James Oberstar: “H.R. 819 designates the federal building in Medina, Ohio, in honor of former Congressman Donald Pease from the 13th…”

“H.R. 819 designates the federal building in Medina, Ohio, in honor of former Congressman Donald Pease from the 13th district of Ohio. This simple act honors a man whose life embodies the American ideals of hard work personal sacrifice, and service to others. Congressman Pease rose from a typical American background to do uncommon things for his fellow Americans. Growing up, Congressman Pease attended public schools and worked as a newsboy. While in college, he was the editor of the school newspaper, worked for the Athens messenger as a student reporter, and was President of his class. During the summers, he worked as a laborer at an oil refinery to help support himself and pay for college. He went on to earn a masters degree in government from Ohio University, and was a Fulbright Scholar. At 24, Congressman Pease entered the U.S. Army and served for two years, achieving the rank of first lieutenant. Upon leaving the Army, Mr. Pease became co-editor and publisher of the Oberlin News-Tribune, and he remained editor/publisher of the paper until 1972, and as editor until 1976. During that time, the paper received more than 85 awards in journalism, and was voted the best newspaper in Ohio nine times, and the best newspaper in the Nation in its circulation class four times. Congressman Pease began his career in public service in 1960, first as Chairman of the Oberlin Public Utilities Commission, and then serving on the Oberlin City Council.”