September 29, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1851 RECOGNIZING REVEREND DOCTOR race by focusing on the issues of white su- Improving test scores early on is crucial to SAM E. MANN ON HIS RETIRE- premacy and white privilege. Through training, getting kids on the right path to a solid edu- MENT FROM THE SAINT MARK he seeks to inspire ministries to address rac- cation and key to securing critical resources UNION CHURCH AND UNITED ism in their congregations. that will help our schools turn around. His most recent project was the building of INNER CITY SERVICES I want to particularly honor Highland prin- the $4 million child care center, the St. Mark cipal Susan Ippongi and Inglewood Unified Child & Family Development Center, located HON. EMANUEL CLEAVER School District superintendent Gary McHenry at 2008 E. 12th Street in Kansas City, Mis- OF MISSOURI for their leadership and their dedication to souri. St. Mark’s is a state of the art child care IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES schoolchildren in Inglewood. facility that annually serves approximately 225 Wednesday, September 29, 2010 low-income families through its early childhood I am looking forward to meeting them in No- Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, I rise education program, before- and after-school vember when representatives from the Blue today in recognition of the achievements of program, and summer camp. Nearly 100 per- Ribbon schools come to Washington to be for- Rev. Doctor Samuel E. Mann, an individual cent of the children are African American, with mally recognized for their achievements. who has dedicated his life to helping the un- many living in single parent households in one I am very proud of Highland’s ability to excel derserved in the Fifth Congressional District of of Kansas City, Missouri’s poorest neighbor- over adversity, and particularly proud of the Missouri, the District that I am honored to rep- hoods. young boys and girls who are studying hard resent. This weekend, Reverend Mann is retir- Rev. Mann is presently a leader working in for a bright future. They are giving Highland ing, after 40 years as Pastor Administrator of concert with other agencies in making Kansas Elementary School, our community, our city St. Mark Union Church and executive director City a Zone Seven site to provide additional and our country a good name. of United Inner City Services. In that capacity, services in the urban core for the education of he oversaw a budget of $1.5 million annually, children. I am proud of the federal funding I f a sixty-two member staff and programs that in- helped secure for St. Mark. cluded: child and family development, social Madam Speaker, it is an honor and privilege HONORING ZOILA A. QUIN˜ ONES services, and community development and for me to recognize my friend, and colleague, street organizations and violence prevention. the Reverend Doctor Sam Mann for his efforts He is a native of Eufaula, Alabama and a to improve the education and quality of life in HON. MARIO DIAZ-BALART graduate of Birmingham Southern College, the Kansas City Metropolitan Area. It is with BA; Duke Divinity School, M. Div., and St. great pride that we honor Reverend Doctor OF FLORIDA Paul School of Theology, D. Min. He is mar- Mann today for his commitment to the resi- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ried to Dr. Beverlye J. Brown, and is the father dents of Missouri. On behalf of the people of of three children and grandfather of seven. Missouri’s Fifth Congressional District, I wish Wednesday, September 29, 2010 Remarkably, Rev. Mann was a local preach- this thunderous preacher and fearless prophet Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Florida. er at the age of 15 years old at the First Meth- a well-deserved retirement. Madam Speaker, as we celebrate Hispanic odist Church of Eufaula, Alabama; he was f Heritage Month, I rise to honor one of south later the Associate Pastor of St. John United HONORING HIGHLAND ELEMEN- Florida’s finest community leaders, Zoila A. Methodist Church of Kansas City, Missouri, TARY SCHOOL IN INGLEWOOD, Quin˜ones. and sometime later, the Pastor of the First CA Methodist Church of Peculiar, MO, and Direc- Zoila was born in the city of Cabana, Peru tor of the Young Adult Projects, Inc. Rev. and completed her studies at the prestigious Mann was dismissed from both churches be- HON. MAXINE WATERS Colegio Nacional Mercedes Cabello in Lima, cause of his views on race and peace. OF CALIFORNIA Peru and graduated as a Commercial Ac- As a long-time civil rights activist, Rev. