[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 64 (Friday, May 17, 2002)]
[Senate]
[Page S4534]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        OREGON HERO OF THE WEEK

 Mr. SMITH of Oregon. Mr. President, I am proud to rise today 
to pay tribute to a true American Patriot from my home state of Oregon. 
This week, I want to recognize the service and compassion of Sho 
Dozono, of Portland, OR.
  Mr. Dozono, President and CEO of Azumano Carlson Wagonlit Travel and 
the Azumano Group, is a respected member of the Portland business 
community. He continually tries to improve his community and has served 
on a number of boards and commissions including the Portland Metro 
YMCA, Portland Multnomah Progress Board, and was recently elected to 
serve as the chair of the Portland Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce 
board of directors.
  But like so many employers, after September 11, 2001, Mr. Dozono was 
forced to lay off employees and watch as the effects of the terrorist 
attacks spread across the country to his west coast home. Mr. Dozono 
and his wife Loen decided that they would not allow their own financial 
difficulties to keep them from showing their love and support to the 
victims in New York City. What started as an idea of a bus convoy 
across the United States grew into an inspirational display of 
patriotism and compassion, aptly named the ``Flight for Freedom''. Mr. 
Dozono brought together over 1,000 Oregonians to answer the call of 
Mayor Rudy Giuliani for tourists. Not only did the group lend a healing 
hand to the broken economy of New York City, but the ``Flight for 
Freedom'' was instrumental in convincing Americans everywhere to travel 
again. The week-long trip, which included marching in the Columbus Day 
Parade, attracted worldwide publicity and earned recognition from New 
York and national officials. At a crucial time, Dozono persevered to 
share his belief in the American dream with those whose light had been 
tragically dimmed.
  I rise to salute Sho Dozono, not only for his inspirational efforts 
after 9/11, but because his desire to improve his community is a life-
long commitment. In 1997, Dozono traveled to Philadelphia to represent 
the City of Portland at the Presidential Summit on Volunteerism in 
America, chaired by then-retired General Colin Powell. He is a former 
chair of the Portland Public Schools Foundation and co-chaired a march 
that raised over $11 million to save teaching positions that would have 
otherwise been cut because of reduced funding.
  This month as we honor and celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage 
Month, I find it very appropriate to rise and recognize the efforts of 
Sho Dozono. I believe Mr. Dozono is to be commended for his ongoing 
efforts to serve his community and country, and I salute him as a true 
hero for Oregon.

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