[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 177 (Thursday, December 8, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1639]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF RAFAEL RODRIGUEZ VALLE

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. ALAN GRAYSON

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 8, 2016

  Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Rafael 
Rodriguez Valle, a World War II veteran, entrepreneur, pastor, and late 
grandfather of my staff member Jose Rafael Rodriguez.
  Rafael was a product of America's greatest generation. He grew up 
during the Great Depression in Puerto Rico and moved to New York City 
after his service in the U.S. Army during World War II. There he 
married the love of his life, Josefa, with whom he spent the rest of 
his life. He eventually returned to his beloved Puerto Rico to raise 
his family and open a flower shop. On his time off, Rafael volunteered 
as a neighborhood watchman and a pastor in his church. His hard work 
allowed him to provide a safe and happy home for his family, put his 
children through college, and enjoy a peaceful retirement with his 
grandchildren and great grandchildren. Before his passing in 2011, he 
would reflect on his life's work saying that he was grateful because 
God allowed him to spend his life working around roses.
  Jose describes his grandfather as his best friend and role model. 
Rafael taught Jose the values of hard work and service to God, family, 
and community. These are the values that inspire Jose to dedicate his 
life to public service and are the legacy he passes on to his children.
  I am honored to recognize Rafael Rodriguez Valle for dedication to 
his family and service to the country.

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