[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 19 (Wednesday, January 30, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E116]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     HONORING GARY WEST AT CONGRESSMAN VELA'S BLACK HISTORY MONTH 
                              CELEBRATION

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                           HON. FILEMON VELA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, January 30, 2019

  Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Gary West of 
Brownsville, Texas, for his distinguished career as an educator for 
more than 40 years in the Rio Grande Valley.
   As a teenager, Mr. West attended George Washington Carver Segregated 
School in Edinburg, Texas until 1955. After graduating from Edinburg 
High School in 1962, Mr. West attended New Mexico Highlands University, 
where he was a member of the college's baseball team. He later enlisted 
in the United States Air Force. Upon his return from the service, Mr. 
West attended Pan American College of Edinburg, Texas, where he earned 
bachelor's and master's degrees.
   In 1970, he began his career as a history teacher in the Brownsville 
Independent School District (ISD) system, first at Cummings Jr. High 
School, and then at Rivera High School. An avid golfer, Mr. West was 
the golf coach for the high school teams, as well as part-time golf 
coach at Texas Southmost College, from 1970 through 2000.
   He later joined the staff at Gutierrez Middle School in Harlingen 
where he taught history and coached the chess team. Mr. West dedicated 
himself to providing students with the best possible education until 
his retirement in 2014.
   It is a tremendous honor to recognize Mr. West. Our district and 
country are very proud of his service, and his students and colleagues 
benefitted greatly from his commitment to educating and developing 
young leaders. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating him for 
his work, honor, and accomplishments.

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