[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 113 (Monday, July 29, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1394]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                           HONORING JACK BRAS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. BILL BAKER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 29, 1996

  Mr. BAKER of California. Mr. President, in an age in which heroism 
and human dignity sometimes seem like notions from a bygone era, we 
need to be reminded of what personal character and long-term commitment 
mean. It is the men and women who each day obey the law, work hard, 
raise children, and contribute to their communities who are the true 
heroes of American life.
  Jack Bras is such a person. Born in 1929 in Okemah, OK, young Jimmie 
Jack Bras moved with his family to California at the age of 7 and went 
on to graduate from the University of California at Berkeley in 1952 
with a degree in architecture. He served his country in the Army and 
then married his wife, Flo, in 1959.
  In 1964, he opened his own architectural firm in Pleasanton, CA, in 
the heart of the San Francisco region's east bay area. Since then, he 
has planned and remodeled literally scores of facilities, from banks 
and firestations to professional buildings and private homes. One 
cannot travel around the east bay without seeing the outstanding 
architecture of Jack Bras.
  In addition, Jack has been active in a wide range of civic 
activities, including the Pleasanton Chamber of Commerce, the Valley 
Memorial Hospital Board, and the United Way. In many of these 
positions, he has served as chairman, president, or board member. And 
he has always served with the public interest in mind.
  Jack and Flo have raised their family and conducted their business in 
a way that has brought credit not just to them, but to the greatest 
east bay community. As Jack prepares to retire as he nears his 67th 
birthday, I wanted to take this opportunity to recognize him in the 
Congressional Record. Unsung heroes deserve their own songs, and today 
I am proud to join in the chorus of my constituents who are celebrating 
Jack's life and friendship. I wish Jack and Flo every good thing in all 
the days ahead, and am pleased to salute them for all they have done to 
make the east bay the wonderful place it is.

                          ____________________