[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 106 (Friday, June 20, 2025)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E591]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           RECOGNIZING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF PAUL DAVID LOPEZ

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                         HON. SALUD O. CARBAJAL

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, June 20, 2025

  Mr. CARBAJAL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an 
extraordinary American and beloved member of the Santa Barbara 
community, Paul David Lopez, as he celebrates his 100th birthday on 
June 22, 2025.
  Born in Santa Barbara, California, in 1925 in a home his father built 
by hand, Mr. Lopez's life has been a shining example of courage, 
service, and commitment to country and community. A proud son of the 
Eastside, Paul attended Franklin Elementary, Santa Barbara Junior High, 
and Santa Barbara High School. In 1943, during what would have been his 
senior year, Paul made the brave and selfless decision to leave school 
and enlist in the United States Navy during World War II.
  Assigned as a 20-millimeter antiaircraft gunner aboard the USS 
Maryland, Paul served with distinction in some of the most 
consequential battles in the Pacific theater, including Kwajalein, 
Saipan, Tinian, Leyte Gulf, and Okinawa. He survived torpedo attacks, 
kamikaze strikes, and the historic Typhoon Louise while stationed in 
Okinawa. His dedication and bravery reflect the very best of our 
Greatest Generation.
  After returning home in 1946, Paul built a new life while continuing 
to serve. He was later recalled to Active Duty during the Korean war, 
where he was stationed in the Marshall Islands as part of a Seabee unit 
maintaining critical airfields. Upon his second honorable discharge, 
Paul began a long and respected career at the University of California, 
Santa Barbara, where he worked for over four decades, retiring in 1990 
as the longest-serving employee in the campus' history.
  Paul married Gladys Cota in 1958, becoming a devoted husband and 
loving father to Marcia, Ronald, and Paula. Known fondly as ``Uncle 
Paulie'' and ``The Mayor of Chino Street,'' he and Gladys became 
cherished pillars of Santa Barbara's Westside, mentoring and caring for 
generations of local children with wisdom and heart.
  In a touching full-circle moment, Paul walked down the hill at 
Peabody Stadium in 2013 to receive his long-overdue Santa Barbara High 
School diploma, graduating alongside his grandson, Diego, nearly 70 
years after he left school to serve his country.
  Mr. Speaker, on this occasion of his 100th birthday, we recognize 
Paul David Lopez not just for the longevity of his years, but for the 
richness of his legacy. He is a war hero, a public servant, a family 
man, and a treasured friend to so many. It is an honor to celebrate his 
century of life, sacrifice, and service.
  Happy 100th birthday to Paul. I thank him for everything he has 
given--to his Nation, to his community, and to all of us.

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