[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 94 (Wednesday, July 19, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1279-E1280]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              IN RECOGNITION OF ENRIQUE ``HENRY'' MARTINEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 19, 2000

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, there are those that stand on the sidelines 
of life, letting others take on the difficult tasks that make 
communities stronger. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to a gentleman, 
Mr. Enrique Martinez, who has refused to be an observer, but rather has 
passionately given of his time and talents. Henry, as he is known to 
his many friends, has dedicated many hours throughout his lifetime for 
the betterment of our community, building our quality of life, and 
making a difference in peoples lives.
  The son of Jessie and Maria Martinez, Henry was born in 1943 in San 
Antonio, TX. One of eight children, Henry learned the strength of 
family and how by working together great things could be accomplished. 
Working in the farm fields of our great Nation during his youth, Henry 
came to appreciate the value of hard work and discipline to accomplish 
goals. These attributes would serve him well as a golden glove boxer 
and later when he served as a member of our military in the U.S. Army 
in Germany.
  In 1966, Henry married the former Teresa Pineda. Lovers of life, and 
childhood friends,

[[Page E1280]]

Teresa and Henry would make a home with their two children Sylvia and 
Jessie and achieve the American dream. Many would be content, but Henry 
believes idle hands do not build communities.
  Henry's patriotism and community spirit can be witnessed in the many 
dedicated hours every week he spends in support of the American G.I. 
Forum. This national organization that advocates on behalf of the 
Veterans and Latino community has worked tirelessly to combat 
injustice, increase educational opportunities, and build the quality of 
life of our communities. Henry has served as State Commander of the 
American G.I. Forum for the last 2 years and has held office in the 
past as State Treasurer and Commander of the Bay City Chapter. He also 
served on the board that was instrumental in bringing the traveling 
Vietnam Wall to my hometown of Bay City, MI, bringing great credit to 
the American G.I. Forum and paying great tribute to his late brother 
Tomas V. Martinez who died in the service of his country.
  Henry also has an impressive record of achievement of service to his 
community in other areas. He serves on the UAW/GM Committee of Civil 
Rights advocating for social justice and the elimination of 
discriminatory employment practices. He has served as a Board Member of 
the Bay Area Runners Club, Tri-City SER Board, Cinco De Mayo Parade 
Committee, Community Center Recreation Board, and Migrant Outreach 
Center advocate. He has shown his commitment to our youth coaching YMCA 
flag football, Boys and Girls Club Soccer, recreational softball teams, 
and always willing to give a hand to any program in need. Henry also 
translates medical prescription instructions.
  Mr. Speaker, on this the occasion of Henry's retirement after more 
than 32 years working for General Motors Powertrain in Bay City, I ask 
you and all our colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Enrique 
``Henry'' Martinez. With his years of hard work for his family, for our 
veterans, for our youth, and for our whole community he has certainly 
earned the fruits of a well deserved retirement. He has set an example 
for all who follow in his footsteps and he embodies the true meaning of 
community spirit. May his life be blessed just as his efforts have 
blessed our community.

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