Epifanio Jiménez

Epifanio "Epi" Jiménez Cruz (born June 11, 1965) in Carolina, Puerto Rico is a Puerto Rican politician who held many occupations in the New Progressive Party and was elected to a seat at 40th district in the Puerto Rico House of Representatives. Served as an officer in the Army National Guard of Puerto Rico.

Epifanio Jiménez
Epifanio Jimenez Cruz
Member of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives from the 39th District
In office 1994–2008
Preceded by	Gilberto Moreno
Succeeded by	Elizabeth Casado
Speaker pro tempore of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico
In office 2004–2008
Preceded by	Ferdinand Pérez
Succeeded by	Gabriel Rodríguez Aguiló
Personal details
Born	(1965-06-11) June 11, 1965 Carolina, Puerto Rico
Political party	New Progressive Party (PNP)
Children	3
Alma mater	University of Puerto Rico
Military service
Allegiance	United States of America
Branch/service	Army National Guard
Years of service	1988 - 2015
Rank	Lieutenant colonel
Unit	PRNG JFHQ

Early years and studies

Epifanio Jiménez Cruz is the son of Epifanio Jiménez Meléndez and Miriam Cruz Rodríguez. He had primary and secondary studies at Colegio La Piedad in Isla Verde, Puerto Rico until he graduated. Later he went to the University of Puerto Rico where he earned a bachelor's degree in commerce with a concentration in Human Resources. Jiménez also enrolled in the Army Reserve Officers Training Corps Program ROTC where in 1988 he commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant and joined the Puerto Rico Army National Guard. Epifanio Jiménez retired from the Puerto Rico National Guard in 2015 rank of Lieutenant Colonel and continues to work on the logistics branch at the National Guard of Puerto Rico.

Political career

In 1984 he began a political career as an electoral worker and president of the New Progressive Party municipal youth committee in Carolina, Puerto Rico. In 1994 Epifanio Jiménez was an aide of Senator Charlie Rodriguez and ran in a special election where he succeeded to become the Representative for the 39th district in the Puerto Rico House of Representatives. Jiménez was reelected in the 1996,[1] 2000[2] and 2004[3] general elections. In 2004 the 39 district became the 40th district. From 2004 to 2008 Jiménez was the Speaker pro tempore of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico. In 2008, Jiménez ran for Mayor of Carolina, Puerto Rico. The standing mayor, José Aponte Dalmau from the Popular Democratic Party, was able to keep his position.[4]

Military awards and decorations

1	Meritorious Service Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster			Army Commendation Medal with bronze oak leaf cluster
2	Army Achievement Medal		Reserve Good Conduct Medal with silver and bronze oak leaf clusters		National Defense Service Medal with bronze service star
3	Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal		Global War on Terrorism Service Medal		Armed Forces Reserve Medal with Bronze Hourglass and "M" Device
4	Army Service Ribbon		Army Overseas Service Ribbon		NATO Medal

Personal life

He is married to Elizabeth Gallo (since 1988) and has 3 children Epifanio, Gian Carlo and Gabriel. He still lives in Carolina, Puerto Rico.

References

1. "Representantes de Distrito, Resultados Distrito 39, Elecciones Generales 1996". CEEPUR. December 20, 1996.
2. "Representantes de Distrito, Resultados Distrito 39, Elecciones Generales 2000". CEEPUR. December 19, 2000.
3. "Representantes de Distrito, Resultados Distrito 40, Elecciones Generales 2004". CEEPUR. December 20, 2004. Archived from the original on 2014-12-27.
4. "Alcaldes, Resultados Municipio de Carolina, Elecciones Generales 2008". CEEPUR. December 18, 2008.

House of Representatives of Puerto Rico
Preceded by Gilberto Moreno	Member of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives from the 39th District 1994–2008	Succeeded by Elizabeth Casado
Preceded by Ferdinand Pérez	Speaker pro tempore of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives 2005–2009	Succeeded by Gabriel Rodríguez Aguiló