E400 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 28, 2017 offers the world—peace, justice, love, and from Rerum Novarum and Pope Leo XIII, but than himself comes as no surprise to those true individual freedom. he has brought a different tone and diction who’ve been able to work alongside this ex- Many times he made a point of explaining to the discussion of political economy. ceptional leader. that the foundation of the diplomatic mis- This may be the greatest result of the sion of the Holy See is rooted squarely in the papal visit—if Pope Francis experiences Gary’s work hasn’t gone unnoticed. He pursuits of freedom, tolerance and the pro- something different in the United States, served in numerous leadership positions within tection of human dignity. The ‘‘soft power’’ distinct from his experience in Latin Amer- the state and national credit union movement. of moral rectitude and persuasion is what ica. In Argentina, broad-based corruption In September of 2003, Texas Governor Rick drove the Archbishop in his work. and crony capitalism dominate; oligarchic Perry appointed Gary to serve on the Texas His death last Friday following a serious businesses feed off of the state and provide Credit Union Commission. He was soon cho- lung operation at Johns Hopkins Hospital is little to their workers. Many parts of Latin sen to Chair this commission’s important work. a time for reflection on the twenty-seven America, the pope’s basis of perspective, In 2015, Gary was inducted into the Credit years of official recognition between the U.S. have significant inequality of wealth, abu- government and the Holy See in Vatican sive governments and abridged freedoms. Union House Hall of Leaders. His work posi- City. In that short period, the bilateral rela- The opportunity to rise up and achieve one’s tively impacted countless people across Texas tionship has flourished into a deep commit- God-given talents is circumscribed. and nationwide. ment. Together, the world’s most influential Our challenge during his short time in the Retirement is to be celebrated and enjoyed. state and the world’s smallest sovereign United States is to draw his attention to the It is not the end of a career, but rather the be- state combine to address serious problems fundamental American values of economic ginning of a new adventure. I heartily salute like human trafficking, extremist violence and personal liberty. This unique combina- Gary Janacek’s work and contributions to his and religious intolerance. tion of religious and personal freedom, as community. I’m sure I echo the thoughts of all As I mourn the loss of my friend, laid to Alexis de Tocqueville foresaw in the early rest in his hometown of Sogliano al 19th century, created an engine for pros- when I wish him the best in both his retire- Rubicone, Italy, I am thankful for his wit- perity of its citizens unlike any previous ment and all his future endeavors. ness and example, and also have to pause and governmental experiment. f reflect on the moral leadership of the United The itinerary of Pope Francis’ visit to the States around the world, which Archbishop United States represents the quintessential HONORING THE LATE MR. PERCY Sambi so deeply appreciated and valued. new world experience; Washington DC, the STROTHERS POPE FRANCIS’ FIRST VISIT TO U.S. PROVIDES epicenter of political power in the United HISTORIC OPPORTUNITY States and derivatively in the world. Next he will travel to New York, the locus of finan- HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON Pope Francis’ highly anticipated visit to cial power and influence in the world, and OF MISSISSIPPI the United States offers an opportunity to the home of the United Nations, the ulti- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES advance our understanding of the significant mate gathering place of all nations. Finally, role that the pope and the Holy See play in Tuesday, March 28, 2017 Pope Francis will stop in Philadelphia, world affairs. And just as important, the where American democracy began. Hopefully Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- Papal Visit will afford Pope Francis a Pope Francis will depart the United States er, I rise today to honor a community servant glimpse at the fundamental values at work with a heartfelt understanding of the good in the United States—providing a unique oc- and entrepreneur, the late Mr. Percy Strothers, that can result when political and economic casion to inform his views on crucial eco- who has shown what can be done through te- institutions foster individual liberty and nomic, human rights, and environmental nacity, dedication and a desire to serve his freedom. issues. Pope Francis has never visited the Likewise, if the attention the pope draws community. United States, so there is a historic oppor- from the citizens of the United States serves Mr. Percy Strothers was born on June 7, tunity to demonstrate how American values to increase their understanding of where he 1925 in Natchez, MS to the late Emanuel can help