[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 65 (Monday, May 20, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E859]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING COMMUNITY VETERANS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. NYDIA M. VELAZQUEZ

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 20, 2002

  Ms. VELAZQUEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and give thanks to 
Latino veterans across the nation and in New York's 12th District--
those brave soldiers who served in our Armed Forces during times of 
turmoil and crisis in our nation's history.
  Today, the National Federation of Puerto Rican Pioneers, Inc., also 
known as Los Pioneros, of Williamsburg, Brooklyn celebrates another 
anniversary to honor the many Puerto Ricans who so bravely served in 
our Armed Services.
  Given the war against terrorism our great nation is now waging both 
here and overseas, I believe we must take time to honor and give thanks 
to a few of our nation's Latino veterans from the 12th District. Many 
of these men were young men, unaware of how war would change them when 
they enlisted in the Armed Forces during World War II, the Korean War, 
and the Vietnam War. They joined the service with hopes of 
strengthening our nation's security, fighting for the ideals of 
democracy and freedom, and ensuring a more peaceful world. Although 
many returned home with lasting wounds, their spirit was never broken. 
These Puerto Rican veterans answered the call to duty. That is why I 
have been a strong advocate for them during my service in the United 
States Congress. These soldiers did not disappoint this nation when we 
needed their service, and it is our solemn obligation to guarantee that 
they are remembered and cared for in their time of need.
  Therefore, it is with much appreciation that I honor my Puerto Ricans 
brothers in spirit on their special day: Luis A. Fantauzzi, 1941-49; 
Victor Garcia, 1952-58; Jesus Rivera, Sr., 1954-58; Jesus Rivera, Jr., 
1954-58; Victor L. Robles, 1954-58; Jose R. Torres, 1954-56; Herbert 
Zayas, 1954-56; Israel Perez, 1954-56; Nelson Cora, 1954-56; Pedro 
Colon, Jr., 1960-64; Edward Elba, 1960-64; Robert Guilbe, 1960-62; 
Roberto Maldonado, 1966-68; Guillermo Martinez, 1966-68; Gilberto 
Mercardo, 1966-68; Felix Lopez, 1966-69; Hector L. Soto, 1975-78; 
Ismael Torres, Jr., 1975-78; Nelson Torres, 1975-78; Edison P. Rivera, 
1975-78; Eugenio Maldonado, 1975-78; Gilbert Figueroa, 1979-82; Felix 
W. Ortiz, 1984-86; and Walter Figueroa, 1985-90.

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