[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 100 (Wednesday, June 20, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1355]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       A TRIBUTE TO JONATHAN GIST

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 20, 2007

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Brooklyn banker and 
businessman Jonathan Gist. Jonathan was born and raised in Brooklyn, 
NY. He is a graduate of Thomas Jefferson High School and attended City 
University of New York's Baruch College for 2 years.
  Jonathan Gist enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps following college and 
was trained as a Weapons Specialist. He was later promoted to Staff 
Sergeant, and after 4 years of service received an honorable discharge. 
After leaving the military, Jonathan moved to Wall Street taking a job 
with Dean Witter, Reynolds.
  Jonathan Gist's Wall Street experience was the catalyst for him to 
launch a career into the banking industry. In 1985 he joined one of the 
major players in banking, Citibank. Today he remains a part of the 
Citibank team where he is employed as a Bank Manager.
  Jonathan Gist is also a caring community activist. He has been 
working with the Beacon Program for the past 10 years. This program 
occupies the time of children once they leave school for the day with 
such activities as sports, tutoring and arts and crafts. Jonathan is 
also a part of the organization Green Thumb that assists local 
residents in beautifying their neighborhoods with plants, flowers, and 
trees.
  Jonathan Gist has taken charge of his neighborhood as the President 
of the Schenck Avenue Block Association. In this capacity he ensures 
that area children have a place to play, learn to grow plants, and are 
escorted on educational field trips.
  Jonathan Gist is the third child of four children and has been 
married to his wife Darlene for 20 years. Together they have five 
children; Jonathan, Jr., Justin, Jamel, Jalen, and Jhkia.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Jonathan Gist who has been 
unselfish and caring with all of the members of our community.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to 
Jonathan Gist.

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