[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 156 (Thursday, December 2, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2047]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              TRIBUTE TO FERNANDO A. GUERRA, MD, MPH, FAAP

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                        HON. CHARLES A. GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 2, 2010

  Mr. GONZALEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a man who has 
spent his whole life pursuing the well-being of others, especially that 
of children, through his medical practice, education, and leadership. 
After many years of service to his community, Dr. Fernando A. Guerra, a 
long time practicing pediatrician and a dear friend of mine, is now 
retiring from his post as Director of Health at the San Antonio Metro 
Health District.
  Having received his bachelor of arts degree from the University of 
Texas in Austin, his medical degree from the University of Texas 
Medical Branch in Galveston, and a master's of public health degree 
from the Harvard School of Public Health where he was a Kellogg Fellow, 
it comes as no surprise that Dr. Guerra has been recognized as a 
leading contributor to medical research and literature. We are forever 
grateful for Dr. Guerra's work in numerous areas, including 
immunizations, community health, and health disparities, as his work 
and leadership have made a difference for the people of our Nation's 
seventh largest city and its surrounding areas.
  Over the years, Dr. Guerra has offered his expertise to many boards 
and committees, and he will continue to serve in this capacity in 
retirement. One of Dr. Guerra's greatest passions is educating and 
mentoring the next generation of public and private health 
professionals. As the Director of Health at the San Antonio 
Metropolitan Health District, he has mentored physicians in training 
from both the public and private sectors, including the Residents in 
Aerospace Medicine, RAMS, program. Through the RAMS, he has been able 
to give back to the military he served in as a member of the U.S. Army 
Medical Corps during the Vietnam War, for which he received both the 
Bronze Star and the U.S. Army Commendation Medal with ``V'' 
distinction.
  In light of all that Dr. Guerra has accomplished in his long and 
prosperous career, I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in 
recognizing this extraordinary man of scholarship and public service 
for all that he has done for the people of Bexar County and our Nation.

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