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Home , Mike Garcia (politician)

E1128 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 9, 2014 to stand up to the enemy. That was a trade- RECOGNIZING THE EFFORTS OF dinary efforts and dedication to Shelter House. mark of Jeremiah Denton—he never gave up SHELTER HOUSE, INC. AND THE I also commend all Shelter House volunteers, the fight. RECIPIENTS OF THE 2014 VOLUN- as well as the private sector and government In his most memorable moment, Denton TEER AWARDS partners, who constantly strive to better our blinked the words ‘‘torture’’ in Morse code dur- community through efforts to provide secure, ing a televised propaganda interview. This HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY structured environments, and indispensable was the first time Americans and the world OF VIRGINIA support for families in need. learned the extent of torture that American IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me POWs were experiencing. Jeremiah Denton’s in expressing our sincere appreciation to Shel- Wednesday, July 9, 2014 bold, steadfast courage in the face of constant ter House and its many volunteers and com- torture embodies the American spirit of perse- Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to rec- munity partners. Their selfless work benefits verance against all odds. ognize the remarkable efforts of Shelter the entire Northern Virginia community and im- Thankfully, Denton would later be released House, Inc., and to congratulate the recipients proves the lives of many of our neighbors. during diplomatic negotiations known as ‘‘Op- of the 2014 Volunteer Awards. Shelter House f eration Homecoming.’’ Upon his return to is a community-based, non-profit organization IN RECOGNITION OF DR. EDDIE American soil, Denton proudly declared: ‘‘We that works to break the cycle of homelessness HADLOCK are honored to have had the opportunity to by offering support to those most in need in serve our country under difficult cir- the Northern Virginia community. Shelter cumstances. We are profoundly grateful to our House provides crisis intervention, temporary, HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS commander-in-chief and to our nation for this transitional, and permanent housing, training, OF TEXAS day. God bless America.’’ counseling, and programs to support self-suffi- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Denton went on to receive the Navy Cross, ciency. Of course, none of this would be pos- Wednesday, July 9, 2014 the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the sible without the hard work of dedicated volun- Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Navy Distinguished Service Medal, three Sil- teers. honor the dedicated service of Dr. Eddie Shelter House was founded in 1981 by sev- ver Stars, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and Hadlock, President of North Central Texas eral faith groups, which came together to bet- many other military honors. College. After 40 years of service to NCTC, ter serve low-income individuals and families. Later in life, Denton became the first Repub- Dr. Hadlock’s exemplary career is coming to Shelter House operates three shelters: The lican elected to the Senate from an end. Alabama since Reconstruction. In the Senate, Katherine K. Hanley and the Patrick Henry Dr. Hadlock’s career in education includes he worked to combat the spread of com- family shelters, which provide temporary hous- two years of public school teaching and 35- munism and strengthen our nation’s defense. ing for local families who become homeless, plus years as a college teacher and adminis- He was a strong advocate for family values and Artemis House, Fairfax County’s only trator. From part-time teaching assignments, and a voice of reason in the Senate. emergency shelter for families and individuals serving as a vocational counselor, and various After his time in the Senate, Jeremiah Den- fleeing domestic and sexual violence and administrative positions up to president, Dr. ton maintained a very modest life, offering human trafficking. By partnering with Falls Hadlock has served in virtually every area of counsel to others interested in public service, Church Presbyterian Church, Shelter House college operations. Dr. Hadlock currently never wavering in his commitment to our great added permanent housing to its portfolio at the serves on the Executive Committee of the nation. Ives House. Construction of additional perma- Texas Association of Community Colleges and On May 28, 2014, America lost one of our nent housing began earlier this year. has held membership in numerous profes- finest heroes as Jeremiah Denton passed The programs operated by Shelter House sional organizations including serving as a away at the age of 89. have contributed greatly to breaking the cycle member of the Reaffirmation Committee for Jeremiah Denton embodies what it means of homelessness. In FY 2013, Shelter House the Southern Association of Colleges and to be a public servant in every sense of the served 1,858 people in 523 households and Schools. word. When his nation needed him, he always significantly reduced the average length of North Central Texas College’s sterling rep- answered the call of duty and stood tall in the stay for families at each of its shelters. FY utation is a reflection of the committed leader- face of doubt and despair. He never once 2013 was an exciting year for Shelter House’s ship of Dr. Hadlock. His professional legacy wavered in his commitment to serving our Community Case Management program. With will continue to benefit the students of North country, steadfastly enduring torture by the the support of a grant from the Fairfax County Texas for years to come. I