October 7, 2005 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS 22751 REP. BARBARA LEE HONORED BY Don began his career in 1964 as a graduate love for the music, not for fame or wealth. He THE 100 BLACK MEN OF SILICON teaching assistant at the University of Cali- was a dancer on the original Bandstand tele- VALLEY fornia at Davis. Following a 2-year stint in the vision program, hosted by Bob Horn. He be- Army, he joined Chabot College as an adjunct came a favorite with the viewers and rose to HON. ZOE LOFGREN faculty member teaching political science, the head of the coveted ‘‘Committee,’’ the group of teens responsible for aiding Horn in OF CALIFORNIA while serving as an assistant administrative the direction of the show. Jerry got into radio IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES analyst in the education section of the Legisla- tive Analyst’s Office in Sacramento. In 1970, in 1962 and soon was given the title ‘‘The Friday, October 7, 2005 he became the coordinator of Evening and Ex- Geator With The Heator.’’ He soon coupled Ms. LOFGREN of California. Mr. Speaker, tension Operations at Chabot College. His his growing popularity on the air, which by the California Democratic Congressional Dele- warm, supportive manner was felt throughout 1963 resulted in regional syndication of his gation is proud to recognize the achievements the campus by faculty, staff and students. program on small stations throughout the of our colleague, Rep. Barbara Lee, upon the After 5 years, Don then became the assistant Delaware Valley from Atlantic City to Allen- presentation of the Lifetime Achievement dean of instruction for Evening and Extension town, with appearances off the air at dances, Award by the 100 Black Men of Silicon Valley. Operations at Chabot College’s Valley Cam- clubs and events. It was not unusual for The concept of the 100 Black Men was born pus in Livermore. It was here that Don fo- Blavat to see 5,000 kids a week in person in in New York in 1963, when a group of con- cused his talents on shaping the vision he the mid sixties, nor too much of a stretch to cerned African American men gathered to ex- shared with other college officials: a college say he would remember 3,000 of their names plore ways of improving conditions in their that would serve the Tri-Valley. His hard work, the following week. His appearances became community. These visionaries and industry dedication, and ability to dream helped estab- so frequent that for a time he needed to use leaders included David Dinkins, Jackie Robin- lish Las Positas College. In 1992, he accepted a helicopter just to make it on time from one son, Nathaniel Goldston III, Andrew Hatcher the position of dean of Academic Services at gig to the next. Today the helicopter is gone, and founding President Dr. William Hayling. the College, and in 1994 the position con- but the frantic schedule is still in place. Throughout the year, he can be found some- The mission of the 100 Black Men of Silicon verted to the vice president of Academic Serv- where on virtually any night, and in the sum- Valley is to improve the quality of life of our ices. mer months he is in weekend residence at citizens and enhance educational opportunities Don’s talent and wisdom extend beyond Memories At Margate, the New Jersey Shore’s for African Americans and minorities, through community college curriculum and instruction. hottest night spot which he has owned and its chapters, in all communities—with a par- He has used his skills to create community operated since 1972. ticular emphasis on young African American partnerships to benefit students, the college, Al Martino will celebrate his 68th birthday on males. They do this by focusing on mentoring, and the community. He has been a driving October 7. The son of Italian immigrants, education, health and wellness, and economic force behind the Tri-Valley Educational Col- Martino worked as a bricklayer in his father’s development. laborative, which brings together business and construction business before being encour- It is fitting that Representative BARBARA LEE education leaders to address issues of mutual aged to become a singer by his friend Mario is being honored for her long record of stand- interest. Lanza. After singing in local clubs, and win- ing for youth and family issues such as crimi- Above and beyond his accomplishments at ning Arthur Godfrey’s Talent Scouts, he re- nal justice reform as a member of the Public the colleges of Chabot and Las Positas, Don corded ‘‘Here In My Heart’’ for the small BBS Safety, Sentencing and Incarceration Reform is revered for his compassionate nature, his record label. It shot to No. 1 in the U.S. chart, Caucus. Health and wellness has been at a ability to know when to lead and when to fol- and sold over a million copies. This disc was priority for her in Congress as well. She has low, and his sense of humor. While Don’s also the first ever record to top the New Musi- fought to establish a United States Health skills and knowledge will be greatly missed cal Express UK listings, inaugurated in 1952. Service and provide health coverage for all and will leave a void at the college, it is his He continued his illustrious career on both Americans. The measure, first introduced in love of the college, students, faculty, and staff stage and screen. 