[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 15847]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING ALFONSO J. ORTIZ

                                 ______
                                 

                      HON. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM

                             of new mexico

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, November 17, 2014

  Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today 
to honor the life of Alfonso J. Ortiz, a devoted husband, loving father 
and proud New Mexican.
  Alfonso's New Mexico roots run deep--he is a direct descendent of a 
Conquistador during the time of Diego De Vargas who served as Spanish 
governor for the New Spain territory of Santa Fe de Nuevo Mexico. 
Alfonso would carry on this legacy. From the beginning, Alfonso 
displayed an impassioned sense of duty, pride and commitment to those 
he loved, his community and our country. At 17 years old, Alfonso 
proudly enlisted in the United States Army serving with honor and 
distinction in World War II.
  Alfonso would embark on a 30-year career as a Civil Service Employee 
with the United States Post Office (USPS). Starting out as a Rural 
Route Letter Carrier, Alfonso ascended through the ranks and at one 
point supervised all the mail carriers in Santa Fe. Alfonso was a man 
of great integrity and revered by his employees. Whenever a letter 
carrier passed by, they would remind his children of what a wonderful 
boss he was; they would do anything in the world for him because they 
knew he never asked of them anything he would not do himself.
  After World War II, Alfonso returned to New Mexico to marry the love 
of his life Anne Rodriguez. They would live out their life together in 
Santa Fe, New Mexico with their 6 children and 8 grandchildren. 
Alfonso's unconditional and everlasting love for his family was 
boundless and when his wife Anne developed cancer he was her main 
caregiver, always at her side, even as she drew her last breath.
  Alfonso represents the best of our country--kindness toward others, 
respect for everyone and limitless love. He lived his life with ardor, 
zeal and enterprise; striving to create a better life for his family 
and community. Alfonso is a spectacular new Mexican who moved and 
inspired individuals not with rhetoric but through actions, leading by 
example. Today, Alfonso is not with us but his legacy and lessons will 
endure in all those he met. May the memory of Alfonso live on in our 
hearts.

                          ____________________