[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 175 (Tuesday, December 6, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1598]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  TO COMMEND THE HONOREES OF THE 2016 KOREAN AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF 
            GREATER WASHINGTON COMMUNITY APPRECIATION NIGHT

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 6, 2016

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the extraordinary 
honorees who will be recognized during the 3rd Annual Community 
Appreciation Night celebration sponsored by the Korean American 
Association of Greater Washington (KAAW.) Although this is the 3rd 
Community Appreciation Night, it is the first in which individuals will 
be recognized for their public service.
  The KAAW strives to inform and engage the Korean American community 
throughout our region. Through its efforts and the efforts of its 
President, So Jung Lim, the organization continues to grow and 
successfully empower Korean Americans to become fully engaged 
participants in our local community and political process. Northern 
Virginia is blessed by its diversity--in fact, it is home to one of the 
largest concentrations of Americans of Korean ancestry in the entire 
country. As the Member of Congress for the 11th District of Virginia 
and the co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Korea, I am proud to 
have partnered with the Korean community on numerous issues, going back 
to my time as a Member and later Chairman of the Fairfax County Board 
of Supervisors. The KAAW has been a constant and invaluable partner in 
these efforts.
  Public service is a core value of our society. Each of us has the 
ability and responsibility to contribute what we can in order to make 
our communities better. Whether it is volunteering at a local school, 
in a community or civic association, at a food bank or other charity, 
or serving in elected office, the efforts of public servants and 
community activists enrich us all. This is especially true for first 
responders and educators. They dedicate their lives to our children, 
our safety, and our future. KAAW has embraced this ethos and tonight 
will honor five first responders and two educators who have gone above 
and beyond the call of duty.
  It is my great honor to include the names of the following 
individuals in recognition of their extraordinary achievements:
  Officer Nicole Ha, Washington Metropolitan Police Department, Special 
Liaison Division--Asian Liaison Unit.
  Dr. Shelly O'Foran, English Department Chair, Freedom High School.
  Police Officer First Class Hyun Chang, Fairfax County Police 
Department.
  Master Deputy Charles Gravatte, Loudoun County Sheriff Office.
  Firefighter Andrew Gode, Loudoun County Department of Fire, Rescue, 
and Emergency Management.
  Alex Morrison, Orchestra Teacher, Centreville High School.
  Officer Jeong Hong, Fairfax County Police Department.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commending these fine 
men and women and congratulate each of them on being honored by KAAW. I 
also wish to extend my sincere appreciation to KAAW for sponsoring this 
event and providing the opportunity for us to express our respect and 
appreciation to each of the honorees.

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