[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 37 (Tuesday, April 9, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E461]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   TRIBUTE TO HONORABLE LOUIS CALDERA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, April 9, 2002

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a true patriot 
and exemplary American, the Honorable Louis Caldera. Few individuals 
define the realization of the ``American Dream'' more perfectly than 
Louis Caldera. As the former Secretary of the Army under the Clinton 
Administration and current Vice-Chancellor for University Advancement 
for the California State University, Louis Caldera has achieved more in 
45 years than most people do in a lifetime. What makes these 
achievements so remarkable is the story behind them.
   Louis Caldera was born in El Paso, Texas to Mexican immigrant 
parents. At the age of four, his family moved to a housing project in 
East Los Angeles. As the son of working class parents, Caldera 
encountered the struggles of poverty at a young age, yet was instilled 
with a strong sense of patriotism, love of family, and profound 
appreciation of the importance of education. Louis had his first job at 
the age of ten, when he worked as a parking lot sweeper at a local 
shopping center. For two years, Louis and his parents woke up at 3 a.m. 
three nights a week to clean the parking lot in order to pay the rent 
for a small hair salon they operated in the shopping center. During 
high school, Caldera worked 40 hours a week at a fast food restaurant 
while taking a full load of college preparatory courses. Louis was only 
enrolled in college prep classes after persisting and even having his 
parents sign an approval. Advisors at his high school suggested that 
Louis pursue more `practical' vocational training courses. His hard 
work and determination paid off. Louis was accepted to West Point upon 
graduation from high school.
  After graduating from West Point in 1978, Caldera served as an Army 
officer and quickly rose to the rank of Captain. He then attended 
Harvard University, where he received both a Law Degree and a Master's 
in Business Administration. After a brief stint in the private sector 
as a corporate finance lawyer, Caldera returned to the public service 
as a State Representative in the California State Legislature, where he 
represented downtown Los Angeles. In 1997 he was appointed by President 
Clinton to serve as Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer of 
the Corporation for National and Community Service, which administers 
the AmeriCorps program. One year later Caldera was appointed by Clinton 
to serve as Secretary of the Army.
  At the young age of 45, Caldera has accomplished more than many 
individuals do in a lifetime. Throughout every phase of his career, he 
has achieved the unimaginable while never losing sight of his roots. 
Louis Caldera truly understands both the unique challenges and 
incredible opportunities confronting Hispanics in the United States on 
a daily basis. Caldera is a true community servant and his dedication 
to the Hispanic community and especially Hispanic youth are highly 
commendable.
  As Secretary of the Army, Caldera was a ``Soldier's Soldier'', 
visiting troops all over the globe and working day and night to provide 
enlisted soldiers with the education and skills they need to succeed 
within the Army and beyond. Thanks to Caldera's leadership, the Army 
overcame a recruiting deficit, giving a renewed sense of honor and duty 
to military service. Caldera created the Army University Access Online 
distance education program that enables soldiers to earn college and 
graduate degrees while serving. In addition, he directed the expansion 
of the Junior ROTC program to hundreds of high school campuses 
nationwide and spearheaded Army sponsorship of ``Operation 
Graduation,'' a three-year public service advertising campaign designed 
to increase high school graduation rates among at-risk youth.
  Caldera's unceasing commitment to education is reflected in his 
current position as Vice Chancellor of University Advancement at the 
California State University. Caldera is an excellent role model and 
phenomenal leader. His ability to understand the struggles and needs of 
students from diverse backgrounds sets him apart from others, and 
Louis's own struggle to overcome adversity is truly inspirational. 
Louis possesses a unique knowledge of government affairs, the private 
sector, and the challenges that Hispanics in the U.S. face on a daily 
basis. Caldera's accomplishments speak highly of his character, 
intelligence, and dedication to the Hispanic community and our Nation. 
These qualities and countless others make Louis Caldera a truly 
remarkable man and an invaluable asset to our community. It is a 
privilege and an honor to recognize Louis Caldera in the company of my 
fellow members of Congress. Thank you Mr. Speaker. I yield back the 
balance of my time.

                          ____________________