[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 142 (Tuesday, September 20, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1297-E1298]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING DR. KENJI HAMADA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. ROBERT B. ADERHOLT

                               of alabama

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 20, 2016

  Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize the 
contributions to North Alabama made by Dr. Kenji Hamada of Arizona.
   Dr. Hamada is a highly regarded optometrist who has dedicated his 
life to helping preserve and restore eyesight to countless individuals. 
His care and concern has also extended to those in other states.
   Several years ago through his service with Optometry Cares, Dr. 
Hamada met Alabama State Representative Johnny Mack Morrow and his 
wife, Dr. Martha Morrow, a fellow optometrist, who introduced him to 
North Alabama. At this time, Dr. Hamada was looking to develop a 
program for visually impaired children. Little did he know that a 
program was already in the works between the Helen Keller Birthplace 
Foundation and Optometry Cares--The AOA Foundation. The first ``Camp 
Courage: A Helen Keller Experience'' for blind and severely visually 
impaired children was held in October 2013, and Dr. Hamada was 
immediately sold on the concept and became an advocate and funding 
supporter.
   Since this initial meeting between the Morrows and Dr. Hamada, he 
has dedicated a great deal of his time and resources to support 
programs to help visually challenged children in Alabama. Through his 
support and partnership with organizations like the American Optometric 
Association Foundation, many children have been assisted with or cured 
of their visual impairments. In addition to his support of optometry 
care, he has also financially supported other groups in Alabama such as 
the University of North Alabama Summer Theatre and the Alabama Music 
Hall of Fame.
   I would like to commend Dr. Hamada for his service and dedication to 
the people of North Alabama. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I believe it is 
fitting and proper that Dr. Kenji Hamada be an Honorary Ambassador for 
North Alabama for all his contributions and service to the region.

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