[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 102 (Wednesday, July 17, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1080]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                               MELVIN DOW

                                 ______
                                 

                              HON. TED POE

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 17, 2013

  Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the fine 
career and outstanding community involvement of a great Houstonian, a 
devoted public servant and my friend, Melvin Dow. Melvin is retiring 
after 62 years of service to our community. It is an honor for me to 
recognize Melvin, not only for his numerous professional 
accomplishments and many contributions to our community, but also for 
his service to our country.
  After graduating from Rice University, Melvin earned his law degree 
from Harvard Law School where he graduated magna cum laude and served 
as editor of the Harvard Law Review. Melvin began his career and 
service with the United States Army, where he was commissioned as a 
First Lieutenant, in the Army General Counsel's Office in the Pentagon. 
Following his service in the Army, Melvin moved back to Houston to 
begin his legal career in Harris County.
  Melvin's extensive knowledge of the justice system and his incredible 
work ethic quickly gained him respect from his colleagues in the law 
profession. Over his career, Melvin was routinely recognized for his 
expertise and contributions to the legal community. He was included in 
the Best Lawyers in America for 28 consecutive years and was listed as 
a ``Super Lawyer'' by Texas Monthly Magazine for multiple years. In 
addition, Melvin serves as a member of the Harvard Law School's Board 
of Overseers' Visiting Committee.
  In addition to his notable recognition for his work within the legal 
community, Melvin has also earned acknowledgements for his work within 
the Jewish-American community. Melvin is currently a member of the 
Board of Directors of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee 
(AIPAC) and Melitz, and Melvin serves on the Advisory Boards of the 
University of Texas Hillel Foundation, the Rice University Jewish 
Studies Program, and Congregation Beth Yeshurun of Houston. Melvin 
previously served as National President of AIPAC, trustee of the Jewish 
Publication Society, President of Congregation Beth Yeshurun, Vice 
President of the Jewish Federation of Houston and on the Board of 
Trustees of St. John's School. The list of this model citizen's 
accomplishments is impressive and well-deserved. Melvin's service to 
his city, state and nation as well as his faith will have an enduring 
positive impact.
  A dedicated family man, Melvin has been married to his wife, Frieda, 
for 55 years. Together, they are the proud parents of five sons and 
grandparents to nine granddaughters and three grandsons.
  I have had the opportunity to travel with Melvin and Frieda to Israel 
and observe first-hand their dedication to Israel's Absolute Right to 
Exist and to be a free democratic Republic.
  On behalf of the Second Congressional District of Texas, I commend 
this remarkable Texan for his exemplary service and dedication to 
Harris County and to the State of Texas. Thank you, Melvin, for a 
lifetime of remarkable achievements within the legal community and for 
your steadfast commitment in helping to better your community.
  And that's just the way it is.

                          ____________________