[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 6 (Tuesday, February 1, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: February 1, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                       TRIBUTE TO JOHN S. VLAHOS

                                 ______


                         HON. HARRIS W. FAWELL

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 1, 1994

  Mr. FAWELL. Mr. Speaker, the achievement of the American dream during 
the lifetime of this Nation has been realized by millions, and yet on 
each occasion there is still inspiration. Although these experiences 
seem generally similar, each one is unique. What is essentially the 
same, however, is that we live in a country where, if a citizen 
searches for opportunities with a clear vision, a keen mind, and a 
determination for success, the American dream can become a reality.
  As a restless young man in Greece, John S. Vlahos decided that he 
would leave everything he loved--his family, friends, and homeland--and 
come to the land of opportunity. When he arrived, his expectations of 
this country were far exceeded by what he saw. In astonishment of his 
new home, John Vlahos set out to find opportunity.
  At first, he worked in restaurants as a dishwasher, a waiter, and 
then a cook. For the energetic young John Vlahos, however, this was not 
enough. Soon he decided to strike out on his own.
  Today John Vlahos is a successful businessman, owning some of the 
most prosperous establishments in his hometown. Through demanding years 
of hard work, self-sacrifice, and careful decisionmaking, John S. 
Vlahos has achieved the opportunities he sought.
  Eventually Mr. Vlahos became close friends with a John Argoudelis, 
who was a member of AHEPA--the American Hellenic Educational 
Progressive Association. John Vlahos made an inquiry about establishing 
a local chapter of AHEPA. This gave Argoudelis the incentive to found a 
Chicago west-suburban chapter of the Order of AHEPA, Chapter 202.
  As this new chapter grew, John Vlahos became an extremely active 
member. Soon Chapter 202 became a model AHEPA chapter, with an 
extremely high membership growth and a commitment to community affairs. 
Before long, Chapter 202 gained the admiration and respect of the 
DuPage County Hellenic Association and all chapters of the Order of 
AHEPA in the Nation.
  Through his lifetime of dedication toward all of his pursuits, John 
S. Vlahos not only enriched the Greek community, but made himself both 
a model citizen of this Nation and a valuable member of our society. 
Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Mr. Vlahos for 
converting his opportunities into a life of remarkable achievement.

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