The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING THE LIFE OF HECTOR F. ELIZALDE
______
HON. GRACE F. NAPOLITANO
of california
in the house of representatives
Monday, March 8, 2021
Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a true champion for veterans, a dear friend, a wonderful employee and colleague, a proud resident of the City of Monrovia, and a dedicated, caring gentleman in Hector Elizalde, our beloved Deputy District Director of the 32nd District, who died on February 7, 2021, from complications due to COVID-19. For the past 11 years, Hector was truly devoted to his job of defending, advocating for, and serving veterans and their families, and tackling any problem that came his way. He was the embodiment of what it means to serve one's nation and one's community, holding true to his pledge to never leave a soldier behind, whether on the battlefield or city street.
Hector F. Elizalde was born in Chicago, IL on February 15, 1946. He served in the United States Army from July 31, 1964, until he was honorably discharged on July 28, 1967. Hector later graduated from California State University, Los Angeles with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He worked for some of America's most recognized companies, such as Anheuser-Busch, Stroh Brewery Company, PepsiCo, and Don King Productions. His career advancements led the Elizalde family to live throughout the country, from 1984, in the states of Michigan, Connecticut, New York, and Florida until his return to California in 1997. Hector could have continued excelling in lucrative professions, but he had a great sense of duty to any and all fellow veterans, and also to his neighbors.
From the very first day he entered our office in the spring of 2010 until his very last on this earth, Hector honorably served the veteran community. Whether it was helping a homeless veteran find shelter or escorting the casket of a fallen servicemember at the airport, Hector's compassion for helping veterans touched countless lives. Giving out his personal cell phone number was nothing out of the ordinary, and whenever he did so, he made sure everyone knew that it was a 24/7 number.
Hector understood the frustration many veterans felt because of delays in VA benefits and routine health checkups that would take an entire day. He took this personally and vowed we must do better. Under his tenure as Military/Veterans Liaison, we began to hold an annual Veterans Forum, to bring the VA to the San Gabriel Valley, which grew in size and reach each successive year. As a result of Hector's persistence and laser-focus on the mission, the San Gabriel Valley VA Health Clinic was opened in May 2019 in Arcadia, CA.
A sharp dresser, but very humble individual, he never sought nor wanted praise. He was there for everybody. He served not only the people of the 32nd District, but all of Los Angeles County, as Chair of the Los Angeles County Veterans Advisory Commission, to which he was appointed by LA County Supervisor Kathryn Barger.
Since his passing, the outpouring from people whose lives he touched has been immeasurable, because he was a true believer in public service. From the many hours he spent resolving constituents' casework, to the city council meetings, weekend veteran and community events he would attend; for Hector, the public's needs always came first.
Hector is survived by his ex-wife, Elaine, the mother of his two adult children; sons Phillip and Edward; Edward's wife Ingrid; and their two children, Isabella and Aiden. Hector truly loved and was proud of his family, especially his grandchildren.
Hector made us all feel like family. He was kind, respectful, thoughtful, and helpful to everyone he met. His charisma and smile will never be forgotten. His laughter and the way he cared for others will forever live on in our memories. It was our honor to be able to work alongside him.
The world has lost a hero. Hector was the best of the best, and we are all better people because of him. There is no one else like him and probably never will be, but it is safe to say, our world needs more Hectors.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 43
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