Paul Cook

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, Jonathan Zumkehr has worked for the Federal Bureau of Prisons for over a decade. He began his work at Metropolitan Detention Center Los Angeles in May 2007, where he guarded inmates standing trial in federal court. After two years at MDC Los Angeles, he transferred to FCC Victorville in March 2009. While at FCC Victorville, he became involved in improving the lives of his community and his fellow correctional officers. He worked with Be The Match to help raise awareness for finding bone marrow matches for those with blood cancers, and he supported Mothers Against Drunk Drivers in their campaign to fight intoxicated driving. Jonathan's passion for improving his community also led him to improve the lives and working conditions of his fellow correctional officers. He was successfully elected to serve as the Vice President for AFGE Local 3969, where he consistently advocated for better and safer working conditions. Among other important issues, Jonathan was instrumental in bringing to light the understaffing of FCC Victorville and highlighting the risky practice of augmentation. Jonathan Zumkehr is an outstanding law enforcement professional whose dedication to those around him has improved lives and made our community a safer place. He will be sorely missed as he departs for AUSP Thomson, and I wish him continued success in his Bureau of Prisons Career.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, Senior Pastor Counts follows in the footsteps of both his father and grandfather, who served as pastors for their respective congregations. Additionally, three of his brothers, two of his sons, and his nephew are all pastors while his sister is married to a pastor. He became a minister in 1964 and is a graduate of Bible Baptist College in Springfield, Missouri. Senior Pastor Counts has served communities across the country as a pastor at Stillwelll Bible Baptist in Clarksville, Arkansas, Temple Baptist in Springdale, Arkansas, and Valley Baptist in Rowland Heights, California. For the past 23 years, he has served my constituents as senior pastor of Bible Baptist Church in Victorville. His 55 years of dedicated service will end in distinction, as he becomes only the fourth retired pastor among the church's 1,200 members. Though Senior Pastor Bob Counts is retiring, his work will continue to be felt through his life-long service and dedication to his faith. He will be passing the reigns of senior pastor to his son, Joel Counts. Over the course of his career he has touched innumerable lives, and his passion, caring, and selflessness will truly be missed as he begins a well-deserved retirement

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and accomplishments of Jessi Combs, who passed away on August 27, 2019 from injuries sustained during a land speed record attempt. Jessi was born in Rockerville, South Dakota on July 27. 1980. After graduating from High School, Combs established a career in metal fabrication. and graduated from the Collision & Refinishing Core Program at Wyo Tech in 2004. Her unique blend of technical and personal skills led to her rapid career growth, and she frequently appeared on television shows showcasing different aspects of the automotive industry. This included serving as host of Mythbusters and Xtreme 4x4. As a competitor, Jessi was fierce and unrivaled. She competed in the Baja 1000, the Rallye Aicha des Gazelles, and was the first woman to place at Ultra4's King of the Hammers. In 2016 she followed up her earlier King of the Hammers success by finishing first in the 2016 Smittybilt Everyman Challenge Modified Class. In 2013. Combs successfully set the women's land speed record at the Alvord Desert in Oregon, holding a record of 398 mph with a top speed of 483.227 mph. Jessi was an incredible person who was taken from this Earth far too soon. My condolences are with her family, friends. and the entire automotive industry as they continued to mourn her loss.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of U.S. Army Major General Jeff Broadwater, who will relinquish command of the National Training Center on September 9, 2019. MG Broadwater is leaving for his next duty assignment as Commanding General, 1st Cavalry Division at Fort Hood. Despite unexpectedly assuming command outside a normal schedule, MG Broadwater stepped into the post with the grit, determination, and intelligence that characterizes his entire career. During his command, MG Broadwater worked to ensure training rotations at the National Training Center received the best possible scenarios and experiences for a realistic training experience. The hard work he and his staff undertook every day ensured every unit that passed through the National Training Center was prepared for combat in defense of our nation. During his two and a half years at the National Training Center, MG Broadwater exemplified its motto ``Lead, Train, Win.'' ln addition to thanking Major General Broadwater for his service at the National Training Center, I would also like to recognize his outstanding military career. MG Broadwater is a combat veteran with numerous deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan. His awards and decorations include Defense Superior Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Ranger Tab, Master Parachutist Badge, and Combat Action Badge. While we will miss him in California, I am confident that he will bring the same passion, enthusiasm, and success to Fort Hood as he assumes command of the 1st Cavalry Division.