Charlie Rangel

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 2016 recipients of the prestigious Ellis Island Medal of Honor. Presented annually by the National Ethnic Coalition of Organizations--NECO, the Ellis Island Medals of Honor pay tribute to our Nation's immigrant heritage, as well as individual achievement. The Medals are awarded to U.S. citizens from diverse ethnic backgrounds who exemplify outstanding qualities in both their personal and professional lives, while continuing to preserve the richness of their particular heritage and culture. We honor these outstanding individuals because the important work they do today, creates a better world for all of us tomorrow. 2016 marks NECO's 30th anniversary. This momentous occasion was celebrated with a patriotic ceremony on Ellis Island and a re- commitment by the leaders of the organization to their mission of honoring diversity, fostering tolerance and promoting religious and racial unity across America. Since the Medals' founding, more than 2,500 American citizens have received the Ellis Island Medal of Honor, including six American Presidents, United States Senators, Congressmen, Nobel Laureates, athletes, artists, clergy, and military leaders. This Medal is not about material success, nor is it about the politics of immigration; it is about the people who have committed themselves to this nation, embraced the opportunities America has to offer, and most importantly, who have used those opportunities to not only better their own lives but make a difference in our country and in the lives of its people. Citizens of the United States hail from every nation known to man. The iconic metaphor of this nation as a veritable melting pot of cultures continues to ring true, and it is this diversity that adds to the unique richness of American life. It is the key to why America is the most innovative, progressive and forward thinking country in the world. The Ellis Island Medals of Honor not only celebrate select individuals but also the pluralism and democracy that enabled our forebearers to celebrate their cultural identities while still embracing the American way of life. This award serves to remind us all that with hard work and perseverance anyone can still achieve the American dream. In addition, by honoring these remarkable Americans, we honor all who share their origins and we acknowledge the contributions they have made to America. I commend NECO and its Board of Directors headed by my good friend, Nasser J. Kazeminy, for honoring these truly outstanding individuals for their tireless efforts to foster dialogue and build bridges between different ethnic groups, as well as to promote unity and a sense of common purpose in our nation. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to join me in recognizihg the good works of NECO and in congratulating all of the 2016 recipients of the Ellis Island Medal of Honor. I also include in the Record the names of this year's recipients. 2016 ellis island medal of honor recipients Mustafa K. Abadan FAIA, Bahram Akradi, Dr. Fariba Etemadi- Nejad Alamdari, George C. Albano, Mark O. Asperilla, MD, Edward Avedisian, George A. Bannayan, MD, Dr. Rekha Bhandari, David C. Bohnett, VADM Raquel Cruz Bono, MD, Stephen Briganti, Rinaldo S. Brutoco, Barbara Peterson Burwell, John Campion, Ms. Teresa Carlson, Commissioner Patrick Carroll, Stephen J. Cassidy, Gen. Martin E. Dempsey (Ret.), Wendy Diamond, General Ann Dunwoody, Kamran Elahian, Reverend Kail C. Ellis, SA, PhD, Bill Evans, Tamsen Fadal, Hamed Faridi, PhD. Omid Farokhzad, M.D., VADM James Gordon Foggo, Paul G. Gaffney II VADM (Ret.), Garo S. Garibian, MD, Augie Garrido, FBI Special Agent Stephen Gaudin, Colonel Peter T. Green III, Timothy Haahs, PE, AIA, Leroy Hood, M.D., Ph.D., Appo K. Jabarian, Hon. Richard A. Jones, Brigadier General Paul J. Kennedy, Mehmood Khan, MD, Prerna Mona Khanna, MD, MPH, FACP, FACPM, FACOEM, Gissou R. Kian, George Spiros Kleris, MD, PhD, Vreij Kolandjian, Jerry Kyser, Joshua Laird, Padma Lakshmi, Risa J. Lavizzo-Mourey, MD, Mr. Hyung Ro Lee, Dr. Devorah Lieberman, Dr. Ajay Lodha, Asad M. Madni, PhD, DSc(H), ScD(H), DEng(H). The Hon. Rosario Marin-Former US Treasurer, Eileen C. McDonnell, Captain Thomas S. Morkan, Robert Muzikowski, Alexander Navab, Dr. Chrysostomos L. Nikias, Ronald K. Noble, Thomas J. O'Donnell, Dr. Tony Orlando, Andrew F. Ortiz, JD, MPA, Carl Peterson, Charles Pinajian, Shervin Pishevar, Vincent F. Pitta, Esq., Lori Pollock, Jean Lenti Ponsetto, Issam Raad, MD, FACP, FIDSA, FSHEA, Daniel Ritchie, Kaitlin Roig-DeBellis, M.A. Ed, DHL, Peter Salovey, Ph.D., Akkaraju V.N. Sarma, MD, PhD, FAAFP, Michael H. Saudino, Sr, Edward H. Schauder, Esq., Major General Errol Schwartz. Andrew Sieja, Major General John K. Singlaub (Ret.), Dr. Massih Tayebi, I. Lorraine Thomas, Edward Tom, Alice (Ali) Torre, Commissioner Benjamin Tucker, Mike Utley, Emmanuel E. Velivasakis, PE, FASCE, Jeanette Sarkisian Wagner, John C. Wobensmith, Doreen Wohl, Ambassador R. James Woolsey, Arthur William Zeckendorf. international ellis island medal of honor recipients Anthony von Mandl, Bedriska v. Mandl, Bill S. Hansson, PhD.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Sherman for giving me this time to speak on this important issue. I will also take this opportunity to thank Chairman Ed Royce. So many people ask: After 46 years, what do you consider your major accomplishments? It is hard to explain to those of us who serve in the Congress that you don't list friendships as an accomplishment. There is no question, in knowing Ed Royce from the people's Republic of California, that he has shattered the wall between Republicans and Democrats, and conservatives and liberals, and he is an American who cares about this Congress and this country. Whether I have talked to him about Africa or about Korea, he has listened and has done the best he could to show what America really feels proud of, and that is seeking peace and justice where we find dictatorships and people destroying the lives of others. I get so much credit for being a wounded hero in Korea. I volunteered for the Army, but I sure didn't volunteer for Korea. As a matter of fact, it always baffled me how we could go there without a declaration of war. It baffled me who could make a decision to take a country like Korea with such a beautiful history and have human beings just draw a line and say that this is north, this is south, this is the Soviets, this is the United Nations, and the United States and not realize that these are human beings, mothers and fathers, sons and daughters; that notwithstanding the fact that the south was attacked, notwithstanding that the war still continues technically today, that all people should want to see their families united when all it takes is that, yes, you may see them. So today I thank Chairman Royce so much, Mr. Speaker, and this House for showing America what we are all about. Because it is ironic that we are now talking about Korean Americans, we are talking about divided families USA. We are talking about people who love this country, who fight for this country, but they still have a place they love, and they have family that they want to see before they pass away or before their families are gone. Isn't this really what makes America different, to find people who love their homeland like Korean Americans love Korea and, at the same time, love this country more and ask us to join with them for what? They ask for peace, equity, and all the things that we care about, but also to meet their family. There is so much compassion in this. There is so much to show how a line can show you poverty above the line, democracy and progress below the line. But more than anything else, this body is saying today that people who God made of the same blood, the same background, and the same culture, let them meet. So I would like to include tonight as one of those proudest days that I have served in this august body and, also, to include Representative Ed Royce as one of the most decent human beings I have also met while serving in this body.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month to join the community of El Barrio, The Village of Harlem, the City and State of New York, and the Nation in commemorating an outstanding Latin Jazz musician and composer, Mr. Eddie Palmieri. Eddie has spent his entire life arranging exquisite salsa and Latin jazz music while preserving the historic Afro-Caribbean contributions to the music world.