[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 10 (Thursday, January 18, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E145]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO DANNY VALDEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 18, 2007

  Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Danny Valdez on his 
inauguration as Webb County Judge on January 1, 2007.
  Judge Valdez was first elected into office as justice of the peace in 
May 1982 and has served for nearly 25 years. This inauguration marks 
the start of his sixth 4-year term with the court in Webb County. Judge 
Valdez has received numerous awards such as the Community Service Award 
by LULAC Council No. 12, and the Nuestro Orgullo Award by S.C.A.N. due 
to his passion in working with at-risk youth in the community, and 
addressing issues such as truancy, gang violence, drug abuse, teen 
pregnancy, and juvenile delinquency. He also was recognized for his 
commitment to the rule of law by the Laredo Bar Association with the 
Liberty Bell Award and the 2005 Hispanic of the Year Award by LULAC 
Council No. 7.
  Aside from presiding over one of the busiest courts, Judge Valdez is 
actively involved in community activities such as working with the 
Texas Department of Criminal Justice Education Program in bringing male 
and female inmates to local middle and high schools to educate students 
about the dangers involved in making the wrong choices. He worked with 
the Lamar Bruni Vergara Trust in the development of the Lamar Bruni 
Vergara Boys' Scout Camp Huisache and was also instrumental in the 
development of the Lamar Bruni Inner City Recreation Center. Judge 
Valdez also reached out to low-income families by chairing the Annual 
Toys for Tejanitos Drive, the Angel Wish Program, and the Annual 
Fishing Derby for physically challenged students.
  Judge Valdez has given out over $60,000 in scholarships to promising 
young students from the Laredo Independent School District. He also 
started the Supply Our Students Campaign that has raised funds for 
nearly 70 tons of school supplies for low-income students in Webb 
County. He is truly one of the great Laredoans and it is because of him 
that the youth in the community have realized their immense potential 
in creating a new and better future for themselves by learning from the 
values of Judge Valdez.
  Madam Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the 
dedication of Judge Danny Valdez to his community.

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