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Captain Aaron Martinez on his retirement and thank him for 30 years of service with the California Highway Patrol. Captain Aaron Martinez entered California Highway Patrol Academy on January 2, 1990 at the age of 21. During this time he successfully graduated the Academy and was promoted to the rank of Officer. His first assignment was the Santa Cruz area where he completed his field training and was assigned to road patrol for six years. Captain Martinez spent two more years at the Officer rank working in the El Cajon and Rancho Cucamonga Areas. He was then promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 1998. He served at this rank for three years and was assigned to the Santa Fe Springs, Temecula, and Riverside areas. In July of 2011, Captain Martinez was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and assigned to the Rancho Cucamonga area. He spent seven years at the rank of Lieutenant before being promoted to the rank of Captain. Captain Martinez received his promotion to Captain in May of 2018 and was assigned to his current Command, the Barstow Area Office. Captain Martinez will be retiring with 30 years of service devoted to the State of California. I would like to thank Captain Aaron Martinez for his many years of service to the people of the Great State of California, and on behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I wish him the best in his retirement.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of U.S. Army Colonel Seth Krummrich, who will relinquish command of the Fort Irwin Garrison on June 27, 2019. Colonel Krummrich is leaving for his next duty assignment as the Chief of Staff, Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT) at MacDill Air Force Base in Tampa, Florida. Since Colonel Krummrich assumed command of the Fort Irwin Garrison, I have been impressed by his hard work on behalf of the Army. During his command, Colonel Krummrich oversaw the completion of Weed Army Community Hospital, a $211 million improvement designed to bring medical facilities at the garrison into the 21st century. In addition to the successful completion of the hospital, Colonel Krummrich has worked closely with my staff and I on several proposed projects to further improve Fort Irwin and better support the Army's critical training mission. While these projects were not completed during his tenure, his hard work has laid the foundation for their future success. In addition to thanking Colonel Krummrich for his service at Fort Irwin, I would also like to recognize his outstanding military career. Colonel Krummrich is a combat veteran with numerous deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan, including participating in the initial invasion of Afghanistan in 2001 as a member of the 5th Special Forces Group (Airborne). His service on the battlefield is complimented by his impressive educational background, where he was most recently a senior Military Fellow at Stanford University. While I wish him the best at SOCCENT, I will miss the passion, energy, and determination that he brought to the Fort Irwin Garrison

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of Superintendent Thomas E. Hoegerman, who will retire from Apple Valley Unified School District on May 22, 2019. Thomas E. Hoegerman was born September 15, 1959 in Lodi, CA. He attended California State University Sacramento where he earned a B.A. in liberal studies, which he later followed with a teaching credential from the University of the Pacific and a master's degree from Chapman University. He joined the Apple Valley Unified School District in 1989, where he taught at Yucca Loma Elementary School and later at Vista Campana Middle School. In 1996, Tom joined the District Office, where he has worked to improve education outcomes across the district. During his time at the District Office, Tom oversaw the construction of both Granite Hills High School and Sitting Bull Academy. He also implemented class-size reduction, assessment systems, and data analysis programs across the district. His leadership during the restructuring that followed the Great Recession was instrumental in ensuring student success while keeping the district financially stable. Tom has also served in several educational organizations, including the San Bernardino County District Advocates for Better Students, California Association of Health and Education Linked Professions, and San Bernardino Gangs and Drugs Task Force Executive Committee. Superintendent Thomas Hoegerman has been an incredible asset to the education community in Apple Valley, and he will be sorely missed in retirement. I wish him and his wife Lisa a happy retirement and a happy 30th anniversary this July.