Paul Cook

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and accomplishments of Robert Ralph Dunn who passed away on May 11, 2020 at the age of 76. Bob was a lifelong resident of the Morongo Basin, born November 10, 1944, to Ralph Franklin Dunn and Gertrude (Judy) Bond Sherman. His maternal grandparents, Harris and Doris Sherman, moved to Twentynine Palms in the 1930s. Bob graduated from Twentynine Palms High School in 1963. After graduating high school, Bob enlisted in the United States Army. He served as a 1st Lieutenant of the United States Army 8th Special Forces where he was stationed in Central and South America from 1965 until 1969. After his service to our country, Bob married his wife Marie Huntington in 1975, at the Little Church of the Desert in Twentynine Palms. Bob continued to work within the 8th District of California in a new role, as a State Farm insurance agent starting in 1979. Bob worked with his father and brother in this family business role in the Morongo Basin. He believed in the Morongo Basin and its communities, through mentorship and service, Bob became a pillar within the 8th district of California. Through his work within the Morongo Basin, he became a past Morongo Unified School District Board Member and President, President of the Yucca Valley Airport District Board, Officer of The San Bernardino County Republican Party, and a longtime supporter of the Boys and Girls Club of the Hi-Desert. With Robert's passing, America lost a man who was not only a pillar in our community, but also someone who truly believed in and fought for the ideals of this great nation. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, I would like to pass along my deepest condolences to all of Robert's friends and family during this difficult time.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the retirement of Gloria Garcia from the Victorville City Council. Mayor Gloria Garcia was born and raised in Victorville, CA. Gloria attended Victor Valley Sr. High School, Victor Valley College, and Skadron College of Business. She was elected to the Victorville City Council in November 2012 and was appointed Mayor by her fellow Council Members in December 2014. She was reelected in 2016, and continuously reappointed as Mayor by her colleagues on the council. Gloria's time on the council has been marked by many successes in Victorville. Her focus on public safety, new infrastructure, road maintenance has led to great improvements and safer neighborhoods in Victorville. Mayor Garcia has served the council with honor and integrity, and her commitment to good government and transparency has served the citizens of Victorville well. Although her second term has seen Victorville and its Council experience discord and disruption, Gloria has remained steadfast and focused on working for the people of Victorville. I will truly miss Gloria's face on the council dais, and I wish much happiness and success in her future.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the retirement of Jim Cox from the Victorville City Council. Jim was first named Victorville City Manager in 1969, and held that position until 2000. He returned after a brief departure to serve as City Manager again from 2009 to 2012. During his time as City Manager, he won a number of accolades and was appointed to several regional boards and commissions, highlighting the expertise he displayed as he worked on behalf of Victorville residents. In 2012, Jim was elected to the Victorville City Council, where he served two terms. Jim's time on the council has been marked by successes in Victorville, including the La Mesa/Nisqualli Bridge and interchange project. He has governed with decency and decorum, and has always place an emphasis on community service. His work with Rotary International, as well as his ex-officio membership of the Victor Valley Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, has impacted his community just as deeply as his government service. I offer my sincere congratulations to Jim on a well deserved retirement, and wish him the best as he moves to the next chapter of his life.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Valerie Emick, a lifelong conservative advocate and outgoing president of the Hi-Desert Republican Women Federated. Valerie has served the Hi-Desert Republican Women Federated in various capacities for over two decades. Her tenure with the chapter has been marked by an expansion in the club's membership, a commitment to serving the community, and a strong focus on conservative values. More recently, she has been responsible for securing outstanding speakers for Hi-Desert Republican Women Federated events, including conservative commentator Dinesh D'Souza and Benghazi survivor Kris ``Tanto'' Paranto. She has also led the community in supporting our first responders, which included purchasing billboard space thanking law enforcement for their hard work protecting our community. In addition to her work with the Hi-Desert Republican Women Federated, Valerie is also an elected member of the San Bernardino County Republican Party Central Committee, a position she was resoundingly re- elected to earlier this year. Valerie is the epitome of a grassroots, conservative champion. Her hard work has advanced our principles and beliefs in the High Desert for decades, and as I depart Congress, I am happy to take this chance to honor her work and achievements.