[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 105 (Thursday, July 15, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1335]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MR. NORMAN WEISS

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ALLYSON Y. SCHWARTZ

                            of pennsylvania

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 15, 2010

  Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate 
Mr. Norman Weiss, a constituent of my congressional district who has 
dedicated his life to serving his community, his nation, and the spirit 
of volunteerism. Mr. Weiss admirably served his country for 22 years in 
the United States Navy until his retirement in 1967. He has contributed 
both at home as a boxing coach at the Willow Grove Naval Air Station 
and abroad as a volunteer for more than a decade at a South Korean 
orphanage.
  The loss of his brother, Mel, during the Korean War inspired Mr. 
Weiss to travel to Korea to see the country and meet the people his 
brother had fought to defend. While visiting, Norm began a friendship 
with a Korean orphanage that would bring him back to South Korea each 
year during his leave from the Navy. His time in South Korea was spent 
not relaxing on a much deserved vacation, but devoting his energy and 
knowledge to the orphanage.
  A few years after Mr. Weiss retired as a Chief Petty Officer he moved 
to Korea to continue his work with orphans. Under his supervision, a 
new pool was constructed at the orphanage. With the help of nearby 
American service members other improvements were made to the orphanage 
such as the renovation of the kitchen and dining area. Mr. Weiss's 
assistance was so valued by the orphanage that he was made honorary 
Vice-Superintendent. In 1980 Norm was officially recognized for the 
work that had made an undoubtedly positive impact on the lives of many 
children; he was given a Civil Merit Medal by the Mayor of Pusan on 
behalf of the President of South Korea.
  After 12 years in South Korea, Mr. Weiss returned to Pennsylvania. He 
continued his dedication to strengthening the friendship between 
Americans and Koreans by teaching English as a second language to 
Koreans in his community. He also began to volunteer his time to the 
Willow Grove Naval Air Station as a boxing coach at the base's gym. In 
the years he has spent providing guidance and expertise to the base, 
Mr. Weiss has also given considerable financial support to the base's 
Morale, Welfare, and Recreation department. Despite recent health 
concerns Mr. Weis continues to spend time in the base's gym, teaching 
young boxers the techniques and perseverance needed to achieve their 
goals.
  I am honored to represent Mr. Weiss in Congress and to know that Mr. 
Weiss has spent his life proudly representing our country abroad. I 
congratulate him on a lifetime of service to community, country, and 
international cooperation and friendship.

                          ____________________