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of National Hispanic Heritage Month to join the community of El Barrio, The Village of Harlem, the City and State of New York, and the Nation in commemorating an outstanding public servant and community leader, Mr. Robert ``Bob'' Sancho. Through his many years of service, Robert has spent nearly half a century tirelessly advocating for his community and uplifting many citizens. Over the course of his career, Bob Sancho has held many positions of great importance in the City of New York. As Deputy Superintendent of Schools in Community School District No. 4, he took the district from last place (32nd) in reading and math, to 13th among New York City School districts. This feat was achieved over a seven year period and was considered one of the most successful educational accomplishments in America. Bob was born and raised in the South Bronx. He is a product of the New York City Public School system and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts Degree at the Inter-American University in San German, Puerto Rico, specializing in Education and Political Science. As an undergraduate, Bob was awarded a Minority Urban Education Scholarship and completed a Teaching Fellowship in both Urban and Rural School Districts on the Island of Puerto Rico. He received a scholarship to the prestigious Graduate School of Urban Affairs at Hunter College where he completed his Masters of Science Degree. During the 1960s, Bob assembled East Harlem residents to fight against Mayor Robert F. Wagner, Jr.'s attempts to shut down Metropolitan Hospital Center which was an essential medical institution in the community. Under Mr. Sancho's successful leadership, the hospital remained open and gained enough federal funding to sustain the medical center. These bonds helped construct three new buildings and renovate the existing hospital buildings. In addition, his department has raised approximately $15 million during the last several years for various hospital programs. Even though Bob Sancho has had an extensive professional career, he also has a robust list of civic and cultural involvements outside of his occupation. He was Assistant to Bronx Borough President Robert Adams, and has served on the Board of Trustees for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute and the Community Service Society of New York, as an Advisor for the National Jazz Museum of Harlem, and as a Voting Member of the Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences. Currently, Robert serves as a Member of the Board of Trustees for the Center of Educational Innovation/Public Education Association, the Icahn Charter Schools, and the Multicultural Committee of the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Bob Sancho's dedication and commitment to the many facets of community development makes him an incredible human being. The altruistic quality that Bob embraces is very hard to find in the world today. For his noble duty to empower the citizens of New York, I ask that my colleagues to join me as we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, from September 15th through October 15th, 2016 in paying tribute to Mr. Robert ``Bob'' Sancho, an extraordinary man from humble beginnings. An American hero, Bob has devoted his life's work to improving the quality of life for the people of our beloved El Barrio and the Bronx, New York State, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and this great Nation. Mr. Speaker, each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America. During this year's Hispanic Heritage Month, in addition to paying tribute to my friend Robert ``Bob'' Sancho, and as a Korean War Veteran, as I conclude my 50 years of Public Service, including 46 years in the United States Congress, I also want to pay a very special salute to the Puerto Rican men and women men who answered the call to serve during WWII, our beloved the 65th Infantry Regiment, nicknamed ``The Borinqueneers''.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor to join The Village of Harlem and New York City in paying tribute to our beloved friend, Eugene Giscombe, known affectionately by many as ``Gene'' and the ``Mayor of 125th Street,'' who made his transition to his Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 10, 2016. In 1982, he founded Giscombe Realty Group, LLC one of Harlem's leading commercial real estate management, consulting, leasing, development and brokerage firms. The company was a major player in the Harlem Renaissance that helped to reverse years of decline and turn the area into one of Manhattan's most popular places to live, work, play and raise a family. Gene Giscombe began his real estate career as a sales agent at Webb & Booker, rising to become head of sales and representing major banks, such as Manufacturers Hanover Corporation, and managing office buildings such as the C.A.V. Building at 55 West 125th Street, where former president Bill Clinton maintains an office. Inspired by his grandfather Lawrence Giscombe, a successful builder-owner in Harlem in the 1930s and 1940s, Eugene Giscombe became a beloved community leader as he grew his own company to serve a wide range of clients, including property owners, developers, financial institutions, not-for-profits, pension funds and government agencies looking to buy, lease or manage space in Harlem and New York City. Giscombe Realty Group's headquarters, for over 35 years, was located in one of Harlem's most iconic office buildings, the 12-story Lee Building at 1825 Park Avenue on East 125th Street, adjacent to the Metro North train station in East Harlem. Over the years, Giscombe Realty Group's acquisitions, developments, re-locations and management ventures on the legendary 125th Street corridor included Chase Manhattan Bank, Fourth Federal Savings and Loan, New York State Supreme Court, Bechtel Infrastructure, Beth Israel Medical Center, the Harlem Commonwealth Council, New York College of Podiatric Medicine, and The Jewish Theological Seminary, to name a few. Gene's associates nicknamed him the ``Mayor of 125th Street'', celebrating him for his many successful ventures including the biggest retail sale in Harlem's history--the sale of 16 retail buildings along West 125th and 126th Street Corridor on Frederick Douglass Boulevard for $50 million in 2007. He was also the recipient of the Business Person of the Year award from the Harlem Business Alliance, Inc. presented by Mr. Walter Edwards. Gene Giscombe was a former chairman of the 125th Street Business Improvement District, Community Board 10 and The Greater Harlem Real Estate Board. He was also a member of the Harlem YMCA Board of Directors/Property Management Committee where he oversaw all construction and renovation work at twenty-one New York YMCA branches and three summer camps. He served on the Board of Directors of City National Bank of New Jersey/New York, and was the vice chairman of the Greater Harlem Nursing Home and North General Hospital Board of Directors. In addition to his love for Harlem and real estate, Eugene Giscombe was a big-game hunter who hunted on five continents and traveled on over 17 African safaris. Always concerned about the responsibility of hunters, he became the first African-American president of the New York Tri-State Chapter of Safari Club International which is very involved in conservation projects. Gene's memory is survived by his wife Shirley and their children Lesley, Susan and Lasalve; and brothers Gary and Ronald Giscombe. Eugene ``Gene'' Giscombe left his indelible mark as a real estate magnate and developer, community leader, philanthropist, entrepreneur, family man and big-game hunter devoting his life to the betterment of all humankind, community, and country. I join my constituents and rest of the nation as we say goodbye and pay tribute to our beloved friend, The Mayor of 125th Street, Eugene ``Gene'' Giscombe, a true American hero.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in honor to join our Nation, New York State and The Village of Harlem as we celebrate the life of and pay tribute to our beloved American Hero, Brother Dabney N. Montgomery, who made his transition to his Lord and Savior on Saturday, September 3, 2016. A fellow member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. and patriarch of Harlem's historic Mother African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church, Dabney N. Montgomery was a member of the ground crew of the famed Tuskegee Airmen and served as a bodyguard for Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the historic 1965 March from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama. Dabney N. Montgomery was born in Selma, Alabama on April 18, 1923 to Dred and Lula Anderson Montgomery. Brother Montgomery was drafted into the Army Air Corps during World War II and served in the 1051st Quartermaster Trucking Company of the 96th Air Service Group, attached to the 332nd Air Fighter Group, as a ground crewman with the Tuskegee Airmen in southern Italy from 1943 to 1945. During his heroic service, Brother Montgomery was awarded a Good Conduct Medal, the WWII Victory Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Service Medal with two Bronze Stars, a Service Award, the Honorable Service Medal, and a Basic Driver and Mechanic Medal. After the War, he enrolled into Livingstone College, Salisbury, North Carolina, and received a B.A. degree in Religious Education. He served as a Charter Member of the Sphinx Club and was one of the first to be admitted into the Gamma Mu Chapter of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. In 1955, Brother Montgomery joined Mother African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church--the oldest Black Church in the State of New York, organized in 1796 in Harlem, New York, and immediately began to serve as Sunday School Teacher. To give you some content and background, Tuskegee University was awarded the U.S. Army Air Corps contract to help train America's first Black military aviators because it had already invested in the development of an airfield, had a proven civilian pilot training program and its graduates performed highest on flight aptitude exams. What makes the story of prominent New Yorkers such as Captain Roscoe C. Brown, Jr., Intelligence Officer Percy Sutton, Lieutenant Colonel Lee Archer, Jr., Armorer Joseph Herman Spooner and Grounds Crewman Dabney N. Montgomery remarkable, is their selflessness and devotion to a country, despite the segregation and barriers they faced. They were willing to put their lives on the line for American values and freedoms even when discrimination compromised their own rights and liberties. Through their patriotism, the walls of segregation were finally removed from our Armed Forces on July 26, 1948. The great exploits and historic successful missions carried out by Grounds Crewman Dabney N. Montgomery and the Tuskegee Airman fighting group, who never lost a bomber on their watch, was never properly recognized by this United States government until I introduced and proudly sponsored Bill H.R.