January 9, 2015 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E45 cope with climate change, natural disasters, We should be proud to live in a country CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND AC- and security challenges. whose government recognizes everyone as COMPLISHMENTS OF KAREN Beyond Ambassador Mozena’s current post- equal and allows each individual to vote, re- WILKINSON ing in Dhaka, he had an impressive career ad- gardless of race or gender. From 13 colonies vancing U.S. interests in South Asia and Afri- to 50 states and from voting by voice to voting HON. JOHN CONYERS, JR. ca. He previously served in Bangladesh as on touch-screen computers, our elections OF MICHIGAN Political/Economic Counselor from 1998–2001 have come a long way since 1789, and I ex- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and as a Deputy Political Counselor in India pect the next 226 years to be just as great. Friday, January 9, 2015 and Pakistan. A member of Senior Foreign And that’s just the way it is. Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, today, as Service, Mozena was U.S. Ambassador to An- f gola from 2007–2010 and previously worked Ranking Member and former Chairman of the in the Office of Southern African Affairs from IN HONOR OF PETER CHACON Committee on the Judiciary, I join with my col- 1993 to 1995, during South Africa’s transition league, Rep. ROBERT C. ‘‘BOBBY’’ SCOTT, the from apartheid to democracy. Previous post- HON. JUAN VARGAS former Chairman and Ranking Member of the ings include Lusaka and Kinshasa and a year OF Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism, Homeland Security, and Investigations, in celebrating the as a professor at the National War College. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Ambassador Mozena’s family has stood by life and recognizing the accomplishments of his side as he has pursued his career over- Friday, January 9, 2015 Karen Wilkinson, who sadly passed away on seas. His wife of 40 years, Grace, is a retired Mr. VARGAS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to January 5. elementary school teacher who served with honor Peter Chacon for a lifetime of selfless Karen was a dedicated public servant, high- him as a Peace Corps volunteer in then-Zaire. service and leadership to our nation and our ly valued counsel to the Committee, and be- Their two children, Anne and Mark, followed community. He served honorably in the United loved colleague. their father throughout the world. I understand States Air Force during World War II and in We were fortunate to get to know Karen that Mozena also looks forward to spending the California State legislature for over 20 through her work for the Committee in 2008 time with the newest addition to his family, a years. and 2009. During that time, Karen, an Assist- granddaughter named Mira, as well as his Born in Phoenix, Arizona, Mr. Chacon was ant Federal Public Defender, was a detailee mother Edna. raised in a home of modest means with three from the Administrative Office of the United As Ambassador Mozena returns to his fam- older sisters and three younger brothers. As a States Courts. Her detail was the first of a ily in the United States, we recognize his work teenager, he would shine shoes and park cars Federal Public Defender to Congress. After in Bangladesh and throughout his career as a in downtown Phoenix to help support his fam- her work with the Committee, she returned to Foreign Service Officer. ily. His father, Petronilo Chacon, served as a Phoenix, Arizona to continue representing indi- gent clients in federal criminal cases, which f commander in Mexico to Pancho Villa’s revo- lutionary Army and taught Mr. Chacon to fight she had done for eight years before coming to THE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTION the Committee. Prior to that, she clerked for for what he believed in with passion and de- TURNS 226 the U.S. District Court for Arizona and then termination, while defending the rights of those joined the law firm of Brown & Bain. Karen who could not do the same. graduated magna cum laude from Arizona HON. TED POE In 1943, at the age of 18 and in the midst State University Law School, received a Mas- OF TEXAS of World War II, Mr. Chacon enlisted in the ters in Business Administration from Nova Uni- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES U.S. Air Force. He served honorably for two versity and her Bachelor of Science degree Friday, January 9, 2015 years of wartime service as a Ball Turret Gun- from the University of Michigan. Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this week ner on a B–17 Flying Fortress. During his Karen’s accomplishments during her tenure 226 years ago, the first presidential election in service, he flew 35 successful missions over with the Committee include a number of bills United States history was held across the 13 Germany. On one such mission, his plane was that dealt with issues that are very important original colonies. Nowadays things change in shot down and forced to crash land on a small to improving our country’s criminal justice sys- the blink of an eye, so one can imagine how island off the Italian coast where he and the tem. During the 111th Congress, she was re- much our country has changed in 226 years. rest of the crew were later rescued. sponsible for guiding several legislative meas- Texas was still a part of the Spanish Empire After the war, Mr. Chacon returned home as ures to approval on the floor of the House of in 1789 and the United States had just re- a hero and enrolled in City College Representatives, including: H.R. 448, the cently gained its independence from the Brit- and later San Diego State University where he Elder Abuse Victims Act of 2009; H.R. 632, ish Empire. Back then, voting eligible citizens received a bachelor’s degree in education and the National Silver Alert Act 2009; H.R. 748, would walk or ride their horses down cobble- a master’s degree in school administration. He CAMPUS Safety Act of 2009; H.R. 908, the stone roads to the nearest poll. began a career as a teacher, where he dis- Missing Alzheimer’s Disease Patient Alert Pro- Oddly enough, the first voters voted by