[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 201 (Thursday, December 20, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1721]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      COMMENDING MR. JUSTIN MENDES

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DAVID G. VALADAO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, December 20, 2018

  Mr. VALADAO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Mr. Justin Mendes for 
his service to my office and the 21st Congressional District of 
California over the past six years.
  Mr. Mendes was born on September 17, 1986 in Fresno, California to 
Tom Mendes and Karen Carreiro. After attending Riverdale High School in 
Riverdale, California, Mr. Mendes went on to receive his Bachelor's 
Degree in Business Administration from the University of the Pacific in 
Stockton, California. Upon his graduation in 2008, Mr. Mendes worked in 
the banking industry, specifically in agricultural lending.
  In 2010, Mr. Mendes began his career in public service with my office 
in Hanford, while I was then serving in the California State Assembly. 
Upon my election to the United States House of Representatives in 2012, 
he continued his service as my District Director. After a brief stint 
in the private sector, Mr. Mendes rejoined my Congressional Team again 
as District Director. His knowledge of the Twenty First Congressional 
District of California was immensely beneficial to my office and my 
constituents.
  In March of 2014 , Mr. Mendes and his wife Melissa celebrated the 
birth of their first child, Alexander. They welcomed their second 
child, Dominic, in April of 2017. Their family currently resides in 
Hanford, California.
  Mr. Mendes demonstrated his dedication to public service when he was 
elected Mayor of Hanford in December of 2015 and again in 2018, when he 
ran for California State Assembly. His service on Hanford's City 
Council concludes at the end of this year.
  I am confident his love of politics and public service have benefited 
his community and I have no doubt he will continue being a leader for 
Hanford and Kings County.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the United States House of 
Representatives to join me in commending Justin Mendes for his public 
service to the people of the Central Valley and wishing him well in 
this next chapter of his life.

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