[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 47 (Tuesday, March 14, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E218-E219]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING THE LIFE OF DR. ROBERT ``BOBBY'' GARCIA

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BRIAN BABIN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, March 14, 2023

  Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Dr. Robert 
``Bobby'' Garcia, a United States Air Force veteran, an esteemed 
educator, and a respected member of the community in Deer Park, Texas. 
Bobby passed away on March 3, 2023, at the age of 79.
  Bobby was born on March 2, 1944, in San Antonio, Texas, to Elias 
Garcia and Minerva Garcia. Several years after his father returned from 
World War II, the Garcia family relocated to the Houston area, settling 
in Bellaire, Texas. At the age of 17, Bobby obtained his barber license 
and spent his time outside of school working for his father at the 
Triangle Barber Shop.
  He stepped away from college and enlisted in the Air Force on January 
24, 1966. He served three consecutive years overseas, which included 
time in England and Vietnam, where he was involved in the Mini Tet 
Offensive. When Bobby's tour of duty was over on July 10, 1969, he 
returned to Travis Air Force Base in California and received an 
honorable discharge.
  Following his military service, Bobby went back to college, earning a 
bachelor's and master's in education and a doctorate in philosophy. 
Throughout his 42 years in education, Bobby received numerous awards as 
an educator and touched the lives of countless students, parents, and 
colleagues. He was always ready to provide guidance and encouragement 
to others.
  In his retirement, Bobby served as Second Vice President for the 
Pasadena Area Retired School Educators and on the Deer Park Community 
Advisory Council. Outside of participating in church activities, Bobby 
focused on veteran outreach and was involved with organizations such as 
Disabled American Veterans, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War, 
Air Force Cyberspace and Air Traffic Control Association, Tan Son Nhut 
Association, and Vietnam Veterans of America.
  Bobby was a treasured resource for my staff and me, often working 
with us to ensure local veterans received their rightful benefits. He 
also served on my Service Academy selection panel for the last seven 
years. His service in the Air Force and decades in education provided 
us with an insight unlike any other as we evaluated and selected 
America's future military leaders. My staff and I will miss him dearly.
  However, I know we are not alone. Bobby's magnetic personality will 
be missed and remembered by all who had the pleasure of meeting him. He 
connected with others by sharing his stories, and he left behind a 
legacy of love, sacrifice, compassion, and wisdom.
  He is survived by his wife, Barbara Garcia: his brother, Daniel 
Garcia, and wife, Carol; his brother, David Garcia, and wife, Lisa; his 
daughter, Shelly Jaynes, and husband, Russell; his son, Thomas Garcia, 
and wife, Cindy; his son, Kevin Lee, and wife, Kristen; and his son, 
Ariel Pena. He also leaves behind six grandchildren, four great-
grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews.
  Mr. Speaker, it is such a privilege to celebrate the life of a 
beloved community leader and my dear friend, Bobby Garcia. He would 
often quote, ``If you see someone without a smile, give them one of 
yours.'' I am certain that those of us who knew him will never be 
without a smile when remembering his commitment to God, his loved ones, 
and his friends, and my most sincere prayers remain with them at this 
time.

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