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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E898-E899]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
IN RECOGNITION OF THE 85TH BIRTHDAY OF MR. PAUL ROJAS
______
HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER
of missouri
in the house of representatives
Thursday, July 11, 2019
Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, I proudly rise today to celebrate the
85th birthday of the Honorable Paul Rojas and to recognize his numerous
contributions to Missouri's Fifth Congressional District. Mr. Rojas'
life has been dedicated to the betterment of those around him and it is
an honor to have the opportunity to recognize his service.
Paul Rojas was born in 1935 in the Westside Neighborhood of Kansas
City, Missouri. Mr. Rojas is the youngest of six boys and a son of
immigrant parents. Growing up, he and his family frequented Guadalupe
Centers and relied on their services after the death of his mother.
Their kindness and generosity showed Mr. Rojas the effect that a
community organization such as Guadalupe Centers can have on a person's
life. Community organizations provide not only tangible assistance, but
they also teach the importance of helping one's neighbor.
After attending Guadalupe Grade School, he attended De La Salle High
School. He worked in the fields, as a busboy, on the railroads, in
[[Page E899]]
packing houses, and as a machinist for Wishbone and Honeywell. Each of
these positions offered a unique point of view on the needs of the
worker. This gave Mr. Rojas a clear view of the blue-collar community
in Kansas City and the ways in which the lives of workers needed to be
improved. From these experiences, a desire to serve and improve the
lives of others was sparked within him.
As a U.S. Navy veteran serving in the Korean War from 1952 to 1955,
Paul Rojas joined the ranks of great men and women who defended the
United States on the frontlines. Mr. Rojas continues to exhibit the
commitment he showed in his service to the United States with his
membership in the Korean Veterans Association, Veterans of Underage
Military Service, and the American Legion. Within these organizations,
he advocates for those who have served, are currently serving, and who
wish to serve their country in the future.
After serving in the Korean War, civic engagement remained a pillar
of Mr. Rojas' life. He served on various boards and commissions at the
city and county level before pushing to become the first Hispanic
elected to the Missouri General Assembly. As a State Representative,
Paul Rojas initiated national meetings of Hispanic elected officials,
leading to the establishment of the National Association of Latino
Elected and Appointed Officials (NALEO). Mr. Rojas also helped found
the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Washington DC in order to help
hundreds of Hispanic and minority owned businesses network and gain
access to resources.
After his service as a Missouri State Representative, Paul Rojas
continued his devotion to service. He is now chairmen of Guadalupe
Centers Inc., the organization that supported his family in their time
of need. Guadalupe Centers provide training programs, education, after
school activities, and family support programs. Mr. Rojas also
advocates for the welfare of seniors as a member of the Kansas City
Silver Haired Council. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus,
an organization dedicated to charity. Recently, through Guadalupe
Centers Inc., Rojas championed the decision to repurpose a building and
create a youth recreation center that provides students with a safe
location for extracurricular activities and opportunities to keep them
out of trouble.
Throughout his life's work, Paul Rojas has served as a model of
leadership and selflessness. His service in the U.S. Navy, his position
as a Missouri State Representative, his chairing of the oldest Latino
serving non-profit, Guadalupe Centers Inc., and his other leadership
positions demonstrate his commitment to his community and his country.
Mr. Rojas has made a unique contribution to each of these
organizations, representing the reality of many underrepresented
communities. His counsel empowers organizations to better make
decisions about how to benefit those they serve. He continues to create
a community that is well equipped to handle the issues it faces.
It is a privilege to stand today and recognize the contributions and
devotion of Mr. Paul Rojas. Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring
Mr. Rojas' remarkable service to the people of the Greater Kansas City
area and beyond.
____________________