E218 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 26, 2020 Although estimates vary, Armenian militia- through high school students the opportunity five decades of service, and I wish him and men killed several hundred Azeri civilians in to connect with and explore their Polish herit- his beloved wife, Kathy, all the best in his next the snow-covered woods of Nagorno age. For forty years the school has excelled in chapter of life. Karabakh that morning. All told, the Nagorno teaching its students Polish language, history, f Karabakh War claimed approximately 20,000 and culture. Thousands of children have lives and displaced more than a million people learned about Polish cultural heritage as well IN HONOR OF MRS. IRENE in both directions. as the role Poles play in the United States and MORGAN Madam Speaker, as Chairman of the U.S. the world now and into the future. With its em- Helsinki Commission, I am deeply familiar with phasis on civic responsibility, the school pro- HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN the efforts that the United States, in partner- duces students dedicated to supporting and OF VIRGINIA ship with the Organization for Security and improving Chicago’s communities, and I am IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Cooperation in Europe, has made over the proud to have it in my district. Wednesday, February 26, 2020 past quarter-century to resolve this conflict. The school has seen tremendous growth The United States is a co-chair alongside since its founding. Starting with just 41 stu- Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise France and Russia in the trilateral Minsk dents in 1980, enrollment in the Polish school today in honor of Irene Morgan who was Group process the OSCE established in the has increased to over 800 students. As St. among the first warriors on the frontline of the late 1990s to facilitate de-escalation and John Paul II Polish School has grown, they Civil Rights Movement. Although her valiant peace talks between the sides. This process have been able offer more opportunities for story is unknown to many, I applaud the Vir- has largely succeeded in keeping all-out war their students to learn about and enjoy Polish ginia Department of Historical Resources for at bay for more than 20 years, but the Arme- culture. In 2000, the Polish School created the issuing a new state historical marker for her in nian and Azerbaijani sides bear responsibility Polish Dance Group Polanie. The student Gloucester County in my district. for advancing the cause of peace, including by dancers dress in traditional Polish costumes Irene’s incredible story highlights the social preparing their populations for a lasting resolu- and perform traditional Polish dances at com- hardships that African Americans faced in the tion. petitions and festivals across the United U.S. In 1944, while returning home to Balti- I am encouraged by the significant decrease States and Europe. more on a bus after visiting her mother in in ceasefire violations over the past couple of Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join Gloucester, the bus driver ordered her to relin- years as well as the steady pace of high-level me in recognizing the Lemont Polish Club, St. quish her seat to a white passenger. She re- encounters between Armenian and Azerbaijani John Paul II Polish School and the Polanie fused. Consequently, Middlesex County sher- leaders during this period. Yet no meaningful Dance Group on their anniversaries and con- iffs arrested her, and the State convicted her. progress has been made in these talks. More- gratulating them on their many accomplish- It was from this point that Irene took imme- over, the Armenian Prime Minister and Azer- ments. May the Lemont Polish Club and Pol- diate action. With the help of the NAACP, her baijani President punctuate their private dis- ish School continue their great work in the case was heard by the Supreme Court. Then, cussions with inflammatory public statements community, and I wish them the best as they in 1946, defended by Thurgood Marshall and that often distort the historical record and continue to preserve their traditions for gen- Spottswood W. Robinson, III; Irene won her damage the cause of peace. erations to come. Supreme Court case, Morgan v. Virginia. Her Madam Speaker, I strongly encourage the f case made it unconstitutional to enforce seg- political leadership in Yerevan and Baku to regation laws on interstate carriers. This land- use these solemn commemorations of HONORING THE SERVICE OF mark case set the stage for years of civil ac- Sumgait and Khojaly this week to turn a new DEPUTY KEN MIZE tion against draconian laws that discriminated page in this terrible conflict. The most fitting against our own citizens. way to honor the lives of those lost would be HON. DOUG COLLINS On behalf of Virginia’s First District, it is my through words of reconciliation and steps to- OF GEORGIA pleasure to honor Irene. All Virginians and ward peace. Together, the peoples of Armenia IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES those of Virginia’s First District, should take the opportunity to learn about Irene and her and Azerbaijan can ensure such atrocities are Wednesday, February 26, 2020 never repeated and that future generations will act of courage. know a life of secure and prosperous coexist- Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Madam Speaker, Therefore, Madam Speaker, I ask that you ence. I rise today to honor Deputy Roger Kenneth and my colleagues join me in honoring Irene f ‘‘Ken’’ Mize for his over five decades of serv- and her family for their contribution to our na- ice to the people of northeast Georgia. tion’s history and the African American Com- HONORING THE LEMONT POLISH Deputy Mize of the Banks County Sheriff’s munity. I also want to thank the Virginia De- CLUB AND ST. JOHN PAUL II Office retired on January 30, 2020, after serv- partment of Historical Resources for issuing a POLISH SCHOOL ON THEIR 40TH ing in law enforcement for 52 years. Mr. Mize, new marker for her, memorializing