[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 82 (Thursday, May 16, 2019)]
[House]
[Pages H3846-H3847]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1015
         HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF SEYMOUR ``SY'' KAPLAN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Ruiz) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. RUIZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Seymour Kaplan, known 
as Sy, a local hero and World War II veteran who passed away on April 
19 at the age of 95.
  Sy was born on February 28, 1924, to Morris and Fannie Kaplan. At 
just 17 years old, Sy enlisted in the U.S.

[[Page H3847]]

Army--17--and, boy, was his father mad. But from a young age, Sy didn't 
let anything get in the way of serving others.
  During World War II, Sy served this country bravely in the 2nd Army 
2nd Corps Division under General George S. Patton.
  Sy fought for 3 years, advancing through Italy, France, and Germany. 
Sy was severely wounded while building a bridge to cross the Rhine 
River into Germany. For his heroism, Sy earned three Battle Stars and 
two Purple Hearts.
  But Sy's service to our Nation did not end with his military service. 
Sy was a lifelong advocate for our local veterans. For 25 years, Sy 
served as the commander of the Disabled American Veterans Chapter 78 in 
the Coachella Valley. His leadership helped countless veterans find 
healing, community, and a sense of purpose. Over the years, Sy also 
helped many homeless veterans find homes and jobs. Sy would show up to 
every townhall, every event, and every community forum, always ready to 
make his voice heard.
  Shortly after I became a Member of Congress, I remember Sy knocking 
on my door and asking: ``Who is this young guy? What does he know about 
veterans?''
  I sat down with Sy, and I immediately recognized his expertise and, 
more importantly, his heart. That is why I asked Sy to serve on my 
veterans advisory board and help my office connect veterans with the 
healthcare and benefits they have earned and deserve.
  Sy said: ``Hell, yeah. Let's do this.''
  When Sy came to our meetings, he would often bring along a veteran in 
need, and before we started the day's agenda, Sy would give that 
veteran the space to tell their story. That was Sy Kaplan: a devoted 
advocate who recognized that good leaders also have to be good 
listeners.
  Sy became one of the visionaries behind Veterans University, my 
annual event to connect veterans with local and Federal resources. 
Among his many accomplishments, Sy was instrumental in bringing the 
Palm Desert VA Clinic to the Coachella Valley. Sy would often visit the 
clinic to, in his own words: ``Make darn sure all of my vets from the 
Coachella Valley are getting good care.''
  Last year, it was my honor to present Sy with the Shirley Powell 
award in recognition of his service to local veterans in our 
communities. I looked to Sy as a trusted adviser and a dear, dear 
friend.
  Sy was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Doris, and his daughter 
Ellen. He is survived by his daughter Ilona and a loving community 
grateful for his leadership and compassion.
  I will always remember Sy's blue Disabled Veterans of America shirt, 
his baseball cap, his energy, and his infectious smile. In Sy's honor, 
let's make ``darn sure,'' as he would say, that we carry his memory in 
our hearts.

                          ____________________