[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 173 (Thursday, October 31, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1386]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN RECOGNITION OF HERBIE FLORES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. RICHARD E. NEAL

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 31, 2019

  Mr. NEAL. Madam Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize Mr. Heriberto ``Herbie'' Flores, my constituent from western 
Massachusetts, who recently received the prestigious Pynchon Award. The 
Pynchon Award, which is named after the founder of Springfield, 
Massachusetts is given to those individuals who have made exceptional 
contributions to their community. This award is a testament to Herbie's 
hard work, dedication, and exemplary character.
  Originally from Puerto Rico, Herbie grew up harvesting tobacco for a 
$1.25 an hour. After leaving the island, Herbie proudly served our 
country with distinction in the United States Army during the war in 
Vietnam. Through this experience he learned firsthand of the plight and 
hardship of poverty and decided to dedicate his life to helping those 
less fortunate in our community.
  Herbie is very well known for his many leadership roles and non-
profit work in Springfield and throughout New England. He is the 
founder of the New England Farm Worker's Council, a nonprofit human 
services agency dedicated to improving the quality of life for low-
income workers through education, job training, and living assistance. 
In addition, Herbie also served as the President of Brightwood 
Development Corporation which provides housing and development 
opportunities to Springfield's North End. Also, Herbie has served as 
the Chairman of Partners for Community, which works around New England 
to provide employment and other social services to populations with 
special needs.
  Once again, Madam Speaker, I am proud of Herbie for receiving the 
Pynchon Award and for being an exemplary pillar of our community. I 
have had the pleasure of knowing and working alongside Herbie as Mayor 
and as a Member of Congress and I am proud to call him a friend. I 
cannot think of anyone that brings a stronger personal commitment to 
those in our society that have been overlooked. To Herbie and his wife 
Grace Taylor, I want to wish them all the best in their future 
endeavors and say thank you on behalf of the United States of America.

                          ____________________