[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 120 (Tuesday, July 29, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1256]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO PETE GIANOPULOS

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. KEVIN McCARTHY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, July 29, 2014

  Mr. McCARTHY of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a 
teacher, soldier, public servant, and community leader who for 90 years 
has lived and breathed the city of Taft, California. Born and raised in 
Taft, Pete Gianopulos has become well-known throughout the city as a 
passionate American and an active member of his community.
   When the foundation of American resolve was tested by the Second 
World War, Pete answered the call of duty and served honorably with 
occupational forces near Hiro, Kure, and Hiroshima, Japan as part of 
the 41st Infantry Division in the Intelligence and Reconnaissance 
Platoon. When he returned from the war, Pete completed undergraduate 
and graduate studies at Taft College and Fresno State College before 
continuing his graduate work at UCLA, UC Santa Barbara, Cal State 
Bakersfield, and Fresno State. Upon returning to Taft, Pete began 
teaching at Lincoln Junior High School, and continued his educational 
career for 35 years as an Industrial Arts teacher, a counselor, and the 
Director of Guidance for the Taft Union High School District. Though he 
retired from teaching in 1986 after 36 years, his service to the 
education community only represents a portion of his public service.
   Pete has served in multiple positions at local levels of government, 
including the Oildorado Committee, the Kern County Water District, the 
Kern View Community Mental Health Center Committee, the State of 
California Resource Agency, and the Department of Water Resources. 
Notably, he served on the Taft City Council in 1961, where only one 
year later, Pete Gianopulos became Taft's mayor, and served as such 
through 1966.
   Today, Pete continues to serve as an active member of the community. 
As the founder, host and producer of ``Taft Heritage,'' a local 
television program supported by the West Kern Oil Museum and Taft High 
School, and an active writer for his column in the local paper titled 
``Remember When,'' Pete champions the message that there is always 
something to learn from the rich history of the city of Taft.
   Pete's dedication and service to Taft has not gone unnoticed and 
next month, the Taft City Council will proclaim August 23, 2014 as 
``Pete Gianopulos Day.'' On that day, it is my hope that all the 
residents of Taft look to this man's history as a source of inspiration 
for what it means to be a citizen of the people. Mr. Speaker, I ask my 
colleagues to join me in wishing Pete Gianopulos a very happy 90th 
birthday, and thank him for his many years of dedicated service to the 
city of Taft.

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