May 3, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E705 renovated facility which not only contains city A FALL RIVER PRINCE added to the vision of the society and made offices but also features the Rice Interpretive it better by their input and views.’’ Center, the J.D. Miller Recording Studio, and Garcia came to New Bedford from Sao HON. BARNEY FRANK Miguel, Azores, in 1957 at age 11. He said he the Ford Dealership Museum. OF knew no English. ‘‘One of the things I’ve Crowley earned the title ‘‘Rice Capital of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tried to do over the years is to never forget America’’ by milling more rice annually than all the hardships and sacrifices immigrants other rice-producing countries in the world Wednesday, May 3, 2006 must make,’’ he said. ‘‘We try to instill that combined. Also, contributing to its title is the Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, in others and make their journey easier by large number of rice mills that line Mill Street. I have had the pleasure during my years of avoiding the pitfalls we had.’’ The new building incorporates this heritage The New Bedford schools had no bilingual representing Southeastern Massachusetts to program at that time, so Garcia learned with the Rice Interpretive Center, where visi- work with Fernando Garcia. Fernando Garcia English at Our Lady of Mount Carmal tors can take a driving tour down the ‘‘rice is a leader in the business community of School. After four years there he said he was trail.’’ Southeastern Massachusetts, and has been able to navigate through the public schools. At the celebration, Crowley Mayor Isabella particularly active in affairs of the large Por- He went on to the University of Massachu- delaHoussaye gave the attendees a history of tuguese-American Community that contributes setts Dartmouth, where he was president of the building and described the renovation and his class as a sophomore and a junior. He so much to that part of the state and indeed majored in business and foreign languages restoration efforts. ‘‘This is Crowley pride at its to the state as a whole. I had the pleasure a best. We should all be very proud of this ac- and his class, the Class of 1969, was the first few years ago of visiting the Azores in the to graduate from the Dartmouth campus. complishment for our city,’’ said company of Mr. Garcia and the then Mayor ‘‘Then it was out into the business world, delaHoussaye. Fred Kalisz of the City of New Bedford, and I and I haven’t stopped since,’’ he said. I ask my colleagues to join Mayor have worked with Mr. Garcia on a number of In October 1998 he said he saw a great busi- delaHoussaye in applauding the citizens of ness opportunity in Fall River. Ford Auto- occasions since then on matters of particular Crowley for constructing this great facility. motive Co. was about to close a dealership interest to the Portuguese-American Commu- Construction of the new City Hall building will due to prior failures. Garcia said with proper nities. At a time when we are talking about im- be marked as a significant milestone in management and dedicated employees, he migration, it is important to note that Mr. Gar- was able to restructure it so that it now Crowley’s long history. cia, like so many others who have been such ranks in the top 10 Ford dealerships in New f important contributors to the life of South- England, employs about 100 people and gen- eastern Massachusetts, is an immigrant who erates annual sales of more than $75 million. HONORING COMMUNITY ‘‘I’m delighted with the growth I’ve been in was born in the city of Sao Miguel, in the ALTERNATIVES KENTUCKY the 71⁄2 years I’ve been here,’’ Garcia said. Azores. I note that he knew no English when ‘‘There are so many good people. I find it im- HON. RON LEWIS he arrived here at the age of 11, and like the possible to say no to worthy causes.’’ OF KENTUCKY overwhelming majority of immigrants, strove to In business and in life, Garcia said he be- lieves in integrity, character and in always IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES become proficient to the point where he is now a significant community leader—in keeping his word. Wednesday, May 3, 2006 Garcia said Fall River Ford is most grate- English while of course retaining his facility in Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise ful for the courtesy and patronage of the Portuguese. community. today to recognize Community Alternatives Mr. Speaker, the sort of civic activity that ‘‘I am very proud to be Portuguese,’’ he Kentucky, an exceptional organization in my Fernando Garcia exemplifies is a very impor- said. ‘‘On the day I received my citizenship Congressional District that delivers commu- tant asset and I was pleased to read the ex- papers I was as equally proud to be a Por- nity-based supportive services to persons with cellent article about him in the Fall River Her- tuguese-American.’’ disabilities. ald News, appropriately in the Business sec- Garcia is involved in numerous activities aimed at improving the quality of life in this The noble mission of Community Alter- tion since as the owner of Fall River Ford he natives Kentucky is to enhance the lives of the region. He is chairman of the Executive is a significant leader in that segment of the Business Council at Charlton Memorial Hos- individuals they serve by helping them be- life of his community. pital, a member of the board of the Presi- come active members of their communities Mr. Speaker, as an example of the impor- dent’s Council at the hospital, a member of and realize their personal goals. They provide tant positive contribution made by immigration the board of the local chapter of the Amer- a wide range of day-to-day residential and em- to this country, I ask that the article from the ican Heart Association, a member of the ployment services to assist disabled individ- Fall River Herald News about Fernando Gar- community advisor board of the Diabetes As- uals with health needs, personal care, physical cia be printed here. sociation and a board member of the devel- opment council for HealthFirst Family Care and speech therapy, transportation, house- [From the Herald News, Apr. 14, 2006] keeping, recreation and other personal man- Center. A FALL RIVER PRINCE Before he bought Fall River Ford, Garcia agement services. (By Kathleen Durand) was a national sales manager for Rusty Community Alternatives of Kentucky advo- Jones, an automotive appearance mainte- Fernando Garcia said it’s easy to be a good cates self determination, civil rights, and com- nance program. He than founded All-Neads corporate citizen in a wonderful environ- munity inclusion for people with special needs Insurance of New Bedford. When he bought ment and community like Fall River. and developmental disabilities. They play an Fall River Ford, he gave his co-workers at The owner of Fall River Ford, Garcia will All-Neads the opportunity to buy the busi- important role in local communities, promoting be recognized by the Prince Henry Society ness. Without them, he said, the business an inclusive quality of life that allows all peo- tonight for his many acts of charity and would not have achieved the success it did. ple, regardless of personal challenges, to service to the community. The Fall River reach their potential as happy and productive chapter as its Portuguese-American of the f members of society. year. Similar honors will be bestowed on PAYING TRIBUTE TO SERGEANT I applaud Community Alternatives Kentucky, Thomas Alves, a plumber, by the New Bed- JEFFREY A. STONE particularly their wonderful support staff, for all ford chapter, and Joseph de Melo, an attor- that they do to assist disabled individuals and ney, by the Taunton chapter. The three will their families. On behalf of so many in Ken- receive their awards at a dinner at the Cen- HON. JON C. PORTER tury House in Acushnet. OF NEVADA tucky’s Second Congressional District, I would Garcia said the Prince Henry Society is IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES like to express my profound appreciation for made up of people of Portuguese heritage, in- their service and for the many contributions to cluding both immigrants and native-born Wednesday, May 3, 2006 our communities from the people they serve. Americans. The primary function of the soci- Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Together, they are a true inspiration to us all. ety is to promote education, he said, and it honor Sergeant Jeffrey A. Stone in recognition It is my great privilege to recognize Commu- has given hundreds of scholarships worth of his heroic act performed at the Bureau of nity Alternatives Kentucky today, before the thousands of dollars to deserving students. Reclamation’s Hoover Dam resulting in the entire U.S. House of Representatives, for their A member of the Fall River chapter, Gar- saving of a life and to commend him for re- cia said he was totally surprised to learn it achievements as advocates for disabled citi- has named him Portuguese-American of the ceiving the U.S. Department of the Interior zens. Their unique compassion and dedication year. ‘‘Every member of the chapter is de- Valor Award. to the happiness and well-being of all people serving of the award. It’s a small chapter but On October 14, 2005, Sergeant Stone dis- make them outstanding citizens worthy of our it gives constantly,’’ he said. ‘‘It’s the first played outstanding dedication and commit- collective honor and respect. chapter that has women members who have ment to the Hoover Dam Police Department

