Floor SpeechCeremonial2026-06-23

CONGRATULATING VICKY TORRES

Veterans

Context

On 2026-06-23, Representative J. Luis Correa (D-CA-46) delivered a floor speech titled "CONGRATULATING VICKY TORRES" in the House.

Full Text

CONGRATULATING VICKY TORRES

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 105 (Tuesday, June 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 105 (Tuesday, June 23, 2026)] [House] [Page H4135] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CONGRATULATING VICKY TORRES (Mr. Correa of California was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Vicky Torres on receiving her bachelor of science degree in nursing from Cal State Fullerton. Vicky was born in the city of Orange and raised in Santa Ana, where she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at the age of 7. For over a decade, she fought through countless rounds of chemotherapy, surgeries, and rehab. The support and kindness she got from the medical teams inspired Vicky to pursue a degree in nursing. She enrolled at Santa Ana College's associate's degree program in nursing before transferring to Cal State Fullerton. Navigating college was hard enough, let alone doing it with multiple surgeries. Of course it was very hard, but her determination carried her through. I ask you today to join me in commending Ms. Torres for her accomplishments and for her degree. Recognizing Norma E. Martinez Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Ms. Norma Martinez, superintendent of Centralia Elementary School District where she has been the superintendent since July 1, 2015. A graduate of my alma mater, Anaheim High School, Superintendent Martinez was named Superintendent of the Year by the 2026 Association of California School Administrators Region 17. For the past decade, she has led Centralia Elementary School District with strength and commitment to student success. I thank Superintendent Martinez for her support of her students, for her leadership, and for providing our children with an excellent education. Honoring the Service of Manuel Castruita Licerio Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the late Manuel Castruita Licerio, a member of the Greatest Generation, a proud World War II veteran, whose service reflects courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to our Nation. Manuel served in the U.S. Army during one of the most defining moments in our world history. Through his commitment and leadership, he rose to the rank of staff sergeant, earning the respect of those who served beside him. For his service, he was awarded the American Defense Service Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Honorable Service Lapel Button. Today, let's pause to express our deepest gratitude not only for what he did in uniform but for the freedoms his service helped secure for generations to come. I thank Manuel for his service to our great Nation which will never be forgotten. ____________________

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CONGRATULATING VICKY TORRES Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 105 (Tuesday, June 23, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 105 (Tuesday, June 23, 2026)] [House] [Page H4135] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CONGRATULATING VICKY TORRES (Mr. Correa of California was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Vicky Torres on receiving her bachelor of science degree in nursing from Cal State Fullerton. Vicky was born in the city of Orange and raised in Santa Ana, where she was diagnosed with osteosarcoma at the age of 7. For over a decade, she fought through countless rounds of chemotherapy, surgeries, and rehab. The support and kindness she got from the medical teams inspired Vicky to pursue a degree in nursing. She enrolled at Santa Ana College's associate's degree program in nursing before transferring to Cal State Fullerton. Navigating college was hard enough, let alone doing it with multiple surgeries. Of course it was very hard, but her determination carried her through. I ask you today to join me in commending Ms. Torres for her accomplishments and for her degree. Recognizing Norma E. Martinez Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Ms. Norma Martinez, superintendent of Centralia Elementary School District where she has been the superintendent since July 1, 2015. A graduate of my alma mater, Anaheim High School, Superintendent Martinez was named Superintendent of the Year by the 2026 Association of California School Administrators Region 17. For the past decade, she has led Centralia Elementary School District with strength and commitment to student success. I thank Superintendent Martinez for her support of her students, for her leadership, and for providing our children with an excellent education. Honoring the Service of Manuel Castruita Licerio Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the late Manuel Castruita Licerio, a member of the Greatest Generation, a proud World War II veteran, whose service reflects courage, sacrifice, and unwavering dedication to our Nation. Manuel served in the U.S. Army during one of the most defining moments in our world history. Through his commitment and leadership, he rose to the rank of staff sergeant, earning the respect of those who served beside him. For his service, he was awarded the American Defense Service Medal, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Honorable Service Lapel Button. Today, let's pause to express our deepest gratitude not only for what he did in uniform but for the freedoms his service helped secure for generations to come. I thank Manuel for his service to our great Nation which will never be forgotten. ____________________