[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 107 (Wednesday, June 26, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E668-E669]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING PAUL AND SANDY PIMENTEL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 26, 2024

  Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Paul and Sandra 
``Sandy'' Pimentel. Both raised in Quincy, Massachusetts, Paul and 
Sandy first met as kids and began a friendship that would last a 
lifetime and eventually grow into a marriage spanning five decades. 
After graduating high school, Paul went on to attend Harvard 
University, where he received a degree in engineering and applied 
physics, before serving in Vietnam as a lieutenant in the United States 
Army. Sandy went on to attend the University of Massachusetts Boston 
and the Lynn Hospital School of Nursing, where she respectively 
received her

[[Page E669]]

Bachelor of Arts in management of human services and a degree in 
nursing. After Paul and Sandy got married in 1965, the young couple 
moved to Long Beach, California, while Paul completed his military 
training, before moving to Albion, Michigan, where the Pimentels 
settled for many years with their children. In Albion, Sandy and Paul 
became active in forums and discussions at their church regarding 
racial integration and inequality as the civil rights movement 
continued to progress. It was also during this time that Sandy became 
friends with Barbara Gladney, and together the Pimentels and Gladneys 
started a dinner club called the ``Melting Pot.'' The multicultural 
social group gained such popularity that the dinners had to be moved to 
large event halls. After returning to Massachusetts, Sandy and Paul 
continued their important work advancing social change. Paul became the 
youngest Deputy Secretary of State for Massachusetts and helped to 
create Vineyard Power, a clean energy cooperative bringing offshore 
wind power to the Cape and Islands. Sandy served as the Director of 
Human Services for the Norfolk County District Attorney's office and 
received awards from the Department of Interior for her work 
implementing the Alliance Against Racism and Violence Program and from 
the State of California for her efforts to empower young people to 
address racism in their communities.
  Sadly, we lost Paul too soon on February 5, 2019, at the age of 76. 
Beyond their professional achievements, what Paul and Sandy valued most 
during their 53 years of marriage was their family. Together they 
raised their five children, Lisa, Christopher, Susan, Courtney, and 
Joanie, and many foster children. The hallmark of the Pimentel family 
has always been their dedication to uplifting those in their community 
and willingness to provide a warm and welcoming home for those who need 
it most. Over the years, the Pimentels have established themselves as a 
pillar of the Martha's Vineyard community, serving on countless 
committees and boards for local organizations, including Martha's 
Vineyard Community Services and the Martha's Vineyard Diversity 
Coalition Board of Trustees. To celebrate Sandy and Paul's work and 
commitment to helping others, Martha's Vineyard Community Services is 
holding a dedication ceremony for the newly named Paul and Sandra 
Pimentel Early Childhood Center on June 26, 2024.
  Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Paul and Sandy Pimentel, and I ask 
that my colleagues join me in thanking them and celebrating their 
dedication to supporting and advocating for those in their community.

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