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:13 May 04, 2006 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A03MY8.061 E03MYPT1 ccoleman on PROD1PC71 with REMARKS E706 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 3, 2006 when he assisted a fellow officer in preventing As was her nature, Bennye was also a lead- of democratic freedoms in the Middle East. a suicide. While on duty at the entrance to the er in the community. She served as President is our nation’s strongest ally and only Nevada Spillway Lot, Sergeant Stone ob- for both the San Antonio Calligraphers Guild truly democratic partner in the Middle East. served a man standing on the wall overlooking and the Harp and Shamrock Society and as a With the continuing War on Terror, our alli- the face of Hoover Dam. Suspecting the man member of the S.A. Conservation Society and ance with Israel is more important than ever. was a possible suicide he radioed Corporal paper chair of Night In Old San Antonio In more than 100 instances in the past 58 Russell Balbirona for help. While waiting for (NIOSA.) years, our countries have stood together in the Corporal Balbirona to come, Sergeant Stone Bennye worked at the local level of politics, face of great turmoil. Today, I reinforce the approached the man and demanded he get an area often overlooked despite its impor- unshakeable commitment of the down from the wall. The man told him he was tance. As Speaker Tip O’Neill used to say ‘‘All to the safety and security of Israel and her re- going to end his life. politics is local,’’ and Bennye knew this. It’s at ciprocal commitment to our security. While the Sergeant Stone offered him words of en- this level that small gestures and kindnesses times and the circumstances continue to couragement, but the man still refused to get matter more than policy differences. Bennye change, the commitment we have made in the down. Working in unison with Corporal was unfailingly kind and helpful in many ways, past 58 years to building peace and stability Balbirona who had then arrived, Sergeant and many in the Democratic Party recall her has fostered a bond between our nations that Stone continued talking to the man to distract tireless assistance. shall never be broken. him while Corporal Balbirona approached the Bennye would support local candidates in Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I man from behind. When the man reached for whatever fashion she could. She served as stand here today to recognize Israeli Inde- a cigarette that Sergeant Stone had offered Secretary and Treasurer of the Bexar County pendence Day and to recognize Israel’s com- him, Corporal Balbirona grabbed the man Democratic Party. She was named interim mitment to democracy in the Middle East. The around the waist and safely removed him from Chair of the Bexar County Democrats, often a common values we share: a government of the wall. As the two men were falling to the thankless task, but she dispatched those du- the people, by the people, and for the people, ground, Sergeant Stone immediately assisted ties with the same kindness, enthusiasm and are the core values on which democracy is Corporal Balbirona. After the man was sub- efficiency she performed all other tasks. Even based. dued and taken into police custody, he was while suffering the illness that would lead to f transported to Boulder City Hospital for a psy- her death, Bennye continued to work for the chological evaluation. Prior to being trans- Democratic Party. HONORING THE LATE HOWARD ported to the hospital the man thanked the of- Democrats in San Antonio could count on ZERANGUE, SR. ficers for saving his life and apologized for Bennye to keep us focused on the goal of creating a disturbance. helping people. She was dedicated to the mis- HON. CHARLES W. BOUSTANY, JR. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Sergeant sion of our party at its finest, the mission of OF LOUISIANA Jeffrey A. Stone for his exceptional display of Democrats like President Franklin Delano IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Roosevelt, Speaker Sam Rayburn or Presi- courage, quick reaction, and heroic actions Wednesday, May 3, 2006 carried out in this life-saving incident. I further dent Lyndon Baines Johnson. congratulate Sergeant Stone for receiving the Of course, Bennye was a wife, mother and Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, it is always U.S. Department of the Interior Valor Award. I grandmother. She and her husband, Tom, difficult to inform my colleagues when a con- thank him for his distinguished service and were married for 50 years. I am amazed how stituent of mine passes away. It is