E354 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 14, 2001 that indicates that an organization meets cer- Gold Medalist, World Record Holder on the received due to the athletic accomplishments tain performance standards. JCAHO has cer- 100 yard dash and Delano High School grad- of these two track stars, Leamon King and tainly chosen a good place to start its accredi- uate, Leamon has provided a positive role Lon Spurrier were the Grand Marshalls of the tation program of office-based surgery by model for the local youth. Eleventh Annual Harvest Holidays Parade on starting in Salinas. Even more, it has chosen Leamon was born on February 13, 1936 in October 6, 1956. a solid model for others to follow in meeting Tulare, California. His parents were Loyd King During the October 1956 United States the stringent JCAHO standards by choosing and Beatrice Wallace King. They owned a Olympic camp practice meet at Ontario, Cali- Drs. Mraule and Perrott. I congratulate them farm in Earlimart, and Leamon lived there the fornia, Leamon King set his second world on their fine work and urge my colleagues to first year of his life. His father, Loyd King, sold record when he tied the 10.1 time for the join me in acknowledging their contribution to their farm in 1937, and the King family moved world record for 100 meters set by Ira Murchi- health care services on the Central Coast of to Delano, California where Leamon com- son and Willie Williams in Germany the pre- California. pleted his elementary and secondary edu- vious summer. Following this splendid f cation. achievement, Leamon traveled to Australia to Leamon began his education at Ellington represent the City of Delano and the United IN HONOR OF JOHN GALLAGHER School and later transferred to Fremont States. Dr. Clifford Loader, Mayor of Delano, School. His mother wanted him to learn music also traveled to Australia to give support to the HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH and to play the saxophone. The only elemen- two Delano Olympic participants. OF OHIO tary school in Delano with a band at that time Delano High School Educator Gary Girard, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES was Cecil Avenue Elementary School, so he who was serving as a staff writer for the Dela- Wednesday, March 14, 2001 transferred to this school. While attending no Record, stated in his article dated Novem- Cecil Avenue and learning music, Leamon Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in ber 23, 1956, ‘‘King’s Efforts Pulled U.S. to began to excel in track as a sprinter, and was tribute to John Gallagher. Known as ‘‘Bobo’’ Victory in 400-Meter Relay at Olympic Games. ultimately elected student body president. by friends, John Gallagher dedicated himself Dr. Clifford Loader, Mayor of Delano, believes Upon graduation from Cecil Avenue, that it was the running of ex-Delano High star to working for justice and creating a safer Leamon transferred to Delano High School. community. As bailiff for Judge Norm Fuerst, Leamon King that pulled the United States to He attended and won his first state meet at victory in the 400-meter relay at the Olympic Mr. Gallagher strove to fight crime and create the age of fifteen during his freshman year in a more secure community. He worked hard Games in Australia. The U.S. had stiff com- high school. During the next four years, petition from Russia. Loader said that after the and was dedicated to the public interest. Leamon King continued to excel as both a stu- His dedication to his community did not end relay, Thane Baker, another member of the dent and as a runner. This outstanding athlete with his job. In his free time, Mr. Gallagher de- U.S. relay team ran over to hug King, realizing provided a positive image for Delano High voted himself to improving his neighborhood that it was his leg on the relay team that had School and the City of Delano, as well as and creating a better home for his family. His won the race. King received a gold medal for being a positive role model for students to love for his family could be seen in how he his effort on the winning U.S. 400-meter relay emulate. quartet.’’ spoke of them to his friends, neighbors, and Following graduation from Delano High Following the Olympic games, the foursome coworkers. John Gallagher contributed to the School in June 1954, Leamon began to pur- set a New World record. In a meet with the restoration of St. Colman Church and he sue higher education at University of Cali- British Empire, the U.S. team of King, Andy worked tirelessly to support the West Side fornia, Berkeley. He was the first child in his Stanfield, Thane Baker and Bobby Morrow set Irish Club. John Gallagher loved his country family to pursue a college education. The April a new world mark of 1:23.8 for the 880 yard and was active in many political campaigns, 10, 1956 Delano Record stated, ‘‘Delano relay. The old mark was 1:24. working to advance the causes in which he Sprinter Ready for Olympics. Sophomore believed. Leamon King, Delano High School graduate, a According to Leamon King, when he first ar- Even greater than his dedication to his com- young man with wings on his feet, is Califor- rived in Melbourne, he ran on grass and set munity was John Gallagher’s commitment to nia’s newest hope for ‘World’s Fastest Human’ a grass record. It appeared as though every his family. The father of three, John Gallagher honors, and the Bear sprint sensation will time he ran, he would break a record. always worked to help strengthen his family. have ample opportunity to earn such acclaim Bakersfield Californian Staff Writer Kevin He was a loving, caring father who saw the this spring.’’ Eubanks stated ‘‘King’s omission from the 100 importance of creating a safe neighborhood The following month Leamon King tied the meter team certainly didn’t affect his moment for his family to live. He was proud of his fam- world record for the 100-yard dash at the in the spot light. The news that the world’s ily as well as his heritage. John Gallagher was West Coast Relays in Fresno, California. fastest man was not competing in the 100 always quick with a smile, or a kind comment Merle Reed Post 124 First Vice Commander meter race was received as something of a or word of encouragement. John was, in the Joe Viray and former educators Wayne and shock by the rest of the sporting world.’’ For words of a longtime friend, a ‘‘ray of sun- Wava Billingsley witnessed this spectacular his outstanding attributes as an athlete, shine.’’ event. They stated Leamon King’s historic Leamon King served as Grand Marshall for John Gallagher was a model citizen who race was an awesome sight to see. It ap- the Delano Cinco de Mayo Parade, was in- recognized the connection between a strong peared as though Leamon King had wings on ducted into the University of California, Berk- family and a safe community. Throughout his his feet as he majestically flew across the fin- ley Hall of Fame, and the Bob Elias Hall of life, he worked to strengthen both. He will be ish line and into the world record history book. Fame in Bakersfield, California. missed. My fellow colleagues, please help me The Delano Record dated May 15, 1956 During the past twenty-nine years, Leamon in honoring John Gallagher. stated the following: ‘‘King’s 9.3 Dash Brings King has served as an educator in the Delano f Another Record to City. Delano became the area. Mr. King taught for two years in TRIBUTE TO LEAMON KING home of two world champions Saturday when Richgrove prior to transferring to the Delano Leamon King, local resident and former Dela- Union School District where he has served as HON. JOE BACA no High School track star, ran the 100 yards educator for the past twenty-seven years. Mr. dash in 9.3 at the Fresno Relays to tie the King has taught the sixth grade at both Ter- OF CALIFORNIA world record. King’s victory brought another race Elementary and Almond Tree Middle IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES world record to Delano, making it the home of School. During his tenure as an educator for Wednesday, March 14, 2001 one the fastest sprinters and the residence of the Delano Union School District, Mr. Leamon Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to sa- Lon Spurrier, holder of the world record for the King has proven to be an extraordinary educa- lute Leamon King, of California. Leamon has 880. There is no city in the United States the tor and is highly respected. This educator has been recognized by Adelante, California Mi- size of Delano, which can boast two world served as an excellent example for his peers, grant Leadership Council and American Le- champions.’’ as well as our youth. gion Merle Reed Post 124 as an outstanding Both Leamon King and Lon Spurrier were On his sixty-fifth birthday this year, during individual who has made significant contribu- selected to participate in the 1956 Olympics in Black History Month, the Delano Union School tions to the improvement of education opportu- Melbourne, Australia. Delano became the only District named in Leamon’s honor the athletic nities for Latino Children in California. city of its size in the United States to have two facilities at Almond Tree Middle School, which A lifelong educator in the Richgrove and representatives make the 1956 Olympic team. include the school gym and outside athletic fa- Delano Elementary School Districts, Olympic Because of the fame the City of Delano had cilities, including a track and basketball courts.

VerDate 112000 03:52 Mar 15, 2001 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A13MR8.045 pfrm01 PsN: E14PT1 March 14, 2001 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E355 It is a pleasure to honor Leamon King, who sented with the Snack Food Association’s IN HONOR OF GEORGE BECKER has made and continues to make a difference (SFA) 2001 Circle of Honor Award. John and for California youth and the Latino community. his wife, Mary, have transformed their small HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH f company that sold Mexican specialty snacks OF OHIO into the world’s largest producer of pork rinds. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONDEMNING HEINOUS ATROC- In 1984 he was the first non-potato chip man- ITIES THAT OCCURRED AT ufacturer to be elected SFA chairman. John’s Wednesday, March 14, 2001 SANTANA HIGH SCHOOL, SAN- career path certainly exemplifies the American Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in TEE, CALIFORNIA dream. recognition of George Becker, the recently re- tired president of the United Steelworkers of SPEECH OF John has been an asset not only to his busi- ness, but also our country and his community. America. Through his leadership, courage and HON. JIM DeMINT After graduating from college he served as an determination, labor unions across our nation OF SOUTH CAROLINA artilleryman in World War II. An active mem- have been revitalized and reenergized with a IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ber in the community; he has been president newfound strength. George Becker became a member of the Tuesday, March 13, 2001 of the Lima Rotary Club, president of St. Luke’s Lutheran Church, chairman of the Lima United Steelworkers of America when he be- Mr. DEMINT. Mr. Speaker, what are we to YMCA and a member of the board of directors came a mill worker in Granite City, Illinois. His make of the most recent school shooting in of Lima Memorial Hospital. determination and dedication to helping others California? How do we respond to events that I would like to thank John on behalf of the allowed his ascent to the presidency of the are so beyond belief, so tragic that goodness people in the snack food industry, and the city union. As a vice-president of the United Steel- in our world appears no stronger than a flick- of Lima for all of his service and devotion. workers, George Becker organized a strike ering flame on a shrinking wick? Congratulations, John, on the fine award. against Ravenswood Aluminum Corporation. The accused is a scrawny, quiet fifteen- Lasting over twenty months, the eventual res- year-old named Andy. He