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement Chief Warrant Officer James R. Curry, who will be retiring after 30 years of active duty in the United States Navy. Chief Warrant Officer Curry joined the Navy on August 28, 1989 as an Airman Recruit and completed Basic Recruit Training at Great Lakes, Illinois. His first assignment for as Naval Air Station North Island, where he served as a Plane Captain for Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Ten. Over the course of his career, Chief Warrant Officer Curry has served in support of numerous operations, including North Korean Contingency Operations, Operation Desert Strike, Operation Southern Watch, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Following multiple deployments afloat with Helicopter Anti- Submarine Squadron Four and Helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron Six, Chief Warrant Officer Curry reported to NAVSUPPFAC at Paxtuent River, Maryland, where he served as Command Duty Officer. His most rewarding and satisfying tour, however, was with Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 23, the ``Wildcards'', where he served as Avionics Division Officer and Armament Division Officer. Chief Warrant Officer Curry has honorably served our nation for the last three decades, and it's thanks to people like him that our country remains free and secure. I congratulate him on an exemplary career, and wish him a happy retirement with his wife Tracy and his five children.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retiretnent of the President of the San Bernardino County Medical Society, Dr. Damordara Rajasekhar, who will be completing his term on June 20, 2019. Dr. Rajasekhar earned his medical degree in 1976 from Madras Medical College in India. Afterwards, he went on to serve his pediatric internship and residency at the University of Connecticut John Dempsey Hospital, and cmnpleted a fellowship in neonatal perinatal medicine at the University of Massachusetts Memorial Health Care. Dr. Rajasekhar began his term as President on June 20, 2018, serving the 2,800 member physicians with distinguished leadership over the past year. Dr. Rajasekhar also served as the chief of medical staff at Victor Valley Community Hospital and has a solo practice in Apple Valley. He believes that the physician-patient relationship is a key factor in providing quality health care, and he has always worked to promote the betterment of the medical profession. Dr. Rajasekhar's leadership and cmnmitlnent are greatly appreciated by his colleagues and the public he served. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I would like to thank Dr. Damordara Rajasekhar for his years of public service and wish him the happiest of retirements.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible work of Julie Norton, who has served as the Executive Director of the High Desert Phoenix Foundation for the past ten years. The Phoenix Foundation provides financial assistance to families in the High Desert who have lost a loved one due to an accident, criminal act, or suicide. Julie has served as Executive Director for the ten years that the Phoenix Foundation has been in existence. She is the founding member of the Foundation, and was motivated to create it after dealing with a tragic loss in her personal life. Over her ten years as executive director, Julie has helped well over 500 families lay their loved ones to rest. Additionally, Julie helped start the HALOS (Healing Loved Ones After Suicide) Program, which is a peer support group for those affected by the suicide of a friend or family member. Julie has had an incredible impact on thousands of people during some of their toughest and most vulnerable moments, and I cannot thank her enough for all the work she has put in over the last ten years to make the Phoenix Foundation the success it is today. I offer my sincere congratulations to her for a decade as Executive Director of the High Desert Phoenix Foundation and I am certain that wherever she goes she will continue to have a positive impact on people's lives.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank Lieutenant Colonel Lawrence ``Larry'' M. Doane for his distinguished service to the Nation, especially while assigned to the National Capitol Region. Larry served in my office as a Defense Fellow from January 2016 to December 2016. He worked diligently throughout his tenure, assisting in the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act process to ensure the continuation of our national defense. Larry built enduring relationships, making him an asset in representing the people of California's Eighth Congressional District. In addition to working Defense policy, Larry became an expert on Veterans policies. In that capacity Larry demonstrated genuine care for every person he interacted with and he attacked every assignment to achieve swift resolutions. As a Legislative Liaison in the National Guard Bureau Office of Legislative Liaisons from January 2017 to April 2019, Larry served as the lead liaison during a high-profile decision regarding stationing of four Army National Guard Apache battalions. This issue contained massive implications for Army Guard units, their states, and their Congressional representatives. Through direct engagements with senior Army leaders, the Chairmen of the Armed Services Committees, Professional Staff, and individual Member offices, Larry distilled the varied and complex stakeholder positions into clear, actionable courses of action for decision-makers to consider. This was among the most poignant displays of Larry's ability to bridge communication between the Department of Defense and Congress on a complicated issue. Larry operated with ease in a high-visibility, stressful environment. As Lieutenant Colonel Doane's time in this assignment ends, he will continue his path as a Citizen-Soldier and assume command of 1st Squadron, 172nd Cavalry Regiment of the Vermont National Guard's 86th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (Mountain). Larry is supported in his military career by his wife, Melissa, and their four children. Please join me in congratulating Lieutenant Colonel Doane on his selection as a Battalion Commander and in expressing our gratitude for his and his family's service to the Nation.