[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 39 (Thursday, February 27, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E226]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE SERVICE OF EDWARD WILLIAM LEAL

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. MARK DeSAULNIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 27, 2020

  Mr. DeSAULNIER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Edward (Ed) 
William Leal as he celebrates his 100th birthday. Ed is a longtime 
resident of Concord and a former public servant for Contra Costa 
County.
  Ed was born in Oakland, California in February 1920. His family lived 
in Oakley where his father was a butcher and ran a local grocery store. 
Ed attended Antioch High School where he played varsity football, 
basketball, tennis, and track and field. He set numerous records, 
including one for pole-vaulting that stood for 27 years. While at 
Antioch High School, Ed also met his future wife, Wilma.
  Ed went on to study at the University of California, Berkeley where 
he was a member of the track and field team. However, Ed's collegiate 
career was interrupted when he decided to enlist in the United States 
Army Air Corps during World War II. He was stationed in North Africa as 
a member of the 49th Fighter Squadron. Before being deployed, Ed and 
Wilma wed in 1942.
  After Ed returned home from the war, he and Wilma moved to Concord 
where they raised their family. Ed worked for Contra Costa County, 
serving as the Assistant County Treasurer--Tax Collector. In 1970, Ed 
was elected as the County Treasurer--Tax Collector and served two terms 
before retiring.
  Ed's military service, commitment to his community, and his 9 
grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren are a legacy to be proud of. 
Please join me in congratulating Ed on his 100th birthday and his life 
of service.

                          ____________________