-1259. This bill, passed by Congress in 2006, awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, our highest civilian honor, to the Tuskegee Airmen. On March 29, 2007, my good friend attended the ceremony in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda, where he and the other Tuskegee Airmen, collectively, not individually, were awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of their service. Brother Dabney Napoleon Montgomery left his indelible mark on this earth as a war hero, Veteran, moral leader, educator, husband and godfather to many devoting his life to the betterment of all humankind, community, and country. In honor of Brother Montgomery's Civil Rights legacy, ``The Heels'' from the shoes he wore in the 1965 historic march from Selma to Montgomery will hang in the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC, which opens September 24, 2016. I join my colleagues and the rest of the nation as we say goodbye and pay tribute to our beloved brother, Dabney Napoleon Montgomery, a true American hero.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my name from H.R. 3765, the ADA Education and Reform Act of 2015.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the continued service over the last 45 years of the members of the Congressional Black Caucus. Since its inception, the Congressional Black Caucus has been committed to advancing justice, fairness, and equal protection under the law. I am proud to work with Caucus Chair G. K. Butterfield, original founding member Representative John Conyers, Jr., and over forty other members of Congress who diligently highlight inequalities and advocate for solutions to some of our nation's most significant problems. As an active member of the Caucus since its foundation, I am humbled to serve for a body that protects the most vulnerable, and serves as a mouthpiece for those who often find themselves without a voice. What began 45 years ago as a group of thirteen individuals who expressed their concerns to President Richard Nixon has grown nearly three times in size, and has become an institution in the fight for social, economic, educational, and judicial change. In many Congressional districts, including the 13th district of New York, our constituents face challenges of discrimination and, if not for the Congressional Black Caucus, might not have representation on issues of significance. While we have come a long way from the marches for Civil Rights in the 1960s, we still have many miles to go. Until we get there, I am confident that the Congressional Black Caucus will continue its dedication to resolve critical issues that affect minority communities. This week as we approach the annual Congressional Black Caucus Foundation's Legislative Conference, we celebrate the achievements and advocacy of the Congressional Black Caucus, but realize there is more to be done. As we look to the future, the Congressional Black Caucus will remain the conscience of Congress and continue to improve the lives for all.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of those who lost their lives in terrorist attacks that occurred fifteen years ago on September 11, 2001. I was blocks away from the World Trade Center on that morning and will never forget the horror we faced in New York City. Nearly 3,000 people lost their lives in a senseless act of hatred. As we reflect on that terrible tragedy, we are reminded of the resiliency of the people of New York and our Country as a whole. Today, we honor their memories and thank our brave first responders who selflessly rushed forward to save as many people as they could. While we can never fully express our gratitude for the sacrifices of the many police, fire and emergency personnel, we can come together as Americans and provide those heroes with the continued respect and care they deserve. The actions of the first responders are a testament to the power of working with one another. Although these attacks left us shaken, they did not destroy us. We were able to rebound and grow stronger. We put aside our differences and rose together as one nation. On that day, we were not concerned with past disagreements or misunderstandings or partisan politics. This year, on September 11, let us not only remember those we lost with moments of silence and memorial ceremonies. Let us also commemorate them by once again setting aside our differences and becoming united as Americans.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, as I spend my final hours in this august body, I think of all of the fond memories that I have enjoyed. I guess during these political times, one of the things that I am enjoying the most today is shattering the myth that Republicans and Democrats really can't work with each other. Chairman Royce has indicated a concern for the world and the country, which shatters the myth that parties can't work together for the good of the United States of America. Certainly my colleague from New York, Eliot Engel, and the chairman have proven that in working together. Yes, when Ms. Bass first came to the Congress, she didn't come as an ordinary freshman. She had earned her stripes in the legislature of California, indeed was the speaker. I was a little shocked when she was trying to get support for her legislative committees that her interests would be foster care and Africa. That is unusual, but it is an indication of a person who comes here to this body with the type of commitment that makes you proud to be a Member of Congress and more proud even to be an American. There could be some connection between foster care and Africa because if there was any continent that has been treated as a foster child, it has been the developing countries in Africa. Of course, I see an old-timer sitting there with his white hair, Jim McDermott. I can wonder whether or not as a Peace Corps volunteer in Africa, whether among his fondest dreams, that he would be a Member of the House and creating a climate where people have dignity and pride and be able to be a part of the world rather than just being a resource for stronger countries. I can think of nobody that has brought more to the committee than Mr. Williams and Rosa Whitfield in working with Mr. Gingrich, in working with Mr. Crane, in working with Republicans, and how the leadership not only was able to get their sides but to see how the African Diplomatic Corps actually became the strongest lobbying force that we have had in the Congress as they found themselves pioneers in dealing with our great country that they loved so much and really had no understanding of why they didn't seem to be on our agenda. With AGOA, we knew it was just the beginning, we knew it was an opportunity. We take pride in the success that it has had, but we also know how far they had to come from behind. This enhancement piece of legislation has a lot of fancy words, but it sends out words to our embassies that this is American foreign policy. You don't just read the words. Make it work. Whether it is with the Millennium Challenge Corporation, whether it is with AID, whether it is giving information, whether it is helping them out, whether it is teaching them to learn, it is bringing them into the international trade. And what does it do? Is this a bill that just helped people in Africa escape poverty and disease? No. It helps the United States, and it helps the world. It helps people to be able to trade with each other, to talk with each other, to understand each other, and have compassion for each other. What a wonderful opportunity it is for the United States of America to look at a country that is struggling to enjoy the things that we believe in, to find out that now they don't have to lobby for it. Republicans and Democrats want what is best for the United States of America, and the developing countries in Africa need us so badly. There are a lot of reasons why I regret that I have to leave the Congress and retire to go back home, but knowing that I leave behind such people who are so dedicated, that are willing to go to the other party and give up a lot of their capital to make certain that the small countries in Africa appreciate the fact that we consider them an important part not only of our trade policy, our foreign policy, but, indeed, the policy of the United States of America. Mr. Speaker, I thank Ms. Bass for the opportunity to express myself on this most important issue. And I thank Jim McDermott, who will be leaving--I don't know whether he is going back to Africa, but he won't be going back as a Peace Corps volunteer, I will tell you that. I thank him for his friendship.