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the retirement of John Pinkerton from the Victor Valley Community College Board of Trustees. Mr. Pinkerton was first elected to the Victor Valley Community College Board of Trustees in November of 2012. Since then John has worked with the other Trustees to help Victor Valley College regain its full accreditation, balance its budget, and increase its enrollment and annual graduates. When John is not serving as a member of the Board of Trustees, he works as a counselor at Silverado High School where he helps students in our community not just by helping them prepare for college and the workforce, but by striving to make a positive impact in their lives. I offer my sincere gratitude to John for his many years of service on the Victor Valley Community College Board of Trustees and wish him the best in his retirement.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the 100th anniversary of the founding of the Mountain News, a local newspaper in Lake Arrowhead, California. The Mountain News will celebrate its anniversary in October of 2020, having been founded in October 1920. Over the last century, it has served as a voice for mountain residents in Lake Arrowhead and across the San Bernardino Mountains. From public interest stories, to local crime and public safety news, to emergency preparedness tips during wildfire season, the Mountain News has been committed to providing quality news for its readers. The hard work and unrivaled dedication of its staff are the bedrock for the success the Mountain News has enjoyed. Its mission of providing quality journalism to the local community has been incredibly successful, and I am confident that we will see that success continue for another century. I offer my sincere congratulations to the staff, both past and present, of the Mountain News. This is a momentous occasion, and their hard work has informed and improved the lives of their fellow Lake Arrowhead residents. I hope that the next century is just as successful for the Mountain News as the previous one.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 102nd Anniversary of the Democratic Republic of Azerbaijan. On May 28, 1918, Azerbaijan gained independence from the Russian Empire and became the first secular parliamentary democracy in the Muslim world. Unfortunately, Vladimir Lenin's Bolsheviks invaded Azerbaijan in 1920 and incorporated it into the Soviet Union a few years later. When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, Azerbaijan declared independence and was quickly recognized by the United States. After restoring diplomatic relations in 1992, the United States and Azerbaijan began a partnership that has continued to this day. Azerbaijanis have fought alongside American troops in the Balkans, Afghanistan, and Iraq, and their country was among the first to express support for the United States after the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. Azerbaijan has also fostered close ties with American allies such as Israel, providing approximately 40 percent of the oil Israel consumes and partnering on economic and national security issues. Through its leadership in the Southern Gas Corridor initiative, Azerbaijan plays an important role in diversifying energy routes to maintain the energy security of key U.S. allies in Europe. As a pluralistic and secular Muslim-majority country, Azerbaijan is also home to thriving Jewish and Christian communities. This religious tolerance has been recognized by the European Parliament. I extend my best wishes to all Azerbaijanis on this momentous occasion and look forward to continued partnership between our two nations.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, due to COVID-19 concerns, I was not able to be present on the House Floor to vote on Senate Amendment to H.R. 266-- the Paycheck Protection Program and Health Care Enhancement Act. If I had been present, I would have voted in favor of this legislation.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lieutenant Colonel James ``Jay'' Vallario following nearly 25 years of dedicated service as a United States Marine. Jay was born in San Francisco, California in 1976. He is a graduate of Commodore Sloat Elementary School, Aptos Middle School, and Saint Ignatius College Preparatory. He holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Business Administration from the University of San Diego. He enlisted in the Marine Corps Reserves in September of 1995, and served as a Rifleman and a M1A1 tank crewman. He was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in April 1999, and then began active service. A career AV-8B Harrier attack pilot, Jay completed two operational tours with Marine Attack Squadron 311 and one with Marine Attack Squadron 211. He served in all departments within a Marine Attack Squadron including assignments as the Aviation Safety Officer, Airframes Officer, Weapons and Tactics Instructor, Operations Officer. and Executive Officer. He completed two deployments with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, one deployment with the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit, and one deployment with the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit. While serving as the Air Combat Element Executive Officer and AV-8B Detachment Officer in Charge of the 11th Marine Expeditionary Unit, Jay conducted combat sorties from the USS Makin Island in support of Operations Inherent Resolve and Enduring Freedom. Jay's other duties included assignment to 3d Battalion, 4th Marines, with whom he served as a Forward Air Controller in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom: Marine Aviation Training Support Squadron Yuma Officer in Charge: and, assignment to the 55th Fighter Squadron, with whom he served as a Marine Exchange F-16CJ Pilot. During his United States Air Force exchange tour Jay deployed to Aviano Air Base, Italy, and conducted combat