[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 102 (Thursday, June 15, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E828]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MRS. DOLIA GONZALEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 15, 2017

  Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mrs. 
Dolia Gonzalez, who at the age of 88, received her high school diploma.
   Mrs. Gonzalez is the embodiment of hard work and selflessness. After 
completing the 7th grade, Dolia left school to help her mother raise 
her five siblings. She then became a full-time mother to her own son, 
Alfredo Gonzalez, who sacrificed his life for our country in the 
Vietnam War.
   After losing Freddy in the Vietnam War, Mrs. Gonzalez continued to 
work at the Echo Hotel in Edinburg. Unfortunately, she eventually lost 
the compensation previously promised to her by the United States 
Department of Veterans Affairs. Then after being forced to leave her 
job at the Echo due to health concerns, she began working at her local 
H.E.B. in Edinburg, Texas, where she is currently employed.
   On Saturday, June 3, Mrs. Gonzalez received an honorary high school 
diploma from McAllen High School in McAllen, Texas. Alongside Dolia 
were her niece, Emily Acosta, and the rest of the McAllen High School 
Class of 2017.
   Mr. Speaker, I again offer my congratulations to Mrs. Gonzalez and 
her family. Her perseverance, fortitude, and dedication to her family 
and to our country have not gone unnoticed. She has made the South 
Texas community a better place, and it is my honor to acknowledge her 
today.

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