[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 201 (Thursday, December 20, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1715-E1716]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    COMMENDING MARIA LOURDES BENITEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. VALADAO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 20, 2018

  Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Maria Lourdes Benitez 
for her service to my office and the 21st Congressional District of 
California over the past year.
  Maria Benitez was born on November 23, 1966 in Los Angeles and was 
raised in Escondido, California. After graduating from Orange

[[Page E1716]]

Glen High School, Maria received her Bachelor's Degree in Public 
Administration, with an emphasis in Criminal Justice, from National 
University in San Diego, California.
  Maria met her future husband, Mr. Roman Benitez, while attending 
National University. They married soon after her graduation. At the 
time, Roman was an officer in the United States Navy. Because of his 
military service, they have been able to live in a variety of places 
including San Diego, Monterrey, and Japan.
  Mrs. Benitez and her husband moved to Lemoore, California in 2007 
with both taking positions at Lemoore Naval Air Station. Maria was 
hired as a Human Resource Assistant, eventually becoming a Work and 
Family Life Consultant. In this role, she aided military families 
through transitions, career searches, professional development, and 
financial counseling. Mrs. Benitez is also a small business owner, 
running an esthetician business in Hanford, California.
  Maria became a member of my Congressional Team this year, serving as 
Staff Assistant in my Hanford, California Office. She quickly proved 
herself to be an invaluable asset, overseeing the daily operations of 
my district office. This included the production of tens of thousands 
of congressional certificates and management of the internship program. 
Maria also presented awards on my behalf at events in Kings County, 
representing the team's values with poise and professionalism. She was 
known for her ability to provide the highest level of service to my 
constituents, aiding hundreds of people with their various concerns.
  Maria was also instrumental in the planning and implementation of the 
21st Congressional District's 2018 Military Academy Nominations. With 
responsibilities ranging from informational events to potential nominee 
interviews, Maria proved herself to be a strong communicator to high 
school students and educators. She generated high interest throughout 
the community and aided multiple students with nominations to the 
academies. Her effectiveness in constituent service combined with her 
powerful ability to connect with people made Maria an invaluable member 
of my team and a true public servant to the people of California's 
Central Valley.
  Outside work, Maria enjoys spending quality time with her husband. 
They remain active in local community organizations and are known as 
active volunteers. They also enjoy traveling. Their favorite trips are 
visits with their two beloved children, Alexandra and Roman Jr.
  This January, Mrs. Benitez will be moving onto new ventures. Knowing 
Maria, her character and work ethic, I have no doubt she will continue 
to achieve many great things. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the 
United States House of Representatives to join me in commending Maria 
Lourdes Benitez for her public service to the people of the Central 
Valley and wishing her the very best in this next chapter of her life.

                          ____________________