[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 153 (2007), Part 23]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 32289]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                     A TRIBUTE TO JAMES P. FREELAND

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                          HON. EDOLPHUS TOWNS

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 5, 2007

  Mr. TOWNS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and honor James 
P. Freeland. James was born January 7, 1940, in Durham, NC, to Willie 
and Annie Freeland. The youngest of six children, at age 11 he was 
selected as one of the Red Feather Poster Kids for the United Way 
Campaign representing the John Avery Boys Club for the city of Durham. 
He graduated high school in 1958 and was later employed by a local 
supermarket for 7 years as the assistant butcher.
  James joined the U.S. Air Force in January 1962. He received an 
honorable discharge in 1966 and 3 years later moved to Brooklyn, New 
York, in May 1969. In February 1970, James obtained employment with the 
New York Telephone Company where he worked as a service technician and 
assistant manager. In September 1999, he retired from Verizon 
Communications after 29 years of dedicated service.
  James joined New Canaan Baptist Church, the same year he married 
Gennie Chennault. In 1980, their daughter Jamelia was born. He is a 
member of the mass choir and the North Carolina Club. James also serves 
as the Men's Day chairman and president of the Building Fund Committee. 
In addition, he sings with the male choir and is a member of the 
trustee board, the Missionary Disciples Outreach Ministry and donates 
his time as a Sunday school teacher.
  Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize James P. Freeland for his 
huge heart and generous spirit. He is a man who has a great sense of 
humor and who is always willing to lend a helping hand.
  Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to 
James P. Freeland.

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