[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 159 (Wednesday, November 5, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2232]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN RECOGNITION OF RUDY VARGAS, TALENTED ARTIST

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                            HON. DEVIN NUNES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 5, 2003

  Mr. NUNES. Mr. Speaker and fellow colleagues, I rise today to 
recognize the contributions of a local artist, Rudy Vargas, to the 
community of the great Central Valley of California.
  Mr. Vargas was born in 1959 to Rudy and Mary Vargas and was raised on 
the south side of Hanford, California. His talent as an artist was 
recognized at a very early age by his second grade teacher, Mrs. Gump.
  Through his school years, he was encouraged by many to enter various 
art competitions. Twice his artwork even made it to the state capitol 
to be displayed for a length of time.
  Mr. Vargas graduated from high school at the age of 17. He then 
enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. In just 2 short years he was 
promoted to the rank of sergeant. While in the military, he continued 
to paint in his spare time.
  When his tour with the Corps was over, he moved back home and began 
taking art and history classes at College of the Sequoias in Visalia, 
California. There, he met his wife, Diana.
  In 1984, because of Mr. Vargas' training in the military, he decided 
to pursue a career with the police department. He promised his wife 
that at the age of 40, he'd turn in his badge and begin painting again, 
his real passion in life.
  Staying true to his promise, in 1999 he quit working as a police 
officer for the Visalia Police Department. After 15\1/2\ years of being 
a cop, he went back to art.
  His artwork is displayed all over the United States in many military, 
police, and fire department offices and buildings.
  Today, I am paying tribute to Rudy Vargas for his many years of 
beautiful artwork. On this Veterans' Day in 2003, we are honoring Mr. 
Vargas for his beautiful mural that he painted in Visalia, California.
  Please join me in extending congratulations to Mr. Vargas.

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