[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 61 (Monday, April 28, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E600]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




CELEBRATING THE CAREER OF MARIA De La MILERA AND CONGRATULATING HER ON 
                       A WELL DESERVED RETIREMENT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 28, 2014

  Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to celebrate the 
long and successful public service career of Maria De La Milera and 
congratulate her on a well-deserved retirement. Her commitment to our 
community and our nation is exemplary and we are all forever grateful 
for her service. With over 30 years of experience and countless 
accolades and accomplishments over such an expansive career, South 
Floridians are truly losing an invaluable member of the fabric of our 
community.
  Maria was born in Holguin, Oriente, Cuba, the oldest of three 
daughters. After the brutal dictator Fidel Castro seized power, Maria 
came with her younger sister to the United States in the largest exodus 
of unaccompanied children from the regime--known as ``Pedro Pan.'' She 
then spent four years in a Los Angeles orphanage until her parents were 
finally able to join her in the United States.
  As an adult, Maria moved to Miami and began her career helping our 
South Florida community through public service, working as a 
constituent service representative for Senator Richard Stone. She 
continued her career in the office of Senator Paula Hawkins, focusing 
primarily on immigration cases where she earned a reputation as a 
caring and compassionate advocate on behalf of all those needing a 
helping hand. Her commitment to others allowed her to positively shape 
the lives of many individuals.
  Maria then spent a few years in the political realm as Executive 
Director of the Republican Party of Miami-Dade County, and then joined 
the government of Miami-Dade County, where she spent the last 23 years 
supporting our local residents. She has long been known for inspiring 
those around her, people who will undoubtedly carry on her legacy of 
professionalism and commitment. There is no greater reward than the 
satisfaction gained through serving others, and Maria embraced this 
most noble of endeavors with remarkable principle.
  It is my distinct pleasure to join Maria's family; her children 
Beatriz Maria, Maritza Isabel and Raul De La Milera, Jr.; her 
grandchildren Michael, Mathew, Madison, Mark, Laenie and Rachel; as 
well as friends and peers as they honor her many accomplishments and 
outstanding career. Maria, thank you for your exceptional public 
service. I wish you only the best in any challenge you choose next to 
accept.

                          ____________________