[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 40 (Wednesday, March 6, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E219]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF RAYMOND ``RAY'' L. CORDOVA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. J. LUIS CORREA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, March 6, 2024

  Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I join my colleagues, Representatives Levin, 
Sanchez, and Napolitano, and rise today to honor the life of Raymond 
``Ray'' L. Cordova, a renowned labor leader who leaves behind a legacy 
of service.
  Ray cut his teeth as an organizer in the early 1960s as part of the 
Freedom Summer Movement in Mississippi for almost two years. A proud 
veteran of the U.S. Army Airborne, his service to his country continued 
after the Vietnam War when he returned home to build up his community. 
He was always a dapper dresser and treated everyone with respect. In a 
short time, Ray began making his name known as one of the most 
effective and impactful labor leaders in Orange County.
  No matter what or who you believed in--if you were a Republican, 
Democrat, or something in between--Ray was a champion of all people. 
When working men and women across America had no seat at the table, Ray 
fought tirelessly to make room through his leadership in the 
Communications Workers of America Union and as a labor organizer in 
Orange County.
  Ray's influence and impact extends beyond his labor work. He educated 
and prepared the next generation of the labor movement, and helped 
redefine politics in Southern California. It is because of his 
mentorship that so many of the leaders of today are prepared to make 
the changes they envision, in California and beyond.
  Not only was he a deeply loved member of our community, but my 
colleagues and I are lucky that Ray was also a dear friend. I have 
personally had the pleasure of knowing and learning from him over the 
last 25 years.
  I ask my colleagues to join me and Representatives Levin, Sanchez, 
and Napolitano in celebrating the extraordinary life and legacy of 
Raymond ``Ray'' L. Cordova. I thank Ray for setting an example of 
leadership and service that we all may aspire to and learn from.

                          ____________________