[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 107 (Wednesday, July 24, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1121]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       CELEBRATING THE 90TH BIRTHDAY OF MR. MARVIN ``BUZZ'' OATES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. TOM McCLINTOCK

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 24, 2013

  Mr. McCLINTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 90th 
birthday of Mr. Marvin ``Buzz'' Oates, a third-generation Californian. 
Buzz is the founder of The Buzz Oates Group of Companies, a $1.5 
billion commercial real estate development company. But before his 
American dream was realized, Buzz was just a boy with very humble 
beginnings and an entrepreneurial spirit. Even at a very young age, he 
earned money mowing lawns and collecting bottles. Buzz graduated from 
Sacramento High School in 1941. He then served as a bombardier in World 
War II and attributes much of his business success to time serving his 
country in the military.
   Buzz survived a mid-air collision during training in New Mexico and 
was eventually stationed in Asia flying missions over Japan in a B-29 
Superfortress.
   When two bombs engaged to be dropped from his jet at 23,000 feet 
failed to deploy, Buzz knew he had to act quickly. The two 100-pound 
bombs hung on the rack of the B-29, and with no oxygen and the bomb-bay 
doors open, Buzz inched across a cat walk eight inches wide to wrestle 
both bombs out of the plane. For his bravery, he was awarded the 
Distinguished Flying Cross.
   Buzz returned home a decorated war hero to open a locksmith 
business--A&A Key Shop--which later turned into a building supply 
company. Since then, Buzz steadily grew his company into the largest 
commercial real-estate and management company in Sacramento.
   Buzz is also well-known in the community for his generous spirit, 
charitable giving and commitment to God and his Christian faith. 
Thousands have worshipped in church buildings donated by Buzz and on 
the land he sold at a reduced rate. In the past several years, he 
donated $2.5 million and one acre of land to Mercy Ministries, a group 
home for women. The group was able to open a home in Lincoln, 
California where 40 women recovering from drug addiction, sexual abuse 
and other problems, find sanctuary receiving free room, board and 
counseling.
   Buzz has been honored with many awards throughout the years for his 
charitable contributions, most recently in 2011 as the Trainor 
Fairbrook Humanitarian of the Year Award and the Commercial Real Estate 
Women (CREW) Fame Award in 2007.
   Buzz's heroism, hard work, business acumen, and his spirit of public 
service make him a man to be honored and admired. Mr. Speaker, I am 
proud to rise today to celebrate the 90th birthday of Mr. Buzz Oates 
and thank him for his dedication to country and community.

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