| Frank Mariano Tejeda | |
| Image Name: | Frank M Tejeda.jpg |
| State: | Texas |
| District: | 28th |
| Term: | January 3, 1993 – January 30, 1997 |
| Preceded: | District created following 1990 census |
| Succeeded: | Ciro Rodriguez |
| Office2: | Member of the Texas State Senate from District 19 |
| Term Start2: | January 13, 1987 |
| Term End2: | January 3, 1993 |
| Predecessor2: | Glenn Kothmann |
| Successor2: | Gregory Luna |
| Office3: | Member of the Texas House of Representatives |
| Term Start3: | January 11, 1977 |
| Term End3: | January 13, 1987 |
| Predecessor3: | Tony Dramberger |
| Successor3: | Ciro Rodriguez |
| Constituency3: | 118th district (1983-87) District 57-B (1977-83) |
| Birth Date: | October 2, 1945 |
| Birth Place: | San Antonio, Texas |
| Resting Place: | Fort Sam Houston National CemeterySan Antonio, Texas |
| Spouse: | Cecilia Tejeda |
| Children: | 3 (2 daughters, 1 son) |
| Profession: | Lawyer; politician |
| Alma Mater: | St. Mary's University |
| Party: | Democratic |
| Branch: | United States Marine Corps |
| Serviceyears: | 1963-1967 |
| Battles: | Vietnam War |
| Rank: | Major |
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).
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 Reserve.[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 master's degrees — in 1980, he received an M.A. from Harvard University, and in 1989, an LL.M. from Yale 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 from pneumonia after a year-long battle with brain cancer.[3] He was buried with full military honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio.
Retrieved on 2008-02-02