[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 128 (Friday, July 28, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1096]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF JUDGE BEN MORALES

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                           HON. HENRY CUELLAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 28, 2017

  Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of 
Judge Alvin James ``Ben'' Morales, who proudly served the people of 
Laredo for more than 20 years.
  Judge Ben Morales was born in 1950 in Taylor, Texas. He graduated 
from Taylor High School and joined the United States Army during the 
Vietnam War. After he was honorably discharged, Judge Morales completed 
his studies at Southwest Texas State University with a bachelor's 
degree in political science and history.
  After college, Judge Morales married Liz Gamez. They then moved to 
Houston where he pursued a degree at Thurgood Marshall School of Law, 
graduating in 1979. After passing the bar exam Judge Morales moved his 
family to Laredo, where he started a career as an attorney before 
serving as a judge, a position he held for over twenty years.
  Judge Morales was a widely respected and admired judge and 
individual. Among his many achievements, he launched Webb County's 
first-ever juvenile drug court program in 2013. He also served as a 
member of the American Judge's Association, as a Chairman of the Webb 
County Bail Bond Board, and as an Assistant Webb County Attorney. In 
2014, Judge Morales retired, and he and his wife moved to Pflugerville 
to be closer to their daughters, friends, and extended family.
  Judge Morales is survived by his loving wife Liz Morales and two 
daughters Marisa Morales and Raquel Leal.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the opportunity to recognize and 
honor Judge Morales for his years of service to the city of Laredo.

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