1978 by her predecessor, Representative Ron that will be missed the most. was the first and most suc- Dellums, has been a priority for her since her Mr. Speaker, I wish Don Milanese the best cessful of the teen idols from . He election in 1998. Representative BARBARA LEE of luck in retirement. I hope he finds joy in this was encouraged to perform from the time he has also been committed to promoting eco- next chapter of his life in equal measure to the was a child, beginning from when he was tu- nomic development and supporting those who joy he has given his colleagues in his working tored on the trumpet by his father. By the time need it most, including working to secure in- life. he was 12, he had joined Rocco and the vestment in housing, transit systems, roads, f Saints, a dance band that featured another clean water, and schools to stimulate the boy from the CR Club, drummer . A TRIBUTE TO THE PHILADELPHIA economy and create jobs. The combo played parish bazaars, shows at MURAL ARTS PROGRAM AND We wish to thank the 100 Black Men for the Sons of Italy Hall, weekend sock hops in THE SOUTH PHILLY MUSICIANS their tireless efforts to enhance the quality of school gyms, and weekend dances at teen MURAL life for all citizens, and to Representative BAR- clubs. ‘‘Venus’’ was Avalon’s biggest hit selling BARA LEE for her deeply held commitment to more than a million copies in the spring of the principle of human rights. HON. ROBERT A. BRADY 1959. Three more million sellers in a row, f OF PENNSYLVANIA ‘‘Bobby Sox To Stockings,’’ ‘‘Just Ask Your IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Heart,’’ and ‘‘Why’’ followed. IN HONOR OF DON MILANESE, Friday, October 7, 2005 In 1960, he co-starred with Alan Ladd in VICE PRESIDENT OF LAS ‘‘Guns of the Timberland’’ and appeared in POSITAS COLLEGE, ON THE OC- Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I ’s ‘‘Alamo.’’ Appearing in a num- CASION OF HIS RETIREMENT rise to honor the Philadelphia Mural Arts Pro- ber of other films Avalon did not have a star- gram, which will dedicate the new South Phila- ring role until 1963’s ‘‘Drums of Africa.’’ In the HON. ELLEN O. TAUSCHER delphia musicians mural at 9th and Wharton early sixties there was a nationwide surfing OF CALIFORNIA Streets in my district on Saturday, October 8. craze and Hollywood did a number of movies IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES As everyone knows, Philadelphia has long on the subject. Avalon, along with Annette been one of the capitols of popular culture. Funicello, were leading stars in these movies. Friday, October 7, 2005 This mural will honor seven of the icons of Starting in 1963 he appeared in ‘‘Beach Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today that culture, Jerry Blavat, Al Martino, Frankie Party,’’ ‘‘Muscle Beach,’’ ‘‘Beach Blanket to honor Don Milanese, vice president of Aca- Avalon, Fabian, , Bobby Bingo,’’ etc. demic Services at Las Positas College in Rydell and Eddie Fisher. Mr. Speaker, Avalon’s friend, Fabian was an Livermore, who is retiring after 35 years of Mr. Speaker, I am proud that this mural will overnight singing sensation, a film star with service to the Chabot-Las Positas Community include one of the pioneers of , over 30 films to his credit and the producer of College District, the Tri-Valley community, and my dear friend Jerry Blavat. Jerry was at- his own concert series. Fabian Forte was ac- thousands of students. tracted to the music business because of his tually discovered at the age of 14 sitting on his

