[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 55 (Thursday, April 25, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E643-E644]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO FRANK GARCIA

                                 ______


                         HON. ROBERT K. DORNAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 25, 1996

  Mr. DORNAN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to 
recognize an outstanding individual who resides in my district, 
Francisco ``Frank'' J. Garcia. Frank was recently recognized by the 
Points of Light Foundation for his exceptional community service, 1 of 
just 20 recipients of the prestigious 1996 President's Service Award.
  Frank is a local restaurant owner in Anaheim, CA. His restaurant, La 
Casa Garcia, is

[[Page E644]]

actually located just across the street from my district office. 
Everyone just raves about the food there. In fact, the Orange County 
Register has recognized La Casa Garcia for serving the best Mexican 
food in the area.
  But what's amazing is this, Mr. Speaker. Since 1987, Frank has served 
more than 50,000 needy individuals at his restaurant with free, home-
cooked meals on Thanksgiving Day. In fact, just last year, Frank led 
500 volunteers to serve a complete Thanksgiving dinner to needy people 
throughout our community. He organized the event, collected the food 
through donations and wholesale prices, and recruited the necessary 
volunteers to make the whole day a success.
  Frank has so much to be proud of. The President's Service Award, 
established back in 1982, is the most prestigious award ever presented 
for community service. The winners are honored not only for their own 
outstanding work, but also as representatives of volunteers in every 
community nationwide. The award recognizes individuals who have 
performed outstanding work in public safety, education, environmental 
protection, and humanitarian aid.
  In a recent news article in our local paper, Frank noted that 
``everybody needs to take pride in themselves. We all should support 
each other.'' These are powerful words that emulate the kind of life 
all Americans should lead.
  Mr. Speaker, Frank Garcia is a shining example of the American spirit 
and an exemplary inspiration to us all. His outstanding public service 
has set a high standard for others to follow. I want to congratulate 
him for this honor and thank him for serving his fellow man so 
selflessly. May God bless him and reward him for his kindness and 
generosity.

                          ____________________