[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 148 (Thursday, September 29, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1416]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 COMMEMORATING MRS. FRANCISCA MARTINEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 28, 2016

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of 
Gold Star Mother and Laredoan Mrs. Francisca Martinez.
  Mrs. Martinez was born September 3, 1911, in Linares, Nuevo Leon, 
Mexico, to parents Jesus Jasso and Francisca Trevino Jasso. She 
immigrated to the United States when she was fourteen years old. Her 
family settled in Laredo, Texas, and she soon became a United States 
citizen. Mrs. Martinez later met Enrique Martinez who would become her 
husband in 1929.
  Francisca was a proud mother of eight children, Estanislado, 
Guadalupe, Petra, Maria Antonietta, Enrique, Jesus, Antonio, and Maria 
Aurora. Five of her sons served in the United States Army. Her oldest 
son, Estanislado Martinez, was wounded in the Korean War and her second 
eldest, Sgt. First Class Guadalupe Martinez, a Green Beret, was killed 
in action during the Vietnam War. It is because of her son's brave 
service and sacrifice that she became a member of the American Gold 
Star Mothers Organization.
  Francisca was affectionately called ``Panchita'' by those close to 
her, who remember her passion and commitment to serving the community. 
She instilled a sense of service and charity in all her children. 
Francisca spent her life caring for others, continuing to volunteer at 
the local food bank on a weekly basis even into her later years.
  Mrs. Martinez is survived by her sons, Jesus and Antonio Martinez; 
her daughters, Petra Hill and Maria Aurora Gutierrez; numerous 
grandchildren and great-grandchildren; and countless friends. Her 
legacy will live on in Laredo and she will be remembered for the 
countless lives that she touched in our community.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize the 
life of Francisca ``Panchita'' Martinez.

                          ____________________