| CACOST Annual Health Retreat |
I recently attended the Community Action Corporation of South Texas (CACOST) Annual Health Center Retreat in at the Richard Borchard Fairgrounds in Robstown, Texas. During the retreat, I had the opportunity to meet with CACOST Health Center COO Javier Garcia, speak with nearly 200 CACOST health center staff members, and present Provider of the Year awards to the 2016 recipients.
CACOST is a non-profit organization that provides healthcare, housing, and economic and educational opportunities in order to reduce poverty and enhance the livelihood of South Texas residents.
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| Rep. Vela Delivers Remarks at Kingsville City Hall Grand Opening |
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| Rep. Filemon Vela pictured with Kingsville Mayor Sam Fugate |
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Last week, I attended the grand opening celebration of the new Kingsville City Hall, where I gave remarks and presented Mayor Sam Fugate with a flag that had been flown over the United States Capitol in Washington, DC.
The new City Hall is located at the Historic 1909 H.M. King High School, which is named after Henrietta M. King, widow of Captain Richard King, founder of the world famous King Ranch. At the time of its completion, the H.M. King School housed all grades of the Kingsville school system. The building went on to be used as the high school and then the junior high before being closed permanently in the late 1980s.
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| Rep. Vela Pays Tribute to Vietnam Veterans |
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Rep. Vela delivers remarks at the Rio Grande Valley Vietnam War Veterans Tribute Ceremony
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To mark the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War, the City of San Benito hosted the Rio Grande Valley Vietnam War Veterans Tribute Ceremony.
I had the honor of paying tribute to Veterans who served in the Vietnam War and presenting them with pins to acknowledge their selfless service to our Country.
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| RGV Food Bank Celebrates 30 Years |
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| Rep. Vela and Rep. Hinojosa pose in front of a portion of donated food with a representative from Tyson Foods |
Last month, the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley is celebrating 30 years of serving families and fighting hunger in South Texas. Since its inception, the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley has partnered with food pantries and organizations throughout Hidalgo, Willacy and Cameron Counties to increase food access to those in need.
In partnership with Tyson Foods and Congressman Ruben Hinojosa, I had the pleasure of presenting 30,000 pounds of chicken products to the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley. The donation was distributed to 250 partner agencies of the food bank, and will play a large role in feeding over 40,000 South Texans per week. Organizations like the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley play a critical role in feeding women, children and senior citizens, and during my time in Congress, I have been a strong supporter of federal anti-hunger programs and funding for food banks. I plan to continue my strong and vocal support of these programs in the 115th Congress.
As we approach the Thanksgiving holiday, I am thankful that thousands of families around the country are receiving meals because of the hard work of food banks like the Food Bank of the Rio Grande Valley.
I wish all of you a safe and happy Thanksgiving with family and friends.
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Rep. Vela Meets with County Judge Pat Calhoun
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In my recent meeting with Goliad County Judge Pat Calhoun, we discussed the impact of the Zika virus, the healthcare needs of the county, and funding for colonias. I look forward to continuing to work with Judge Calhoun to improve Goliad County.
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| Kingsville Student Participates in 2016 Broadcom Masters |
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Joaquin Haces-Garcia was one of 30 finalists chosen to participate in the 2016 Broadcom MASTERS in Washington, DC. He was selected from a pool of over 2,000 initial applicants to become one of 300 semifinalists, before being named a finalist. Joaquin's project, Preventing Heat Stroke – Implementing a Novel Car Seat Alarm System, is an impressive invention designed to set off an alarm if there is a child left in the car seat.
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Weslaco East High School |
I visited with a group of 50 students at Weslaco East High School. During my time there, I discussed my role in Congress and, given the recent election, explained the process of the Electoral College. It was a pleasure getting to spend time with our next generation of leaders.
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