[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 61 (Wednesday, May 17, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E747]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE EVERETT ALVAREZ, JR. POST OFFICE

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CONSTANCE A. MORELLA

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 17, 2000

  Mrs. MORELLA. Mr. Speaker, I am introducing legislation honoring one 
of our Nation's heroes. This bill will designate a post office in my 
district the Everett Alvarez, Jr. Post Office Building.
  During his life, Mr. Alvarez has faithfully served his nation as a 
distinguished military officer and public servant. He joined the Navy 
in 1960 after earning a bachelor of science in electrical engineering 
from the University of Santa Clara. He also holds a master's degree in 
operations research and systems analysis as well as juris doctorate.
  He served in program management at the Naval Air Systems Command 
before leaving the Navy in1980. He was appointed Deputy Director of the 
Peace Corps in 1981 and was appointed by President Reagan to be Deputy 
Administrator of the Veterans Administration in 1982 where he stayed 
until 1986.
  After leaving the Veterans Administration, Mr. Alvarez served as vice 
president for government services for the Hospital Corporation of 
America before forming his own consulting company, Conwal, Inc.
  A dedicated civil servant, Mr. Alvarez is best known to the public as 
the first American aviator shot down over North Vietnam. He was taken 
prisoner of war on August 5, 1964, and held in North Vietnam for 8\1/2\ 
years, until the general release of prisoners on February 12, 1973.
  Mr. Alvarez holds numerous military decorations for his courageous 
service. He has been honored with the Silver Star, two Legions of Merit 
(with combat ``V''), two Bronze Stars (with combat ``V''), the 
Distinguished Flying Cross, and two Purple Heart medals.
  He continues to serve America and America's future by serving on the 
Board of Regents of the Uniformed Services University of Health 
Sciences [USUHS], the Board of Directors of the National Graduate 
University, and the Board of Fellows of Santa Clara University. He has 
also served on the White House Fellows Selection Committee and on the 
Board of Directors of the Armed Services YMCA of the USA.
  Mr. Alvarez's life stands as a testament to patriotism, courage, and 
perseverance. His story is an inspiration and it is with humility that 
I introduce this bill to honor him so.

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