[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7722]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




    IN RECOGNITION OF ASIAN PACIFIC AMERICAN HERITAGE MONTH HONOREES

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Monday, May 5, 2008

  Ms. MATSUI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the everyday 
heroes in Sacramento whose commitment in the areas of business, 
education, and community involvement are unparalleled. The men and 
women being honored this afternoon are dedicated to a diverse 
Sacramento and their tireless efforts have made a substantial 
difference in our neighborhoods. As they gather to celebrate Asian 
Pacific American Heritage Month, I ask all my colleagues to join me in 
honoring these fine Sacramentans.
  With the month of May being Asian Pacific American Heritage month, it 
is important that we take time to honor individual members of the Asian 
Pacific Islander Community who go above and beyond in their commitment 
to community service. One such individual is a Moses Auwae, a retired 
Army serviceman. Upon his departure from the military, Mr. Auwae 
dedicated himself to improving the lives of future generations. Mr. 
Auwae's work with developmentally disabled children at the Laurel Ruff 
School helped him win the Outstanding Service to Children and Adults 
with Developmental Disabilities Award in 1991 from the Association for 
Retarded Citizens. Additionally, Mr. Auwae has been an active community 
volunteer, making a difference in many lives.
  Over the last few decades, Tom Fujimoto has been a diligent advocate 
for preserving the heritage of Japanese Americans. Working as the 
trustee to the Wakamatsu Tea & Silk Colony, Mr. Fujimoto has been 
instrumental in safeguarding this historical landmark, one of the first 
Japanese settlements in the United States. In addition to his efforts 
in ensuring Japanese American's proper place in history, Mr. Fujimoto 
has lent his expertise and knowledge to numerous Sacramento groups. He 
has served on the Board of the Sacramento Regional Historical Project, 
the National Japanese American Historical Society, the Tule Lake/
Linkville Cemetery Project and was President of the Sacramento Japanese 
American Citizens League. Mr. Fujimoto has served the community 
admirably and his efforts have made significant strides for the 
betterment of our region.
  Throughout the years, Ms. Aeyon Lee has been a leader in the 
Sacramento community helping to promote healthy living to ensure that 
the concerns of the neediest among us are heard by policymakers. From 
her work encouraging civic participation to her volunteering at the 
WIND Youth Services, Ms. Lee recognizes the importance of giving back 
to the community. Serving on the board for the Placer County American 
Cancer Society and currently as the President of the Sacramento Korean 
American Cancer Support Group, Ms. Lee has been a fundamental link in 
connecting community organizations with the resources they need to 
succeed.
  Ms. Linda Ng has actively worked to ensure the civil rights of all 
Sacramentans and has strived to end discrimination in our 
neighborhoods. From her work with the Satendar Singh Justice Coalition 
to her appointment by Governor Schwarzenegger to the Fair Employment 
and Housing Commission, Ms. Ng has provided a steady and unwavering 
voice for every ethnicity. As President of the Organization of Chinese 
Americans, Sacramento, Ms. Ng organized Chinese New Year celebrations 
and the Pacific Rim Street Festival, both which have helped raise 
cultural awareness and encouraged community participation. Ms. Ng's 
leadership also accounted for a very successful OCA National Convention 
this past summer in Sacramento.
  As the only Vietnamese American to attain the rank of captain in all 
law enforcement in California, Captain Trang Tro has been an 
inspiration to Asian Pacifc Americans everywhere. As a community leader 
and member of the Sacramento County Sheriff's Department, Captain Tro 
understands the need to protect and serve all of Sacramento's 
neighborhoods. Working as a public safety liaison, Captain Tro has been 
involved in many worthy endeavors such as OCA's Hate Crime Conference 
and the District Attorney's Citizens Academy. I thank Captain Tro for 
his efforts to strengthen the ties between law enforcement and 
Sacramento's diverse neighborhoods.
  Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize these worthy honorees who 
have worked tirelessly and often behind the scenes to ensure that 
Sacramento is a better place to live. As we celebrate Asian Pacific 
American Heritage Month, I applaud the spirit embodied by these local 
heroes. On behalf of the people of Sacramento and the Fifth 
Congressional District of California, I ask all my colleagues to join 
me in acknowledging the efforts and important role these individuals 
have played in helping Sacramento flourish.

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