HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF DR. KENT LEE SACK

On 2026-09-21, Representative Mark DeSaulnier (D-CA-10) delivered a floor speech titled "HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF DR. KENT LEE SACK" in the House.

HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF DR. KENT LEE SACK

Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 149 (Monday, September 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 149 (Monday, September 21, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E958-E959] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE OF DR. KENT LEE SACK ______ HON. MARK DeSAULNIER of california in the house of representatives Monday, September 21, 2026 Mr. DeSAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of Dr. Kent Lee Sack. Kent was born in Hettinger, North Dakota, on January 13, 1935. He earned his degree with honor from North Dakota State University where he studied pharmacology. Kent returned to his alma mater later to help build the university's master's program before he went on to medical school at Northwestern University. After medical school, Kent relocated to California where he completed an internship at Orange County General Hospital and later, a family medicine residency at Contra Costa Regional Medical Center. Kent was then drafted into the Navy where he accepted a Marine Corps assignment and served with the First Marine Division in Vietnam. During this time, Kent served as an anesthesiologist, surgeon, and medical troubleshooter, reactivating a Marine Corps MASH unit. For his service in the Marine Corps, Kent was awarded the Bronze Star and Purple Heart. Following his military service, Kent continued to demonstrate his commitment to promoting public health and quality care. He returned to California where he completed a pediatric residency at Los Angeles County USC Medical Center and later returned to Contra Costa Regional Medical Center. Kent was a firm believer that everyone deserved to be [[Page E959]] treated with dignity and compassion. He led the way as an early provider of HIV care in the East Bay during the AIDS epidemic, helping to establish social service agencies for patients. Additionally, he served two terms as chair of Bay Area Physicians for Human Rights. He later went on to be a founding member of the Rainbow Community Center in Concord, providing critical resources and health services to Contra Costa's LGBTQIA+ community. Kent helped to shape the Rainbow Center into the organization it is today, guiding the organization through its early stages of development and leading the Rainbow Center through challenging financial periods. Throughout his career, Kent remained a tireless advocate for equitable, compassionate care. Kent sadly passed away in June of 2026, after greatly serving his country and his community throughout his entire life. Please join me in honoring him for his remarkable impact in our community and his incredible leadership and advocacy. ____________________