February 9, 2016 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 162, Pt. 2 1571 , producer and founder of the world- earned a list of other awards and recognitions RECOGNIZING DOMINION HIGH renowned band Earth, Wind & Fire, Maurice and will receive the 2016 Grammy Lifetime SCHOOL STUDENTS FOR THEIR White. was born in Memphis, Achievement Award. DISTRACTED DRIVING CAMPAIGN Tennessee on December 19, 1941, and at- Maurice White’s music was written and pro- tended Booker T. Washington High School duced to inspire and bring all people together. HON. BARBARA COMSTOCK where he was in the drum corps. After grad- Maurice once said, ‘‘Being joyful and positive OF VIRGINIA uating, he and his family moved to , Il- was the whole objective of our group. Our IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES linois and Maurice White enrolled at the Chi- goal was to reach all the people and to keep Tuesday, February 9, 2016 cago Conservatory of Music. Having devel- a universal atmosphere—to create positive en- oped a love for drums while singing in his Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today ergy. All of our songs had that positive energy. to recognize three students from Dominion church choir in Memphis and watching march- To create uplifting music was the objective.’’ ing bands, Maurice found work as a drummer High School who recently led a Distracted Maurice’s goal was easily recognized by all Driving Campaign at Dominion High School in in nightclubs and in 1963, he became a ses- who heard and loved his work. President sion drummer for . Sterling, Virginia. Kirsten Chun, Bryce Griffin, Barack Obama stated, ‘‘Only Maurice could and Joseph Pavich took on this campaign as While at Chess Records, Maurice recorded make such sophisticated songs so catchy. with music legends Etta James, Fontella Bass, part of their Creative Marketing Project, which Only he could inspire generations of such di- focused on Distracted Driving and Joshua’s Muddy Waters, The Impressions, Betty Everett verse artists. And only he could get every- and many more. In 1966, he joined the Hands. Joshua’s Hands is a non-profit organi- one—old and young, black and white—to let zation based in the 10th District whose mis- Trio during a time when the the groove move them on the dance floor.’’ group was one of only a few groups to sion focuses on community service and teen Maurice’s universal sound was remembered safe driving, founded in memory of Joshua rise to the upper levels of the pop charts. by Flea, for Red Hot Chili Peppers, Maurice White left the group to form the Salty Guthrie who died in a car accident. Their mis- who said, ‘‘In my junior high school, the white sion is to keep roads safe and to educate Peppers in 1969 alongside his two friends, kids loved Zeppelin, the black kids loved p and Don Whitehead. After little teens about the consequences of distracted [Parliament Funkadelic], the freaky kids driving. To create a visualization to meet this success, he moved to Los Angeles, California, loved Bowie, but everyone loved Earth, Wind recruited new band members including his awareness goal, these students removed 15 & Fire. They were just undeniable. Old people students from classes throughout the day and brother and, drawing inspiration loved ’em, kids loved ’em, every race and eco- from the astrological chart, changed the instructed them to dress in black and not inter- nomic class loved ’em. They just crossed act with their classmates. This exercise served group’s name to Earth, Wind & Fire. every line with the power of incredible music Earth, Wind & Fire signed with Warner Bros. to represent the 15 people that are killed each and amazing performances.’’ Tributes from in 1971 but did not gain renowned fame until day due to distracted driving. Ms. Chun, Mr. artists from all genres include mentions of Maurice, again, brought on new band mem- Griffin, and Mr. Pavich utilized the school an- Maurice as a genius, a king, a masterful artist, bers, with the exception of Verdine, and nouncement system to convey their message, a leader and a teacher. signed the band with Columbia. It was then in addition to selling t-shirts which said ‘‘Take that Earth, Wind & Fire infused its sound with Maurice White passed away on February 3, Action STOP the Distraction.’’ Students at Do- jazz, funk, soul and pop, and recorded the 2016 in Los Angeles at 74 years of age. He minion also took a distracted driving survey in album in 1973, which sold was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in order to gain a better understanding of their over 500,000 copies and included hit songs 1992. The music community has lost one of peers’ views of distracted driving. These stu- Evil and Keep Your Head to the Sky. In 1974, the greatest musical minds of our time. Mau- dents partnered with Chantilly Autobody in ad- Earth, Wind & Fire released the album Open rice White’s influence cannot be denied and dition to Joshua’s Hands for their project. Our Eyes and reached the pop Top 40 for the his contributions are lasting. Maurice White Driving while distracted seems to plague first time with the song Mighty Mighty. Their was a true ‘‘shining star’’ and his legacy will many of our drivers today, and young people next album released just a year later, That’s shine on for generations to come. are particularly susceptible to this. I am hon- the Way of the World, included the group’s ored to recognize these students today for first and only No. 1 pop hit, Shining Star. f their mission to educate their peers about the grave consequences of texting while driving. It Earth, Wind & Fire also recorded hit songs HONORING LORI FLORES Reasons (1975), That’s the Way of the World is my sincere hope that their project will facili- (1975), Fantasy (1977), September (1978), tate more awareness in the future about the (1979), and Let’s Groove