sorties into Libya in support of Operation Unified Protector. From April 2015 to February 2016, Jay served on the staff of the Deputy Commandant of the Marine Corps for Aviation. Jay commanded the AV-8B Fleet Replacement Squadron, VMAT-203, from June 2016 to January 2018. While in command, he was responsible for initial and refresher training of Marine Corps Harrier attack pilots. Upon relinquishing command, Jay assumed the billet of Marine Aircraft Group 14 Executive Officer, where he served until July 2018. From July 2018, until his retirement on 1 April 2020, Jay was assigned to the Marine Corps Office of Legislative of Affairs where he served as a liaison to Navy Office of Legislative Affairs, and managed the Navy's Expeditionary Warfare, Air Warfare, Military Sealift, and F-35 acquisition portfolios. Upon his retirement from active service in the United States Marine Corps, Jay will begin work as a Professional Staff Member on the House Armed Services Committee, where he will manage the readiness portfolios of the United States Air Force and United States Space Force. Jay is married to Adrianna, from Denton, Texas. They have two children--Maia (6), and Evan (4)--and reside in Alexandria, Virginia. I ask the House to join me in congratulating Lieutenant Colonel Vallario and his family for his service to our Nation.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and celebrate the life of Robert Wade Shirey, who passed from this life after a prolonged battle with heart disease. Bob was born on December 11, 1934 in Pennsylvania to Ophie and Raymond Shirey. Shortly after graduating high school, and wanting to serve his country, Bob joined the Marine Corps. Over the course of his tenure in the United States Marines Bob was stationed in San Diego, San Francisco, Twentynine Palms, and Okinawa, Japan. It was during his time in the Marine Corps that he met his wife Georgia, with whom he has three children, Raymond, Robert, and Renee. Bob was honorably discharged from the Marines on October 15, 1963 and shortly thereafter he went to work for GTE Corp. Over the next several years Bob would graduate from college with a degree in management and spend countless hours volunteering with the Lions Club, the Kiwanis Club, and Little League Baseball. I would like to extend my personal condolences to Bob's wife Georgia, his three kids, and his seven grandchildren. It is people like Bob who exemplify what it means to be an American.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service and commitment of Travis Aguirre, who received the Young Alumni Hall of Fame Award from the Victor Valley College Foundation on February 22, 2020. Captain Travis Aguirre's commitment to public service came from a passion of wanting to make an impact and difference in his career field. After receiving his Associate's in Fire Science from Victor Valley College, Travis transitioned from student to teacher and taught at the Fire Academy and within the EMT Program at the college. Beginning his fire career with City of Victorville Fire Department, he has progressed from Engineer to Captain with the San Bernardino County Fire Department. He consistently stays involved in his community, by mentoring local youth, serving in the San Bernardino County Fire Department Honor Guard, and serving as the Vice President of IAFF Local 935. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, I congratulate Captain Travis Aguirre on this award, and thank him for his dedication and service to the residents of San Bernardino County. Captain Aguirre is a true mode of the professionalism and service of the San Bernardino County Fire Department.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Larry Bird, the Mayor of Hesperia, CA, on being selected as the recipient of the 2020 Distinguished Service Community Award by the Victor Valley College Foundation. A third-generation resident, Larry Bird was born and raised in the High Desert, where he currently serves as Mayor of the City of Hesperia. While elected office is a recent development for Larry, he has spent his entire career working for Hesperia Unified School District. After teaching for several years, he was promoted to work in school administration. Today, he serves as the Principal of Sultana High School in Hesperia. In 2016, he sought election to the Hesperia City Council, and ended up winning with the greatest number of votes ever achieved by a council candidate. I am confident that Larry will continue to be an example and role- model to both his students and the residents of Hesperia. His dedication to his students, the citizens of Hesperia, and our High Desert community is constantly on display, and he is undoubtedly deserving of this award. Congratulations, Larry.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service and commitment of Norm Hurst, who received the Presidents' Choice Award from the Victor Valley College Foundation on February 22, 2020. After serving in the United States Air Force, Norm Hurst went on to become a Deputy Sheriff for the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. Within the span of his 32-year career in law enforcement, Norm would ultimately be promoted to Deputy Chief. Long before he was a Deputy Chief, Norm's association with Victor Valley College began when he received his Associate of Science degree in the Spring of 1974. Not long after receiving his Bachelor's in Criminal Justice, Norm was encouraged to begin teaching within Victor Valley College's Criminal Justice Department. His service to the College continued in 2011 when he joined the Victor Valley College Foundation Board of Directors. Today, Norm continues to be an advocate for student success, and works tirelessly to fundraise for the Foundation's scholarships and grants to VVC's departments. Norm Hurst has dedicated decades of his life to serving the public. Throughout his career in the military, law enforcement, and education, he has embodied one of the Air Force's core values--Service Before Self. Congratulations, Norm.