[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 125 (Tuesday, July 22, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H3532]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




            HONORING U.S. ARMY SPECIALIST JAVIER VILLANUEVA

  (Mr. Kennedy of New York was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life 
and legacy of U.S. Army Specialist Javier Villanueva, a patriot, a son, 
a husband, a father, and an American hero.
  Javier Villanueva lived a life defined by character, integrity, and 
selflessness. These values were instilled in him from an early age, 
especially by his father, U.S. Army veteran Wilfredo Rivera.
  During a recent visit to Puerto Rico, I had the honor of meeting with 
Wilfredo, and we spoke about the extraordinary young man Javier was. We 
talked about his moral compass, his commitment to service, and the 
strength that shaped his life and sacrifice.
  In 2003, Javier followed in his father's footsteps and joined the 
Army where he served with distinction in Company H, 2nd Battalion, 11th 
Infantry. He was later deployed to Iraq where he served with honor 
until his life was tragically cut short on November 24, 2005.

                              {time}  1010

  Mr. Speaker, Javier embodied the very best of who we are as a nation. 
His sacrifice is a solemn reminder that the freedoms we hold dear come 
at an immense cost. He gave everything for people he would never meet 
and for ideals we must never take for granted.
  Javier is survived by his wife, Felicia; daughter, Taliyah; his 
parents, Christine and Wilfredo; his brothers, Command Sergeant Major 
Wilfredo Rivera and Chief Warrant Officer 3 Carlos Rivera.
  As a member of the House Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I carry 
stories like Javier's with me every day. They remind me of the sacred 
obligation we have to support every veteran who comes home and honor 
every fallen hero with the dignity that they have earned.
  Specialist Villanueva's courage, leadership, and selflessness will 
never be forgotten. May Javier Villanueva rest in peace. May God 
protect his family. May God bless the United States of America.


                       Honoring James M. Kapsiak

  Mr. KENNEDY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
extraordinary life and legacy of James M. Kapsiak, a proud Buffalonian, 
a devoted educator, and a beloved pillar of our community, whose life 
was defined by service.
  Jim was the embodiment of selflessness, whether in the classroom, on 
the basketball court, or in the pews of his church. After earning his 
master's degree from the University of Buffalo, Jim dedicated 33 years 
to Emerson Vocational High School where he taught physical education, 
health, and computer technology.
  Outside the classroom, Jim was a leader on the court and the field, 
coaching numerous sports at Emerson and leaving a lasting legacy as a 
proud coach of the girls' basketball team.
  With every student, he brought patience and compassion, meeting them 
where they were and helping them to grow. His passion reflected a deep 
commitment to helping young people build confidence, discipline, and a 
belief in themselves that would carry them through life.
  Jim's service didn't stop at the school doors. He served with 
distinction as a representative for the Buffalo Teachers Federation and 
remained active in civic life through his work at the Erie County Voter 
Registration Office.
  As a deacon, mentor, coach, and friend, Jim gave his time and heart 
generously to those around him. Above all else, he was a family man. He 
is survived by his devoted wife, Mary Ruth; his children, Jennifer and 
Bradford; and his grandsons, Noah, Aiden, and Blake. Each are a 
testament to his love and his legacy.
  Jim's decades of service were rooted in love for his community, and 
his impact will be felt for generations. On behalf of our entire 
western New York community and a grateful nation, may Jim Kapsiak rest 
in peace.

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