[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 62 (Tuesday, May 7, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E717-E718]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   TRIBUTE TO RECIPIENTS OF THE HONOR IMMIGRANT AMERICANS DAY AWARDS

                                 ______


                          HON. THOMAS M. DAVIS

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 7, 1996

  Mr. DAVIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to 11 remarkable 
individuals from the 11th District of Virginia who were honored at the 
Honor Immigrant Americans Day Awards Banquet on May 4, 1996 in Rosslyn, 
VA. The banquet, hosted by the Northern Virginia Chapter of the 
Organization of Chinese Americans [OCA], recognized the enormous 
contributions which these first generation immigrants have made to our 
community.
  The OCA bestowed the Corporate Award on five of the honorees. These 
persons received the award for their outstanding achievements in both 
the work place and in their communities.
  Ms. Ruth K. Barham, who works for the Signet Banking Corp., was born 
in Kobe, Japan. She moved to the United States with her husband in 
1969. Ms. Barham joined Signet Banking in 1988 and is currently an 
administrative assistant in the personal trust division of the 
Washington metro region.
  Ms. ATI Suradja-Shuey, who also works for the Signet Banking Corp. is 
a native of Indonesia. She came to the United States in 1950, when her 
father was posted in the Embassy of Indonesia. Ms. Suradja-Shuey joined 
Signet Banking in 1985 and now acts as an administrative assistant for 
the private banking division for the metro Washington region.
  Mr. Ebrahim (Abe) Bibizadeh came to the United States in 1976 on a 
scholarship from his native country of Iran. Although the scholarship 
was discontinued after 3 years, he worked a number of odd jobs until he 
was able to earn his bachelor of science degree from the Virginia 
Military Institute. After his graduation, Mr. Bibizadeh began working 
for Virginia Power as an associate engineer/service representative 
where he is still an employee. He has also served as a coordinator of 
the United Way Campaign in Springfield VA, as a member of the 
Springfield Safety Committee, and is an active member of the Virginia 
Power's Speakers Bureau. In 1990, Mr. Bibizadeh realized a life-long 
dream when he started his own travel agency. Both he and his wife 
became naturalized U.S. citizens in 1995.
  Mr. Hai NamLy immigrated to the United State from Vietnam in 1992. He 
began working with BTG as a warehouse receiving clerk. An outstanding 
employee who focuses on quality work, Mr. Ly was recently promoted to 
the position of netscape administrator for BTG technology systems where 
he is responsible for fulfilling orders for one of BTG's most important 
strategic partners.
  Mr. Jose Diaz, who works for Walcoff and Associates, Inc., immigrated 
to the United States from Cuba and earned a bachelor of science degree 
from Georgetown University in 1992. His career at Walcoff is focused on 
immigrant outreach and assistance. Mr. Diaz recently enlisted in the 
U.S. Army Reserve in order to give something back to the United States 
for providing him with educational and career opportunities.
  Six of the honorees received the At-Large Award for their outstanding 
life-long achievements in the community.
  Dr. Jorge O. Arnoldson emigrated from Cuba and has practiced 
pediatric medicine in Fairfax County for over 20 years. He has been a 
strong supporter and participating member of the Medical Care for 
Children Partnership [MCCP], providing medical care to children of the 
working poor. Dr. Arnoldson is a hero to his patients and a genuine 
hero to the MCCP and his community.
  Mr. Phan Nguyen Ngoc Hung is a refugee from Vietnam and is now a 
local young professional. As one who personally experienced the 
frustrations of living and working in a totally foreign society, Mr. 
Hung has undertaken initiatives to help recent immigrants assimilate 
into American society. He now acts as a ``Big Brother'' to many refugee 
youths.

  Ms. Sarah K. Joaquin came to the United States from the Philippines 
in 1960 and has influenced many men and women who have pursued careers 
in drama, broadcasting, writing, and the arts. She has been a teacher, 
author and a theatrical producer. Ms. Joaquin has staged plays and 
special events for the Philippine Embassy and co-authored ``Bayan Ko, 
Bumangon Ka,'' a musical play presented at the Kennedy Center.
  Ms. Air Paukkunen Oulette was born in Finland and registered to vote 
the day she became an American citizen. Ms. Roulette has been a 
lifelong volunteer and is a political activist who has made a 
difference in people's lives and the community she serves. She has 
worked on numerous political campaigns in Virginia and sits on the 
State Central Committee of the Democratic Party. Ms. Roulette also 
represents Providence District on the Community Action Advisory Board 
of Fairfax County, which advocates the needs of the working poor.
  Mr. Michael M. Shen immigrated to the United States from China in 
1953. He graduated from Columbia University and attended the Stevens 
Institute of Technology before joining the Department of Navy in 1963. 
He received the Civil Service Meritorious Award in 1986 upon his 
retirement from the Navy after 23 years. Mr. Shen started his own 
marine engineering consulting firm and in 1990, was awarded a patent 
for an invention for sealift ships. He is also an active volunteer 
adult leader in the Boy Scouts of America and received the Silver 
Beaver Award, the highest and most distinguished award for a volunteer 
adult leader.

[[Page E718]]

  Mr. Hsin (Sam) P. Wong came to the United States from China in 1948. 
He earned a bachelor's degree from George Washington University and a 
master of science degree in Electrical Engineering from Brooklyn 
Polytechnical Institute. Mr. Wong received the prestigious Meritorious 
Service Award upon his retirement from the Navy after a distinguished 
civilian career that spanned 31 years. He was one of the founders and 
developers of the Wah Luck House, a residential apartment complex for 
the elderly.
  Since her founding, our Nation has achieved many successes through 
the great achievements of the many diverse groups of people who bring 
their unique cultures and strengths to our shores. I am proud to 
represent these exceptional individuals who remind us that although we 
may come from different countries and ends of the earth, we all share a 
pride in being Americans.
  Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will want to join me in 
congratulating these 11 immigrant Americans who have contributed in so 
many ways to the strengthening of our community.

                          ____________________