[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 155 (2009), Part 19]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 26619]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




        ASIAN AMERICAN MEDICAL ASSOCIATION AND MR. GARY MITCHELL

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, November 3, 2009

  Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, it is with sincere admiration that I 
recognize the Asian American Medical Association, which will be hosting 
its 33rd Annual Gala on Saturday, November 7, 2009, 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. Gary Mitchell, President and CEO of Opportunity 
Enterprises, Inc., a non-profit organization that serves to create 
opportunities for individuals with unique challenges and abilities. 
From the beginning, social work was not only a career choice for Gary 
but a way of life. Focused on his calling, Gary graduated from Ball 
State University with a bachelor's degree in social work and went on to 
receive his master's degree in social work from Indiana University. 
After college, Gary held many positions in the social service field, 
and he also has years of experience in business and industry.
  In 1986, Gary joined the team at Opportunity Enterprises as the Chief 
Executive Officer. Opportunity Enterprises has enjoyed unprecedented 
success under Gary's leadership. The company has continued to grow and 
expand. In 1986, the organization served 263 individuals with 
disabilities on a daily basis. Since then, Opportunity Enterprises has 
shown immense growth and now serves over 1,000 individuals. Gary has 
made it his goal to provide day services, residential programs, and 
vocational opportunities for individuals of all ages, whether they have 
physical, emotional, or developmental disabilities. For the past 15 
years, Opportunity Enterprises has received the three-year 
accreditation for the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation 
Facilities (CARF), a not-for-profit organization that establishes 
standards of quality for service to people with disabilities. In 
addition, for his efforts on behalf of his community, Gary has received 
numerous honors, including the President's Award in 1992 and the 
Sagamore of the Wabash in 1993 from then-Governor of Indiana, Evan 
Bayh. For his selfless and passionate support for helping individuals 
to re-establish their roles in community life, Gary is to be commended 
and admired. He is truly an inspiration.
  Gary's dedication to the people he serves is matched only by his 
devotion to his family. Gary has been married to his wife, Paula, for 
42 years. They have three children and seven grandchildren.
  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. Gary Mitchell, 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. Mitchell are to be recognized, and I 
am proud to serve as their representative in Washington, D.C.

                          ____________________