[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 147 (Wednesday, September 5, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1208]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 MOURNING THE PASSING OF EVITA MENDIOLA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. BRAD SHERMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 5, 2018

  Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute and mourn the recent 
passing of a long-serving former staffer of mine, Evita Mendiola, after 
a battle with cancer. She grew up in San Diego and lived briefly in the 
California Bay Area before settling in Los Angeles. Evita worked for me 
on my first campaign for Congress in 1996 and served as Executive 
Assistant in both my Washington and Los Angeles offices for 12 years. 
She went on to work for our former colleague, Dale Kildee in his 
Washington office for another four years before returning to California 
in 2013.
  My staff and I were deeply saddened to hear of her passing. I extend 
all of her family my deepest condolences, especially to her mother 
Renate Mendiola and her brother, Robert King. Evita loved her family, 
and was especially dedicated to her precious nieces and nephews. She 
took great pride in their achievements and spent much of her free time 
at their athletic events and extracurricular activities.
  She served both Dale and I with dedication and diligence. She was my 
longest serving and best Executive Assistant. Evita watched over her 
colleagues and served by my side with fierce loyalty to the office, to 
the district, to my constituents and to the priorities of the office.
  Evita was more than an Executive Assistant. She was a utility player 
that handled case work and field representative duties whenever called 
upon--even though being a ``scheduler'' alone is the toughest job in a 
Congressional office.
  She took a particular interest in helping young people with their 
plans to attend military service academies. Over the years she guided 
dozens of applicants through the very complex and competitive 
application processes to make sure they received the opportunity to 
pursue serving our country. The annual service academy nominations 
became a highlight for me and members of my staff because of the hard 
work Evita put into it. Our country is better because of the military 
service of young people from the San Fernando Valley whom Evita helped 
pursue their dreams.
  Evita served as a mentor for junior staff and interns alike. She 
often maintained contact with former staff and interns years after they 
had left the job, offering guidance, support and friendship.
  Once again Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the life and service of 
Evita Mendiola who will ultimately be remembered for her dedication to 
her family and country. May her family find comfort and solace in the 
memories they shared and in the life she led.

                          ____________________