Henry Cuellar for Congress | Proven Leadership for Texas

EDUCATION

The University of Texas at Austin
Ph.D. in Government, 1998.

Texas A&M International University (formerly Laredo State University), Laredo, Texas
Master in Business Administration (international Trade), 1982.

The University of Texas at Austin Law School
Doctor of Jurisprudence, 1981.

Universidad Pan Americana, Mexico City, Mexico
University of Houston Mexican Legal Studies Program, 1980.

Georgetown University, Washington D.C
Bachelor of Science in Foreign Service, Cum Laude, 1978.

Laredo Junior College, Laredo, Texas
Associate of Arts in Political Science, Summa Cum Laude,1976.

 

United States Congress
Representative for Texas District 28

Secretary of State of Texas
2001

Texas House of Representatives
State Representative for District 42 from 1987 to 2001

Law Office of Henry Cuellar, Laredo, Texas
Attorney-at-Law. Licensed in 1981

Enrique R. Cuellar, U.S. Customs Broker, Laredo, Texas
Licensed in 1983

Texas A&M International (formerly Laredo State University) - Masters Programs for International Trade
Adjunct Professor for International Commercial Law from 1984 to 1986

Laredo Community College (formerly Junior College)
Instructor in the Department of Government from 1982 to 1986

LICENSES & SPECIALIZATIONS

• Certified to practice law in all Texas Courts, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Texas and the United States Court of International Trade
• Trained by the American Arbitration Association (AAA) to serve as an Arbitrator and Mediator
• Licensed U.S Customhouse Broker

LEGISLATIVE EXPERIENCE & APPOINTMENTS

2007-2008
Chairman:                     U.S. House of Representatives Subcommittee on Emergency       Communications, Preparedness and Response
Member:                        U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Homeland Security
Member:                        U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture
Member:                        U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business
Member:                        Congressional Hispanic Caucus
Co-Founder:                  Veterans’ Mental Health Caucus

2005-2006
Member:                       U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Agriculture
Member:                       U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Small Business
Member:                                   Congressional Hispanic Caucus

2001
Texas Secretary of State

1999-2000
Chairman:                    House Appropriations Subcommittee on Education
Chairman:                    House Research Organization Steering Committee
Chairman:                    House Research Organization Steering Committee
Chairman-elect:            Fiscal Affairs Committee of the Southern Legislative Conference
Vice Chair:                   House Higher Education Committee
Vice Chair:                   House Higher Education Committee
Vice Chair/Chairman: Fiscal Affairs Committee of the Southern Legislative Conference

Vice Chair/Chairman: Committee on the Southern Border of the Council of State
               Governments
Co-Chair:                      T.E.X.A.S Grant Oversight Committee
Co-Chair:                     Unfunded Mandates Interagency Task Force
Member:                       House Appropriations Committee
Member:                       House Calendars Committee
Member:                       State Comptroller’s E-Texas Legislative Advisory Committee
Vice Chair:                   Higher Education Committee

1997-1998
Chairman:                    House Appropriations Subcommittee on Education
Chairman:                    House Research Organization Steering Committee
Member:                       House Appropriations Committee
Member:                       House Higher Education Committee

1995-1996
Chairman:                    House Research Organization Steering Committee
Chairman:                    House Appropriations Subcommittee on Public Safety, Criminal Justice    
and Judiciary
Member:                       House Appropriations Committee
Member:                       House Juvenile Justice and Family Issues Committee

1993-1994
Chairman:                    House Research Organization Steering Committee
Member:                       House Appropriations Committee
Member:                       House Judicial Affairs Committee

1991-1992
Chairman:                    House Budget & Oversight of the Financial Institutions Committee
Vice-Chair:                   House Research Organization Steering Committee
Member:                       Financial Instructions Committee
Member:                       House Appropriations Committee
Member:                       Texas Water Commission Rio Grande Basin Steering Committee
Member:                       Federal Preemption & State Federal Affairs Committee
Member:                       Texas Supreme Court News Citizens’ Commission of the Texas Judicial     
System

