September 14, 2010 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1587 history and ideas and values that link past and derson was shot and wounded in combat Founded with modest beginnings, St. Vin- future generations together. I will always be a while conducting intelligence, surveillance, and cent’s first Mass was celebrated under a do- participant and supporter of such festivals and reconnaissance operations. nated tent. However, through the hard work of such markets, as I view them as a reminder Specialist Anderson’s devotion to his coun- their parishioners, they dedicated their first that no matter where we come from as New try during his combat time in Iraq is an exam- church in 1961 and eventually as the parish Yorkers, we are all here now, together. I ask ple of true patriotism. I want to take this time grew, dedicated their current church in 1980. that my colleagues join me paying tribute to to recognize his unwavering dedication to our St. Vincent’s has long been a leader in com- Ferragosto 2010, in Belmont’s Little Italy of the nation and, on behalf of the United States munity services towards the elderly, veterans, Bronx. Congress, thank him for his selfless service on disabled, and youth of the South Florida com- f the frontlines in Iraq and for his honorable munity. They have provided Eucharistic serv- contributions to our country. ices in hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted- TRIBUTE TO TONY BELL f living facilities and provide prayer ministries for the sick in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. HON. MARION BERRY HONORING ROY JOHN SPENCER St. Vincent’s continues to serve its members OF ARKANSAS with daily Mass and Novena ministries, and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH St. Vincent’s is home to a thriving religious OF CALIFORNIA education center which provides free religious Tuesday, September 14, 2010 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES guidance to all members of the community. Mr. BERRY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to Tuesday, September 14, 2010 During these past 50 years, St. Vincent’s pay tribute to the life of Tony Bell. Tony was Catholic Church has shown its spirit and car- Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise a businessman, a passionate follower of both ing for the community, and I wish the Church today to honor Roy John Spencer. Roy Spen- the local and national political scenes, a lover and all of its parishioners a happy Golden Ju- cer is a veteran of World War II and was post- of music and gadgets, and most importantly a bilee. Congratulations on this joyous occasion humously awarded the Purple Heart and Silver loving husband and proud father. and thank you for your many years of service Tony was the co-owner and operator of To- Star medals. Roy was killed in action, at the in our South Florida community. age of 26, on January 12, 1945 in the Battle morrow’s Child Learning Center in Blytheville, f Arkansas—a facility dedicated to helping of the Bulge. Roy Spencer was born in 1918 and he en- HONORING VONETTA MCGEE young children with development and learning listed in the United States Army on January problems. When not working, Tony dedicated 12, 1945. He went on to serve as a member his time to others through volunteer work and HON. BARBARA LEE of the 507th Parachute Infantry Regiment and community organizations. He was a member OF CALIFORNIA fought in several battles in Europe, including of the Lions Club, a Mason, and served on the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the Battle of the Bulge. Tuesday, September 14, 2010 board of the Boys and Girls Club. In January 1945, Private Spencer and his Tony was never one to stay still for too long. company were attacked by German forces in Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, I In his free time, you could find him tinkering the woods outside of the Belgium town of rise today to honor the extraordinary life of with electronics or listening to music. Friends Flamizoulle. As Private Spencer and his ba- Vonetta McGee, a trailblazing actress and sought his help if ever they needed something zooka team advanced forward, they were con- local Bay Area community member. Known for repaired; always willing to help, Tony would fronted by counterattacks from German tanks. her fearlessness, elegance and mastery of her oblige. Roy’s bazooka was struck by pieces of flying craft, she was a loving wife, mother, daughter, Although never a politician himself, Tony shrapnel which resulted in