March 1, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E243 one of the beloved leaders of all time. A fa- CONGRATULATIONS TO RICHARD HONORING RICHARD M. DEVOS, SR. ther, husband, grandfather and dear friend, M. DEVOS ON HIS 80TH BIRTHDAY UPON HIS 80TH BIRTHDAY Norman Miranda was a lifelong resident of East Providence. He was the city’s longest HON. VERNON J. EHLERS HON. PETER HOEKSTRA serving elected and appointed official; 13 OF MICHIGAN OF MICHIGAN years as a councilman and 18 years with the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Zoning Board of Review. Thirty-one years as Wednesday, March 1, 2006 Wednesday, March 1, 2006 a public servant, Norman was always pas- sionate about the issues facing his community. Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Mr. HOEKSTRA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today He was the loving father of Loriann and offer my congratulations to a native son and to honor Richard M. DeVos, Sr. upon the oc- Norman Jr. and a loving husband to Shirley community pillar of my hometown, Grand Rap- casion of his 80th birthday on March 4, 2006. for 46 years. If you were to meet the two, you ids, MI, Mr. Richard M. DeVos, on the occa- Mr. Speaker, Mr. Richard DeVos and his could easily sense their marriage was one sion of his 80th birthday on March 4. wife, Helen, have been a blessing not only to built on love and faith. They worked together Rich has played a leading role in making the Grand Rapids area, but to communities as a team to raise a beautiful family that will Grand Rapids a wonderful and vibrant place to throughout the United States. He has positively impacted West Michigan now carry on his legacy. live. Rather than keeping the fortune that he through numerous civic and philanthropic con- Norman’s years of dedicated service to his and his business partner and lifelong friend, tributions since cofounding the Cor- community, speak volumes about his compas- the late Jay VanAndel, built after creating and poration in 1959 with lifelong friend and busi- sion for those in need and his ability to con- growing their business, Amway Corporation, ness partner, the late . He has nect with others. He loved Ward 2 like it was Rich and Jay and their families found count- helped to create the DeVos Children’s Hos- an extension of his family and those who lived less ways to reinvest the fruits of their success pital, the Cook-DeVos Center for Health Serv- there loved him back. They knew he could be back into their community. Just a few of the ices, the DeVos Communications Center at trusted for he represented the things that notable examples are the development of the Calvin College, the DeVos Campus of Grand mattered most, family and faith. , which was the Valley State University, the DeVos Place con- I had the honor of knowing Norman and his linchpin in the redevelopment of downtown Grand Rapids in the early 1980s, and a dona- vention center and the Richard and Helen family. I remember when I first ran for Con- DeVos Fieldhouse at . gress he offered me his support and that tion which led to the construction of DeVos Performance Hall, a world-class performing Mr. DeVos has enhanced the quality of life meant I could count on all of East Providence. in Grand Rapids through such generous sup- I can still see him proudly marching along the arts center which is the home of the Grand Rapids Symphony, Opera Grand Rapids and port for educational, health and cultural initia- many parade routes in the city, smiling and tives. waving at the crowd—most he knew by name. Broadway-class plays and musicals. The hall also is part of the larger DeVos Place Conven- Mr. DeVos’s contributions are not limited to It’s an image we all can hold onto, a man who West Michigan, Mr. Speaker. He has contrib- left his mark by symbolizing all that is good tion Center. That Rich DeVos is still with us today is uted to numerous organizations in Central and decent. He will be forever missed. nothing short of a miracle. In 1997, he sur- Florida as well, including the DeVos Sport vived a unique heart transplant surgery in Business Management Foundation Program at f which he received the heart of a lung trans- the University of Central Florida and the Or- HONORING THE ANNIVERSARY OF plant patient, who in turn received a combina- lando Magic Youth Foundation. THE PEACE CORPS tion heart-lung transplant from the victim of an He has also touched hundreds of thousands auto accident. As a result of his experience, of lives through his inspirational speeches and Rich now serves as chairman of the speakers’ three books, ‘‘Believe!,’’ ‘‘Compassionate Cap- HON. KENNY MARCHANT bureau for the United Network for Organ Shar- italism’’ and ‘‘Hope from My Heart.’’ OF TEXAS ing and has even testified before Congress Mr. Speaker, perhaps most importantly, Mr. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES urging support to make organ donation easier. DeVos has achieved so much in his life based upon a strong work ethic and an unyielding Wednesday, March 1, 2006 He and his wife, Helen, also provided funding for the DeVos Children’s Hospital, the Cook- devotion to faith and family, ideals that we Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Speaker, today I rise DeVos Center for Health Sciences, the DeVos hold in the highest regard in our West Michi- to commemorate the 45th anniversary of the Communications Center at Calvin College, the gan community. Peace Corps. I would like to thank the over DeVos Center of Grand Valley State Univer- I wish Mr. DeVos all the best as he cele- 7,800 volunteers who currently serve overseas sity and the Richard and Helen DeVos Field- brates such a significant milestone with family for their important work with this organization. house at Hope College in Holland, MI. and friends. We are in a time when the Peace Corps Today, Rich DeVos is the same vibrant per- Mr. Speaker, please let it be known that on mission is more vital than ever, and the orga- son who was a cheerleader at Grand Rapids this 28th day of February in 2006, that the nization is at a 30-year high in the number of Christian High School and who inspired thou- U.S. House of Representatives acknowledges volunteers in the field. The Peace Corps is sands of people to open their own businesses the contributions and achievements of Mr. currently in 69 posts and serving 75 countries with the help of Amway. Rich has continued DeVos, and may God continue to bless him in across the globe. his inspirational ways as an author, including the years ahead as he has so benefited the I salute the outstanding individuals who ‘‘Hope from My Heart: 10 Lessons for Life’’ lives of those around him. serve and have served in the Peace Corps, and ‘‘Compassionate Capitalism.’’ Rich is also f specifically the sworn-in volunteers whose the owner of the National Basketball Associa- IN RECOGNITION OF MR. RICHARD hometowns are in Texas District 24: Bonnie tion’s . DeVos and VanAndel’s M. DEVOS, SR. Barron, Amanda Bass, Christopher Bass, business, now known as , continues to Scott Bennett, Eric Brooke, Jaime Bruner, be a major employer in West Michigan and HON. JOE KNOLLENBERG Susan English, David Fox, Mary Kah, Geoffrey throughout the world, with the reins of the OF MICHIGAN Keogh, Carolyn McGee, Roanne Perry, and business handed over to their children. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Aubrey Weers. Throughout his life and career, Rich DeVos I am proud to represent these men and has been guided by his faith in God. This has Wednesday, March 1, 2006 women who empower people in developing manifested itself not only in his dedication to Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise nations and promote the Peace Corps mission his church, but also in the way that he does today to recognize a civic and business leader of peace and friendship. These volunteers are business, how he works with and cares for his of Michigan, Mr. Richard M. DeVos, Sr., who making major strides to improve the lives of employees, and his involvement in his com- will celebrate his 80th birthday this year. people and communities around the world. munity. Rich truly is a person who under- Mr. DeVos cofounded the Amway Corpora- I wish the Peace Corps and its volunteers stands the Gospel admonition, ‘‘From every- tion, one of the most successful direct selling continued success and perseverance. We are one to whom much has been given, much will companies in the world. His efforts have en- grateful for their contributions to society and be required.’’ (Luke 12:48). abled over 3 million people to own inde- dedication to providing assistance where it is It is my very special pleasure to wish Rich pendent businesses. needed. May the Peace Corps continue its DeVos a very happy 80th birthday and I urge Yet Mr. DeVos’s work stretches beyond the legacy of service, both at home and abroad. my colleagues to join me in doing so. realm of business; both he and his wife are

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:13 Mar 02, 2006 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A01MR8.024 E01MRPT1 ccoleman on PROD1PC71 with REMARKS E244 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 1, 2006 actively involved in philanthropy and charitable COMMENDING THE PEACE CORPS Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order work. Their generosity has helped countless ON ITS 45TH ANNIVERSARY OF 9066 authorizing the Secretary of War to de- individuals both in their hometown of Grand ITS INCEPTION fine military areas in which ‘‘the right of any Rapids and across Michigan. Institutions such person to enter, remain in or leave shall be as the DeVos Children’s Hospital, the Cook- HON. DAN BURTON subject to whatever restrictions’’ are deemed DeVos Center for Health Sciences, and the OF INDIANA ‘‘necessary or desirable.’’ DeVos Campus of Grand Valley State Univer- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES By the spring of 1942, California, Oregon, sity bear witness to their commitment to give Washington, and Arizona were designated as Wednesday, March 1, 2006 back to the community. military areas. Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I In May of 1942, Santa Clara Valley Japa- Richard DeVos has also written three books would like to take this opportunity to commend nese Americans were ordered to ‘‘close their that have inspired innovative and entrepre- and congratulate the Peace Corps, and its affairs promptly, and make their own arrange- neurial spirits in younger generations. After many volunteers, on the 45th Anniversary of ments for disposal of personal and real prop- undergoing a heart transplant in 1997, Mr. its inception. During a 1960 visit to the Univer- erty.’’ DeVos became the chairman of the Speakers sity of Michigan, then-Senator John F. Ken- Official government fliers were posted Bureau for United Network for Organ Sharing nedy challenged students to not only better around California, Arizona and Washington in- and has worked diligently to deliver his mes- themselves academically, but to serve the call structing families to report to various assembly sage of perseverance and hope. of duty and help promote and facilitate peace centers with just the bare necessities, leaving Today I rise to thank Richard M. DeVos, Sr. throughout the globe. behind their homes, their lives, and most per- for his lifetime of service and dedication to our As a result of this proclamation, the Peace sonal belongings. community, to congratulate him on his many Corps was established with the noble goal in Because permanent camps were not yet accomplishments, and to wish him a happy mind of promoting peace and friendship be- built, large community gathering places, such and healthy birthday. tween the United States and other countries as the Tanforan Racetrack in San Mateo around the world. If President Kennedy were County in Northern California and the Santa f alive today, he would no doubt look upon