What a privilege it was to know Gov. Raul Castro

Two years ago, the Consular Corps of Arizona was privileged and honored to salute Gov. Raul Castro at a Gala Dinner with an audience of over 250 people, including Democrats, Republicans and independents.

The honor bestowed on him that evening was Diplomat of the Year, as he not only was the first Latino governor of Arizona, but was named ambassador to Bolivia, Argentina and my home country of El Salvador.

As the emcee that evening, I had the pleasure of introducing him and walking him to the podium with my friend the Honorable Alfredo Molina, Consul of Spain.

His remarks lasted over 55 minutes and all of us were amazed at his energy level and the strength of the delivery while standing at the podium.

The story of his life was powerful, and it clearly is an inspiration for all members of the Latino community, especially our youth, to become interested in serving Arizona at the government level, whether it's local, state or federal.

The government of El Salvador, through its presidency, foreign ministry and embassy in Washington, D.C., applauds and respects the years he served as our ambassador and the many contributions he and his wife, Pat, made to the country.

I feel privileged to have known him and he will be missed.

— Enrique Melendeze, Consul, Republic of El Salvador