HON. FILEMON VELA growing problem of distracted driving so that our community will remain safe. (1981), including many more hits and popular OF TEXAS songs. Maurice White helped produce seven f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES double platinum albums, two platinum albums, DR. AJANWACHUKU TO RECEIVE two gold albums and two gold singles. Tuesday, February 9, 2016 LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD In addition to writing or co-writing many of the songs for Earth, Wind & Fire, Maurice Mr. VELA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to rec- White produced music for , ognize Dr. Lori Flores, a South Texas native HON. PAUL COOK OF CALIFORNIA Ramsey Lewis and , and in and a leading researcher in the fields of Latino IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 1985, he released a solo, eponymous album and labor history. and earned a hit with his cover of Ben E. Lori attended Yale University, and she was Tuesday, February 9, 2016 King’s Stand by Me. the first woman in her family to earn a college Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to rec- In all, Earth, Wind & Fire had 16 Top 40 sin- degree. At Yale, she realized her passion to ognize Dr. Vincent Ajanwachuku, who will be gles and sold an estimated 90 million albums study Mexican American history, ultimately honored with the Lifetime Achievement Award worldwide. The group has won six Grammy leading her to earn a PhD from Stanford Uni- from the Dreamers, Visionaries, and Leaders Awards from seventeen nominations, four versity. Lori’s dissertation explored the political Project on February 6, 2016. Currently, Dr. American Music Awards from twelve nomina- development of Mexican Americans and immi- Ajanwachuku serves as the chief of surgery at tions, the BET Lifetime Achievement Award, grants in California’s Salinas Valley during the St. Mary Hospital in Apple Valley, California, a the NAACP Hall of Fame Award, Soul Train’s mid-1900s. Her research on the Latino civil position he’s held since 2004. Legend Award, and has been inducted into rights movement culminated in the publication Dr. Ajanwachuku’s journey is a remarkable the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Vocal of a book which will be released this year. one. Born and raised in Nigeria, he arrived in Group Hall of Fame as well as earned a star Lori now teaches at the State University of the United States in 1973 to pursue his under- on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. In 2010, New York at Stony Brook, where she nurtures graduate education at New York University. Maurice White was inducted into the Song- the thinkers and dreamers of tomorrow. Dr. Eventually, he earned his medical degree from writer’s Hall of Fame along with band mem- Flores has received numerous awards, and the Howard University School of Medicine and bers Verdine White, , Al McKay she continues to be a role model for young was selected to teach medical students in the and . Earth, Wind & Fire has people in her community. discipline of surgery.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:29 Apr 08, 2020 Jkt 059102 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR16\E09FE6.000 E09FE6 rmajette on DSKBCKNHB2PROD with BOUND RECORD 1572 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 162, Pt. 2 February 9, 2016 During his career in medicine, Dr. tles. He moved to Tuscarora High School to every session. After a year and three months Ajanwachuku has received a number of acco- start their football program. Michael has taken of the hour and a half routine, he articulated lades, including ‘‘Humanitarian of the Year’’ the opportunity as a high school football coach a simple and profound truth representative of from St. Mary Hospital. He was given this to build character in his players and ensure the impact Laura’s work has had for many: award because of his dedication to improving their growth as both players and leaders. It is ‘‘Miss Laura, you have changed my life.’’ the educational growth and practical experi- fitting that he earned this high honor from the Mr. Speaker, I ask you and Members of ences of nurses and medical technicians at NFL because of his commitment to personal Congress to join me in recognizing Laura his hospital. He has also been honored with a growth in youth and their overall health and Kraus for her tireless dedication to serving ‘‘Values in Action’’ award from St. Mary Hos- safety. each person with the care and opportunities pital for being a servant leader. In addition to his recognition by the NFL, Mi- that they deserve as a citizen of this great na- It is long overdue that Dr. Ajanwachuku is chael will receive $25,000 from the NFL Foun- tion. receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award. He dation which he plans to donate to the Adam f has persevered through significant obstacles Fortune Scholarship Fund, which was created HONORING THE NAPA COUNTY during his life, yet he continues to give back in honor of his close friend and former defen- LIBRARY to his community and improve the lives of sive coordinator at Broad Run and Tuscarora, those around him. I want to congratulate Dr. who died in 2014. The fund is designed for Ajanwachuku for this notable achievement and players who exemplify strong character on and HON. MIKE THOMPSON for being a role model to the youth in the Vic- off the field. In addition to coaching, Michael OF CALIFORNIA tor Valley. teaches Advanced Placement (AP) Economics IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f and serves as Department Chair of Social Tuesday, February 9, 2016 Studies at Tuscarora High School. I am hon- Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, RECOGNIZING THE BOCA POINTE ored to recognize him today for helping shape CHAPTER OF AFMDA I rise today to honor the Napa County Library young athletes in our community to lead lives (NCL), which is celebrating its 100th anniver- of integrity. sary as a county library system. HON. THEODORE E. DEUTCH f In 1916, the California State Legislature au- OF FLORIDA CONGRATULATING LAURA KRAUS thorized the creation of free county libraries IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ON HER VOLUNTEER WORK WITH around the state. As a result, in February of Tuesday, February 9, 2016 THE LEARN TO READ PROGRAM that year, the unincorporated areas of Napa Mr. DEUTCH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in County gained library services when the Napa honor of the Boca Pointe Chapter of the HON. ANDER CRENSHAW County Board of Supervisors established the American Friends of Magen David Adom on Napa County Free Library. OF FLORIDA The NCL offers reading programs for all the occasion of their ambulance dedication. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ages, outreach services, literacy initiatives, Magen David Adom is Israel’s emergency Tuesday, February 9, 2016 job-search and small business resources, in- medical service, blood bank, and disaster-re- formation services, computer training, Internet lief organization. The American Friends of Mr. CRENSHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today access, and other means of community sup- Magen David Adom (AFMDA), a nonprofit or- to honor Laura Kraus for her outstanding serv- port and enrichment. More generally, the li- ganization, is the largest supporter of MDA ice to her country through her volunteer work brary enables individuals to make informed worldwide. Today, the AFMDA Boca Pointe with the Learn to Read program. decisions about their self-governance by pro- Chapter will dedicate a fully-equipped ambu- Since 1975, Laura’s volunteer work has ex- moting unrestricted access to information and lance to the people and State of Israel. This emplified her love for people and her tireless by serving as a community center for lifelong is the fourth such ambulance they have do- efforts to give back to the community. Her learning. In the last fiscal year, over 18,000 nated, a generous gift that truly saves lives. commitment was no secret: the neighborhood people received technology-related help, while I express deep appreciation for the Boca held banquets in her honor, television stations 567,192 individuals visited the NCL. And over Pointe Chapter’s selfless humanitarian en- recognized her, and even the nation’s leaders 4,000 adults, children and teens participated in deavors. Their unwavering support for the honored her service. President Barack Obama the NCL’s summer reading program. State of Israel not only sets an example for signed a letter of recognition and Neal Bush The library’s importance extends beyond its the future but for the South Florida Jewish presented the Presidential Bronze Medal of bookshelves. Basic literacy and computer-pro- community as a whole. I am proud to honor Volunteering Service. ficiency programs have broad and positive ef- them and thank them for their work and serv- Still, she found the most satisfaction seeing fects on local economies, bolstering the capa- ice. the impact from the people she helped them- bilities of local workers and businesses. Fur- f selves. Her work has always extended to those in the greatest need regardless of phys- thermore, the NCL’s myriad child- and employ- HONORING MICHAEL BURNETT, ical or psychological obstacles. Volunteering ment-focused initiatives help children and THE DON SHULA NFL HIGH with the Arthritis Foundation, Laura spent time adults find, evaluate and use information they SCHOOL COACH OF THE YEAR with physically disabled members of the com- need for their jobs, health, education and suc- munity through Horses for Therapy. In addi- cess. Mr. Speaker, the NCL is a dynamic civic re- tion, victims of domestic abuse in a Hubbard HON. BARBARA COMSTOCK source that promotes free and open access to House, a 24-hour hotline and emergency shel- OF VIRGINIA information, while providing valuable materials ter, were touched by her support as well. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and services to all members of the community. Laura began her training with the Learn to The Napa County Library continues to benefit Tuesday, February 9, 2016 Read program as an intern, eager to assist its community immensely, and it is fitting and Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today adults and already willing to persist with com- proper that we honor it here today. to recognize my constituent, Michael Burnett, passion and patience through the challenges who the NFL and Washington Redskins re- that were to come. Only a year and a half into f cently recognized as the Don Shula NFL High the work with her first student, the impact that HONORING THE LIFE OF MR. DINO School Coach of the Year. The award was Laura had on her student was not only evident ANTONIO PETRUCCI created to honor exemplary high school foot- but incredibly touching, particularly for Laura ball coaches who exhibit a commitment to the herself. HON. JIM COSTA health and safety of their players as well as in- Anthony was only 23 years old when he be- OF CALIFORNIA tegrity in leadership. Michael is the head came Laura’s first student in the Learn to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES coach of Tuscarora High School’s Varsity Read program, struggling to read because of Football Team. Following a coaching career in a learning disability. Yet Anthony was dedi- Tuesday, February 9, 2016 California, he led Broad Run High School in cated to his goal to create a better future and Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Ashburn, Virginia to two consecutive state ti- he never failed to be prompt and respectful honor the life and service of Mr. Dino Antonio

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