resolve many vexing global prob- comes from and what he seeks to accom- Strothers and Charity Piggs. lems. plish, another important goal will have been In 1943, after finishing high school Percy The pope will break new ground in address- achieved—enhanced appreciation for the im- joined the Army at the age of 17, where he ing the Joint Session of Congress. By re- portant and constructive role the papacy and served for 3 years. As a World War II Veteran, sponding to Speaker Boehner’s historic invi- the Holy See play in the world today, in the tation, Pope Francis will engage with the his tenure included the United States of Amer- diplomatic engagement among states as well ica, England, Normandy, Northern France, Congress as no pope has previously, rein- as in Catholic theology. forcing his role as a global leader and draw- Rhineland, and Central Europe. He received ing unprecedented public attention to his f the ATO-Medal, EAMETO-Medal, GOOD major diplomatic themes and objectives. CELEBRATING THE RETIREMENT CONDUCT Medal, and the World War II Vic- Thus far in his papacy Pope Francis has OF GARY L. JANACEK tory Medal. laid out several important priorities which He married the former Carolyn Sue Webster might surface in his address and broader visit to the United States. HON. JOHN R. CARTER on October 30, 1966 and to this union two wonderful children were born. Percy remained From the beginning, the pope has made a OF TEXAS a faithful husband to Carolyn for 50 years. priority to highlight the global challenge of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES migration and the ensuing deprivation of After returning from the Army, Mr. Strothers basic human needs of people displaced from Tuesday, March 28, 2017 opened the first black owned Taxi Cab busi- their homes. The lesson of his first papal Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise ness in Vicksburg MS, which he operated for trip, to Lampedusa, resonates today with the today to celebrate the retirement of Gary L. 27 years. He also worked for Shell Oil Co. for increase in refugees from Syria and Africa. 11 years. Percy later worked for the United He urged the world to ‘‘oppose the Janacek, CEO of Scott & White Employees globalization of indifference’’ to the plight of Credit Union. This esteemed and valued cit- States Postal Service as a Letter Carrier for these people. izen of the Temple, Texas area has made real 27 years and Mail Supervisor for 1 year before Recently, in his encyclical Laudate Si, and lasting impacts on his community and set retiring in 1990. Pope Francis used forceful language to call a high standard of excellence in his profes- Mr. Strothers served his community well. He attention to environmental degradation and, sion. enjoyed serving his community as a Local His- somewhat controversially, linked consump- Gary truly embodied the Credit Union’s slo- torian and Legendary community activist. tion and waste in industrialized countries gan, ‘‘people helping people,’’ throughout his Percy was affiliated with the National Associa- with poverty and lack of opportunity in the tion of Letter Carriers, NAACP (National Asso- emerging world. career and in all aspects of life. Throughout One success of this visit could be that the his nearly fifty years of service, Gary’s work ciation of Advancement of Colored People), pope sees in the United States a people who has been vital in helping the Credit Union suc- American Legion Tyner-Ford Post 213 and the also care for their environment yet offer ceed in serving their communities and achiev- Esquire Club of Vicksburg. He served as past practical solutions to reduce pollution like ing their goals. President of Vicksburg Letter Carriers Union nurturing the use of cleaner fuels, deploying When formally announcing his retirement to Branch 94, past Chairman for the State of MS advanced technologies and supporting alter- the board of directors and staff last summer, Letter Carriers Sons and Daughters Scholar- native energy sources throughout the world. Gary said, ‘‘It’s been a distinct privilege and ship Committee. Percy received a Proclama- Another aspect of Pope Francis’ diplomatic outreach has been criticism of capitalism as honor to serve our members for the past 39 tion from Mayor Robert Walker designating abusive and insensitive to the poor and the years. I have been richly blessed with a vi- November 30th as Percy Strothers Day. Percy disadvantaged. In many respects what the sionary board of directors and dedicated staff was instrumental in the development of the 1st pope has expressed is consistent with his- in serving the needs of our membership.’’ That Black Subdivision (Melinda Robinson Subdivi- toric Catholic social teaching, descending Gary chose to salute those around him rather sion) where he served as chairperson of the VerDate Sep 11 2014 04:31 Mar 29, 2017 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A28MR8.007 E28MRPT1 lotter on DSK5VPTVN1PROD with REMARKS March 28, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E401 development.