[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 89 (Monday, June 25, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1189]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING JOSE MARIANO CASTILLO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. XAVIER BECERRA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 25, 2001

  Mr. BECERRA. Mr. Speaker, it is with utmost pleasure and privilege 
that I rise today to recognize a wonderful American, Mr. Jose Mariano 
Castillo, for his admission into the Order of Queen Isabella the 
Catholic with the rank of Officer's Cross by His Majesty the King of 
Spain. Through his selfless work in providing valuable assistance, 
counseling and legal services for the protection of citizens of Spain 
residing in Los Angeles, Jose Mariano Castillo has earned this 
distinction.
  Achievement and accolade have followed Jose throughout his life. Born 
in San Jose de Colinas, San Barbara, Honduras he graduated high school 
Suma Cum Laude and received the National First Place Honor gold medal 
presented by the President of the Republic of Honduras. Jose continued 
his studies in the United States at Los Angeles City College, learning 
the language of his newly adopted home. The next stop on his 
educational journey was the University of California, Los Angeles 
(UCLA), where he pursued general undergraduate studies in Political 
Science and Public Administration. Jose interrupted his studies to 
serve in the United States Army for two years. He continued his 
military service in the ready active U.S. Army Reserves Control Group 
for four years, all the while completing both his undergraduate and law 
degrees.
  Following graduation from Southwestern University School of Law and 
passage of the California Bar Exam, Jose embarked on an impressive law 
career. He counts among his major clients the governments of several 
countries and numerous national and international companies. In 
addition to a thriving law practice, Jose has been involved in many 
professional associations and community service activities including 
service for two separate terms as the President of the Los Angeles 
County Parks and Recreation Commission.
  Rightfully, Jose has earned a multitude of special honors and acclaim 
for his many accomplishments. He has been honored by the City of Los 
Angeles, the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and by the 
countries of Argentina Ecuador, Guatemala and Honduras. Of course, for 
Jose being husband to Nancy and father to Yvonne are the most cherished 
honors ever bestowed upon him.
  Mr. Speaker, as family and friends gather in Los Angeles to witness 
the presentation of the Order of Queen Isabella the Catholic to Jose 
Mariano Castillo by the Consul General of Spain, it is with great honor 
that I ask my colleagues to join me today in saluting this exceptional 
American and cherished friend.

                          ____________________