[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 2]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 2510]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]


[[Page 2510]]

                          EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS

IN RECOGNITION OF RUBEN PABON, JR., HONOREE OF NOSOTROS MAGAZINE'S 33RD 
                     ANNIVERSARY GALA AWARD BANQUET

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ROBERT MENENDEZ

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 28, 2001

  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ruben Pabon, 
Jr., who will be honored at the 33rd anniversary Gala Award Banquet of 
Nosotros Magazine on Saturday, February 21, 2001. The Banquet is an 
annual event that honors distinguished Hispanic leaders for their 
important contributions to society. This is an opportune time for 
today's Hispanic leaders to reflect on the economic, political, and 
cultural contributions that Hispanics have made to American society.

  Ruben Pabon, Jr. was born in New York City and currently resides in 
New Jersey. He served in the United States Army during the Korean War, 
rising to the rank of sergeant. After being honorably discharged, he 
accepted a position with Pan American World Airways, from which he 
retired in 1987.

  Mr. Pabon has continually exhibited a great passion for community 
service, which began when he joined the Newark Borinquen Lions Club, 
helping to establish outreach programs for the Hispanic community in 
Newark, New Jersey. He was later elected President of the Club, and 
received the Governor's and President's Awards for his hard work and 
dedication.

  Mr. Pabon serves on several housing boards that seek to address the 
problems faced by Hispanic senior citizens and those in need of 
affordable housing in Newark. He currently serves as an active member 
of a task force created by Bergen County Executive Pat Schuber to 
recommend strategies for the implementation of a multi-cultural center 
in Bergen County, New Jersey. In addition, Mr. Pabon is treasurer of 
the Spanish American Cultural Association; a member of the Knights of 
Columbus; a member of the Hispanic Business and Professional 
Association; and a volunteer for the Association for Retarded Citizens 
in Bergen County.

  In honoring Ruben Pabon, Jr., Nosotros Magazine is promoting the most 
important values in American Society today: hard work, dedication, and 
compassion. Mr. Pabon embodies these American ideals; and, throughout 
his career, he has worked tirelessly to provide others with the 
opportunity to meet the standard of excellence he has set.

  Because of community leaders like Mr. Pabon, the Hispanic community 
is not only experiencing economic empowerment, but also political 
strength. Today, we prepare for a future that reflects our years of 
hard work, and our commitment to each other.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Ruben Pabon, Jr. 
for his invaluable contributions to the Hispanic community.

                          ____________________