Duncan Pays Tribute to Dr. Tom Kim

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a Tennessean who has helped thousands of people in need across my district. Dr. Tom Kim came to America after escaping North Korea at the age of 6. Through a strong Christian upbringing and faith in God, he was led to a lifelong devotion of helping others.

Many years ago, I had lunch with Dr. Kim, and he shared with me his wish to open a clinic that provides free health care to the working poor in my district. The clinic would operate with a mission based on the Bible verse Matthew 25:40, ``Whatever you did for the least of these, you did for Me.'' From that vision came The Free Medical Clinic of America, which this year celebrated its 20th anniversary and 11,000th new patient. What started as a small clinic alongside Dr. Kim's own practice in Knoxville has grown to facilities in four other counties.

Most recently, the FBI office in Knoxville gave Dr. Kim the Director's Community Leadership Award. This yearly honor is given to citizens who go above and beyond in service to their communities.

Mr. Speaker, Dr. Tom Kim is one of the most selfless and kindest men I have ever known and is a man who possesses a contagious energy to help others. I wanted to bring his devotion to others to the attention of my colleagues. I hope The Free Medical Clinic of America continues to be an example of humanity and Christian service for many years to come.