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and celebrate the life of an American hero, Dr. Roscoe Brown, who will be greatly missed by all those inspired by him. Dr. Brown flew combat missions during World War II as a member of the prestigious Tuskegee Airmen, the first African- American military aviators in the United States Armed Forces. As a proud sponsor of the bill that awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, our highest civilian honor, to the Tuskegee Airmen in 2007, I was humbled to meet Dr. Brown who embodied the best that our nation has to offer. Our troops at home and abroad make the greatest sacrifices every day to defend our country. What makes the story of Dr. Brown and the Tuskegee Airmen remarkable is their selflessness and devotion to a country despite the segregation and barriers they faced. These great men were willing to put their lives on the line for American values and freedoms even when discrimination compromised their own rights and liberties. Through their patriotism, the walls of segregation were finally removed from our Armed Forces on July 26, 1948. It is then when I enlisted in the Army and was able to follow in Dr. Brown's footsteps as a decorated soldier in the Korean War. After the war and off the battlefield, Dr. Brown has left a lasting impact in my congressional district that continues to be felt today. His service to our nation took a new form after he settled in Riverdale, New York City. As a professor at New York University and City University of New York, Dr. Brown expanded African American study programs everywhere he taught, eventually becoming the President of Bronx Community College. A longtime member of the Boys and Girls Club of America and the Jackie Robinson Foundation, Dr. Brown worked tirelessly to improve the lives of everyone around him. Dr. Brown left his indelible mark as a veteran, educator, community leader, and an activist, devoting his life to the betterment of his fellow man, community, and country. I join my constituents and rest of the nation as we say goodbye and pay tribute to a true American hero.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 89th Birthday of Mayor David N. Dinkins. Let me congratulate my beloved Brother and partner in government and in life and colleague for his dedication and commitment to New York City and for all of his great accomplishments over the many years that I have known him. He has truly made a historic imprint on the city that we know and love today. To speak of all his accomplishments and in recognition of his birthday on July 10, 2016, it is only right to begin with the day of his birth, on July 10, 1927, in Trenton, New Jersey. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the Marine Corps at 18 and served briefly in World War II. My fellow veteran was the recipient of The Congressional Gold Medal for his service as a Montford Point Marine in the United States Marine Corps, during World War II. After the war, he attended Howard University, graduating with a B.A. in Mathematics in 1950. David then moved to New York City and received a law degree from the Brooklyn Law School in 1956. My esteemed colleague's political career began when he joined the Carver Club headed by J. Raymond Jones, known as the Harlem Fox. At that time, David befriended three up and coming New York politicians: Basil Paterson, Sr., Percy Sutton, and me. We later became known as the ``Gang of Four'' and together we were able to significantly shape the African-American presence in New York's political landscape. Along his professional journey, he won his first electoral office, a seat in the New York State Assembly in 1965. Shortly afterwards, David was offered the position of Deputy Mayor of New York by then Mayor Abraham Beam. He then secured the position of City Clerk which he held for ten years from 1975 to 1985. On his third run for the office, my cherished colleague was elected as Manhattan's Borough President in 1985. In 1989, David ran for Mayor of New York and became the 106th Mayor of the City of New York. My valued friend was the first African-American Mayor of New York City. He was truly a peacekeeper amid the racial tensions that erupted throughout the city, testing his ability as a municipal leader. He presided over a decrease in crime in the city, balanced the city budget by turning a $1.8 billion dollar deficit into a $200 million surplus and maintained racial peace after the Rodney King verdict sparked rioting in a number of cities across the nation. Under his watch, New York City had many great successes including the historic New York City Tribute to Nelson Mandela--``Safe Streets, Safe City: Cops and Kids,'' the revitalization of Times Square, and the historic agreement which has kept the US Open Tennis Championship in New York City. His administration created Fashion Week, Restaurant Week, and Broadway on Broadway, which are events that New Yorkers and tourists continue to enjoy. In 2015, The Municipal Building was renamed in his honor to the David N. Dinkins Municipal Building. My highly respected colleague's accomplishments lie not only in politics but also through his educational career. David accepted a professorship at Columbia University's Center for Urban Research and Policy at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs in 1994 after his role as Mayor. He serves on the school's advisory board and has hosted the David N. Dinkins Leadership & Public Policy Forum for nearly 20 years. In 2003, the David N. Dinkins Professorship Chair in the Practice of Urban & Public Affairs was established at Columbia University. The David Dinkins Archives & Oral History collection was opened by Columbia University Library in December 2015 in his honor. In 2013, he released his memoir A Mayor's Life: Governing New York's Gorgeous Mosaic, which chronicles the life of this devoted public servant as a New Yorker who remains in love with this city. David, my fondest comrade and greatest supporter, is also involved with many organizations and a board member of several non-profit and charitable groups. He is a proud member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. He is a founding member of the Black & Puerto Rican Legislative Caucus of New York State, the Council of Black Elected Democrats of New York State and The One Hundred Black Men. He was also vice president of the United States Conference of Mayors, and is a member-at-large of the Black Leadership Forum. David serves as Chairman Emeritus of the National Black Leadership Commission on AIDS and the Constituency for Africa (CFA), and serves on the steering committee of the Association for a Better New York and the New York Urban League Advisory Council. He is on the board of New York City Global Partners and is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and the National Advisory Board of the International African American Museum. It is noteworthy that David's birthday celebration will take place at Ellen's Stardust Diner, formerly Ellen's Cafe, which was located across from City Hall for over 20 years and was a popular gathering place for many NYC mayors. Ellen's started a ritual where the Mayors would come in on their birthdays and Ellen's would donate their favorite pie to charity. In honor of this long-standing charitable tradition, Stardust Diner owner Ellen Hart-Sturm will be donating pies to David's favorite charity the Association to Benefit Children. Mr. Speaker, with great love and admiration for my brother loyal friend and outstanding public servant, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 89th Birthday of David Dinkins, in recognition of all of his accomplishments.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a very significant event in our nation's history during which 1.8 million American men and women courageously served to defend freedom and liberty. June 25th of this year marks the 66th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War. As a veteran who almost died fighting in Korea, I would like to pay tribute to my comrades-in-arms and all those who never made it home. I thank Ambassador Ahn Ho-Young of the Republic of Korea and his Government for continually expressing gratitude to the Korean War veterans. He and his predecessors have annually honored the sacrifices through the wreath-laying ceremony at the National Korean War Veterans Memorial. Through this commemoration, they have paid respect to our service members who went to a country they never knew, for people they never met, for the pursuit of democracy on the Korean peninsula and around the world. I also applaud over two million Korean Americans who are flourishing across the nation and have never ceased to express their appreciation to the Korean War veterans community. I am proud to have worked with my colleagues Representatives Sam Johnson and John Conyers, two other remaining veterans of the Korean War in Congress, to champion many bills that will cement the legacy of the Korean War veterans. Most recently, we sponsored H.R. 1475, the Korean War Veterans Memorial Wall of Remembrance Act of 2015, which passed in the House. The Wall pays tribute to those who were killed in action, wounded, or listed as missing from the Korean War. The Wall serves as a reminder that America will never forget those who serve to promote and defend international security, economic prosperity, and peace. Mr. Speaker, our nation has a responsibility to make sure that we honor the members of the United States Armed Forces who served alongside the Republic of Korea and twenty other Allied nations. We have a responsibility to remember the 36,573 American lives and the 103,000 wounded to preserve the legacy of our Forgotten Victory. We have a responsibility to make sure we do not forget our men and women who sacrificed to defend the freedoms we enjoy. Since the Korean War, the United States and the Republic of Korea have established an enduring friendship with shared interests, such as denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula, combatting aggression abroad, and strengthening our economies. It is with great pride that I have witnessed Korea rise to become an influential, international leader out of ashes of war. Its rapid and successful transformation testifies to the victorious efforts of our veterans. The Korean War must never again be called the Forgotten War and the American people must never forget our heroes.