[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 67 (Tuesday, May 6, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E692]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF GEORGE NISHIO

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 6, 2014

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and service of 
Dr. George Nishio, who passed away in November 2013 at the age of 97. 
George served the United States of America honorably during World War 
II and was a pillar in the community.
  George was born in Fresno, California, to Japanese immigrant parents. 
He graduated from Fresno State College and went on to complete a Doctor 
of Optometry degree at the University of California, Berkeley. With his 
optometry degree in hand, George returned to Fresno and began a private 
practice.
  Following the attacks on Pearl Harbor, George was sent to a 
concentration camp in Jerome, Arkansas. Despite being driven from his 
home to a concentration camp, George volunteered for duty in the U.S. 
Army. Following basic training, George was selected for medical 
training. After being designated as an optometrist, George was assigned 
to a medical company and boarded a ship for the campaign in the 
European Theater.
  The U.S. Army recognized George's expertise and leadership abilities 
and promoted him to Technical Sergeant. George would go on to serve in 
Europe as the allied forces fought their way into Germany. His unit 
received a meritorious unit citation and was designated a Distinguished 
U.S. Army Medical Regiment.
  For his service, George received the World War II Medal, African-
Middle Eastern Medal, European Campaign, Meritorious Unit Award, Army 
of Occupation Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.
  George married Michiko Saiki and returned to Fresno where he resumed 
his optometry practice. He and Michiko had six children in whom they 
instilled a strong sense of appreciation for nature and education. 
Eventually, George and his family moved to Chowchilla where he 
established a practice that still serves the community.
  Believing that everyone should serve and be an active member in their 
community, George served as a member of the City Planning Commission, 
Chowchilla School Board, and was President of the Madera County Board 
of Education. He was also a longtime member and past president of the 
Chowchilla Rotary Club, and a Paul Harris Fellow.
  In addition, George was a member of the American Optometric 
Association, serving as president of the Central California Chapter. He 
was named Optometrist of the Year by the Central California Optometry 
Association. He was a Life Member of Chowchilla Veterans of Foreign 
Wars (VFW) Post 0896 and Nisei VFW Post 8985 in Sacramento.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the 
life of Dr. George Nishio who dedicated his life to serving his nation 
and community. His presence will be greatly missed, but his legacy will 
surely live on throughout the San Joaquin Valley.

                          ____________________