[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 97 (Friday, June 20, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1031]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING MR. RICHARD JOSEPH DOMINGUEZ

                                  _____
                                 

                         HON. LINDA T. SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 19, 2014

  Ms. LINDA T. SANCHEZ of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
congratulate Mr. Richard Joseph Dominguez on the celebration of his 
90th birthday on June 27, 2014. Richard has served his country and 
community faithfully as a veteran and lifelong resident of Los Angeles 
County, and I am proud to honor him today.
  Richard Joseph Dominguez was born on June 27th, 1924 in Los Angeles, 
CA. The third son of Mexican immigrants, Jose and Panchita, he was 
raised in Boyle Heights attending Talpa Elementary School and Roosevelt 
High School. Richard's youth was centered around a family of eight 
boys, faith, and community. Growing up, he was active in sports, the 
church, and spent some time as an extra in motion pictures.
  A World War II and Korean War veteran, Richard enlisted into the 
United States Army in 1943 following his two older brothers, Eugene and 
Joe into the service. Richard served in the field artillery, armored 
infantry, the 11th Airborne Division, and in June 1945 he was shipped 
out to the Philippines. Richard continued to serve in the U.S. Army 
until returning to the United States, receiving an honorable discharge 
in 1948.
  After relocating to Whittier, California, Richard joined the Los 
Angeles Police Department and worked in various divisions; Juvenile, 
Community Relations and the Hollenbeck Division. While with the 
Department, Richard was one of the founding members of LA LEY, the LAPD 
Latin American Law Enforcement Association, an organization that 
dedicates itself to enhancing the effectiveness of all LAPD employees 
and improving the Department's relationship with the community.
  Following his years with the LAPD, Richard continued to remain an 
active public servant and worked for the L.A. City Attorney's office as 
a hearings officer, culminating over 35 years of public service.
  Richard's involvement in public service reaches far beyond the 
confines of the LAPD. He has continuously demonstrated his dedication 
to his community with his involvement in many local organizations 
including; La Purisima Social Club, Saint Mary's of the Assumption 
Church and School, Saint Vincent de Paul Society, Meals on Wheels, 
Whittier Senior Center, Saint Paul High School, and docent at Pio Pico 
State Historical Park.
  Today, Richard still lives in the same Whittier home where he and his 
family settled in 1953. Richard was married to his wife Norma for 
fifty-one years before she passed away in 2000. They raised eight 
children through hard work, instilling values of faith, family, and 
tradition that they continue to exemplify to this day.
  Mr. Speaker, Richard Joseph Dominguez is a man who has selflessly 
given his time and efforts to the Los Angeles Community. Richard 
exemplifies the true meaning of service to one's country and service to 
others, and for that his community is grateful. I respectfully ask that 
you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in wishing Richard a 
very happy 90th birthday.

                          ____________________