was relentlessly olution benefited steelworkers. The first major f picked on at his new school in San Diego. A strike in years to offer positive tangible results, victim of bullies, he found no refuge in his bro- MARCH SCHOOL OF THE MONTH the Ravenswood protest was just the begin- ken home. He longed for a relationship with ning of how George Becker worked to orga- his estranged mother. He searched for accept- nize and lead the labor movement. ance. ‘‘He tried to act cool, but he wasn’t HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY Upon becoming the president of the United cool,’’ said one skateboarder who saw him try- OF NEW YORK Steelworkers of America, George Becker ing to fit in with a rougher crowd. He was re- promptly restructured the union, bringing new IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES lentlessly hounded for his haircut, his voice, efficiencies and operational improvements. He and his clothes. Andy reached out to old Wednesday, March 14, 2001 also worked to redefine its mission, so that the friends. ‘‘He told me many times that I was the union would help foster new leaders for tomor- Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York. Mr. Speak- reason he hadn’t killed himself,’’ his closest row. Creating the Legislative Internship er, I have named Powell’s Lane Elementary friend from Maryland said. Project, George Becker invited young people School in Westbury as School of the Month in Within minutes of the shooting, the tele- to become involved in the labor movement. He the Fourth Congressional District for March visions blared with quick-fix commentary. Gun fostered a sense of community from within, 2001. In February, Powell’s Lane won control. Lack of self-control. Blame the par- and as President Becker was able to create a Newsday’s Stock Market Game for the third ents. Blame the schools. The answers stronger labor union with a newfound political time. seemed empty, earthly, leaving many with clout. more questions and more confusion. John Ogilvie is Principal of Powell’s Lane George Becker has continually fought and I trust you will agree that Andy’s actions are Elementary, and Dr. Constance R. Clark is the stood up for the steel industry in the United a condition of the heart. The answer lies in Superintendent of Schools for the Westbury States. He founded Stand Up For Steel, an al- something more than smaller classroom sizes School District. liance of unions and steel manufacturers. or higher test scores. I’m so excited to have such an innovative United to help stop unfair trade practices, Tragically, a dark shadow of spiritual empti- and remarkable school as School of the Stand Up For Steel has become an important ness has eclipsed our reliance on the truth Month. Powell’s Lane is singlehandedly train- organization in the battle to promote fair trade. and dignity that come from a belief in God— ing future Wall Street investors. There was a As George Becker ends his long term of the very essence of what provides us with time when the stock market was too daunting service to the United Steelworkers of America, guidance, worth, and meaning. I humbly offer and confusing even for adults, but new com- he leaves behind a stronger, more assertive this saying from Dorothy Sayers who writes puter technology and the use of the web has union. He has spent a lifetime helping his fel- that the problem is ‘‘the sin that believes in cut through to many barriers—and Powell is low workers by representing and expressing nothing, cares for nothing, seeks to know making that happen every day. their needs and concerns. My fellow col- nothing, interferes with nothing, enjoys noth- Recently, Powell’s Lane received the New leagues, please join me in honoring Mr. ing, lives for nothing, finds purpose in nothing, York State School of Excellence Award, and is George Becker. and remains alive because there is nothing for one of seven schools nominated by the state f which it will die.’’ for the U.S. Department of Education Blue TRIBUTE TO VERA FIGUEROA That, my friends, is the challenge of our Ribbon Schools 2000–2001 Elementary time. It is the desperate calls of Andy and the School Program. despondent cries of the victims. Our youth are Powell’s academic record—and their na- HON. JOE BACA looking for something beyond the nothing. It is tional recognition as a ‘‘Blue Ribbon School’’ OF CALIFORNIA my prayer that we give them a reason to be- nominee—displays the qualities of excellence IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES lieve. that consistently train Long Island’s students Wednesday, March 14, 2001 f to excel through the rest of their lives. Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to sa- TRIBUTE TO JOHN E. RUDOLPH The mission of Powell’s Lane Elementary lute Vera Figueroa, of California. Vera has School focuses on child development, blend- been recognized by Adelante, California Mi- HON. MICHAEL G. OXLEY ing in academic achievement and social rela- grant Leadership Council and American Le- tionships. Powell’s Lane Elementary teaches OF OHIO gion Merle Reed Post 124 as an outstanding students in grades 3, 4 and 5, and has many IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES individual who has made significant contribu- achievements and programs of note. The stu- tions to the improvement of education opportu- Wednesday, March 14, 2001 dents are involved in community outreach nities for Latino Children in California. Mr. OXLEY. Mr. Speaker, I am honored such as helping with Newsday’s ‘‘Help a Fam- Delano High School Board Member, a high- today to salute an exceptional citizen and ily’’ campaign. ly respected community leader and cultural good friend of mine, John E. Rudolph. I commend Powell’s Lane Elementary dance instructor, Vera has made major con- John, the founder of Lima, Ohio-based Ru- School for its innovation, and I look forward to tributions to the youth and parents over the dolph Foods Company, was recently pre- great achievement from Powell’s students. past years.

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