E704 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 3, 2006 anti-aircraft guns, the ball turret gunner was hit Pacheco, a World War II veteran who recently would have been honored that she had kept and severely wounded. celebrated his 80th birthday. this picture all these years. Taking charge of the situation, Mr. Witter Mr. Pacheco enlisted in the U.S. Army in It was an honor to help celebrate this signal pulled the gunner, Victor Ray, out of his seat August 1944. After basic training, he joined moment in Mr. Amos Pacheco’s life. He is one to examine the wound and administer first aid. General George S. Patton’s Third Army as it of San Antonio’s heroes, a beloved husband, Finding a severed artery, Mr. Witter knocked raced into Germany. Serving in Company I, father and grandfather. out Mr. Ray, closed off the artery with needle 358th Infantry, 90th Division of the 3rd Army, f nose pliers and parachute cord and saved Mr. Corporal Pacheco participated in some of the Ray’s life. All this took place while under con- fiercest battles on the Western front. While the HONORING THE CITY HONORS tinued attack from German anti-aircraft guns. Germans were retreating, resistance was stiff. SCHOOL FOR RECOGNITION BY Recommended at the time to receive the American soldiers were fighting an enemy that NEWSWEEK AS THE #4 SCHOOL Distinguished Flying Cross, Mr. Witter went might have been beaten but wasn’t ready to IN THE NATION more than 60 years without seeing the results surrender. of his bravery that winter day high above Ger- In April 1945, as Allied forces were making HON. BRIAN HIGGINS many. the final push towards Berlin, Mr. Pacheco OF NEW YORK I am proud to present his Distinguished Fly- was wounded in action on the Rhine River. A IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ing Cross to his widow Evelyn Witter, who was grenade exploded and wounded him, which Wednesday, May 3, 2006 his loving wife for many years. While Mr. left shrapnel in his hip. After a period of con- Witter did not live to receive this great honor, valescence, he returned to active duty and Mr. HIGGINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to his family will long remember his bravery and was stationed in Europe until 1946. congratulate the City Honors Magnet School in fortitude in battle and how he saved the life of Unfortunately, as each year passes, we Buffalo, New York, which has been recognized gunner Victor Ray. have fewer World War II veterans among us. for its excellence in education, having been Mr. Speaker, true American heroes like Men like Amos Pacheco witnessed and partici- ranked the number four public school in the James Witter should be honored for their serv- pated in the events that changed the world for United States by Newsweek Magazine. ice to our Nation and for their commitment and the better. City Honors is a Magnet school, part of the sacrifices in battle. Mr. Witter is truly one of This Greatest Generation led our Nation into program started in 1975 to afford advanced America’s Greatest Generation. the American century. They lifted America out educational opportunities to academically gift- f of the Great Depression and committed our ed and talented high school students. Since PAYING TRIBUTE TO RYAN Nation anew to our founding ideals of liberty. then, the program has expanded to include REGNELL Brave Americans like Mr. Pacheco fought and grades five through eight and has distin- defeated the Nazi and Japanese regimes, and guished itself as a premier academic institu- HON. JON C. PORTER in the process, secured freedom for millions tion. OF NEVADA here and abroad. But their work was not done. Newsweek has recognized that City Honors IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Even after winning World War II, the Great- stands alone as the pre-eminent public institu- est Generation had another war to fight: the tion in the region and the state. In addition, I Wednesday, May 3, 2006 Cold War. An Iron Curtain descended across would like to recognize and thank the teachers Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Europe, and President Truman articulated a and administrators without whom the stimu- honor National Park Service Ranger Ryan policy of containment to make sure the sac- lating academic environment found at City Regnell for his heroic actions that helped save rifices we had made during World War II were Honors would not be possible. eight lives and to commend him for receiving not in vain. Public education as exemplified by City the U.S. Department of the Interior Valor Ultimately, freedom and liberty triumphed Honors has