 
Vietnam jungle, ivy league universities, or the Halls of Congress. He 
was a leader, someone others looked up to and revered. Tejeda, who died 
Thursday after a long battle with brain cancer, was 51 years old.
  At 17 years old Tejeda was expelled from school. Tejeda then joined 
the Marine Corps and soon found himself on the battlefields of Vietnam, 
something that would shape the rest of his life. During his Marine 
service, Tejeda earned a Bronze Star, the Commandant's Trophy, Marine 
Corps Association Award, the Colonel Phil Yeckel Award, and a Purple 
Heart. His proudest achievements were his military accolades.
  The Marines were a way of life for Frank Tejeda and his service to 
his country did not end when he left Vietnam. Frank stayed in the 
Marine Corps and later went to officer candidate school where he earned 
the highest academic average in the history of the corps. Even in 
Congress, Tejeda was still a marine. He served as a major in the Marine 
Corps Reserve Capital Hill Unit. Sadly, his greatest military accolade 
might have come posthumously as he was awarded the Silver Star by Navy 
Secretary John Dalton at his funeral Monday.
  The former high school dropout later returned to school and achieved 
academic prowess that some probably thought impossible. He earned his 
undergraduate degree at St. Mary's University. He then received his 
Juris Doctorate from Boalt Hall School of Law at the University of 
California-Berkeley. As great as these accomplishments were, his thirst 
for knowledge didn't let him stop there. Instead, his quest would take 
him to the two most hallowed universities in our Nation. First, he 
graduated with an L.L.B. from Yale and later he received his master's 
in public administration from Harvard's famed Kennedy School of 
Government.
  Frank wanted to take his knowledge and help people less fortunate 
than he. He ran for the Texas Legislature and was first elected in 
1976. He quickly made a name for himself in Austin where he was a 
strong advocate for minority issues and fought hard for his beloved 
south side. He served 10 years in the Texas House before winning 
election to the Texas Senate in 1986. In the senate, he helped draw the 
district he would eventually represent in Congress.
  In 1992, Tejeda sought to be the first person to represent the newly 
drawn 28th Congressional District. The district encompasses south San 
Antonio and extends all the way to the Mexican border. His popularity 
on his native south side being what it is, no Democrat or Republican 
filed to run against Tejeda in either the primary or general elections. 
He received 87 percent of the vote against a Libertarian that November 
and was sworn into Congress in January 1993.
  In Congress, Tejeda served on the National Security and Veterans 
Affairs Committees. Tejeda fought hard for a strong military and issues 
important to veterans. He was a strong advocate for Texas and Texas 
jobs. He continually fought for Kelly Air Force Base even after it was 
announced the base would close. Never wanting to lose touch with the 
people he represented, Tejeda went home to San Antonio every weekend.
  Tejeda was a strong family man and a man of faith. Frank left behind 
his mother, Lillie Tejeda, his sister Mary Alice Lara, his two 
daughters and his son Frank Tejeda III. Although, Frank may no longer 
be with us, his presence is still being felt by not only San Antonians 
and Texans, but by all Americans. As our recently reelected President 
addressed our entire Nation he could not help but fondly reflect on the 
service this man of a humble background gave to our Nation. His 
presence was felt in the gallery as the Nation viewed his mother and 
sister, the way Frank would have wanted to see them, standing strong.
  Frank Tejeda also touched me with his presence, although I didn't 
serve with him long. I am glad to say I knew this man who touched so 
many lives in a positive way. Frank Tejeda was a true Texas and 
American hero. I feel it is only proper that he was born and lies in 
the shadow of the Alamo.
  Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay special tribute to 
Representative Frank Tejeda, who recently lost a long battle with brain 
cancer.
  Frank touched many lives as evidenced by the 600 people who attended 
his funeral mass in San Antonio Monday and the 2,000 others outside the 
church. He was a man of great conviction and perseverance, a veteran 
who fought for his country in Vietnam, a leader in the Hispanic-
American community of San Antonio and a credit to this governing body.
  Throughout his life, Frank Tejeda embodied the qualities of a strong 
work ethic, rigorous discipline and great honor. During his 4-year tour 
of duty in Vietnam, Frank distinguished himself as a marine of the 
highest accord. Wounded in battle, he was awarded a Purple Heart and a 
Bronze Star, and continued while in Congress to serve the corps as a 
member of its reserves.
  After his stint in Vietnam, Frank showed great strength of character 
in attaining his education. Despite dropping out of high school at the 
age of 17, he displayed the value of an education by earning degrees 
from such esteemed institutions as Saint Mary's University in San 
Antonio, the University of California-Berkeley, Yale University, and 
the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard.
  As a public servant, Frank always placed the needs of his 
constituents first. As a member of the Texas State Legislature for 16 
years, he was a strong advocate for veterans' rights and the victims of 
violent crimes. He also fought for minorities in South San Antonio, 
assisting minority-and woman-owned businesses, and promoting measures 
to ensure voting rights for minorities.
  In his election to Congress in 1992, Frank earned the distinction of 
being the first freshman to be elected to Congress without opposition 
from a major party. It was a testament to his rare legislating skills 
and his unparalleled stature in the community of South San Antonio.
  While serving the people of the 28th District of Texas in Congress, 
Frank earned a reputation as a man of great leadership and vision. He 
represented the needs of the Hispanic community in his district with 
distinction. As a member of the National Security and Veterans' Affairs 
Committees, he used his unique background as a marine and a soldier of 
the highest acclaim to fight for the needs of our veterans.
  Mr. Speaker, Congressman Frank Tejeda exemplified unmatched character 
and honor during his life. He will be greatly missed by this governing 
body.
  I join in offering my condolences to the Tejeda family, including his 
three children--Marissa, Sonya, and Frank III.
  Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to say goodbye to a friend. 
Although many Members of this body have risen and recounted what kind 
of man, legislator, and public servant Frank Tejeda was, I believe it 
certainly cannot be said enough.
  I had the privilege of serving with Frank on the House Committee on 
Veterans' Affairs for 6 years. As a member of the Veterans' Affairs 
Committee, he was an ardent supporter of our Nation's veterans and 
their families, and it is little wonder why.
  He joined the Marines when he was 17 and served for 4 years. During 
that time, Frank was sent to Vietnam and was awarded the Purple Heart, 
a Bronze Star, the Commandant's Trophy, the Marine Corps Association 
Award, and the Colonel Phil Yeckel Award for ``the best combined record 
in leadership, academics, and physical fitness.'' While in Congress, 
Frank continued to serve in the Marine Corps Reserve.
  Frank was a true American patriot. His love and pride for his country 
was evident to all who knew him. when his country called, he answered 
and fought hard--putting his life on the line. He knew the price of 
freedom and did not shirk from it.
  There is no question that he served the 28th District of Texas and 
the citizens of our country very well. I know he will be missed by all 
those who were fortunate to come into contact with him over the years.
  We were all heartened at the way Frank remained strong during his 
battle with cancer. Whenever I saw him in a committee hearing or on the 
House floor, I realized just what kind of devotion and commitment he 
had for his service to his constituents and to his country.
  Mr. Speaker, we will all miss Frank Tejeda. I know, however, that his 
work in this body will serve as a lasting tribute to a man who devoted 
his life to public service.

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