1989-1990
Vice-Chair:                   State, Federal, and International Relations Committee
Member:                       Science & Technology Committee
Member:                       State, federal and International Relations Committee
Member:                       House Local & Consent Calendars Committee

1987-1988
Chairman:                    Subcommittee on International Trade between Texas and Mexico
Member:                       Subcommittee on Minorities and Women in Business
Member:                       Subcommittee on Oversight of the Texas Department of Commerce
Member:                       Select Committee on Sentencing and Recidivism
Member:                       Budget & Oversight of the Business and Commerce, and Liquor
Regulation Committees
Member:                       Business and Commerce Committee
Member:                       Liquor Regulation Committee

HONORS, AWARDS AND DISTINCTIONS

2008

• National Association of Community Health Centers, Certificate of Recognition for Efforts in the First Session of the 110th Congress to Help Preserve and Expand America’s Health Centers.
• Republic of the Rio Grande, Commissioned as a Caballero in the Order of Los Caballeros de la Republica del Rio Grande.
• City of Rio Bravo, Texas, Award of Appreciation for Hard and Never Ending Contributions. (February 2008)
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security & U.S. Border Patrol, Award of Recognition. (May 2008)
• American Ambulance Association, Legislative Recognition Award. (May 2008)
• Catholic War Veterans, Certificate of Recognition for Dedication and Support to All Veterans. (July 2008)
• Ability One, Ability One Champion. (June 2008)
• San Antonio Chamber of Commerce, Congressman of the Year. (July 2008)
• National Federation of Independent Business, Defender of Small Business Award. (September 2008)
• Texas Farm Bureau, Friend of the Farm Bureau Award. (September 2008)

2007

• National Association of Community Health Centers, Inc, Certificate of Appreciation and Support.
• South Texas Food Bank, Fighting Hunger Award.
• Newman Elementary School, Award of appreciation of support.
• United South High School Library, Certificate of appreciation for valuable contributions to United South High School. (April 2007)
• National Breast Cancer Coalition, Certificate of Excellence. (May 2007)
• Texas Propane and Gas Association, Award of Appreciation for Congressional Leadership. (June 2007)
• El Cenizo Commission Awarded the Key to the City. (August 2007)
• Border Security Issues Award. (September 2007)
• Women’s City Club, Award of Recognition for Valuable Contributions to Dancing with the Stars Laredo Style. (September 2007)
• Mirabeau B. Lamar Middle School, Certificate of recognition for valuable contributions.

(October 2007)

• Dr. Dennis D. Cantu Health Science Magnet School, Certificate of Appreciation. (November 2007)
• 2nd Battalion 1st Regiment, Appreciation Award. (December 2007)
• Washington’s Birthday Celebration Association, Mr. South Texas 2008. (December 2007)

2006

• Gary Job Corps, Gary Job Corps Community Award.
• Latin America Business Advisory Council, Award of Appreciation.
• The Association of Laredo Forwarding Agents, Alfa Outstanding Commitment Award.
• Congressional Foodservice Distributors Association, Thomas Jefferson Award.
• South Texas Food Bank, Fighting Hunger Award.
• Zapata County Independent School District Guest Speaker (January 2006)
• Texas A&M International University, Recognition of Contribution. (January 2006)
• Texas State Guard, Certificate of Appreciation for continued support. (February 2006)
• Buenos Aires Elementary School, Recognition of Contribution. (March 2006)
• Hispanic Association of Colleagues and Universities, Certificate of Recognition for extraordinary leadership in support of Hispanic Higher Education Success. (March 2006)
• South Texas Merchants Association, Award of Appreciation for many years of invaluable service. (April 2006)
• South Texas Rural Health Services Award. (August 2006)
• United States Post Office, Certificate of Appreciation for support at the “Purple Heart unveiling ceremony.” (August 2006)  
• Celebration on the Hill, Certificate of Appreciation. (September 2006)
• Vidal M. Trevino School of Communications and Fine Arts, Award of Grateful Appreciation. (October 2006)
• United Independent School District, Certificate of Appreciation. (October 2006)
• Gateway Community Health Center, Commemoration of the inaugural ceremony of its main facility. (October 2006)
• 2nd Annual Vaquero Festival, Recognition of Contribution. (November 2006)
• Zapata North Early Childhood Center, Patriotic Education to Children Award.