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service and commitment of Joel Lewis, who received the 2020 Alumni Hall of Fame Award from the Victor Valley College Foundation on February 22, 2020. A dedicated educational advocate, Joel Lewis has made constant efforts to give back and mentor various students from Victor Valley College (VVC). As an educator at Apple Valley High School, Joel distinguishes himself with unrivaled dedication and energy for his job. His passion for teaching and coaching is constantly on display as he often goes above and beyond for under-served and developmentally challenged students. He has coached for seven seasons at Apple Valley High School (AVHS) and three seasons at VVC. As a coach to economically disadvantaged students, he has personally managed numerous booster events and donation drives for AVHS Basketball. He credits much of his success to his wife and children, his life-long friends, and his students. In 2010, Joel and his family adopted their son, after seeing his struggles and that he had nowhere else to go. Through mentorship, patience, and love, he became the valedictorian of Apple Valley High School and went on to study at Georgetown University. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I would like to congratulate Joel Lewis on this award. Joel has led an incredible life filled with service and dedication to his students and community, and he is most deserving of this award.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the 2019 United Service Organization Marine of the Year, Sergeant Phoebe Ortiz. Sergeant Ortiz was recognized as the United Service Organization Marine of the Year in December 2019. She joined the Marine Corps in September 2015. In 2016, she completed Recruit Training at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, South Carolina and Marine Combat Training at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. In October 2018, Sergeant Ortiz was one of the first female graduates of the elite Marine Corps Mountain Leaders Course, this course takes place at the Mountain Warfare Training Center within the 8th district. The completion of the course qualified her as an instructor for future participants within the program. She regularly organizes events for the single Marines of her command and volunteers in many community outreach initiatives. Sergeant Ortiz conducts herself in a manner that reflects the exemplary work of our service members. She is not only an outstanding Marine, but a leader within her community and among her peers. I thank Sergeant Ortiz for her service, dedication, work ethic, professionalism and commitment to ensuring the safety and security of all Americans. Semper Fi.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the career and service of Big Bear Lake City Manager Jeff Mathieu, who will retire from his position on January 27, 2020. Before coming to Big Bear Lake, Jeff Mathieu served the cities of Santa Monica and Long Beach for a combined 31 years. He came to Big Bear Lake in 2006, where he immediately hit the ground running. He has been responsible for numerous capital improvement projects, including major street improvements, the construction of new trails, the upgrade of city parks, and the creation of the iconic Boulder Bay Park. Additionally, Mathieu spearheaded the Village Renaissance Project which transformed the Village ``L'' into one of the most popular attractions in Big Bear Lake. Jeff Mathieu has been an outstanding city manager, and I am grateful to have had the pleasure of working with him during my entire career in Congress and the California State Assembly. He truly embodies the term public servant, and his leadership, experience, and dedication to improving Big Bear Lake will be sorely missed.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible life of Ed Waldheim, who passed away on December 9, 2019 at the age of 81. Mr. Waldheim was a lifelong off-road enthusiast who spent decades advocating passionately for expanding access to public lands. Ed Waldheim was born in San Francisco in 1938. After growing up in Argentina, he joined the United States Army when he became an adult and later settled in Southern California. In the 1970s California deserts, Ed learned to ride motorcycles and developed his passion for recreating on public lands. He helped off-roaders band together to advocate for continued access to public lands and was an early supporter of the California Off Road Vehicle Association (CORVA). Over his career of public advocacy, he served as President of CORVA, and saw membership triple as he fought to keep areas of the California desert open to off- roaders. Ed received Golden Helmet Award from the Off-Highway Motor Vehicle Division of California's Department of Parks and Recreation, CORVA's Off-Roader of the Year award, and the Bureau of Land Management's Volunteer of the Year Award. However, Ed was probably best known for his work as founder of the nonprofit Friends of Jawbone, which promotes better riding in the Jawbone Canyon OHV area. Ed Waldheim's dedication to our public lands was unrivaled, and his spirit will live on in the places he fought for or improved during his career. His work touched innumerable lives, and he is a model for all those who recreate in California.