I first met and worked with Luis in Plainview, Texas, over 25 years ago.
Getting to know him, I knew even back then of the ladder he sought to climb.
I knew he would achieve good things, and that they would eventually be his;
Because something about his drive, work ethic, pushing; striving to achieve the best all the time.
Sure enough, he moved up that career path like blood swiftly up a big portal vein,
From Texas to Colorado, California, Headquarters, East Coast, and back home to Texas again.
He’s been to so many places, and has been fortunate to meet so many folks along the way
All the places all run together, but friends he’s made for life.
From the good times fishing with friends in the gulf;
To the times crafting his sharp wit telling stories and jokes,
To spending time with his beautiful family that has shaped his life, to all good things been bestowed;
He’d probably say it’s all because all the good folks he has met along the way and gotten to know.
Incredibly faithful to the USDA, a born leader, and a very interesting character to say the least,
Who, at times, you don’t quite know how to take him, for his veneer is quite thick.
Very meticulous in his work; uses spreadsheets and such, to the edge of insanity at times,
Yet a very patient man (had to, to put up with me); doesn’t play silly games and such with politics, and the like.
Most folks don’t know that he hardly ever takes any breaks all day so that his work won’t delay,
We worry that we will find him in his office face-up, hands & feet twitching like a big insect one day.
Now, flash forward, and quite literally, at the top of his game,
With a big fancy title in charge of countless of investigators in eight States laying claim;
You wouldn’t know it since he’s so down to earth; and his commitment for his troops he won’t conceal.
Funny that years ago, he called me the “Wannabe Mex” since, of course, he is the real Mexican deal.
Luis would probably say it was all laid out back then in the bigger plan so long ago,
Even before he ever set foot as a young kid in El Paso.
Robert Collazo, 11/3/10
It’s been great working with you again, Brother!
