[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 3, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E202-E203]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RETIREMENT OF LIFELONG COMMUNITY ADVOCATE LAURA MARTINEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. J. LUIS CORREA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 3, 2021

  Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the retirement 
of Laura Martinez, a public servant who has spent a lifetime helping 
her community, most recently as the Constituent Services Director for 
the Office of Congressman Luis Correa in Orange County, California.
  Over her 30-year career in public service, Ms. Martinez has literally 
helped thousands of individuals and families resolve issues with local, 
state and federal agencies. Ms. Martinez devoted 20-years of her public 
service career with the Office of Congresswoman Loretta Sanchez.
  Throughout her years of service, Ms. Martinez developed relationships 
with liaisons representing Social Security, the IRS, Medicare, 
Immigration and Customs, and other entities.
  By using her expertise in navigating the complicated immigration 
system and overcoming bureaucratic roadblocks, she was able to reunite 
families during emergencies, obtaining citizenships, visas, and much 
more.
  Born in the Boyle Heights area of Los Angeles, Ms. Martinez grew up 
witnessing many acts of racial injustice. Her dream and lifelong 
mission was to help those who did not have the capability to help 
themselves due to living in poverty, being a minority, and living in 
other challenging conditions.
  She brought heartfelt passion to her work that included positions 
with such non-profits as the renowned City of Hope and The East Los 
Angeles Community Union, which helps empower communities and revitalize 
neighborhoods.
  As a breast cancer survivor, along with her mother, she is a decades 
long participant in the American Cancer Society Relay for Life. Her 
team, Laura's Lifeline, has raised thousands of dollars to battle 
cancer.
  Another passion was working with Latino Advocates for Education, an 
organization that pays tribute to WWII veterans. Her uncles were all 
veterans who served in WWII and the Korean and Vietnam wars. She was 
the only girl in a family of six boys, several of whom served in law 
enforcement.
  Ms. Martinez was honored for her work with veterans by being invited 
to witness the unveiling of the WWII Memorial in our nation's capital.

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  Ms. Martinez also has a background in real estate and is still 
licensed with the State of California. She has dedicated her time for 
her community service as an usher with the La Mirada Performing Arts 
Center. In her retirement, she will be providing care for her extended 
family and traveling.
  Please join me in wishing this good and faithful public servant a 
well-deserved retirement after a lifetime of serving others.

                          ____________________