The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING HERMAN KLEINER
______
HON. DEREK KILMER
of washington
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
Mr. KILMER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to extend my sincere congratulations and birthday wishes to one of my constituents, Herman Kleiner, who is celebrating his 100th birthday on Tuesday, August 24, 2021.
Herman was born into a Jewish family to Pauline and Morris Kleiner, in Tacoma, Washington, August 24th, 1921. A proud product of the Tacoma Public School system, Herman attended Bryant, Jason Lee, and Stadium High School and went on to attend the College of Puget Sound where he majored in sociology and became a member of the Delta Kappa Psi fraternity. During World War II, Herman served in the United States Air Force and, upon his return, went into business with his father, Morris, at Model Lumber Company.
Mr. Kleiner recalls working with his father for many years--including his school age years--as the two had a wonderful relationship. He would work at the lumberyard during the year and then go to Aleph Zadik Aleph
(AZA) summer youth camp at the end of every summer. He became a member of the AZA and was presented with an opportunity to attend a national AZA Convention with the debate team, which he really enjoyed doing. Mr. Kleiner and many friends formed the first Aleph Zadik Aleph chapter in Tacoma.
After his retirement in the early 1990's, Mr. Kleiner and his spouse Barbara had the pleasure of welcoming Russian Jews from the Soviet Union who were coming to the United States. Through their work and service, they were able to aid in the resettlement of about 33 Jewish families from the Soviet Union, helping to secure apartments before they arrived, assisting with furnishings and household goods, and transporting them from the airport to their new homes. Recounting his experience Mr. Kleiner recalled, ``It was absolutely one of the most wonderous parts of our life.''
In addition to his work welcoming Russian Jews into our community, Mr. Kleiner's passion for serving his community and giving back can be seen in his active engagement with numerous civic organizations throughout Tacoma, including: Temple Beth El, United Jewish Appeal, the Jewish Cemetery Board, and the Stadium Alumni Association.
Madam Speaker, it is an honor today to celebrate Mr. Herman Kleiner on his 100th birthday, whose love for his community has never wavered and whose service to his country and community is greatly appreciated and will be long remembered.
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SOURCE: Congressional Record Vol. 167, No. 150
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