E824 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks June 12, 2018 from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. on weekdays. Fi- proposed by the Republicans are a good idea, ward Slapikas. 77 years ago, Edward was nancial assistance will be available to Ypsilanti but Republican leadership would not allow us killed in the attack on Pearl Harbor and buried residents, allowing for low-income community to vote on the proposals separately. There- in Hawaii, but never identified. On Saturday, members to provide childcare to their children fore, I have no choice but to oppose the entire June 9, 2018, Edward received a hero’s wel- in a safe and nurturing environment. The facil- rescissions package. I hope to work with my come home and full military honors following a ity consists of three classrooms, a playground colleagues to make fiscally responsible deci- Mass of Christian Burial at Holy Spirit Parish. and a gymnasium, and is located within the sions moving forward. Edward Slapikas was born on August 9, former Chapelle Elementary School. This vi- f 1915, son of the late Frank and Ursula sionary center will offer children and parents Slapikas. He grew up in the Wanamie section quality childcare in our local community, and HONORING THE LIFE AND WORK of Newport Township, Pennsylvania and at- we are grateful for the YMCA’s ongoing com- OF SAL VENTURA tended Newport Area High School. After grad- mitment to Ypsilanti residents. uation, he worked for the Glen Alden Coal Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me HON. ZOE LOFGREN Company before joining the Navy in 1940. in honoring the Ypsilanti YMCA’s years of OF CALIFORNIA On December 7, 1941, Edward was serving service to our southeast Michigan community. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES aboard the USS Oklahoma berthed in Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. The Oklahoma endured Japa- Their newly opened childhood development Tuesday, June 12, 2018 center will create a brighter and more healthy nese torpedo attacks which capsized the ship future for local youth. Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to and killed 26-year-old Edward and more than f recognize over three decades of the dedicated 400 of his fellow sailors. Edward and his com- work and compassionate leadership of Mr. Sal patriots were laid to rest in the National Me- RECOGNIZING THE LIVERPOOL Ventura in service of improving the lives of morial Cemetery of the Pacific (Punchbowl HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKET- working families in our community. Cemetery) in Hawaii. BALL TEAM Sal was born in San Jose in the late 50’s. More than 70 years after that fateful Decem- Raised and educated in Santa Clara County, ber day, Edward was identified and finds his HON. JOHN KATKO he completed the San Jose City College Labor final resting place in St. Mary’s Cemetery in OF NEW YORK Studies Program and started his long and sto- his hometown of Wanamie. VFW Post 971 is IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ried career with the International Brotherhood named in Edward’s memory, and his remain- of Electrical Workers (IBEW) with an appren- Tuesday, June 12, 2018 ing family, a niece and nephew, was in attend- ticeship in 1981. Sal was hired as IBEW staff ance to celebrate his legacy. Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to in the Organizing Department in January, It is a solemn honor to recognize the mem- recognize the victory of the Liverpool Warriors 1995, and by May, 1997, he was appointed as ory of Seaman 1st Class Edward Slapikas. Boys basketball team in the New York State Business Agent. Our nation is grateful for his selfless service in Public High School Association Class AA In all, Sal spent 36 years as a member of World War II. We shall never forget his sac- Championship on March 17, 2018. The Liver- the IBEW and 32 years as a member of the rifice for our freedom, and we are honored to pool Warriors defeated the Half Hollow Hills IBEW Local 332 Political Action Committee, finally welcome him home. May he rest in East team by a score of 71–64 to win the serving as Chairman for 14 years. Over the peace. state title for the first time in program history. course of his career, Sal served as an elected f The Warriors’ victory marked the end of a Executive Board member and as Vice Presi- perfect season for the team. Despite this dom- dent of IBEW 332. As he retires, Sal is the RECOGNIZING THE WORK OF inant record the game was close, with the current President of the South Bay Labor MICHAEL K. BAACH Warriors trailing by seven at halftime. They Council executive board and the assistant rallied in the second half won the game. Tour- manager of IBEW Local 332. HON. JAMES B. RENACCI nament MVP, Senior Charles Pride, who During his career, Sal expanded his efforts OF OHIO scored 18 points along with seven rebounds beyond IBEW and served on many labor and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and six assists, and senior Noah Issakainen community boards and committees, including Tuesday, June 12, 2018 who added another 17 points in the win. Mem- as Former Executive Board Member of the bers of the championship team included Pride, South Bay Labor Council, Delegate and Mr. RENACCI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Issakainen, as well as seniors Peter Cerrone, former Trustee of the Santa Clara/San Benito recognize the contributions of life’s work of Mi- Alan Willmes, Joe Desocio, Nas Johnson, Counties Building Trades, and Chairman of chael K. Baach of Medina, Ohio and to extend Connor Jones, juniors Kyle Butler, Alex the South Bay Labor Council Community my heartfelt congratulations on his retirement Ruston, Jake Piseno, Nick Klein, Joe Valerino, Services Committees. Additionally, Sal has in June, 2018. Ryan Valentine, Ian Conroy, Matt Senecal, served on the Board of Christmas in April/Re- Mike Baach has played an important role as and sophomores Freshaun