E1350 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks June 24, 2005 the American College of Surgeons. Through- IN HONOR OF BART AND CHERRY Congratulations are also due to the Detroit out his career, he was known for his tireless STARR AND THE RAWHIDE BOYS Pistons and their coach, Larry Brown, for put- efforts to ensure the inclusion of African Amer- RANCH ting up a battle worthy of a championship se- icans, women and other severely underrep- ries. resented minorities in the training and practice HON. MARK GREEN With the NBA’s number one and number of surgery. Dr. Organ passed away in Oakland OF two defensive teams battling against one an- other for the title, this was an exciting game on June 18, 2005 at the age of 78. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES not only for the Alamo City, but for fans A native Texan, Dr. Organ attended public Friday, June 24, 2005 around the Nation and in more than 200 na- school in Denison, and received his Mr. GREEN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, it is tions around the world where sports fans B.S. degree from Xavier University in New Or- my honor and pleasure to recognize before watched and cheered. leans, Louisiana. this House a wonderful program that has Under the guidance of Coach Gregg Though he was initially accepted at the Uni- helped hundreds of young men across Wis- Popovich, the Spurs’ , Manu versity of Texas medical school, he did not at- consin turn their lives around—the Rawhide Ginobili, , , Bruce tend after school officials discovered that he Boys Ranch. Bowen, , , Beno was black and offered to pay his expenses if Forty years ago an idea was born. The idea Udrih, Rasho Nesterovic, , he enrolled elsewhere. He instead chose to at- was to start a program to help troubled boys Devin Brown, and played tend Creighton University School of Medicine get a new start on life—a program that would valiantly to bring the NBA trophy back home to in Omaha, Nebraska, where he received his teach them how to become good citizens, hus- . My congratulations go as well to M.D. in 1952, and where he later completed bands and fathers. It was called the Rawhide the Spurs’ owners, Peter and Julianna Holt, as his surgical residency. Boys Ranch, and since opening its doors so well as the many other people in the Spurs or- many years ago hundreds of boys have suc- ganization. After serving as a Lieutenant Commander cessfully passed through the program, becom- Much credit is due to Tim Duncan, who with MC in the U.S. Navy Medical Corps from 1957 ing positive, productive young men. Today, 25 points and 11 rebounds, was appropriately until 1959, Dr. Organ joined the faculty of the Rawhide has grown into one of the most suc- named the Most Valuable Player of the Finals department of surgery at Creighton University cessful faith-based programs in Wisconsin, series. This marks the third time he has won in 1960. There, he rose to the rank of pro- and it has literally paved the way for scores of the award for his outstanding athletic skills, fessor and chair of the department, and later other organizations dedicated to helping young leadership and performance on the court. became a professor of surgery at the Univer- folks. This is the Spurs’ third championship victory sity of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center, In 1965, the year the in franchise history. They won their first in where he served from 1982 until 1988. were crowned football world champions, quar- 1999, followed by their second in 2003. Three Dr. Organ came to Oakland in 1989 to es- terback was one of the most cele- titles in 7 years isn’t just a magnificent accom- tablish and lead the University of California, brated figures in professional sports. It was plishment—it’s a dynasty. Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate and Davis/University of California, San Francisco then, while his star was shining brightest, that thank Coach Popovich and all the Spurs play- East Bay Surgery Department. In that role, he Bart and his wife Cherry were approached by ers for an unforgettable season. became known for his work in building the de- a local businessman and his wife with the partment into a highly respected training pro- dream for Rawhide Boys Ranch. Well, it didn’t f gram, and made a concerted effort to recruit take John and Jan Gillespie long to sell the HONORING TASK FORCE PHOENIX and support African American students, par- Starrs on their dream, and a short while later IV, THE 53RD BRIGADE COMBAT ticularly African American women, who were Rawhide was born. Since then, these remark- TEAM studying to become surgeons. Throughout his able folks have spent countless hours men- career he oversaw the training of dozens of toring young men, raising funds, telling others HON. C.W. BILL YOUNG about their amazing program, and serving as- surgeons, all of whom looked to him for guid- OF FLORIDA shining examples for us all. ance as a teacher and a mentor, and strived IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. Speaker, when Rawhide Boys Ranch to emulate the professional and personal ex- Friday, June 24, 2005 cellence that marked his career and conduct. was founded 40 years ago, no one could have predicted it would become such an over- Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, this While practicing medicine and educating whelming success. It has changed lives, morning I had the great honor to join in cere- residents, Dr. Organ also served as a member touched hearts, and given families hope that a monies at Camp Shelby, Mississippi as we of a number of professional and academic brighter future lies ahead. And, it is my distinct sent Task Force IV, The 53rd Brigade Combat medical associations. He was the editor of the privilege to recognize John and Jan Gillespie, Team headquartered in Pinellas Park, Florida prestigious Journal of American Medical Asso- Bart and Cherry Starr, and the Rawhide Boys to join Operation Enduring Freedom in Af- ciation’s Archives of Surgery for 15 years, and Ranch today. ghanistan. in 1999 was honored by