especially wish him the best in all of his future endeav- Bennye found time for her career, her family hard when we have to say goodbye to a dis- ors. and her activities. tinguished public servant such as Sheriff How- My thoughts and prayers go out to her hus- ard Zerangue of Opelousas, LA, who died f band, her family, and those whose lives she Thursday, April 27, 2006 following a long bat- TRIBUTE TO BENNYE CAROL touched. She will be sorely missed. tle with a blood disorder. FRAZIER f Mr. Speaker, Howard Zerangue was Opelousas. His life and career will forever be RECOGNIZING 58TH ANNIVERSARY defined by his devoted service to his city, as HON. CHARLES A. GONZALEZ OF ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY OF TEXAS well as his neighbors in St. Landry Parish, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SPEECH OF where he served more than 25 years as Sher- iff. Prior to his seven consecutive terms in the Wednesday, May 3, 2006 HON. BRIAN HIGGINS Sheriffs office, Howard Zerangue also served Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, OF on the Opelousas Board of Aldermen from to honor a lovely woman from San Antonio, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 1966 to 1974, and as Opelousas Police Chief who passed away recently. I rise to honor Tuesday, May 2, 2006 from 1974 to 1980. Throughout his service in Bennye Carol Frazier, a person dedicated to Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to law enforcement, Howard Zerangue was serving others and causes bigger than anyone recognize the 58th anniversary of Israel Inde- known for making significant technological im- person. Sadly, she left us recently, but she pendence Day, Yom Ha’atzmaut. provements for his staff despite having to deal never stopped fighting. In fact, despite her On this day in 1948, the U.N. mandate re- with tight budgets. He is also credited with kind and gracious manner, she fought hard garding Great Britain’s control over the land of starting programs to fight drugs, and to pro- her entire life for the causes she believed in. Israel ended and the people of Israel declared vide transportation services for the elderly and Bennye believed in the power of education the existence of the independent democratic disabled. to transform lives. She taught in San Antonio state of Israel. Despite the lofty titles he held, Howard schools for many years, and she chose to In a democratic nation, Independence Day Zerangue never forgot where he came from. teach high school students who had the high- is created to celebrate the values and free- His jobs outside of law enforcement, including est risk of dropping out. These are the stu- doms democratic nations hold dear. However, as a Volkswagen salesman in the 1970’s and dents most in need of encouragement and re- it should also be a day for reflection on the as a bouncer at the Southern Club, allowed inforcement that obtaining an education is sacrifice required to ensure the continuation him to relate to the people he served every- something everyone can do and that the goal and protection of those freedoms. In fact, in day. His friends always appreciated his loyalty is within their grasp. There are, I’m sure, many Israel, on the day proceeding Independence and his duty. As the Opelousas Daily World people in San Antonio who would have quit Day, Israelis honor Yom Hazikaron or Memo- noted in their commentary: ‘‘He had a strong had it not been for Bennye’s encouragement. rial Day for Fallen Soldiers. The link between sense of duty. He could be counted upon to She fought to keep students in school and on the two is clear: Israelis owe a debt, and the be there when the chips were down. He stood track for graduation. existence of the state, to the soldiers who sac- up for those things—and people—that he be- Bennye also fought to improve schools and rificed their lives for it. On this day Israel Inde- lieved in. He was dedicated to his job and to treatment of teachers. She served as Presi- pendence Day, I also ask for a moment of his vision of it as a way to help others.’’ One dent of the San Antonio Teachers Council for introspection to honor those who, whether could only hope to be remembered in such a two terms as well as for the local affiliates of Israeli or American, have fallen to defend their way. Despite our loss, Howard Zerangue’s the National Education Association and the nation and to defend democracy. memory lives on in the streets of Opelousas Texas State Teachers Association, and the The United States has long been a sup- and St. Landry, which he worked to keep safe Texas Industrial Vocational Association. porter of Israel and her policies as a defender for most of his life.

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