(November 2006)

2005

• Webb County, Young Democrats Award. (2004-2005)
• The Century Council, Award of recognition for outstanding commitment to fight drunk driving and underage drinking.
• City of Odessa, Awarded the Key to the City. (February 2005)
• Laredo Community College, Certificate of appreciation for dedicated service and support. (February 2005)
• Texas LULAC, Award of appreciation. (February 2005)
• Community Action Council of South Texas, Certificate of appreciation for dedication to helping change peoples lives. (March 2005)
• Matias De Llano, Jr. Elementary School, Award of appreciation for continued dedication and commitment. (April 2005)
• Zapata County Independent School District, Certificate of appreciation for dedication and commitment to education. (May 2005)
• Engineering with a Mission Award. (October 2005)
• Texas A&M International University, Award of appreciation for making a significant contribution in the field of education through teaching, service and leadership. (October 2005)
• South Texas Food Bank, Fighting Hunger Award. (November 2005)
• 6th Annual Night Parade, Certificate of Appreciation. (December 2005)
• City of Rio Bravo, Texas Certificate of recognition of hard work, long efforts and outstanding commitment. (December 2005)

2004

• Alicia Ruiz Elementary School, Certificate of Excellence. (January 2004)
• Installing our Mesquite Rangers 4-H Officers, Certificate of Appreciation. (August 2004)
• Texas A&M International University, Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding

Leadership, Dedication and Commitment to Education. (November 2004)

1. United South High School, Certificate of Appreciation. (December 2004)
2. Southern Careers Institute, Certificate of Recognition and Profound Appreciation.

(December 2004)

2003

• Texas A&M International University, TAMIU Alumni Lifetime Partner Member.
• Christian Middle School, Certificate of Appreciation. (May 2003)
• Matias De Llano Elementary, Certificate of Appreciation for Dedication to Students. (May 2003)

 

2002

• Texas Library Association, Library Champion.
• United Independent School District, Certificate of Appreciation. (March 2002)
• Dovalina Elementary School, Award of Appreciation for Continued Involvement with our Community and Especially the Youth in Laredo. (March 2002)
• Laredo Community College, Meritorious Service Award. (May 2002)
• Significant Eagle Charter School, Eagle Compass Exemplary Life Award. (May 2002)
• Texas Careers, Certificate of Appreciation. (June 2002)
• Laredo Crime Stoppers, Award of Appreciation. (June 2002)
• Generous Commitment and Time Allotted, Laredo Independent School District Certificate of Participation. (October 2002)

2001

• Laredo Chamber of Commerce, “Spirit of Laredo” Award.
• Selective Service System, Certificate of recognition for being an honored patriot helping America maintain a strong national defense. (February 2001)
• Texas LULAC, Legislative Achievement Award. (March 2001)
• Dusty Golf Tournament, Certificate of grateful appreciation for your generous gift. (April 2001)
• State Employee Charitable Campaign, Certificate of recognition for outstanding service to the people of our community. (May 2001)
• Maverick County Sheriff Department, Certificate of appreciation for outstanding contributions. (May 2001)
• U.S. Border Patrol, Certificate of Recognition. (May 2001)
• Dr. Leo G. Cigarroa High School, Commencement Speaker. (May 2001)
• Texas Parks and Wildlife, Certificate of appreciation for participation in the “Cinco De Mayo” event. (May 2001)
• John Ben Shepperd Public Leadership Forum, Certificate of recognition for leadership for building communities. (September 2001)
• United States Department of State, Distinguished Public Service Award in recognition of outstanding contributions to national and international affairs. (October 2001)

2000

• Corazones de Tejas Leadership Award  
• State Employee Charitable Campaign, Pacesetter Award.
• Texas Tax Assessor-Collectors Association, Certificate of recognition for work during the 76th Legislative Session. (January 2000)
• Career Colleges and Schools of Texas, Certificate of appreciation for continuous support of Texas libraries. (February 2000)
• Webb County Heritage Foundation, President of the Republic of the Rio Grande. (February 2000)
• Laredo Crime Stoppers, Inc., Expression of gratitude for outstanding support and assistance to the Crime Stoppers Concept of Texas Careers Institute. (April 2000)
• Attorney General’s School Violence Prevention Task Force, Certificate of recognition. (May 2000)
• Texas Classroom Teachers Association, Certificate of recognition for deep Appreciation and outstanding dedication to the needs of students, teachers and education in general.

(May 2000)

• Make-A-Wish Foundation of South and Central Texas, Humanitarian of the Year. (May 2000)
• Region One Education Service Center, Friend of Education Award. (May 2000)
• The Elliot School of International Affairs, Elliot Fellow at “Governing in the Global Age.” (June 2000)
• The Texas Agriculture Extension Service of the University of Texas System, Special Recognition in appreciation of outstanding service. (July 2000)
• Stop Child Abuse and Neglect, Inc., Adolescent detoxification center named Dr. Henry Cuellar Youth Center. (August 2000)
• University of Texas Law School, Outstanding Alumni, Class of 1981. (August 2000)
• Texas A&M University, Center for Housing and Urban Development, Colonias Program, Appreciation and recognition for work with Colonias. (August 2000)
• Stop Child Abuse and Neglect, Inc., New charter school named State Representative Henry Cuellar Charter School. (September 2000)
• The Muscular Dystrophy Association, Award of thanks for appreciation and support.  (September 2000)
• Laredo Builders Association, Award of thanks for support and dedication to builders.  (September 2000)
• The Texas Association for Student Financial Aid Administrators, Legislator of the Year.

(October 2000)

• University of Texas at Austin; Fall 2000 Class of Texas Legislature and Mexican Americans: Empowering the New Majority, Certificate of appreciation. (October 2000)
• the Laredo District of the Church of Jesus Christ of the Latter Saints, Certificate of appreciation for support of the “Dia De Los Niños” Project. (November 2000)
• Ryan Elementary School, Award for community service. (November 2000)

1999

• National Alliance of the Mentally Ill of Texas, Recognition for work during the 76th legislative session.
• Laredo Morning Time, 1998 Laredoan of the Year.(January 1999)
• Texas Young Democrats, Award of appreciation for efforts in helping the South Texas Region. (April 1999)
• Combined Law Enforcement Association of Texas (CLEAT), Friend of law enforcement during the 76th Legislative Session. (April 1999)
• San Ignacio Ladies Club, Cinco de Mayo celebration recognition. (May 1999)
• The Laredo City Council, Recognition for work during the 76th Legislative Session. (June 1999)
• Laredo Association of Human Resource Management, Certificate of Appreciation. (July 1999)
• Gateway Community Health Center, Inc., Award of Appreciation. (August 1999) 
• United Independent School District, New elementary school named Dr. Henry Cuellar Elementary School. (September 1999)
• Laredo Border Counselors Association, Award of Appreciation. (September 1999)
• Parents Anonymous, Featured Speaker Recognition at Statewide Conference (September 1999)
• South Texas Community College, Appreciation for continued support. (September 15, 1999)
• Laredo librarians, Continuous Support to Texas Librarians. (September 1999)
• South Texas Association of Soil and Water Conservation Districts, Distinguished Service Award. (September 1999)
• Laredo Teachers, Certificate of thanks for support. (September 1999)
• Laredo Border Counselors Association, Appreciation for exemplary and unfailing dedication to Texas school counselors. (September 1999)
• Laredo Federation of Teachers Union, Award for Legislation which impacted Texas’ educational systems, students and educators. (September 1999)
• Texas Association of Community Health Centers, Inc., State Legislator of the Year.   (September 1999)
• Association of Texas Professional Educators, Award for Appreciation and Support.  (September 1999)
• Laredo Lulac Council # 12, Laredo Achievers Award for Accomplishments in State Government. (October 1999)
• Career Colleges and Schools of Texas, Recognition for service to the private-post-secondary sector of Education in Texas. (October 1999)
• Texas State Technical College, Torch Bearer Award for Service in the 76th Legislative Session. (October 1999)
• HSDA HIV/AIDS Services Consortia, Inc., Award for outstanding efforts and significant contributions against HIV/AIDS in our community, Laredo.(October 1999)
• Laredo Association of Human Resources Management, Award of appreciation for vision and support to human resources awareness. (October 1999)
• Combined Law Enforcement Associations of Texas, 1999 Crime Fighter of the Year Award. (November 1999)
• Texas Department of Health, Recognition of valuable contributions to the Office of Border Health Advisory Group.(November 1999)
• Stop Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN), Inc., For unwavering leadership and strong devotion to our youth. (November 1999)
• Gateway Rotary Club, Paul Harris Fellow Recipient. (November 1999)
• State Bar of Texas, Award of appreciation for distinguished service on the faculty of the advanced civil trial law course. (November 1999)
• Clean Cities Coalition of Texas, Award of appreciation for support of cleaner air through alternative fuels during the 76th Legislative Session. (November 1999)
• Laredo Community College Occupational Therapy Assistant Program, Award of recognition of dedication and support. (December  1999)
• Texas District and County Attorneys Association, Certificate of thanks for support of the County Attorney Compensation Act (December 1999)

1998

• Default Prevention and Debt Management Conference, Certificate of gratitude for support.
• Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas, Inc., Recognition for support of Independent Higher Education and the Tuition Equalization Grant.
• Corazon Club United Way of Laredo Inc., Bronze Leadership Award.
• Board of Regents and Chancellor, Recognition for outstanding effectiveness in support of the University of Texas System and its components, and all of Texas Public Higher Education, The University of Texas System.
• Texas A&M International University 5th Annual Conference on Western Economies, Recognition Award. (March 1998)
• Laredo Independent School District Early Childhood Program, Week of the Young Award. (April 1998)  
• Trautmann Middle School, Principal’s Award.  (April 1998)
• University of Texas, Award of appreciation for work on the Tuition Equalization Grant.

(April 1998)

• Independent Colleges and Universities of Texas Inc., Certificate of appreciation for supporting independent higher education and the Tuition Equalization Grant. (April 1998)
• Texas State Technical College in Waco, TX, Spring Commencement Speaker.

(May 1998)

• Texas A&M University System, Honored at the Students Service Annual Symposium.    (May 1998)
• Ciggaroa High School, Commencement Speaker. (May 1998)
• Webb County Extension Service, Award of appreciation for the 2nd Annual South Texas Wildlife Camp. (June 1998)
• United Way of Laredo, Inc., Award of appreciation for State Employee Charitable Campaign. (September 1998)
• Department of Justice U.S. Border Patrol Laredo Sector, Award for outstanding support of National Hispanic Heritage Month.  (October 1998)
• Col. Santos Benavides Elementary School, Award of Appreciation. (October 1998)
• Partners in Education, Award for Community Service.  (November 1998)
• Ryan Elementary/Veteran’s Day Celebration, Participation Recognition (November 1998)

