[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 135 (Friday, September 19, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1500]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF STATE REPRESENTATIVE RICARDO RANGEL

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. ALAN GRAYSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 18, 2014

  Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Florida State 
Representative Ricardo Rangel. Born in Bronx, New York, Ricardo grew up 
in a military family, traveling the country with his father, who 
retired as a Master Sergeant. His passion for leadership developed at 
an early age, as he was very active as a teenager and took on a number 
of leadership roles.
  After graduating high school, Ricardo followed in the footsteps of 
his father and enlisted in the U.S. Army. Ricardo was honorably 
discharged as a Sergeant after serving twelve years and earning five 
Certificates of Achievement for Outstanding Work Performance, two Army 
Achievement Medals for Outstanding Work Performance and three Good 
Conduct Medals for being a model soldier. Ricardo currently works as a 
senior marketing manager for AT&T.
  Ricardo is no stranger to public service. After the Army, Ricardo has 
continued his focus on public service. He has been involved in 
community events such as United We Paint, Bowl for Kids' Sake and the 
Ricardo Rangel Annual Softball Game benefitting Big Brothers/Big 
Sisters of Central Florida. His continued activism and leadership in 
the community earned him the Emerging Leadership Award from the NAACP 
and the National Leadership Award from the Business Council.
  Ricardo graduated with a Bachelors and a Masters degree in Management 
from Warner University, which has afforded him opportunities to work on 
different political campaigns. He has managed local races in Florida as 
well as federal races for candidates in Arizona, New Jersey and 
Pennsylvania. Recognizing his management skills and strong work ethics, 
Ricardo was voted ``Florida Young Democrat of the Year'' in 2003.
  With the economy still sluggish and the desire to help working 
families, Ricardo decided to run for the Florida House of 
Representatives. In 2012, Ricardo was elected with 68 percent of the 
vote to represent Osceola County's District 43 in the Florida House of 
Representatives. Within a few months of being in office he quickly 
jumped in and led the charge to protect working-class families. He also 
earned the respect of the business community by showing that he 
supports business friendly policies and is eager to work across party 
lines for economic development that will help create jobs.
  As a member of the Florida Legislature, Representative Rangel serves 
on the Government Operations Appropriations Subcommittee, Government 
Operations Subcommittee, Veteran and Military Affairs Subcommittee, 
Local and Federal Affairs Committee, and State Affairs Committee. 
Ricardo also currently serves as a member of the State Executive 
Committee for the Florida Democratic Party.
  I am happy to recognize Representative Ricardo Rangel, during 
Hispanic Heritage Month, for his leadership and service to the Central 
Florida community.

                          ____________________