[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 44 (Tuesday, April 21, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E608-E609]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO LUPITA AND TONY RAMIREZ

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. SOLOMON P. ORTIZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, April 21, 1998

  Mr. ORTIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and pay tribute to 
Lupita and Tony Ramirez, for being awarded the Governor's Volunteer 
Award for outstanding service. Mr. and Mrs. Ramirez were presented with 
this award on April 20, 1998, by Governor George W. Bush. For over 29 
years, Mr. and Mrs. Ramirez have been helping others, contributing to a 
better way of living for the citizens of Harlingen, TX. They utilize 
their talents in the volunteer spirit for humanity.
  As true pioneer volunteers, Antonio and Lupita Ramirez began their 
volunteer activities in 1969. They realized that many poor citizens had 
no transportation to get to their doctor's appointments. In the same 
spirit, they rounded up twenty friends and turned their home, 
telephone, and cars into an information, referral and transportation 
center. They did not have money, but they had heart and determination.
  The group organized and became the Harlingen Community Committee. 
Under the direction of Mr. Ramirez as President, they progressed from 
the Ramirez' home into a building to one of Harlingen's parks. the 
Ramirez became a tireless advocate for the poor people. They aided in 
starting ``Su Clinica Familiar'' where medical services are available 
to our low-income people. Mr. Ramirez also helped found Amigos del 
Valle, which provides housing, transportation, and a hot meal for the 
elderly in the community.
  In 1971, because of high unemployment, they started employment 
training for the community. Another vital service to the people in 
need, the Ramirez added Adult Basic Education, teaching English, 
typing, bookkeeping, Spanish, citizenship, drivers ed, sewing, and 
upholstery.
  In 1974, the Ramirez incorporated the organization and persuaded the 
city of Harlingen to approve their information and referral and social 
service agency. All the while volunteers were running the office and 
providing transportation for those in need. By now, the Harlingen 
Community Committee had grown and changed their name to ``Harlingen 
Information and Social Service Organization,'' a multi-purpose center.
  In 1983, after a severe freeze, and while the State and Federal 
officials debated responsibility for bureaucratic bottlenecks, the 
Ramirez provided emergency help for many farm workers unemployed by the 
freeze. The Ramirez' quick response to this emergency made it easier 
for the families to receive the much needed help.
  For these efforts, Cameron County Officials and I recognized Antonio 
and Lupita Ramirez. On March 1, 1984, it was declared the ``Tony and 
Lupita Ramirez Day,'' in Cameron County,

[[Page E609]]

Texas. The Ramirez have received many awards and certificates of merit 
for their volunteer work from many civic groups and State and Federal 
officials.
  The Ramirez have continued to work as volunteers for over 29 years. 
Their efforts were made possible through the love and support of their 
five daughters and their families. Mr. and Mrs. Ramirez are very 
grateful to the foundations, church groups, and people who have made 
generous grants and donations to the organization. The grants and 
donations have made it possible for the Ramirez to continue serving the 
community. For the last 3 years they have provided nutritional and 
educational programs for the elderly, information and referral 
services, counseling, clothing distributions, and a food bank to the 
many people in need. All this could not have been done by the Ramirez 
had others not contributed to helping the needy. All this has been done 
without State or Federal funding, but through the assistance of those 
people who have believed in their work and exemplified the spirit of 
volunteerism.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in extending congratulations to Lupita 
and Antonio Ramirez for being honored with this special recognition.

                          ____________________