This past May, the Housing Authority of the City of Del Rio received five awards from the Texas Chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO).  The awards included the best annual report for the years 2020, 2021, and 2022; and an award for other agency publications for the year 2022.  Our Del Rio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce President, Isidro Valdez Fernandez, who is also the Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the City of Del Rio was recognized as the 2021 Executive of the Year.
The purpose of the Texas Chapter of NAHRO is to serve its membership engaged in providing persons of low and moderate-income with the opportunity to live in adequate and safe housing and improving the quality of life for all within a community through development, redevelopment, conservation, and rehabilitation activities.  Last year, the Housing Authority of the City of Del Rio received four awards from NAHRO at the national level, recognizing special projects that created a positive impact in our community.  Congratulations to our President for a well-deserved recognition and to the Housing Authority of the City of Del Rio staff and Board of Commissioners for their hard work and dedication to serving our community.

The month of June is when we dedicate a day of the month to our fathers present or gone to their reward.  I hope everyone had a good celebration on such an important day when we take time to honor our fathers in person or in the memories that they have left in our hearts.  The foundation of a family normally consists of two parents who contribute to our upbringing, both of equal importance for the most part.  When we lose one, the other must take up the full responsibilities for the upbringing of their children.  Such was my case when at an early age our mother passed away and my father assumed the full responsibility for our upbringing.  On Fathers Day and throughout the year I honor his memory for the nurturing and guidance that he gave us and I am so grateful for his love and his patience. He nurtured with kindness and he disciplined with compassion and firmness.
Today I have two boys of my own and I have tried hard to pass on to them the teachings that I received from my father and my mother and I feel so blessed to see my sons thrive and demonstrate that they are responsible, fair and compassionate with their children. That is the greatest tribute that a father can hope to receive!

Roberto is the Del Rio Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Vice President. He is a lifelong resident of Del Rio and is married to Margot Fernandez. They are the proud parents of two sons, Roberto Jr. and Javier Fernandez and grandparents of four grandchildren. Roberto graduated from The University of Texas and worked for the San Felipe Del Rio C.I.S.D. for 38 years and retired as Superintendent of schools. He was also elected to the Del Rio City Council at the age of 24 and served for nine years. After retirement, he served two terms as Mayor of the City of Del Rio.