[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 153 (Wednesday, November 3, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2262]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING DUVAL COUNTY VETERANS SERVICE OFFICER J. O. BARRERA FOR 
                          OUTSTANDING SERVICE

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. CIRO D. RODRIGUEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 3, 1999

  Mr. RODRIGUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Duval 
County Veterans Service Officer Jose Oscar Barrera. It is with great 
appreciation that I recognize Mr. Barrera for his many years of 
dedicated service to the citizens of Duval County.
  J.O. Barrera was born and raised in San Diego, TX. After graduating 
from high school, on November 18, 1942, Mr. Barrera was called to 
military service in the United States. Mr. Barrera returned to live in 
San Diego in December 1945. He accepted a job with Duval County in 1946 
in the Tax Collector's Office. On February 1, 1955, he was appointed 
Duval County Veterans Service Officer, a position he continues to hold 
to this day.
  During his tenure as Duval County Veterans Service Officer, Mr. 
Barrera received recognition for his outstanding service several times. 
In 1973, he was offered the position of Service Officer for the State 
Veterans Affairs Commission of Texas in San Antonio. Upon serious 
consideration of the offer, he declined, preferring to remain in his 
home town where he could continue to provide needed assistance to the 
veterans he knew best.
  At the 32d annual meeting of the Texas County Service Officers 
Association held in Dallas in 1979, the membership honored Mr. Barrera 
with one of the highest awards for veterans service. He was named 
Outstanding Veterans County Service Officer for the 60-county San 
Antonio Region. On February 26, 1999, he was presented with AMVETS 
National Commander's Appreciation Certificate from the AMVETS/American 
Veterans Organization Office in Houston for his sincere dedication in 
assisting veterans and their dependents.
  At the 52d annual Statewide Conference for Veterans Service Officers 
held September 28 through October 1, 1999, in Dallas, Mr. Barrera was 
awarded two certificates for his years of service. State Representative 
Ignacio Salinas, Jr. awarded Mr. Barrera a certificate recognizing his 
44 years of service as Veterans Service Officer for Duval County. He 
was also awarded a certificate of excellence in service to the veterans 
of Duval County by State Senator Judith Zafferini.
  Mr. Barrera exemplifies what every county should have, a competent 
Veterans Service Officer who dedicates his life to the veterans of his 
county. Mr, J.O. Barrera continues to proudly serve the veterans and 
their dependents in Duval County, TX. It is most appropriate to honor 
his work, dedication, and commitment to public service.

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