[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 102 (Wednesday, July 24, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1340]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  LEAP AWARD WINNERS IN ORANGE COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 23, 2002

  Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, Today I rise to honor Chongge Vang and 
Debbie Barba for their leadership and dedication to the Asian community 
of Orange County.
  Debbie, a third generation Japanese-American, worked her way up from 
telephone operator to Vice President of Local Operations for Pacific 
Bell. During her tenure, she provided a wonderful example to others in 
our community by returning to school and working to obtain her 
undergraduate degree from the University of Redlands.
  Chongge Vang fled Laos in the late 1970's after fighting alongside 
the American CIA in a secret war. Since his arrival in Orange County, 
he has helped countless members of the Hmong community to become U.S. 
citizens and receive health care and other social-service support.
  A modest man, Vang considers himself more of a helper than a leader. 
He stated that he became a leader only because others did not answer 
the call.
  The Leadership Education for Asian Pacifics organization has 
recognized these two leaders. I would like to personally thank them for 
their hard work and the positive example they set for others in my 
district.

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