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the exemplary service and career of Sergeant Major Sergio MartinezRuiz, who will retire from the Marine Corps on January 10, 2020 after a twenty-seven- year career serving our nation. Sergeant Major Martinez enlisted in the Marine Corps in January 1993. Upon completion of both Marine Combat Training and Basic Engineer School, he was assigned to the 8th Engineer Support Battalion (ESB) as a combat engineer. During his time with 8th ESB he deployed numerous times in support of Joint Task Force (JTF)-6's counter drug operations. Sergeant Major Martinez has served as a Drill Instructor and Senior Drill Instructor, as well as an Assistant Marine Officer Instructor and Marine Officer Instructor. Over the course of his impressive career, Sergeant Major Martinez has deployed twice to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and once to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, and his decorations include a Bronze Star Medal. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, I offer Sergeant Major Sergio MartinezRuiz my sincere congratulations on his retirement. As a retired Marine myself, I know how difficult this change can be, but I am truly grateful to him for his outstanding service to our nation. Semper Fi.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding law enforcement career of California Highway Patrol Officer Larry Harris, who retired on June 28, 2019 after 23 years of service. After completing CHP Academy in 1996, Officer Harris was assigned as a new officer to the Newhall area. Following his first assignment, he spent four years working in the West and South Los Angeles Area. Officer Harris then went on to serve the Barstow and Lake Arrowhead areas from 2001 to 2006, after which he transferred to the Victorville station where he has spent the remainder of his career. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, I offer my sincere congratulations to Officer Larry Harris for his 23 years of service as a member of the California Highway Patrol and wish him an enjoyable and relaxing retirement. Over the course of his career he has personified the California Highway Patrol motto ``Safety, Service, and Security'' with hard work, dedication, and professionalism.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding law enforcement career of California Highway Patrol Officer Leo Lopez, who will retire after 30 years of service. Officer Lopez's promise to serve by the California Highway Patrol motto of ``Safety, Service, and Security'' began prior to his graduation from the academy. The Loma Prieta earthquake that struck the Bay Area caused officer Lopez to dive right into duties, driving patrol units from Sacramento to the San Francisco CHIP office on only his second day of the academy. Officer Lopez went on to receive badge #12972 on March 8, 1990, with his first station assignment in Barstow. He has since served in numerous capacities with the Inland Division Commercial Unit and the Inland Divisions Special Response Team. One of many of his deployments was to assist with the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, I offer my sincere congratulations to Officer Leo Lopez for his 30 years of service as a member of the California Highway Patrol and wish him an enjoyable and relaxing retirement. A native to the High Desert and the second of three generations to serve the California Highway Patrol, I thank you for your service and your commitment to ensuring the safety and security of our community.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the life of United States Air Force Captain Joseph C. McConnell, Jr. Before his tragic death in a flight-testing accident, Captain McConnell served his country in both World War II and the Korean War, where he was a triple jet ace and still holds the American record for most jet kills. Captain McConnell entered the U.S. Army Air Forces in 1943 during World War II; flying 60 combat missions in Europe as a B-24 Liberator navigator. Following the war, he went on to earn his pilot wings in 1948 and subsequently fought in the Korean War. Captain McConnell served as a pilot with the 39th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 51st Fighter-Interceptor Wing, Fifth Air Force and was stationed at George Air Force Base in Victorville before being assigned to K13 in the Republic of Korea. Within four months, Capt. McConnell had shot down 16 enemy fighter jets, becoming the leading jet ace of the Korean War and the first triple jet ace in American history. ``For his extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations'', President Eisenhower presented Capt. McConnell with the Distinguished Service Cross, the Nation's second highest decoration for valor. On August 25, 1954, Capt. McConnell was killed while service testing the newer, more powerful F- 86H Sabre at George Air Force Base. Captain McConnell's skill and daring over foreign battlefields in defense of our nation was unmatched during the Korean War. Although he was tragically taken from this earth far too early, his spirit lives on in the dedication and professionalism of the men and women of the United States Air Force that continue to follow in his footsteps today.