the Anita Racetrack in Southern California be- Peace Corps with great pride and admiration came home to Japanese internees for several PAYING TRIBUTE TO A MICHIGAN for what it has evolved in to: a vessel which months before being moved. LEADER, RICHARD DEVOS fosters an in-depth understanding between San Francisco Bay Area Japanese Ameri- Americans and the indigenous peoples of the cans were forced to live in horse stables at countries in which they serve, helping the rest the Tanforan Racetrack until a permanent HON. MIKE ROGERS of us to better understand a plethora of dif- camp was built for them. ferent customs, traditions and ways of life. Eleven thousand Japanese Americans and OF MICHIGAN Since its founding 45 years ago, more than aliens were evacuated from their homes and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 182,000 Peace Corps Volunteers have been incarcerated throughout the duration of the invited by 138 host countries to help countless war. Wednesday, March 1, 2006 individuals who want to build a better life for Three thousand of those interned were Jap- Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I themselves, their children, and their commu- anese Americans from Santa Clara Valley. rise to honor the accomplishments of Richard nities. Whether empowering seemingly help- By the fall of 1942, most internees were DeVos, a Michigan citizen who exemplifies the less people to take control of their own lives, transported to camps far away from home, to American spirit of entrepreneurship and com- assisting with AIDS relief in poverty-stricken internment camps in Arizona, Northern and munity leadership. countries, developing greater business oppor- Central California, Wyoming, Utah, Colorado, tunities, expanding agriculture development, and even as far away as Arkansas. As Richard DeVos celebrates his 80th birth- or—most recently—coming to the rescue of Most remained in internment camps until the day, we reflect on his many achievements as their own countrymen whose entire lives were end of the war—3 long years later. the co-founder of Amway Corp. with his life- uprooted by the devastating destruction of The horror for Japanese Americans did not long friend and business partner, the late Jay Hurricane Katrina, these volunteers provide a end upon their return to Santa Clara County in Van Andel, as well as his many selfless con- faithful service to this great Nation, and they 1945 at the end of the war. Upon release, ap- tributions to his state, community, and fellow should be proud of their achievement. And we proximately 7,000 Japanese Americans moved citizens. are certainly proud of each and every volun- to Santa Clara Valley. The author of three books, ‘‘Believe!,’’ teer and what they represent. In fact, from my Most had no shelter, food, money, much ‘‘Compassionate Capitalism,’’ and ‘‘Hope From own district in Indiana, there are currently 20 less a job. My Heart: Ten Lessons for Life,’’ Richard also volunteers who are giving their time to this Some returned to find their homes looted is a public speaker with an international fol- country, away from their families, to help and destroyed. lowing. After receiving a heart transplant in strangers make a better life for themselves, The San Jose Buddhist Church offered what 1997, he took on the additional responsibility and I would personally like to thank my fellow it could—shelter and hot meals for most fami- of serving as chairman for the Speakers Bu- Hoosiers for their commitment. lies. reau for United Network for Organ Sharing. As we all know, the Peace Corps has made In Santa Clara County, the family of Bob life better for millions of people worldwide, and Peckham (later to become Federal District Richard has owned several professional has enriched the lives of the hundreds of thou- Court Judge Bob Peckham) took title to the sports franchises, including the Orlando Magic sands of Americans who have devoted their property of Japanese-American neighbors and of the National Basketball Association. time, energy and passion into answering the was able to preserve property and return it at Richard and his wife, Helen, support many Peace Corps’ call to duty. I would respectfully the end of the internment, so people in our hospitals, colleges and universities, arts orga- encourage my fellow colleagues to congratu- area in some cases were saved the loss of nizations and Christian causes in their home- late, commend, and encourage the continued their homes and businesses. town of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and also nu- advancement and success of the Peace Corps All of this happened before I was born. merous organizations in their adopted commu- and all that its volunteers represent. But I remember very well learning about it nity in Central Florida. f even before it was added to the history text- books. A veteran of the U.S. Air Force, Richard and REMEMBER INTERNMENT OF My mother was a young woman in 1942. My his wife Helen have raised four children and AMERICANS IN WORLD WAR II dad was in the army and she was building air- have 16 grandchildren. planes at Douglas Aircraft for the war effort. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me HON. ZOE LOFGREN She told me about driving past the Tanforan in honoring Richard DeVos as, on his 80th OF CALIFORNIA Racetrack and how ashamed and guilty she birthday, we acknowledge his life-long vision, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES felt. There were people locked up at the race compassion, and commitment to the American track—living in horse stables—who she knew people and his home state of Michigan. Rich- Wednesday, March 1, 2006 had done nothing wrong. People who had ard DeVos is truly deserving of our respect Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Mr. been her neighbors had been rounded up sud- and admiration. Speaker, on February 19, 1942, President denly and taken away.

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