William F. Smith: “I am happy to cosponsor with Representative Gonzalez legislation that designates the Federal building and courthouse…”

“I am happy to cosponsor with Representative Gonzalez legislation that designates the Federal building and courthouse located in downtown San Antonio, Texas, as the ``Hipolito F. Garcia Federal Building and United States Courthouse''. Judge Hipolito Garcia--known to his friends as ``Hippo''--led an amazing life and career. He was born to immigrant parents in downtown San Antonio, just two blocks from the United States Courthouse where he served as a United States District Judge for over 20 years. Despite the challenges of learning English, and of being one of the few Hispanic students at his high school, he excelled and graduated as the most popular member of his class. Judge Garcia served our nation in the U.S. Army in World War II. He went on to receive a law degree from St. Mary's University and then became a respected member of the San Antonio legal community. After serving as a County Court-at-Law judge, and then as a State District Court judge in Bexar County, Judge Garcia was appointed a federal judge in the Western District of Texas. He served on that bench more than twenty years. In addition to his professional accomplishments, Hippo Garcia was a light in our community. He befriended many young attorneys, sharing his time, his knowledge, and his innumerable stories. Judge Garcia loved the law and our hometown of San Antonio. It is fitting that we should name the federal courthouse in his honor.”