[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 146 (Friday, October 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2078]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING THE LATE TONY GARCIA, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM DAVIS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 17, 2003

  Mr. DAVIS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor of the late Tony 
Garcia, Jr., longtime community leader and executive director of the 
Tampa United Service Organization (USO). His dedication to America's 
service-men and -women and his hometown of Tampa is an inspiration to 
us all.
  A veteran of World War II and the Korean War, Tony worked for the 
Tampa USO for 35 years, ensuring that military personnel had a pleasant 
stay while in Tampa. In the 50's and 60's, he was known for bringing in 
celebrities to perform at Christmas shows for the men and women of our 
armed services that were unable to go home for the holidays.
  Tony was also known for his remarkably selfless and never ceasing 
service to the community. As a board member of the West Tampa Chamber 
of Commerce; he crusaded for improvements in the area, day after day. 
He was also active in the Tampa Urban League, the Optimist Club, the 
Sertoma Club, and the Hillsborough Education Foundation. Tony was 
continually organizing fundraisers and events. A friend referred to him 
as ``a unique blend of humility and charity,'' and his service to the 
Tampa Bay area was exactly that. He used his personal gifts to bring 
people together, making our community stronger.
  On behalf of the Tampa Bay community, I would like to extend my 
deepest sympathies to Tony's family--his wife of 58 years, Blanche, a 
son, two siblings, two grandchildren, and one great grandchild. They 
have been truly blessed by having such a caring person in their lives, 
as we all have. The Tampa community will always remember Tony's 
bountiful dedication and generosity.

                          ____________________