Dreher, Kyle build Together Silicon Valley and with our the President and CEO of Philpott Rubber and Caves, and Lateef Edwards. The team was community radio station, KKUP. Plastics Company since August, 2009. Found- led to victory by their coach Ryan Blackwell. Mr. Speaker, I hereby recognize and com- ed in northeast Ohio in 1889 and I am honored to recognize the teamwork mend Sal Ventura for his lifelong work and headquartered in Medina, Ohio, Philpott is a displayed by the Liverpool Warriors and to commitment to work in the best interest of our leading provider of custom molded rubber and congratulate the members of the team, their community. I congratulate him on his impres- plastic parts, standard polymeric products, and families, the coaching staff, and teachers at sive career and commend him on his invalu- quality adhesives to the industrial market sec- Liverpool High School. This is a historic win able service. As Sal continues his life in San tor. Mike is the team leader of a workforce of for Central New York, the first Section III Jose with his wife, Jenny, his two daughters, dedicated professionals, more than 1,000 Class AA title since 2002, and I am confident two puppies, and a parakeet, I wish him a strong, whose combined productivity gen- that the positive experiences from the 2018 restful and fulfilling retirement. We have been erates revenue exceeding $70 million annu- season will yield the Warriors continued suc- lucky to have him. ally. By any measure, Mike’s leadership, busi- cess in both athletics and academics. f ness acumen, professionalism are the gold f standard we should all hope to emulate. What IN RECOGNITION OF THE LATE is more, Mike embodies these values with hu- SPENDING CUTS TO EXPIRED AND SEAMAN 1ST CLASS EDWARD mility and a strong sense of deeply held core UNNECESSARY PROGRAMS ACT SLAPIKAS ON THE OCCASION OF values. Mike, as I can personally attest, is HIS FINAL HOMECOMING both friend as well as a mentor to many. SPEECH OF Before his time at Philpott, Mike was a Co- HON. BRAD SHERMAN HON. MATT CARTWRIGHT Founder of Corpro, initially in Houston, Texas OF CALIFORNIA OF PENNSYLVANIA and then later in Medina, Ohio. Mike also IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES worked as a sales manager at Harco Corpora- tion, also in Houston and Medina. At each Thursday, June 7, 2018 Tuesday, June 12, 2018 stage of his career, Mike has worked hard and Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I support the Mr. CARTWRIGHT. Mr. Speaker, I rise added value for both to the customers he idea of rescissions. Some of the rescissions today to honor the late Seaman 1st Class Ed- served as well as the companies for which he

VerDate Sep 11 2014 06:49 Jun 13, 2018 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A12JN8.010 E12JNPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with REMARKS June 12, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E825 worked. Mike is the author of five patents, graduated from Milford High School in 1945 With Arlington County starting to fund equip- again, bringing leadership, value and innova- before enlisting in the Navy as our nation was ment and utilities for volunteer fire companies, tion to the business community. gripped in the Second World War. After return- the 1930s proved much more rewarding for Mike has also contributed to his community ing from service, Mr. DiAntonio began his ca- the previously neglected Halls Hill Volunteer through his service on many boards in Medina reer with the Rosenfeld Concrete Company Fire Department. With County support, the County, in so doing, he has touched the lives where he would eventually retire as plant and Halls Hill Volunteer Fire Department obtained of many in his community. I’m sure the Great- credit manager. its first pumper as well as a 1929 Diamond-T er Medina Chamber of Commerce, Hospice of In Milford, Mr. DiAntonio will be missed at truck. The Hicks family, who owned several Medina County, Southwest General Health Town Council meetings where he served fifty- community businesses, also offered property Center and Blue Coats of Medina County will two years as a member, taking on leadership for a new firehouse, which quickly became a all agree with me that Mike Baach has made roles as Chairman of the Town Finance and de facto community center for local news and his home, Medina County, a better place to Library Building Committees as well as Trust- conversation. The new firehouse featured live for all its citizens through his tireless devo- ee of the Milford Geriatric Authority. such attractions as a pay phone and soda ma- tion and service. It is the considered opinion of A proud son of Italian immigrants, Mr. chine as well as a blaring siren to summon many that Mike’s wisdom, compassion and in- DiAntonio was a member of the Italian-Amer- volunteers to the firehouse. Around this time, tegrity define his character. Medina County, ican War Veterans Post of Milford, where he the Arlington County Fireman’s Association and indeed, the State of Ohio and the Nation worked to honor the service and sacrifices of was founded as a network for Arlington fire itself are better places because of Mike past and present veterans of Italian heritage, companies, but did not include Halls Hill Vol- Baach’s presence and contributions. and the impact that first generation Americans unteer Fire Department. continue to have on our country. The 115th Congress acknowledges the On May 4th, Joseph DiAntonio was laid to In 1940, Arlington County began funding many achievements of Mike Baach. I thank rest with military honors surrounded by his six professional fire staff to work within the volun- him for his friendship and wish him the best of children, twelve grandchildren, and fourteen teer companies. Eleven years later, Halls Hill luck in his new endeavors. great-grandchildren. The Fourth District was became the last firefighting company in the f proud to have a neighbor like ‘‘Joe D’’, and county to be assigned