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Ambassador Ruth A. Davis on receiving the prestigious Lifetime Contributions to American Diplomacy award. I want to give thanks to this exceptional public servant for her exemplary service to her country as a United States diplomat. Her contributions to American diplomacy over the length of her impressive career with the Department of State, as well as in retirement, have contributed to making the world a safer and more peaceful place. Her vision has especially ensured that the future of America's diplomacy reflects our country's strength--its diversity. Ambassador Davis was born in Phoenix, Arizona, but was primarily raised in Atlanta, Georgia during the Jim Crow era. She graduated magna cum laude from Spelman College where she studied abroad in Europe and the Middle East as a Merrill Scholar. She later received her Master's Degree from the University of California at Berkeley. In 1969, she embarked on one of the most challenging and rewarding careers as a U.S. diplomat. Among her many notable accomplishments, Ambassador Davis was the first African American to become a Career Ambassador, the highest ranking position within the Foreign Service. At the time of her retirement, she was the longest-serving Career Ambassador in the department's history. Her hard work, sacrifice, and dedication to public service allowed her to serve her country all over the globe including in Porto, Benin, Nairobi, Kenya, Tokyo, Japan, Barcelona, Spain, and Naples, Italy. As the Consul General in Barcelona, Spain, she played an important leadership role in the organization of the 1992 Barcelona Olympic Games, and later utilized her experience to help Atlanta's successful Olympic bid in 1996. As a colleague and a friend, I have always admired her strength, tenacity, and selflessness in choosing to serve on the frontlines of American foreign policy at a time when the participation of African Americans and women was not welcomed at home or abroad. Through her leadership, she emulated the excellence of our society to America's global partners and pioneered a path and secured a place for minorities to represent our nation as diplomats. Her unique talents and skills continued to bring greater understanding of and interaction between domestic and foreign policy matters. As a Pearson Fellow, she worked as a Special Advisor for International Affairs for the Washington, DC Municipal Government where she substantially enhanced the city's involvement in the international, economic, cultural, and diplomatic fields. In 2002, she was nominated by Secretary of State Colin Powell and appointed by President George W. Bush as the Director General of the U.S. Foreign Service. As the Director General, Ambassador Davis managed the promotion, discipline, career development, recruitment, and retirement policies and for all of the State Department's Foreign and Civil Service employees. During her time in Washington, she generously imparted her knowledge, expertise, and wisdom as the Distinguished Advisor for International Affairs at Howard University. I am lucky to count Ambassador Davis as a friend and a fellow advocate of civil rights. She has dedicated her life in the Foreign Service and beyond to fostering the next diverse generation of diplomats. Her work as a mentor and supporter of those from underrepresented backgrounds will ensure that America's diplomatic force mirrors the beautiful mosaic of races, religions, and ethnicities in our country. From her service at Howard University, to the President of the Thursday Luncheon Group, an affinity group at the State Department, to her helping found the International Women's Entrepreneurial Challenge, to her endless support for the Charles B. Rangel Fellowship, she has worked tirelessly to ensure that the Foreign Service is a more inclusive, and thus a more effective institution. I am certain that her efforts in diversifying the American diplomatic corps and mentoring rising diplomats will continue to advance the safety, security, and prosperity of our country for years to come. Mr. Speaker, for this, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues in Congress join me in applauding this extraordinary public servant, whose service to our country has made the U.S. and the world a better place.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 202. Let me congratulate Local 202's President, Daniel Kane, Jr., Business Agent John Rieder and all the officers, trustees and the membership for your continued service to the Union and the Labor Movement. When the Great War, World War I, raged on in Europe in 1916, Teamsters Local 202 was born. This organization helped immigrants from all walks of life who came to this great city and Nation for a better life and to live the American Dream. ``A fair day's pay for a fair day's work'' has been the Teamsters' motto and their label that has provided and improved the quality of life of workers' rights through collective bargaining, negotiating and ratifying good contract agreements. Through collective bargaining, the union has been able to ride out the storms of rolling economies, and has made sacrifices to ensure that Local 202 continues to exist for all workers, young and old. Through the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Local 202 has stood strong for 100 years--weathering historic global and local events such as The Great Depression and the two Great Wars, World War I and World War II. During the economic boom of the 50's and the 60's, Local 202 grew its membership and was able to include itself in all facets of manufacturing, including food service and light industrial industries. Local 202 represented the workers of the produce and food service industry from the early days, on the West Side of Manhattan's historic Cobblestoned Streets. In 1967, the NYC Terminal Market was born at Hunts Point in the Bronx, New York. With its opening, Local 202's membership grew as more and more companies expanded in the marketplace. Today, more than any other Produce Terminal Market in the world, the New York City Terminal Market revenues exceed 2 billion dollars annually. It has become a haven for many workers and allowed them to build a better life for themselves and their families with the help and support of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 202. Mr. Speaker, it shall be their goal through the current administration and future administrations to continue to represent workers in all industries and be able to succeed into future generations. I ask you and my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 100th Anniversary of International Brotherhood of Teamsters Local 202.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support for House Concurrent Resolution 129, which allows all Holocaust victims to live with dignity, comfort, and security in their remaining years. I want to congratulate as well as urge the Federal Republic of Germany to continue to reaffirm its commitment to this goal through a financial commitment to comprehensively address the health and welfare needs of vulnerable victims, including homecare and other medically prescribed needs. For over 45 years I have proudly served in the House of Representatives for one of the most diverse constituencies in our great country. Among these wonderful people are a large number of Jewish people that have suffered and survived one of the worst crimes in the history of humanity. Despite severe health problems and burdened sometimes with poverty and limited income, these proud people continue to survive their nightmare and continue to make major contributions to our community and our country. The House of Representatives has on June 7, 2016 overwhelmingly passed this bill and now awaits the consideration in the other body. The German people are to be praised for supporting this Claims Conference and recognizing that the atrocities committed should never be forgotten. Much more has to be done and I want to thank the Metropolitan Council on Jewish Poverty, The United Jewish Council, the UJA Federation of New York, and other social service organizations providing care across our own country. I applaud the Claims Conference for its tireless advocacy on behalf of Holocaust survivors worldwide in order to provide them with a small measure of justice and the funding necessary for them to live with dignity, comfort, and security.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Let me make it perfectly clear. If the IRS had leaked information or had not done their job, they should not only be investigated, they should go to trial, and those who violate the law ought to be convicted and serve time for it. You don't just take away the opportunity for somebody. I am not suggesting that you don't have rich people or foreign governments that are not nice people, but we should not provide a vehicle for them to influence our elections. Just because the Commissioner says, I don't need additional responsibility, I don't care whether he is appointed by a Democrat or a Republican, it is not for Commissioners to say what is good for this country. It is for this House of Representatives and the Senate.

