[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 30 (Thursday, February 15, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H642-H643]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              {time}  1015
                 BRING RAN GVILI AND ALL HOSTAGES HOME

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Nebraska (Mr. Bacon) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. BACON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to share the story of Ran 
Gvili. Ran is a 24-year-old who loves playing guitar and, like me, has 
a passion for motorcycles.
  On October 7, Ran was waiting for an operation when he heard what was 
happening. He left the house to go help and became one of the more than 
240 men, women, children, and elderly who were brutally kidnapped by 
Hamas terrorists.
  He and 134 hostages are still held captive in Gaza, enduring 
unthinkable torture and trauma. I stand here today to demand that Hamas 
release Ran immediately, along with all the remaining hostages.
  Those who have been released have shared horror stories about sexual 
abuse, children being forced to take drugs, and inhumane conditions.
  We must stand with Israel as it works to destroy Hamas and free its 
citizens wrongfully held by the terror group.
  Israel has proven its willingness to pause the fighting for hostages 
to be returned home. Despicably, Hamas broke the first hostage deal, 
just as it broke a cease-fire that was in place before October 7.
  I call on all nations with ties to Hamas to increase the pressure on 
this terrorist group to immediately free all

[[Page H643]]

those it is holding captive. It is time to bring Ran and all the 
hostages home.


            Celebrating Contributions of John and Viv Ewing

  Mr. BACON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a great couple 
from Omaha. It is my pleasure to rise during Black History Month to 
acknowledge the important contributions that African Americans have 
made and continue to make to American society. Today, I honor two 
extraordinary citizens, John and Dr. Viv Ewing, from Omaha, who have 
made long-lasting professional and personal contributions to the Second 
District of Nebraska.
  In September 2024, John and Viv will celebrate their 40th wedding 
anniversary. Guided by their faith, their marriage has been a 
demonstration of faith, service, and civic engagement. They have passed 
along their strong work ethic and communal leadership to their 
daughters, Christina and Alexandria, who also have extensive community 
service experience with the Salvation Army, the Leukemia & Lymphoma 
Society, the Girl Scouts of America, and the Open Door Mission.
  John Ewing served the citizens of Omaha for 24 years, retiring as the 
deputy chief of police for the Omaha Police Department. During that 
time, he served as unit commander of the Special Victims Unit, 
investigating crimes committed against women and children, the most 
vulnerable of our society.
  With this experience, John hoped to develop legislation to more 
effectively address crimes committed against women and children. Ten 
new State statutes have become law as a result of his effort to protect 
our citizens.
  For 17 years, John has held public office as the Douglas County 
treasurer. In this role, he is responsible for the collection of over 
$1.7 billion in taxes for Douglas County, the largest county in my 
district.
  John has continuously volunteered his time serving our community, 
having been involved in over 60 nonprofit boards.
  Dr. Viv Ewing has devoted her professional career to serving 
communities across the Second District. Viv is currently the president 
and CEO at Children's Square U.S.A., a child welfare organization that 
provides programs and services for vulnerable children and families. 
She has previously served in nonprofit leadership positions at 
PromiseShip, Alzheimer's Association of Nebraska, Habitat for Humanity, 
American Red Cross, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and many more notable 
organizations.
  Viv is the founder and president of the Ewing Group, a consulting 
company that helps women, small business owners, corporations, 
universities, and organizations rise to success.
  Viv understands the value of education and spent many years teaching 
at major universities and colleges. She is the author of a motivational 
book, ``Yes! You Can Have Your Cake and Eat It Too,'' in which she 
shares her strategies for achieving more success and fulfillment.
  John and Viv Ewing are servant leaders and have worked on initiatives 
and volunteered for organizations that strengthen families, children, 
and the community, such as United Way, Great Plains Black History 
Museum, 100 Black Men of Omaha, Salvation Army North Corps, Siena 
Francis House, Child Saving Institute, Charles Drew Health Center, and 
more.
  They have received many awards and accolades for their actions and 
recently were awarded the Face on the Barroom Floor by the Omaha Press 
Club. In addition, they both serve as associate ministers for Salem 
Baptist Church, which has played an important role in the history of 
African Americans in Omaha.
  I thank John and Viv for their past, current, and future 
contributions to our city, State, and country.

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