[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 21]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 29293]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     TRIBUTE TO JOSE MACARIO VALDEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. SCOTT McINNIS

                              of colorado

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 17, 2003

  Mr. McINNIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with a solemn heart that I pay 
tribute to Jose Macario Valdez of Trinidad, Colorado. Jose passed away 
recently at the age of 79, and as I look back on his life, I see the 
story of a great American. As his family mourns their loss, I think it 
is appropriate that we remember Jose's life, and celebrate the 
outstanding contributions that he made to the community of Trinidad, 
and this country.
  Jose was born in Trinidad in 1924. During World War II, he answered 
his country's call to duty and joined the Army Air Corps. As an Air 
Transportation Technician in the Pacific Theater, Jose served with 
remarkable valor and courage on nearly 100 missions. For his heroism, 
Jose was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, a 
Good Conduct Medal, and the Burma Asiatic Pacific Service Medal. Jose's 
awards are illustrative of the courage and valor that defined his 
selfless protection of our country.
  Upon returning to Trinidad, Jose met and married Prospera Lovato, his 
wife of 56 years. He went to work for CF&I Steel for eight years. He 
then became a coal miner before going to work for the City of Trinidad 
as a power plant fireman, a position he held for 24 years. Jose was 
deeply involved in the Trinidad community. He was an active member of 
the Sociedad De San Antonia de Padua and the Holy Trinity Church as 
well.
  Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to pay tribute today to a fine American. 
A loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather and great 
grandfather, Jose Macario Valdez will be deeply missed by his family 
and the Trinidad community. I am proud to call Jose's valiant 
protection of our country, and selfless dedication to the Trinidad 
community to the attention of this body of Congress and this nation 
here today. My thoughts go out to his family in this difficult time.

                          ____________________