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Barbara and Ron Duott for being named Citizens of the Year by the Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce. Barbara and her husband Ron have been residents of the Lake Arrowhead area for many years, where they have gone out of their way to volunteer in the community and support local organizations. Barbara has worked with the Mountain Community Hospital on their Foundation Board, as well as served on the board for the Mountain Communities Scholarship Society. She is also a member of the Soroptimist International Rim of the World chapter and coordinated their Every Girl Counts program. Ron has been involved with the Rim of the World Historical Society for more than a decade, where he has served as president and treasurer. He has also been a member of the Rotary Club of Lake Arrowhead and the Boys and Girls Club of the Mountain Communities. Barbara and Ron Duott are the epitome of citizenship and community involvement, and I sincerely thank them for their dedication and support of so many in our mountain communities. They are truly deserving of being named the Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce 2018 Citizens of the Year.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty on being named Business of the Year by the Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce. Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty recently celebrated their 36th anniversary of operating in our mountain communities. The business was purchased in 2004 by Steve and Jamie Keefe, and they will celebrate their 15th year of ownership this April. They and their 60 agents are active throughout the community and serve on numerous boards and communities across the mountains, including Rotary, Soroptimists, Boys and Girls Club, RIM Educational Foundation, Hearts and Lives, and Fifes and Drums. Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty is also a ``Chairman's Circle Company,'' meaning it is in the top 6 percent of Coldwell Banker Companies worldwide. Anyone present in the mountain communities knows that Steve, Jamie, and their agents at Coldwell Banker Sky Ridge Realty are incredibly active in both business and community service, and they are truly deserving of this award. I sincerely congratulate them and their staff on being named the Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce 2018 Business of the Year.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Rebuilding Together Mountain Communities on being named Non-Profit of the Year by the Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce. Rebuilding Together Mountain Communities is a community program organized and supported by the Association of Building Contractors. In conjunction with the national Rebuilding Together organization, it focuses on and brings awareness to housing issues faced by some of our most vulnerable populations including veterans, seniors, and disaster victims. Rebuilding Together Mountain Communities is also celebrating their 25th Anniversary this year, and over its history has worked on over 200 homes in the mountain areas. The work they have done has touched innumerable lives, and I congratulate them on the longevity and success of their program. Rebuilding Together Mountain Communities, the Association of Building Contractors, and their community partners deserve this and many other accolades for their hard work. They are truly deserving of being named the Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce 2018 Non-Profit of the Year.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, H.R. 1388 will provide for the acquisition of a number of acres of noncontiguous land in trust for the benefit of Lytton Rancheria. The lands, located in Sonoma County next to the town of Windsor, are the subject of a fee-to-trust application filed by the Tribe with the Department of the Interior in 2009. Neither the Obama nor Trump administration has provided a reason why the Tribe's application has not been approved in the last 10 years. The Tribe has testified that it intends to use a portion of the land for tribal housing, while the rest would support a diverse range of economic development, including plans for a future resort and winery. I notice everyone paid attention to that last word. An identical measure passed the House in the previous Congress, and it has been reported twice by the Committee on Natural Resources, though not in the current Congress. Madam Speaker, I urge adoption of the measure, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, H.R. 297, sponsored by Congressman Gianforte, would extend Federal recognition to the Little Shell Tribe of Chippewa Indians of Montana. With Federal recognition, the Little Shell Tribe and its members would be eligible for all services and benefits provided by the Federal Government to Indians because of their status as Indians. A previous version of this bill passed without opposition in the last Congress, thanks in large part to the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Gianforte), who has been a tireless advocate of recognizing the Little Shell Tribe and whose work has been instrumental to bring this legislation closer to the finish line. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Montana (Mr. Gianforte).

