[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 139 (Friday, October 26, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1724]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN RECOGNITION OF ANGEL GOMEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 26, 2012

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Angel Gomez for 
selfless service to our community. He has helped thousands of people 
through his non-profit, Operation HOPE (Helping Other People Endure).
  Selfless doesn't even begin to describe Angel Gomez.
  Many lives have been touched by Angel, an appropriate name for a man 
with a heart the size of Texas.
  A native of El Paso, Texas, he is a proud Bowie Bear Alumni and 
Veteran, having attended Bowie High School and later joining the United 
States Navy.
  His real passion, other than serving his country in uniform, has 
always been helping others in need.
  In 1995 he began volunteering his time to the community, with the 
support of his wife Patricia, daughter Rubi and other family members.
  Seeing the growing need around him, he co-founded Operation HOPE in 
2009, and he has invested his time and resources to help the El Paso 
community he loves so much.
  Operation HOPE has allowed Angel to share his vision of community 
outreach with thousands of people in need. He works with community 
partners and volunteers who share the same values and passion for 
giving, and these relationships have made it possible to multiply his 
efforts to improve our community.
  Over the past seventeen years, El Pasoans in need have received food 
baskets during the holidays, along with blankets, clothing, and medical 
supplies. Sick children who must spend much of their childhood in the 
hospital have received toys and gift baskets to lift their spirits. 
Hundreds of individuals with disabilities have received assistance with 
medical supplies, medications, durable medical equipment, and 
accessible ramps. And many families have received assistance with 
funeral expenses and spiritual support during their time of need.
  Not only has his work brought tangible assistance to those in need, 
but behind each action is also something intangible, something money 
can't buy: hope.
  On behalf of the El Paso community, I would like to thank Angel Gomez 
for all he has done for those in need and for the positive impact he 
continues to have in our community. He has restored our community's 
faith in the good that can be done by simply caring.

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