[Congressional Record Volume 152, Number 122 (Tuesday, September 26, 2006)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1838-E1839]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING THE RETIREMENT OF JOSE R. CORONADO

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CHARLES A. GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 26, 2006

  Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the noteworthy 
career of Jose R. Coronado, the Director of the South Texas Veterans 
Health Care System STVHCS. Mr. Coronado has retired from this position, 
ending a long and illustrious 40-year career as a public servant. He is 
an incredibly accomplished man who has served this Nation with honor 
and distinction.
  Too often, those who have chosen a career in public service are 
overlooked as their efforts are hidden behind the scenes. However, Mr. 
Coronado's impact on veterans healthcare cannot be ignored. As director 
of the STVHCS, Mr. Coronado has led one of the largest integrated 
healthcare systems in the Veterans Health Administration, VHA. He was 
responsible for a healthcare delivery system which has an annual budget 
of nearly $430 million, is comprised of more than 2,800 employees, and 
consists of three divisions: the Audie L. Murphy Division, the 
Kerrville Division, and the Satellite Clinic Division.
  Due to its affiliation with the University of Texas Health Science 
Center in San Antonio, the STVHCS has an active ambulatory care program 
with outpatient clinics in cities throughout South Texas. The system 
also serves as a parent facility for Veterans Outreach Centers in the 
region. Needless to say, Mr. Coronado was ultimately responsible for 
the care of veterans throughout South Texas.
  Mr. Coronado's passion for serving the public, and his interest in 
health care, have been demonstrated throughout his career. He began

[[Page E1839]]

his undergraduate education in premedical studies. This education, 
however, was interrupted by his military service in the Army which 
lasted from 1953-1955. During this time period, he served as an 
operations sergeant in the U.S. Army, 11th Armored Cavalry Regiment. 
Upon the completion of this service, Mr. Coronado finished his 
undergraduate education and became an assistant principal and science 
teacher at Hebbronville High School.
  In 1962, Mr. Coronado began his illustrious career with the Veterans 
Administration as an administrative officer with the Veterans 
Administration Medical Center in Houston, TX. He worked his way up the 
ranks as a devoted civil servant until 1975, when he became the 
director of the Audie L. Murphy Memorial Veterans Hospital in San 
Antonio. He served in that capacity for 20 years, until he was named 
director of the STVHCS in 1995.
  Mr. Coronado's unyielding devotion to his career can only be matched 
by his commitment to the community. Throughout the span of his career, 
he has participated in a number of organizations in a wide range of 
capacities. Currently, he is a member of the Medical Research Public 
Awareness Committee, he is chair of the Graduate Healthcare 
Administration Training Program, GHATP, Board, he is on the Board of 
Contributors for the San Antonio United Way, and he is a fellow with 
the American College of Healthcare Executives, ACHE. Furthermore, he is 
an adjunct professor at both the University of Texas Health Science 
Center at San Antonio and the University of Houston, Clear Lake. He is 
also affiliate faculty within Trinity University's Department of Health 
Care Administration.
  Mr. Coronado's efforts have made a positive impact on the 
organizations he serves as well as the individual lives that he has 
touched. This impact has been recognized by awards presented to him by 
three separate Presidents. Most recently, Mr. Coronado was bestowed 
Modern Healthcare Magazine ``Top 25 Minority Health Care Executive'' 
award and the Under Secretary for Health, Department of Veterans 
Affairs ``Exemplary Service Award.''
  I believe that Mr. Coronado has consistently demonstrated 
incomparable leadership abilities and a selflessness reserved for the 
truly great public servants. He has given so much in service to our 
military and to the countless veterans who have benefited from his 
direction. In fact, generations of military personnel have been 
positively impacted by the efforts he has made throughout his career.
  On behalf of the brave men and women of the military, the staff of 
the facilities over which Mr. Coronado led, and the citizens of South 
Texas, I want to say thank you. Thank you Mr. Coronado for the 
sacrifices you have made to better the lives of others. Thank you for 
your commitment in service to this great Nation. And thank you for 
showing us what can be achieved through hard work, vision, and a strong 
sense of purpose. While Mr. Coronado's retirement is certainly well-
deserved, his presence will no doubt be missed in our community.

                          ____________________