holes being torn in sister and friend. Vonetta McGee will be re- was always immersed in the local political the weapon’s tube. Private Spencer and his membered for her warm and vivacious pres- scene and never far from the stump. Through teammate knew that the tanks must be ence in daily life, as well as her myriad film fundraising, civil debate with fellow residents stopped, despite the danger of using a faulty roles, acting beside screen legends such as and a general enthusiasm for the democratic weapon. Without a thought for personal safety, Jean-Louis Trintignant, Klaus Kinski, Clint process Tony served as a light for others in- they fired the bazooka in an attempt to stop Eastwood and Sidney Poitier. With Ms. terested in politics and a great example of the tanks. The weapon exploded and both McGee’s passing on July 9, 2010, we are re- what it means to be an actively engaged cit- men were killed instantly. minded of her life’s journey and the joyful leg- izen. The bravery and heroism of Private Spencer acy she inspired. To Tony’s family I extend my deepest con- inspired his company to successfully repulse Named for her father, Lawrence Vonetta dolences, and have only fond memories to tell the German counterattack. Private Spencer McGee was born on January 14, 1945 in San of Tony. He was a man that found happiness was laid to rest in the Luxembourg American Francisco, California. She graduated from San in helping others, and I ask my colleagues to Cemetery and Memorial in Hamm, Luxem- Francisco Polytechnic High School, and briefly join me now in recognizing a life devoted to bourg. He is survived by his wife, Mrs. Anna studied law at San Francisco State University community, family and politics—and my friend, Queen Spencer. before moving to 1960s Rome, Italy to pursue Mr. Tony Bell. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend her passion for acting at Cinecitta` film studios. f and honor Roy John Spencer for his service to With the emerging popularity of Spaghetti our country, for his gallantry and for the sac- Westerns, Ms. McGee was cast in ‘‘The Great IN HONOR OF MAURICE RUSSELL Silence,’’ which opened in Italy in 1967, and ANDERSON rifice he made to protect his fellow soldiers. I invite my colleagues to join me in honoring ‘‘Faustina,’’ a comedy directed by Luigi Magni Private Roy John Spencer. in 1968. She returned to the United States to HON. JOHN H. ADLER appear with Sidney Poitier in ‘‘The Lost Man’’ f OF NEW JERSEY (1969). And, in the early 1970s, she appeared IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES THE 50TH ANNIVERSARY OF SAINT in a string of blaxploitation pictures which VINCENT’S CATHOLIC CHURCH IN Tuesday, September 14, 2010 made her famous, including ‘‘Blacula,’’ MARGATE, FLORIDA ‘‘Melinda,’’ ‘‘Hammer,’’ and ‘‘The Big Bust-Out’’ Mr. ADLER of New Jersey. Madam Speak- in 1972, and ‘‘Shaft in Africa’’ in 1973. er, I would like to take this opportunity to rec- HON. THEODORE E. DEUTCH These popular genre pictures starring Afri- ognize a constituent and a true American OF FLORIDA can-American actors are a contested, yet im- hero. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES portant, part of cinematic history. Ms. McGee, United States Army Specialist Maurice Rus- believing that the ‘‘blaxploitation’’ label was a sell Anderson, from Willingboro, New Jersey, Tuesday, September 14, 2010 misnomer, imbued all of her characters with recently returned home from combat on Au- Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today strength, grace and pride. She was a true pro- gust 28th, 2010. While assigned to the 1st in honor of the 50th anniversary of Saint Vin- fessional who well knew the value and variety Squadron 89th Cavalry based in Fort Drum, cent’s Catholic Church in Margate, Florida. of entertainment. Her cast members, crew and New York, Specialist Anderson was deployed Since 1960, St. Vincent’s has been a leader in directors often noted her kind approachability to Iraq to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. charity and community service, providing tri- and her commitment to excellence. Along with his fellow unit members, he served lingual religious services to Margate and the In 1974, she starred in ‘‘Thomasine & with honor to protect our nation. Specialist An- entire South Florida community. Bushrod’’ and landed a role in Clint VerDate Mar 15 2010 21:56 Nov 24, 2010 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\RECORD10\RECFILES\E14SE0.REC E14SE0 mmaher on DSK69SOYB1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE.