[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 10 (Wednesday, January 14, 2026)]
[House]
[Page H722]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     HONORING JHONIER DANIEL MARIN

  (Ms. De La Cruz of Texas was recognized to address the House for 5 
minutes.)
  Ms. DE LA CRUZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a McAllen native, 
Firefighter Sergeant Jhonier Daniel Marin.
  Sergeant Marin's life is defined by answering the call to service. At 
age 18, he joined the U.S. Army Reserve. By age 19, he was a certified 
Texas firefighter. From overseas operations to the front lines of our 
own southern border in Eagle Pass, Texas, Sergeant Marin has selflessly 
protected our great country.
  His leadership is exceptional. Out of 25,000 troops, Sergeant Marin 
was 1 of only 13 selected to be honored by President Trump in the Oval 
Office this past December, where he received the new Mexican Border 
Defense Medal.
  Today, he continues to protect his community as a firefighter for the 
city of Mission.
  I congratulate Sergeant Marin on this recognition and thank him for 
his unwavering service to south Texas and our Nation.


                       Honoring Estela Rodriguez

  Ms. DE LA CRUZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant Estela 
Rodriguez of the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office on her retirement 
after 32 years of service. For over three decades, Sergeant Rodriguez 
has not only been a dedicated member of law enforcement but also a 
mentor and a leader.

  Through her work to create the Hidalgo County Sheriff's Office 
Women's Empowerment Conference, she opened doors for the next 
generation of female officers, instilling confidence in the women who 
will follow in her footsteps. Her legacy is not just the badge worn but 
the countless officers who stand taller today because of her.
  Sergeant Rodriguez leaves behind a department and a community that 
are better because of her work. We thank her for 32 years of selfless 
service, and we wish her a long and well-deserved retirement.


               Honoring the UTRGV Vaqueros Football Team

  Ms. DE LA CRUZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the UTRGV 
Vaqueros for finishing their inaugural season with nine wins, including 
all seven home games, making the Vaqueros the winningest first-year 
program in football championship series history.
  The team proved that the Rio Grande Valley is a football powerhouse. 
Every home game, fans across the valley showed up to cheer on their 
team, selling out all seven home games and ranking top 15 for 
attendance among FCS teams across the Nation.
  I congratulate the players, coaches, and the fans on a great season 
that put UTRGV football on the map and gave the valley a legacy that 
will not be forgotten. We are already looking forward to the next 
season.
  V's up.

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