[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 157 (2011), Part 3]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 4450]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




TO CONGRATULATE STEVE P. CHOI ON BEING NAMED THE 36TH PRESIDENT OF THE 
    KOREAN AMERICAN ASSOCIATION OF THE WASHINGTON METROPOLITAN AREA

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 17, 2011

  Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, as the incoming co-chair of 
the Congressional Caucus on Korea, it is my great honor to congratulate 
Steve P. Choi on being named the 36th President of the Korean American 
Association of the Washington Metropolitan Area.
  My community, the 11th Congressional District of Virginia, is 
enriched by its great diversity. More than 1 in 4 residents are foreign 
born and 40% are minorities. Asian-Americans, particularly Korean-
Americans, comprise the largest ethnic population. The National Capital 
Region is home to more than 80,000 Korean-Americans making this area 
the third largest Korean community in the United States. Fairfax 
County, which I represent, has a sister-city relationship with the 
Songpa-gu district of Seoul, Korea.
  The Korean-American community contributes immeasurably to the 
Northern Virginia region. A large percent of businesses in the area are 
owned and operated by Korean-Americans, who provide a robust variety of 
jobs, goods, and services to local residents. The strong character and 
work ethic displayed in the Korean-American community are consistent 
with that of so many immigrant groups who have come before. Education 
is highly regarded and sought after, and honesty, integrity and dignity 
are values that are instilled at a young age and continue to develop 
throughout life.
  The Korean American Association of the Washington Metropolitan Area 
plays a critical role in providing information, opportunities, and 
services to local Korean-Americans. Throughout my career, first as a 
district Supervisor, then as Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of 
Supervisors and now as the U.S. Congressman representing this district, 
I have worked closely with the Korean American Association of the 
Washington Metropolitan Area as well as other Korean-American groups to 
ensure that the needs of the community are addressed and that its 
voices are heard. I look forward to working with Mr. Choi as he begins 
his term as president of this esteemed organization so that together we 
can continue the progress toward achieving of our common goals.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Steve 
P. Choi on being named the 36th President of the Korean American 
Association of the Washington Metropolitan Area and in wishing him 
continued success.

                          ____________________