[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 7]
[House]
[Page 9009]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



                TRIBUTE TO JUDGE FIDENCIO M. GUERRA, SR.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the 
gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa) is recognized for 5 minutes.
  Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in our Nation's capital to 
render a salute to State District Judge Fidencio M. Guerra, Sr., of 
McAllen, Texas, on behalf of the citizens of the Fifteenth 
Congressional District of Texas and in honor of his outstanding service 
and dedication to the Judiciary in the State of Texas.
  Judge Guerra was born on a small ranch in Jim Hogg County, Texas, on 
August the 6th, 1909. Like my father, he grew up in a time where few, 
if any, Hispanics held leadership positions in the community or the 
government. He graduated from McAllen High School and went on to the 
University of Texas where he completed his law degree in 1940. The 
following year he married Estela Margo, a high school teacher.
  During World War II, he was quick to volunteer to serve his country 
and was assigned to the State Department's legal office. In this 
capacity, he was sent by special assignment to the U.S. embassy in 
Bogota, Colombia, and the U.S. Embassy in Madrid, Spain, where he 
helped negotiate several international cases, including the disposition 
of Axis war assets in Colombia and assisting the Spanish government in 
dealing with war refugees.
  After the war, he returned to McAllen, Texas, and continued his 
practice of law. In 1949, Judge Guerra was appointed Assistant Attorney 
General for the State of Texas where he was instrumental in presenting 
the State's case against the U.S. government over offshore mineral 
rights claims. The case ultimately reached the Supreme Court. As one of 
the first Hispanics to serve in the Texas State Judiciary, he was a 
role model to my generation and showed us that we too could succeed and 
hold public office.
  During the 1950s, Judge Guerra and his wife Estela became leader in 
protecting and expanding educational opportunities for Hispanic 
students. Estela, who passed away in 1999, was a Spanish language 
teacher at Edinburg High School and also at McAllen High School for 20 
years before her retirement in 1977. She received numerous awards for 
her dedicated service to the children of south Texas, including the 
American Association of Spanish and Portuguese Servantes Award.
  In 1952, Judge Guerra was appointed as the presiding judge of the 
newly created 139th District Court at the new Hidalgo County Courthouse 
in Edinburg, Texas. He was successful in his bid to retain his post in 
the 1956 election, and until his retirement in 1980 ran unopposed in 
every single election. Even retirement did not slow down Judge Guerra. 
He continued to serve as a senior visiting judge until the early 1990s.
  Judge Guerra has always been willing to answer the call to service 
both from his government and his community. He remains active in 
various community organizations, such as Our Lady of Sorrow Catholic 
Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the McAllen Rotary Club.
  Judge Guerra and Estela raised seven children and taught them the 
value of staying in school and completing their education. Their 
children have followed their example and are professionals and 
community leaders. Diane Maria was a teacher; Robert is a retired 
teacher; Carlos is an attorney; Fidencio, Jr. is an attorney and former 
State district judge; Brenda is a teacher; Judy is a special education 
teacher; and Daniel is a doctor. They continue Judge Guerra's legacy by 
teaching today's children that anything is possible if you work hard, 
you have integrity and follow your dreams.
  In conclusion, Judge Guerra's dedicated commitment to the Hispanic 
community in the State of Texas is an inspiration and challenge for us 
all. At age 91, he remains active in the community of McAllen. He truly 
exemplifies the values to which we all should aspire. Texas is a better 
place because of his many contributions. And as his Congressman, I wish 
him continued good health and good fortune. Thank you, Judge Guerra, 
Sr.

                          ____________________