E1962 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 27, 2000 TRIBUTE TO 16TH LOGISTICS of Khalistan's declaration of independence Council of Khalistan in its effort to expedite GROUP, HURLBURT FIELD, FLOR- from India. the liberation of Khalistan. IDA Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, who is the Presi- ‘‘It is appropriate that the convention opened on the anniversary of Khalistan’s dent of the Council of Khalistan, has been a declaration of independence,’’ Dr. Aulakh HON. JOE SCARBOROUGH tireless advocate for his people and has made said. He noted that Sikhs ruled Punjab until OF FLORIDA himself a well-known presence in the halls of 1849 when the British forcibly annexed it IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Congress by his persistence over the last thir- into British India. No Sikh representative teen years or so. He also fights for human has ever signed the Indian constitution. Thursday, October 26, 2000 rights of Christians, Muslims, and anyone else Thousands of Sikhs languish in prisons Mr. SCARBOROUGH. Mr. Speaker, today I who is being oppressed by India. His tireless without charge or trial, according to Am- nesty International. Between 1993 and 1994, am proud to recognize the United States Air efforts have helped to keep this issue alive, 50,000 Sikhs were made to disappear by In- Force's 16th Logistics Group for receiving the and I salute him for this work. His struggle dian forces. More than 250,000 Sikhs have Year 2000 Department of Defense Mainte- merits our support. been killed since 1984. Over 200,000 Christians nance Award. Mr. Speaker, I submit the Council of have been killed since 1947 and over 70,000 Each year, the Secretary of Defense recog- Khalistan's press release on its convention for Kashmiri Muslims have been killed since nizes outstanding achievements in military the RECORD. 1988. In March, during President Clinton’s visit to India, the Indian government mur- equipment and weapon system maintenance [Council of Khalistan, Press Release, Oct. 10, by intermediate and organizational level main- dered 35 Sikhs in the village of Chithi 2000] Singhpora, Kashmir. Two independent inves- tenance organizations of the Military Services. COUNCIL INTERNATIONAL CONVENTION VERY tigations and an Amnesty International re- The purpose of this awards program is to SUCCESSFUL—DELEGATES VERY ENTHUSI- port have confirmed the government’s re- improve material readiness, improve efficiency ASTIC AND UPBEAT sponsibility. The Indian Supreme Court de- and reduce waste by encouraging innovative FREE KHALISTAN ESSENTIAL FOR SURVIVAL OF scribed the situation in Punjab as ‘‘worse management and use of resources, provide SIKH NATION than a genocide.’’ ‘‘India is on the verge of disintegration,’’ recognition of below depot-level maintenance WASHINGTON, D.C., October 10, 2000—The said Dr. Aulakh. ‘‘Kashmir is going to be programs, aid development of competitive pro- annual convention of the Council of free. Khalistan will also be free during this grams, and enhance maintenance awareness Khalistan, held this weekend in Fort Lauder- decade, by the grace of Guru. Guru gave sov- dale, Florida, was very successful. Delegates throughout the Department of Defense. ereignty to the Sikh Nation,’’ he said. ‘‘This came from all over the United States, Can- In recognition of the contribution mainte- convention was a step forward in that ef- ada, and the United Kingdom. The delegates nance makes to keeping our forces ready and fort.’’ to sustaining them in conflict, the Secretary of were very enthusiastic and their spirit was very upbeat (charhdi kala). They expressed f Defense has chosen to honor the 16th Logis- appreciation for the work of the Council of tics Group for their exceptional unit mainte- Khalistan, the government pro tempore of TRIBUTE TO DAVID FOSTER ON nance accomplishment. Khalistan, the Sikh homeland that was de- HIS RECEIVING THE ALBERT The 16th Logistics Group is the Air Force's clared independent on October 7, 1987. SCHWEITZER LEADERSHIP largest logistics group and performs mainte- Very candid discussion was held con- AWARD nance on several different airframes. The cerning the Sikh Nation and its struggle for group's men and women outperformed their independence. The delegates agreed that the HON. TOM LANTOS competition by achieving an impressive 80 liberation of Khalistan is essential for the survival of the Sikh Nation. The delegates OF CALIFORNIA percent mission-capable rate, among other ac- agreed to contribute one (1) percent of their IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES complishments. The 16th