[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 125 (Thursday, July 30, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E754]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING THE SERVICE OF SERGEANT J.J. DE LA CERDA

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 30, 2026

  Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 
admirable career and dedicated service of Sergeant J.J. De La Cerda, 
Director of the Nueces County Veterans Services.
  Sergeant De La Cerda has devoted his life to those who made the 
ultimate sacrifice. He is a proud veteran of the United States Marine 
Corps, serving honorably from 2001 to 2005 with the 1st Marine 
Division, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines, and deployed twice in support of 
Operation Iraqi Freedom.
  Throughout his military career, Sergeant De La Cerda distinguished 
himself through exemplary leadership and courage. In recognition of his 
service, he earned numerous honors, including the Iraq Campaign Medal 
with two Bronze Campaign Stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement 
Medal with a Gold Star, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with 
Bronze Star.
  Since his honorable discharge in 2005, Sergeant De La Cerda has 
continued his lifelong dedication to veterans through a distinguished 
career in public service. He began by overseeing State Veterans 
Cemeteries in Mission and Corpus Christi, Texas, and now serves as the 
Director of Nueces County Veterans Services, where he works to ensure 
veterans and their families receive the recognition and benefits, they 
deserve. For his tireless work, he has been awarded the Texas Veterans 
Commission Top Performer Award and the Corpus Christi Mayor's Committee 
for Veterans Affairs Veteran Advocate of the Year Award.
  Sergeant De La Cerda has made a lasting impact on the lives of 
countless veterans across South Texas. From assisting veterans with 
federal benefits claims to ensuring our Nation's heroes receive 
dignified final honors: he has exemplified the highest ideals of public 
service.
  Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Texas's 34th Congressional District, I 
extend my deepest gratitude to Sergeant De La Cerda for his courage, 
integrity, and the personal sacrifices he made in devotion to our 
community. He is a source of pride and inspiration for all South 
Texans, and I am honored to recognize his contributions.

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