[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 195 (Wednesday, November 19, 2025)]
[House]
[Page H4775]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING HOWARD KOCH

  (Mr. Correa of California was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a World War II 
veteran, Korean war veteran, and my neighbor, Howard Koch.
  This year, Howard turned 100 years old. I wish a happy birthday to 
Howard.
  Howard grew up in Oakland, California, and spent his childhood 
traveling in the Sierra Nevada mountains to ski and to learn survival 
skills. They were skills that he would later use in World War II. He 
joined the Army's 10th Mountain Division and climbed Riva Ridge, where 
he attacked German troops hidden deep within Italy's mountains.
  He was promoted to first lieutenant at just 20 years old.
  After World War II, he returned home to California and earned his 
degree at UC Berkeley.
  Howard Koch is a member of the Greatest Generation.


                    Honoring Maria Esperanza Castro

  Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor 25 years of dedicated 
service by Maria Esperanza Castro.
  Maria studied medicine in Mexico before finding her true passion and 
calling at the Regional Center of Orange County, where she changed the 
lives of many families.
  She was the voice that families met as they sought support for a 
loved one with developmental disabilities. For 25 years, she was a 
guiding advocate and a trusted source of information for these 
families.
  I congratulate Maria on her retirement.


                        Recognizing Efrain Solis

  Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize one of Santa Ana's 
finest, Efrain Solis, who is currently performing with the New York 
Metropolitan Opera.
  The son of Mexican immigrants, Efrain grew up learning to sing at 
Saddleback High School. He attended Chapman University and was the 
first in his family to obtain a college degree.
  Efrain has performed all over the country, and Santa Ana is proud to 
have one of our own performing on the New York stage.
  I congratulate Efrain.


                         Honoring William Chan

  Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my neighbor and World 
War II veteran, Bill Chan.
  Bill was born in China and came to the United States as a young 
student. At 19, he enlisted in the Navy, where he served on the USS 
Mississippi during World War II. According to Bill, he was the only 
Chinese American on that ship, the USS Mississippi.
  Bill then retired to Orange County, where he still lives today. Bill, 
I would say, is a true example of our Greatest Generation: an immigrant 
willing to put his life on the line for his new country.


                   Honoring the Life of Rudy Cordova

  Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Rudy 
Cordova, a beloved member of our Santa Ana community and my good 
friend.
  Born and raised in Santa Ana, Rudy was a proud graduate of Saddleback 
High School, and he was a soccer dad. He was my daughter's soccer 
coach.
  Rudy dedicated his life to celebrating Chicano culture through art, 
food, and more. Under his guidance, the Santa Ana Dia de los Muertos 
became one of the biggest events in Orange County.
  I thank Rudy for all he has done for the city of Santa Ana and for 
our community. We are going to miss him. Our prayers are with his 
family.

                          ____________________