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[Page H7994]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING RAY O'CANTO
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from
California (Mr. Costa) for 5 minutes.
Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an incredible
individual, a man who is a beloved member of the San Joaquin Valley
from Fresno, California, Mr. Ray O'Canto.
Sadly, Ray passed away 2 weeks ago after a short battle with cancer.
He was a native of the San Joaquin Valley, born in Visalia, and
played baseball at the College of the Sequoias and his beloved Fresno
State Bulldogs. He also served for many years as the voice of the
Fresno State baseball team.
In 2008, when the Bulldogs went from the underdogs to the wonder dogs
and made their improbable run to win the College World Series, the
collegiate national championship, Ray was there with his excitement and
his enthusiasm that spread throughout the valley.
He was also a popular media personality, hosting a show that
showcased the food and history of the great San Joaquin Valley and the
incredible cornucopia of products that we produce.
Those who knew Ray said he radiated positivity and enthusiasm in
everything he did, and that was the case.
He loved our community, and his loss will be felt for a very long
time.
Madam Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues to
join me in honoring our friend, Ray O'Canto.
National Hispanic Heritage Month
Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Hispanic
Heritage Month and the countless Hispanic Americans who have
contributed so much to the richness and diversity of our Nation.
Ray O'Canto was an example, but there are so many, many, many
examples.
In my district, again in the San Joaquin Valley of California, the
majority of our constituents trace their origin to Hispanic
communities. Actually, in California, it goes back to the very origins
of the State, about 400 years ago.
They, in so many different ways, reflect the diversity and the
breadth and the width in our community and in our Nation in business,
in education, in the military, in labor, in sports; meaningful
contributions, working people that make a difference every day giving
back.
The Hispanic community throughout our country reflects the American
story, and that is the story, I believe, of the immigrant, immigrants
past and immigrants present, all wanting to make a contribution and to
live what we call the American Dream. The dream that is held near and
dear by everyone throughout the world who admires and appreciates that
America is a beacon of light, and certainly it has been for the
Hispanic communities.
There are so many different individuals that I could recognize in my
congressional district. I would like to mention a couple of individuals
that I think reflect the temerity, the tenaciousness, and the
willingness to give back.
Mr. Aguilera, a first-generation immigrant, worked his way from being
homeless to owning his own business. He founded the Merced Soccer
Academy, a local nonprofit organization which brings young people
together to compete and to learn from one another. Every Monday, he
hosts meetings for community members to share in events.
Another individual that I work with from the California Highway
Patrol is Officer Aldo Garcia, also known as ``El Protector''. ``The
Protector'' is a community outreach officer that focuses toward the
Hispanic community. His emphasis on education, not just law
enforcement, has broken down barriers for peace officers and created a
more approachable situation.
There are so many examples: Jose Ramirez, a world champion boxer and
an Olympic competitor; Tom Flores, two-time Superbowl championship
coach for the Oakland Raiders. The list just goes on and on and on.
And guess what? All of these individuals and their families reflect
immigrant origins coming to live the American Dream.
Isn't that really what it is all about? I believe so.
Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognition of
National Hispanic Heritage Month and the noteworthy accomplishments
that Hispanic Americans make throughout our country, serving in our
Armed Forces, making the sacrifices that all Americans make. It is what
makes our country the great country it is.
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