[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 3312]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING BROWNSVILLE LEADERS BOB AND RACHEL TORRES

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. FILEMON VELA

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 25, 2014

  Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend two 
outstanding individuals who have dedicated more than 50 years to the 
communities of Brownsville, Texas and Matamoros, Tamaulipas, in Mexico 
through their work with the Mr. Amigo Association.
  Since the founding of the Mr. Amigo Association in 1963, Bob and 
Rachel Torres have both pledged time and effort to strengthen the 
relationship and promote the rich culture between these bordering 
cities.
  Mr. Torres began his work in Mr. Amigo Association in 1964 as a 
member of the Board of Directors and went on to serve as the vice-
president, and president of the entire organization in addition to 
chairing the Mr. Amigo Selection Committee. He stayed involved, serving 
as a master of ceremonies, consultant, and liaison between the 
association and its activities in Mexico for the last 40 years. Apart 
from his work with Mr. Amigo, Mr. Torres has been a chairman and member 
of the International Committee of the Brownsville Chamber of Commerce 
for over 20 years and helped establish the Junior Chamber of Commerce 
chapters in Mexico in Matamoros and Valle Hermoso.
  Mrs. Torres, in addition to her accomplishments through the Mr. Amigo 
Association, created the event that now kicks off every Charro Days 
celebration since 1987. This event known as ``Hands Across the 
Border,'' includes the exchange of national flags by schoolchildren 
from both Brownsville and Matamoros and the international greetings by 
their respective mayors. Her involvement in the community goes beyond 
the Mr. Amigo Association, as she played crucial roles in the 
establishment of magnet schools in Brownsville, the Gladys Porter Zoo, 
Brownsville Crime Stoppers, and the Palo Alto Visitors Center. She is 
also a supporter of the arts and an advocate for healthcare access, and 
her faith continues to drive her work for her community and its people.
  As a couple, Bob and Rachel Torres have worked with the American 
Consul in Matamoros and the Mexican Consul in Brownsville. 
Additionally, their work translating countless contracts for labor 
unions, articles of incorporation, and official meeting minutes has 
been essential to the success of maquiladoras in Brownsville and 
Matamoros. All of their accomplishments mentioned here today do not 
come close to fully describing their unwavering commitment to the 
welfare of these two vibrant communities.
  Mr. Speaker, thank you for the opportunity to honor these outstanding 
citizens who have not only fostered a strong relationship between 
Brownsville and Matamoros, but between the United States and Mexico as 
well.

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