[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 117 (Monday, September 9, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1263]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING THE SERVICE OF KENNETH ABRAHAMIAN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Monday, September 9, 2013

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of 
Kenneth Abrahamian as he receives his World War II (WWII) Medals. He is 
the recipient of the Philippine Liberation Medal, WWII Victory Medal, 
WWII Asiatic Pacific Medal, Navy Good Conduct Medal, and American 
Campaign Medal. Mr. Abrahamian is a source of pride for our Central 
Valley and our entire nation.
  Mr. Abrahamian grew up in the Valley and graduated from Central High 
School in 1941. Following his graduation, he enlisted in the United 
States Navy to serve his country in WWII. He served honorably and 
proudly from 1942 to 1946. Mr. Abrahamian was stationed in the Pacific 
as a machinist mate aboard the USS Spangler and the USS Ajax.
  Mr. Abrahamian married Isabelle Zadurian at the Holy Trinity Armenian 
Apostolic Church in Fresno, California. They have three children; 
Jeanette, Patricia, and Kenneth, daughter-in-law, Sue, and two 
grandchildren; Kenneth Andrew and Allyson Marie.
  The Abrahamians have spent their entire lives in the Rolinda area, a 
small unincorporated community in Fresno County. They farmed raisins, 
almonds, alfalfa, barley, black-eyed peas, broccoli, corn, cotton, 
oats, onions, sugar beets, turkeys, and wheat. Mr. Abrahamian truly 
understands the importance of hard work and he has shown that through 
his labor on the farm and service in the military. As a resident of the 
Rolinda area, Mr. Abrahamian is known to be a great neighbor and 
friend.
  Staying involved and supporting the community has always been very 
important to Mr. Abrahamian. He is an active member of his church, and 
he always participates in the annual Rolinda Charity BBQ. Mr. 
Abrahamian's spirit and drive keep him going every day. A couple months 
short of 90 years old, Mr. Abrahamian is still out on his farm daily. 
He is an inspiration for all of us.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 
service of Mr. Kenneth Abrahamian. He truly is a shining example of a 
proud American, and we must thank him for his service to our country.

                          ____________________