CONGRESSIONAL RECORD— Extensions of Remarks E590 HON
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E590 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 14, 2019 Harry Bajraktari soon became an Albanian- cans heard in Washington. They founded the Born and raised in Gaylord, Chief McVannel American community leader and worked hard National Albanian American Council, which dedicated nearly 25 years of his life to the to educate politicians, diplomats, and experts was the leading Albanian American organiza- people of Michigan, serving in Kalkaska and on the issue of Kosova and Albania. tion in Washington, D.C. for many years. Otsego County before becoming chief in Gay- The Kosovar crisis was part of the larger Although Mete¨ Bajraktari passed away in lord. During his tenure Brett thrived as a lead- Yugoslavian implosion, with genocide and 1998 and did not live to see his dream of a er and communicator, working productively massive war crimes ravaging the now-dis- free and independent Kosova come true, his with other local leaders and forming a familial solved country. With waves of refugees and a family continues remember him as they con- bond in the department he oversaw. His ex- spreading instability in southern Europe, it was tinue to fight for their homeland. Today, a ceptional leadership skills are reflected in the clear that American leadership was des- major shopping center in Peja is dedicated to excellence of the officers who have served perately needed. him, fifty years after he fled Belgrade’s op- under him and the trust placed in him by the Fortunately, the cause for Kosovar inde- pression. That shopping center stands strong people of Northern Michigan. Chief pendence found broad bipartisan support in in the heart of the city and I am honored that McVannel’s constant dedication to the public Congress and throughout the country. With a street in my name borders that facility. good is commendable, and the impact of his Harry’s guidance, I helped found the bipartisan For his great work in support of Kosova’s work on the people of Northern Michigan can- Albanian Issues Caucus more than 25 years independence, advocacy for democracy in Al- not be overstated. ago. I’ll never forget traveling to Kosova in bania, and human rights throughout the Bal- Madam Speaker. it is my honor to recognize 1996 with Harry and raising the American flag kans, Harry Bajraktari has been recognized Chief Brett McVannel for his decades of serv- at the opening of the United States Informa- with the highest medals and honors. These ice to the people of our state. Michiganders tion Agency office in Kosova’s capital, awards are high honors from the President of can take great pride in knowing the First Dis- Prishtina. Kosova, the President of Albania and recogni- trict is home to such a devoted individual. On Through his efforts fighting for freedom in tion from the White House. When the story of behalf of my constituents, I wish Brett all the Kosova, Harry and many of his friends in the Kosova is finally told, let us always recall the best in his future endeavors. commitment of Harry Bajraktari and his family. Albanian American community came to know f and work closely with leaders in the Senate Here in the United States, Harry Bajraktari and House. Across the American political is recognized for his support for humanitarian RECOGNIZING LIEUTENANT spectrum, Harry led his community in meet- and community initiatives. He and his family DANIEL SWAIM ings with key leaders, including Senator Bob are proud, patriotic, Americans with a deep gratitude for what their new home, the United Dole, Vice President Biden, MITCH MCCON- HON. RODNEY DAVIS States, has given to them, and, in exchange, NELL, Alfonse D’Amato, Tom Lantos, Susan OF ILLINOIS their hard work and success has made New Molinari, and many others. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES In his advocacy for independence in Kosova York and this country a better place to live. and democracy in Albania, Harry Bajraktari When they arrived on these shores, the Tuesday, May 14, 2019 contributed to community organizations, wrote- Bajraktaris were only six people. A seventh, Mr. RODNEY DAVIS of Illinois. Madam op-eds, met with American and international the youngest sibling, Miftar, was born during Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant officials, testified in the U.S. Congress and that first year in America. Today, Harry Daniel Swaim for his exceptional service to spoke at many rallies. In 1991, he founded Bajraktari is the proud father of four children the House CAO Office of Finance’s Budget, Illyria, a modern and professional Albanian- and has eight grandchildren. His sister, Nurije Planning and Analysis (BPA) division. American newspaper. Based in New York, it (Bajraktari) Osmani has four children and Lt. Swaim was detailed to BPA during a vital had subscribers throughout the United States three grandchildren. Litafete (Bajraktari) Gega period to coordinate the Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 