[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 146 (Friday, October 17, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2070]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                   RECOGNIZING REVEREND FELIX SANTANA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR.

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 16, 2003

  Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of the late Reverend 
Felix Santana, a man who has served his faith and community tirelessly 
throughout his life. On October 17, 2003, the Latino American Committee 
of Monmouth County will honor the Reverend with an award for his 
contributions as a role model and mentor for Latino youths.
  Reverend Santana was born in Humacao, Puerto Rico on August 21, 1924. 
In 1948 he moved to northern Indiana where he worked in the steel 
industry for two years. When America became entrenched in the Korean 
War, Reverend Santana heroically served his county in the U.S. Army and 
was decorated with the United Nations Service Medal. After the war, and 
a productive career in design, the Reverend entered the Bangor 
Theological Seminary in Maine.
  After completing his studies, Reverend Santana and his family settled 
down in Monmouth County, New Jersey. It was then that Reverend Santana 
established the first Hispanic Ministry in Asbury Park, New Jersey. In 
addition, he led similar efforts in Ossining, New York, Plainfield, and 
Jersey City, New Jersey. However, the Reverend's commitment did not end 
at his religious responsibilities. Reverend Santana made time to serve 
Hispanics and others in his community. He helped set up an anti-poverty 
agency called ``Checkmate, Inc'' as was actively involved with the 
Puerto Rican Civic Association and the freeholders of New Jersey.
  Mr. Speaker, Reverend Santana believed in serving his community. The 
legacy that he has left behind will continue to serve those he has 
given so much of himself too. I ask that my colleagues rise and join me 
to honor this most respectable man, Reverend Felix Santana.

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