[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 147 (Thursday, November 14, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2029]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    TRIBUTE TO MAJOR JOSE RAMON BACA

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 14, 2002

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to Major Jose 
Ramon Baca, who is a very special individual to me. He was truly 
appreciated and loved by all who were fortunate enough to know him.
  Jose ``Ray'' Baca was born in Las Nutrias, New Mexico, to Alberto and 
Josefita Peralta Baca on March 19, 1940, and grew up in Albuquerque's 
South Broadway neighborhood. Ray graduated Albuquerque High School in 
1958, and continued his education at the University of New Mexico. He 
graduated from the University in 1962 with a B.S. in chemical 
engineering and was a member of the Tau Beta Pi National Engineering 
Honor Society. After graduating, Ray married Victoria Morales in San 
Antonio, Texas on July 16, 1966. Together they raised their two sons, 
Rafael and Arthur.
  Once joining the Air Force, Ray's ambition, brilliance, and passion 
poised him for success. During his 20-year career in the Air Force, he 
worked as a launch officer for the Atlas Missile Project in Roswell and 
in Turkey. He received a Masters of Science degree in 1968 in nuclear 
engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) at Wright 
Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. He also worked as a staff scientist at 
McClellan Air Force Base in California and later at the Air Force 
Missile Command in Washington, D.C.
  His yearning for knowledge led him to return to the University of New 
Mexico. In 1987 he received a M.A. in History and Southwestern Studies 
and was a doctoral candidate in history. His dream was to continue to 
research and write about his native state.
  Ray passed away on June 6, 2002 surrounded by his loving family. He 
was preceded in death by his father, Alberto Baca and sister, Viola 
Baca, and is survived by his wife of 35 years Victoria Baca; sons 
Rafael and Arthur; mother Josefita Baca; and sisters Dolores Padilla, 
Priscilla and Anna Mae Baca. His family, innumerable friends and 
community will miss him greatly.
  He will be remembered as a loving and generous husband, father, son, 
brother, and friend. He valued his family above all things, and 
supported and encouraged them in all stages of their lives. He 
instilled in his children a strong sense of family, love, and respect, 
and he encouraged them to excel in their education. He was an 
exceptional, compassionate and motivating individual.
  And so Mr. Speaker, I submit this loving memorial to be included in 
the archives of the history of this great nation.

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