[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 140 (Tuesday, September 10, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H5105-H5106]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   HONORING COUNCILWOMAN SONIA MENDEZ

  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Miller of Illinois). The Chair 
recognizes the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. De La Cruz) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. De La CRUZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of an 
extraordinary leader, Councilwoman Sonia Mendez of Seguin, Texas.
  Sonia served on the city council since 2020 and served the city's 
residents with unwavering dedication. Her courage in the face of ALS 
was nothing short of inspiring. Even as the disease took its toll, she 
refused to slow down or let it define her.
  Her commitment to District 2 and her community never wavered, showing 
us the true meaning of service and resilience. Sonia's legacy will live 
on

[[Page H5106]]

through the countless lives she touched and the work she did to make 
Seguin a better place.
  Let us honor her memory by continuing to serve with the same 
compassion and dedication she demonstrated every day. My thoughts and 
prayers are with her family, friends, and all those in Seguin who feel 
this tremendous loss. May she rest in peace.


             Honoring Army Specialist Lauro G. DeLeon, Jr.

  Ms. De La CRUZ. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor and remember 
Army Specialist Lauro G. DeLeon, Jr., of Floresville, Texas, who gave 
his life in service to our Nation 20 years ago during Operation Iraqi 
Freedom.
  Lauro was just 20 years old and had a bright future ahead of him, yet 
he chose to serve his country with courage, knowing the risk but driven 
by his deep sense of duty.
  In Iraq, Lauro faced fear and uncertainty, but his faith and love of 
his family sustained him. His mother, Grace, shared how prayer and 
faith in God guided him in his most dark moments. That unwavering faith 
is a testament to the kind of man Lauro was.
  Though two decades have passed, his sacrifice is still fresh and 
felt. Today, we remember Lauro's bravery, his love for his family, and 
his commitment to his great country. May we never forget his service, 
and may God continue to bless his family and all those who serve.

                              {time}  1045


    In Recognition of the 102nd Birthday of Verlon ``Pop'' Maguglin

  Ms. De La CRUZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an 
incredible milestone, Mr. Verlon ``Pop'' Maguglin's 102nd birthday.
  For over a century, Pop has been a pillar of the Live Oak community 
and living there for 100 years. His life is a testament to hard work, 
family values, and dedication to the land he loves.
  Pop's farming legacy, from raising cattle to growing crops like 
peanuts and the famous Maguglin Slim's okra, has left a lasting mark on 
this county. We are also eternally grateful for his service to our 
Nation during World War II.
  As we celebrate his 102nd birthday, we honor his dedication to 
family, spanning five generations, and his unwavering commitment to 
living life with joy and purpose. Pop's life has enriched others, and I 
wish him continued health and happiness.


           In Recognition of the Retirement of Roy Rodriguez

  Ms. De La CRUZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate City 
Manager Roy Rodriguez on his well-deserved retirement after more than 
two decades of remarkable service to the great city of McAllen.
  Roy's leadership has guided McAllen, Texas, through an era of 
incredible growth, stability, and prosperity. Under his steady hand, 
the city has thrived, reaching new heights in financial strength and 
community development.
  Roy's commitment to the people of McAllen, Texas, will leave a 
legacy. As he closes this chapter, I hope Roy knows he has made a 
profound impact on the lives of many. I wish him happiness, health, and 
a wonderful retirement.

                          ____________________