[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 98 (Tuesday, June 11, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E605-E606]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         RECOGNIZING VETERAN & PUBLIC SERVANT JOHN JOSEPH AVILA

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. NORMA J. TORRES

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 11, 2024

  Mrs. TORRES of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor John 
Joseph Avila for his years of dedication as a community leader in the 
City of Pomona.
  John Avila was a first generation Mexican-American, who understood 
the importance of representation, which fueled his pursuit of service, 
education, and public office. After graduation from high school, John 
served in the Marine Corps for 8 years. Upon his return home, John 
pursued a degree from the University of Northern Colorado, Greenly. In 
1961, John and his wife, Dona, relocated to Pomona, California, where 
they began working for the Pomona Unified School District. As a middle 
school teacher, John's passion for expanding quality education for 
underserved communities was ignited. He organized with the Association 
of Mexican American Educators and successfully lobbied for funding to 
spread Pre-K through 12th grade bilingual education. John created 
curriculum to recruit, train and coordinate educators to meet the needs 
of their Spanish-speaking students and families.
  Over the course of his life, John was a member of many organizations 
including the Catholic Newman Community, the Optimist Club, the United 
Farm Workers, La Raza Unida Party and the League of United Latin 
American Citizens. Using his experience as a middle school teacher and 
membership of these organizations, John ran for the Mayor of Pomona in 
1995. He lost to the incumbent but

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continued to seek opportunities to provide leadership in public 
service. Upon his official retirement as a teacher, John was elected as 
the School Board President for the Pomona Unified School District and 
served for over a decade.
  Sadly, our community is now in mourning. On Tuesday, May 7, 2024, 
John peacefully passed away, surrounded by love and care from his 
family. He is survived by his wife, 3 children, 10 grandchildren, and 2 
great-grandchildren.
  For his outstanding accomplishments, it is my honor to recognize John 
Joseph Avila. His years of service and commitment to the people of 
Pomona are worthy of the highest commendation.

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