paid professionals. The original professional firefighters assigned in RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVER- from the Halls of Congress, I offer our condo- lences to those who knew him. 1951 to Station No. 8, in order of hire, were SARY OF SIMPLEX MANUFAC- Alfred Clark, Julian Syphax, George McNeal, TURING COMPANY f and Archie Syphax. Later, Hartman Reed, RECOGNIZING THE 100TH ANNIVER- James K. Jones, Carroll Deskins, Henry Vin- HON. JOHN KATKO SARY OF HALLS HILL STATION cent, Carl Cooper, Ervin Richardson, Jimmy OF NEW YORK NO. 8 Terry, Wilton Hendricks, Bill Warrington and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Bobby Hill were also hired. As a segregated HON. DONALD S. BEYER, JR. station, Halls Hill Station No. 8 sought to Tuesday, June 12, 2018 prioritize serving the immediate community. OF VIRGINIA However, firefighters assigned to the Station Mr. KATKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES recognize the 100th anniversary of Simplex were routinely dispatched on calls outside Manufacturing Company in my district in Au- Tuesday, June 12, 2018 their first due area. On these dispatches, fire- burn, New York. Mr. BEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to cel- fighters were often berated, even by the resi- Founded in 1918 by William J. Merritt, Sim- ebrate the 100th Anniversary of Arlington, Vir- dents the firefighters were attempting to help. plex Manufacturing Company began as a ginia’s Halls Hill Station No. 8, which is being Career advancement opportunities for Afri- leather goods manufacturer. Over the years, honored at the African American Fire Fighters can American firefighters at that time were lim- however, Simplex has evolved with market Historical Society’s 8th Annual Salute Dinner. ited to Fire Station No. 8. Nonetheless, in trends, and now provides a variety of essen- As the Civil War ended, freed slaves in Arling- 1957, Alfred Clark became the first African tial, modern products that are often custom- ton set out to build a community and inde- American fire captain in the County and con- made for a variety of machines and devices. pendent life. Many settled in the Halls Hill tinued to serve at Station No. 8. His daughter Today, the parts crafted by Simplex are used neighborhood, making it North Arlington’s first Kitty recalls that when the station later be- in all manner of devices from motors and hand African American community. There they built came integrated in the 1960s, some white fire- tools, to security systems which keep families a supportive community with sprawling busi- fighters said they ‘‘would not serve under a and businesses safe from harm. nesses, civic organizations, and support serv- ‘Ni. . .’ and even wrote it on the chalkboard. Throughout the years, Simplex has become ices. One of the most respected and treasured The battalion chief, upon arriving, ordered it a staple of the Central New York business of those service organizations is Fire Station removed and told the white firefighters they community. In this day and age, while many No. 8. will serve and respect Captain Clark.’’ In 1918, twenty years after Arlington Coun- companies have chosen quantity over quality, As the main social and community center ty’s first firefighting company was established, Simplex has remained dedicated to producing for families of the Halls Hill African American a group of African American men formed a an excellent product. I am proud to congratu- community, Station No. 8 was on the forefront volunteer fire department to bring fire protec- late the owners and employees of Simplex of the Civil Rights Movement. There, commu- 100 successful years in business. tion to the African American community of Halls Hill. At the time, the Halls Hill African nity members advocated for a variety of f American community, which began as a home causes, including the desegregation of public schools and integration of lunch counters. HONORING JOSEPH DIANTONIO OF for freed slaves after the Civil War, was kept In 1962, construction began on a new Sta- MILFORD, MA separate from adjacent white communities, in part, by an 8-foot wooden fence. Initially, the tion No. 8 facility, which served a growing Ar- Halls Hill firefighters had only a 60-gallon lington County population. However, in 1999, HON. JOSEPH P. KENNEDY III chemical tank—pulled by six men over un- a study for the County Manager identified Sta- OF MASSACHUSETTS paved and muddy roads—that was housed on tion No. 8. for possible ‘‘relocation, consolida- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the grounds of the John Langston Elementary tion, replacement or closure.’’ In 2016, after community pushback, the Arlington County Tuesday, June 12, 2018 School. In 1925, the seven-year-old Halls Hill Station No. 8 held its first elections and, Board voted to build a new Fire Station No. 8 Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to through door-to-door canvassing campaigns, at the Lee Highway site where the Station re- honor Joseph DiAntonio, a lifelong resident of raised enough money to procure the Station’s mains today. 100 years after its formation, the Fourth District of Massachusetts, who first motor-driven engine. In 1927, the Halls Station No. 8 has a fully paid staff that serves passed away in April after a life marked by Hill Volunteer Fire Department was officially the very community that preserved Station No. courage, kindness, and an unwavering com- incorporated and moved to a new location on 8 as a Halls Hill institution. Arlington County mitment to public service. Lee Highway, which featured a telephone by has committed to building a new Station No. Born in Milford, Massachusetts in 1927, Mr. which fire calls were routed through the chief 8 that will memorialize the countless people DiAntonio, or ‘‘Joe D’’ to those who knew him, operator of the local telephone company. who have sustained this community asset.

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