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of the American Legion. The Legion was first chartered on September 16, 1919 to serve as a patriotic veteran's organization. One of the oldest veteran non-profit organizations, the American Legion also stands as the nation's largest wartime Veterans Service Organization. The Legion is devoted to supporting service members, veterans, communities, and families. In its 100 years of existence, the Legion has made remarkable strides in advancing the cause of our veterans and service members through legislative accomplishments like the GI Bill, Flag Code, and the creation of the U.S. Veterans Bureau, a forerunner of the Veterans Administration. The Legion is also active in our local communities, with programs like Operation Comfort Warriors, Boys State, and the American Legion Baseball. Since its charter, the American Legion has made it their mission to mentor youth, advocate for patriotism and honor, and promote strong national security and a continued devotion to our fellow service members and veterans. I applaud the Legion for passing the century mark in their never- ending quest to improve the lives of service members and veterans. I'm proud to be a member of such an excellent organization, and I wish them another 100 years of excellence.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible service of the Assistance League of Victor Valley, who was honored by the Apple Valley Optimist Club on Saturday, March 8. Founded in 1979 and achieving Full Chapter Status in 1982, the Assistance League of Victor Valley is a nonprofit organization focused on identifying and funding ongoing, community based philanthropic programs in the Victor Valley. Their signature program is Operation School Bell, which provides new school clothes to children in need living in the Victor Valley. Since the Operation began, 27,244 local children have received clothing, with 1,357 students receiving clothing during the 2017-2018 school year. The Assistance League has also logged 28,000 volunteer hours during that same period and gave 1,620 bears to children in local hospitals. The Assistance League of Victor Valley is one of the most effective nonprofit organizations in the High Desert, and I am proud to see them receiving some very well-deserved recognition. I wish them nothing but success as they continue to help the less fortunate in our community.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service and commitment of Bobby Tarango, who was honored by the Apple Valley Optimist Club on Saturday, March 8. Bobby Tarango has worked as a sales representative for Chicago Title Company for the past 22 years, where he has worked to make Chicago Title one of the premier players in the High Desert real estate industry. He has twice served as the Affiliate Director for the Victor Valley Association of Realtors, previously served as Chairman of the Board for St. Timothy's Preparatory School in Apple Valley, and currently serves on the board of directors for the Victor Valley Chamber of Commerce and the St. Mary's Hospital Foundation Board. In his spare time, Bobby enjoys coaching his son's and daughter's soccer teams, and serves as Vice President of Storm Soccer Club and President of Storm Recreational Soccer. Bobby Tarango is consistently doing all he can to make the High Desert a great place to live and raise a family. I congratulate him on being honored by the Apple Valley Optimist Club, and I wish him years of happiness and success.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Big Bear Fire Department and Mercy Air on a successful year of Emergency Air Medical Services for the Big Bear Valley. The mountain communities of my district are uniquely rugged, and ground based responses are oftentimes too slow or limited by terrain to provide lifesaving medical care in a timely fashion. Air ambulances have the ability to rapidly transport patients to treatment centers, and emergency air medical services improve the survival and recovery rate of those in need. On February 14, 2018, Big Bear Fire Authority (BBFA) and the BBFA Critical Care Medical Air Ship crew undertook their first flight. Over the past year, arrival times have decreased, lives have been saved, and over 300 missions have been safely and successfully flown. I applaud the BBFA and the BBFA Critical Care Medical Air Ship crew, and their partners Mercy Air, Big Bear Valley Community Healthcare District, and Big Bear Airport District for their commitment and dedication to bringing this lifesaving service to the Big Bear Valley. I wish them many years of safety and success ahead as they work to keep our community safe.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise along with my colleagues, Congressman Ruiz and Congressman Calvert to speak to S. 47, the Natural Resources Management Act and a provision that I introduced as part of the California Desert Protection and Recreation Act of 2019, specifically Section 1457 as it relates to the designation of the Whitewater River as a Wild and Recreational River. The City of Banning and the Community of Banning Heights, which are in the district of Mr. Ruiz, receive a vital source of water from a flume that conveys water from the headwaters of the Whitewater River, which is located in my district. In 1913, the State of California recognized the appropriative state water rights that the City of Banning and Banning Heights Mutual Water Company use to divert water from the headwaters of the Whitewater River into the San Gorgonio watershed. In 1918, the U.S. Secretary of the Interior approved the right-of-way for the diversion structures and the flume that carries the water to the City and to Banning Heights. These communities have relied on this water for over a century--water that is critical for drinking, cooking, washing, and fire control. The two communities own the water rights, which provide 100 percent of the water for the community of Banning Heights and approximately 30 percent of the water for the City of Banning. In designating the Whitewater River as a Wild and Recreational River, we speak with one voice in saying that we do not wish in any way to interfere with