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Philip Balli
Laredo Morning Times

The WBCA honored U.S. Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, at a luncheon Saturday as the newest member to the list of individuals who have earned the title of Mr. South Texas.

The initial announcement of the association’s intent to bestow Cornyn with the title came in August.

Now, Cornyn has officially been added to the ever-growing list of illustrious men and women who have held the title of Mr. South Texas, which WBCA has said is bestowed to deserving individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to the growth and development of Laredo and the South Texas region.

“It is a great honor to join the ranks of former esteemed honorees,” Cornyn said after the announcement.

“I recognize that on occasions like this one, it is really about the recognition of the importance of South Texas and local communities working together to provide more hope and prosperity to and security to our people.”

Cornyn was chosen by a selection committee comprised of former WBCA presidents and Mr. South Texas recipients.

During his speech at the luncheon at the Laredo County Club, Cornyn said the WBCA festivities are one of a kind.

“Everybody knows that Texas does things big, but Laredo does it bigger,” Cornyn said.

“It is remarkable how fiercely you work to preserve your rich history in this region of our great state.”

WBCA president Veronica Castillon and Pati Guajardo, chairperson of the Mr. South Texas Selection Committee and WBCA ex-officio, made the formal presentation to Cornyn and presented him with a bronze statue of the bust of President George Washington.

“We’re so pleased that Senator Cornyn accepted the honor,” Castillon said.

“He loves Laredo and it shows through his attention and his actions towards Laredo. He follows a long line of outstanding Mr. South Texas recipients.”

Cornyn has distinguished himself as a leader in the Senate on a variety of issues important to all Texans, but particularly those who live in the border region.

He was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2002 and re-elected in 2008.

Previously he served in Texas as a district judge, a member of the Texas Supreme Court and as Texas attorney general.

Last summer, Cornyn and U.S. Rep. Henry Cuellar, D-Laredo, worked together to pass legislation aimed at speeding the removal of tens of thousands of Central American children who entered the United States illegally.

The bill was also aimed toward speeding the court process.

Cuellar had the honor of introducing Cornyn at the luncheon.

“He has the education, experience, qualifications and results to show, without a doubt, that he is worthy of this great honor,” Cuellar said.
“Senator John Cornyn is an honest, hard-working man that has a vision for out county and South Texas.”

The WBCA has said Cornyn is committed to bolstering the national defense, repairing the immigration system, boosting access to more affordable health care, improving educational opportunities for all Texas, strengthening the economy and enhancing trade opportunities.
Cornyn said during his speech that Laredoans have had an influence on him.

“I have come to appreciate the importance of this region to our state and to our nations, and thanks to so many South Texas leaders, we have made progress on issues important to Laredoans and the region,” Cornyn said.

“I have had a chance to learn from many Laredoans over the years and have taken back their ideas and suggestions as to how to make our state more prosperous and secure.

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