[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 18]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 24506]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




          ASIAN AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION 32ND ANNUAL GALA-

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                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 9, 2008

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with sincere admiration that I 
recognize the Asian American Medical Association, which will be hosting 
its 32nd Annual Gala on Saturday, November 8, 2008, at the Avalon Manor 
in Merrillville, Indiana. Each year, the Asian American Medical 
Association pays tribute to prominent, outstanding citizens and 
organizations for their contributions to the community. In recognition 
of their efforts, these honorees are awarded the prestigious Crystal 
Globe Award each year at this annual banquet.
  The Asian American Medical Association has always been a great asset 
to Northwest Indiana. Its members have selflessly dedicated themselves 
to providing quality medical service to the residents of Indiana's 
First Congressional District, and they have always demonstrated 
exemplary service through their many cultural, scholastic, and 
charitable endeavors.
  At this year's charity ball, the Asian American Medical Association 
will present the Crystal Globe Award to one of Northwest Indiana's 
finest citizens, Mr. James Gagan. Born in Chicago, Illinois on May 6, 
1930, James Lawrence Gagan learned the importance of serving his 
community from a young age. This would become evident in his two 
separate stints in the United States Army between 1948 and 1954. 
Following his military service, Jim, as he is known by those closest to 
him, relocated to Northwest Indiana in 1956 and worked as a finance 
company manager until 1958. At that time, he founded a collection and 
prorating business now owned and operated by his brother, Larry. An 
astute businessman, Mr. Gagan later moved on to the oil industry when, 
in 1963, he founded United Penn Oil and Gas Company. Focusing on the 
leasing, drilling, and production of oil and gas wells, the company 
expanded to serve an area covering nine states. Remarkably, Jim's 
entrepreneurial success did not end there. In 1971, he conceived a new 
company that incorporated with United Consumers Club, Inc. Now known as 
Direct Buy, this company is now the most successful private buying club 
in the world, with more than one million members and 163 locations 
throughout the United States and Canada. Beginning with the vision of 
Jim Gagan, Direct Buy has become the gold standard in the merchandising 
industry. Mr. Gagan's impressive contributions to his industry are 
truly a source of pride for the First Congressional District. In 
addition, Jim has also been a partner in the development of one of 
California's premier golf clubs, Big Horn Country Club in Palm Desert, 
California, which has gained national recognition, and he has been an 
active participant in the restoration of Innsbrook Country Club, one of 
Indiana's oldest golf courses.
  While his resume is already impressive in and of itself, it is his 
service to those in need throughout the Nation that is most 
astonishing. Entirely funded by profits from Direct Buy, Jim formed the 
Friendship Foundation in May of 1985. This outstanding foundation, like 
Jim, is solely focused on improving the quality of life for those who 
are in need. Since its inception, the Friendship Foundation has 
contributed, both locally and nationally, to many people through 
organizations such as: Habitat for Humanity, the Salvation Army, 
Christian Haven Homes, Shults-Lewis Homes, Ronald McDonald House, The 
Caring Place, Baptist Children's Homes, Visiting Nurses Association, 
Meals on Wheels, Hebrew Association for the Deaf, Greater Hammond 
Community Center, Special Olympics, Opportunity Enterprises, Wycliffe 
Bible Translators, Respite Care Services, Boys and Girls Clubs of 
America, Boy Scouts of America, Lake County Child Abuse Center, Hospice 
Home Care, Children's Memorial Hospitals of Indianapolis and Chicago, 
as well as many local food pantries, churches, and civic charities. 
Also, through Direct Buy, local nursing homes have annually received 
more than 1,500 Christmas gifts, consisting of much needed goods, and 
more than 1,000 children have had a brighter Christmas thanks to their 
efforts through the local Angel Tree project. For his efforts on behalf 
of his community, Jim has received many honors, including the 
prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash, presented by the governor of the 
State of Indiana, in 1981.
  Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues 
join me in commending the Asian American Medical Association, as well 
as this year's Crystal Globe Award recipient, Mr. James Gagan, for 
their outstanding contributions to their communities and beyond. Their 
unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for the people 
of Northwest Indiana and throughout the United States is truly 
inspirational. For these reasons, the Asian American Medical 
Association, its members, and Mr. Gagan are to be recognized, and I am 
proud to serve as their representative in Washington, DC.

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