[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 129 (Thursday, September 24, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1795]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN RECOGNITION OF HELEN SALAMAN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RALPH M. HALL

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 24, 1998

  Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a wonderful 
American and long time civil servant--Helen Salaman. An immigrant from 
Hungary, Helen arrived in the United States in 1921. As many 
immigrants, Helen sought a better life and acted on this desire by 
becoming the first female graduate of her law school class at the 
University of Detroit Law School.
  Soon after graduating from law school, Helen became a full-time 
mother which prevented her from pursuing a legal career. However, being 
a mother did not prevent her from being active in other avenues. Not 
only did Helen steep herself in her sons' schooling and extra-
curricular activities, but she became deeply involved in the Democratic 
Party. Helen twice served as a delegate at the Democratic National 
Convention and in 1960 Helen managed the senatorial campaign of Patrick 
McNamara.
  In 1962, at 53 years of age, Helen joined the U.S. Customs Service in 
the Fines, Penalties and Forfeitures Division. Helen's job entailed 
investigating civil fraud and as a result of the expertise, she became 
a national resource for such cases. Helen recently retired from her job 
as penalties officer at the Customs Service in Detroit after 36 years 
of dedicated service. In mid-March at a farewell party given by her 
colleagues, 175 people showed up to wish her well. Helen believes that, 
at 89, she was the oldest Federal employee ever.
  Mr. Speaker, Helen Salaman is a loving mother and a dedicated 
American citizen who devoted her life to civil duty. As we adjourn 
today, let us do so in honor of and respect for this great American--
Ms. Helen Salaman.




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