13630 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 155, Pt. 10 June 2, 2009 founding father of the Soviet Jewry movement Like so many, Pam was shocked by the as- because her determination and hard work and becoming a mentor and ally on behalf of sault on our country that took place on Sep- have allowed her to overcome adversities. Soviet . He brought up a young student tember 11, 2001. She took positive action in a The dedication demonstrated by Kateryna to UCLA and that student went on to become way that would help those sent to defend our Kondratyshyna is exemplary of the type of City Councilman (now County lives, liberty and honor. Pam learned about achievement that can be attained with hard Supervisor) . In 1968, he Adoptaplatoon, whose mission it is to ‘‘Support work and perseverance. It is essential that stu- formed the Southern Council for So- America’s men and women deployed abroad, dents at all levels strive to make the most of viet Jews and excelled in using unconven- while they protect our country.’’ Believing in their education and develop a work ethic that tional methods to bring attention to the issue. this mission, Pam joined Adoptaplatoon to will guide them for the rest of their lives. When the Bolshoi ballet performed in Los An- support those who sacrifice so much on our I extend my deepest congratulations once geles, Si wrote up fake programs encouraging behalf. again to Kateryna Kondratyshyna for winning patrons to enjoy the ballet but adding a mes- Pam first adopted a platoon of soldiers who the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambas- sage about the oppression. When President were deployed to Kosovo and Bosnia. As part sadors for Youth award. I have no doubt she Nixon was visited by Soviet President Leonid of her service to these men and women, Pam will exhibit the same dedication she has Brezhnev, Si released 5,000 balloons with the communicated with them regularly, through shown in her academic career to her future message, ‘‘Let My People Go.’’ With candle- letters and emails, bringing a glimpse of accomplishments. light rallies attended by tens of thousands, let- ‘‘home’’ to many of them. Even as Pam’s f ter-writing campaigns and other grass roots ef- adoptees returned from duty, she continued HONORING THE MEMORY OF forts, he enlisted a generation into action. her efforts by caring for newly deployed serv- PATRICK O’CONNOR Once the Iron Curtain fell and thousands of ice members. Jews were permitted to leave, Si turned his When Marines from Engineer Company B focus to assist in resettling those who arrived deployed for Iraq for the first time in 2003, HON. MIKE QUIGLEY in Los Angeles and . He Pam stepped forward and adopted the entire OF ILLINOIS became the liaison for the e´migre´s on every- company. She coordinated the efforts of other IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES thing from re´sume´ workshops to clothing volunteers to ensure that each Marine was as- Tuesday, June 2, 2009 drives. signed a supporter to communicate with them Mr. QUIGLEY. Madam Speaker, I rise today In 1992, Si began publishing ‘‘Graffiti for In- throughout their deployment. In addition, Pam tellectuals,’’ a bi-weekly newsletter with infor- to pay tribute to a great Chicagoan and a true wrote them herself, and sent care packages. friend, Patrick O’Connor, who passed away mation and commentary on politics, social Pam provided so much love, support and ap- issues, and challenges in the community. With this past Tuesday. preciation to these troops, that she is now An athlete and a sports fan, Patrick was the candor, conviction and often a touch of humor, called ‘‘Mom.’’ In addition, many of these sol- his columns expounded on the needs of Holo- past President of the Chicago Gaelic Athletic diers and their families include her in their per- Association, and the St. Pat’s Football Club. caust survivors seeking restitution and repara- sonal celebrations. To Pam, this is the great- tions, the plight of Israel, the fight against anti- An active member of our community, Patrick est honor of all. was a committed member of the DeSoto Semitism, and other Jewish causes. Pam continued to support Engineer Com- In the face of fierce resistance, Si never re- Council Knights of Columbus. A dedicated pany B when they were redeployed in 2005. In family man, Patrick leaves behind his beloved lented or grew too tired to persevere. His cre- addition, she helps them with the annual Toys ativity and sincerity inspired people to action. wife Barbara, his five children: Michael, Rob- for Tots drive. She continues to encourage ert, Catherine, Daniel, and Alderman Pat While we mourn his absence, we pay tribute others to join Adoptaplatoon and support our with an enduring debt of gratitude for his re- O’Connor, as well as dozens of grandchildren, service men and women. Pam believes our nieces and nephews. markable courage and vision. His tremendous military is the best in the world, and they legacy will be felt for generations to come. On behalf of my family, and those lives in should receive the best we can give. She my district that Patrick touched over the years, Si is survived by his wife, Ella, his son, Mi- takes it upon herself to give them her best. chael, and two grandchildren. Ella, who al- I send my deepest condolences to his family Because of her outstanding commitment to and friends. He will be missed. ways stood solidly beside him and encouraged Adoptaplatoon and our troops, Pam has been f him to carry on the cause, deserves recogni- awarded the President’s Volunteer Service tion as an equal partner in his lifelong Award from the President’s Council on Service RECOGNIZING THE RECIPIENTS OF achievements. Those who knew Si well can and Civic Participation. This award is given to THE 2009 BEAT THE ODDS AWARDS attest to his enduring love for his family and volunteers in recognition of their service to his avid collection of chess sets. their community and their country. We ask that our colleagues join us as we HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY So, today, on behalf of the citizens of Indi- celebrate the remarkable life and tremendous OF VIRGINIA ana’s Second District, I thank Pam Brunette contributions of Si Frumkin. Si was living proof IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES for her years of selfless dedication to our men that one person can change the course of his- and women in uniform. As she continues to Tuesday, June 2, 2009 tory. work to bring a sense of appreciation and con- Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speak- f cern to our military personnel and their fami- er, I rise today to recognize the recipients of CONGRATULATING PAM BRUNETTE lies, let us pay special tribute to this woman the 2009 Beat the Odds Awards presented by ON HER EXEMPLARY VOLUN- who truly expresses support for our troops the Prince William County Bar Foundation. TEER SERVICE TO OUR MEN AND through her action, dedication and commit- The awards recognize extraordinary youth in WOMEN IN UNIFORM ment. our community for their determination to over- f come adversity and lead a full, productive life. HON. JOE DONNELLY Beat the Odds Awards focus on young peo- KATERYNA KONDRATYSHYNA ple who have come into contact with the juve- OF INDIANA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nile justice system and, despite such an ob- HON. ED PERLMUTTER stacle, have overcome abuse, neglect or juve- Tuesday, June 2, 2009 OF COLORADO nile delinquency with an earnest effort to real- Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. Madam Speak- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ize a successful future. er, today I pay tribute to an outstanding citizen It is my honor to commend the following in- of South Bend, Pamela Brunette, a woman Tuesday, June 2, 2009 dividuals who have risen above substantial who has selflessly devoted her time, talent Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise negative influences and are now being recog- and energy to our Marines. Her impact on the today to recognize and applaud Kateryna nized as community success stories. lives of our troops and their families is im- Kondratyshyna who has received the Arvada Recipients of the 2009 Beat the Odds Phoe- measurable, the result of her unflagging efforts Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth nix Award: Jessi Danner, Angela Garcia, Cyn- to boost their morale during some of the most award. Kateryna Kondratyshyna is a junior at thia Hubler, Sha-Kina Jackson, and Maria Ann trying periods of their lives. Arvada High School and received this award Sisson.

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