1997

• United Middle School, Recognized for Support and Commitment
• Texas Library Association and Laredo Librarians, Recognized for providing much needed funding during the 75th Legislative Session to public libraries, libraries in public schools and institutions of higher education in Texas. 
• Laredo Crime Stoppers, Certificate of Appreciation.
• Leaders of Excellence Foundation, Education Excellence Award.
• Texas Senator Judith Zaffirini, Certificate of Excellence.
• Roosevelt Elementary School, Contributions to education for the 1997-1998 school year.
• March of Dimes, Appreciation of Support. 
• United Way of Laredo, Bronze Leadership Giving Award
• Literacy Volunteers of Laredo, Appreciation for Contributions. 
• Clark Elementary School, Appreciation for Support.
• Texas A&M International University, Recognition of contributions to Phase II. (February 1997)
• Texas A&M International University, Legislative Appreciation Day Award. (June 1997)
• Texas Association of Chicano Higher Education, Award of appreciation for support and advocacy for Hispanics (July 1997)
• Texas Public Policy Foundation, Champion of Limited Government Award for work during the 75th Legislative Session. (July 1997)
• Texas Library Association, Appreciation for Support. (July 1997)
• Gulf Coast Boy Scouts of American-Aztec District, Named distinguished citizen of the year. (August 1997)
• Texas A&M International University, Distinguished Service and Dedication Award. (August 1997)
• Laredo Business and Professional Woman’s Association, Certificate of Appreciation.    (August 1997)
• Fiesta De Los Jueces, Tejano of the Year Award. (August 1997)
• Laredo Community College, Top 50 Distinguished Alumni. (September 1997)
• Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, Honored at the Hispanic Heritage Luncheon.  (September 1997)
• Martin High School, Citizen of the month. (September 1997)
• Laredo/Webb County Regional Food Bank, Appreciation for Contributions. (October 1997)
• Texas U.S.  Custom Brokers Association, Appreciation for Contributions. (October 1997)
• J.W. Nixon High School, Certificate of recognition. (November 1997)
• Area Health Education Council Board of Trustee, Certificate of Appreciation. (November 1997)

1996

• Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), Legislator of the Year.
• Laredo Chamber of Commerce, Meritorious Service Award.
• Free Enterprise Public Action Committee and Free Market Committee, One of the leaders of Excellence in Education Award. 
• Laredo Girl Scouts, Award of appreciation for support and participation.
• George Washington Middle School, Honored at Dedication for Support. (February 1996)
• Cigarroa High School, Certificate of Appreciation. (April 1996)
• Laredo Regional Food Bank, Award of thanks for contributions towards Garden Project. 

(July 1996)

• Living Centers of America, Acknowledgment of outstanding contributions and efforts.

(August 1996)

• Association of American Retired Persons, Recognition for dedication and outstanding commitment. (October 1996)
• Laredo State Center, Recognition for commitment and support.  (October 1996)
• Ochoa Elementary School, Appreciation Award. (October 1996)
• Texas OHMR, Recognition of outstanding service to citizens of Texas. (October 1996)
• Trautmann Middle School, Honored for Dedication. (November 1996)

1995

• Laredo Girl Scouts, Award of appreciation for support and participation. 
• Buenos Aires Elementary School, Recognition of outstanding support and dedicated service. (May 1995)
• Living Centers of America, Award of appreciation for leadership and dedication to the State of Texas.  (September 1995)
• Laredo Regional Food Bank, Recognition of contributions toward the fight against hunger. (October 1995)
• Laredo Business and Professional Women’s Association, Certificate of Appreciation. (November 1995)
• Texas A&M International University, Texas Trailblazer Award. (December 1995)

1994

• Buenos Aires Elementary School, Drug Awareness Award. (October 1994)
• J.W. Nixon High School, Commencement Speaker. (May 1994)
• Credit Professionals International, Award of appreciation for outstanding presentation and participation. (April 1994)

1993

• Texas School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, Recognition of dedication and commitment to the fiscal needs of the citizens of Texas.
• Laredo Morning Times, Co-Laredoan of the Year.
• Texas Department of Public Safety, Award of recognition for commitment and support of law enforcement.
• Honorary Lifetime Member of the Veterans Hall of Fame & Military Museum (April 1993)
• J.W. Nixon High School, Alumni with outstanding accomplishments and achievements.

