Bring Ran Gvili and All Hostages Home
Floor Speech
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Mr. BACON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to share the story of Ran Gvili. Ran is a 24-year-old who loves playing guitar and, like me, has a passion for motorcycles.
On October 7, Ran was waiting for an operation when he heard what was happening. He left the house to go help and became one of the more than 240 men, women, children, and elderly who were brutally kidnapped by Hamas terrorists.
He and 134 hostages are still held captive in Gaza, enduring unthinkable torture and trauma. I stand here today to demand that Hamas release Ran immediately, along with all the remaining hostages.
Those who have been released have shared horror stories about sexual abuse, children being forced to take drugs, and inhumane conditions.
We must stand with Israel as it works to destroy Hamas and free its citizens wrongfully held by the terror group.
Israel has proven its willingness to pause the fighting for hostages to be returned home. Despicably, Hamas broke the first hostage deal, just as it broke a cease-fire that was in place before October 7.
I call on all nations with ties to Hamas to increase the pressure on this terrorist group to immediately free all those it is holding captive. It is time to bring Ran and all the hostages home. Celebrating Contributions of John and Viv Ewing
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Mr. BACON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a great couple from Omaha. It is my pleasure to rise during Black History Month to acknowledge the important contributions that African Americans have made and continue to make to American society. Today, I honor two extraordinary citizens, John and Dr. Viv Ewing, from Omaha, who have made long-lasting professional and personal contributions to the Second District of Nebraska.
In September 2024, John and Viv will celebrate their 40th wedding anniversary. Guided by their faith, their marriage has been a demonstration of faith, service, and civic engagement. They have passed along their strong work ethic and communal leadership to their daughters, Christina and Alexandria, who also have extensive community service experience with the Salvation Army, the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, the Girl Scouts of America, and the Open Door Mission.
John Ewing served the citizens of Omaha for 24 years, retiring as the deputy chief of police for the Omaha Police Department. During that time, he served as unit commander of the Special Victims Unit, investigating crimes committed against women and children, the most vulnerable of our society.
With this experience, John hoped to develop legislation to more effectively address crimes committed against women and children. Ten new State statutes have become law as a result of his effort to protect our citizens.
For 17 years, John has held public office as the Douglas County treasurer. In this role, he is responsible for the collection of over $1.7 billion in taxes for Douglas County, the largest county in my district.
John has continuously volunteered his time serving our community, having been involved in over 60 nonprofit boards.
Dr. Viv Ewing has devoted her professional career to serving communities across the Second District. Viv is currently the president and CEO at Children's Square U.S.A., a child welfare organization that provides programs and services for vulnerable children and families. She has previously served in nonprofit leadership positions at PromiseShip, Alzheimer's Association of Nebraska, Habitat for Humanity, American Red Cross, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and many more notable organizations.
Viv is the founder and president of the Ewing Group, a consulting company that helps women, small business owners, corporations, universities, and organizations rise to success.
Viv understands the value of education and spent many years teaching at major universities and colleges. She is the author of a motivational book, ``Yes! You Can Have Your Cake and Eat It Too,'' in which she shares her strategies for achieving more success and fulfillment.
John and Viv Ewing are servant leaders and have worked on initiatives and volunteered for organizations that strengthen families, children, and the community, such as United Way, Great Plains Black History Museum, 100 Black Men of Omaha, Salvation Army North Corps, Siena Francis House, Child Saving Institute, Charles Drew Health Center, and more.
They have received many awards and accolades for their actions and recently were awarded the Face on the Barroom Floor by the Omaha Press Club. In addition, they both serve as associate ministers for Salem Baptist Church, which has played an important role in the history of African Americans in Omaha.
I thank John and Viv for their past, current, and future contributions to our city, State, and country.
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