[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 152 (2006), Part 5]
[Senate]
[Page 6641]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING MANUEL PORTILLO

 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I rise today to honor a remarkable 
citizen of my home State of California, Mr. Manuel Portillo, as 
National City dedicates the Casa de Salud Manuel Portillo Youth Center 
in his honor.
  Throughout his lifetime, Mr. Portillo has played an exemplary role in 
empowering and improving the lives of children and young adults 
throughout the San Diego community. His tireless efforts to improve his 
beloved community and his selfless service to our Nation has made a 
tangible difference for countless people. The will and vision of Mr. 
Portillo serves as an inspiration to us all.
  Born in 1920, Mr. Portillo rose from humble beginnings to become a 
leader in the San Diego community. As a youth, he developed a passion 
for the sport of boxing that he still enjoys today. At age 12, he was 
earning 25 cents an hour picking celery, yet the strength of character 
for which he has come to be known was only just beginning to emerge. By 
17, Portillo was working for the Civilian Conservation Corps, helping 
develop bridges and campgrounds, many of which are still in use today 
throughout the State, including in Yosemite National Park.
  In 1942, only 30 days after being married, Portillo was drafted by 
the U.S. Army and sent to join the Allied struggle in Europe during the 
height of World War II. While serving in the Army, Portillo honed his 
boxing skills to a fine art and often challenged his fellow soldiers. 
Portillo returned to National City after being honorably discharged and 
after receiving four bronze service stars as a Sergeant in Company A 
378th Infantry.
  After returning home, Portillo dedicated himself to improving his 
community by establishing positive programs for otherwise troubled 
neighborhood youth. He was able to keep many of these kids off the 
streets and out of trouble by teaching them the sport of boxing. With 
an emphasis on sportsmanship and discipline, Portillo has made a 
positive impact in the lives of countless children and young adults. 
His success inspired the creation of the Casa Knight, the Casa Men's 
Club, Santos and Peewees for boys, and the Knightetts. These 
recreational groups have become fundamental vehicles for social 
mobility, encouraging positive self-image and motivation in both an 
extracurricular and academic capacity.
  It is with great pleasure that I commend Manuel Portillo for his 
passionate commitment to helping others and tireless efforts to improve 
the broader San Diego community. I wish him great success in the 
future.

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