[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 48 (Wednesday, March 26, 2014)] [House] [Page H2650] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] HONORING GRACIELA TISCARENO-SATO The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from California (Mr. Swalwell) for 5 minutes. Mr. SWALWELL of California. Madam Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the work and achievements of a local Hayward veteran and businesswoman, Graciela Tiscareno-Sato. I was honored to meet with her yesterday in my office. Before coming to my office, Graciela was recognized by the White House as one of 10 Women Veteran Leader Champions of Change for the work of her Hayward business, the Gracefully Global Group. It produces books and educational materials highlighting the positive contributions of Latinos. The daughter of Mexican immigrants, Graciela received an Air Force ROTC scholarship to attend the University of California Berkeley, where she obtained a degree in environmental design and architecture. Graciela then served 9 years on Active Duty in the Air Force as an officer, receiving the Air Medal for combat air operations during the Iraq war. Graciela is also a mom, and a fierce advocate for her oldest daughter, who has been blind since birth. I asked Graciela how she has accomplished so much for being so young. She gave me one word: tenacity. Graciela brings her heritage and experience to work writing educational books for children. One of her most recent bilingual books is titled ``Good Night Captain Mama,'' and it tells the story of a mother's service as a pilot in the Air Force, and it is the first bilingual children's book about a woman serving in the military. Graciela is also committed to bringing jobs and economic development to her hometown of Hayward. I look forward to working together with her to accomplish this goal. Graciela's story is truly one of resilience and determination, or, as she would put it, tenacity. Thank you, Graciela, for bringing positive examples of Latinos to schools and inspiring young students across the world. And congratulations on your much-deserved recognition by the White House. I am proud to represent Graciela Tiscareno-Sato: veteran, business owner, daughter of immigrants, mother. Your work is inspiring to the next generation of leaders who want to dream big and reach for the stars. ____________________