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“In towns and cities... there is no more important institution than the local paper.”
Warren Buffett
By Tammye McDuff
George De la Torre received a Certificate of Recognition from the Downey Council for his Military Service to our Country, on Tuesday, July 8, 2014.
Downey Public Works Director, Mohammad Mostahkami introduced De La Torre by stating, “George is a leader in the Public Works department.”
Mostahkami states that De La Torre was born and raised in Guadalajara, Mexico, and “began his incredible journey to the United States at 17 years of age.”
With a seven-day workweek, De La Torre divides his time between the cities of Downey and Rosemead. On the days, he does have off, De La Torre reports to Port Hueneme as a Seabee of the United States Navy, where he has served in the reserve for more than ten years. In 2007, De La Torre was called into active duty with Operation Iraqi Freedom with the responsibly of construction for all the military bases. Two years later, he was called to Afghanistan working in a detainee operation. In 2012, he was handpicked and deployed to Afghanistan participating in training the Afghan National Army. “Working for the Navy and the city of Downey has taught me valuable lessons in Honor, Courage and Commitment,” says De La Torre.
De La Torre has completed college course in landscaping, allowing him to work and be an integral component in the design of Downey parks. He has future goals of becoming a supervisor for the City of Downey as well as Navy Chef. De La Torre says, “I am forever grateful to the city of Downey for all their support during my time of service.”
To a standing ovation of the city council and entire auditorium, Mostahkami says, “Please join me in recognition of George in his outstanding service to this county.”
“First I want to thank God for all that he has given me. Then I want to thank my wife for all of her support. I am grateful for this America and for all of our troupes.” De La Torre then presented Mayor Vasquez and the city of Downey with a plaque he made in Afghanistan.
De la Torre and his wife are the proud parents of six kids, with his two older daughters following Dads footsteps in active service duty for the United States Army.