[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 22 (Thursday, February 6, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E157]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      RECOGNIZING AMELIA M. ORTIZ

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                          HON. HILDA L. SOLIS

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 2003

  Ms. SOLIS. Mr. Speaker, on January 13, 2003, a woman whom I was 
personally very close to, Amelia Martinez Ortiz passed away, leaving 
behind a legacy of service to the community. I rise today to honor the 
impressive contributions Amelia Martinez Ortiz made to her community 
and to this nation.
  Amelia M. Ortiz was born in Mason City, Arizona, on February 9, 1929. 
She lived for over 48 years at the same house on Shadydale Avenue in 
the City of La Puente, in the San Gabriel Valley of California.
  With the passing of her beloved husband, Jesus Ortiz, 27 years ago, 
Amelia became the sole provider for her family. Armed with only a 
second grade education, she was able to provide for her children--
Martha, Andres, Diana, and Gloria--through her gift with the needle and 
thread. As a seamstress, Amelia created many wonderful designs, 
bringing joy to her clients, including myself. She helped them prepare 
for some of the most important days of their lives, like their weddings 
and quinceaneras. With her tenacity and talent, Amelia's success as an 
entrepreneur helped open doors for other Latinas throughout the 
community during a time when very few role models existed.
  In addition, Amelia was a long-standing, dedicated parishioner of the 
St. Louis of France Catholic Church in La Puente. She was a member of 
the Legion of Mary, participating and organizing events that recognized 
the contributions of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Amelia also helped the 
parish raise funds for community events and assisted in organizing the 
traveling Virgin Mary for all in the community to enjoy.
  Although Amelia has passed, her spirit remains in my heart and in 
many others. Through her dedication, hard work, and commitment to 
overcoming overwhelming obstacles in the hopes of providing for her 
family and community, Amelia Ortiz exemplified all that is possible in 
our country. A wife, a mother to four, a grandmother to 13, a great-
grandmother to one, a friend to many, and my madrina (godmother), 
Amelia M. Ortiz will be greatly missed.

                 PAYING TRIBUTE TO SHERIFF JOHN EBERLY

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                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 5, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to 
recognize John Eberly of La Junta, Colorado. Mr. Eberly has been the 
Sheriff of Otero County for the past 31 years, where he has served his 
fellow citizens with the honesty, courage, and integrity that 
Coloradans have come to expect from their law enforcement officers. 
Sheriff Eberly has recently retired, so I would like to reflect upon 
his extraordinary career and accomplishments.
  Growing up in La Junta offered Sheriff Eberly the opportunity to know 
and understand the community in which he served. Throughout his eight 
terms in office, Sheriff Eberly has received broad support from the 
residents of Otero County who have reelected him repeatedly since 1970. 
Over the years, Sheriff Eberly has gained a reputation as a working 
sheriff who holds himself to the same standards as his deputies, never 
asking anything of anyone that he wouldn't ask of himself. Eberly has 
always led by example and has worked hard to protect his fellow 
citizens.
  As a former law enforcement officer, I am well aware of the dangers 
and hazards our police officers face today. These individuals work long 
hours, weekends, and holidays to guarantee the safety of their fellow 
citizens. They work tirelessly, with great sacrifice to their personal 
and family lives, to ensure our freedoms remain strong in our homes and 
communities. Their service and dedication deserve the recognition and 
thanks of this body of Congress, and that is why I bring the name of 
Sheriff John Eberly to light today.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with earnest respect that I recognize Sheriff John 
Eberly before this body of Congress and this nation. Sheriff Eberly has 
served his constituents with honor and integrity, qualities that will 
be his legacy. I commend John for his service and dedication, and I 
wish him all the best in his retirement.

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