TITLE: In memory of Manuel Salvador Vela of San Antonio.

SUMMARY: In memory of Manuel Salvador Vela of San Antonio.

FULL TEXT:
WHEREAS, Family and friends will forever treasure their memories of Manuel Salvador Vela of San Antonio, who died on February 1, 2021, at the age of 100; and WHEREAS, Born in Kenedy on March 28, 1920, to Salvador and Rufina Vela, Manuel Vela grew up with three siblings, Isaac, Lydia, and Anais; he was the proud father of two daughters, Rachel Brinlee and Cynthia Vela York, and a son, the late Roland Vela, and later in life, he was pleased to welcome his grandchildren and great-grandchildren into his family; and WHEREAS, After starting his career with the San Antonio Fire Department in 1943, Mr. Vela answered his nation's call to duty and served as a gunner with the U.S. Navy in the Bering Sea during World War II; he returned to San Antonio in 1946 and resumed his career with the fire department, earning his associate degree in fire science from San Antonio College and serving as an engineer, lieutenant, and captain before retiring as a fire inspector in 1983; and WHEREAS, Strong-willed and energetic, Mr. Vela worked out at the YMCA well into his 90s, and he delighted in dancing on the weekends; he remained proud of his military service, and in 2012, he was privileged to join an Honor Flight of World War II veterans to Washington, D.C.; known affectionately as "Cap" to his fellow San Antonio firefighters, he was honored in 2020 as the department's oldest retired member; and WHEREAS, Manuel Vela lived a rich and purposeful life devoted to his family, his nation, and his community, and he leaves behind a legacy of service that will continue to inspire all those who knew and loved him; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives of the 87th Texas Legislature hereby pay tribute to the memory of Manuel Salvador Vela and extend sincere condolences to his relatives and to his many friends; and, be it further RESOLVED, That an official copy of this resolution be prepared for his family and that when the Texas House of Representatives adjourns this day, it do so in memory of Manuel Vela. Martinez Fischer Speaker of the House I certify that H.R. No. 321 was unanimously adopted by a rising vote of the House on March 25, 2021. Chief Clerk of the House