Floor SpeechNeutral2026-01-16

HONORING RAMON "RAY" A. BORREGO

TaxesDefenseVeterans

Context

On 2026-01-16, Representative Tony Gonzales (R-TX-23) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING RAMON "RAY" A. BORREGO" in the House. The speech addressed taxes and also covered defense, veterans affairs.

Full Text

HONORING RAMON "RAY" A. BORREGO

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 12 (Friday, January 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 12 (Friday, January 16, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E49] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING RAMON ``RAY'' A. BORREGO _____ HON. TONY GONZALES of texas in the house of representatives Friday, January 16, 2026 Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ramon ``Ray'' A. Borrego, a proud American whose life of service reflects the highest traditions of our Armed Forces and our veteran community. At the age of 21, Ray Borrego was drafted into the United States Army in April of 1967. He completed basic training at Fort Bliss, followed by Advanced Individual Training at the renowned ``Tiger Land'' at Fort Polk, Louisiana, before deploying from Fort Lewis to Vietnam in September 1967. During his year in Vietnam, he served with A Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry, of the Airmobile Infantry Division, one of the most heavily engaged units of the war. After returning to the United States in 1968, he completed his service at Fort Dix and Fort Carson, receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1969. Mr. Speaker, Ray's service did not end with his military career. His hometown of San Elizario has a long and proud military history, but for many years its veterans had only a small museum room honoring their contributions. In 2007, Ray helped change that. As a founding member and the very first Chairperson of the San Elizario Veterans Committee, he helped lead a remarkable transformation of how his community honors those who served. Under his leadership, the Committee established a permanent Veterans Museum, created the Veterans Memorial Brick Walk, and expanded the annual Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony. The Committee also launched the Honor Salute for fallen San Eli veterans, supported cemetery upkeep, conducted fundraising, and championed the effort to designate San Elizario as a Purple Heart City. His leadership extended beyond San Elizario as a co-founder of the Lower Valley Veterans Alliance and a participant in Mission 15 of the Rio Grande Honor Flight. Although Ray stepped down as Chairperson in 2024, he continues to serve as Co-Chair, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to honoring veterans across the Lower Valley. Mr. Speaker, Ramon Borrego represents the best of our country--a soldier, a leader, and a dedicated servant to his community. Today we recognize and thank him for a lifetime of service. ____________________

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HONORING RAMON "RAY" A. BORREGO Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 12 (Friday, January 16, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 12 (Friday, January 16, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E49] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING RAMON ``RAY'' A. BORREGO _____ HON. TONY GONZALES of texas in the house of representatives Friday, January 16, 2026 Mr. TONY GONZALES of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ramon ``Ray'' A. Borrego, a proud American whose life of service reflects the highest traditions of our Armed Forces and our veteran community. At the age of 21, Ray Borrego was drafted into the United States Army in April of 1967. He completed basic training at Fort Bliss, followed by Advanced Individual Training at the renowned ``Tiger Land'' at Fort Polk, Louisiana, before deploying from Fort Lewis to Vietnam in September 1967. During his year in Vietnam, he served with A Company, 2nd Battalion, 5th Cavalry, of the Airmobile Infantry Division, one of the most heavily engaged units of the war. After returning to the United States in 1968, he completed his service at Fort Dix and Fort Carson, receiving an Honorable Discharge in 1969. Mr. Speaker, Ray's service did not end with his military career. His hometown of San Elizario has a long and proud military history, but for many years its veterans had only a small museum room honoring their contributions. In 2007, Ray helped change that. As a founding member and the very first Chairperson of the San Elizario Veterans Committee, he helped lead a remarkable transformation of how his community honors those who served. Under his leadership, the Committee established a permanent Veterans Museum, created the Veterans Memorial Brick Walk, and expanded the annual Veterans Day Parade and Ceremony. The Committee also launched the Honor Salute for fallen San Eli veterans, supported cemetery upkeep, conducted fundraising, and championed the effort to designate San Elizario as a Purple Heart City. His leadership extended beyond San Elizario as a co-founder of the Lower Valley Veterans Alliance and a participant in Mission 15 of the Rio Grande Honor Flight. Although Ray stepped down as Chairperson in 2024, he continues to serve as Co-Chair, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to honoring veterans across the Lower Valley. Mr. Speaker, Ramon Borrego represents the best of our country--a soldier, a leader, and a dedicated servant to his community. Today we recognize and thank him for a lifetime of service. ____________________