[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 67 (Thursday, May 6, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E784-E785]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING JUDGE RAUL VASQUEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 6, 2010

  Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments 
of Judge Raul Vasquez, a recent award recipient of the Liberty Bell 
Award in Webb County of South Texas. Judge Vasquez is currently 
completing his third term as the 111th District Court Judge in Laredo, 
Texas.
  Judge Vasquez is a highly respected and distinguished jurist. He has 
served the youth of our community and dedicated his sense of justice 
and fairness to dispose of cases efficiently. His accomplished efforts 
towards devoting his life to the judiciary have had a great impact and 
truly benefit the people of South Texas.

[[Page E785]]

  As a native Texan, Judge Vasquez was raised in a small historic 
neighborhood in Laredo. He had a modest upbringing as the sixth child 
out of seven. In 1972, he graduated from Martin High School and 
attended Junior College for 2 years. He received his Bachelor of Arts 
and Juris Doctor Degree from the University of Houston in 1979. Soon 
after, he started his career as an Attorney at Law for the Laredo Legal 
Aid. In 1981, he became the youngest Justice of the Peace elected in 
Laredo and served Precinct 1 for 5 years while at the Law Offices of 
Raul Vasquez. Judge Vasquez was elected Judge of the County Court at 
Law #1, serving for 12 years. He was also a faculty member for the 
Texas College for New Judges, where he lectured on issues regarding 
domestic violence. The end of this year, Judge Vasquez plans on 
retiring, bringing a close to his professional career of over 28 years 
of being a judge. His leadership and successful career have truly 
benefited the community and courtrooms with fairness and justice.
  Not only has Judge Vasquez held an esteemed and honorable career, he 
also devotes much of his time to community organizations for helping 
troubled youth. His passion for helping the youth led him to be the 
Founding Member of the Laredo Youth Conference, Webb County Angel Wish, 
and Children's Coalition. He also served on Advisory Boards for 
Communities in Schools, SCAN, and Child Advocacy. Judge Vasquez has 
been a Member of numerous organizations such as the Webb County Court 
Administration of Judges, State Bar of Texas, Laredo Bar Association, 
and Webb County Auditor's Department. Throughout the past 20 years, he 
has been recognized on various honors. He was awarded the LULAC Tejano 
Achiever Award, Law Day Honorary Chair, and Crime Stopper Alfa Award.
  Madam Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to have had this time to 
recognize Judge Raul Vasquez on his career and community involvement. 
He has contributed his time, knowledge, and efforts to the judiciary 
and to community outreach for our youth.

                          ____________________