[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 21 (Tuesday, February 7, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E154]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    IN HONOR OF HENRY ``HANK'' ADAMS

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF DENHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 7, 2017

  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the 
life of an exemplary leader in the Turlock Assyrian community, Henry 
``Hank'' Adams. The beloved husband, brother, father, and grandfather 
died at the age of 92 on Friday, February 3, 2017.
  Born and raised in Turlock, California to Reverend Isaac and Sarah 
Adams, Henry was one of eight children. His father is known as the 
patriarch of Turlock's Assyrian community and is honored each year at 
the annual Assyrian Festival. Isaac Adams was the driving force behind 
Turlock becoming home to the largest Assyrian population in California. 
He encouraged his fellow Assyrians to join him in the Central Valley 
and farm in the rich soils of the region.
  In 1943, at the age of 18, Henry graduated from Turlock High School 
and received his draft notice to serve in World War II. Instead, he 
drove to Castle Air Force Base in Atwater, California and enlisted in 
the Army Air Corps. Henry completed over 20 bombing missions in Japan 
on the Lucky Lady B-29 bomber. On August 6, 1945, he remained on 
standby, waiting for an order to take off in case of retaliation after 
the Enola Gay dropped the atomic bomb on Hiroshima while stationed on 
Tinian Island.
  Discharged at the rank of Lieutenant in 1947, Henry moved to San 
Francisco where he married his wife, Joanne Tuohey. He later worked at 
Lockheed Martin Missiles and Space in Sunnyvale and retired in 1989. 
Following his retirement, the couple traveled across the world and 
settled back down in Henry's hometown of Turlock.
  Henry had a genuine love for his country and his community. He was 
known for his service and contributions to the Assyrian community, 
where he continued the legacy that his father left behind. Henry leaves 
behind the love of his life and his wife of sixty-two years, Joanne, 
their two daughters, Nora Adams and Nellie Adams-Morse, two 
grandchildren, and sister Florence Essa Johnson.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and recognizing the life of 
Henry ``Hank'' Adams for his service to his country, his unwavering 
leadership and many accomplishments and contributions to the Turlock 
Assyrian community. God bless him always.

                          ____________________