[Congressional Record Volume 167, Number 150 (Tuesday, August 24, 2021)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E923]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING HERMAN KLEINER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DEREK KILMER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, August 24, 2021

  Mr. KILMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to extend my sincere 
congratulations and birthday wishes to one of my constituents, Herman 
Kleiner, who is celebrating his 100th birthday on Tuesday, August 24, 
2021.
  Herman was born into a Jewish family to Pauline and Morris Kleiner, 
in Tacoma, Washington, August 24th, 1921. A proud product of the Tacoma 
Public School system, Herman attended Bryant, Jason Lee, and Stadium 
High School and went on to attend the College of Puget Sound where he 
majored in sociology and became a member of the Delta Kappa Psi 
fraternity. During World War II, Herman served in the United States Air 
Force and, upon his return, went into business with his father, Morris, 
at Model Lumber Company.
  Mr. Kleiner recalls working with his father for many years--including 
his school age years--as the two had a wonderful relationship. He would 
work at the lumberyard during the year and then go to Aleph Zadik Aleph 
(AZA) summer youth camp at the end of every summer. He became a member 
of the AZA and was presented with an opportunity to attend a national 
AZA Convention with the debate team, which he really enjoyed doing. Mr. 
Kleiner and many friends formed the first Aleph Zadik Aleph chapter in 
Tacoma.
  After his retirement in the early 1990's, Mr. Kleiner and his spouse 
Barbara had the pleasure of welcoming Russian Jews from the Soviet 
Union who were coming to the United States. Through their work and 
service, they were able to aid in the resettlement of about 33 Jewish 
families from the Soviet Union, helping to secure apartments before 
they arrived, assisting with furnishings and household goods, and 
transporting them from the airport to their new homes. Recounting his 
experience Mr. Kleiner recalled, ``It was absolutely one of the most 
wonderous parts of our life.''
  In addition to his work welcoming Russian Jews into our community, 
Mr. Kleiner's passion for serving his community and giving back can be 
seen in his active engagement with numerous civic organizations 
throughout Tacoma, including: Temple Beth El, United Jewish Appeal, the 
Jewish Cemetery Board, and the Stadium Alumni Association.
  Madam Speaker, it is an honor today to celebrate Mr. Herman Kleiner 
on his 100th birthday, whose love for his community has never wavered 
and whose service to his country and community is greatly appreciated 
and will be long remembered.

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