join his colleagues North Vietnamese. Consolidated Community Funding Pool, Shel- and the community in commending North Cen- It is often said that the measure of a man ter House hired a Community Case Manager tral Texas College’s President, Dr. Eddie is not what he takes with him when he dies, and was therefore able to increase the num- Hadlock for his dedication to education and but rather what he leaves behind. Jeremiah ber of people served. The Community Case extend best wishes upon his retirement. It is Denton left behind a remarkable example for Management program focuses on homeless- my privilege to represent North Central Texas future generations of what it means to be a ness prevention by providing financial assist- College in the U.S. House of Representatives. great and proud American. He left behind a ance and support. f legacy that can never be filled. Volunteers and community partners are es- We are proud to claim Jeremiah Denton as sential to this success, as they provide the A TRIBUTE IN HONOR OF THE RE- a native son of Mobile. I admire him for his tools necessary to combat homelessness. TIREMENT OF MIKE GARCIA, passion for service, and I strive to emulate his Their expertise, financial support, and efforts PRESIDENT OF SEIU UNITED example. compose the foundation of Shelter House’s SERVICE WORKERS WEST Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I commendable work. This year, Shelter House honor the life of Senator Jeremiah Denton, not has recognized the following individuals and HON. only today, but each and every day. partners for their outstanding commitment to OF f ending homelessness in our community, and I IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES am very pleased to enter their names into the Wednesday, July 9, 2014 PERSONAL EXPLANATION CONGRESSIONAL RECORD: Changing Lives Awards: McLean Bible Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise with my HON. JIM GERLACH Church Justice Ministry, Mars Incorporated, colleagues, Congresswoman , OF PENNSYLVANIA Gracing Spaces, Greg Ziegler. Congressman XAVIER BECERRA, Congressman IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Creating New Beginnings Awards: Society , Congresswoman , of Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging; Congresswoman LOIS CAPPS, Congressman Wednesday, July 9, 2014 BB&T Insurance Services, Inc.; Emmanuel Lu- TONY CA´RDENAS, Congressman , Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, theran Church; St. John’s Community Serv- Congresswoman , Congress- on July 8, 2014, I missed two recorded votes ices. woman , Congressman SAM on the House floor. I ask that the RECORD re- Community Champion Award: Supervisor FARR, Congressman , Con- flect that had I been present, I would have John Cook. gresswoman JANICE HAHN, Congressman MIKE voted ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall 369 and ‘‘yea’’ on roll- I congratulate the 2014 Volunteer Award re- HONDA, Congressman , Con- call 370. cipients on being recognized for their extraor- gresswoman , Congressman

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ALAN LOWENTHAL, Congresswoman DORIS also worked as a news anchor at CNN–2, food, cooking in the kitchen or finishing home- MATSUI, Congressman JERRY MCNERNEY, which later became CNN Headline News. Be- work at the tables. Congressman GEORGE MILLER, Congress- fore arriving in Fresno, Bud worked as the Lebanese Taverna today, 35 years later, is woman , Congresswoman main news anchor at the ABC affiliate in Rich- a multi-concept collaboration with six res- GLORIA NEGRETE MCLEOD, Congresswoman mond, Virginia. taurants, four quick service cafes, a market, , Congressman SCOTT PETERS, In 1987, Bud began his career at KSEE24. and full service catering division. Tanios and Congresswoman LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD, Since then, he has worked tirelessly to estab- Marie are easing into retirement (although still Congressman , Congresswoman lish a solid reputation in the community for de- involved in quality control) while the five sib- INDA A´NCHEZ ORETTA livering accurate news. While at KSEE24, Bud L S , Congresswoman L lings, each with their own specialty, operate ANCHEZ DAM CHIFF has worked as the evening news anchor, S , Congressman A S , Con- the business. Today the Abi-Najm children still gressman , Congresswoman morning newscast anchor, and morning show greet old friends and welcome new ones into , Congressman , co-anchor. He has worked from both behind the restaurants where they grew up and Congressman , Congressman the desk and out in the field to deliver news shared their lives, in keeping with their motto, MIKE THOMPSON, Congressman , that is relevant and important to residents in ‘‘good food enjoyed in good company.’’ Leba- Congresswoman , and Con- the Valley. nese Taverna has come to symbolize the real- gressman HENRY WAXMAN to honor our dear The commitment Bud has made to his ca- ization of dreams and the rewards of dedica- friend Mike Garcia who is retiring after more reer and the Central Valley has not gone un- tion. than 30 years of service to working families in noticed. Throughout his time in the San Joa- California. quin Valley, Bud has earned a number of Mr. Speaker, once again, let me congratu- Mike served as the President of Service awards for excellence in journalism, including late Mr. and Mrs. Abi-Najm on their 35 years Employees International Union United Service an Emmy and several Associated Press and of success. This family embodies the very Workers West (SEIU USSW) between 1988 Radio-Television News Directors Association best ideals of the American dream; hard work and 2014, where he led 40,000 janitors, secu- awards. Most recently, Bud was recognized by and a strong commitment to family and com- rity officers