April 12, 1999

American GI Frorum of the United States
National Veterans Family Organization
Office of the National Secretary
6801 Coolridge Road
Camp Springs, Maryland 20748-2705
Phone: 301 449-7967    Fax: 301-449-7077

National Secretary
Jess Quintero
Washington, DC

Honorable Janice la Chance
Director
U.S. Office of Personnel Management
1900 E Street, NW
Washington, DC 20415

Dear Ms. La Chance:

This letter is to tell you how much I enjoyed speaking with you at some of
the ceremonies where the Hispanic Appointees and you were being
recognized. You were gracious to mention how the French identified
with many of the Hispanic cultural and ethnic traits and how you enjoyed
being recognized with them. At those ceremonies, I mentioned to you
how much we appreciated the direct support we receive from
Mr. Amrando Rodriguez and the office staff.

I would like to request a meeting with you and John Sepulveda, Deputy
Director, U.S. Office of Personnel, OPM, as soon as possible to discuss
a serious issue that surfaced today at a meeting of the coalition of
national Hispanic organizations, The Hispanic Leadership Agenda.

During our discussion, it was mentioned that Mr. Armando Rodriguez
was removed as Director, Diversity Office, Employment Service, OPM.
The American GI Forum wants to inform you of what an asset
Mr. Rodriguez and the staff are to our veterans, organizations and
community. They are tireless and always ready to respond to our needs
and questions. We ask support for presentations by them, and there
they are ready to support. Mr. Rodriguez is a True American government
manager.

We are guilty of not letting top management officials know of the
professionalism and fine job management staff does for the public. Well,
here it is in writing, better now than not. As the lead federal agency to
other agencies on policy issues, OPM is fortunate to have someone of
Mr. Rodriguez* caliber.

At this time, the Hispanic leadership is not familiar with the particulars. I
do know that common courtesy and respect for you and Mr. Sepulveda
dictates that we attempt to resolve this issue with you and him before
we decide to meet with other Administration and congressional leaders.
If it is more convenient for you to meet with a group of us, then we will
make ourselves available for such a meeting

If you have any questions or if we can be of assistance, please call me
at 301-449-7967.

Sincerely,

Jess Quintero
National Secretary

cc:    Congressional Hispanic Caucus
    AGIF National Board & Commander
    National Hispanic Leadership Agenda