generated the two annual incomes to the Washington office and Thursday, October 26, 2000 most important combat missions of the Balkan to ask others to do the same. conflict and continued to focus on reducing Delegates passed resolutions calling for the Mr. LANTOS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to total ownership costs through innovative and liberation of the Sikh homeland, Khalistan, pay tribute to David Foster on the occasion of practical programs. Mobilizing over 120 times through a Shantmai Morcha (peaceful agita- his receipt of the Albert Schweitzer Leadership in 12 months for an unprecedented 75 contin- tion), for self-determination, demanding the Award. This prestigious award is given annu- gencies and exercises worldwide, the group release of political prisoners in Punjab, call- ally by the Hugh O'Brian Youth Leadership ing for the formation of a Khalsa Raj Party led first-in, last-out operations in the Balkans, Foundation (HOBY) to individuals who have in Punjab, condemning the Sikh Youth of distinguished themselves through public serv- capping more than 6 years of continuous pres- America for inviting Simranjit Singh Mann ence in that theater. to their convention, and many others. The ice and who have contributed significantly to This award recognizes the professionalism delegates decided that next year’s conven- the education and motivation of youth. The and commitment to service by the men and tion will be held on Columbus Day weekend, award is named after the famous doctor, him- women of the 16th Logistics Group. My con- 2001, in Atlanta, Georgia. self a great humanitarian, who made a lasting gratulations go to the Air Force's 16th Logis- Dr. Gurmit Singh Aulakh, President of the impression on Hugh O'Brian during a visit to tics Group for these significant contributions. Council of Khalistan, expressed satisfaction Schweitzer's African clinic. It was there that at the success of the convention. ‘‘I would f Dr. Schweitzer expounded to Mr. O'Brian his like to thank everyone who helped to make philosophy of the importance of motivating our this convention so successful,’’ he said, ‘‘es- CONGRATULATIONS TO THE youth. Simply stated, Dr. Schweitzer believed COUNCIL OF KHALISTAN pecially the Fort Lauderdale Gurdwara and Sardar Manmohan Singh Randhawa, who that, ``the most important thing in education is took all the reservations and helped to orga- to teach young people to think for them- HON. JOHN T. DOOLITTLE nize the convention. The success of this con- selves.'' OF CALIFORNIA vention and the fact that people came from Almost immediately after returning from his great distances to be there send a strong IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES visit with Dr. Schweitzer, Hugh O'Brian initi- message to the Indian government that ated the HOBY program to put that philosophy Thursday, October 26, 2000 Sikhs demand an independent, sovereign into practice. In the beginning HOBY ran lead- Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, earlier this Khalistan,’’ he said. ership seminars for high school sophomores in Other resolutions that were passed at the month, the Council of Khalistan held its inter- conventions included resolutions demanding Los Angeles, and eventually expanded to national convention in Fort Lauderdale, Flor- that human-rights groups be allowed to oper- three-day seminars across the country. Each ida. The Council of Khalistan leads the peace- ate in Punjab, where they have not been al- year over 20,000 students participate in HOBY ful struggle to liberate the Sikh homeland, lowed since 1978, nominating Dr. Aulakh for programs that are designed to implement Dr. Punjab, Khalistan. I would like to congratulate the Nobel Peace Prize, naming Dr. Aulakh Schweitzer's philosophy, teaching young peo- the Council on a very successful convention. Khalistan Man of the Year 2000, calling on ple to think for themselves. Over the years Delegates came from all around the United all Gurdwaras to support the freedom strug- many great humanitarians have received the States, Canada, and even as far away as gle, demanding leaders with vision, appre- Albert Schweitzer Leadership award, and now ciating the Council of Khalistan, to raise Great Britain. They engaged in extensive dis- money for the Council’s office, and urging another distinguished name can be added to cussion of plans to liberate Khalistan, and they Sikhs and youth to get involved in the polit- that list, the musical genius and extraordinary passed resolutions for independence, human ical process. A committee was formed to find humanitarian David Foster. rights, and self-determination. The convention new leadership if anything should happen to Mr. Speaker, David Foster rose to promi- opened on October 7, which is the anniversary Dr. Aulakh and also support and advise the nence in the music scene in 1973, when his

