[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 151 (2005), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages 8552-8553]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




  TRIBUTE TO HOBBY'S DELICATESSEN AND RESTAURANT'S ``OPERATION SALAMI 
                                 DROP''

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DONALD M. PAYNE

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 3, 2005

  Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, earlier today before returning to Washington, 
I had the privilege of participating in a remarkable and inspiring 
event organized by the owners of Hobby's Delicatessen and Restaurant, a 
proud Newark institution for the past ninety-five years. In a spirit of 
generosity and patriotism, Michael and Marc Brummer, co-owners of this 
family-owned and operated establishment, have organized a campaign 
known as ``Operation Salami Drop'' to provide a culinary piece of home 
to our troops in Iraq specifically the 42nd Infantry ``Rainbow'' 
Division based in Tikrit. Initially, Michael sent a care package of 
hard salami and black and white cookies to his former college roommate, 
Captain Michael Rothman, who is currently serving our country in Iraq. 
Upon hearing how well the package was received by Captain Rothman and 
his fellow soldiers, the Brummer brothers decided to send salami to the 
entire 42nd Infantry Division stating, ``We had been looking for 
something we could do for our troops and this was a perfect fit.''
  Having patronized Hobby's for many years, I can attest to the fact 
that this show of community spirit is in keeping with the reputation of 
this wonderful institution that has served generations of New 
Jerseyans, New Yorkers and connoisseurs of the deli world. As a young 
executive at Prudential, I would converse with the older Mr. Brummer, 
who would engage his customers in lively conversation. When other 
businesses moved to the suburbs, Hobby's remained a part of our 
neighborhood, faithfully serving their loyal customers. The business 
has been owned by Samuel Brummer since 1962, and his sons joined him in 
the late 1980's. Sam's lovely wife Ronni handles accounts receivables, 
and his hardworking 94-year-old mother-in-law Helen still handles the 
bills.
  The Newark community has rallied around our troops by participating 
in ``Operation Salami Drop''. For ten dollars, customers can buy a 
salami and deli mustard to send to a solider in the 42nd. Customers 
also have a chance to write a note to the soldier receiving the 
package, adding a nice personal touch.
  The Newark Branch of the United States Postal Service also became 
involved by providing boxes and assisting in the shipping process. ``It 
doesn't matter how you feel about the war,'' Marc Brummer said. ``This 
is a chance to show the troops that you care about them.''
  Today Hobby's hosted the ``Departure Ceremony,'' shipping the first 
two tons of salamis to Iraq. Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues here in 
the U.S. House of Representatives join me in honoring Hobby's 
Delicatessen and expressing our gratitude for the contribution they 
have made to our troops overseas.

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