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“TRIBUTE TO JUDGE FIDENCIO M. GUERRA, SR.” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H2549 on May 22, 2001.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
TRIBUTE TO JUDGE FIDENCIO M. GUERRA, SR.
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a previous order of the House, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hinojosa) is recognized for 5 minutes.
Mr. HINOJOSA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in our Nation's capital to render a salute to State District Judge Fidencio M. Guerra, Sr., of McAllen, Texas, on behalf of the citizens of the Fifteenth Congressional District of Texas and in honor of his outstanding service and dedication to the Judiciary in the State of Texas.
Judge Guerra was born on a small ranch in Jim Hogg County, Texas, on August the 6th, 1909. Like my father, he grew up in a time where few, if any, Hispanics held leadership positions in the community or the government. He graduated from McAllen High School and went on to the University of Texas where he completed his law degree in 1940. The following year he married Estela Margo, a high school teacher.
During World War II, he was quick to volunteer to serve his country and was assigned to the State Department's legal office. In this capacity, he was sent by special assignment to the U.S. embassy in Bogota, Colombia, and the U.S. Embassy in Madrid, Spain, where he helped negotiate several international cases, including the disposition of Axis war assets in Colombia and assisting the Spanish government in dealing with war refugees.
After the war, he returned to McAllen, Texas, and continued his practice of law. In 1949, Judge Guerra was appointed Assistant Attorney General for the State of Texas where he was instrumental in presenting the State's case against the U.S. government over offshore mineral rights claims. The case ultimately reached the Supreme Court. As one of the first Hispanics to serve in the Texas State Judiciary, he was a role model to my generation and showed us that we too could succeed and hold public office.
During the 1950s, Judge Guerra and his wife Estela became leader in protecting and expanding educational opportunities for Hispanic students. Estela, who passed away in 1999, was a Spanish language teacher at Edinburg High School and also at McAllen High School for 20 years before her retirement in 1977. She received numerous awards for her dedicated service to the children of south Texas, including the American Association of Spanish and Portuguese Servantes Award.
In 1952, Judge Guerra was appointed as the presiding judge of the newly created 139th District Court at the new Hidalgo County Courthouse in Edinburg, Texas. He was successful in his bid to retain his post in the 1956 election, and until his retirement in 1980 ran unopposed in every single election. Even retirement did not slow down Judge Guerra. He continued to serve as a senior visiting judge until the early 1990s.
Judge Guerra has always been willing to answer the call to service both from his government and his community. He remains active in various community organizations, such as Our Lady of Sorrow Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the McAllen Rotary Club.
Judge Guerra and Estela raised seven children and taught them the value of staying in school and completing their education. Their children have followed their example and are professionals and community leaders. Diane Maria was a teacher; Robert is a retired teacher; Carlos is an attorney; Fidencio, Jr. is an attorney and former State district judge; Brenda is a teacher; Judy is a special education teacher; and Daniel is a doctor. They continue Judge Guerra's legacy by teaching today's children that anything is possible if you work hard, you have integrity and follow your dreams.
In conclusion, Judge Guerra's dedicated commitment to both the Hispanic community in the State of Texas is an inspiration and challenge for us all. At age 91, he remains active in the community of McAllen. He truly exemplifies the values to which we all should aspire. Texas is a better place because of his many contributions. And as his Congressman, I wish him continued good health and good fortune. Thank you, Judge Guerra, Sr.
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