[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 203 (Wednesday, December 2, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1078]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING THE LIFE OF WORLD WAR I AND II VETERAN EXIQUEL IGLESIAS DE 
                                  LEON

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. NORMA J. TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 2, 2020

  Mrs. TORRES of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
life of World War I and II veteran Exiquel Iglesias De Leon and his 
unquestionable dedication to family and country.
  At only nineteen years old, Exiquel courageously enlisted in the Navy 
during the height of World War I. Twenty-six years after his honorable 
service, he subsequently re-enlisted in the United States Naval Reserve 
to serve during World War II. Exiquel continued his service for another 
eight years with the Naval Reserve, stationed at the Eleventh Naval 
District. For nearly the remainder of his life, he put in hard work as 
a rigger at the Mare Island Navy Yard in Vallejo, California.
  A native Guamanian, Exiquel became a naturalized United States 
citizen on November 3, 1944, following his decades of honorable service 
to our country. Never forgetting his roots, he made frequent trips to 
Long Beach to participate in community events to celebrate the 
Guamanian people. He believed strongly in celebrating his culture's 
traditions and the diversity of American culture. As a new American 
citizen, Exiquel proudly became a California homeowner, residing in 
Compton, California with his family for the remainder of his life.
  His family remembers him as a great cook who always ``cooked with 
love'' and as an avid boxing fan. Exiquel and his family frequently 
took the ``Red Car'' out on weekends to the Grand Central Market in Los 
Angeles to enjoy time together and with their community.
  For his exemplary life of service, Madam Speaker, it is my honor to 
recognize Exiquel Iglesias De Leon on the House floor. As demonstrated 
by his commitment to American values, service in two World Wars, 
admirable work ethic, and tenure as an upstanding citizen, Exiquel is 
the American Dream personified. May he rest in peace.

                          ____________________