VerDate 112000 05:21 Oct 28, 2000 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A26OC8.050 pfrm04 PsN: E27PT1 October 27, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1963 band Skylark scored a top ten hit with their community, he will leave a legacy of civic placed from their homes to become refugees song ``Wildflower,'' and he has been actively commitment that spans several generations. within their own country and surrounding na- involved in the music industry since that time. As I think back, it seems as though Roy was tions. Mr. Foster quickly became a highly sought always at the kitchen table, sharing a cup of The National Islamic Front government of after session musician, performing with the coffee as we pondered the great, and not so Sudan is steadfast in its efforts to oppress and likes of John Lennon, George Harrison, Diana great, questions of the day. His voice pro- even eliminate the predominantly Christian Ross, Rod Stewart, and Barbra Streisand, voked, illuminated and motivated us. Day in and animist southern Sudanese people. Slav- among others. He turned his attention to song- and day out, for 39 wonderfully full years, his ery of children and adults is rampant, and writing and production, where he achieved ex- has been a voice of passion and compassion, forced conversion of the Islamic faith is re- traordinary success. David Foster has been of humility and humor. ported to be commonplace, as is the arrest of nominated for 42 Grammy Awards, winning an While Roy is rooted firmly in the challenges individuals for their religious beliefs. astounding 14 times. Over the years his work facing the South Shore, his work has been While the United Nations established Oper- has encompassed just about every style of anything but parochial. A Quincy native, he ation Lifeline Sudan in 1989 to address the music including Rock, Rhythm and Blues, started at WJDA in 1959 after a tour of duty humanitarian crisis in the South, the Islamic Pop, Soul, Country, Jazz and Classical. in Korea. Along the way, he's covered space government has consistently interfered with Of course, Mr. Speaker, David Foster is not launches, interviewed Presidents, and an- delivery of food and medicine into southern being honored with the Albert Schweitzer nounced the America's Cup. He does his Sudan, including the Nuba Mountains and the Leadership Award for his musical talents, but homework, then weaves the local with the na- Upper and Blue Nile regions. In fact, one of because he has used these immense talents tional in ways that helps others better under- the fundamental problems with the current Op- to help others. He was instrumental in assem- stand the world around us. That's why Roy eration Lifeline Sudan relief effort is that the bling popular Canadian recording artists Bryan has been recognized by his professional peers U.N. has given the government of Sudan veto Adams, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, and Gordon for excellence in radio documentary. Roy asks power over relief efforts. In addition, govern- Lightfoot to record ``Tears Are Not Enough,'' a a good question, and gets a direct answer. ment troops have bombed international relief song he co-wrote to bring attention to the For those of us accustomed to how his voice sites, schools, and other civilian areas in the plight of famine victims in Africa in the 1980's has educated his audience, it's heartening to south in an attempt to disrupt distribution of and to raise funds for their relief. He also was sense the growing national thirst for straight desperately needed humanitarian supplies. involved in the writing and the production of talk these days in other public arenas. Roy There is a severe drought in the Horn of Afri- the entertainment industry's salute to the has taught us that it is possible to dissect a ca, and the World Food Program has esti- United States troops serving in the Persian public issue without dissembling his guest; to mated that nearly 2 million Sudanese will re- Gulf, ``Voices that Care.'' To date, Voices that get to the heart of a problem without going for quire food aid this year, but international relief Care has donated over one million dollars to someone's jugular; and to cut through double- efforts are being prohibited, disrupted and the Red Cross and the U.S.O. talk without coarsening the tone of public