CONGRESSIONAL RECORD— Extensions of Remarks E24 HON
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E24 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks January 17, 2012 DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. RECOGNIZING MS. KIMBERLY California Peace Officers’ Association. He has MEMORIAL BREAKFAST SMITH FOR HER DESIRE AND been recognized by the California State Sen- COMMITMENT TO EDUCATION ate for outstanding public service and was the HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY recipient of the Law Enforcement Executive of the Year Award. OF INDIANA HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON His numerous affiliations include Past Presi- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF MISSISSIPPI IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES dent of the California Peace Officer’s Associa- Tuesday, January 17, 2012 tion, California Police Chief’s Association, Tuesday, January 17, 2012 International Association of Chiefs of Police, Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, as we cele- Commission on Peace Officers Standards and brate the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- Training and Police Executive Research and reflect on his life and work, we are re- er, I rise today to honor a faithful and tena- Forum. minded of the challenges that democracy cious young woman, Ms. Kimberly Smith. She He received a Bachelor of Science degree poses to us and the delicate nature of liberty. has shown what can be done through hard in Police Science and Administration from Dr. King’s life, and, unfortunately, his untimely work, dedication, and a boundless desire to California State University, Los Angeles and death, reminds us that we must continually achieve. received his Master’s degree in Public Admin- work to secure and protect our freedoms. Dr. Ms. Smith is a lifelong resident of istration from the University of Southern Cali- King, in his courage to act, his willingness to Mayersville, Mississippi, and is the third of fornia. meet challenges, and his ability to achieve, seven children born to Melvin and Emma Mayor Wasserman is survived by his wife of embodied all that is good and true in the battle Smith. 53 years, Linda, and their two children, Dan for liberty. Ms. Smith was the salutatorian of her 1999 South Delta High School class. She attended and Jill. I join the community extending heart- The spirit of Dr. King lives on in the citizens Jackson State University, where she earned felt sympathy to the family, colleagues and of communities throughout our nation. It lives her Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary friends of Mayor Wasserman. He served with on in the people whose actions reflect the Education. Graduating with honors from Jack- honor and distinction and his many positive spirit of resolve and achievement that will help son State in 2003, she began teaching at contributions to make a difference in the lives move our country into the future. In particular, South Delta Elementary School. She taught of others have left an indelible mark and will several distinguished individuals from Indi- both second and fourth grade during her short never be forgotten. ana’s First Congressional District were recog- tenure. nized during the 33rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther f In 2004, Ms. Smith was in a car accident King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast on Saturday, that would change her life forever. After her TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF RUBEN January 14, 2012, at the Genesis Convention accident, she decided the only thing to keep AYALA Center in Gary, Indiana. The Gary Frontiers her going was her drive for education; for that Service Club, which was founded in 1952, reason, she pursued and obtained her Mas- HON. JOE BACA sponsors this annual breakfast. ters of Education degree. In 2008, she re- OF CALIFORNIA This year, the Gary Frontiers Service Club ceived her Masters of Education with ‘‘Hon- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES paid tribute to several local individuals who ors’’ from Delta State University. Ms. Smith have for decades unselfishly contributed to im- Tuesday, January 17, 2012 lives by the motto, ‘‘Saved by Grace, spared proving the quality of life for the people of by Mercy.’’ Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask Gary. Mayor Rudolph Clay was honored with Ms. Smith is an active member of Rising Congress to pay tribute to a devoted public the prestigious Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Star Seven Day Adventist, where she serves servant, Ruben Ayala. Ruben, a former State Drum Major Award for 2012. The individuals as Youth Director. Senator from California passed away on Janu- recognized as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me ary 4, 2012, at the age of eighty-nine. Marchers at this year’s breakfast included: At- in recognizing a humble but dynamic servant, Ruben was born and raised in segregated torney Arlene D. Colvin, Mr. Richard (Chappy) Ms. Kimberly Smith for her unwavering desire Chino, California, to Hispanic parents. During Woods, Pastor Dwight A. Gardner, Ms. San- to education. his youth, he attended Chino High School and dra Jean Irons, Colonel (Retired) Richard D. was widely respected for his strong athletic f Ligon, and Bishop E. Bobby Warren. ability. After high school, Ruben served honor- Yolkfellow James Piggee was selected as the IN MEMORY OF MAYOR BOB ably in the 1st Marine Division in the South 2011 Frontier of the Year. In addition, the club WASSERMAN Pacific during World War II. also inducted its first Honorary Member, Rev- After his service in the Marine Corps, Ruben erend Pharis D. Evans, Pastor of Clark Road HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK attended the National Electronic Institute of Baptist Church in Gary, for his many years of OF CALIFORNIA Los Angeles, where he studied television re- service to the Gary Frontiers Service Club. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES pair. It was during this time that he met his be- Though very different in nature, the achieve- loved wife, Irene. Ruben worked in television ment of all these individuals reflect many of Tuesday, January 17, 2012 repair in Chino, and later the insurance indus- the same attributes that Dr. King possessed, Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay try, until starting his political career in 1955 as well as the values he advocated. Like Dr. tribute to the memory of the Mayor of Fre- with his election to the school board. King, these individuals saw challenges and mont, California, Bob Wasserman. The resi- In 1962, Ruben continued his career as a faced them with unwavering strength and de- dents of Fremont and communities throughout city councilman in Chino. Two years later, in termination. Each one of the honored guests’ California and beyond mourn the loss of this 1964, Ruben became Chino’s first elected greatness has been found in their willingness dedicated public servant who passed away on mayor, where he began to leave his lasting to serve with ‘‘a heart full of grace and a soul December 29, 2011. impression on the community. From 1974 until generated by love.’’ They set goals and work Mayor Wasserman was born in Gary, Indi- 1998, Ruben served admirably as a State selflessly to make them a reality. ana, and moved to California and attended Senator, becoming the first Mexican-American Mr. Speaker, I urge you and my other distin- public schools in the Los Angeles area. He to serve in the Senate since 1911. guished colleagues to join me in commending became a Police Officer in the City of I had the privilege of knowing Ruben and the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast Chair- Montebello, California, and was appointed to Irene personally. I also had the honor of serv- man Clorius L. Lay and the Gary Frontiers the position of Chief of Police in San Carlos, ing with Ruben in the California State Legisla- Service Club officers: President Oliver J. California in 1969 where he served for three ture. During our service together, I quickly dis- Gilliam, Vice President Sean Jones, 1st Vice years. He was appointed Chief of Police in covered that Ruben was widely respected by President James Piggee, Recording Secretary Fremont in January 1976 and retired in 1992. both Democrats and Republicans, who looked Melvin Ward, Financial Secretary Sam Frazier, In 1992, Mayor Wasserman was elected to to him for advice and counsel because of his Corresponding Secretary Ferba Hines and the Fremont City Council and served until ability to lead and his hard working reputation. Treasurer/Seventh District Director Floyd Don- 2004. He was elected Mayor in 2004 and cur- Ruben’s success as a Senator opened doors aldson, as well as the honorees and all other rently held that position. for Latinos and Latinas in California. Ruben members of the service club for their initiative, Mayor Wasserman’s 40-year career in law encouraged and inspired me to run for his determination, and dedication to serving the enforcement included appointments in South- Senate seat, when his career ended due to people of Northwest Indiana. ern California and a term as president of the term limits. VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:21 Jan 18, 2012 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K17JA8.006 E17JAPT1 pwalker on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REMARKS.