A Soldier's Last Farewell

Before I move to other subjects, I must make one last visit to a friend who achieved so much for so many last week. If you will remember Felix Rodriguez, one of the marches leaders, was pulled away from completing the 250 mile walk a mere 4.2 miles from his destination.

Felix who had been so instrumental in organizing the march, did so knowing that his sister, Delia Avila, had fallen into coma following a head injury. Like her brother, Delia was a real and respected leader in her hometown in Elsa. My office and the Texas House of Representatives recognized her community service in our last legislative session with HR 378. Delia recently struggled with cancer and was receiving treatment at the Houston Medical Center. It was there that last month we were able to give her a parchment copy of the resolution in her hospital bed.

The doctors told her that the cancer was in remission. Unfortunately, shortly thereafter she fell, hit her head and fell into coma.

Delia Avila passed away on Thursday, November 10. Her passing occurred at the high point of the veterans' march and we were all saddened by the news.

Delia was a good friend and the community will be at a loss with her passing. Early in the march I told Felix that Delia would have expected him to be in the march. Felix knew this to be true. As we bury our friend I want to thank her, and her brother, for their sacrifice and service to our community.

Funeral service will be 10 a.m., Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2005, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Interment to follow at Highland Memorial Park.