[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 109 (Monday, July 20, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1852]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


IN RECOGNITION OF THE CONTRIBUTIONS OF THE KOREAN-AMERICAN ASSOCIATION 
                          OF NORTHERN VIRGINIA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, July 20, 2009

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
the many contributions of the Korean-American Association of Northern 
Virginia.
  The 11th Congressional District of Virginia is blessed by the 
significant racial, ethnic and religious diversity of its residents. 
The entire community is enriched by this diversity and benefits greatly 
from the sharing of cultural customs and traditions. The Korean-
American community is a vibrant part of this tapestry and an integral 
part of the community.
  A large percentage of the businesses in the 11th District of Virginia 
are owned and operated by Korean-Americans and provide jobs, goods and 
services to the local residents. The work ethic displayed is consistent 
with so many immigrant groups who have come before and who have 
contributed to building the United States of America into a great 
country. Quite often, members of the Korean immigrant community will 
work multiple jobs in order to succeed and provide homes for their 
families. Education is highly prized and sought. Honesty, integrity and 
dignity are values that are instilled at a young age and continue to 
develop throughout life.
  However, transitioning into a new life in a new country can often be 
overwhelming. Language, customs, educational systems, even the way a 
person shops for food, can be confusing and frightening. A guiding hand 
can help address these difficulties.
  The Korean-American Association of Northern Virginia, KAANV, provides 
assistance to ease this transition. This organization works with 
members of the Korean community to teach the skills that are necessary 
to function and thrive. The KAANV provides numerous services, one being 
the KAANV Vocational School which offers classes in English and 
Spanish, in vocational trades such as electrical licensing, plumbing 
and pharmaceutical technician, and in job seeking skills such as resume 
writing and employment examination preparation. The Vocational School 
educates roughly 700 people each year and gives them the tools that 
they need in order to become productive members of society.
  In addition to the Vocational School, the KAANV sponsors an Annual 
Job Fair which brings employers, job seekers and employment counselors 
together under one roof. This year, the Sixth Annual KAANV Job Fair 
will include employers from both the private and public sectors and is 
expected to attract the participation of nearly 2,000 area residents.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the 
Korean-American Association of Northern Virginia for the invaluable 
services that it provides to the community and for the life changing 
impacts that its services have on the lives of so many of our family 
members, neighbors and friends.

                          ____________________