Monica De La Cruz

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and extraordinary legacy of Lieutenant Santiago C. Soliz, a cherished family man, proud veteran, and devoted public servant from Alice, Texas.

A proud graduate of Alice High School, Lt. Soliz went on to answer the call of duty through his service in the United States Army. Upon returning home, he chose to continue serving his community, dedicating more than three decades of service to the Alice Police Department.

Beyond his long and distinguished career, Lt. Soliz was the heart and foundation of his family. Alongside his beloved wife, Belen, they built a home filled with love for their children, Juan Carlos and Monica, and grandchildren, Mason and Karley.

Lt. Soliz lived a life defined by strength, selfless service, and love for his family and community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Aviation Ordnanceman Third Class Petty Officer Janyssa Lilybeth Espinoza for her exceptional service in the United States Navy.

Raised in Texas, Petty Officer Espinoza graduated from Veterans Memorial High School before enlisting in the Navy at age 19. She proudly represents our community as the first woman in her family to serve our nation in the military.

As an Aviation Ordnanceman aboard the USS George Washington and the USS Abraham Lincoln, she carries out critical flight deck operations, handling weapons and supporting our F-18 and F-35 aircraft under demanding conditions.

Especially during her extended ten-month deployment at sea aboard the USS Abraham Lincoln, Petty Officer Espinoza showed herself to be a true leader, stepping up during the most challenging of times to support her fellow sailors while working long hours thousands of miles away from her loved ones. Through it all, she remained steadfast in her love of country and remained focused on the mission at hand.

Petty Officer Espinoza exemplifies the courage, sacrifice, and dedication that define our Armed Forces. I thank Petty Officer Espinoza for her selfless devotion to our Nation, and I wish her fair winds and following seas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the incredible 105th birthday of Mrs. Ofelia Mata Lugo.

Born in 1921, Ofelia's life is a beautiful stow of strength, faith, and family. As a young woman, she worked tirelessly harvesting crops before settling in Mercedes with her husband, Leonel, to raise their family. Through every chapter of her journey, including achieving her lifelong dream of becoming a United States citizen in 1967, her spirit has always shone bright.

Today, Ofelia is the proud mother of five children, a grandmother of 13, and a great-grandmother of 24. Her life has been filled with countless moments of joy, from cheering on the Mercedes Tigers and the Dallas Cowboys, to standing proudly beside her son, Leonel, Jr., as he retired from the United States Army.

Ofelia remains a shining example of the American dream and the strength of our South Texas heritage. I congratulate her on 105 years.