covered injustices facing Spanish speaking gram Reauthorization Act of 2009; H.R. 1333, voice, rather than the secret ballot that we’re children in schools. In 1968, with the help of amending chapter 40 of title 18 of the United all used to now. Voters wouldn’t even vote for two friends, Mr. Chacon founded the Chicano States Code to exempt the transportation, who they wanted as President, but would ac- Federation in an effort to unite the Latino shipment, receipt, or importation of explosive tually vote for their state’s electors. The cho- voice in the San Diego community. One of the materials for delivery to a federally recognized sen electors would then cast their vote for first accomplishments of the Chicano Federa- Indian tribes; H.R. 1727, the Managing Arson President. Though we still have electors, citi- tion was the creation of the historic Chicano Through Criminal History, MATCH, Act; H.R. zens now vote for who they believe should be Park in the Barrio Logan community. Chicano 1933, a Child is Missing Alert and Recovery President rather than their state’s electors. Park has come to be an important symbol of Center Act; S. 1289, the Foreign Evidence Re- Electors are instead chosen by state govern- the Chicano Movement. quest Efficiency Act of 2009, and H.R. 2661, ments and then each one is expected to vote In 1969, Mr. Chacon decided to run for the the Court Security Enhancement Act of 2009. with the will of the people of their state. The California State Assembly in an effort the In addition, she served as lead counsel on Electoral College voting system has been one change the education system from within. Mr. several other very important bills under the ju- of the lone constants in an ever-changing po- Chacon was elected in 1970 to represent Cali- risdiction of the Judiciary Committee in the litical and voting landscape. It was used in the fornia’s 79th assembly district, where he 111th Congress, such as: H.R. 503, the Pre- first Presidential election and has been used served for 22 years. He is best known for au- vention of Equine Cruelty Act of 2009; H.R. in every election since. thoring legislation to create the California 2289, the Juvenile Justice Accountability and While the Electoral College has remained in Housing Finance Agency, the Rural Housing Improvement Act of 2009; H.R. 2095, the Res- place since 1789, voting rights have changed Development Program, and the landmark Bi- titution for the Exonerated Act; H.R. 1149, the significantly over the years. For the first Presi- lingual/Bicultural Education Program for the Child Protection Reauthorization Act of 2009 dential election, an eligible voter was defined more than 230,000 limited English speaking and H.R. 1422, the Adam Walsh Child Protec- as any white, land-owning male. However, our students in the state. tion and Safety Reauthorization Act of 2009. country has progressed a great deal since Mr. Chacon was an inspirational leader in Karen also developed proposals subsequently then and now defines an eligible voter as any the San Diego community and his contribu- introduced as the Literacy Education and Re- citizen over the age of 18, regardless of race, tions will not be forgotten. He is survived by habilitation Act, a bill to require a criminal de- gender, or societal status. his four sons, Chris, Paul, Ralph and Jeff. fense representative to be appointed to the

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:14 Jan 10, 2015 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A09JA8.011 E09JAPT1 SSpencer on DSK4SPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E46 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks January 9, 2015 United States Sentencing Commission, the RECOGNIZING J. JORGE VERDUZCO Bencivengo and wish him all the best in his Firearm Recidivist Sentencing Act, and legisla- retirement. tion to correct the computation of good time HON. f credit in the federal prison system. Her work OF TEXAS CELEBRATING THE DEDICATION in developing H.R. 3327, the Ramos-Compean IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE TINNER HILL HISTORIC Justice Act of 2009, has led to subsequent bi- SITE partisan, bicameral introduction of that bill, Friday, January 9, 2015 now known as the Justice Safety Valve Act. Mr. CUELLAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to This bill has become one of the critical pro- recognize the accomplishments of J. Jorge HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY posals under consideration as a growing con- Verduzco of Laredo, Texas. OF VIRGINIA sensus in the country is recognizing the need Jorge Verduzco’s extraordinary career has IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to reform our sentencing laws in order to been characterized by global citizenship and Friday, January 9, 2015 achieve greater fairness, save unnecessary community service. Before beginning his ca- Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to rec- costs in the criminal justice system, and re- reer, Mr. Verduzco earned a Bachelor’s in ognize the 100th Anniversary of the founding duce recidivism. These bills to reform the International Relations from St. Mary’s Univer- of the Fairfax County Branch of the National criminal justice system, developed through her sity, a Master’s degree in Latin American Association for the Advancement of Colored efforts, are a lasting legacy of her dedication Studies from Georgetown University, a second People (NAACP) and to congratulate the to achieving fairness and justice for all. Master’s from the American Graduate School Tinner Hill Heritage Foundation on the long- on International Management, and he com- awaited dedication of the Tinner Hill Historic Karen’s dedication to these issues during pleted graduate programs in Bank Marketing her time working for the Committee was rep- Site. and Commercial Lending. On January 8, 1915, at the home of Joseph resentative of the professionalism and commit- Jorge Verduzco worked in the Latin Amer- Tinner in Falls Church, nine community lead- ment she showed as an Assistant Federal ican and Administrative Bureaus of the U.S. ers formed the Colored Citizens Protective Public Defender in representing her clients Department of State