and airport workers across Cali- the Fresno County Farm Bureau for his work munity. Congratulations on 35 years of suc- fornia in the fight for good jobs. Mike has been on a four-part series focused on the water cess! involved in the labor movement since 1980, challenges that farmers face in California’s when he began his career organizing janitors San Joaquin Valley. f first in San Jose and later in San Diego in the Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me ‘‘Justice for Janitors’’ campaign. in recognizing the outstanding contributions IN MEMORY OF PAT TORO In 2010 he oversaw the merger of several Mr. Bud Elliott has made to the San Joaquin local unions into SEIU USWW, a statewide Valley. The lasting contributions he has made union of property service workers. Mike guided to our community as a news anchor deserve HON. SEIU USWW through years of dramatic to be commended. OF NEW YORK growth, taking a union of 1,800 janitors and f building a powerful statewide local on the fore- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES front of fighting for immigrants’ rights and lift- PERSONAL EXPLANATION Wednesday, July 9, 2014 ing working families out of poverty. Mike had a deep understanding of policy HON. LOIS CAPPS Ms. MENG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in and the questions that matter most to working OF CALIFORNIA memory of my constituent, Pat Toro, deco- class Californians. He was also extremely IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES rated Vietnam veteran, longtime former presi- brave; willing to face the strongest adversaries Wednesday, July 9, 2014 dent of the Queens chapter of the Vietnam when fighting for those who needed his help. Veterans of America, and retired law-enforce- According to Mike, his greatest accomplish- Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I was not able to ment officer. Pat passed away on Thursday, ment was winning the historic janitors’ strike of be present for the following rollcall vote on July 3, at the age of sixty-four, after a long 2000 in Los Angeles, an action he proudly July 8, 2014, and would like the RECORD to re- battle with leukemia. notes ‘‘changed the lives of thousands of jani- flect that I would have voted as follows: rollcall tors and their families because USWW mem- No. 369: ‘‘yes;’’ rollcall No. 370: ‘‘yes.’’ Pat served his country as a Marine during the Vietnam War. Upon his return to the bers—the real heroes of the strike—laid it all f on the line for a chance to win and bring their United States he continued to serve his com- CONGRATULATING LEBANESE families into the American middle class.’’ munity as a criminal investigator for the Port TAVERNA ON THEIR 35TH ANNI- In retirement Mike will remain a powerful Authority of New York and New Jersey. In ad- VERSARY voice for vulnerable populations and a strong dition to being the President of the Queens advocate for comprehensive immigration re- chapter of the Vietnam Veterans of America, form to help millions of aspiring citizens HON. JAMES P. MORAN Pat held the positions of Southern District achieve better lives. OF VIRGINIA Leader and National Director at Large. Mr. Speaker, we ask the entire House of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES During his tenure with the Vietnam Veterans Representatives to join us in honoring Mike Wednesday, July 9, 2014 of America, Pat was profoundly dedicated to Garcia for his service to our Country. improving the quality of life and preserving the Mr. MORAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to f history of his fellow veterans. He started a congratulate Lebanese Taverna on their 35th program to provide dignified burials for indi- RECOGNIZING BUD ELLIOTT Anniversary. Tanios and Marie Abi-Najm immi- gent veterans, which gave ninety people the grated to the United States in 1976, along with proper respect they had earned. One of Pat’s HON. JIM COSTA their five young children: Dory, Dany, David, goals was to construct a memorial that would OF CALIFORNIA Gladys and Grace. honor the more than 400 fallen Vietnam vet- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The family boarded a cargo ship, in the erans from Queens. Although this project re- dead of the night, to escape the Civil War in Wednesday, July 9, 2014 mains on hold, completing it would be a fitting Lebanon, bringing only what they could carry. honor to Pat’s memory. Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Their final destination was Arlington, Virginia recognize Mr. Bud Elliott as he celebrates his where other family members had already been There is not a better example of unbridled retirement as a reporter and news anchor for living. After working in local restaurants for patriotism and service than Pat Toro, who was KSEE24. For 23 years, Bud has been a part three years, the family saved enough to pur- inducted into the New York State Veterans of thousands of viewers’ lives, and we will all chase a small restaurant in the Westover Hall of Fame in 2006. undoubtedly miss watching him on the neighborhood of Arlington, near their home. I ask that my colleagues in the House of evening news. Being practical, they kept the original sign, Representatives join me and rise in memory of Bud’s career in journalism began years be- ‘‘Athenian Taverna,’’ changing just one word, the courageous and benevolent American fore his time at KSEE24. Bud worked at thus ‘‘Lebanese Taverna’’ was born. Each hero, Pat Toro, who provided an immeas- KHOW radio in Denver, Colorado, where he family member had a role at the original loca- urable service to some of the most deserving was news director for most of the 1970s. He tion, whether it was greeting guests, serving Americans.

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