[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 25 (Wednesday, February 28, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E230-E231]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 IN RECOGNITION OF JUDGE JULIO FUENTES, HONOREE OF NOSOTROS MAGAZINE'S 
                  33RD ANNIVERSARY GALA AWARD BANQUET

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 28, 2001

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Judge Julio 
Fuentes, who will be honored at the 33rd Anniversary Gala Award Banquet 
of Nosotros Magazine on Saturday, February 21, 2001. The Banquet is an 
annual event that honors distinguished Hispanic leaders for their 
important contributions to society. This is an opportune time for 
today's Hispanic leaders to reflect on the economic, political, and 
cultural contributions that Hispanics have made to American society.
  Judge Fuentes was born in Puerto Rico and raised in Toms River, New 
Jersey. He served in the U.S. Army from 1966 to 1969 as a military 
police officer. He earned his Bachelor's Degree at Southern Illinois 
University and his Juris Doctor at the State University of New York at 
Buffalo. While serving as a judge, Fuentes earned two Master's Degrees, 
one in Latin American Affairs at New York University and one in Liberal 
Arts at Rutgers University.

[[Page E231]]

  Throughout his career, Judge Fuentes has served with distinction and 
honor. For over 20 years, he has proven to be an impartial, open-
minded, bright, and dedicated public servant at the Municipal, 
Superior, and Appeals Court levels.
  Judge Fuentes's recent appointment to the 3rd U.S. Court of Appeals 
resonates with historic significance: He is the first Hispanic ever to 
be appointed to this prestigious court. As a result, the judicial 
branch is one step closer to reflecting America's rich diversity.
  In honoring Judge Julio Fuentes, Nosotros Magazine is promoting the 
most important values in American society today: Hard work, dedication, 
and compassion. Judge Fuentes embodies these American ideals; and, 
throughout his career, he has worked tirelessly to provide others with 
the opportunity to meet the standard of excellence he has set.
  Because of community leaders like Judge Fuentes, the Hispanic 
community is not only experiencing economic empowerment, but also 
political strength. Today, we prepare for a future that reflects our 
years of hard work, and our commitment to each other.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Judge Julio 
Fuentes for his many contributions to the Hispanic community.

                          ____________________