Recognizing Ray O'canto

Floor Speech

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Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an incredible individual, a man who is a beloved member of the San Joaquin Valley from Fresno, California, Mr. Ray O'Canto.

Sadly, Ray passed away 2 weeks ago after a short battle with cancer.

He was a native of the San Joaquin Valley, born in Visalia, and played baseball at the College of the Sequoias and his beloved Fresno State Bulldogs. He also served for many years as the voice of the Fresno State baseball team.

In 2008, when the Bulldogs went from the underdogs to the wonder dogs and made their improbable run to win the College World Series, the collegiate national championship, Ray was there with his excitement and his enthusiasm that spread throughout the valley.

He was also a popular media personality, hosting a show that showcased the food and history of the great San Joaquin Valley and the incredible cornucopia of products that we produce.

Those who knew Ray said he radiated positivity and enthusiasm in everything he did, and that was the case.

He loved our community, and his loss will be felt for a very long time.

Madam Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring our friend, Ray O'Canto. National Hispanic Heritage Month

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Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize National Hispanic Heritage Month and the countless Hispanic Americans who have contributed so much to the richness and diversity of our Nation.

Ray O'Canto was an example, but there are so many, many, many examples.

In my district, again in the San Joaquin Valley of California, the majority of our constituents trace their origin to Hispanic communities. Actually, in California, it goes back to the very origins of the State, about 400 years ago.

They, in so many different ways, reflect the diversity and the breadth and the width in our community and in our Nation in business, in education, in the military, in labor, in sports; meaningful contributions, working people that make a difference every day giving back.

The Hispanic community throughout our country reflects the American story, and that is the story, I believe, of the immigrant, immigrants past and immigrants present, all wanting to make a contribution and to live what we call the American Dream. The dream that is held near and dear by everyone throughout the world who admires and appreciates that America is a beacon of light, and certainly it has been for the Hispanic communities.

There are so many different individuals that I could recognize in my congressional district. I would like to mention a couple of individuals that I think reflect the temerity, the tenaciousness, and the willingness to give back.

Mr. Aguilera, a first-generation immigrant, worked his way from being homeless to owning his own business. He founded the Merced Soccer Academy, a local nonprofit organization which brings young people together to compete and to learn from one another. Every Monday, he hosts meetings for community members to share in events.

Another individual that I work with from the California Highway Patrol is Officer Aldo Garcia, also known as ``El Protector''. ``The Protector'' is a community outreach officer that focuses toward the Hispanic community. His emphasis on education, not just law enforcement, has broken down barriers for peace officers and created a more approachable situation.

There are so many examples: Jose Ramirez, a world champion boxer and an Olympic competitor; Tom Flores, two-time Superbowl championship coach for the Oakland Raiders. The list just goes on and on and on.

And guess what? All of these individuals and their families reflect immigrant origins coming to live the American Dream.

Isn't that really what it is all about? I believe so.

Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognition of National Hispanic Heritage Month and the noteworthy accomplishments that Hispanic Americans make throughout our country, serving in our Armed Forces, making the sacrifices that all Americans make. It is what makes our country the great country it is.

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