[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 208 (Wednesday, December 10, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H5115-H5116]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   COMMENDING OMAR MARTINEZ GONZALEZ

  (Mrs. Ramirez of Illinois was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent, Omar 
Martinez Gonzalez. Omar is an advocate fighting for the resources that 
immigrant, Black, Brown, and underserved communities need and deserve 
to prevent, treat, and end the HIV/AIDS epidemic.
  As a queer Latino immigrant, Omar has experienced firsthand the 
importance of high-quality, culturally competent healthcare and HIV 
prevention services. His experience has motivated him to build a world 
where no one is denied quality healthcare services because of their 
background, citizenship status, identity, or circumstance.
  For almost two decades, from Chicago to Boston, this young man has 
implemented and coordinated health programs to increase access to HIV 
testing and prevention. He has fought for the rights and dignity of our 
neighbors living with HIV or AIDS, including our LGBTQI+ community and 
undocumented neighbors, and has advocated to protect and expand the 
funding necessary to end the HIV epidemic.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, it 
is my honor to commend Omar Martinez Gonzalez for his work to ensure 
that our neighbors, no matter their sexual orientation, gender 
expression, ZIP Code, background, HIV status, or citizenship status 
receive every single thing they need and deserve to live healthy, 
thriving lives. I congratulate Omar.


                          Honoring Mario Vega

  Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mario Vega for his 
work to create spaces that uplift our young people and build safe and 
thriving communities.
  Mario has transformed his own personal experiences, growing up in 
Chicago, to realize safety in our communities by investing in our 
city's young people.
  Through the establishment of the Chicago Youth Boxing Club, and as 
the director of mentoring at New Life Centers, Mario understands that 
building community and building relationships are the recipe for safer 
neighborhoods. Through his mentorship of young people, including those 
in my own community of Humboldt Park, he sees, values, and affirms 
young people and supports their journey to find their confidence and 
purpose.
  Mario's work has been recognized in ``Beacons of Hope: Stories of 
Strength from Chicago,'' but the true measure of his impact is seen in 
the violence epidemic he interrupts and the young people who, as a 
result, chart a new path for themselves full of possibilities.
  On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District, it is my honor 
to commend Mario Vega for reminding us that when we invest in our 
youth, we are actually investing in peace. I congratulate Mario.


                        Recognizing Rita Kollias

  Mrs. RAMIREZ. Mr. Speaker, during this holiday season, which has been 
so difficult for so many families, I rise to recognize the joy and hope 
that Rita Kollias facilitates in DuPage County in Illinois' Third 
Congressional District.
  After serving for 10 years in the United States Marine Corps, Rita 
has dedicated over 20 years of her life to coordinating the Marine 
Corps Reserve DuPage County Toys for Tots program. The program 
distributes thousands of toys to more than 25,000 children via a 
network of local nonprofit organizations, churches, and community 
agencies.
  Whether she is coordinating drop-off sites, recruiting volunteers, or 
searching for donated warehouse space, Rita's logistical skill set 
matches her passion and her dedication.
  Rita has described her late hours and working weekends with the 
Marine Corps Reserve DuPage County Toys for Tots program as an 
obsession, one she pursues as an expression of care for her local 
community and area families. For her neighbors, her obsession ensures 
that children in our communities feel seen and valued.
  On behalf of Illinois' Third Congressional District and this House of 
Representatives, I acknowledge that these holidays are more brightened 
because of Rita. It is my honor to commend Rita Kollias. I thank her 
for her service.

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