It has been just over 8 months since Adrian Garcia was sworn into office to be the next Harris County Commissioner of Precinct 2. Since that very first day, Commissioner Garcia has been working feverously to make Precinct 2 better than how he acquired it: increasing public health awareness, creating a program to connect youth and adults to educational opportunities, supporting bail reform, improving local drainage, just to name a few. Every day is a new opportunity to take on the day and make a difference for the people of Precinct 2.

Relationships with neighbors can be complicated. Some neighbors you’re really close with and speak to on a regular basis. Some you see when you check the mail but don’t really talk to. Others you never see or speak to until there’s a reason for the neighborhood to come together.

One year ago, Gonzales, along with numerous Harris County Precinct 2 representatives and members of the Seguin Historical Society, cut the opening ribbon on the park that dawns the name of his great-great-great-great grandfather, Juan N. Seguin. Seguin was the only commissioned officer who fought at the Alamo and survived to fight for Texas independence at San Jacinto. Seguin went on to be the mayor of San Antonio and a senator in Texas Congress. He died in 1890.

As National Hispanic Heritage month approaches, it is important to not only look back and recognize the accomplishments of the Hispanic/Latino community but to also honor all of our Hispanic/Latino veterans, who have made history by fighting for our rights and have helped drive hard-won progress for all the community.