the American College f The backbone of this task force operation is of Surgeons with its highest honor, the Distin- a contingent of 1,200 citizen soldiers from guished Service Award. Over the course of his IN HONOR OF THE NBA CHAMPION Florida National Guard units. They will be led career, he authored or co-authored more than in this operation by Brigadier General John M. 250 scientific articles and book chapters as ‘‘Mitch’’ Perryman, the first Florida General Of- well as five books. In addition, Dr. Organ HON. LAMAR S. SMITH ficer to deploy and lead a Florida formation in spent many years serving as president of the OF TEXAS combat overseas since World War II. Society of Black Academic Surgeons, presi- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES These 1,200 patriots from Florida, along with 250 soldiers from units in Tennessee, dent of the Board of Trustees of Xavier Uni- Friday, June 24, 2005 versity, and as president of the Urban League Kentucky, Iowa, Nebraska, and Vermont, were of Omaha. Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, it is with mobilized in April to begin their training and great enthusiasm that I rise today to recognize preparation for this mission to train the Afghan On Wednesday, June 22, 2005, the family our 2005 National Basketball Association National Army. An advance party from the and friends of Dr. Claude H. Organ, Jr. will champions, the San Antonio Spurs. 53rd Brigade is already in Afghanistan pre- gather to pay tribute to his extraordinary life. After going head to head for 6 games, the paring for the arrival of this unit. In addition to his myriad scientific and aca- Spurs and the met for their The 53rd Infantry Brigade has earned a na- demic contributions to the surgical field, Dr. final showdown in San Antonio Thursday tional reputation for excellence and achieve- Organ leaves a legacy of excellence in his night. In front of their hometown crowd, the ment in service to our Nation and our great commitment to ensuring equality of opportunity Spurs demonstrated once again why they are State of Florida. It was among the first units in for all surgical students and residents. Dr. Or- the best team in the Nation. the Nation to be activated following the tragic gan’s work as a healer, a teacher and a men- Following a tight and evenly matched first events of September 11, 2001. Their mission tor changed countless lives, and I salute and half, the Spurs pulled away from the Pistons was to guard airports, seaports and nuclear thank him for all that he has given to people in the final quarter to win 81–74 over Detroit, facilities. of the 9th Congressional District, the Bay Area closing out an incredibly hard fought cham- Members of the 53rd also proudly served and our country. pionship series four games to three. side by side with Special Operations forces,

VerDate jul 14 2003 05:48 Jun 25, 2005 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A24JN8.027 E24PT1 June 24, 2005 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1351 the 3rd Infantry Division, and the Marine Expe- tomers have returned with their own families. Mrs. Krehely, along with her husband Don, ditionary Force during Operation Iraqi Free- The excitement and loyalty of their customers Ann Ball, Jacqualine Young, Margaret dom. They fought for nearly a year in the has never wavered—a truth that is reflected in Restucher, James Sheffer, Lamar Smith, streets of Baghdad and Ramadhi. the long lines of anxious patrons that are a Thomas Gilliam, Honor Bell, Henry Giles and Many of those soldiers returned in April constant on Wooster Street. Jeff Weeks, have selflessly devoted hundreds 2004 and were quickly deployed last summer In fact, Pepe’s has even inspired other pizza of hours over the years to young men and to Floridians throughout our state who entrepreneurs, the first of which was Frank’s women working to achieve their goals. were devastated by four hurricane strikes. nephew Sal Consiglio who opened his own Through their efforts the program has grown They served for up to 70 days helping with our restaurant, Sally’s, just steps from his uncle’s so that over 120 young adults are currently state-wide recovery effort. restaurant. Years later another former em- participating. A large number of the troops my wife Bev- ployee opened Randy’s Wooster Street Pizza Their tireless commitment led to dozens of erly and I met with today at Camp Shelby are Shop. participants earning their bronze, silver and eagerly volunteering for a return to Southwest When Frank Pepe Pizzeria Napoletana first gold medals. As several members move on to Asia to serve with Task Force Phoenix after opened in 1925, it was the dream of Frank other challenges, we can all be grateful for the having served earlier tours in Afghanistan and and his wife Filomena to have a successful strength and character they helped foster in Iraq. neighborhood business where friends and the lives of our future leaders. The troops that deploy for this mission join neighbors could gather. Frank and Filomena Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 1,976 Florida Army Guard and 200 Florida Air could have only dreamed of the success their Congress, I am proud to recognize the First Guard troops who are currently deployed over- small business has come to be. Four genera- Congressional District’s Congressional Award seas. Since 9/11, 6,980 of the Florida Guard’s tions later, the business is still run by family Council and wish them continued success in 12,000 soldiers and airmen have been acti- and the walls are still adorned with family all their endeavors. vated overseas to join in the international war photos as well as those of Bill Murray, Meryl f on terrorism. Streep, and Matthew Broderick—just a few of Mr. Speaker, it was an honor and a privilege the stars who have dined at Pepe’s in the AIDS DRUG ASSISTANCE PROGRAM to be with these soldiers today to see the spirit past. Their pizza is legendary and the ambi- (ADAP) FUNDING of pride and devotion with which they serve. ance is unforgettable—enjoyed by neighbors They are America’s Team that seeks to root and celebrities alike. However, it is not just the HON. MAURICE D. HINCHEY out terrorists to protect our nation and our al- pizza that make Pepe’s such a special part of OF NEW YORK lies. Their motto is ‘‘From the Front!’’ which is our community. It is the history and community IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES where Florida’s Guardsmen have found them- spirit of Frank Pepe and his family that has Friday, June 24, 2005 selves over the almost 4 years that we have made it a New Haven landmark. fought this international campaign against ter- Today, as they mark their 80th anniversary, Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to rorists. Under the outstanding leadership of it is not just a celebration of a successful fam- call attention to the AIDS Drug Assistance Florida’s Adjutant General Douglas Burnett, ily business, but of a thriving community treas- Program, ADAP, and the dire need for in- the 53rd Brigade Combat Team is ready to ure. It is with the greatest pleasure that I rise creased funding to help meet the needs of carry out this latest mission to serve as am- today to join Frank Pepe’s children, Elizabeth Americans living with HIV and AIDS. This nec- bassadors for freedom and peace overseas. and Serafina, grandchildren, Anthony, Francis, essary program provides medication to under They are a credit to our state, our Nation, and Lisa, Bernadette, Genevieve, Jennifer, and and uninsured HIV/AIDS patients. Without the United States Army. Gary, as well as their family, friends, and ex- ADAP, these people would not be able to ob- f tended family of customers and fans as they tain the necessary medication to prolong and celebrate this very special occasion. improve their lives. HONORING FRANK PEPE PIZZERIA Every year since its inception, the number f NAPOLETANA AS THEY CELE- of people helped by ADAP has increased dra- BRATE THEIR 80TH ANNIVER- RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENTS matically. While we are all aware of the limited SARY OF THE CONGRESSIONAL AWARD resources this committee has been given to COUNCIL meet its many pressing needs, the ADAP pro- HON. ROSA L. DeLAURO gram is simply and urgently a matter of life OF CONNECTICUT HON. JEFF MILLER and death for over 136,000 Americans each IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF FLORIDA year. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ADAP has been given a $10 million in- Friday, June 24, 2005 crease in this year’s appropriations bill over Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, early in the Friday, June 24, 2005 last year, but the reality is that to keep pace twentieth century, Frank Pepe, an Italian immi- Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on be- with current and anticipated patient needs, grant living in New Haven, created the first half of the United States Congress, it is an ADAP requires a funding increase of $303 mil- American pizza by putting tomatoes on top of honor for me to rise today to recognize sev- lion. Without this funding, some 25,000– old bake-shop bread. The creation was so eral members of my district who have given 35,000 HIV+ Americans who may have relied popular that he opened America’s first pizzeria their time in support of Congressional Award on ADAP will not be able to this year. on Wooster Street—and so the local legend of program. In my home state of New York, where more Pepe’s pizza is recounted. Today, I am proud Since 1979, the Congressional Award pro- than 22,000 people are enrolled in ADAP each to stand and join the thousands of Pepe’s fans gram has encouraged young people around year, I know first-hand the importance of the across the Nation in extending my sincere the Nation to learn about their community, ADAP program. New York has been particu- congratulations to Frank Pepe Pizzeria their government and themselves. Taking part larly hard-hit by the AIDS epidemic, with more Napoletana and the Pepe Family as they cele- in the program, young men and women ages than 160,000 residents diagnosed with AIDS, brate their 80th Anniversary—a remarkable 14 through 23 challenge themselves to ac- and 150,000 to 200,000 persons currently liv- milestone for this New Haven institution! complish established goals in voluntary public ing with HIV/AIDS. The state government has When Frank and Filomena opened their piz- service, personal development, physical fit- been extremely supportive of ADAP, appro- zeria in 1925, pizza was not considered a deli- ness and an expedition. Participants earn priating $60 million for 2005 to supplement the cacy or a treat that you found on every street bronze, silver and gold medals based on their federal program. corner—in fact, it was a peasant meal. With levels of achievement. This is a non-competi- Despite New York’s statewide commitment, hard work, countless hours, and dedication the tive, highly individualized program allowing all there are dozens of states that find them- Pepe’s created a successful business that car- young people, whether fit or disabled, affluent selves unable to keep up with the demand for ried themselves and their extended family or disadvantaged, to get involved. coverage under ADAP. As documented in the through the Great Depression and allowed Within Florida’s First District, I have had the National ADAP Monitoring Report, some them to raise their two children, Elizabeth and unparalleled support of the Congressional states are being forced to take drastic meas- Serafina (Betty and Sarah). Throughout the Award Council, most recently led by Martha ures to offset the federal funding shortfall, in- years, Pepe’s popularity grew outside the Krehely. This council is one of only four char- cluding establishing waiting lists for AIDS Italian-American community of Wooster Street tered in the nation and has been a backbone medications, reducing drug coverage, and re- and for four generations enthusiastic cus- in nurturing the program over the last decade. stricting eligibility.

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