[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 43 (Monday, March 8, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E209]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE LIFE OF HECTOR F. ELIZALDE

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GRACE F. NAPOLITANO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, March 8, 2021

  Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a true champion 
for veterans, a dear friend, a wonderful employee and colleague, a 
proud resident of the City of Monrovia, and a dedicated, caring 
gentleman in Hector Elizalde, our beloved Deputy District Director of 
the 32nd District, who died on February 7, 2021, from complications due 
to COVID-19. For the past 11 years, Hector was truly devoted to his job 
of defending, advocating for, and serving veterans and their families, 
and tackling any problem that came his way. He was the embodiment of 
what it means to serve one's nation and one's community, holding true 
to his pledge to never leave a soldier behind, whether on the 
battlefield or city street.
  Hector F. Elizalde was born in Chicago, IL on February 15, 1946. He 
served in the United States Army from July 31, 1964, until he was 
honorably discharged on July 28, 1967. Hector later graduated from 
California State University, Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Arts degree 
in Political Science. He worked for some of America's most recognized 
companies, such as Anheuser-Busch, Stroh Brewery Company, PepsiCo, and 
Don King Productions. His career advancements led the Elizalde family 
to live throughout the country, from 1984, in the states of Michigan, 
Connecticut, New York, and Florida until his return to California in 
1997. Hector could have continued excelling in lucrative professions, 
but he had a great sense of duty to any and all fellow veterans, and 
also to his neighbors.
  From the very first day he entered our office in the spring of 2010 
until his very last on this earth, Hector honorably served the veteran 
community. Whether it was helping a homeless veteran find shelter or 
escorting the casket of a fallen servicemember at the airport, Hector's 
compassion for helping veterans touched countless lives. Giving out his 
personal cell phone number was nothing out of the ordinary, and 
whenever he did so, he made sure everyone knew that it was a 24/7 
number.
  Hector understood the frustration many veterans felt because of 
delays in VA benefits and routine health checkups that would take an 
entire day. He took this personally and vowed we must do better. Under 
his tenure as Military/Veterans Liaison, we began to hold an annual 
Veterans Forum, to bring the VA to the San Gabriel Valley, which grew 
in size and reach each successive year. As a result of Hector's 
persistence and laser-focus on the mission, the San Gabriel Valley VA 
Health Clinic was opened in May 2019 in Arcadia, CA.
  A sharp dresser, but very humble individual, he never sought nor 
wanted praise. He was there for everybody. He served not only the 
people of the 32nd District, but all of Los Angeles County, as Chair of 
the Los Angeles County Veterans Advisory Commission, to which he was 
appointed by LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger.
  Since his passing, the outpouring from people whose lives he touched 
has been immeasurable, because he was a true believer in public 
service. From the many hours he spent resolving constituents' casework, 
to the city council meetings, weekend veteran and community events he 
would attend; for Hector, the public's needs always came first.
  Hector is survived by his ex-wife, Elaine, the mother of his two 
adult children; sons Phillip and Edward; Edward's wife Ingrid; and 
their two children, Isabella and Aiden. Hector truly loved and was 
proud of his family, especially his grandchildren.
  Hector made us all feel like family. He was kind, respectful, 
thoughtful, and helpful to everyone he met. His charisma and smile will 
never be forgotten. His laughter and the way he cared for others will 
forever live on in our memories. It was our honor to be able to work 
alongside him.
  The world has lost a hero. Hector was the best of the best, and we 
are all better people because of him. There is no one else like him and 
probably never will be, but it is safe to say, our world needs more 
Hectors.

                          ____________________