[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 171 (Monday, October 31, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1097]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING WORLD WAR II VETERAN JESUS VELA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JOAQUIN CASTRO

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, October 31, 2022

  Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the service 
and achievements of Mr. Jesus Vela, a World War II Army Veteran who 
celebrated his 100th birthday this past September.
  Jesus Vela was born on September 16, 1922, in Rio Grande City, Texas. 
Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, he enlisted in the U.S. Army, 
where he trained as a search light operator and infantry sharpshooter. 
As American forces advanced in the Pacific Theater, Mr. Vela 
participated in island-hopping efforts to establish airfields in the 
Central Pacific and further assisted with U.S. operations in Guam. He 
earned the World War II Victory Medal, the American Theatre Campaign 
Medal, and the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, and was honorably 
discharged at the rank of corporal in 1946.
  In March of 1946, he married the love of his life, Guadalupe Garza, 
and had three children--Arnoldo, Ricardo, and Noelia. Mr. Vela entered 
the carpentry trade and has since enjoyed many wonderful memories with 
his family. He inspired his children to follow in his footsteps in 
serving our great country and becoming leaders of their respective 
communities.
  Madam Speaker, please join me in commemorating the life of Mr. Jesus 
Vela. I would like to wish Mr. Vela happy 100th birthday. He has 
reached a milestone and I thank him for his service to our country and 
community. May God continue to bless and watch over him.

                          ____________________