[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 163 (Wednesday, October 16, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1294]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    HONORING MR. LUIS LAURO LONGORIA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 16, 2019

  Mr. GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Luis 
Lauro Longoria, a marine, a father, and a leader.
  Mr. Longoria was born in La Grulla, Texas, on June 5, 1950, before he 
moved to Longview, Texas. In Longview, Luis attended Hart High School 
and graduated alongside a high school class of 32 students. After high 
school, Luis make the selfless and honorable decision to enlist in the 
military--at only 18 years old.
  Mr. Luis Lauro Longoria chose to enlist in the United States Marine 
Corps in 1968, where he became a M60 Machine Gunner and a Recon Marine. 
Mr. Longoria honorably served in the Vietnam War and was stationed at 
Marine Quang Tri Province DMZ, Vietnam. While enlisted in the United 
States Marine Corps, Mr. Longoria served this country for four years of 
his early life, experiencing many aspects of military life.
  Mr. Luis Lauro Longoria was decorated with two Purple Hearts and a 
Bronze Star Medal for the injuries he sustained and courage he showed 
during his time in Vietnam. Everything we hold dear as a community, 
state, and country is owed to the brave sacrifice of service members 
like Mr. Longoria. I know that his legacy will inspire future 
generations to honorably serve our fellow man.
  Mr. Longoria later returned to the United States where he met and 
married his wife, Olivia Longoria. Luis and Olivia have now been 
married for over 40 years and are the proud parents to their two sons, 
Luis Longoria II and Oly Longoria.
  Madam Speaker, Mr. Luis Lauro Longoria fought to defend the values of 
the United States during the Vietnam War. He sacrificed his body, not 
once, but twice to accomplish the missions he was tasked with. He 
serves as both a light in our community and a leader. It is an honor to 
represent a dedicated and selfless individual who has greatly impacted 
the future of the United States and our beloved community. I wish Mr. 
Longoria the best in his future endeavors. I yield back the balance of 
my time.

                          ____________________