[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 85 (Tuesday, June 8, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1020]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


                    HONORING RAFAEL LORENZO GALLEGOS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOHN T. SALAZAR

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 8, 2010

  Mr. SALAZAR. Madam Speaker, I would like to take a moment today to 
pay tribute to a dedicated public servant in the State of Colorado. 
Former State Representative Rafael Lorenzo Gallegos passed away on 
Monday, May 24, 2010. Colorado and the San Luis Valley have lost a 
tremendously respected leader.
  Representative Gallegos led a remarkable life. He served in the 
United States Air Force Reserve in the 1950s while he completed his 
high school education. He then went on to Colorado State University in 
Pueblo and then to the National Weather Service. He was elected Mayor 
of Antonito, Colorado in 2002 and went on to represent the San Luis 
Valley in the Colorado legislature from 2005 to 2008.
  While serving in the legislature, Representative Gallegos focused on 
issues important to southern Colorado. He was passionate about water 
and agriculture, and about taking care of our veterans. He also worked 
to bring economic development to the San Luis Valley. Always a friendly 
face, the former weather man was known throughout the Capitol for 
delivering the weather forecast every Friday on the House floor before 
members had to travel home to their districts for the weekend.
  First and foremost, Rafael Gallegos was a servant to his 
constituents, an example to those of us who strive to serve the public. 
He once said, ``I am there for the people. . . . Whatever I do and 
however I vote will be in this district's best interest.'' 
Representative Gallegos never forgot where he came from and he lived to 
serve others so that they could have a brighter future.
  My condolences go out to his family during this difficult time. He 
will be missed but his legacy will live on through all of the lives 
that he touched in Southern Colorado.

                          ____________________