[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 114 (Thursday, July 6, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E944]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    HONORING WILLIAM K.W. KIM, RECIPIENT OF THE AMERICAN DREAM AWARD

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, July 6, 2017

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. 
William K.W. Kim, whom I have selected to receive the American Dream 
Award. This award recognizes the achievements of immigrants in my 
district who have made remarkable contributions to California's 5th 
Congressional District communities in the areas of Arts and Culture, 
Professional Achievement, Entrepreneurship and Innovation, or Community 
Service. Mr. Kim exemplifies these attributes and is very deserving of 
this award and recognition.
  Mr. Kim was born in Daegu, South Korea and immigrated to the United 
States. He and his wife Yolanda came to Vallejo in 1980. He is a 
successful business owner and a hard-working member of our community.
  Over the past 36 years, Mr. Kim taught over 10,000 students to be 
leaders in society through Taekwondo in Vallejo. The philosophy of 
Taekwondo and Mr. Kim's teaching have helped students from all walks of 
life. Many struggling young people have found support and personal 
growth through their lessons from Mr. Kim. He currently operates 
William Kim's Taekwondo Center, one of the nation's largest martial 
arts facilities. He holds the highest rank in Taekwondo, the 9th Degree 
Black Belt, and was inducted into the ``Taekwondo Hall of Fame'' in 
2009.
  In addition to running his business and mentoring our youth, Mr. Kim 
is an active member of the Vallejo community. Most notably, he 
initiated the Sister City Relations with Jincheon, South Korea and the 
City of Vallejo in 1999. He has helped us improve our community's 
relationship with the people of South Korea. Mr. Kim currently serves 
as the International Liaison Officer for the two cities. Mr. Kim and 
his wife have a son and two daughters. They strive to live positive 
lives and help others do the same.
  Mr. Speaker, we recognize Mr. William K.W. Kim for his achievements 
and for enriching our community. It is fitting and proper that we honor 
him here today with the American Dream Award.

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