[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 161 (Friday, October 7, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1032]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MAGGIE SALINAS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 7, 2022

  Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 
Maggie Salinas, a native of Kingsville, Texas, who served her community 
for over 70 years. Ms. Salinas was a member on over two dozen boards 
and committees that helped the people of Kingsville across many 
different areas of life.
  In 1951 at the age of 17, Ms. Salinas was the first and youngest 
Hispanic woman hired by Kleberg County. She started her career with the 
Kleberg Welfare Department as a social worker, helping people achieve 
independence. In April of 1957, she worked with county officials and 
automotive industry experts to get the ``Safety Belt'' Seal adopted 
which certified seat belts. She later moved on to work for Duval County 
as a social worker, all the while helping Nueces County administer the 
polio vaccine and tuberculosis screenings.
  Ms. Salinas has sponsored 4 Girl Scout troops and served as a member 
of the Kleberg County Parks and Recreation Board. She has served as the 
Chairwoman of the Kleberg County Historical Development Board since 
1999, preserving the rich history of South Texas. In 2005 she received 
a Local Committee of Honor Award from the Smithsonian Center for Latino 
Initiatives Centro Alameda, the University of Texas at San Antonio 
Institute of Texas Cultures and was recognized for her participation 
with ``Our Journeys/Our Stories: Portraits of Latino Achievement'' from 
the Smithsonian U.S. Traveling Exhibition.
  Ms. Salinas currently serves as the Texas A&M University-Kingsville 
Engineering Department Advisory Committee Chairwoman. As Chairwoman, 
she works with Texas A&M University-Kingsville engineering professors 
and students to compile information for the Calle Siete Project. This 
data will be utilized in potential economic revitalization and tourist 
opportunities of the historic Kingsville area, establishing a cultural 
zone. One revelation from the Calle Siete Project was the unveiling of 
the ``Los Kinenos Trail''. The Los Kinenos Trail honors the King Ranch 
Kinenos who played a role in founding the historic King Ranch. Her 
dedication to community and culture is seen in her founding role of 
``La Posada'', a Christmas tradition event, in 1990, her work 
redesignating over 80 historical streets in La Colonia Mexicana to 
include their original names, and her instrumental role in the 
restoration of the Mother Julia Chapel and Museum.
  A true humanitarian, Ms. Salinas has planned and led fundraising 
events for the National Kidney Foundation. American Cancer Society, and 
the American Heart Association. She was also awarded the American Heart 
Association Texas Affiliate Leadership Award in recognition of 
volunteer service in a leadership role and expanding role of the 
American Heart Association--to name one of many awards she has been 
honored with.
  Madam Speaker, Ms. Maggie Salinas is an incredible leader with an 
unwavering commitment to the development of the Kingsville community. 
Her legacy will have a lasting impact on South Texas.

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