[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 161 (Wednesday, November 13, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1647]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING MR. EUGENIO ``GENE'' GARZA JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, November 13, 2013

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Eugenio 
``Gene'' Garza Jr. for his retirement from his position as the Director 
of Field Operations with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) 
in Laredo, Texas. Mr. Garza has dedicated his service in protecting our 
nation's borders and its communities.
  As Director for Field Operations for the Laredo Field Office since 
January 2011, Mr. Garza has lead the agency, providing oversight and 
guidance to the operation of eight ports of entry extending from 
Brownsville to Del Rio, including 23 crossings, 6 airports, and one 
seaport and overseeing more than 2,600 employees and imports exceeding 
$134 billion annually processed through South Texas.
  Previously, Mr. Garza was the Port Director of the Laredo Port of 
Entry, first with the U.S. Customs Service and then with U.S. Customs 
and Border Protection. As Port Director, Mr. Garza oversaw the largest 
inland port in the U.S., managing more than 800 employees, four 
international bridges, one airport and a railroad bridge, with an 
annual budget of $12 million dollars and with employees in Laredo, Del 
Rio, Eagle Pass, Roma, Hidalgo/Pharr and Brownsville/Los Indios.
  Mr. Garza started his federal career in 1971 with the U.S. Air Force 
as a Military Policeman, at which time he was introduced to the U.S. 
Customs Service, Customs Narcotics Detector Dog Training Center at 
Lackland Air Base in San Antonio, Texas. In 1976, Mr. Garza began his 
civilian career as a Canine Enforcement Officer with the then U.S. 
Customs Service at the Port of Laredo. Today, the CBP Canine Program is 
the largest and most diverse law enforcement canine program in the 
country.
  Mr. Garza has held numerous supervisory positions at the district and 
headquarters level since his initial appointment, serving an assignment 
in the Port of Eagle Pass, Canine Enforcement Branch Chief and Chief in 
Laredo and Acting National Canine Program Director, prior to being 
selected as the Port Director in Laredo. Under his leadership, the Port 
of Laredo has earned a number of Commissioner Unit Citations for 
outstanding performance by the Laredo passenger, trade and outbound, 
and enforcement teams.
  During the course of his career, Mr. Garza has been widely recognized 
as an expert in international border security management issues and 
border trade and recognized by CBP, the trade industry and the Vice 
President of the United States for his expertise. Under Mr. Garza's 
leadership, the Port of Laredo has undergone significant facilities 
enhancements, including lane expansions at the Lincoln-Juarez Bridge 
and the World Trade Bridge. These projects significantly facilitated 
processing of passenger and commercial traffic and a boost to economic 
benefits.
  In 2007, Mr. Garza was recognized by Texas A&M International 
University and the Smithsonian Institute as a Distinguished Alumnus in 
the Smithsonian Institution's Portraits of Latino Achievement. In 2011, 
Mr. Garza was recognized as a 2010 Tejano Achiever by LULAC Council 12. 
In that same year, Mr. Garza was selected to the Senior Executive 
Service in Laredo. Mr. Garza is an active participant in numerous civic 
organizations and community activist.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored and privileged to have the opportunity to 
pay tribute to Mr. Garza for his outstanding service in protecting our 
communities and his extraordinary commitment to our country. He has 
truly contributed to this nation in his efforts to protect our borders.

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