[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 77 (Thursday, May 10, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1018]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MR. QUENTIN SMITH

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 10, 2007

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with great admiration and 
immeasurable gratitude that I rise today to honor Mr. Quentin Smith for 
his many contributions to his community as an educator and civic 
leader, as well as to the entire country, as a member of the storied 
Tuskegee Airmen. His efforts as a veteran of the 99th Fighter Squadron, 
along with all of the Tuskegee Airmen, are worthy of the highest 
commendation.
  For their efforts and their service, the surviving Tuskegee Airmen 
were recently recognized, though long overdue, with the Congressional 
Gold Medal in Washington, DC. These brave individuals had an 
overwhelming sense of patriotism and loyalty to their country. 
Unfortunately, these men, most of whom were college graduates or 
undergraduates, served at a time when they were not treated as equals. 
In a time when segregation existed in the military as well as in our 
communities, the Tuskegee Airmen, though not recognized at the time, 
are now rightfully remembered as one of the most successful units in 
our military's history, not only for their courage and sacrifice in the 
air, but for the role they played in the progress of the military and 
American society as a whole. It was not until 1948, when President 
Truman ordered the equal treatment and opportunity for all service 
members, that the significance of their efforts began to be realized. 
Though we as a nation continue to strive toward improving our society, 
the progress we have made is in large part due to the efforts of people 
like Quentin Smith and the Tuskegee Airmen.
  Beyond his selfless service in the United States Military, I would be 
remiss if I did not speak of Mr. Smith's continued service to his 
community and the State of Indiana. As a civilian, Mr. Smith continued 
to serve his community as an educator, counselor, and principal at the 
elementary, middle, and high school levels, as well as Adjunct 
Professor at Indiana University, Northwestern University, Valparaiso 
University, and Calumet College of Saint Joseph. A highly regarded 
member of the educational community, Mr. Smith has served in many 
prestigious capacities, including: Chairman of the National Association 
of Secondary School Principals' Committee to Evaluate High Schools, 
President of the Gary Reading Council, and State Commissioner of 
Education, to name a few.
  In addition, Mr. Smith has for years been a pillar of his community 
through his service as a member of many civic organizations. In fact, 
he has served as President of several organizations, such as: the Lake 
County Welfare Board, Gary Common Council, Lake County Community 
Development Committee, Gary/Chicago Airport Authority, Urban League of 
Northwest Indiana, and the Gary Human Relations Committee.
  While he has recently been honored for his military service, Mr. 
Smith has been a recipient of many prestigious awards for his 
involvement in enriching the lives of his students and his community. 
These awards include: the Distinguished Hoosier award, presented by 
Governor Mitch Daniels, the coveted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum 
Major Award, presented by the Gary Frontiers Service Club, and the 
Teacher of the Year award, presented by the Delta Sigma Theta sorority. 
In addition, Mr. Smith is also a member of the City of Gary's Hall of 
Fame.
  Madam Speaker, Quentin Smith has dedicated his life to bettering his 
community and his country. From his service as a member of the 99th 
Fighter Squadron to his service as an educator and public servant, he 
has been a true role model for all Americans. I respectfully ask that 
you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Mr. 
Quentin Smith for his lifetime of loyalty, dedication, and service to 
his community and the entire country. For this, Quentin Smith is worthy 
of the highest admiration, and I am proud to represent him in 
Washington, DC.

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