September 29, 2020 - Issue: Vol. 166, No. 169 — Daily Edition116th Congress (2019 - 2020) - 2nd Session

[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E891-E892]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING THE LIFE OF JOHN ERIC SWING

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JIMMY GOMEZ

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 29, 2020

  Mr. GOMEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
leadership of John Eric Swing, whose service to the members of Los 
Angeles' Historic Filipinotown and greater Filipino-American community 
will not be forgotten.

[[Page E892]]

  John's passion for service began even before he championed community 
service and empowerment in the community. It was during his college 
years as an ethnic-studies student at University of California, 
Riverside that John started learning about and developing his Filipino-
American identity, eventually starting the Asian American fraternity 
Psi Chi Omega and continuing to serve in community organizations 
throughout college. Upon graduating, he served his country as part of 
the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves, receiving a National Defense Service 
Medal, a Good Conduct Medal, and a Rifle Expert Marksman badge during 
his six years with the Marine Corps. John then spent the rest of his 
career and life dedicated to advocacy and service.
  John had only recently been appointed as the Executive Director of 
Search to Involve Pilipino Americans (SIPA), an organization in my 
district that seeks to enrich and empower Filipino Americans by 
providing important health and human services, community economic 
development, and cultural enrichment. Previously, he led SIPA's small 
business counseling services and entrepreneurship program as a staff 
member. Even before his term as Executive Director began, John was out 
there on the frontlines. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, he delivered 
food to seniors and underserved families and led wellness and cultural 
webinars. John even secured critical funding to support SIPA's outreach 
programs and was later honored by the state legislature as one of the 
``Unsung Heroes of Southern California.''
  What stands out to all those who worked with John over the years is 
his work ethic, his selflessness, and his unwavering commitment to 
serving all communities, regardless of people's race, ethnicity or 
background.
  John's lifetime of dedication and service will be remembered and 
greatly missed by all whom he encountered and all those who were 
impacted by his tremendous work. May it bring comfort to his family, 
friends, and loved ones that so many are celebrating the life John led 
and praying for them at this time.

                          ____________________