The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING WWII VETERAN GUADALUPE ESPINOZA
______
HON. FILEMON VELA
of texas
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, May 11, 2021
Mr. VELA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Guadalupe Espinoza, a World War II veteran celebrating his 100th birthday.
Mr. Espinoza is a Rio Grande Valley native who not only succeeded but thrived despite tremendous odds. Mr. Espinoza dropped out of elementary school after fifth grade and worked at a bakery to help his family during the Great Depression. He was drafted into the Army on Oct. 2, 1942, and while he never imagined joining the military, this experience shaped the spirited and strong-willed man he became.
While serving in the United States Air Force, Mr. Espinoza worked as a ground crew member supporting bomber and fighter aircrafts. He was assigned guard duty near the stern of the second biggest ship, the Queen Mary, and he and his crew voyaged throughout the sea as a German submarine closely followed them. After the four days it took to cross the Atlantic Ocean, he was stationed at a base in England and became an aviation mechanic.
Mr. Espinoza continued to serve our nation in the Air Force for six years, from 1942 to 1948. Upon completion of his service, he returned to his native city of Raymondville, TX where he constructed the building that would house Espinoza Bakery, which he owned and operated until 1980.
Throughout his life, Mr. Espinoza has exemplified true leadership and public service. As we honor Guadalupe Espinoza today, I ask my colleagues to join me, his family, and our community in celebrating his legacy and thanking him for his outstanding service to our great nation.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 81
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