[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 1] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page 985] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]TRIBUTE TO MR. JOE LaMANTIA, JR. ______ HON. HENRY CUELLAR of texas in the house of representatives Monday, January 28, 2008 Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Joe LaMantia, Jr., on being the recipient of the Golden Eagle Award from the McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce during the 9th Annual Noche de Gala. Joe has shown exemplary leadership in his civic service to the south Texas community with his extensive involvement in the Lions' Club, American Heart Association, Rio Grande Cancer Treatment Research Foundation, South Texas Communities for Youth Service, and the Special Olympics. Joe is also the founder and chairman of the preeminent South Texas Academic Rising Stars, STARS, organization, which gives opportunities to the youth in south Texas in pursuing their dreams of higher education. He has made their dreams possible, and it is for this reason alone, that he truly deserves the Golden Eagle Award from the McAllen Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Today, STARS partners with hundreds of local and national businesses, organizations, colleges, and universities to raise over $12 million in scholarship funds. This is truly a hallmark of Joe's success as a businessman, and as a committed husband to his wife, Derrelene, father to his seven children, and grandfather to his 26 grandchildren. Joe has come a long way from his initial start in farming in Carrizo Springs with produce operations in Chile and Mexico. The Rio Grande Valley became home for his family, and the base of his business, L&F Distributors, which has allowed him to deepen his ties to the south Texas community through his philanthropic work with STARS. Madam Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to recognize the dedication and commitment of Mr. Joe LaMantia, Jr., and his organization, STARS, to the children in communities all across south Texas. I thank you for this time. ____________________