[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 18 (Wednesday, February 12, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E239]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO CONGRESSMAN FRANK TEJEDA

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                          HON. JOSE E. SERRANO

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 1997

  Mr. SERRANO. Mr. Speaker, it is always difficult to say goodbye to 
dear friends, to those who have given so much and so unselfishly to 
their communities and to our Nation.
  Our colleague Frank Tejeda was one of those men who are born to carry 
the torch for others to follow. His life is a testimony of courage, 
service, generosity, and integrity.
  Throughout his life he stood up against adversity. After dropping out 
of high school, he enlisted in the Marines. His exceptional military 
training and courage served him well in Vietnam; he was awarded with 
the Bronze Star and Purple Heart, and most recently the Silver Star.
  After 4 years of military service, Frank completed a bachelor's 
degree at St. Mary's University in San Antonio. He continued his 
education at the University of California at Berkeley, where he 
obtained a law degree. His desire to improve himself and to be of 
service to the best of his abilities encouraged him to obtain two 
masters degrees, one in public administration from Harvard University 
and a second one in law from Yale University.
  As a lawyer serving in the Texas House and later in its Senate, he 
defended the rights of the most vulnerable. He fought for worker's 
compensation reform and for other initiatives for minorities.
  His hard work and his understanding of his community in San Antonio, 
TX, gained him their overwhelming support to represent them in the U.S. 
House of Representatives. As a Member of Congress and of the 
Congressional Hispanic Caucus, Frank works relentlessly to secure 
veterans' rights and access to education and health care for the poor.
  Frank always stayed close to the people he loved: his family, 
friends, and his community back home. In his later years, he fought his 
terminal illness with the same courage and dignity that exemplified his 
life.
  To Frank Tejeda's family and friends, I would like to extend my 
deepest sympathy in this trying time. I would like to join all who had 
the privilege of knowing him in paying tribute to our American hero, 
Frank Tejeda, for serving his community, his State, and his Nation with 
the courage, generosity, and dignity of great men of history.

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