[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 98 (Friday, July 11, 1997)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1403]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          A MAN TO BE ADMIRED

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JAMES A. BARCIA

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 10, 1997

  Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who 
truly embodies the community spirit so valued by all Americans. A good 
friend to many of us, Robbie Callaway has enriched and enhanced the 
lives of countless children in his own community and across the Nation. 
His outstanding accomplishments, especially those with the Boys and 
Girls Clubs of America, and inspiring commitment to future generations 
should be recognized and appreciated.
  After graduating from the University of Maryland in 1973, Robbie 
began his lifelong ambition to help disadvantaged children succeed in 
our challenging and ever-changing world. He first was a counselor at 
the Caithness Shelter Home, and later was appointed deputy director of 
the Boys and Girls Homes of Montgomery County, MD.
  In 1991, Robbie became senior vice president for government relations 
for the Boys and Girls Clubs of America. Since Robbie's appointment on 
a national level, he has more than doubled the number of youths whom 
the Boys and Girls Clubs network serves. He also played a key role in 
obtaining funds from various Federal agencies, so much that the funds 
received by the national organization made a dramatic increase from 
$50,000 in 1991 to an astounding and well-deserved $36 million during 
1996.
  Not only has Robbie performed his job at the Boys and Girls Clubs of 
America with dedication and competence, he displayed instrumental 
precision in acquiring funds from various Federal agencies for other 
programs to aid children. His work and leadership for the construction 
and growth of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, 
and his current service as vice chairman of their board of directors is 
just one shining example of his efforts. His expertise continues to be 
vital to the success of this program.
  Robbie has influenced a number of Federal laws which affect America's 
youth including the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act, 
the Child Protection Act, the Anti-Drug Abuse Act, the Runaway and 
Homeless Youth Act, the National and Community Service Act, and the Tax 
Reform Act.
  Robbie has received numerous prestigious awards throughout his 
career. In 1987, he received the honorable award of Outstanding Service 
to President Reagan's Child Safety Partnership from the U.S. Department 
of Justice. In 1990, Robbie was honored with the FBI Director's 
Community Leadership Award. And in 1992, he went on to acquire the 
distinguished Ellis Island Medal of Honor.
  Mr. Speaker, Robbie's accomplishments appear to be endless and in 
some ways they are. The youth of today will reap the rewards of his 
efforts as will future generations. If there is one thing we can 
recognize about Robbie Callaway is that he has made a difference in our 
society. I ask my colleagues to join me in commending Robbie Callaway, 
an outstanding individual, from whom we can all learn, and one who has 
helped to improve and enrich all of our lives.

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