[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 54 (Wednesday, April 15, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2214-S2215]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO SAM KAPOURALES

 Mr. MANCHIN. Mr. President, I wish to recognize a dear friend, 
a dedicated public servant and a passionate West Virginia leader, Sam 
Kapourales, who is celebrating his 80th birthday on April 19, 2015. 
After proudly knowing Sam and his lovely wife Dee for more than four 
decades, it is a special privilege to celebrate Sam's vast achievements 
and his many years of steadfast service to Mingo County, to West 
Virginia, and to our Nation.
  I have never met anyone more humble, community-minded and family-
oriented than Sam. Throughout his 80 years, and still today, Sam has 
always answered the call of service. At every turn of the road--whether 
as the mayor of Williamson in Mingo County for nearly 21 years, as the 
prosperous business owner of Kapourales Properties, as a successful 
pharmacist or as an invaluable member of countless boards and 
organizations that focused on helping others and impacting our local 
communities--Sam has never lost touch with his faith, his family and 
those in need.
  As a devout Mason, Sam has lead a life devoted to personal 
reflection, self-improvement and social betterment. He is a pure, true-
blue West Virginian who has shown time after time that he loves his 
State and the people of West Virginia through his actions of service 
and philanthropy. For instance, Sam served as president of the 
Childhood Language Center in Charleston, where children with speech 
impediments could receive necessary treatments and services.

  He also helped recruit much-needed medical services and physicians to 
the Tug Valley region as a sponsor of the Tug Valley Area Ambulance 
Service. And as proud Shriner and member of the Beni Kedem Temple in 
Charleston, even serving a term as Potentate--a true honor indeed--Sam 
helped raise funds to transport disabled, burnt or sick children to 
regional medical facilities. Sam and Dee even started a scholarship to 
provide additional educational opportunities for graduating seniors at 
Mingo Central High School.
  Yet Sam's tireless community efforts do not even begin to stop there. 
Throughout the years, Sam served as a member on the West Virginia Board 
of Pharmacy, the West Virginia Health Care Authority Board, and the 
West Virginia Housing Development Authority Board. He was Director of 
the First National Bank of Williamson, the First Bank of Charleston, 
the Summit State Bank, and the Energy Services of America Corporation. 
He also chaired the advisory board of Southern West Virginia Community 
College of Nursing.
  Because of his passion, discipline, and staunch work ethic, it is no 
surprise that Sam has been recognized for his community efforts 
multiple times throughout the years. Yet to Sam, he says that the 
greatest of honors bestowed upon him is being a recipient of the 33rd 
Degree of the Scottish Rite, which is only granted for exceptional 
service to Freemasonry. His entire life, I never knew Sam to turn down 
participating in worthwhile cause or helping a neighbor in need. And I 
truly think

[[Page S2215]]

that dedication stems from that of Sam's mission as a heartfelt Mason.
  Sam's unwavering dedication to Mingo County and the Mountain State, 
accompanied by his innovative vision, inspirational spirit, and savvy 
aptitude, have helped countless West Virginians throughout the years. 
His loyalty, trustworthiness, and dedication know no bounds. So today, 
I join his wife Dee his two wonderful daughters, Stephie-Anna and 
Susanna, and all West Virginians in wishing Sam Kapourales a very happy 
birthday. I look forward to celebrating many more birthdays with my 
dear friend for years to come.

                          ____________________