The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING MAGGIE SALINAS
______
HON. VICENTE GONZALEZ
of texas
in the house of representatives
Friday, October 7, 2022
Mr. VICENTE GONZALEZ of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Maggie Salinas, a native of Kingsville, Texas, who served her community for over 70 years. Ms. Salinas was a member on over two dozen boards and committees that helped the people of Kingsville across many different areas of life.
In 1951 at the age of 17, Ms. Salinas was the first and youngest Hispanic woman hired by Kleberg County. She started her career with the Kleberg Welfare Department as a social worker, helping people achieve independence. In April of 1957, she worked with county officials and automotive industry experts to get the ``Safety Belt'' Seal adopted which certified seat belts. She later moved on to work for Duval County as a social worker, all the while helping Nueces County administer the polio vaccine and tuberculosis screenings.
Ms. Salinas has sponsored 4 Girl Scout troops and served as a member of the Kleberg County Parks and Recreation Board. She has served as the Chairwoman of the Kleberg County Historical Development Board since 1999, preserving the rich history of South Texas. In 2005 she received a Local Committee of Honor Award from the Smithsonian Center for Latino Initiatives Centro Alameda, the University of Texas at San Antonio Institute of Texas Cultures and was recognized for her participation with ``Our Journeys/Our Stories: Portraits of Latino Achievement'' from the Smithsonian U.S. Traveling Exhibition.
Ms. Salinas currently serves as the Texas A&M University-Kingsville Engineering Department Advisory Committee Chairwoman. As Chairwoman, she works with Texas A&M University-Kingsville engineering professors and students to compile information for the Calle Siete Project. This data will be utilized in potential economic revitalization and tourist opportunities of the historic Kingsville area, establishing a cultural zone. One revelation from the Calle Siete Project was the unveiling of the ``Los Kinenos Trail''. The Los Kinenos Trail honors the King Ranch Kinenos who played a role in founding the historic King Ranch. Her dedication to community and culture is seen in her founding role of
``La Posada'', a Christmas tradition event, in 1990, her work redesignating over 80 historical streets in La Colonia Mexicana to include their original names, and her instrumental role in the restoration of the Mother Julia Chapel and Museum.
A true humanitarian, Ms. Salinas has planned and led fundraising events for the National Kidney Foundation. American Cancer Society, and the American Heart Association. She was also awarded the American Heart Association Texas Affiliate Leadership Award in recognition of volunteer service in a leadership role and expanding role of the American Heart Association--to name one of many awards she has been honored with.
Madam Speaker, Ms. Maggie Salinas is an incredible leader with an unwavering commitment to the development of the Kingsville community. Her legacy will have a lasting impact on South Texas.
____________________
SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 161(1), Congressional Record Vol. 168, No. 161(2)
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