[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 49 (Friday, March 18, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E284]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





          HONORING THE LIFE AND CONTRIBUTIONS OF TODD A. VEGA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. KATHY CASTOR

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 18, 2022

  Ms. CASTOR of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of the 
life and contributions of Todd A. Vega, a beloved member of the Tampa 
Bay community, who passed away on February 28, 2022 at the age of 60. A 
fifth generation Floridian born and raised in Tampa, Todd positively 
impacted our Tampa Bay community in countless ways.
  Todd served for 34 years in the construction industry. A long-time 
Union member, Todd worked in various roles including pipefitter, 
organizer and most recently as Business Manager of the United 
Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and 
Pipefitting Industry (UA) Plumbers Pipefitters Local 123 in Tampa. He 
always stood firmly for what he believed in and served as a major 
advocate for workers' rights throughout his career. Todd's dedication 
to his work and the people around him greatly contributed to the 
training of countless apprentices and journeymen who continue to 
strengthen the industry's standards and quality of work put forward in 
our community.
  Our community honors and grieves the loss of his tireless efforts and 
leadership on behalf of his members, the members of the West Central FL 
Labor Council and the Florida Gulf Coast Building and Construction 
Trades Council and working families all over Florida. Todd was a big 
man, literally and figuratively, with a heart that was even bigger. The 
biggest gap in our community to fill may be his work for and devotion 
to children. Todd was always quick to help all as a friend and 
supporter, but it has been said of him that ``you sure never had to ask 
twice when helping kids was involved.'' The U/A Mechanical Contractors 
of Central Florida Charity Foundation exists to serve local children in 
need of school supplies, a toy or other resources that can brighten 
their lives and give them an opportunity.
  Todd's family and the working men and women of Tampa Bay and Florida 
were at the core of his life. They and we are so much better for it. I 
have in my prayers his wife, Shari; daughter, Tiffany (Ed); father, 
Harold; brothers, Troy and James (Kathy); niece, Alisha; nephew, J.P.; 
and grandchildren, Coy, Andy and Legend. His memory will truly be a 
blessing for them and all of us.
  Madam Speaker, on behalf of my neighbors in Tampa Bay and the 
citizens of Florida, I am proud to honor Todd A. Vega, his devotion to 
all of us and particularly workers' rights and opportunities. The 
impacts of Todd's big heart will be felt throughout our community for 
years to come. All in our community and especially those of us who 
called him a friend are eternally grateful for him having passed our 
way. May his soul rest in peace.

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