created an environment that in- Award. again, and it was thanks to people like Amos stills a love for learning in every student. The On July 25, 2003, Ranger Ryan Regnell Pacheco, who had returned to San Antonio in value of public education for creating an in- was on boat patrol in the Boulder Basin of 1946 and started working at Kelly Air Force formed, enthusiastic and responsible citizenry Lake Mead when 50-mile-per-hour winds and Base. There, thousands of civilian employees cannot be overstated. Civic duty is an integral four-to-six foot waves formed. He observed a worked long hours to repair and equip the part of the American experience and City Hon- boat in distress and went to their aid. When planes our Air Force used to safeguard our ors has inculcated this virtue, encouraging stu- he arrived he found three adults, three chil- nation. dents such as my intern, Samuel Sanders, to dren and two infants in a vessel that was tak- I was honored to have attended the celebra- dedicate time and effort to the important duty ing on water and in danger of sinking. Recog- tion of Mr. Pacheco’s 80th birthday, where his of public service. This recognition by News- nizing the seriousness of the situation, Ranger granddaughter, Chriselda, presented him with week reinforces that which I already knew, Regnell attached a tow line to the boat and replicas of the medals he earned for his serv- that Western New York has some of the best towed the troubled vessel to Lake Mead Ma- ice. schools and students in the nation. rina. He then called for back-up from Nevada Mr. Pacheco has been a father figure to Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I Division of Wildlife. En route to the marina, the Chriselda, whom he adopted when she was stand here today to recognize the accomplish- tow line snapped twice due to the extreme just five years old. Out of love and apprecia- ment of the City Honors School of Buffalo. Its marine conditions and the heavy load. Due to tion for her grandfather, she purchased and commitment to academic excellence in public Ranger Regnell’s skill, courage and decisive presented to him replicas of the medals that education has improved, and continues to im- action, the boat and all eight occupants were were lost over the years. Chriselda gave her prove, the life of every student enrolled, and safely delivered to shore. grandfather a Purple Heart for the wounds he the environment and education it provides pro- Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Ranger received and a Bronze Star, which had been motes the civic and intellectual values we as Ryan Regnell for his heroic actions, courage awarded to all World War II veterans. It was a society hold dear. and professionalism. I further congratulate touching to watch Chriselda and the entire f Ranger Regnell for receiving the U.S. Depart- family honor and show their love for Mr. ment of the Interior Valor Award. I thank him Pacheco. It still humbles me to think they CELEBRATING THE GRAND for his distinguished service and wish him the wanted me to be present. OPENING OF CROWLEY CITY HALL best in all of his future endeavors. And to my great surprise and pleasure, Mr. f Pacheco’s 80th birthday party was the second HON. CHARLES W. BOUSTANY, JR. TRIBUTE TO AMOS PACHECO FOR time our two families had crossed paths. After OF LOUISIANA HIS 80TH BIRTHDAY the presentation of the medals, Chriselda IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES showed me a photo of her and my father, Rep. Henry B. Gonzalez. More than 20 years Wednesday, May 3, 2006 HON. CHARLES A. GONZALEZ ago, Dad had attended a tree planting cere- Mr. BOUSTANY. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, OF TEXAS mony at Sarah S. King Elementary School April 27th, the city of Crowley celebrated the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES where he met Chriselda, who was a student. grand opening of a newly renovated City Hall Wednesday, May 3, 2006 Someone snapped a picture of Dad and during a community open house event at- Mr. GONZALEZ. Mr. Speaker, it is with Chriselda standing next to the tree, and tended by citizens, elected officials, civic and great pride that I rise today to honor Amos Chriselda still had the photo. I know Dad business leaders. Crowley City Hall is a totally

VerDate Aug 31 2005 06:13 May 04, 2006 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A03MY8.057 E03MYPT1 ccoleman on PROD1PC71 with REMARKS 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 MASSACHUSETTS 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

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