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES countant. She then went on to work at one of Mann marched in numerous demonstrations, Wednesday, September 29, 2010 Peru’s finest engineering and architecture including the march for the garbage workers in Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, I rise to firms, Gran˜a y Montero, S.A., for 26 years. Memphis, Tennessee, the march against the honor Highland Elementary School in In 1986, Zoila came to the United States war in Vietnam, led by Dr. Martin Luther King, Inglewood, California, located in my district. from her native Peru to join her mother and Jr., and was part of the U.S. delegation that Highland was recently named a Blue Ribbon brother in Miami, Florida. She started a career visited with South Africa ANC leader Dr. Nel- School by the Department of Education, a in the cargo industry and eventually founded son Mandela shortly after his release from coveted award recognizing high-performing her own company, Cabana International Cor- prison. Dr. Mann has also been jailed on sev- and improving schools across our country. poration. She also began her activism within eral occasions for his participation in these ac- This year, Highland shares this distinction with the Peruvian American community of south tivities. He served as a key participant in the 304 other schools among the thousands of Florida and is today one of its most influential national effort to respond to the burning of schools in the United States. leaders. She is involved with various civic and black churches in America. He has traveled to Highland and its teachers, administrators, business groups including the Peruvian Amer- Nicaragua and China for various humanitarian staff, students, parents and community mem- ican Coalition, the Chamber of Commerce of efforts. bers have really been on a roll. In addition to Florida, the Ancashina Association and the Rev. Mann was instrumental in the forma- the Blue Ribbon award, the school was also Peruvian Civic Unity. tion of Operation Break and Build, a street named a California Distinguished School, and outreach organization that evolved out of the For nearly 23 years, Zoila has also taken an Highland is a two-time Title One Academic active role in the democratic process by edu- Urban Peace and Justice Summit in 1994. Its Achievement School and California Business purpose was to assist street organizations, cating policymakers at all levels of government School of Excellence. about issues important in the Peruvian Amer- gangs, with transforming their lives via crisis I am very appreciative of the efforts by this ican community, working to ensure that the intervention, education, economic develop- Congress and this Administration to focus on United States and Peru strengthen diplomatic ment, addressing women’s issues, and crimi- education and the future of our young stu- ties, and helping shape legislation and policy nal justice. dents. We must remain committed to improv- towards Latin America. She has also been in- He has been the recipient of many awards, ing schools and providing opportunity for all strumental in fighting for small businesses, ad- including the NAACP Harold Holiday Award; Americans to learn. the John M. Swomley Human Rights Award, In my district, like many communities in vancing economic growth in the United States the Elder Statesmen of Kansas City award, urban America, test scores are below average, and working towards free trade with Peru. the MO Jazz award, the Sam Eason Award buildings are in disrepair, and graduation rates Zoila has earned the respect and trust of presented by Niles Home; the Black Archives are too low. many in our community, dedicating herself to of Mid-America award; the Beta Omega PSI I was so encouraged to hear about High- advancing the needs of the Hispanic commu- PHI Fraternity Inc.’s Citizen of the Year land’s honor because one of the two ways to nity in the United States. I ask that you join Award; and many, many more. He is co- qualify for the Blue Ribbon award is by having me in honoring and thanking my good friend founder of the project ‘‘Reframing the Dialogue schools with at least 40 percent of their stu- Zoila A. Quin˜ones, a true leader who loves on Race in America.’’ Through this national dents from disadvantaged backgrounds im- and values freedom and works so that others project, he attempts to address the problem of prove student performance to high levels. may enjoy it.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:59 Oct 01, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A29SE8.207 E29SEPT2 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with REMARKS E1852 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks September 29, 2010 THANKING TAEKWONDO GRAND Fame in 2007 as both the ‘‘Pioneer of Amer- More than 700 people gathered to pay trib- MASTER JHOON RHEE FOR HIS 45 ican Taekwondo’’ and the ‘‘Pioneer of ute to Gene at the California Baptist University YEARS OF SERVICE TO MEM- Taekwon-Do in Russia.’’ He currently has over quad, just behind the center that bears his BERS OF CONGRESS 60 affiliated Tae Kwon Do studios in the U.S. name. The two-hour service brought together and 65 in the former Soviet Union. people throughout the community that Gene HON. ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA It takes but a moment in Grand Master touched during his life, including industry lead- OF AMERICAN SAMOA Rhee’s presence to sense his honor for this ers, former employees, friends and family IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES country and to see that he truly exemplifies members. Gene’s life tells the tale of a man the American spirit. He is a living reminder of Wednesday, September 29, 2010 who turned his business empire into a conduit the goodness of this nation to the U.S. and for blessing the lives of people around him. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Madam Speaker, the world. I must echo my dear friend, Con- Grand Master Jhoon Rhee is a man of rare gressman Ike Skelton, who once said, ‘‘I might Gene Yeager was born in Riverside in 1924. character. An immigrant from South Korea say Master Jhoon Rhee has become a na- He graduated from Poly High School in 1942 who came to the United States in the 1950s, tional treasure.’’ and studied engineering at the University of later to be known as the ‘‘Father of American But what better way to gain a deeper sense California at Berkeley. In 1943, he enlisted in Taekwondo,’’ he has become an American of this man’s rare patriotism and love for the U.S. Navy and was appointed to the U.S. symbol of patriotism, service, and excellence. America, than in his own words. In a recent Naval Academy. After World War II ended, he Today, we celebrate Grand Master Rhee’s statement shared with my office, Grand Mas- returned to Berkeley, where he received his 45 years of service sharing his wisdom, expe- ter Rhee wrote, ‘‘I fought the Korean War side bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. To- rience, and knowledge as a Taekwondo in- by side with American soldiers, who came to gether with his two brothers, Richard and structor with over 350 members of Congress. defend a country they never heard of, people Jacques, they went to work for their father, Er- Yet beyond the contributions he has made to they never knew. This is why I wanted to do nest Louis Yeager, who founded E.L. Yeager members of Congress for almost half a cen- something for what America had done for my Construction Company in Riverside in 1919. tury, Grand Master Rhee has served this motherland, Korea, with what I can do the Gene ran the public works side of the oper- country through countless acts of service. best, TKD [Taekwondo]. The sense of my ations business which worked on projects to Thought time does not permit me to share gratitude for America gave me the energy to improve major freeways, dams and bridges. them all, please allow me to share some of get up 5 AM, 3 mornings a week for the last The brothers turned the business into one of the highlights today and give due honor to a 45 years to teach over 350 members of U.S. the largest public works and private construc- man who truly makes me proud to be an Congress, as my volunteer service; I will give tion companies in the United States, and one American. 5 more years to make it five decades of my that changed the landscape of Southern Cali- Born on January 7, 1932 in South Korea service.’’ fornia. during the period of Japanese occupation, Mr. Reflecting on the strength of this nation, Grand Master Rhee stated, ‘‘I became curious With Gene at the head, the Yeager Com- Rhee began training in the martial arts at the pany rebuilt two bridges that collapsed in the age of 13. Serving as an officer in the Korean what made America so great. In my sincere search for the roots of America’s strength, I 1994 Northridge earthquake, built the Highway War, Rhee fought alongside American sol- 91/Interstate 15 interchange in Corona, built diers, where he gained a deep appreciation for found the noblest mission statement ever writ- ten by any country in history. American the dam at Lake Perris and helped erect the the country that he now calls home. Auto Club Speedway in Fontana. Rhee immigrated to the United States in Founding Fathers wrote the ’Mission State- 1956, introducing Taekwondo to the Nation. A ment of America’ to place upon America the After Richard was killed in a traffic accident