her story. ANNIVERSARY AND THE who is best known for his integrity, his ‘‘serv- On behalf of Virginia’s First District we say POLANIE DANCE GROUP ON ant heart’’ and the smile on his face, dedi- thank you. THEIR 20TH ANNIVERSARY cated his career to protecting our communities f and educating our students. HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI For over 26 years, Mr. Mize served as a RECOGNIZING THE 28TH ANNIVER- SARY OF KHOJALY TRAGEDY OF ILLINOIS role model and mentor for students in the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Banks County School System. By working with the Drug Abuse Resistance Education Wednesday, February 26, 2020 HON. PAUL A. GOSAR (D.A.R.E.) and Choosing Healthy Activities OF ARIZONA Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today and Methods Promoting Safety (C.H.A.M.P.S) IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to recognize the Lemont Polish Club, St. John programs, Mr. Mize furthered safety aware- Paul II Polish School and the Polanie Dance ness in over 30,000 fifth-grade students Wednesday, February 26, 2020 Group from Lemont, Illinois. This year the across Banks and Jackson counties. Mr. GOSAR. Madam Speaker, today I rise Lemont Polish Club and Polish School will cel- Throughout the community, Mr. Mize was to bring our attention to the 28th Anniversary ebrate their 40th Anniversary, while the known as a role model who always had a of what is known as the Khojaly Tragedy. Polanie dance group will celebrate its 20th an- calming effect as he walked the school halls, Years ago, as the Soviet Union fell under the niversary. attended board of education meetings, and weight of socialism, and the despair and mal- Founded in 1980 by Father Edward Witusik, participated in other school events. His service aise created by socialism finally became too the Lemont Polish Club has upheld the tradi- inspired members of his community to become much to bear, many of the former Soviet sat- tions, customs, and language of our Polish involved and work to change the lives of stu- ellite regions went through regrowth and re- heritage, and united the Polish community dents. birth. Azerbaijan was one such country. through our Catholic roots. Shortly after its From his work as a first responder to his Azerbaijan, located in the Caucus region, is creation, the Lemont Polish Club founded the dedication to students, Deputy Mize has com- an area of unlimited potential. The St. John Paul II Polish School. The St. John mitted his career to transforming lives and pro- Azerbaijanis have carved out a remarkable so- Paul II Polish School serves the people of Pol- tecting our communities. I join the people of ciety, a rich culture, and today have a stable ish heritage of Lemont by offering kindergarten northeast Georgia in thanking him for his over government that has led the Azeri people into

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:46 Feb 27, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A26FE8.007 E26FEPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with REMARKS February 26, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E219 relative prosperity. Its petroleum resources are Army as an Armor Crewman Specialist from sity of Memphis School of Law. Well re- world renown, as is its hard-working citizens. 1984 until 1987. During his time in the Army, spected in his hometown, Jim’s service in The re-birth of this nation was not without its Chief Thomas deployed to Germany. Upon his Washington, as general counsel to the Depart- struggle. As the existing Soviet political regime honorable discharge, he transitioned into the ment of Agriculture during the Clinton Adminis- broke down in 1991, ethnic and historical rival- Georgia Army National Guard, where he tration, added to his prestige. ries surfaced. Problems with neighboring Ar- served another three years. Jim was born in Memphis and graduated menia resulted in conflict and death, and the It is my honor to recognize Chief Thomas from my alma mater, Vanderbilt University, Nagomo-Karabakh conflict erupted. for his service, his sacrifice, and his dedication and its law school, being named the Most Out- Out of that conflict, one notable tragic inci- to keeping the city of Chamblee safe. As we standing of the Law Class of 1957. After pass- dent occurred 26 years ago, where the Azeris approach the end of Black History Month, may ing the bar, he served as a full-time pros- were subjected to reported indiscriminate we be reminded of the enormous contributions ecutor in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific and Far shelling and targeting of the people of Khojaly that black men and women make to the East, after which he returned home to join the at the hands of Karabakh Armenian and Ar- United States every day. On behalf of myself, then seven-lawyer firm now known as Glankler menian forces. It has been reported that up to the Sixth Congressional District of Georgia, Brown PLLC. He became a partner and re- 613 civilians died on February 26, 1992 as a and the United States House of Representa- mained with the firm for 30 years. By 1964, he result of the attack. tives, I am proud to join the city of Chamblee had met and married Lucia Flowers and the We cannot change what happened, but we in honoring Chief Kerry Thomas. couple had three fine children—Katherine, can remember the victims and remind the f Elizabeth and James Jr.