[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 149 (2003), Part 14]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 18651]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING GEORGE EDWIN CHAVEZ

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GRACE F. NAPOLITANO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, July 16, 2003

  Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise with great sadness today to 
honor the life and enormous civic contributions of my dear friend, 
George Edwin Chavez, who passed away from a heart attack on June 14 at 
the age of 66. George was a longtime resident of Whittier, California, 
passionate civic activist and generous friend to many.
  Although he never graduated from high school, George Chavez was an 
inspiration to many by starting several business ventures before 
forming C.A.S.T. Security, Inc., in 1987, serving as its President and 
CEO until his death. The company provided location security services to 
the motion picture industry, and through the company Chavez was 
instrumental in introducing youth and minorities to opportunities 
within the motion picture industry. Chavez was the first Hispanic to do 
security work for the movie industry and hired countless youngsters.
  While Mr. Chavez's business successes are certainly impressive, his 
civic contributions to the community show his true character. He was a 
founding member of the National Association of Latino Elected Officials 
(NALEO). He also served as a Field Representative for former 
Congressman Mathew G. Martinez and worked with the University of 
Southern California's School of Social Work to increase political 
involvement and interest among Hispanics.
  Health issues and youth development were two of George Chavez's key 
priorities. He served on the California Board of Medical Quality 
Assurance and the East Los Angeles Health Task Force. He received 
special recognition from "Familia Unida Living with Multiple Sclerosis" 
for his work and contributions to assisting families and individuals 
living with Multiple Sclerosis. He also served on the boards of the 
Family School Community Partnership, Salesian Boys and Girls Club and 
Los Padrinos. Through C.A.S.T. Security, Inc., he also sponsored 
several youth softball teams.
  Mr. Chavez is survived by his four daughters, Mary, Adela, Georgina, 
and Trisha, eight grandchildren, Richard, George, Natalie, Desiree, 
Christopher, Adrian, Victor, and Jasmine, and countless friends whose 
lives were touched by his work and service. My sincerest condolences 
and prayers to his beloved family and extended family. We will all miss 
him greatly.

                          ____________________