disT inguished service award dr. Ben garza

Dr. Ben L. Garza has been practicing medicine in Edinburg for 39 years, after graduating from the UT College of Pharmacy in 1961 and UT Medical School Branch in Galveston.

He joined Edinburg Medical Center and has served as team doctor for the UTPA Broncs since 1985 and the Edinburg School District teams since 1980.

Besides his medical career, “Dr. Ben” has been active in the community as Edinburg School Board trustee, Hidalgo County health officer, and medical director for the UTPA Physician Assistant Program. He has served on a number of state boards and is a full colonel (retired) after 20 years in the Texas National Guard.

Garza won the highest Boy Scout leadership honor, the Silver Beaver Award in 1985, was named Man of the Year by the American Heart Association in 2000, and was tabbed Doctor of the Year by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in 2008.

• Past Distinguished Service Award Recipients

1995 Glenn Roney, McAllen

1996 Roy Gonzalez, McAllen

1997 Robert Valadez, Mission

1998 Othal Brand, McAllen

1999 Joe Ochoa, Edinburg

2000 Irma Elizondo, Pharr

2001 Herman Keillor, MD, Harlingen

2002 Greg LaMantia, McAllen

2003 Val LaMantia-Piesen, McAllen

2003 Jorge Salcines, McAllen

2004 A.C. Jaime, Pharr

2005 Charlie Isbell, Brownsville

2006 Joe Ayala, Harlingen

2007 Bill Guthrie, Harlingen

2008 Larry Pressler, McAllen