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Palmdale City Manager James ``Jim'' Purtee, who will be presented with the Larry Chimbole Public Service Award by the California League of Cities Desert/Mountain Division. Jim has announced that he will also retire at the end of 2019, after 31 years of public service. Jim began his diverse public service career with the City of Simi Valley in 1988, where he worked in multiple department and on issues including community services, affordable housing, planning, economic development, and city administration. He was named Simi Valley's Assistant City Manager in July 2012 and was formally appointed to be Palmdale's City Manager on October 5, 2015. Under his leadership, Palmdale's Part I crime rate has decreased to its lowest in a quarter century. Palmdale has also maintained a strong general fund reserve and credit ratings from both of the leading ratings agencies, which is a credit to Jim's strong and strategic management skills. Jim has been very involved with the League of California Cities, where he has served as the Desert/Mountain Division's representative to the League's Administrative Services Policy Committee and Revenue and Taxation Policy Committee. As a former city councilmember, I know that replacing Jim will be an incredibly tough task for the City of Palmdale, and I wish their councilmembers the best of luck in finding a successor. Jim Puttee embodies all of the qualities of the Larry Chimbole Award, and I congratulate him on this prestigious honor as well as a well-deserved retirement.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, Children's Grief Awareness Day was created in 2009 to foster awareness and understanding about the impact of death on children. As we approach the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays, we enter a particularly difficult time for grieving children. One in five children will experience the death of someone close to them by age 18, one in twenty children will experience the death of a parent by age 18, and approximately 1.9 million children under 18 have lost one or both of their parents. The Sunrise Center helps children dealing with grief, by offering a place of hope and healing for children, teens, and their families who are experiencing grief and loss due to the advanced illness or death of a loved one or being placed in foster care. Their hard work supports children suffering from grief in a safe, loving, and understanding environment. Children's Grief Awareness Day is an important way for all of us to remember those in our society who are dealing with the emotional trauma relating to the death or loss of a loved one. I applaud the Sunrise Center for all they do to support local children dealing with these tragic circumstances, and I sincerely thank their volunteers and staff for making a difference in children's lives.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. McClintock for yielding his time. I had my speech all prepared, but I am not sure whether it is a San Bernardino lovefest or a beat up on Paul Cook because he is leaving this institution. This is an example. Everybody knows that you can work together; you can put your differences aside and get things done. I pride myself on that. I am very, very passionate about certain things. This bill sounds simple, the pollution going up and down that hill; but, more so, anyone who has lived in a mountain community knows how dangerous it is, particularly in the winter, and more so with a truck with timber on it, the number of accidents that we have on those roads up there--just the deaths--every year. We have always had problems, and it is something I am very, very concerned about. I do want to commend working with the Pacific Crest Trail Association, working together so we could iron out some of these things. The relocation, as I think was already mentioned, will include environmental review and will take care before the exchange takes place. And we have got a lot of people on this: the city of Big Bear Lake, the Friends of Big Bear Valley, Big Bear Fire Department. By the way, there are big bears up there. If you haven't met one there, stay off the highways. Anyway, the Big Bear City Community Services Department, the water district, the community healthcare, the chamber of commerce, and the local Big Bear chapter of the Sierra Club--and they have been great on this. It passed out of the House Natural Resources Committee on a unanimous, bipartisan vote. Last December, nearly identical language passed out of the House as H.R. 5513 with overwhelming bipartisan support. I appreciate the comments--even the sarcastic comments--of my colleagues, and I truly am going to miss this institution.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Barstow City Councilmember Richard Harpole, who departed the dais on November 18, 2019. Richard Harpole was born on October 8, 1958 in Illinois. He came to Barstow by way of the United States Army, where he served at nearby Fort Irwin as a military police investigator. While stationed at Fort Irwin, he met his wife Donna, and married her in 1984. After his marriage, he was honorably discharged from the Army and joined the Barstow Police Department. During his time with the Barstow Police Department, Richard focused heavily on combatting gangs and drug trafficking, and is still a lifetime member of the California Narcotic Officers Association. He retired from the Barstow Police Department in 2008 as a lieutenant. After his retirement, Councilmember Harpole stayed involved in his community. He served on the board of the Barstow Area Chamber of Commerce, the Boys & Girls Club of Barstow, Mojave Valley Volunteer Hospice, and the Barstow Humane Society. Councilmember Harpole was elected to the Barstow City Council in 2012 and won reelection in 2016. Councilmember Richard Harpole has a history of serving his community throughout his life, from his service in the United States Army and Barstow Police Department to his civic engagement across numerous boards of directors and culminating in his service as a Barstow City Councilmember. I congratulate him on a very well-deserved retirement and will miss his presence in the City of Barstow.