[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 24]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 32655]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                 HONORING BALBINA ``BARBIE'' HERNANDEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. CHARLES A. GONZALEZ

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 16, 2009

  Mr. GONZALEZ. Madam Speaker, on December 11, 2009, San Antonio lost a 
great public servant when Balbina ``Barbie'' Hernandez passed away at 
the age of 62. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Barbie 
Hernandez as we celebrate her life, which was highlighted by decades of 
community service, philanthropy, and leadership.
  Balbina Hernandez was born on November 2 and was named after her 
paternal grandmother. She was nicknamed ``Barbie'' in high school and 
was by known by this name the rest of her life.
  She was an active member of her community, serving countless 
organizations and served the City of San Antonio for 18 years, which 
included being part of then Mayor Henry Cisneros' administration. As a 
single parent, Barbie passionately worked to be a role model for young 
women and boldly carried a red purse to remind people of the disparity 
in pay between men and women. Also, as a proud Vok, Barbie was 
dedicated to Lanier High School and worked to make a difference for the 
students attending her alma mater.
  After working tirelessly to earn her bachelor's degree from the 
University of the Incarnate Word she set out to work for the Mexican 
American & Hispanic Physicians Association, MAHPA, as Executive 
Director. At MAHPA, Barbie took great joy in working to make college 
and medical school a reality for so many kids.
  The City of San Antonio and the State of Texas feel a little emptier 
now, but we have all lived richer, better lives because of the life of 
Balbina ``Barbie'' Hernandez. Her life may have ended, but her 
contributions will live on and generations shall enjoy the fruits of 
her labor.

                          ____________________