[Congressional Record Volume 151, Number 19 (Friday, February 18, 2005)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E286]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF McKING ALANIS

                                 ______
                                 

                     HON. RANDY ``DUKE'' CUNNINGHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, February 17, 2005

  Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedicated 
service of McKing Alanis. A native of the Philippines, Mr. Alanis rose 
through adversity to humbly serve in the United States Navy for 29 
years and six months, and has devoted the past 14 years to my staff.
  McKing rose from a raw recruit in the Navy, to the rank of Senior 
Chief with a lithographers rating. This was particularly difficult 
because at the time Filipinos were only allowed to serve in the Navy as 
stewards or in the kitchen. Mac was the outstanding recruit when he 
graduated from Navy boot camp. He attended the Army Engineer School, 
Topography-Lithography-Graphics at Ft. Belvoir in Virginia and 
graduated 2nd in his class of 47. During his tenure in the Navy, McKing 
was champion of equal rights and equal opportunities. McKing has 
received numerous awards for his service in the Navy, including 21 
letters of commendation.
  Prior to joining the Navy, Mac was a disk jockey and radio 
personality in Naga City, Philippines. In 1965, he used the talent he 
developed in the Philippines to become a newscaster in his Navy off-
time at AFRTS-TV in Kodiak, Alaska.
  McKing's involvement with the Filipino community in San Diego 
includes service as the President of the Bicol Club of San Diego County 
in 1979 and Public Relations Officer for the Council of Filipino 
American Organizations of San Diego County. He served as a member of 
the Board of Directors of the Samahan Dance Company from 2000 to 2002, 
and during that period was also an advisor to the Iriguenos of Southern 
California. Mac is the founder of the Iriga Guys Jesters, a 
philanthropic organization that raises funds for the poor in Iriga 
City. In 1997, Mac was called to Washington, D.C. to be recognized by 
Fil-Am-Image Magazine as one of the 20 outstanding Filipinos in the 
United States and Canada.
  For the past 14 years McKing has served as both Community and 
Military Liaison in the 50th Congressional District of California. One 
of the original members of my staff, McKing has proved vital in 
services helping constituents with the Department of Defense, 
Department of Veterans Affairs, and Immigration and Naturalization. 
McKing estimates that during his 14 years with the district office, he 
has helped my constituents resolve more than 4,000 cases.
  Mac has dedicated his life to what he calls the 3T concept. ``Time we 
cannot keep, talent is not permanent either, and treasure--please share 
it.'' He firmly believes that, ``the only things we can really keep are 
those we give away.''
  Mr. Alanis is married to the lovely Susie Gonzaga Salcedo. They have 
three children, and are the proud grandparents of three grandsons. He 
has been a strong advocate of family values, equality, and has worked 
relentlessly to help the disadvantaged. He has been a valuable member 
of my team and will be missed greatly.




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