[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 130 (Thursday, September 25, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Pages S9983-S9984]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           TRIBUTE TO RAFAEL GARCIA AND OCTAVIO VIVEROS, JR.

 Mr. BOND. Mr. President, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
Hispanic American population during National Hispanic Heritage Month. 
Every year, from September 15 through October 15, Hispanic Americans 
celebrate their Heritage and are honored for their many civic 
contributions and achievements throughout the Nation. In the spirit of 
Hispanic Heritage Month, I recognize two individuals, Rafael Garcia and 
Octavio Viveros, Jr., whom I nominated to represent my home State of 
Missouri on the United States Senate Task Force on Hispanic Affairs.
  Rafael Garcia is president and owner of Rafael Architects, Inc. 
(RAI). Honored with many architectural awards, Rafael has also received 
numerous Community Service awards. In 1997, Rafael earned 
``Entrepreneur of the Year Finalist'' to add to his Hispanic Leadership 
award, and his ``Top 25 Hispanic Leaders in Kansas City'' honor given 
by Dos Mundos Newspaper. He is a member of several Charity and 
Community Boards of Directors including Heart of America United Way, 
Starlight Theater and the Kansas City Art Institute. Rafael volunteers 
for FOCUS/Odyssey 2000 West as a facilitator and for Project HOPE 
(Hope, Opportunity, Performance, Education through Entrepreneurship) 
and has been written up in several prominent magazines for his many 
accomplishments and contributions. He personifies everything positive 
in the Kansas City Metropolitan area and I am excited to have him 
working on this important cause for Hispanic communities across the 
United States.
  Octavio Viveros, Jr. is a Founder and Partner of Viveros & Barrera 
L.C. Law Firm and is Founder and President of LatAm Trading, Inc. 
Octavio has been appointed to the Board of Indigent's Defense a 
Gubernatorial Appointment for the State of Kansas and the Key 
Commission a Mayoral Appointment for the City of Kansas City, MO. He is 
the founder of the Hispanic Economic Development Corporation of Kansas 
City, a former President of the Board of Directors for the Hispanic 
Chamber of Commerce of Greater Kansas City and a member of the Kansas 
City Centurious Leadership Program, to name a few of his civic 
accomplishments. Octavio has earned many awards including recognition 
as one of the ``25 Most Influential Hispanics in Kansas City'' in 1993 
by Dos Mundos Newspaper. Most recently he attended United States Senate 
Republican Conference as a member of the Task Force on Hispanic Affairs 
here in Washington, DC. His continuing commitment to not only the 
Kansas City Community, but also the entire Hispanic

[[Page S9984]]

American Community is a positive example for all and I am extremely 
pleased to have him on my team.
  I believe that Rafael and Octavio will be able to help the Hispanic 
community by encouraging growth and opportunity. Each year exemplary 
leadership in the Hispanic Community is evidenced by achievement in the 
work force and community involvement. It is impressive to watch this 
expansion and I congratulate all Hispanic Americans, especially Rafael 
and Octavio, during this important month of Heritage. I commend them on 
their present success and hope for even more in the years to 
come.

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