Mr. RANGEL. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. RANGEL. My colleagues, if you are frustrated, if you are down and out, if you lack self-esteem, if you really want to get a good shot in the arm, kick the IRS. I am telling you, I have been down here 46 years. It always works. It always works. But to take away an institution that depends on the voluntary contribution of taxpayers, to take away the image of trying to do the right thing for the American people because we have had some severe setbacks, whether under Democrats or Republicans, is just the wrong thing to do. I remember the days when people would say: Get some good grades and live a good life and do the right thing and you can run for public office. I like to believe that not every Republican kid comes from a rich family. I like to believe that they have the same aspirations, no matter what the political party is. But today, in communities throughout these great United States, if somebody says they want to serve in the local, State, or Federal Government, what is the first thing you ask? How much money do you have? And then, you contribute that to the negative ads, where an Independent listens to Republicans and the Democrats, and are they turned off? But assuming that some foreigner wants to interfere with a local election, that should bring Democrats and Republicans together. We can fuss with each other, but we certainly don't like foreigners to interfere with our foreign policy. Recently we have had some people come right here to the well from foreign governments and criticize our President. Criticism is one thing, but financing a political party or a political candidate is repugnant to everything that we stand for. If you really want to accumulate hundreds of millions of dollars to support an individual, why in the heck would you not want your name to be known? To say that the IRS cannot collect information is opening the door to a terrible thing that can happen to our country. If you want to break all of the laws which put caps on how much you are spending, then use a charitable organization and say: Hey, it is listed not as political, but I can get away with it. It is the wrong thing to do, not for Republicans, but for Americans. You know, people try to get even. To the victor belongs the spoils. So this time, it is Obama, and he is leaving. But I really think that the principle of having people go into public service is being shattered by this type of thing, where foreigners and rich people can make contributions and not be proud enough to state it.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life, legacy, and work of Eunice Elizabeth Adair Tingling; who was a well-known resident of Harlem and Washington Heights. On Friday, February 19, Eunice passed away after living a full life well-lived. Eunice Elizabeth Adair was born January 4, 1919 in Anderson, South Carolina to Margaret Iola Jones, a third generation schoolteacher and Arthur Aton Adair, a Presbyterian Sunday school missionary. She was the second of four children and first of two girls. Together with her siblings, older brother Arthur Eugene (later a Presbyterian minister), and younger siblings Mary Rose (who became a teacher), and Joseph Arthur (who became both a minister and a teacher), she lived a busy, active life full of learning, music, family, church and travel. Eunice has a proud and extensively documented family history. She was the granddaughter of formerly enslaved Mary Magdalene Bomar who taught school for 60 years & Allen Augustus Jones, also formerly enslaved, who graduated from Maryville College in 1871. Together they traveled the south as Presbyterian missionaries after their marriage, organizing schools and churches, teaching other newly freed blacks to read and write, raising 10 children, all of whom in turn went to college. While teaching at Brainerd Institute, a unique historic institution created from a former Freedman's school, later taken over by the Presbyterian Church, one of their daughters, Margaret Iola, met and married fellow teacher, Arthur Aton Adair, a union that produced Eunice and her three siblings. When Eunice was 12, her father died. Despite Arthur Aton's untimely death from pneumonia, her mother ensured that all four of the children went on to finish college, graduating with Joe, the youngest. Eunice attended Brainerd Institute right across the street from her home in Chester, SC, where her parents had taught. It was there that her love of music was further nurtured into a lifelong love. After graduating from Brainerd at 16, Eunice attended Barber-Scotia Junior College in Concord, NC, then attended Knoxville College, graduating with a major in elementary education and minoring in music. On her way north, she stopped over in Washington, DC during WWII, and got a government job (after failing the typing test), working in the Food Stamp Program. She eventually ended up in Harlem, helping her big brother Gene set up a day care program at Mt. Morris, the Presbyterian Church he was rejuvenating in central Harlem. A disastrous first date resulted in her meeting his brother, and Eunice was introduced to Milton Francis Tingling, a 1st-generation American of Jamaican parentage, aspiring statesman and law student that she met at an Episcopalian youth dance. They married on November 24, 1950. This union produced three children: Michele, Milton, and Steven. Prior to the birth of her first child, Michele, Eunice obtained her Masters Degree in Education from Columbia University Teachers College on February 28, 1951. Milton and Eunice settled in NYC, raising and educating their three children. Eunice began teaching in NYC public schools, and Milton began practicing as an attorney. She was a founding member and historian for Barristers' Spouses of NY; an elder in Mt. Morris-Ascension Presbyterian Church; former board member & chair of Arthur Eugene & Thelma Davidson Adair Community Life Center; also helped build & was a member of innumerable community & neighborhood organizations. Milton preceded Eunice in death on June 9, 1987. Eunice helped her husband get elected as a judge of the Civil Court of the City of NY in 1982. In 1996, she then assisted her son Milton Adair in his election to Civil Court of the City of NY in 1996, then, again in 2000 when Milton was elected to the Supreme Court. In 2014, Eunice attended the induction of her son, Milton, at the swearing-in as the first black county clerk in the history of NY State. Eunice was a warrior for God, her family and her church. This petite, quiet, modest, unassuming but powerful woman lived a full life, and was truly a role model for the thousands of women and men whose lives she touched. Eunice passed on February 19, 2016, at home, surrounded by family per her wishes. She is survived by children Michele, Milton, & Steven; son- in-law Rick; daughters-in-law Carolyn (Milton), Tonja (Milton), Rochelle (Steve), & Lisa (Milton); granddaughters Aija Mai Tingling, Candyce Vines, Nzingha Michele (Carlos) & Jasmine (Langston) Tingling- Clemmons; grandsons Toussaint L'Ouverture & Langston Mandela Tingling- Clemmons; Milton Jordan (Tai), Marcus Jamal & Steven Joshua Tingling; great-grands Zora Ann Tingling-Clemmons, Malcolm & Zayed Monadel Coleman-Tingling-Clemmons; sisters-in-law Thelma (Eugene) & Justine (Joseph); nephews Robert, Richard, & Maurice; nieces Daisy and Cindy (Rob); dozens of cousins, great-nieces, great-nephews; and multitudes of friends who were family. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in recognizing Mrs. Eunice Elizabeth Adair Tingling. Great matriarchs like Mother Tingling are precious gifts we temporarily have in this world, but their caring assistance, contributions and accomplishments are far remembered and everlasting.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, as young soldier in the Korean War, I was honored to follow in the footsteps of many Blacks in the military who exhibited extraordinary heroism and patriotism abroad despite facing discrimination and challenges at home. I would not be where I am today if it were not for my service in the Army. During our annual celebration of Black History Month, I would like to honor an unsung hero from West Philadelphia named Waverly ``Woody'' Woodson, Jr., who served as a young medic of World War II. This summer will mark the 72nd anniversary of the historic D-Day invasion of World War II. Nearly three-quarters of a century later the event is still revered by all Americans as an example of our military's strength and bravery. However, the life-risking efforts of thousands of Black veterans from the war have gone unnoticed. The 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, a unit of all-Black soldiers, landed in France ahead of the main invasion force. The battalion's job was to deploy and man an aerial barrage of massive helium-filled balloons to protect the American forces from enemy bomber airplanes. The balloons forced enemy pilots to fly their planes at higher altitudes to avoid becoming entangled and made it harder to effectively aim their bombs. Among the 320th was Waverly Woodson, who enlisted in the Army on Dec. 15, 1942, during his second year of his pre-medical studies. He did not wait to be called by the draft; rather he decided to sacrifice his career, comfort and life for his country and the world. Woodson's enlistment placed him in the Anti-Artillery Officer Candidate School but he was told upon