(May 1993)

• Retama South Center, Commitment to Long-Term Care Award. (September 1993)
• Texas Department of Public Safety – Narcotics Unit, Recognition for Commitment and Support of Law Enforcement in the State of Texas. (October 1993)
• Zapata County, Participation in Veteran’s Day Celebration Award. (November 1993)

1992

• Texas Supreme Court, Valuable Service Award. 
• Named to “Who’s Who of Emerging Leaders in America” 4th edition
• Ryan Elementary School, National School Celebration Good Citizenship Award.
• Northeast Texas College, Resolution for Service. (August 1992)

1991

• Dallas Morning News, Named one of the seven best legislators for the 72nd Legislature.
• Texas Monthly, Honorable Mention for the list of Top Ten Legislators.
• Texas State Troopers Association, Crime Fighter of the Year.
• Texas Chamber of Commerce, Legislative Leadership Award for outstanding public service toward the expansion of Texas businesses worldwide.
• City of Laredo Police Department and Laredo Police Officer Association, Award for distinguished service, support and cooperation. (September 1991)

1990

• Honored Member of Who’s Who
• U.S. Armed Services, Recognition of dynamic and productive leadership (May 1990)
• Texas Foreign Language, Recognition of efforts on multi-cultural education. (October 1990)
• Laredo Development Foundation, Award for Support of Laredo’s Economic Growth.  (November 1990)

1989

• Webb County Heritage Foundation, Award for Legislation Preserving Webb County Heritage. 
• Texas Chamber of Commerce, Distinguished Service Award.
• Texas Public Accountability Coalition, Grade “A” for Legislative work on important issues relating to the elderly, the consumer pocketbook, the environment, the workplace, individual’s rights, and education.
• ARA Living Centers, Recognition of outstanding volunteer service.
• Laredo State University, Presidential Merit Citation. (November 1989)

1988

• Laredo Head Start Center, Honored in “Appreciation for Dedication”.  (May 1988)
• Veteran’s Administration, Recognition for “Outstanding Service”.  (July 1988)

1987

• Called the “Best Freshman of the 70th Legislature” by House Speaker Gib Lewis. 
• Recipient of “Toll Fellowship” for Outstanding Achievement and Service to State Government.
• Justice of the Peace and Constable’s Association of Texas, Inc., Resolution for Legislative Service.
• Named to Who’s Who in American Law. 
• Laredo State University, Distinguished Achievement. (October 1987)

1986

• Outstanding Young Man of America Award

1984

• Outstanding Young Man of America Award
• Laredo Kiwanis Club, Outstanding Service as Director. (September 1984)

1982

• Outstanding Young Man of America Award

PROFESSIONAL & CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS

• International Good Neighbor Council – President of the Board of Directors
• American & Texas Bar Associations – Member
• Inter-American Bar Association – Former member of the Delivery of Legal Services to Low Income Texans Committee.
• Kiwanis Club of Laredo – Member of the Board of Directors (1982-83)
• United Way – Member of the Board of Directors (1982-1983)
• Laredo Volunteers Lawyers Program, Inc. – Co-Founder and President of the Board of Directors (1982-1983)
• Laredo Legal Aid Society, Inc. – President of the Board of Directors (1982-1984)
• Laredo Young Lawyers Association – President (1983-1984).
• Stop Child Abuse and Neglect (SCAN) - Co-Founder and Treasurer of the Board of Directors (1982-83), and member of Advisory Board (1984)
• Laredo Pro Bono Attorney of the Year (1985)
• America G.I. – Legal Advisor for the local chapter (1986-1987)