Commencement Speaker Profile
Armando "Mando" Martinez
Texas State Representative, District 39
- Occupation: Firefighter, Licensed Paramedic, Critical Care Flight
Paramedic, Texas Department of Health Instructor and Coordinator.
- Education: University of Texas Pan American, B.S.
- Hometown: Weslaco
- Party: Democrat
- Parents: Alfredo Martinez and Esmeralda Martinez, Cardenas (Nephew of
the Late State Representative Renato Cuellar.)
As a native of Weslaco and Hidalgo County, I am the youngest of three
children educated through the Weslaco Independent School System. In May of
1998 I received my Bachelor of Science degree from the University of
Texas-Pan American in Edinburg. After considering many other different
occupations prior to graduating, I wanted whole-heartedly to assist the
community with my education and knowledge. In October of 1998, I was hired
by the City of Weslaco Fire Department EMS, which allowed me to provide
pre-hospital care and to assist the sick, and injured within the community.
Within a year of employment with the Fire Department I completed the Fire
Academy and obtained my licensure in paramedicine through Texas State
Technical College. Later in 2000, I was hired by Valley Aircare as a
Critical Care Flight Paramedic to provide prehospital treatment both
Nationally and Internationally transporting critically ill patients to
higher level of care facilities.
While working with the fire department, I became an instructor in several
areas giving me the ability to extend my knowledge to educate the community
by offering free CPR courses. I recently, became a Coordinator through Texas
Department of Health, which has allowed me to provide a Self Study "In
House" Emergency Medical Technology program for EMT and Paramedic training
at a lower cost for fire departments across the Rio Grande Valley.
As State Representative for District 39, I strongly support:
- Ensuring education budgets are not reduced.
- Improving health care for the Rio Grande Valley by focusing
on Medicaid issues as well as indigent health care.
- Improving living conditions within colonias to include
sanitation, running water and safety.
- Developing an infrastructure that will create economic
opportunity for the community by boosting employment within the Rio Grande
Valley.
As an active member of the community, I believe that together we can make a
difference for District 39 and the Rio Grande Valley. Fresh ideas and
enthusiasm are of importance to lead District 39 towards growth and
prosperity.