E1270 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks September 14, 2016 RECOGNIZING THE 40TH ANNIVER- County Executive. More importantly, Russ was HONORING CONGRESSMAN MARK SARY OF THE BAY AREA HOUS- a leader, an advocate, a conciliator, and a TAKAI TON ECONOMIC PARTNERSHIP friend. Russ gave willingly to many people throughout his life and worked in each position HON. RAU´ L M. GRIJALVA HON. BRIAN BABIN during his career to make people’s lives richer OF ARIZONA OF TEXAS and our community a better place. He was IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES loyal, faithful and devoted to his friends and Wednesday, September 14, 2016 always was available with solid advice, a Wednesday, September 14, 2016 gentle word and a sympathetic ear. Mr. GRIJALVA. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Congressman Mark Takai, a Mr. BABIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to rec- As the Summit County Executive, Russ will friend and colleague who was taken from this ognize and celebrate the 40th anniversary of be remembered by his many achievements, institution far too early. Mark worked until his the Bay Area Houston Economic Partnership which include assisting and honoring the men last days to represent the constituents of Ha- (BAHEP). and women of the military, creating and keep- waii’s First Congressional District. Congress For these past 40 years, BAHEP has been ing jobs in Summit County, successfully guid- and the American people will dearly miss his an indispensable ally in building economic ing the County through difficult economic prosperity in Houston and across southeast relentlessness to better his state and country. times, making Summit County government As a dedicated member of the Congres- Texas. What began as a special project of the more efficient and effective and for beginning Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce in 1976, to sional Progressive Caucus, and from his seats new programs aimed to help those in the com- on the House Armed Services and Small Busi- promote business opportunities in greater munity of greatest need. Houston, has become a champion for eco- ness Committees, Mark saw it as a personal Russ was a history buff, an avid reader, nomic development across southeast Texas. duty to speak up for those who had no voice. crossword puzzle ace and a Jeopardy whiz. The passion and business acumen of Mark was instrumental in efforts to award a He knew everything about our U.S. presidents BAHEP’s member community these past 40 Congressional Gold Medal to the Foot Sol- and often grilled his friends and staff on Amer- years will continue to fuel BAHEP’s success diers who participated in the Selma to Mont- ican History trivia. Russ also enjoyed winding for the next 40 years and beyond. gomery Voting Rights March of 1965 and Pur- down his day with a cocktail at Rockne’s, BAHEP has played an indispensable role in ple Hearts to Filipino veterans of World War II. which he affectionately called his ‘‘West Of- attracting and mobilizing the businesses and He also gathered over one hundred Members fice.’’ industries of southeast Texas. From their 2002 of Congress from both sides of the aisle to role in defining Johnson Space Center (JSC) We have lost a brother, a great friend, a support a measure to provide benefits to vet- as the home of manned spaceflight, to their loyal Democrat, an incredibly smart man and erans exposed to radioactive fallout while assistance with the recovery after Hurricane genuine good guy who worked hard to make serving in the Marshall Islands during the late Ike in 2008, BAHEP has both shaped and re- his community a better place. Rest in peace, 1970s. Even though the distance was great shaped southeast Texas. Russ. between Capitol Hill and Honolulu, Mark was Under Bob Mitchell’s leadership, BAHEP determined to use any opportunity he could, has launched new initiatives and expanded f including a short weekend between first and their advocacy on behalf of Houston’s chem- last votes in Washington, to spend time with ical, shipping, medical, aerospace and space RECOGNIZING NEW LENOX’S his family and serve his constituents. industries, and the workforce on which those PROUD AMERICAN DAYS MILI- The House Democratic Caucus has lost an industries rely. Most recently, in 2015, BAHEP TARY TRIBUTE incredible champion and friend in Mark Takai, worked with the Houston Airport System to and we are deeply saddened by a sudden end to a young life cut short. May Mark’s lovely successfully petition the Federal Aviation Ad- HON. BILL FOSTER ministration (FAA) to designate Ellington Air- wife, Sami, his two beautiful children, Matthew port as Texas’ second spaceport. OF ILLINOIS and Kaila, and the incredible people of the State of Hawaii find peace and comfort in the It is my distinct honor to recognize and cele- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES brate the 40th anniversary of the Bay Area days ahead. Houston Economic Partnership. I look forward Wednesday, September 14, 2016 f to seeing what heights of technological Mr. FOSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to RECOVERY MONTH progress and economic prosperity this incred- highlight New Lenox’s Park District’s Proud ible coalition of job creators will foster in the American Days Military Tribute. Since 1984, HON. DANNY K. DAVIS next 40 years and beyond. the New Lenox Community Park District has OF ILLINOIS f been steadfastly dedicated to the commit- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HONORING THE LIFE OF SUMMIT ments and sacrifices of our nation’s service Wednesday, September 14, 2016 members. What started out as a small gath- COUNTY EXECUTIVE RUSSELL M. Mr. DANNY K. DAVIS of Illinois. Mr. Speak- PRY ering is now one of the largest programs at- tended in the area. er, every year people all over the country ac- knowledge National Recovery Month. National New Lenox’s motto reads, ‘‘The Home of HON. TIM RYAN Recovery Month recognizes the many thou- Proud Americans’’ and they certainly live up to OF OHIO sands of individuals who have successfully re- that slogan. On Sunday, July 31, 2016, more IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES covered from substance use and abuse. than two hundred people, including veterans, Wednesday, September 14, 2016 There are millions of people at 12 step paid homage to those who have sacrificed so classes, Alcoholics Anonymous, and other re- Mr. RYAN of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, I rise today much to protect our great nation. These brave covery programs meeting every hour of the to honor the life of Summit County Executive Americans endured so much so that we can day and every day of the week. Russell ‘‘Russ’’ M. Pry, who passed away on enjoy the freedoms we have today and for It reminds me of what Henry David Thoreau July 31, 2016 following a courageous battle that, we owe them our eternal gratitude. said, ‘‘I know of no more encouraging fact with cancer. During the tribute this year, the following than the unquestionable ability of man [per- Russ was born on May 30, 1958 to Helen veterans were recognized: son] to elevate his life by a conscious endeav- Lucille (Morris) and Donald Pry and grew up Machinist’s Mate Second Class Robert or’’. in Mogadore, Ohio. His maternal grandmother, Beazley, United States Navy National Recovery Month helps to bring Elsie Morris, played a major role in his up- Master Sergeant Edward Dima, United awareness and substantial change in our na- bringing and her strong union and Democratic States Air Force tion and in our communities. influence molded his values and lifelong desire While we are thankful for the success, we to help people. Gunner’s Mate Third Class Leonard must do more. The statistics are stunning. Russ was a successful attorney, two-time Kapocius, United States Navy Prince’s death from an opiate overdose in Mogadore Village Councilmember, Chair of Mr. Speaker, I am proud to submit these April 2016 made national headlines. His death the Summit County Democratic Party, member names for all to see, and I ask my colleagues is one of many thousands that died from over- of the Summit County Board of Elections and to join me in honoring all of our nation’s vet- dose of prescribed drugs and illegal sub- for the last nine years of his life, the Summit erans. stances like heroin. VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:34 Sep 15, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A14SE8.010 E14SEPT1 smartinez on DSK3GLQ082PROD with REMARKS.
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