[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 85 (Friday, May 27, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E816]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO ABRAHAM SAENZ, JR.

                                  _____
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                          Friday, May 27, 2016

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of 
Abraham Saenz, Jr., Council Member for the City of Pleasanton, Texas. 
He has proudly served the people of Pleasanton for 33 years.
  Mr. Saenz was born on June 27, 1931 in Lytle, Texas to Mr. Abraham 
Saenz, Sr. and Ms. Aurora Saenz. Mr. Saenz moved to Pleasanton, Texas 
in 1935 and attended Pleasanton High School. He joined the United 
States Air Force in 1952 and served in the Air Force Supply Unit until 
1956. While in the Air Force, Mr. Saenz courageously served his country 
and fought in the Korean War.
  Following his years of service, Mr. Saenz returned to Pleasanton and 
opened a barber shop, which he owned and operated until 2014. During 
this time, Mr. Saenz was also a devoted community member. He was Scout 
Master for the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 194, a member of the 
Pleasanton Lion's Club, and a member of the Atascosa County Economic 
Development Board.
  Mr. Saenz's involvement in government began in the early 1980's when 
he assisted Mr. Daniel Struve in his successful campaign for Texas 
State Representative. Mr. Saenz then pursued his own career in public 
service and was elected City Alderman for the city of Pleasanton on 
April 3, 1982. In 1984, the people of Pleasanton elected Mr. Saenz to 
serve as a member of the Pleasanton City Council, a position which he 
has proudly held for 33 years. During his tenure on the City Council, 
Mr. Saenz accomplished several important community developments, 
including the construction of a new public works and police department 
building, the remodeling of the Pleasanton City Hall, the building of 
the Pleasanton Sports Complex, additions to the Pleasanton River Park, 
and construction of the Civic Center and Library.
  In addition to his exemplary career as an esteemed public servant, 
Abraham Saenz is a devoted husband to his wife, Ermelinda, and father 
to their four children.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to celebrate the 
successful career of Abraham Saenz, a patriotic American citizen, 
devoted city council member to Pleasanton, and a loving husband and 
father.

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