[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 81 (Thursday, May 12, 2022)]
[House]
[Pages H4865-H4866]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING NASCC EXCELLENCE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Texas (Mr. Cloud) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate 
the men and women of Naval Air Station Corpus Christi for taking first 
place in the U.S. Navy's Installation Excellence Award.
  Awarded by the Commander of Naval Installations Command, this 
achievement rightfully recognizes Naval Air Station Corpus Christi for 
superior performance, installation management, program excellence, and 
community outreach.
  This honor is a true testament to the hard work and devotion to 
mission success that is put forth daily by so many.
  Residing along the Corpus Christi Bay, Naval Air Station Corpus 
Christi has been home to naval pilot training since 1941. Along with 
producing the finest naval aviators in the world, Naval Air Station 
Corpus Christi serves as a major hub or naval activity in south Texas.
  From the newest graduates arriving from recruit training to the 
installation's commander, Christopher Jason, I have witnessed 
professionalism and dedication of the individuals who have earned this 
distinction.
  I thank everyone stationed at NAS Corpus Christi for their service 
and extend my congratulations to NAS Corpus Christi on this 
achievement.
  I wish Captain Jason the best as he represents the U.S. Navy in 
competition for the 2022 Commander in Chiefs Award for Installation 
Excellence, and I look forward to the NAS Corpus Christi's continued 
excellence and achievement, and couldn't be prouder

[[Page H4866]]

to represent this installation, servicemembers, and community.


              Honoring Rockport Mayor Patrick ``Pat'' Rios

  Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor a pillar of our 
community, Mayor Patrick ``Pat'' Rios of Rockport, Texas. Pat has led 
the city of Rockport as the mayor for the past 4 years and his term 
ends this month.
  This position was the culmination of his decade-long elected public 
service, where he previously served as Ward 3 council member and mayor 
pro tem from 2012 to 2018. Before public service, Pat was an 
entrepreneur and small business owner. He eventually entered the 
healthcare industry and rose to senior levels before his retirement in 
2010.
  Anyone who has met him knows Pat is a fierce advocate for the city of 
Rockport. This was evident from the moment he took the helm in his role 
as mayor; a moment that was characterized by Hurricane Harvey's havoc 
and devastation in 2017.
  The hurricane made landfall along the Charm of the Texas Coast. Under 
Pat's leadership, the city that was first hit aggressively moved 
forward with the ``first to recover'' mantra that speaks to the heart 
of the resolute Texas spirit.
  Due to Pat, the city has made remarkable progress in rebuilding and 
is poised to be stronger than ever. Pat is a shining example of 
community leadership and stewardship. I have greatly enjoyed working 
with him, especially in this recovery effort during his tenure as 
mayor, and I wish him and his wife, Patricia Ann, and his entire family 
the best during his well-deserved retirement from public service.


       Honoring World War II and Korean War Veteran Luis A. Valls

  Mr. CLOUD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Luis Angel 
Valls of Corpus Christi, Texas. Born in 1928 in Sinton, Texas, and 
raised in Alice, Luis answered the Nation's call by enlisting in the 
United States Navy during World War II.
  At the age of 17, he was sent to service in the Pacific Theater. With 
the onset of the Korean war, Luis' overwhelming sense of duty and 
selfless service saw him answering the Nation's call once more. He 
served in the Navy until he was honorably discharged in 1954.
  After his Navy service, Luis relocated to Corpus Christi, Texas, and 
joined the Corpus Christi Fire Department where he served for 29 years, 
being one of the first Mexican Americans to join CCFD.
  During his time with the fire department, he was recognized twice for 
valor and has the distinction of making the first ambulance call for 
the CCFD's newly formed EMT ambulance program.
  Luis married the love of his life, Olga Pena, in 1958 in Alice. 
Together they had four sons and were happily married for 64 years.
  Luis was a proud member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled 
American Veterans, and the Pan-American Golf Association. He was a 
loyal parishioner of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in 
Corpus Christi for over 60 years.
  Luis was an avid golfer, deer hunter, and voracious reader of 
history, including military, Western and Texas history.
  As a proud father and grandfather, his greatest joy during retirement 
was spending time with his family. Our Nation is indebted to Mr. Valls. 
I ask that you please join me in honoring and remembering his 
magnificent life.

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