HONORING DR. LAWRENCE GELMAN

HONORING DR. LAWRENCE GELMAN

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 57 (Thursday, March 26, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 57 (Thursday, March 26, 2026)] [House] [Pages H2715-H2716] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING DR. LAWRENCE GELMAN (Ms. De La Cruz of Texas was recognized to address the House for 5 minutes.) Ms. De La CRUZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Dr. Lawrence Gelman. For nearly 40 years, he served as a pillar of our South Texas community. A brilliant physician and visionary leader, he founded DHR Health, pioneering the physician-owned model in the Rio Grande Valley and championing the idea that doctors were the best qualified to run hospitals. Today, [[Page H2716]] DHR Health is one of the largest physician-owned hospitals in the United States of America and the only Level I trauma center south of San Antonio. Dr. Gelman's influence reached far beyond the hospital walls. A radio host and dedicated steward of the arts, he spent decades preserving historic stained glass windows now permanently housed at the Gelman Stained Glass Museum in San Juan, Texas, which remains a gift to the Rio Grande Valley. Dr. Gelman will be remembered for his love of God and his family. He leaves behind a legacy of generosity to his friends, family, and community. Recognizing Officer Joel Pulido Ms. De La CRUZ. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to congratulate Officer Joel Pulido for 28 years of service with the Edinburg Police Department. Officer Pulido started with the department in 1997 as the calm voice on the dispatch radio. Not long after, he joined the field after earning his badge and became a mentor to the next generation of recruits. Throughout his career, he was committed to keeping criminals off our streets and protecting our community. His exceptional detective work solved 26 murder investigations with a perfect conviction rate. He didn't just close the cases. He delivered justice for families when they needed it the most. Mr. Speaker, I thank Officer Pulido for nearly three decades of integrity and service. I congratulate him on a well-deserved retirement. ____________________