[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 73 (Wednesday, May 22, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E879-E880]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   CELEBRATING THE MANY CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN 
                               COMMUNITY

                                 ______


                        HON. ROBERT A. UNDERWOOD

                                of guam

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 22, 1996

  Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, Hafa Adai. It is with great pleasure that 
I rise today to celebrate our Asian- and Pacific-American culture and 
history during Asian Pacific-American Heritage Month. By sponsoring 
Asian Pacific-American Heritage activities, we honor the Asian Pacific-
American community and its many accomplishments. In addition we seek to

[[Page E880]]

familiarize America with our community in an effort to avoid division 
among our ethnically diverse American community.
  No one would dispute that American society has been significantly 
enriched by the contributions of the Asian Pacific-American community. 
Thousands of Asian Pacific-Americans helped to build our great Nation. 
Today, Asian Pacific-Americans continue to serve our Nation as public 
servants and military servicemembers. I would like to make special note 
of Guamanians serving our Nation in the military, and especially those 
serving today in Bosnia.
  One particular service member who has distinguished himself is Spec. 
Peter Nartia of the Guam Army National Guard. Specialist Nartia was 
recently named U.S. Army Pacific Command Soldier of the Year. His 
dedication to the armed services has afforded him the opportunity to 
represent the Army Pacific Command in the All-Army Command competition 
in June.
  In addition to those serving America in our military, I would like to 
take this opportunity to acknowledge other individuals who have offered 
their talents and abilities to Guam, enriching both our island and all 
of America.
  Jesus Charfauros is a gifted radio personality and journalist who has 
contributed 22 years of his life to promoting the Chamorro culture 
through the air waves by hosting cultural and informative shows in the 
Chamorro.
  Mary N.D. Matanane, Guam Nurses Association's Nurse of the Year for 
1995, is a devoted health care professional who has worked for private 
and public sector health care organizations, such as Guam Memorial 
Hospital, the Department of Public Health and Social Services, and 
Clark Home Nursing Service.
  Carmen L. Torres, a recently retired health care practitioner has 
devoted nearly a quarter of a century serving the people of Guam. Mrs. 
Torres accomplishments include studying obstetrics and gynecology 
during a fellowship with the World Health Organization, and working as 
a supervisor and manager with the Central Region Health Center Clinic. 
Mrs. Torres has also received various awards, including the 1981 and 
1984 Outstanding Employee of the Department of Public Health and Social 
Services, and the 1994 Guam Nurses Association Presidential 
Commendation Award for outstanding voluntary and dedicated service to 
the nursing profession and organization.
  The contributions of Asian Pacific-Americans are significant and Guam 
is indebted to the work of these individuals. As American citizens, we 
are integral fibers of the social, economic, and political fabric of 
the national community. Through events like the Asian Pacific-American 
Heritage Month, we can continue to celebrate our culture and foster 
understanding and cooperation throughout the entire American community.

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