de- even bombed by the Sudanese government in In addition to his involvement in these wor- bate. And in the Quincy tradition, he has also an attempt to bring the non-Muslim populace thy endeavors, he established the David Fos- taken the time to give back to his community of Sudan to heel. ter Foundation, which assists families of chil- in countless other ways, as honors from the S. 1453, as amended by the House, ad- dren in need of organ transplants. According Quincy Jewish War Veterans and the Scituate dresses the most egregious aspects of this to the most recent figures, the David Foster Rotary can attest. conflict. The Sudan Peace Act condemns vio- Foundation has raised several million dollars As his distinguished career soon comes to lations of human rights on both sides of the and assisted hundreds of children and their a pause, many of Roy's loyal listeners will conflict and the ongoing slave trade in the families as they go through the horrific ordeal continue to hear his voice: a comforting bari- Sudan. In addition, this legislation calls for re- of an organ transplant. David also has directly tone, a voice of reason and mutual respect forming relief efforts, like Operation Lifeline involved himself with other charitable organi- and love of lifeÐin short, the voice of the Sudan that are being manipulated by the Su- zations such as the Race to Erase MS, the South Shore. danese government as a ``weapon of war'' Andrew Agassi Foundation, Malibu High f against its people, in order to ensure delivery School Scholarship Program, and Cedars- of humanitarian aid to the civilian population. Sinai Research for Women's Cancer, among S. 1453, THE SUDAN PEACH ACT In addition, it is already evident that the gov- others. ernment of Sudan is using investment in their Mr. Speaker, David Foster is the personi- HON. J.C. WATTS, JR. oil industry to fund their continued attacks, or fication of charitable generosity. His tireless ef- OF OKLAHOMA jihad, on the non-Muslim civilian population. forts on behalf of humanitarian causes is a IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The Sudan Peace Act would also prohibit trait all of us can admire. I invite my col- Sudan, or entities doing business in Sudan, leagues to join me in honoring him on the oc- Thursday, October 26, 2000 from raising funds in U.S. capital markets. I casion of his receiving the Albert Schweitzer Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, as want to commend the President for taking a Leadership Award. a sponsor of the House companion bill, H.R. moral stand in this conflict back in 1997, and f 2906, I submit the following statement in writ- urge my colleagues to build on the Administra- ing in strong support of S. 1453, The Sudan tion's efforts by passing S. 1453 today to cod- THE RETIREMENT OF ROY LIND Peace Act. ify the economic sanctions put in place by I regret that I was unable to be here to Presidential Directive in November of 1997. HON. WILLIAM D. DELAHUNT speak on the floor in support of this essential Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to stand OF MASSACHUSETTS legislation. As some know, my father's health against state-sanctioned enslavement and reli- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES is precarious at this time, and I needed to be gious persecution by passing the House at his side yesterday, supporting him and the amendments to S. 1453. We must ensure that Thursday, October 26, 2000 other members of my family. I appreciate the every effort is made to get humanitarian aid to Mr. DELAHUNT. Mr. Speaker, in this era of consideration of the House to accept this a starving populace. The IGAD peace process visual images and electronic cacophony, a statement into the Record. must be encouraged, and the fundamental great many people yearn for a voice of wis- This bill addresses a devastating situation in human rights of the men, women and children dom. A voice of calm and common sense. For the largest country on the continent of Africa. of Sudan must be protected. I urge my col- a great many years, residents of Quincy, MA, The Sudan has been at war for decades, and leagues on both sides of the Hill to support have been blessed with such a voiceÐthat of two million lives have been lost in the last ten the House-amended S. 1453, The Sudan Roy Lind of radio station WJDA. When Roy years alone due to war-related causes and Peace Act, and send this bill to the President retires soon, after decades of leadership in our famine, while millions more have been dis- for signature before recessing this session.

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