[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 6]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 7997]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING THE ORGANIZATION OF KOREAN AMERICAN WOMEN ON THE OCCASION 
                        OF ITS 50TH ANNIVERSARY

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 4, 2013

  Mr. CONNOLLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the 
Organization of Korean American Women (OKAW) on the occasion of its 
50th anniversary.
   Nearly 1 out of every 4 of the residents in the 11th Congressional 
District of Virginia is foreign born. Asian Americans comprise the 
largest ethnic group, including a large Korean American community. The 
transition to a new home country can be daunting; adapting to different 
customs and learning a new language are only two of the challenges that 
face every immigrant. OKAW has distinguished itself through its 
services to assist those adapting to their new home so they can become 
full participants in our American society.
   OKAW also supports The House of Hope and the Artemis Shelter which 
serve the needs of the most vulnerable immigrants--women who are 
struggling with poverty or are victims of domestic violence, abuse, or 
persecution. These organizations provide women with financial support, 
shelter, and legal assistance so they can gain the skills necessary to 
overcome language and cultural barriers and become self-sufficient.
   These efforts are truly commendable, but as activists and 
humanitarians, OKAW has again expanded its reach to address another 
need--support of our wounded warriors and their families. The upcoming 
anniversary gala will include a special tribute to veterans of the 
Korean War. In addition, OKAW will make a special contribution of 
$20,000 to two organizations which provide assistance to our wounded 
warriors and their families.
   Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
Organization of Korean American Women on the occasion of its 50th 
anniversary and in commending OKAW for its decades of service to our 
community.

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