[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 5 (Tuesday, February 3, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E84]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




IN HONOR OF THE DEDICATION CEREMONY OF ``THE MONTEBELLO SENIOR CITIZEN 
                     CENTER ALEX ESQUIVEL COMPLEX''

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. ESTEBAN EDWARD TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 3, 1998

  Mr. TORRES. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the dedication of the 
City of Montebello's Senior Citizen Center Alex Esquivel Complex. The 
Complex has been named after Mr. Alex Esquivel in recognition of his 
tireless and heartfelt dedication to the City of Montebello and its 
residents.
  Today, the City of Montebello will host a special dedication ceremony 
in tribute to Alex for his over 30 years of caring service to the 
residents of Montebello, as an employee and resident of Montebello. To 
many in Montebello, Alex is known for doing the impossible in his 
relentless effort to assist those in need of shelter, food, counsel, or 
simply friendship.
  Throughout his years with the City of Montebello, Alex has founded 
and sponsored countless programs for youth and seniors. Among the 
programs he has sponsored or founded in Montebello include: the Summer 
Youth Employment Program; Montebello Ponytail Softball Association; 
Azteca Head Start Preschool Program; Montebello Co-Ed Softball League; 
Association of Foster Parents; Girls Basketball League; Montebello 
Baseball Association; Boy Scouts of America; Girl Scouts of America; 
Careers for Older Americans; American Red Cross; American Legion Post 
#272; Lions Club; Rotary Club; Optimist Club; Soroptimist Club; Kiwanis 
Club; Ensenada Sister City Association; Senior Citizens Affairs 
Committee; juvenile diversion programs; family counseling; individual 
and group counseling; nutrition programs; and domestic violence 
programs.
  For his years of exemplary service in the community he has received 
the City of Montebello's Career Contribution Award, he has served as 
the Grand Marshall of the Montebello Royale Parade, named the American 
Legion Man of the Year and the Montebello Boy Scouts of America Good 
Scout of the Year, and he has received the Lifetime Achievement Award 
from the Alumni Association of the University of Mexico City.
  On Friday, January 30, 1998, Alex Esquivel celebrated his 71st 
birthday. He resides in Montebello with his wife Rachel. The have four 
sons, Alex Jr., Ted, Robert, David and 10 grandchildren. He is a 
veteran of the Korean Conflict, former middle weight boxing champion, 
and the first American of Mexican descent drafted by the National 
Football League, having played for the Baltimore Colts.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting Mr. Alex 
Esquivel, one of our nation's true heroes, for his lifetime of service 
to our country, his community and his neighbors as the City of 
Montebello dedicates the Montebello Senior Citizen Center Alex Esquivel 
Complex.

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