[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 138 (Wednesday, September 28, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 28, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
                         TRIBUTE TO FRED PRUITT

                                 ______


                            HON. BOB FILNER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                     Wednesday, September 28, 1994

  Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker and colleagues, I rise today to honor a great 
friend and community leader who passed away this week, Fred Pruitt. 
Fred always worked to make life better for everyone, believing that 
activism was better than lip service, progress better than the status 
quo.
  In 1960, a young Fred Pruitt decided to serve his country by joining 
the U.S. Navy, where he was stationed on the U.S.S. Black. He served 
two tours in Vietnam as a fire control technician and returned home to 
become a journeyman electrician. He also attended San Diego State 
University, while juggling the responsibilities of a young family. In 
1973, Fred joined the Jaycees. He was named Jaycee of the Year in 1974 
and finally president of the national city chapter, but more was ahead 
for Fred Pruitt.
  In 1975, he and his wife Allie opened up the National City home and 
Hardware Store. By 1977, he continued his service to his community on 
the board of directors of the National City Chamber of Commerce. He was 
later appointed the National City Civil Service Commission. In 1978, he 
was appointed to the National City Planning Commission and became 
chairman in 1982.
  Fred was elected city council in National City in 1986, serving until 
1990. During his tenure as city councilman, he also served as vice 
mayor of the city. For all of his achievements and contributions to his 
community, Fred and his wife Allie shared the Citizen of the Year Award 
for National City in 1991.
  He was also recognized at the State level, winning the Outstanding 
Small Business Award for the State of California in 1993. Just 
recently, Fred and Allie flew to Oakland to receive the Minority/
Supplier/Distributor of the Year Award for 1994 by the U.S. Department 
of Commerce.
  But of all the awards he won, perhaps the most significant was the 
respect and admiration of his friends, family, and community for his 
unwavering commitment to hard work, community involvement, and a 
sincere belief that one person can make a difference.
  In this lifetime, we all come across a small number of special 
people, those who touch our minds, hearts, and souls with their 
activism, optimism, and dedication to making everyone's life richer. 
Fred was one of those chosen few. My thoughts and prayers go out to 
Allie and his family, friends and the community. This world needs more 
people like Fred Pruitt; he will be sorely missed.

                          ____________________