The Port Recognizes One of Its Own
“Israel Garcia Earned the Pocca’s Award for His Outstanding Community Service”
Corpus Christi, Texas – Port Commissioners presented a Pocca’s Award to Israel Garcia, Senior Maintenance Employee, for his Outstanding Community Service. The recognition was presented at the scheduled monthly Port Commission meeting, Tuesday, May 8, 2012.
For over 15 years, Port Corpus Christi Senior Maintenance worker Israel Garcia, has been helping youngsters to make a positive impact in their lives. Garcia began coaching as his own two boys went through the program and continues to volunteer his time today. Together with Richard Rodriguez, Israel has been coaching boxing at the Gollihar neighborhood center. “Port employees donate countless hours volunteering in different organizations in the area. We are honored to recognize Israel for his dedication and guidance of young kids in the Coastal Bend.” said Mike Carrell, Port Commission Chairman.
Many champions have trained under these coaches. “Through boxing young people have an outlet to burn off aggression, gain focus, learn respect, discipline, and self esteem while having fun.” said Israel. Garcia puts a lot of heart and soul in this program which includes training at the neighborhood center on Gollihar near Kostoryz along with travel to local and state tournaments. Recently (April 20-22) at the Jr. Olympics in Kingsville, Coach Garcia and company had 5 out of their 9 competitors make it to finals with two coming out as champs! The team finished first in the junior division.
Israel Garcia has under his shoulders successful stories such as Pete Guerrero, a 21year old local boxer, that has been training with Garcia since he was 14 years old. He is one of the top ranked fighters in the state and serves as Gollihar Neighborhood Center’s next great hopeful to go professional. Their endeavor is strictly on volunteer basis and it is totally supported by fundraising. On occasion, Garcia and Rodriguez have dug deep into their own pockets to pay expenses to keep the program vibrant. Along with the award, the Port Commission presented Israel with a monetary donation to support the program. “We are very proud of Israel Garcia,” said John LaRue, Port’s Executive Director. “He is making a difference in our community.”
The Gollihar Neighborhood Center Boxing program accepts donations. For more information on how to support the program, Garcia can be reached at 361.728.3330
About Port Corpus Christi
As the primary economic engine of the Coastal Bend, Port Corpus Christi is the fifth largest port in the United States in total tonnage. The Port’s mission is to “serve as a regional economic development catalyst while protecting and enhancing its existing industrial base and simultaneously working to diversify its international maritime cargo business.” Strategically located on the western Gulf of Mexico, with a straight 45’ deep channel, the Port provides quick access to the Gulf and the entire United States inland waterway system. The Port delivers outstanding access to overland transportation with on-site and direct connections to three Class-1 railroads and uncongested interstate and state highways. The Port is protected by a state-of-the-art security department and an award-winning Environmental Management System. With outstanding management and operations staff, Port Corpus Christi is clearly “More Than You Can Sea.”