[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 23 (Tuesday, February 6, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E142]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             CRUZ SARMIENTO

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. J. LUIS CORREA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 6, 2018

  Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to dedicate some time to honor 
one of my constituents, Mr. Cruz Sarmiento, for the inspirational life 
he led.
  Mr. Sarmiento passed away on January 29, 2018 peacefully, at the age 
of 95, and his life should and will be remembered. Mr. Sarmiento's life 
embodies this country's greatest ideals--opportunity, determination, 
and the American dream.
  Born in Juarez, Chihuahua in 1922, Mr. Sarmiento spent his early 
years in both Mexico and America, but it was his dedication to family 
that kept him in Juarez, as he cared for his grandmother. There, he met 
his beloved wife, Juanita, and together they returned to the U.S. He 
worked diligently to provide for his family of 8 children, emphasizing 
the importance of education to them. After moving the family to 
California and performing a variety of jobs, he seized opportunity 
through investments and was able to retire at age 65. He and his wife 
flourished during this long retirement.
  Mr. Sarmiento's life sets an example for all; his hard work, 
perseverance, and sacrifice earned him the respect of all who met him. 
Mr. Sarmiento could always be relied on to help others, whether he was 
helping coworkers fill out documents when they could not read or write 
in English, or when he co-founded Mayas, an organization that held 
dances with proceeds funding the scholarships of future students. His 
selflessness and dedication to all communities around him was 
admirable. Mr. Sarmiento is survived by his family, including his 
children and his many grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His family 
will carry on the values of his legacy. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to 
recognize Mr. Sarmiento for the inspiring example his life has set, and 
I thank him for coming to America and enriching the lives of all around 
him.

                          ____________________