[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 166 (Friday, November 18, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1520]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JACK H. BROWN

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. PETE AGUILAR

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 18, 2016

  Mr. AGUILAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of both myself and 
Representative Ken Calvert from Riverside County to honor and pay 
tribute to the remarkable Jack H. Brown who passed away on Sunday, 
November 13, 2016. Jack was a pillar of the community in the Inland 
Empire, California, and he will be deeply missed.
  A native of San Bernardino, California, Jack began his career in the 
grocery business as a box boy at Berk's Market Spot in San Bernardino 
when he was just thirteen years old. In 1981, Jack was hired by Stater 
Bros. Markets, where he would serve as President and Chief Executive 
Officer for over thirty-five years and as Chairman for over thirty 
years. Jack's leadership and wisdom allowed Stater Bros. Markets to 
become Southern California's largest privately-owned supermarket chain, 
and as of 2015, the Inland Empire's largest private employer.
  During the Vietnam War era, Jack proudly served his nation in the 
Navy and as a sailor in the Pacific Fleet. In the years after his 
military service, Jack would become a strong supporter of our armed 
forces and our nation's veterans. In recognition of his support and the 
many contributions of Stater Bros., Jack received the ``Friend of the 
Veteran Award'' from the Riverside National Cemetery's Veterans' 
Advisory Committee as well as the Congressional Medal of Honor 
Society's highest honor, the ``Patriot Award.'' He was also a recipient 
of the prestigious Horatio Alger Award in honor of his efforts to 
fulfill the ``American Dream'' and for his contributions to our nation. 
Jack is survived by his wife Debbie, three beloved daughters: J. 
Kathleen Smith (Michael Smith), Cara Hoffman (Scott Hoffman) and 
Melissa Koss (Pete Koss). He had seven grandchildren, Kaitlyn, Colleen, 
Caden, Dylan, Julianna, Jack Ryan and Emma.
  Jack's life serves as an inspiration to all of us, reminding us that 
a strong work ethic and a dedication to serving others can lead to a 
lifetime of happiness and fulfillment. His commitment to our country 
and community, as well as his love for his family and work, has 
cemented his legacy as a true leader in our region. We are honored to 
have been able to call Jack a friend, and we will always miss him. Our 
hearts go out to Jack's friends and family as they navigate this loss, 
but we know they may take comfort in the fact that the positive impacts 
he made on our community will be felt by generations to come.

                          ____________________