and overseas. To this day, Illyria remains a has four children and one grandchild. Hateme budget formulation process and assist with voice for Albanian-Americans and continues to (Bajraktari) Nezaj has three children. Miftar execution of the House’s FY 2019 resources. inform the community and the American peo- Bajraktari has three children. His superior knowledge of the federal budg- Mete¨ and Ziza have passed away, but their ple. eting process, keen analytical skills, and work memory lives with their children, grandchildren In 1992, President George H.W. Bush ethic enabled BPA to mitigate its temporary and great grandchildren. The continued story issued what is known as the Christmas Warn- personnel gaps. Lt. Swaim’s efforts facilitated of the Bajraktari family will live on as a sin- ing to Milosevic, threatening military interven- better insight on available resources, led to gular example of achieving the American tion if Serbia provoked a war in Kosova. In optimal decision making on allocation of funds, dream. And today, their vision has become a March 1999, after Belgrade’s tanks rolled into and ultimately enabled timely delivery of a well reality, and their promises have been fulfilled. Kosova, President Bill Clinton fulfilled that justified FY 2020 House Budget. Harry has told me on many occasions his fam- promise, and the United States led NATO in Lt. Swaim’s stellar professionalism and de- ily’s journey to America and the opportunities war against Yugoslavia. They stopped a hu- votion to duty reflect great credit upon himself afforded to them through this journey was manitarian catastrophe and the ethnic cleans- and are in keeping with the highest traditions worth their many sacrifices. These are the ing of more than a million Albanians, and liber- of the United States Coast Guard. ated Kosova. kind of stories and people that add depth and I ask my colleagues to join me today in This represented the end of the wars of humanity to our country’s rich heritage. And, commending Lt. Swaim for his dedication and Milosevic’s Balkan wars and, one year later, for myself, I am proud to call Harry Bajraktari service and wish him fair winds and following he fell from power, ushering in a new era of and his family close personal friends and to seas as he embarks on his next assignment relative peace and stability in the region. In honor the 50th anniversary of their arrival in as the Commanding Officer of USCG Cutter 2008, Kosova became the newest inde- the United States. Sturgeon Bay. f pendent country in Europe with the support f and the recognition of the United States. It is RECOGNIZING CHIEF BRETT HONORING RONALD DELLUMS now recognized by more than 110 nations. MCVANNEL FOR HIS SERVICE IN Harry Bajraktari followed the example of THE GAYLORD CITY POLICE DE- other great Albanian-American leaders of the PARTMENT HON. ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON early 20th century like Bishop Fan Noli and OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA Ambassador Faik Konitza, who worked to HON. JACK BERGMAN IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES forge the special relationship and historic OF MICHIGAN friendship between ethnic Albanians and the Tuesday, May 14, 2019 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES United States of America. He was also in- Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, we cele- spired by a great Albanian American leader in Tuesday, May 14, 2019 brate our colleague and friend Ronald Dellums business and politics, Anthony Athanas, in Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it’s my at a time of historic polarization in Congress. Boston. honor to recognize Brett McVannel for his re- It is a good time to remember the peace advo- Harry and many others from such states as tirement as chief of the Gaylord City Police cate who chaired the Armed Services Com- New York, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Con- Department. Through his exceptional leader- mittee with such equanimity that he won the necticut, Texas, Illinois, Michigan and other ship and steadfast devotion to his community, respect, even the friendship, of those who op- states worked together and became instru- Brett has become an indispensable part of posed every cause, of the many into which mental in making the voice of Albanian Ameri- Michigan’s First District. Ron poured his considerable talent. VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:25 May 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A14MY8.024 E14MYPT1 May 14, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E591 I first came to admire Ron even before INTRODUCTION OF THE MAPLE OFFICER ANTHONY NERI being elected to Congress from my work in ACT the Free South Africa anti-apartheid move- HON. FRANCIS ROONEY ment. For 14 years, Ron did not relent until he HON. EARL BLUMENAUER OF FLORIDA freed his landmark bill for South Africa divest- OF OREGON IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ment, overcoming a presidential veto.