The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO VIETNAM WAR VETERAN ARTURO LARA
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HON. JOAQUIN CASTRO
of texas
in the house of representatives
Wednesday, July 13, 2022
Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, today I rise in honor of United States Air Force Veteran Arturo Lara, who passed away on May 8, 2020. Mr. Lara hailed from my hometown of San Antonio, Texas and is survived by his wife of 58 years, Consuelo R. Lara, eldest son Arturo R. Lara, Jr., daughter Elizabeth R. Lara, and youngest son Louis R. Lara. Although I am saddened to learn of his passing, I am confident his memory will live on through his many loved ones.
Arturo Lara was born in San Antonio, Texas on July 16, 1943, to Simon and Alfonsa Vargas Lara. At a young age, Mr. Lara knew he wanted to be a family man and to serve his country. With permission from his grandfather, Simon Lara, he enlisted in the United States Air Force at the age of 16. Mr. Lara courageously served our country for 24 years, taking on different duty assignments across the globe. Mr. Lara notably served on high-risk missions as an Air Commando under Special Forces. During the Vietnam conflict, Mr. Lara was captured by enemy forces for 90 days to later escape shortly after his 18th birthday. Upon retiring from the Air Force, Mr. Lara went on to civil service and worked at Kelly Air Force Base in San Antonio and Fort Hood in Killeen, Texas. After 51 years of combined military and civil service, Mr. Lara retired in 2011.
Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize the life and service of a person who dedicated themselves to family and country. The sacrifice and commitment our service members undertake is immeasureble and should never be taken for granted. We thank Mr. Lara for his many years of service and commitment to our great country.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 115
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