World-renowned 10th Degree Black Belt, he responsibility of serving as the vanguard na- in 1979, Gene and Jacques continued to run has instructed and inspired students around tion for the moral and political Freedom of all the company until 1995, when they sold it to the world. In addition to the over 350 mem- mankind, not just for American people. No a group of senior managers. In 2002, the busi- bers of Congress he has instructed over the wonder, why Alexis De Tocqueville, a French ness was sold to Skanska, the Swedish con- past 45 years, Grand Master Rhee has also Juror in 1831, wrote: ‘America is great be- struction giant. cause She is good; if America ever ceases to shared his wisdom and knowledge with the Through the years, Gene had become a be good, America will cease to be great.’ ’’ likes of Muhammad Ali, Jack Anderson, leader and an industry icon. He is remem- George Allen Sr., Bob Livingston, Tony Rob- Today I ask my fellow members of Con- gress to honor a man whose character, patri- bered just as fondly by his construction work- bins, and Jack Valenti. ers as he is with the people at Skanska, be- Yet his service does not end here. In 1983, otism, and heart of service calls for our sin- cere respect and gratitude. Grand Master cause of his intense work ethic and generous Mr. Rhee—a symbol of patriotism—served as heart. National Chairman of the July 4th, 1983 Na- Rhee, today I celebrate and thank you for your tion’s Birthday Celebration. In 1984, President 45 years of service to the members of this After retiring in 1995, Gene set about trav- Ronald Reagan appointed him to the National Chamber and the Senate. More importantly, I eling the world with his wife, spending time Council on Vocational Education, where he thank you for your example to the citizens of with his family and generously making dona- created National Teacher Appreciation Day—a this Nation—for increasing the hope within tions to worthy causes in the Riverside area, day of honor for our Nation’s educators which each of us, for reminding us of the beauty and including a $1 million endowment to fund envi- was signed by President Ronald Reagan on strength of our nation, and for inspiring individ- ronmental research and scholarships at the October 16, 1986, and continues today. uals and groups of every walk of life to contin- University of California at Riverside. From 1988 to1991, he served as President ually press towards the call to take it higher In fact, his charitable work earned him George H.W. Bush’s appointment as Special and make it better. ‘‘guardian angel’’ status in Riverside. Everyone Advisor to the President’s Council on Physical f that knew Gene, knew that he gave from the Fitness & Sports, and on March 17, 1992 he TRIBUTE TO GENE YEAGER heart, and did so without any desire for rec- was selected as the President’s 721st ‘‘Daily ognition. Point of Light’’—an award that honors individ- HON. KEN CALVERT In addition to his wife, Billie, Mr. Yeager is uals and volunteer groups around the country OF CALIFORNIA survived by sons Ken, of San Jose, and Tom, who are helping to meet critical needs in their IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of Riverside; daughters Beth, of Norco, and communities. In 1999, Rhee received the American Immi- Wednesday, September 29, 2010 Louise, of Newport Beach; stepchildren Terri, grants Achievement Award and the National Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today of Riverside, and Doug Moore, of Rancho Association of Professional Martial Arts, to recognize and honor the life of Ernest Eu- Cucamonga; brother Jacques, of Riverside; NAPMA, Life Time Achievement Award, and in gene ‘‘Gene’’ Yeager, a successful business- nephew Jacques Jr., of Riverside; and 13 2000, he became the only Korean-American man, philanthropist, outstanding community grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. named by the National Immigrant Forum and member and close personal friend of mine. On On behalf of all those who knew him, it is the Immigration and Naturalization Services as Sunday, September 5, 2010, Gene passed an honor to offer these remarks as a tribute to one of the 203 most recognized immigrants in away at the age of 85. Although Gene has the life and legacy of my friend Gene Yeager. the country, along with Albert Einstein, Alex- passed on from this life, he leaves a lasting His life and presence will be sorely missed ander Graham Bell and 200 others. Rhee was legacy of generosity and accomplishment that and I extend my condolences to his dear fam- also inducted into the Taekwondo Hall of will never be forgotten. ily and friends.

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