[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 126 (Wednesday, July 23, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H3563]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING GULLERMINA HEREDIA

  (Mr. Garcia of Illinois was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my 
constituent and dear friend, Gullermina Heredia, known lovingly as 
``Mina,'' who passed away on July 2.
  A proud Mexican American, Mina's family moved to Chicago from Texas 
in search of better opportunities. As a student at Northeastern 
Illinois University, she joined the Organization of Latin American 
Students, where she met her husband, Carlos. She later served as 
president of the organization, inspiring a new generation of Latino 
students in Chicago.
  After graduation, Mina became a social worker, uplifting countless 
lives with her warmth and strength. She had a unique ability to make 
people, especially Latinos and Latinas, feel seen and cared for.
  Mina had a gift for bringing people together, and her karaoke nights 
with Carlos, her husband, were legendary.
  Mina was deeply loved and will be remembered for her service and 
spirit.
  My thoughts are with her sons and grandchildren, friends, and all 
those who were fortunate to know her. We will miss Mina, and we will 
carry forward the compassion and strength that she showed all of us.


               Celebrating 79th Birthday of Carlos Arango

  Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a giant 
in our community, Carlos Arango, as he approaches his 79th birthday.
  For over two decades, Carlos has been a pillar of Chicago's immigrant 
rights movement, organizing marches, building institutions, and 
mentoring generations of activists, often behind the scenes, always 
with purpose.
  Carlos stood on the front lines when it wasn't popular, and he stayed 
when others moved on. He was instrumental in the strength behind Casa 
Aztlan, not just a building but a beacon of self-determination, 
cultural pride, and community defense. Through it, he helped countless 
immigrants find power, purpose, and a place to belong.

                              {time}  1100

  Throughout every political storm, Carlos has remained 
unapologetically proud of his roots, his people, and, yes, of Los Pumas 
at the University of Mexico, whose jersey he wears like armor. He is 
more than an organizer. He is a keeper of memory, a fighter for 
justice, and a dear friend.
  Madam Speaker, I thank Carlos for never backing down and for showing 
us what commitment is all about. I wish him a happy birthday, and may 
his struggle live on.


                Honoring Brigadier General Jorge Fonseca

  Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my 
constituent, Brigadier General Jorge Fonseca, a decorated veteran and 
proud son of Little Village, on his recent promotion as director of the 
Joint Staff of the Illinois National Guard.
  Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, Jorge came to Chicago with his family 
and has dedicated over 30 years to public service, beginning as an 
enlisted combat medic and later commissioned as a Medical Service Corps 
officer.
  He served multiple tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. His path was not 
easy, but his tenacity carried him through the toughest moments of his 
career.
  Today, his success inspires a new generation of Latinos and Latinas 
to serve. His journey is a reminder that patriotism isn't defined by 
birthplace, but by service, sacrifice, and a love of country.
  Madam Speaker, I salute General Fonseca. He has made his family, his 
city, and his country proud.


                    Recognizing Sergeant Efrain Mata

  Mr. GARCIA of Illinois. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
Sergeant Efrain Mata, a proud son of 18th Street in Chicago who will be 
retiring from the Cook County Sheriff's Department after nearly 30 
years of distinguished and transformative service.
  Sergeant Mata is not only respected for his honor, loyalty, and sharp 
instincts but also for his vision. He helped pioneer behavioral health 
and emergency response strategies now being implemented across Cook 
County, proving that compassion and safety can go hand in hand.
  From Chicago to broader assignments across Federal agencies, Sergeant 
Mata has served with honor, courage, and an unwavering commitment to 
justice.
  However, what sets him apart is that he never lost sight of where he 
came from. He has always made it a point to give back, supporting 
families and standing up for his neighbors. He is a father, a 
supportive husband, a mentor, and the kind of person you always want on 
your team.
  Madam Speaker, we thank Sergeant Mata for his service and wish him 
Godspeed.

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