[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 81 (Tuesday, May 11, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E505]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING WWII VETERAN GUADALUPE ESPINOZA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. FILEMON VELA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, May 11, 2021

  Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Guadalupe 
Espinoza, a World War II veteran celebrating his 100th birthday.
  Mr. Espinoza is a Rio Grande Valley native who not only succeeded but 
thrived despite tremendous odds. Mr. Espinoza dropped out of elementary 
school after fifth grade and worked at a bakery to help his family 
during the Great Depression. He was drafted into the Army on Oct. 2, 
1942, and while he never imagined joining the military, this experience 
shaped the spirited and strong-willed man he became.
  While serving in the United States Air Force, Mr. Espinoza worked as 
a ground crew member supporting bomber and fighter aircrafts. He was 
assigned guard duty near the stern of the second biggest ship, the 
Queen Mary, and he and his crew voyaged throughout the sea as a German 
submarine closely followed them. After the four days it took to cross 
the Atlantic Ocean, he was stationed at a base in England and became an 
aviation mechanic.
  Mr. Espinoza continued to serve our nation in the Air Force for six 
years, from 1942 to 1948. Upon completion of his service, he returned 
to his native city of Raymondville, TX where he constructed the 
building that would house Espinoza Bakery, which he owned and operated 
until 1980.
  Throughout his life, Mr. Espinoza has exemplified true leadership and 
public service. As we honor Guadalupe Espinoza today, I ask my 
colleagues to join me, his family, and our community in celebrating his 
legacy and thanking him for his outstanding service to our great 
nation.

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