[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 88 (Monday, July 10, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1360]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO LUIS E. BARKER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 10, 2006

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, we will celebrate the career of Luis E. 
Barker, Deputy Chief of the United States Border Patrol, as he retires 
after 35 years of service to our nation.
  Chief Barker began his career in law enforcement as a military 
policeman in 1971. After leaving the military in 1973, he spent five 
years as a police officer and detective in the Jersey City, New Jersey 
Police Department.
  In 1978, Chief Barker became a U.S. Border Patrol agent stationed in 
EI Paso, Texas, which is the community I am proud to represent in the 
House of Representatives. He has been promoted consistently during the 
course of his career, serving in supervisory positions at the Border 
Patrol Academy in Glynco, Georgia and Border Patrol Headquarters in 
Washington, D.C. He also served as Deputy Regional Chief of the 
Southern Regional Office in Dallas, Texas; Assistant Chief Patrol Agent 
and later Deputy Chief Patrol Agent of the Del Rio Sector; Chief Patrol 
Agent of the Laredo Sector in 1995; and Chief Patrol Agent of the EI 
Paso Sector in 1998. Most recently, in 2005, Chief Barker was appointed 
Deputy Chief of the United States Border Patrol.
  Throughout his career, Chief Barker has demonstrated the utmost 
professionalism and true dedication to the Border Patrol, his 
community, and our nation. He has dealt with tough border security and 
immigration issues, and his expertise helped make our nation more 
secure. As a former Border Patrol agent and Sector Chief myself, I am 
confident in saying that Chief Barker serves as an excellent example 
for all members of the Border Patrol and law enforcement officials 
everywhere.
  Chief Barker is also a devoted family man and community leader. He 
has a wife, the former Jacque Witt, a daughter, Allison, and a stepson, 
Michael, and I know that he made a great sacrifice leaving his home and 
family temporarily in EI Paso to accept the position of Deputy Chief in 
Washington. He did so at a critical time for the Border Patrol, and the 
Patrol is better for it, as is the state of our nation's homeland 
security.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Chief Luis E. 
Barker for his many years of exemplary service to America and in 
wishing him all the best in his retirement.
    

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