HONORING THE SERVICE OF SERGEANT J.J. DE LA CERDA

On 2026-07-30, Representative Vicente Gonzalez (D-TX-34) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE SERVICE OF SERGEANT J.J. DE LA CERDA" in the House.

HONORING THE SERVICE OF SERGEANT J.J. DE LA CERDA

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 125 (Thursday, July 30, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 125 (Thursday, July 30, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E754] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE SERVICE OF SERGEANT J.J. DE LA CERDA ______ HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ of texas in the house of representatives Thursday, July 30, 2026 Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the admirable career and dedicated service of Sergeant J.J. De La Cerda, Director of the Nueces County Veterans Services. Sergeant De La Cerda has devoted his life to those who made the ultimate sacrifice. He is a proud veteran of the United States Marine Corps, serving honorably from 2001 to 2005 with the 1st Marine Division, 2nd Battalion, 11th Marines, and deployed twice in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Throughout his military career, Sergeant De La Cerda distinguished himself through exemplary leadership and courage. In recognition of his service, he earned numerous honors, including the Iraq Campaign Medal with two Bronze Campaign Stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with a Gold Star, and the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with Bronze Star. Since his honorable discharge in 2005, Sergeant De La Cerda has continued his lifelong dedication to veterans through a distinguished career in public service. He began by overseeing State Veterans Cemeteries in Mission and Corpus Christi, Texas, and now serves as the Director of Nueces County Veterans Services, where he works to ensure veterans and their families receive the recognition and benefits, they deserve. For his tireless work, he has been awarded the Texas Veterans Commission Top Performer Award and the Corpus Christi Mayor's Committee for Veterans Affairs Veteran Advocate of the Year Award. Sergeant De La Cerda has made a lasting impact on the lives of countless veterans across South Texas. From assisting veterans with federal benefits claims to ensuring our Nation's heroes receive dignified final honors: he has exemplified the highest ideals of public service. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Texas's 34th Congressional District, I extend my deepest gratitude to Sergeant De La Cerda for his courage, integrity, and the personal sacrifices he made in devotion to our community. He is a source of pride and inspiration for all South Texans, and I am honored to recognize his contributions. ____________________