[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 172 (Thursday, November 19, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2826]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                             CHARLES GOLDEN

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. MICHAEL E. McMAHON

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, November 19, 2009

  Mr. McMAHON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Charles Golden as 
he celebrates his 90th birthday this month. Mr. Golden is the 
grandfather of my constituent Stevie Lacy-Pendleton, and I honor him 
for being a great community role model.
  Throughout his life, Mr. Golden overcame many adversities. As the 
only son born into a family of young women, much was expected of him 
after his father's death. Still only a child when his father died, he 
took a job in the coalmines of Virginia to help support his family 
through the Great Depression. It was a different time in America. There 
were few jobs available especially for African-Americans, so Mr. Golden 
considered himself lucky, even blessed to have a job, no matter how 
difficult it was on a day to day basis.
  An early work accident left him unable to join the military, but it 
opened a door to higher education. He applied and was accepted to 
Central State, which later became Central State University. Throughout 
his college years, he continued to work and send money home, at times 
holding more than one job.
  Upon graduation, he became one of the few African-American engineers 
in America. He was hired by a federal defense contractor in Dayton, 
Ohio spending his entire career with them and retiring after over 40 
years of service in 1989. During his 40 plus years as an engineer, he 
mentored countless young people as they began their engineering 
careers.
  He has always been a great community leader. He became an active 
member of the Middle Run Baptist Church which was founded by freed 
slaves and is one of the oldest such institutions in the country. As a 
member of the Middle Run Baptist Church for over 50 years, he serves as 
a senior deacon, assistant treasurer and a member of the men's choir. 
He supervises church maintenance and repairs, and cooks for the weekly 
breakfast program that is open to church members and non members alike. 
He also fills in as the driver of the church bus which helps transport 
seniors and people with disabilities.
  He was married to his devoted wife Frances for more than 50 years 
before her passing a number of years ago. Mr. Golden puts his religious 
beliefs into everyday action. He is a role model for young and old.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending Charles 
Golden as we join with the members of his church who honored him on 
November 13, 2009, as a man who overcame insurmountable obstacles, and 
as the quiet man who has touched and made a difference in so many 
lives.

                          ____________________