[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 60 (Monday, April 5, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E349]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      REMEMBERING ALFREDO SANDOVAL

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                             HON. RAUL RUIZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, April 5, 2021

  Mr. RUIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise to celebrate the life of my 
constituent, Alfredo Sandoval.
  Alfredo--or the ``Chief'' as his kids lovingly nicknamed him--was a 
decorated combat veteran, a loving father, and a mentor to many.
  When Alfredo enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1954, he 
began a career that took him across the country and around the world. 
With his wife, Elena, by his side, Alfredo traveled from Brawley, 
California to Savannah, Georgia to Tokyo to Naples and countless other 
cities in service to our country.
  After returning home to the United States in 1968, he was called on 
to serve in Vietnam. There, he earned a Bronze Star for his valor in 
the field. As a member of the First Mobile Communications Group, he 
received a Presidential Unit Citation, 23 Air Force Outstanding Unit 
Awards, and a Navy Meritorious Unit Citation.
  Alfredo broke down barriers in the Air Force. When he retired in 
1984, he had achieved the rank of Chief Master Sergeant. Alfredo truly 
paved the way for future generations of Hispanic men and women who 
followed in his footsteps to become Air Force Officers. Our nation owes 
him a tremendous debt.
  Even in retirement, Alfredo continued to uplift and inspire. His 
family saw him as a man who led by example and helped them find their 
way in this world. In the words of his granddaughter, ``Every time I 
spoke to him, he would call me his number one. Even when I felt lost . 
. . he told me to have confidence in who I was and where I was going.'' 
As Alfredo joins his beloved Elena in Heaven, his spirit will continue 
to guide his children and grandchildren through life.
  Alfredo is survived by his children, Alfredo A. Sandoval and Ruben E. 
Sandoval. His story of service and love of country is recorded in the 
United States Air Force and Air Force Association's archives, and now, 
his life story is recorded in our nation's history. Today, we close his 
chapter in our history just as his son, Alfredo, would say, ``Fly safe, 
Chief.''

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