[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 18 (Wednesday, February 12, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E223]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE FRANK TEJEDA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. FLOYD SPENCE

                           of south carolina

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 12, 1997

  Mr. SPENCE. Mr. Speaker: It is with great sadness that I rise today 
to honor my friend and colleague, Frank Tejeda, who served our Nation 
in the House of Representatives for the last 4 years of his life. I 
wholeheartedly support H.R. 499, legislation which designates a U.S. 
Postal building in San Antonio to be named the ``Frank M. Tejeda Post 
Office Building''. Though this is a small gesture with which to 
recognize Frank's life work, this monument will serve as a testimonial 
to Frank's heroic public service in his hometown of San Antonio and for 
our Nation at large.
  Frank's career as a dedicated public servant is highlighted by his 
ongoing commitment to our national defense. He joined the Marines when 
he was only 17 years of age. While serving in Vietnam, he earned the 
Bronze Star for valor and the Purple Heart for sustaining wounds during 
an enemy ambush. Frank was also awarded the Commandment's Trophy, the 
Marine Corps Association Award, and the Silver Star.
  After returning from Vietnam, Frank attended Marine Officers 
Candidate School and attained the highest grades in the history of the 
school. He continued on to earn his bachelor's degree in government 
from St. Mary's College. After graduating from college, Frank went on 
to earn several high academic degrees from our country's most 
prestigious schools: a juris doctor from the University of California 
at Berkeley, a masters degree in public administration from Harvard, 
and a master of laws degree from Yale.
  Prior to being elected to Congress, Frank served 16 years in the 
Texas legislature: 10 years in the Texas House of Representatives and 6 
years in the Texas Senate. Throughout this time, Frank championed 
veterans' issues and especially, veterans' housing and medical care.
  Frank was a valued member of the House National Security Committee 
for the duration of his career in Congress. I and the other members of 
the committee will miss him and the high ideals that he brought to his 
work. As a member of the National Security Committee, Frank fought 
against defense spending cuts and base closures that would have 
negatively affected the Nation.
  Frank Tejeda was an exceptional politician and a patriotic American. 
I am thankful to have known him and to have worked alongside him. His 
leadership, intellect, and friendship will be greatly missed by us all.

                          ____________________