[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 13]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18910]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                       HONORING VIOLA S. MARTINEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY BONILLA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 4, 2001

  Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Viola S. 
Martinez of Laredo, Texas on the occasion of her 70th birthday on 
October 4, 2001. Viola has been an outstanding member of my team since 
I ran for Congress in 1992.
  While her family is native to Texas, Viola was born in Dearborn, 
Michigan in 1931. Viola returned to Laredo as a young girl and received 
her education there. Family plays a large role in Viola's life. Viola 
and her husband recently celebrated 50 years of marriage. Viola and 
Ernesto are also proud parents of three children, Ernesto J. Martinez 
Jr., Sara Martinez Tucker and Rosie Stevens.
  Viola is the heart and soul of Laredo. Folks in this booming border 
city know that if you need something done, go to Viola. Whether it is 
assisting a veteran with benefits or helping a young family find the 
proper tax form, Viola goes the extra mile for each constituent.
  Viola is one of those rare people who can successfully accomplish 
many work-related tasks while still finding time to volunteer in 
professional and community groups. Viola's dedicated service to the 
Laredo community reminds us of all that is good in America. Viola is 
truly a shining example for all citizens.
  It has been a great pleasure to work with Viola for these nine years 
and I look forward to many more to come. Mr. Speaker, I urge my 
colleagues to join me in wishing Mrs. Viola Martinez a very Happy 
Birthday!

                          ____________________