[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 110 (Friday, June 29, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E955]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     REMEMBERING MR. JUAN JOSE PENA

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                      HON. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 29, 2018

  Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today 
to remember Juan Jose Pena, who passed away this month at the age of 
72. Mr. Pena was a dedicated community leader who committed much of his 
life to fighting for the civil rights of veterans and Hispanics.
  Mr. Pena spent most of his childhood in the town of Las Vegas. He 
went on to receive Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from New Mexico 
Highlands University in Las Vegas, where he studied a range of topics 
including Spanish Language, Literature, and Political Science.
  Mr. Pena was drafted into the Army in 1969 and went on to receive a 
multitude of decorations including a Bronze Star Medal for Valor. He 
was the most decorated member of the Fourth Infantry Division when it 
returned to the United States.
  After serving our nation, Mr. Pena became a Spanish Professor at New 
Mexico Highlands University in Las Vegas. He went on to work as a 
supervisory interpreter at the United States District Court in 
Albuquerque for more than two decades. Mr. Pena continued to work as a 
freelance interpreter after he retired.
  Mr. Pena was an active member of our community whose reach extended 
to a number of influential organizations. He was a leader in Partido 
Raza Unida, Commander of the Albuquerque and New Mexico branches of the 
American GI Forum, Chairman of the Hispano Round Table, and founding 
member of Dads Against Discrimination. Mr. Pena's tireless fight 
against discrimination earned him numerous honors including the City of 
Albuquerque Human Rights Award.
  Mr. Speaker, I want to extend my heartfelt condolences to Mr. Pena's 
partner of 23 years Ann Tran, his brother Fernando, his daughter 
Margarita, his grandchildren Shar and Mariana, as well as the rest of 
his loved ones. I hope they are comforted by cherished memories of Mr. 
Pena, and by the fact that so many in our community mourn his loss and 
celebrate his life with them.

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