VerDate Sep 11 2014 13:16 Mar 29, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00203 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 9920 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BR07OC05.DAT BR07OC05 ejoyner on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with BOUND RECORD 22752 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS October 7, 2005 front steps in Philadelphia. At 15, he won the You Now,’’ ‘‘Dungaree Doll,’’ ‘‘I’m Walking Be- launching a series of assaults directly Silver Award as ‘‘The Most Promising Male hind You,’’ ‘‘Heart,’’ ‘‘Games That Lovers against the small defensive perimeter the Vocalist of 1958.’’ By the time he was 18, he Play’’ and ‘‘Somebody Like You.’’ Marines had formed around their howitzers. had recorded dozens of hit singles, eight al- Although seriously depleted by heavy cas- f ualties, including the detachment com- bums and earned gold records for ‘‘Turn Me IN HONOR OF 7TH LANCE mander and the platoon sergeant, the gallant Loose’’ and ‘‘Tiger’’ and a gold album for ‘‘The men of the detachment steadfastly met and Fabulous Fabian.’’ In 1959, Fabian made his CORPORAL JAMES R. SARGENT contained each assault with withering fire screen debut in ‘‘Hound Dog Man’’ opposite from automatic weapons, grenades, and Carol Lynley. His role as a homicidal maniac HON. NICK J. RAHALL II point-blank individual weapons. On separate in a TV production entitled ‘‘A Lion Walks OF WEST VIRGINIA occasions, Marines braved the hail of gre- nade fragments and automatic weapons fire Among Us’’ directed by solidly IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES established his credentials as a versatile and to man a 4.2–inch mortar, an 81mm mortar, Friday, October 7, 2005 and a 30–caliber machine gun belonging to powerful actor. His impressive acting credits the Special Forces Detachment. Although include featured roles with John Wayne, Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, today, 7th Lance continually exposed, they brought the fires , Jack Palance, , Corporal James R. Sargent USMC, was laid to of these weapons to bear on the attacking George Segal and Karen Black. rest at Arlington Cemetery after being listed as enemy and inflicted heavy casualties. Chubby Checker was born in South Caro- missing in action for more than 37 years. When the survivors of the detachment were lina, but grew up in . By the Lance Corporal Sargent, a native of ordered to abandon their position, mute evi- time he entered high school, he had learned Anawalt, WV, was a true American hero and dence of their ferocity as fighting men lay to play the piano at Settlement Music School. today marks the end of a long journey for his about them in the form of 31 confirmed family and friends. enemy dead. The successful evacuation of In June of 1959, Chubby recorded ‘‘The the position was completed under the direct Twist.’’ Fourteen months later, in the summer Lance Corporal Sargent, like so many West observation and fire of the remaining enemy of 1960, ‘‘The Twist’’ was not only the No. 1 Virginians, answered our Nation’s call to arms. force. Accompanied by the surviving Civilian song but it introduced the concept of ‘‘dancing He wore the uniform and gave his life for free- Irregular Defense Group forces, the men of apart to the beat.’’ Mr. Speaker, Chubby dom’s cause. the detachment marched for six hours Checker accomplished many ‘‘firsts’’ in the Lance Corporal Sargent was part of an artil- through dense enemy-infested jungle until record industry. He is the only artist to have 5 lery platoon airlifted to provide support to the successfully extracted by helicopter. Of the albums in the top 12 all at once; the only artist 11th Mobile Strike Force, which was under original detachment, 13 Marines were killed in action and 20 were wounded in action. By to have a song to be No. 1 twice—‘‘The Twist’’ threat of attack from North Vietnamese forces near Kham Duc in South Vietnam. On May 9, their effective teamwork, aggressive fighting and the only artist to have nine double-sided spirit, and individual acts of heroism and hits. 1968, the Strike Force had been directed to daring, the artillerymen of this detachment Bobby Rydell, unlike many of the other reconnoiter an area known as Little Ngok achieved an illustrious record of courage and Teen Idols, was a genuine musician. At the Tavak Hill near the Laos-Vietnam border, in skill in keeping with the highest traditions age of 4 or 5, Bobby used to sit in front of the the Kham Duc Province. Their base came of the Marine Corps and the United States TV set trying to impersonate performers like under heavy attack by North Vietnamese Army Naval Service. Louis Prima, Milton Berle, and Johnny Ray. troops, but after a 10-hour battle, all of the All personnel attached to and serving with His father recognized Bobby’s talent and en- survivors were able to withdraw from the area. Detachment, Battery D, Second Battalion, Thirteenth Marines, First Marine Division couraged him to pursue a show business ca- LCpl, Sargent, one of 13 Marines killed in (Reinforced), during the cited action, are reer. At 5 he began taking lessons on the this battle, was awarded the Meritorious Unit hereby authorized to wear the Meritorious drums. Three years later he was an accom- Commendation for his heroism at Ngok Tavak. Unit Commendation Ribbon. plished cabaret performer, playing drums and The Bible says in the book of John, Chapter For the Secretary of the Navy, L. F. CHAP- doing imitations. At 9, he was a regular on 15, Verse 13, ‘‘Greater love has no one than MAN, JR., Commandant of the Marine Corps. Paul Whiteman’s television show that was this, than to lay down one’s life for his f broadcast from Philadelphia and performed on friends.’’ Today we honor not only Lance Cor- it for 3 years. By the time he was a teen, he poral Sargent, but all of the soldiers, airmen CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF CAR- was playing drums in a dance band Rocco and Marines who, through commitment and MEN N. CIQUEIROS TAFOYA PER- and the Saints. Rydell’s million seller, ‘‘Wild courage, have answered the call to protect the KINS MULLALY One’’ was released in early in 1960. ‘‘Swingin’ ones they love. This is truly the greatest gift School’’ b/w ‘‘Ding-A-Ling’’ was a springtime one can give. HON. LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD hit and third million seller. That summer I would also like to submit for the RECORD OF CALIFORNIA ‘‘Volare’’ was released. The song had been The Secretary of the Navy Citation for the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES pulled from a previous unsuccessful session of Meritorious Unit Commendation—a detailed songs in a big band style to introduce Rydell account of Lance Corporal Sargent’s heroism: Friday, October 7, 2005 to an older audience. The Secretary of the Navy takes pleasure Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise Mr. Speaker, Eddie Fisher received his first in presenting the Meritorious Unit Com- today to take a few moments to honor my wide exposure as frequent guest performer on mendation to: Detachment, Battery D, Sec- cousin, Carmen N. Ciqueiros Tafoya Perkins Eddie Cantor’s early-fifties TV broadcasts. ond Battalion, and Thirteenth Marines, First Mullaly, from Long Beach, California, whose Later responsible for million-selling records Marine Division (Reinforced) life was cut short on September 11, 2005. during the fifties, including ‘‘Any Time,’’ his CITATION Carmen was born in Los Angeles, California signature song, ‘‘O My Papa,’’ and many oth- For heroic achievement in action against on September 17, 1926 and was always a ers. In 1953 Eddie Fisher was given his own enemy Viet Cong and North Vietnamese proud Angeleno. She attended Hammel Ele- 15-minute TV show called ‘‘Coke Time,’’ spon- forces during the defense of the Civilian Ir- mentary School and Belvedere Junior High, regular Defense Group camp known as Ngok sored by the Coca-Cola company. This show Tavak on 10 May 1968. The detachment, con- and graduated from Roosevelt High School in proved to be so popular that Coke then of- sisting of one officer and 43 enlisted men, Los Angeles. fered Eddie a $1 million contract to be their was tasked with the mission of providing ar- Early on in life, Carmen developed a belief national spokesperson. A deal of that mag- tillery support to the camp. In the early in the principles of the Democratic Party. An nitude was almost unheard of at this time and morning, while providing this support to a active member of the League of Women Vot- helped push Fisher towards being one of the mixed force of U.S Army Special Forces and ers, Carmen never missed voting in a single most popular singers by 1954. At the height of Vietnamese irregulars, the detachment’s de- election. My cousin’s enthusiasm for Election his popularity, during the 1950s, Fisher was, fensive position came under attack by a de- Day was an inspiration to all those around her, termined and well equipped enemy force of along with and , estimated battalion size. Employing an in- as she often opened her own home to serve RCA Victor’s top-selling pop vocalist. His tense mortar barrage, grenades and heavy as a polling precinct for primary and general many hits during this period, all well remem- small-arms fire, the enemy breached the elections. bered, include: ‘‘Anytime,’’ his first big hit, ‘‘Oh, outer defensive wire in two places and surged In addition to her allegiance to the Demo- My Papa,’’ ‘‘Wish You Were Here,’’ ‘‘I Need through the wire in superior numbers, cratic Party, Carmen loved being an Anaheim

VerDate Sep 11 2014 13:16 Mar 29, 2017 Jkt 000000 PO 00000 Frm 00204 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 9920 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BR07OC05.DAT BR07OC05 ejoyner on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with BOUND RECORD