[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 155 (Thursday, October 30, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2160]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                          HONORING ALEX SPANOS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. JOHN T. DOOLITTLE

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 29, 2003

  Mr. DOOLITTLE. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to congratulate my friend, 
Alex Spanos, as he will soon receive the STARBRIGHT Foundation's Heart 
of Gold Award for his selfless efforts on behalf of children with 
serious illnesses and their families, and for his extensive 
contributions to all children and youth.
  Alexander Gus Spanos was born to loving parents in 1923 in Stockton, 
California. In 1942, he rendered service to his country by joining the 
Air Army. Six years later, he wed his life-long sweetheart, Faye 
Papfaklis.
  In 1951, Alex quit his job at the family bakery, secured an $800 loan 
and bought a panel truck to start his own company, the A.G. Spanos 
Agricultural Catering. Soon, this new venture became the largest 
catering business of farm laborers in the United States. Alex began 
investing in real estate and, by 1956, he had become a millionaire. 
This allowed him to semi-retire and take on golf, in which he became a 
pro amateur within six years.
  When changing farm labor regulations signaled the end of his catering 
business, Alex launched A.G. Spanos Construction. After building his 
first apartment complex in Stockton, California, in 1960, Alex expanded 
the company into neighboring states and across the southwestern and 
southern states. By 1977, his firm was the number one builder of 
apartments in the nation.
  His family of businesses now includes: A.G: Spanos Construction, A.G. 
Spanos Development, Inc., A.G. Spanos Management, Inc., A.G. Spanos 
Enterprises, Inc., The Spanos Corporation, AGS Financial Corporation, 
A.G. Spanos Realty, Inc., A.G. Spanos Securities, and A. G. Spanos 
Ventures. He also owns the Spanos Jet Center and the National Football 
League's San Diego Chargers.
  Mr. Speaker, not only is Alex Spanos a successful businessman, but he 
is also a successful human being. His family has always taken center 
stage in his life. He and Faye enjoy the time they share with their 
four children and 15 grandchildren. It is telling that his companies 
continue to be family owned and operated, as he has shared management 
responsibilities with his sons, Dean and Michael.
  A noted philanthropist, he has reached out to those in need and given 
of his resources to help whenever and wherever he could. Over the 
years, he has contributed to his own community and to causes around the 
world by donating millions of dollars to charities, churches, 
hospitals, educational institutions, and civic and athletic 
organizations.
  It is fair to say that Alex G. Spanos' outlook on life is best 
reflected in the title of his new book, Sharing the Wealth. The 
communities and individuals he has touched throughout his life would 
attest to that.
  Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to commend this distinguished 
citizen for his countless acts of service to his community, California, 
and the country.

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