[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 104 (Tuesday, June 17, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E583]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  HONORING DAVID ROMERO AS A DISTINGUISHED LEADER IN CENTRAL FLORIDA 
                       DURING LGBTQ+ PRIDE MONTH

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. DARREN SOTO

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 17, 2025

  Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, David Romero is a U.S. Air Force veteran, 
LGBTQ+ advocate, and community leader recognized for his dedication to 
uplifting others through faith, service, and resilience in Florida's 
Ninth Congressional District.
  A longtime resident of Celebration, Florida, David serves on the 
Orange County Mayor's Veterans Advisory Council as the LGBTQ+ veterans 
advocate. In this role, he brings forward the needs and perspectives of 
LGBTQ+ veterans--especially those whose contributions were historically 
overlooked due to discrimination. David is also an active member of the 
Veterans Club of Celebration, where he lives openly as a gay veteran 
and fosters dialogue, visibility, and community support.
  In addition to his veteran advocacy, David served in a leadership 
role on Celebration's Technology Committee, demonstrating his 
consistent commitment to civic engagement and community betterment. For 
14 years, he worked at the Walt Disney Company, where he contributed to 
multiple DEI platforms and helped shape internal policies around equity 
and representation. His efforts reflected both professional commitment 
and personal courage in the face of past trauma related to homophobia 
and marginalization.
  A person of deep faith, David is a member of Community Presbyterian 
Church in Celebration, where he is open about his sexuality and his 
relationship with Jesus Christ. Through this openness, he serves as a 
role model to others navigating the intersection of faith and identity.
  David's advocacy work spans mental health awareness, veteran support 
access, and inclusion for those discharged under unjust military 
policies. His voice has helped shift perceptions in veteran spaces and 
beyond, proving that service and identity are not mutually exclusive.
  Through his integrity, leadership, and faith, David Romero has made a 
lasting impact on Central Florida's LGBTQ+ and veteran communities. His 
story is one of courage, healing, and service.

                          ____________________