[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 52 (Tuesday, March 26, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H2804]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING DR. JOAQUIN GONZALEZ CIGARROA

  (Mr. CUELLAR asked and was given permission to address the House for 
1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.)
  Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life of 
Dr. Joaquin Gonzalez Cigarroa.
  Dr. Cigarroa was born in San Antonio but soon moved with his family 
to Laredo, Texas. From an early age, he knew that medicine was going to 
be his calling and devoted himself to academics.
  He graduated as valedictorian from his class at Martin High School, 
then went off to attend the University of Texas and then Harvard 
Medical School, where he received his medical degree. He was the first 
Harvard University medical student from the Texas-Mexico border.
  After graduating, Dr. Cigarroa served his country as a first 
lieutenant with the U.S. Army Medical Corps before returning to Laredo 
and practicing medicine.
  Dr. Cigarroa made a dramatic impact on education, not only in Laredo 
but across the State of Texas, and also in healthcare.
  He will be fondly remembered for his commitment to education, 
healthcare, and a career that changed the way of life for so many 
people.
  Dr. Cigarroa is survived by his wife, Barbara Judith Raymond Flores; 
their children: Patricia, Barbara, Francisco, Ricardo, Jorge, Carlos, 
Gabriella, Joaquin, Maria-Elena, and Marisa--10 children; and, again, 
by so many grandchildren and so many great-grandchildren.
  Madam Speaker, thank you for this opportunity to honor the life of 
Dr. Joaquin Cigarroa.

                          ____________________