[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 12]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 16275]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




             TRIBUTE TO CHIEF PATROL AGENT SIMON GARZA, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. HENRY BONILLA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 27, 2006

  Mr. BONILLA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great American soon 
scheduled to end his lifelong career of service to our Nation--U.S. 
Customs and Border Protection Border Patrol Marfa Sector Chief Patrol 
Agent Simon Garza, Jr.
  Born in Laredo, Texas, Chief Garza has spent his entire career 
fighting to secure our borders and ensure our freedoms. Chief Garza 
began his career, after studying engineering at the University of 
Houston, by serving in the United States Army, including service in the 
Republic of Vietnam in 1969 and 1970. In 1975 he joined the United 
States Border Patrol as a member of the 107th Session at Port Isabel, 
Texas. After graduation from the Border Patrol Academy, he received his 
first assignment in his home State in the Del Rio Sector. After much 
hard work and determination, Chief Garza was promoted in 1985 to 
Supervisory Border Patrol Agent. By 1990 he was again promoted to 
Patrol Agent in Charge, and by 1994 he was part of the senior staff at 
the Del Rio Sector Headquarters, serving as Assistant Chief Patrol 
Agent.
  One year later Chief Garza's leadership role dramatically expanded 
when he was named Deputy Chief of the United States Border Patrol in 
Washington, D.C. There he represented the Border Patrol across the 
world, including in the Middle East, where he shared his valuable 
insight and experience with foreign leaders and governments.
  After serving in Washington, DC, Chief Garza returned back to the 
field to lead the Marfa Sector as Chief Patrol Agent. During his tenure 
as Chief Patrol Agent, Chief Garza has modernized his sector to respond 
to the growing threats to our national security by utilizing mission-
oriented technology and transitioning the Sector Intelligence Unit to a 
pro-active organization. Day in and day out, Chief Garza and his well-
trained staff put their lives on the line to tirelessly work to protect 
our country.
  I am proud to commend my good friend--and a hero to our Nation--Chief 
Simon Garza, Jr., for his distinguished and honorable career. His 
straightforward and unwavering leadership will be greatly missed. 
Congratulations on a job well done, Chief.

                          ____________________