—who continue to re- world that the targeting of civilians is never ac- flect their parents’ spirit of community involve- ceptable. KLINK FAMILY CONTINUES TO AD- ment. The United States is proud to serve as a co- VOCATE FOR WOMEN CANCER Jim’s civic commitment was seen in his chair of the OSCE Minsk Group and we will PATIENTS service chairing the Liberty Bowl, the Memphis continue to push for a peaceful resolution to Cotton Carnival, the Memphis Arts Council this conflict, one that will honor the memory of HON. PETE OLSON and LeMoyne-Owen College boards of direc- the Khojaly people so that their families and OF TEXAS tors. Jim also oversaw the Memphis Mayoral countrymen may never suffer the same fate, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Transition Team for our city’s first African nor anyone else in the world. American Mayor, Willie Herenton. He received Wednesday, February 26, 2020 We in the United States cherish our strong the Memphis Bar’s Sam A. Myar, Jr. Award as bilateral relationship with Azerbaijan. I am very Mr. OLSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today the most outstanding young lawyer in 1972. In optimistic about what our countries can to recognize sisters Sasha and Francesca 1995, baseball champion Hank Aaron pre- achieve not just for the Azeris and my fellow Klink and their mother Irma Klink, for their tre- sented him with the United Negro College countrymen, but for the development of the mendous effort to help women going through Fund’s ‘‘Beacon of Hope’’ Award for his work Caucuses as a whole, allowing the world to cancer treatment feel their best. supporting minority education. He was a close understand its potential alongside its rich cul- Cancer is a disease that affects people of friend and counsel to Al Gore throughout his ture and history. all walks of life, regardless of race or eco- political career. I am honored to recognize the Khojaly vic- nomic status. Sasha and her mother Irma are In 1993, President Clinton nominated Jim tims, and we will continue to keep them in our both breast cancer survivors. The Klinks for the general counsel post at the Department hearts and minds as we foster a strong work- opened their Sugar Land, TX beauty boutique, of Agriculture and he was confirmed by the ing relationship between our two countries and Cure & Co., and spa Pop & Pigment in 2013 Senate. There he managed a legal staff of promote a peaceful and fair resolution to this to bring positive distractions to other women 200 lawyers in 23 regional offices around the conflict. For Azerbaijan, and for Armenia, going through cancer treatment. country, dealing with the legal issues involved peaceful and neighborly relations will result in By providing beauty products, wigs, head in agricultural production, international trade, better prosperity for all of us. coverings and spa treatments to cancer pa- food policy, the interests of the forestry indus- f tients, the Klinks have helped many women try and rural small towns. HONORING KERRY THOMAS feel beautiful and confident during their jour- Returning to Memphis after his federal serv- neys to wellness. ice, Jim became involved in local and national HON. LUCY McBATH Sasha, Francesca and Irma all understand boards, including serving as chair of the Amer- the toll that cancer affects patients and their OF GEORGIA ican Battlefield Trust, the private partner of the families, as well as the fear, uncertainty and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES National Park Service focused on preserving frustration it brings. Their valuable work eases American battlefields. Jim was always sup- Wednesday, February 26, 2020 the pain of patients, helps heal the hurt of portive of me and other public servants and he Mrs. MCBATH. Madam Speaker, I rise today their families and inspires others to assist and Lucia helped make Memphis a more toler- in recognition of Mr. Kerry Thomas, Chief of those in need. ant and inclusive community. Police for the city of Chamblee. A self-de- On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congres- I extend my heartfelt condolences to Lucia, scribed ‘‘forward thinker,’’ Chief Thomas has sional District of Texas, I thank Francesca, his wife of 55 years, and his children, his served as Chief of Police now for a little over Sasha and Irma for their dedication to helping grandchildren, his colleagues and his many three months. This weekend, citizens in the women of TX–22 on their journey to beat friends. His was a life well-lived. Chamblee will honor Chief Thomas for his breast cancer. f service as the city’s first African American po- f lice chief. RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVER- Chief Thomas joined the Chamblee Police REMEMBERING MEMPHIS LAWYER SARY OF THE NATIONAL AMER- Department last November after over 30 years JAMES S. GILLILAND ICAN LEGION AUXILIARY of service to the Savannah Police Department. During his career in Savannah, his work expe- HON. STEVE COHEN HON. TOM REED rience spanned from a Patrol Officer, Forensic OF TENNESSEE OF NEW YORK Examiner, Captain, and Assistant Chief of Po- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES lice. His appointment as Chief was rec- Wednesday, February 26, 2020 ommended by Chamblee City Manager Jon Wednesday, February 26, 2020 Walker and confirmed by Mayor Eric Clarkson Mr. COHEN. Madam Speaker, I rise today Mr. REED. Madam Speaker, today I rise to and the Chamblee City Council. He was se- to honor the memory of Memphis lawyer, pub- recognize the one hundredth anniversary of lected out of an application pool of 48 can- lic citizen and community leader James S. the national American Legion Auxiliary and the didates from across Georgia and beyond. Ac- Gilliland, who passed away Monday at 86. Jim special one hundredth anniversary celebration cording to Mr. Walker, Chief Thomas ‘‘ex- was one of the great lawyers of Memphis with being held by the Corning American Legion pressed a great depth of knowledge and of- a sterling national reputation, having received Auxiliary Unit No. 746. fered a methodical and results oriented ap- every award for his phenomenal profes- The Auxiliary was founded shortly after the proach to policing.’’ sionalism and active role in community affairs American Legion was chartered after World Prior to his service in the police force, Chief throughout his career. That included the 2018 War I. It was decided that a new women’s or- Thomas proudly served in the United States ‘‘Pillars of Excellence’’ Award from the Univer- ganization should be founded that was closely

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:46 Feb 27, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A26FE8.010 E26FEPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with REMARKS