[Congressional Record Volume 140, Number 140 (Friday, September 30, 1994)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Printing Office [www.gpo.gov]


[Congressional Record: September 30, 1994]
From the Congressional Record Online via GPO Access [wais.access.gpo.gov]

 
         HOUSE RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE POLICE ATHLETIC LEAGUE

                                 ______


                           HON. GEORGE MILLER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 30, 1994

  Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that 
I introduce today, on behalf of myself and Representatives Martinez, 
Schumer, Stearns, and Washington, a House Resolution commending all the 
Police Athletic Leagues--otherwise known as PAL--across America for 
their excellent work on behalf of our Nation's youth.
  PAL was created over 50 years ago in New York City by Lt. Ed Flynn, 
who, faced with persistent gang violence, organized a baseball league 
to give kids an alternative to crime. PAL now has 246 local chapters in 
cities nationwide, including Jacksonville, De Moines, New York, Denver, 
Houston, San Francisco, and Seattle. Three million kids participate in 
PAL's recreational and educational programs, such as athletic 
tournaments, police cadet clubs, and computer training. Fifty years 
after its inception, the principal mission of PAL remains the same: 
police officers volunteer their free time to work with youths in 
promoting trust and understanding in an atmosphere of cooperation. The 
kids benefit by receiving positive role models and learning life 
skills. The officers benefit by getting an opportunity to make a real, 
positive difference in kids' lives.
  The story of Ben Hansberger, the 1993 PAL Boy of the Year Award 
recipient in California, is a shining example of the effectiveness of 
PAL. Ben thanked PAL in a letter. I quote:

       Dear California PAL: I thank you for picking me as ``Boy of 
     The Year.'' It really means a lot to me to go to college. I'm 
     the first Hansberger in 3 generations to make something of 
     themselves.
       It was not me who won the award alone. If it weren't for a 
     lot of help from Rozee Bird, Joe Bird, Glen Gregory, Greg 
     Atherton and all the little ``Mighty-Mites'' (the Tae Kwon Do 
     peewees, ages 5-8) for giving me someone to touch and to 
     teach, I would have been into drugs or probably fighting for 
     money which, as you know if you have seen my record at 
     tournaments, I am very good at.
       I really appreciate how you took the time to come up with 
     such a great awards dinner. The hotel was the most beautiful 
     hotel I have ever seen and the hot tub was nice too. I truly 
     thank you with all of my heart for the money for college. I 
     am going to repay you by making somebody out of myself. Thank 
     you for caring!

   Mr. Speaker, in my own district, the effects of PAL's programs are 
clear. Julie Roberts of Vallejo, CA, was named the 1993 PAL Girl of the 
Year for all of California for her efforts as a volunteer in PAL and at 
her school. Julie has been a member of PAL since 1983, when she was 8 
years old. Through PAL, Julie learned team work, discipline, and 
diligence--the hallmarks of a productive future. Indeed, Julie 
maintains a 3.65 grade point average while working at a day car center. 
Across this country, there are many more kids like Julie who are being 
helped by PAL.
  As we all know, juvenile crime in America is on the rise. While PAL 
is no substitute for tough crime fighting strategies and policies, 
Police Athletic Leagues, acting in concert with these policies, are out 
in the field everyday attempting to turn back the rising tide of crime 
by providing constructive activities for kids. PAL's police officers 
deserve our support. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this 
resolution.

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