[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 154 (2008), Part 1] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages 1139-1140] [From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]TRIBUTE TO MR GLENN ``OMODIENDE'' REITZ ______ HON. ROBERT A. BRADY of pennsylvania in the house of representatives Tuesday, January 29, 2008 Mr. BRADY of Philadelphia. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life, legacy, and accomplishments of Mr. Glenn ``Omodiende'' Reitz. Glenn Reitz was a scholar, teacher, and socio-political activist, whose life and life's work is a testament of one's ability to triumph over adversity, and transcend race, class, and gender in order to actualize a more humanist conception of community. His African name ``Omodiende'' means ``the child returns''; Glenn's zealous approach to life befits his given name. Glenn was born in Fond du Lac, Wisconsin on April 7, 1964. He served in the U.S. Navy from 1982 to 1994 when he was medically retired. He then enrolled at Temple University in Philadelphia, PA, where he earned a bachelor of arts degree and a master of arts degree in African American Studies. Given his ultimate search for truth, his love of knowledge, and his innovative and ingenious nature, it is no surprise that at the time of his death, Mr. Reitz was in the process of pursuing a PhD in African American Studies. Glenn lived with HIV/AIDS for over 18 years, and in that time created a legacy that can never be replicated. Rejecting his physical condition as a debilitating force, Glenn developed his mind in ways that placed him in a rare class of human beings who do not seek knowledge just for knowledge's sake, but to transcend normal social constructs of race and gender, to transform status quo, and to positively alter our communities. It goes without [[Page 1140]] saying that Glenn was not a genius for genius' sake. Combining his ontology with social activism made Glenn a pillar in his Philadelphia Community. I know that he would find my submission of remarks to the Congressional record in his honor quite ironic and entertaining given the fact that he was very critical of government and many government policies. Even though I know he would debate (and possibly contest) this assertion, I believe that Glenn was the ultimate example of a true American precisely because he challenged and critiqued our system and policy of governance; he truly believed that status quo was never acceptable; that things could always be improved. Glenn's social philanthropy is evidence of his convictions. He worked with the City to develop a safe playground for his North Philadelphia neighborhood, worked with prison programs to directly address the needs of those who are incarcerated, mentored countless young people, taught and participated in many community educational programs on HIV/AIDS, and taught a class on Death and Dying. In 43 brief years, he accomplished what many never achieve in a lifetime. Glenn departed this life on December 14, 2007 and will be sorely missed by his family, friends, loved ones, and community. His phenomenal human spirit should be an inspiration to us all. ____________________