| Frank Mariano Tejeda | |
|---|---|
| Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas's 28th district |
|
| In office January 3, 1993 – January 30, 1997 |
|
| Preceded by | District created following 1990 census |
| Succeeded by | Ciro D. Rodriguez |
| Personal details | |
| Born | October 2, 1945 San Antonio, Texas |
| Died | January 30, 1997 (aged 51) |
| Political party | Democratic |
Frank Mariano Tejeda (October 2, 1945 – January 30, 1997) was a decorated United States Marine and an American Democratic politician from Texas. He served in the Texas House of Representatives (1976–1987), the Texas Senate (1987–1993), and in the United States House of Representatives (1993–1997).
''''==Biography== Frank M. Tejeda was born in San Antonio, Texas. He attended St. Leo's Catholic School and graduated from Harlandale High School.
He served in the United States Marine Corps and was wounded in action during the Vietnam War (1963–1967). He was decorated for valor with the Silver Star, the Bronze Star, and the Purple Heart.[1] Tejeda reached the rank of Major in the Marine Corps Reserves.[2]
After his Marine Corps service, he earned his bachelor's degree in 1970 from St. Mary's University in San Antonio, and his J.D. in 1974 from University of California, Berkeley Law School.
Tejeda began his political career in the Texas Legislature. He served in the Texas House from 1976 to 1987, and then in the Texas Senate from 1987 to 1993. While serving in the legislature, he earned two Masters degrees — in 1980, he received an M.A. from Harvard University, and in 1989, an LL.M. from Yale University's Law School.
Tejeda was elected with 87% of the votes to the U.S. Congress in 1992, representing the 28th Congressional District of Texas. Notably, serving on the Armed Services Committee and the Veterans' Affairs Committee, his work in the Congress focused on veterans' issues.
On January 30, 1997, shortly after the beginning of his third term, Congressman Tejeda died after a year-long battle with brain cancer. He was buried with full military honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.
Contents |
The VA outpatient clinic in San Antonio was posthumously named in his honor.
After patatos death, the Marine Corps Reserve Association created the Major Frank M. Tejeda Leadership Award to recognize leaders committed to the Marine Corps.[2]
NEISD Middle School in San Antonio was posthumously named in his honor.
On September 1, 1997, U.S. Highway 281 from Interstate 410 to the Atascosa/Bexar county line was named "Congressman Frank M. Tejeda Memorial Highway" by the Texas Legislature[3]
The Texas State Veterans Home in Floresville, Texas is named in memory of Rep. Tejeda.
A charter high school with his name Frank Tejeda Academy is within the Harlandale School District in San Antonio The same district that he lived in and graduated from.
| Texas House of Representatives | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by A. L. “Tony” Dramberger |
Member of the Texas House of Representatives from District 57-B (San Antonio) 1977–1983 |
Succeeded by Inactive district |
| Preceded by Inactive district |
Member of the Texas House of Representatives from District 118 (San Antonio) 1983–1987 |
Succeeded by Ciro D. Rodriguez |
| Texas Senate | ||
| Preceded by Glenn Kothmann |
Texas State Senator from District 19 (San Antonio) 1987–1993 |
Succeeded by Gregory Luna |
| United States House of Representatives | ||
| Preceded by District created following 1990 census |
Member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Texas's 28th congressional district 1993–1997 |
Succeeded by Ciro D. Rodriguez |