[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 114 (Thursday, July 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1121-E1122]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF ALFRED LOMELI

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK DeSAULNIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 14, 2016

  Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and 
service of a longtime Contra Costa resident, Mr. Alfred Lomeli.
  At an early age, Al committed to his passion for serving others by 
making his first attempt to join the Armed Forces. When he was turned 
down for being too young, he returned at the age of 18, after his 
graduation from Alhambra High School, and joined the Marines. Upon 
joining the Marines in September 1944, Lomeli and his division were the 
first to land on Peleliu, a tiny island in the western Pacific Ocean. 
While the mission was expected to only last a few days, the fighting 
dragged on through November and led to heavy American casualties. Al 
and his brother Raul's experiences in the Pacific Theater are the 
subjects of a book written by Al's daughter Rhonda entitled ``Semper 
Fi! Marine.''
  Al's time in the Marines further shaped his commitment to service and 
to those he loved. After meeting his wife Guadalupe and settling in the 
Bay Area, Al began his career in finance that ultimately led him to the 
county treasurer-tax collector's office, which he was to in 1978. He 
also served as president of the National Association of County 
Treasurers and Finance Officers and the California Association of 
County Treasurers and Tax Collectors.
  Al's dedication to his job, his family, and his community was 
admirable. Al passed away on June 26, 2016. He will be missed sincerely 
by

[[Page E1122]]

those who had the pleasure of knowing him, including his wife Patsy; 
daughters Celine, Gisele, and Rhonda; sons Jeffrey, Charles, and 
Lawrence; and dozens of grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

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