[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 126 (Wednesday, July 26, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1057]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF MOISES VICENTE VELA, SR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. FILEMON VELA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 26, 2017

  Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of Moises Vicente 
Vela, Sr., beloved patriarch of one of the most prominent and loved 
families of the Rio Grande Valley, who passed away on June 11, 2017.
  Judge Vela, or ``Moe,'' as he was known to friends and family, was 
born and raised in Harlingen, Texas. Judge Vela returned to his 
hometown following his graduation from St. Mary's University School of 
Law in San Antonio. He later served as a municipal court judge in 
Harlingen and was one of the first Hispanics to serve as Cameron County 
judge.
  Beloved by his community, Judge Vela was dedicated to improving the 
lives of those around him. From his involvement with the Boys and Girls 
Club of Harlingen, Lions Club, Jaycees, and the Vietnam War Selective 
Service Draft Board to his contributions as a former Chairman of the 
Board of Regents of Pan American University (UTRGV), Judge Vela deeply 
cared about creating a more prosperous future for residents of the Rio 
Grande Valley.
  In spite of his 50 plus years of service to his community, Judge Vela 
considered his wife, five children, 10 grandchildren and five great-
grandchildren his greatest accomplishment. He will be remembered as a 
kind and generous man, whose legacy will forever live on in South 
Texas.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today to honor Judge Vela 
for his lifetime of service to our community. The Rio Grande Valley has 
lost one of its finest, and his absence will be felt for a long time to 
come.

                          ____________________