[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 115 (Wednesday, July 13, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E723]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               TRIBUTE TO VIETNAM WAR VETERAN ARTURO LARA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOAQUIN CASTRO

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 13, 2022

  Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I rise in honor of United 
States Air Force Veteran Arturo Lara, who passed away on May 8, 2020. 
Mr. Lara hailed from my hometown of San Antonio, Texas and is survived 
by his wife of 58 years, Consuelo R. Lara, eldest son Arturo R. Lara, 
Jr., daughter Elizabeth R. Lara, and youngest son Louis R. Lara. 
Although I am saddened to learn of his passing, I am confident his 
memory will live on through his many loved ones.
  Arturo Lara was born in San Antonio, Texas on July 16, 1943, to Simon 
and Alfonsa Vargas Lara. At a young age, Mr. Lara knew he wanted to be 
a family man and to serve his country. With permission from his 
grandfather, Simon Lara, he enlisted in the United States Air Force at 
the age of 16. Mr. Lara courageously served our country for 24 years, 
taking on different duty assignments across the globe. Mr. Lara notably 
served on high-risk missions as an Air Commando under Special Forces. 
During the Vietnam conflict, Mr. Lara was captured by enemy forces for 
90 days to later escape shortly after his 18th birthday. Upon retiring 
from the Air Force, Mr. Lara went on to civil service and worked at 
Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio and Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas. 
After 51 years of combined military and civil service, Mr. Lara retired 
in 2011.
  Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize the life and service of a 
person who dedicated themselves to family and country. The sacrifice 
and commitment our service members undertake is immeasureble and should 
never be taken for granted. We thank Mr. Lara for his many years of 
service and commitment to our great country.

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