[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 161 (2015), Part 12]
[House]
[Page 16351]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING ORTIZ FAMILY SERVICE IN U.S. ARMED FORCES

  (Mr. RUIZ asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 
minute.)
  Mr. RUIZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a remarkable family of 
American heroes, men and women who since World War II have served in 
our Armed Forces to keep all of us and our way of life safe and secure.
  The story begins with Mr. Esabel Parga Ortiz and his wife, Maria 
Montoya Ortiz, who migrated to the United States from Mexico in 1912 
and, in 1915, moved to the Coachella Valley.
  In the heart of our southern California desert, they put down roots--
resilient roots, mind you--and raised their children to value the 
American Dream. It was those teachings that inspired and drove their 
sons, Pete and Joseph, to enlist in the U.S. armed services and defend 
our Nation. Ever since World War II, every generation of the Ortiz 
family, totaling over 50 family members, have bravely served in 
America's Armed Forces, putting their lives on the line to protect our 
freedoms.
  For their selfless and honorable service, I am proud to recognize the 
valor and sacrifices of the Ortiz family.
  Thank you for your service.

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