[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 37 (Tuesday, March 9, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E371]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF HENRY A. GOMEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. GENE GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 9, 1999

  Mr. GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues in 
Congress to join me in paying tribute to an outstanding individual and 
my high school football coach, Henry Gomez. Coach Gomez passed away on 
January 13th after leading a long and distinguished life of service to 
his community and commitment to the enrichment of young minds.
  Henry Gomez devoted his professional and private life to serving his 
home state of Texas. After graduating from Jeff Davis High School in 
Houston, he entered the Navy to bravely fight for his country during 
World War II, where he served in the Seabees as a special undersea 
diver in the Philippine Islands.
  After the War, he returned to his hometown of Houston to continue his 
education at the University of Houston. Henry was an outstanding 
athlete on the first University of Houston football team. His love of 
the game was so great that, upon graduation in 1948, he began coaching 
the Aldine School District football team. His true enjoyment of working 
with young players and enthusiasm for football soon made him a 
respected figure at the school. After a 7-year tenure at Aldine, Henry 
moved to Jackson Jr. High and later to our alma mater, Jeff Davis High 
School.
  It was during his 14-year career at Jeff Davis High School that I 
came to know Coach Gomez. While a young player on his teams, I learned 
the true importance of teamwork and cooperation that remains with me 
today. At Jeff Davis, his influence reached beyond the football field 
as he worked as counselor and ultimately Vice Principal of the school. 
He was a leader who drew much admiration from his students, players and 
colleagues.
  Hoping to expand his involvement with the young people of his 
community, Mr. Gomez transferred to James Deady Middle School where he 
began another 14-year career as Assistant Principal. He was lovingly 
known during his tenure as the ``Sheriff of Deady,'' whose firm yet 
kind demeanor and dedication to the enrichment of young minds drew 
respect and love from all who knew him.
  Upon retirement from his long career in education, Henry Gomez 
maintained close ties with the Texas school system, where he was 
involved in both the Houston and Pasadena Area Retired Teacher's 
Association.
  The death of Henry Gomez is a blow to all who loved and respected 
him. His years of working with students and his devotion to his 
community touched a countless number of lives, including my own. Those 
of us who were fortunate enough to have known him will never forget his 
kind spirit, his leadership in the community, and his dedication to 
coaching and teaching. He has left a legacy that will never be 
forgotten.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in paying tribute to the life of Henry 
Gomez. Those of us fortunate enough to have known him are truly 
blessed.

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