Laredo ISD honors veteran and local official Francisco 'Frank' Mata

Laredo ISD held a ceremonial salute for Francisco "Frank" Mata, calling him a "Tiger legend" and noting his 24 years of service with the United States military. The district said Mata joined the U.S. Army Reserves in February 1994 while playing baseball at Laredo Community College.

Mata told the audience he was inspired to serve after seeing soldiers march near Fort McIntosh and that military service "completely defined who I am," citing the discipline, leadership and accountability it instilled. He credited his parents and a strict baseball coach with helping form his core values.

The district also noted Mata's local ties: he was born in Ola Ruedo, grew up in Laredo and attended Santa Maria Elementary, Kristen Middle School and Martin High School. The ceremony mentioned that Mata is now a husband, father and the director of the financial services department for the city of Laredo, supervising roughly 34–35 employees.

Laredo ISD closed the salute by publicly thanking Francisco Javier Mata for his service.