completion of his training that there was no spot open for him. Instead, he was sent for medic training with the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion. He was one of five medics aboard a Landing Craft Tank that left England on June 5, 1944, for a ninety-mile journey towards Omaha Beach. Waverly's voyage on June 6, 1944, was commenced by a violent charge towards the shore. Along with his unit, Waverly valiantly stormed Omaha Beach in the midst of mines, mortar shells and heavy ammunition, with eyes fixes upon the mission of freedom that lay ahead. As a medic, Army Corporal Waverly Woodson Jr. risked his life to save the crippled and bleeding out American warriors clinging to their last thread of consciousness. He patched and resuscitated dozens if not hundreds of soldiers while he himself was wounded by the shrapnel ripping away at his legs. Woodson's determined efforts directly influenced the result of this battle. Though he was segregated into a racially organized regiment, he saved the lives of numerous soldiers regardless of their skin color. Woody would later say, on that day ``they didn't care what my skin color was'' and obviously he did not care either. He was bonded to his men by the camaraderie that only war can provoke and a steadfast allegiance to defending the greatest country in the world. His dedication broke down racial divides that day, and this is history that truly deserves recognition. Woodson was previously nominated for the Medal of Honor, but he never received it. Instead, he was given the Bronze Star, the fourth-highest military honor. There exists no record of what happened to his nomination for the Medal of Honor. Not one of the thousands of Black soldiers who served in World War II received a Medal of Honor in the immediate wake of the war. Something is detrimentally wrong with that. However, we can always remedy the mistakes of our past. In 1995, I was honored to bring Waverly Woodson and a group of African-American World War II veterans to the floor of the House Chamber and recognize these unsung heroes for their forgotten service. As a veteran myself, I was moved to see that their sacrifice was no longer overlooked but there is more work that we must do. Black History Month must continue to play a pivotal role in helping all of us remember, preserve, and honor the accomplishments and contributions of the Black leaders of America. The annual celebration serves as a poignant reminder of how much Black history has been lost, forgotten, or in some cases, deliberately erased from the record. The nation's commemoration of Black history is not for the Black community alone, but for our collective and cohesive recognition of American history as a whole.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, as Dominican-Americans across our great nation celebrated their heritage and their compatriots commemorated Dominican Independence Day on February 27th, 2016. Today I rise to posthumously honor and pay tribute to Tuskegee Airman Second Lieutenant Esteban (Stephen) Hotesse (Service Number 32218759). Esteban Hotesse, a Dominican native who immigrated to the country as a child, enlisted during World War II, and served in the lauded Tuskegee Airmen brigade. Though his team was scheduled to go into battle, they never saw combat abroad. As a member of the all-black unit, Hotesse was among a group of 101 Tuskegee Airmen officers arrested for refusing to follow Jim Crow orders from a white commanding officer at a base near Seymour, Indiana, where the KKK had a strong presence. In March 1945, the last of the Tuskegee groups, the 477th Medium Bombardment Group, was moved from Godman Field, adjacent to Fort Knox, to Freeman Field because of the latter's better flight facilities. Tensions between the 477th and the white command structure on the base were tense as soon as the 477th arrived, and shortly thereafter, an incident occurred unparalleled in Air Corps history. Upon their arrival at Freeman, the commanding officer of the base, Colonel Robert R. Selway, moved quickly to set up and enforce a segregated system. The group was housed in a dilapidated building. Col. Selway also created a novel system to deny the Airmen entry into the officers' club. He classified the Black airmen as ``trainees,'' even though they had all finished flight school, and therefore were all commissioned officers. As trainees, they were forced to use a rundown, former noncommissioned officers club nicknamed ``Uncle Tom's Cabin.'' This all occurred despite an order issued in 1940 issued by President Roosevelt himself that no officer should be denied access to any officer's club. On April 5, 1945 a group of the Airmen peacefully entered the officers' club in protest. Sixty-one were arrested within 24 hours. This act of disobedience later became known as the Freeman Field Mutiny. Hotesse perished later that year in an accidental plane crash. His obituary in a Dominican newspaper lists his cause of death as a B-25 crash in the Ohio River in Indiana. Esteban (Stephen) Hotesse was born on February 2, 1919 in Moca, Dominican Republic, and he came to the U.S. at the age of 4 with his mother, Clara Pacheco, who at the time was 25 years old. Hotesse was also accompanied by his sister Irma Hotesse, age 2. They came through the famous port of Ellis Island and, like many Dominicans at the time, went to live in my Congressional District within Upper Manhattan. At the time of his enlistment, he was living with his wife, Iristella Lind, who was Puerto Rican. They applied for U.S. citizenship in April 1943 after he'd served almost a year. The couple had two daughters before he enlisted. Today, one of his daughters, Mary Lou Hotesse, resides in New York City and two granddaughters, one named Iris Rivera, live in the South. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our distinguished colleagues join me in paying tribute to one of our nation's heroes. In life, he immigrated to our shores to join ranks with our military force in the advancement of peace, justice, and freedom here and abroad.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, as Dominican-Americans across our great nation celebrated their heritage and their compatriots commemorated Dominican Independence Day over the weekend, on February 27th, today I rise to posthumously honor and pay tribute to Tuskegee Airman Second Lieutenant Esteban (Stephen) Hotesse (Service Number 32218759). Esteban Hotesse, a Dominican native who immigrated to the country as a child, enlisted during World War II, and served in the lauded Tuskegee Airmen brigade. Though his team was scheduled to go into battle, they never saw combat abroad. As a member of the all-black unit, Hotesse was among a group of 101 Tuskegee Airmen officers arrested for refusing to follow Jim Crow orders from a white commanding officer at a base near Seymour, Indiana, where the KKK had a strong presence. In March 1945, the last of the Tuskegee groups, the 477th Medium Bombardment Group, was moved from Godman Field, adjacent to Fort Knox, to Freeman Field because of the latter's better flight facilities. Tensions between the 477th and the white command structure on the base were tense as soon as the 477th arrived, and shortly thereafter, an incident occurred unparalleled in Air Corps history. Upon their arrival at Freeman, the commanding officer of the base, Colonel Robert R. Selway, moved quickly to set up and enforce a segregated system. The group was housed in a dilapidated building. Col. Selway also created a novel system to deny the Airmen entry into the officers' club. He classified the Black airmen as ``trainees,'' even though they had all finished flight school, and therefore were all commissioned officers. As trainees, they were forced to use a rundown, former noncommissioned officers club nicknamed ``Uncle Tom's Cabin.'' This all occurred despite an order issued in 1940 issued by President Roosevelt himself that no officer should be denied access to any officer's club. On April 5, 1945 a group of the Airmen peacefully entered the officers' club in protest. Sixty-one were arrested within 24 hours. This act of disobedience later became known as the Freeman Field Mutiny. Hotesse perished later that year in an accidental plane crash. His obituary in a Dominican newspaper lists his cause of death as a B-25 crash in the Ohio River in Indiana. Esteban (Stephen) Hotesse was born on February 2, 1919 in Moca, Dominican Republic, and he came to the U.S. at the age of 4 with his mother, Clara Pacheco, who at the time was 25 years old. Hotesse was also accompanied by his sister Irma Hotesse, age 2. They came through the famous port of Ellis Island and, like many Dominicans at the time, went to live in my Congressional District within Upper Manhattan. At the time of his enlistment, he was living with his wife, Iristella Lind, who was Puerto Rican. They applied for U.S. citizenship in April 1943 after he'd served almost a year. The couple had two daughters before he enlisted. Today, one of his daughters, Mary Lou Hotesse, resides in New York City and two granddaughters, one named Iris Rivera, live in the South. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and our distinguished colleagues join me in paying tribute to one of our nation's heroes. In life, he immigrated to our shores to join ranks with our military force in the advancement of peace, justice, and freedom here and abroad.