[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 107 (Friday, July 19, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S8383]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         TRIBUTE TO RICH DeVOS

 Mr. ABRAHAM. Mr. President, last night Rich DeVos was honored 
in Detroit at the National Republican Leadership Award Dinner. 
Unfortunately, votes here in the Senate prevented me from attending. I 
am particularly sorry to have missed this event because I hold Rich in 
the highest possible esteem. His life's story is a continuing series of 
examples to us all of strong character, hard work, and principled 
generosity.
  After serving his country in the Air Force in World War II, Rich co-
founded a flying school and commercial air charter service with Jay Van 
Andel. Three years later he co-founded an import business with the same 
partner. In 1959, he and his partner founded the Amway Corp. That 
venture grew to be one of the world's largest direct selling companies, 
recording $6.3 billion in sales last year. Rich is also owner and 
chairman of the NBA's Orlando Magic basketball team.
  Having succeeded through his own hard work, Rich has devoted more and 
more of his time to helping others. His speeches and books spread the 
word about compassionate capitalism, and he leads by example. He serves 
on numerous boards, including service as chairman of Gospel Films and 
the Butterworth Health Corp. He has given freely of his time and money 
for charitable organizations such as the National Organization on 
Disability, and for the cause of political and economic liberty.
  Rich is the recipient of literally dozens of prestigious awards, 
including the Adam Smith Free Enterprise Award from the American 
Legislative Exchange Council and the William Booth Award from the 
Salvation Army. He is a great friend to liberty, a great servant to 
those in need and a great credit to the state of Michigan. I, for one, 
have always been inspired by his work and his character; Rich DeVos is 
indeed one of our Nation's true heroes.

                          ____________________