for several years prior to League (CCPL) in order to fight an ordinance and vindicating their rights to equal and fair joining the International Bank of Commerce in in the then Town of Falls Church that would treatment under the law. Laredo in 1981. With IBC, Mr. Verduzco has have legalized forced segregation in the town. Today, we remember and appreciate Karen served admirably for over two decades. In ad- This pioneering group evolved to become the Wilkinson’s dedication to public service, her dition, his economic development efforts along Fairfax County Branch of the NAACP, which commitment to fairness, her wise counsel, and the Texas-Mexico border have been out- has played an instrumental role in the struggle the friendships she developed with us and her standing, serving as Chairman of the Texas- for civil rights in Fairfax County and the nation Judiciary Committee colleagues. We will honor Mexico Authority Advisory Board, a member of for the past 100 years and will continue to do her by pledging to advance the causes that the Policy Board of the Texas Department of so in its next century. were her life’s calling. Commerce, a founding member of the Border The Tinner Hill Foundation is a 501c(3) non- Trade Alliance and the Association of South profit founded by Edwin B. Henderson II, a de- f Texas Communities, a founding Board Mem- scendant of E.B. Henderson, the CCPL’s first ber of the Alliance for I–69 Texas, and a Secretary, to preserve this important piece of HONORING GENE BESS Board Member of the Texas Association of our community’s history. The Foundation helps Business and Chambers of Commerce. His prepare tomorrow’s leaders by ensuring they service exemplifies a shining example of hu- understand our community’s past through cul- HON. mility and dedication. tural enrichment, arts, career and entrepre- neurial education, mentoring, and counseling OF MISSOURI In addition to his exemplary career, Jorge Verduzco is a committed husband of forty five opportunities and by sponsoring clubs, groups, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES years, father, grandfather, and author of and organizations. The Foundation also has ‘‘International Relations, The Organization of been engaged in the creation of The Tinner Friday, January 9, 2015 American States.’’ Hill Historic Site, The African American Herit- Mr. SMITH of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I rise Mr. Speaker, I am honored to have the op- age Walking Tour, The ‘‘Dear Editor’’ Contest, today to honor Gene Bess from Poplar Bluff, portunity to recognize J. Jorge Verduzco for and The Tinner Hill Blues Festival. I am proud to have partnered with the Foun- Missouri for his exceptional years of service to his many accomplishments and great contribu- dation since I was the Providence District Su- the community as a basketball coach and tions to the Laredo area. I thank you for this pervisor on the Fairfax County Board. It was mentor. time. f at a Foundation event like this where we first Coach Gene Bess is considered one of the discussed the idea of preserving this property, most winningest college basketball coaches RECOGNIZING MR. RAYMOND and the very next day I worked with my col- recently gaining his 1,200th win. Coach Gene BENCIVENGO leagues on the Fairfax Board to direct the has been recognized as one of the best County Executive to collaborate with the City coaches in college basketball winning two na- HON. MICHAEL G. FITZPATRICK of Falls Church to purchase this site, which is tional junior college championships. OF PENNSYLVANIA so significant to the cultural history of our Coach Bess has been named the NJCAA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES community. And earlier this year, I was pleased to help capture moving and inspira- Coach of the Year twice and Regional Coach Friday, January 9, 2015 of the Year 18 times. He has led the Raiders tional stories from some of the Foundation’s of Three Rivers College to 17 tournament ap- Mr. FITZPATRICK. Mr. Speaker, today we members as part of the Northern Virginia Civil pearances and the program has kept a win- recognize a career of committed service to our Rights Archive, which my office assembled in ning record consistently over .750. nation and our communities by Raymond collaboration with the and Bencivengo of Philadelphia. local library branches. Coach Bess’s impressive winning record is Mr. Bencivengo’s service began as a United Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join only one of the reasons he is such a beloved States Marine serving in Vietnam and contin- me in congratulating the Tinner Hill Heritage and respected member of the community ued for 25 years after as a Philadelphia Police Foundation on this momentous occasion and Coach Bess not only strives to motivate his officer, both on the beat and administratively. commending its members for their steadfast players to do their best on the court, but to Even after retiring from the police force in efforts to preserve and promote the legacy of keep a clear focus on their future. He has ex- 1984, Mr. Bencivengo continued his commit- the brave African Americans who established pressed the importance he places on seeing ment to law, order and protection by serving the Fairfax County Branch of the NAACP and his players continuing their education at other as a Pennsylvania State Parole Agent for 20 for their commitment to advance educational institutions and finishing their degrees. years. opportunities for students in the community. I For his remarkable accomplishments as a In the summer of 2014, Mr. Bencivengo offi- also congratulate the Fairfax County Branch of college basketball coach and his dedication to cially began his well-deserved retirement. the NAACP on the occasion of its 100th anni- serve our community, it is my pleasure to rec- The quiet, selfless service of those like Mr. versary. Please accept my sincere apprecia- ognize the achievements of Coach Gene Bess Bencivengo should never go forgotten or un- tion for your tireless efforts in support of equal before the House of Representatives. thanked. So today, I congratulate Raymond rights and justice for all.

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