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, as a young soldier in the Korean War, I was honored to follow in the footsteps of many Blacks in the military who exhibited extraordinary heroism and patriotism abroad despite facing discrimination and challenges at home. I would not be where I am today if it were not for my service in the Army. During our annual celebration of Black History Month, I would like to honor an unsung hero from West Philadelphia named Waverly ``Woody'' Woodson, Jr., who served as a young medic of World War II. This summer will mark the 72nd anniversary of the historic D-Day invasion of World War II. Nearly three-quarters of a century later, the event is still revered by all Americans as an example of our military's strength and bravery. However, the life-risking efforts of thousands of Black veterans from the war have gone unnoticed. The 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion, a unit of all-Black soldiers, landed in France ahead of the main invasion force. The battalion's job was to deploy and man an aerial barrage of massive helium-filled balloons to protect the American forces from enemy bomber airplanes. The balloons forced enemy pilots to fly their planes at higher altitudes to avoid becoming entangled and made it harder to effectively aim their bombs. Among the 320th was Waverly Woodson, who enlisted in the Army on Dec. 15, 1942, during his second year of his pre-medical studies. He did not wait to be called by the draft; rather he decided to sacrifice his career, comfort and life for his country and the world. Woodson's enlistment placed him in the Anti-Artillery Officer Candidate School but he was told upon completion of his training that there was no spot open for him. Instead, he was sent for medic training with the 320th Barrage Balloon Battalion. He was one of five medics aboard a Landing Craft Tank that left England on June 5, 1944, for a ninety-mile journey towards Omaha Beach. Woodson's voyage on June 6, 1944, was commenced by a violent charge towards the shore. Along with his unit, he valiantly stormed Omaha Beach in the midst of mines, mortar shells and heavy ammunition, with eyes fixes upon the mission of freedom that lay ahead. As a medic, Woodson risked his life to save the crippled and bleeding out American warriors clinging to their last thread of consciousness. He patched and resuscitated dozens if not hundreds of soldiers while he himself was wounded by the shrapnel ripping away at his legs. Woodson's determined efforts directly influenced the result of this battle. Though he was segregated into a racially organized regiment, he saved the lives of numerous soldiers regardless of their skin color. Woodson would later say, on that day ``they didn't care what my skin color was'' and obviously he did not care either. He was bonded to his men by the camaraderie that only war can provoke and a steadfast allegiance to defending the greatest country in the world. His dedication broke down racial divides that day, and this is history that truly deserves recognition. Waverly Woodson Jr. was previously nominated for the Medal of Honor, but he never received it. Instead, he was given the Bronze Star, the fourth-highest military honor. There exists no record of what happened to his nomination for the Medal of Honor. Not one of the thousands of Black soldiers who served in World War II received a Medal of Honor in the immediate wake of the war. Something is detrimentally wrong with that. However, we can always remedy the mistakes of our past. In 1995, I was honored to bring Woodson and a group of African-American World War II veterans to the floor of the House Chamber and recognize these unsung heroes for their forgotten service. As a veteran myself, I was moved to see that their sacrifice was no longer overlooked but there is more work that we must do. Black History Month must continue to play a pivotal role in helping all of us remember, preserve, and honor the accomplishments and contributions of the Black leaders of America. The annual celebration serves as a poignant reminder of how much Black history has been lost, forgotten, or in some cases, deliberately erased from the record. The nation's commemoration of Black history is not for the Black community alone, but for our collective and cohesive recognition of American history as a whole.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, let me thank the gentlewoman for making this possible, Colonel Bill Webb, of the Korean Memorial Foundation, and, of course, my buddies and colleagues, Congressmen Johnson and Conyers. Why this is so important to me is not for those who are living, but for the memories of our colleagues who died overseas and whose family have very little to explain as to why they were there. I really think that this Congress and Congresses before us have lost all of the meaning of having the power and the only power to support the declaration of war. When I went overseas in 1950, I hadn't the slightest idea as to why I was going. Quite frankly, I didn't even know where Korea was. But because of my age and having been in combat, I have received more accolades from the grateful people from the country of South Korea than I deserve. But I know that they are thanking the United States and the United Nations for saving them from coming under communism. I could not possibly have any bad feelings. Indeed, it is a great sense of honor that I could have played some small part in preserving democracy in South Korea, albeit as a volunteer to the Army, but certainly not a volunteer to go into combat. But the truth of the matter is that we shouldn't have young men and women being placed in harm's way in any situation without men and women and their families knowing that they did this because the security of our great Republic was threatened. Each time I feel heavily and scream out that we should have a draft instead of an All Volunteer Army, I know that it appears as though I am putting a burden on so many people who don't necessarily want to belong to the military. But serving our great country is a privilege, and all people should share if indeed there is a threat to our national security. If there isn't a threat to our national security, there is no reason in the world morally or legally that our troops should be there. So putting up this wall, to me, is symbolic because they can call it the forgotten war. And, believe it or not, after seeing how some of our Vietnam veterans were treated when they came home, you can almost thank God that no one missed you. They didn't know where you were, or didn't care about the Korean war, because politics got in the way of how we treated those people who fought, got wounded, and died in Vietnam. Of course, since then, we have had dozens of times where we have heard Members of Congress say that we have to have more boots on the ground, that we can't win a war by air, that we have to be there, we have to intervene, and we have to show how strong America is. And they know in their hearts that no one from their families, their communities, or even anyone they know will be included in that number of Americans that they are asking to go. So I think when you put the names of people who have actually lost their lives, which means destroyed the lives of so many other people who loved them, when you think of those who got wounded, they should at least be able to say what they did for their families, community, and their country. They shouldn't just be used as pawns on the board to fulfill the political commitments of a party or a cause that doesn't involve the security of the United States. Maybe, just maybe, when people come to sightsee, and they see the names of people that they don't know, it could remind them that these are not just human beings; these are Americans who had the same dreams as they did, except they made a sacrifice. So let me laud and thank the Members of Congress that have caused the casualties of the forgotten war not to be forgotten. Let us try to do something about those that follow those of us that were in combat in Korea and explain how wrong we were in Vietnam and we should have said, never, never, never again. Let us look at the ways we have just sent troops who, like me, saw the flag go up and heard the President say that we have to go, and we never asked, and we couldn't legitimately ask why, but we did. Let us preserve the American lives for those causes that at least if they don't come back home or they don't come back normal, that we can say that it was protecting the flag, it was protecting our country, and it was protecting our national security. Right now, with all the fears we have that are going on in the Middle East, I am not certain whether or not that will impact our great country, but I am prepared to listen to those who know better than I. And if, indeed, there is a threat to our country, then everyone should be prepared to be called, even by lottery, because it is not just for the wealthy and the educated to be excluded. It shouldn't be just those who need a job that get the opportunity to defend our country. But every time you say ``troops on the ground,'' ``boots on the ground,'' ``lives on the ground,'' I truly think that just putting their names on a memorial wall should mean something for generations that follow. I hope and pray that we don't have names that go on boards. But if there is a reminder of how many people died over the years to keep this country great, let us be in the position as a Congress to say that we know specifically why they died and we gave them all the support that they needed to make the sacrifice. Thank you so much for giving me this opportunity.