these historic rights. We recognize that the downstream portions of the Whitewater River already have the necessary flows for the Wild and Recreational designations and that additional flows are not needed to maintain or enhance these designations. As the primary sponsor of the legislation containing the Whitewater designation in the House, I in particular, wish to underscore this as a matter of legislative history and Congressional intent. We ask that the Forest Service and the BLM in implementing the Wild and Recreational River designations heed this Congressional intent and incorporate it into any land management plan amendment and other implementing documents. We also want to be sure that the United States Forest Service-- specifically the San Bernardino National Forest--heeds the instructions from the FY19 Interior Appropriations bill (P.L. 116-6) that reminds the Department of the Interior and the Forest Service of the states' jurisdiction over water law and expect that all applicable laws will be followed when considering a request for a permit or permit renewal. The U.S. Forest Service, Federal Energy Regulatory Commission, Bureau of Land Management, and other agencies should not now, or in the future, point to the designation of the Whitewater River as a Wild and Recreational River as a justification to require the City of Banning or the Banning Heights Mutual Water Company to relinquish their state- granted water rights nor should such agencies require the removal of diversions at the headwaters of the Whitewater River and the flume that are necessary for these communities to receive water appropriated to them by the State of California.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service and commitment of Chet Hitt, who received the Distinguished Community Service Award from the Victor Valley College Foundation on February 23, 2019. Chet was born in the High Desert and has lived in Apple Valley for most of his life. Always ambitious and driven, Chet's entrepreneurial spirit came alive when he began to control High Desert mortuary business market. In 1997, he became partners with the owner of a prior competitor, Victor Valley Mortuary, and within three years they were able to purchase four additional mortuaries in the High Desert. Chet has served on the Board of Trustees of St. Mary Hospital, where he is the only Board Member to have been born at that hospital, and also sits on the Board for Friends of the Fair for the San Bernardino County Fairgrounds. He was named the Apple Valley Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year in 2002, and was named Service-Based Entrepreneur of the Year at the 2017 Spirit of the Entrepreneur Awards for the Inland Empire. Chet serves as Chairman of the Board of the Sunset Hills Children's Foundation and the Topock 66 Children's Foundation. Chet Hitt is one of the most kind, generous, and hard-working people in the High Desert, and is eminently deserving of this award. I offer my sincere congratulations to Chet on this recognition and my thanks for all the outstanding work he does in our community.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today recognize the service and commitment of Dillon Lesovsky, who received the Young Alumni Hall of Fame Award from the Victor Valley College Foundation on February 23, 2019. Dillon is an entrepreneur at heart and has been since he was in his teens. In 2006, Dillon founded and operated a small business for six years which developed video content for the action sports industry as well as corporate projects throughout the U.S. He managed all aspects of production: developed budgets, drafted business proposals, negotiated with distributors, and managed contract staff. In 2013, I hired Dillon to serve as a Field Representative in my Apple Valley District Office, where he worked with federal agencies like Social Security and the Export-Import Bank to answer constituent questions, represented me at events in the High Desert community, and helped manage my social media accounts. In February of 2018, Dillon was recruited and hired by ComAv Asset Management to develop international business relationships within the commercial aircraft industry. Dillon has consistently exceeded his monthly sales quota in his region, and has also developed sales processes for a team of 17 sales staff to help them meet and exceed their sales goals. In his personal life, Dillon has a love of inside jokes and wishes to be a part of one someday. Dillon was one of the best employees I have had, and it was a pleasure to have him on my staff. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, I congratulate Dillon on his entrepreneurial spirit and his admission to the Young Alumni Hall of Fame

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service and commitment of Dr. Derek King, who received the Distinguished Service to Education Award from the Victor Valley College Foundation on February 23, 2019. Dr. King currently holds the position of Assistant Superintendent of Student Services for Excelsior Charter Schools and has long been passionate about education and community service. A proud veteran of the U.S. Army, Dr. King began his teaching career with the Department of Defense Dependent Schools in Babenhausen Germany as part of the Troops to Teachers program. As an educator, Dr. King has served as a Teacher, Principal, Assistant Superintendent, Treasurer for the local Association of California School Administrators, and member of the California State School Attendance and Review Board. Dr. King was also elected to the Victor Valley Union High School District Governing Board, where he held the positions of Trustee, Clerk and Vice President. Dr. King has also been a fixture in our local community, and has held positions on the Victorville Military Affairs Committee, the Victor Valley Community Service Council, and served as Director and Chairman of the Board for the Victor Valley Chamber of Commerce. I thank Dr. Derek King for his service to our community and country, and his commitment to educating our next generation. With educators like Dr. King, our local students will be well-equipped as they make their way into adulthood.