In Honor of Alvin 'Sam' Shrader

IN HONOR OF ALVIN "SAM" SHRADER -- (Extensions of Remarks - April 02, 2004)

SPEECH OF HON. ELTON GALLEGLY OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
FRIDAY, APRIL 2, 2004

Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Alvin "Sam" Shrader's dedication to public service as the Breakfast Rotary Club of Camarillo recognizes him for 60 years of perfect Rotary Club attendance.

As my colleagues are aware, the object of Rotary is to encourage and foster the ideal of service in all aspects of one's life-business, personal and community. Alvin Shrader epitomizes that ideal.

Alvin Shrader and his wife, Avis (or Suzy as she's better known), will celebrate 70 years of marriage this June. They have three wonderful children, including my lovely wife, Janice. Alvin Shrader is as dedicated to his wife, children, eight grandchildren, 28 great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchild (soon to be two) as he has been to the Rotary over many decades.

In true Rotary fashion, Alvin Shrader also kept the Rotary ideal alive in his business dealings. He became a chiropractor in the 1930s and helped change its image and acceptability as an active member and past treasurer of the California Chiropractic Association. He is also a lifelong gardener, tending to his vegetables with the same care that he tends to all life.

Rotary has been the social center of Alvin and Avis' life. Prior to joining Rotary in 1945, Alvin was a member of the 20-30 Club's Los Angeles Chapter, where he also marked perfect attendance. He is a former Rotary Club of Los Angeles Southwest president and Avis is a former Rotary Ann.

When on the road, Alvin Shrader makes it a point to make up meetings by visiting other Rotary Clubs. He has attended meetings at clubs in Florida; Salt Lake City; Crystal City, VA; Carson City; St. Louis; Puerto Rico and the Kingdom of Tonga. When he was recently hospitalized with a broken hip, his biggest concern was making up Rotary meetings.

Mr. Speaker, I am blessed to have Alvin and Avis as my in-laws. As patriarch and matriarch of the Shrader family, they set the standard for generations to follow. It is a high standard of love and dedication that any family would be proud to follow. I know my colleagues will join me in recognizing Alvin "Sam" Shrader for a lifetime of service to family, his profession and his community by upholding and living the Rotary ideal.

END