[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 98 (Thursday, July 18, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1302-E1303]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING HISPANIC CITIZENS--9TH DISTRICT OF TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. NICK LAMPSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 18, 2002

  Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor local Hispanic 
citizens from the 9th District of Texas who were chosen for their work 
in the community. While the dedication of Hispanic leaders is well-
known throughout the United States, local citizens, right here in the 
Southeast Gulf Coast region, are just as important to ensuring equal 
rights and economic progress for all Texans.
  Last month I asked members of the communities in the 9th District to 
nominate individuals for my ``Henry B. Gonzalez Latino Leadership 
Award,'' named in honor of the late Congressman Henry B. Gonzalez, that 
gives special recognition to those who have worked selflessly, often 
without recognition, and made contributions both in the Hispanic 
community and the broader society as well. Recipients were chosen 
because they embodied a giving and sharing spirit, and had made a 
contribution to our nation.
  While their efforts may not make the headlines every day, their 
service and dedication to our country is nevertheless vital to our 
entire region. This region of Southeast Texas is not successful in 
spite of our diversity; we are successful because of it.
  Please join me in recognizing and congratulating these leaders for 
their work and commitment to their communities and to Southeast Texas. 
It is leaders like these men and women that continue to be a source of 
pride for Texas. The winners of this years Henry B. Gonzalez Latino 
Leadership Award'' are:
  Alice Flores, Elias de la Cerda, Jr., Ruben F. DeHoyos, John J. 
DeLeon, Joe Escobedo, Jr., Ella Flores, Roberto C. Flores, Robert D. 
Gallegos, Tina Garcia, Manuel Guajardo, Manuel R. Gonzalez, Elida Saenz 
Matthews, Eugenia Rios, Elisa Vasquez, Gilbert Zamora, Jr., Manuel 
Urbina II, Gilbert Hinojosa, Joseph Cantu, Gregory Flores, Carlos 
Hernandez, and Jesus Abrego.
  Mr. Speaker, the recipients of the ``Henry B. Gonzalez'' award are 
dedicated and hardworking individuals who have done so much for their 
neighbors and for this nation as a whole. Today, I stand to recognize 
their spirit and to say that I am honored to be their Representative.

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