[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 156 (Sunday, September 28, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2129]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF TONY E. GALLEGOS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GRACE F. NAPOLITANO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Saturday, September 27, 2008

  Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Tony E. 
Gallegos, a deeply patriotic Mexican-American who I am proud to 
represent. Tony has admirably served his country both in uniform and as 
a civilian.
  A native of Montrose, Colorado, Tony served as a flight engineer in 
the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, flying 17 missions in a B-
17 bomber. After the war, Tony pursued an education at the Bisttram 
School of Art in California, earning his bachelor of arts degree. His 
professional career spanned 30 years with McDonnell Douglas Aircraft 
climbing the ranks to corporate art director before retiring to join 
the civil service.
  Tony's concern for societal injustices led him to become an active 
member of the American GI Forum. As such, he served as the commander of 
the Pico Rivera Chapter, California State commander, and eventually as 
national commander.
  As an active member and commander of the American GI Forum, he 
spearheaded the Coors boycott, the GI Forum March in Washington, D.C., 
east Los Angeles moratorium and social injustice demonstration 
confronting President Richard Nixon in San Clemente, California.
  Tony has made countless contributions to the Mexican-American 
community. He has been an advisory member of the U.S. Senate Task Force 
on Hispanic Affairs and was a founding member and the first chairman of 
the Mexican American Opportunity Foundation. Tony served on the 
national board of Operation SER and as a member of the boards of the 
Los Angeles County Office of Economic Development and Veterans 
Outreach. And he was the president and CEO of Veterans Community 
Service in Santa Fe Springs, California.
  Under President Ronald Reagan, Tony served two terms as a 
Commissioner on the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission. He 
was reappointed to the Commission by President George H.W. Bush and 
became the first Latino appointed EEOC Chairman under President Bill 
Clinton. During his tenure at the EEOC, Tony distinguished himself by 
expanding Title Seven, the 1964 Civil Rights Act, the Tribal 
Employments Rights Program and the Voluntary Assistance and Expanded 
Presence Program. Tony also initiated the Hispanic charge study.
  Mr. Gallegos was married to the late Carmen Gallegos for 55 years. 
They have a son Michael, who is a financial planner, a daughter Lori, 
an attorney, and three grandchildren, Angela, Rachel and Brandon.
  Tony has demonstrated an unwavering dedication to his community and 
to his country. He has served in a time of war and at the highest 
levels of civil service. His tireless work on the behalf of others has 
established a model that others should strive to emulate.
  In honor of his many accomplishments and dedication to our great 
country, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing Mr. Tony 
E. Gallegos.

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