[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 4 (Friday, January 6, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E29]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JOE GALLEGOS

                                  _____
                                 

                          HON. SCOTT R. TIPTON

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, January 6, 2017

  Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joe Gallegos, who 
served the County of Costilla, Colorado as a Commissioner for over ten 
years. Joe passed away on December 11, 2016, and will be greatly missed 
in the San Luis Valley.
  Joe was a fifth generation farmer in San Luis, and his love for the 
land in the surrounding area inspired him to volunteer with non-profit 
community organizations to preserve water quality and find solutions to 
zoning issues. He was instrumental in the restoration of the old 
Costilla County Courthouse and the implementation of the Costilla 
County biodiesel pilot project.
  Joe's fellow county commissioner, Lawrence Pacheco, said that Joe was 
the only true cowboy he knew, and at his last conference of 
commissioners, he remained focused on his mission to promote 
sustainability, protect watersheds, and make sure the most vulnerable 
people in the community had a voice and seat at the table.
  The magnitude of Joe's impact on the San Luis Valley is immense and 
it is a privilege to recognize his legacy of public service and hard 
work

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