Paul Cook

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service and commitment of Roger Wagner, who received the Presidents' Award from the Victor Valley College Foundation on February 23, 2019. Roger served as the Victor Valley College Superintendent and President for over four years and officially retired at the end of 2018. Prior to his retirement, he was instrumental in Victor Valley College receiving full accreditation from the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges. Roger has a passion for education and understands the importance of the college providing local students with an affordable and high quality education. Roger was responsible for a number of successes for the college, including hosting the 2017 Youth Poverty Symposium, opening the Automotive and Welding Facility, and developing new programs including Industrial Maintenance and Manufacturing programs. He is married to his wife Stacy and together they have two children. Before my career in politics, I had the privilege of working with Roger at Copper Mountain College in the Morongo Basin. I can say from experience that Roger is an incredibly intelligent and hard-working individual with a true passion for education, and I can guarantee that he will be sorely missed at Victor Valley College. I congratulate Roger on receiving this award, and wish him all the best as he heads into retirement.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service and commitment of Assistant Sheriff Lana Tomlin, who received the Alumni Hall of Fame Award from the Victor Valley College foundation on February 23, 2019. Assistant Sheriff Tomlin is a dedicated public servant who has worked for the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department for over twenty-nine years. Soon after her graduation from the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department Training Academy, Assistant Sheriff Tomlin was assigned to the Barstow Station as a patrol deputy where she quickly excelled in her duties while simultaneously attending Victor Valley College. She is the first woman in the history of San Bernardino County to be appointed to Assistant Sheriff and oversees several departments and operations. Locally, Assistant Sheriff Tomlin has served multiple assignments at different High Desert stations, including serving as Captain of the Apple Valley Sheriffs Station. She has also volunteered throughout the community, from coaching the women's basketball team at Victor Valley College to giving back to our next generation through the Police Activities League program. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, I would like to congratulate Assistant Sheriff Lana Tomlin on this award. Lana is an exemplary law enforcement officer and community leader. I thank her for her years of dedication and service to the people of San Bernardino County.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service and commitment of outgoing Twentynine Palms City Council Member John Cole, who departed the dais on Tuesday, December 11, 2018. John was born in Cleveland, Ohio in 1945. He attended Loyola University where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics, and later attended Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff where he earned a Master of Arts in Education. John spent 41 years serving the Morongo Unified School District as a teacher and administrator. He was first elected to the Twentynine Palms City Council in 2008 and served the city for eight years, from 2008 to 2012 and from 2014 to 2018. In addition to his position as council member, John served as the City of Twentynine Palms' representative to the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District, the San Bernardino County Flood Control Advisory Committee, and as a Delegate for the League of California Cities' Environmental Committee. During his time on the council, John was an excellent advocate for the City of Twentynine Palms and its citizens. I thank Council Member John Cole for his leadership and dedication to public service on behalf of Twentynine Palms residents. John's hard- work, experience, and wealth of knowledge will certainly be missed.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th birthday of Mary Josephine Trost from Yucaipa, California. Mary was born as Mary Josephine DeHetre on January 30, 1919 in Currie, Minnesota. Growing up during the Great Depression, Mary saw her formal education end before the start of high school. Family medical issues and a failing national economy forced her into the workforce, where she held a variety of jobs. In 1938, Mary married Joseph Trost, and moved with him to his family's farm in Seaforth, Minnesota. They later moved to another farm in Detroit Lakes, Minnesota in 1944, where Joe began working as a mechanic in addition to his farming business. In 1951, Mary and Joe moved across the country to Colton, California, where Joe worked at nearby Norton Air Force Base. Following a three year trip to Guam for work, the family finally settled in Yucaipa, California in 1963. Over the next 56 years, Mary has become a staple in the local community. She has been active in St. Frances Xavier Catholic Church and the Catholic Daughter's Court Holy Spirit, where she serves as Grand Regent and recently received her 50 year pin. Mary has also seen the birth of 6 children, 13 grandchildren, 19 great-grandchildren, and 2 great-great-grandchildren. Mary has lived an incredibly rich life that has spanned an entire century. I wish her a happy birthday as well as continued joy and happiness as she continues to be active in her church, family, and community.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the exemplary law enforcement career of California Highway Patrol (CHP) Lieutenant Antonio Pena. On December 18, 2018, Lieutenant Pena will retire from the CHP after 29 years of service. Antonio Pena began his career of public service by serving in the United States Air Force, where he attained the rank of sergeant. Following his military service, Antonio graduated from the CHP academy in 1989 and was assigned to the CHP South Los Angeles Office. After 11 years, Antonio moved on to the Inland Division Office and assumed the role of Sergeant in the Victorville CHP office. In 2001, he began working out of the Santa Fe Springs office, a position that allowed him to coordinate the Impaired Driving Task Force. His assignments during the final phases of his law enforcement career included Alta Dena and Barstow. He finished his career with the CHP as the Commander of the San Bernardino County Auto Theft Task Force. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, I would like to congratulate Antonio for his service to our nation, state, and community. His dedication and commitment to the profession of law enforcement reflects great credit upon himself and the California Highway Patrol.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and remember the outstanding life of Alma Newsom Fornal, 1st lieutenant of the U.S. Army Air Corp. Mrs. Fornal, born in 1920, graduated from the University of Arkansas. Upon graduation she moved to Mississippi to be with her father, where she then took up flying. In 1943 she joined the Army Air Corps as a member of the pioneering group called the Women Air Force Service Pilots (WASPs), making her one of the first women allowed to fly military aircraft. These trailblazing pilots were an integral part of the World War II war effort. Her contributions as a test pilot enabled safer flights of the AT-6 for male pilots serving overseas. In 2009 she was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal by President Barack Obama. Alma Newsom Fornal was laid to rest today December 19, 2018. Her dedication to serving our nation in its time of need is due the utmost respect and admiration, and her place in history and time of service will be honored. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I thank her for her patriotism and pioneering spirit which have paved the way for future generations.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions that Sharon Haislip has made throughout her forty years of service towards the JPL Goldstone Deep Space Communication Complex (GDSCC). Sharon began her career in Logistics at the GDSCC, and was promoted several times until becoming Production Control Specialist, and eventually served on the CSOC contract working as Property Coordinator. Her hard work and commitment led to expanded responsibilities as she developed a detailed knowledge of government property management. In the Property Office, Sharon was responsible for a wide range of logistics including government reporting and inventory of NASA property. Her work provided valuable records for gathering and tracking information on the history of an asset, including its status and performance capabilities. This information was critical to insure continued operation of telecommunications equipment across multiple sites as it was moved from location to location around the Goldstone complex. Sharon Haislip retires on December 20, 2018. Her diligence towards her work has contributed significantly to the success of JPL NASA's Deep Space Network as each manned spaceflight mission, landing and planetary encounter has contributed towards humankind's understanding of the solar system and beyond. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I thank Sharon for all her contributions towards our local community and the future planetary advances that will result from her work.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the heroic efforts of Officer David Gibson in preventing loss of life while in the line of duty. On September 21, 2018 Officer Gibson came to assist a woman threatening to drive her car off a cliff, in an apparent suicide attempt. While another officer distracted the woman, Officer Gibson rushed to her vehicle from the opposite side, jumped in through an open window through the passenger's side and shut down the vehicle, risking great personal harm but successfully halting it's movement further off the cliff. The woman fought with Officer Gibson to restart the vehicle, but both officers were able to regain control and prevent her from turning on the vehicle again. Afterwards she was taken into custody and transported to a medical facility. Officer Gibson demonstrated extreme devotion to his duty and the protection of others by endangering himself in an effort to save the life of another. These actions are honorable and representative of the great lengths our first responders go to better keep our community safe. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I thank Officer Gibson. His actions are recognized and it is an honor to have him serving the constituents of California's Eighth Congressional District.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions that Edward Messer has made throughout his thirty-five years of service towards the JPL Deep Space Network. Edward Messer's 35 year contribution to our space program began in 1982, as an operations Station technician in charge of handling spacecraft telecommunications for orbital supports and support of human space missions. Edward soon had the opportunity to operate the Space Shuttle Command System, through which he manually transmitted commands to the shuttles, supporting many missions for the shuttle program. Additionally, Edward operated Shuttle TV which transmitted Shuttle live video to a global audience. In the late 1980's, Edward served as the Operations Chief Tech in the Deep Space Network, granting him the opportunity to support various launches, landings, and orbit insertions, as well as establishing and maintaining communication links with spacecraft journeying across the solar system. Missions throughout his career ranged from the launch of the Hubble Space Telescope and landing the Pathfinder mission on Mars to the orbital insertion and tracking of the Cassini mission studying the rings and moons of Saturn. Edward was eventually promoted to Spacecraft Operations Shift Supervisor, giving him increased responsibility and oversight of a team of Link Operators. Edward Messer retired from NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory on September 28, 2018. Edward's commitment to his work and scientific endeavor has greatly contributed to our understanding of the solar system. On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I thank Mr. Messer for all his contributions towards our local community and the future planetary advances that will result from his work.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Bishop for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a few minutes to talk about my bill, H.R. 5513, the Big Bear Land Exchange Act. This bill would authorize a land exchange of approximately 71 acres of land in the San Bernardino National Forest for approximately 73 acres of land currently owned by San Bernardino County. This land would be used by the county to build a timber processing facility that would serve the mountain communities. Currently, trees and other forest waste are driven down the mountain through a narrow and winding pass to a processing facility in the valley, resulting in increased traffic congestion, significant wear and tear on mountain roads, and numerous traffic accidents. This has been exacerbated this week. We had quite a bit of snow, and, once again, it was very, very treacherous. Safety is always a problem on these mountain roads. This land exchange would require the relocation of a small portion of the Pacific Crest Trail. I have worked closely with the Pacific Crest Trail Association to include language ensuring that the relocation would include environmental review and will occur before the exchange takes place. This land exchange has virtually unanimous local support, including the city of Big Bear Lake, the Friends of Big Bear Valley, the Big Bear Fire Department, the Big Bear City Community Services Department, the Big Bear Municipal Water District, the Bear Valley Community Healthcare District, the Big Bear Chamber of Commerce, and the local Big Bear Group chapter of the Sierra Club. We haven't heard from the local bear associations at all. That is a bad joke. It passed out of the House Natural Resources Committee on a unanimous vote.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service and commitment of outgoing Victorville City Council Member Jim Kennedy who will leave the dais on Tuesday, December 4, 2018. Jim was first elected to Victorville City Council in 2010 and has served the city for eight years, including terms as Mayor and Mayor Pro-tem. In addition to his position as council member, Jim has served as a board member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the Inland Empire Chapter of the California Society of CPAs, the City Audit Committee, and as a delegate to Victor Valley Wastewater Reclamation Authority. During his time on the council, Jim has been a passionate advocate for Victorville and its residents. He supported key infrastructure projects including the Nisqualli/La Mesa interchange, which provided a key transit corridor to help alleviate traffic congestion. Jim also fought to keep Victorville residents safe, and consistently voted to add additional sheriff's deputies and firefighters to the city's budget. I thank Council Member Jim Kennedy for his leadership and dedication to public service on behalf of Victorville residents. Jim has been a true model of civility and decorum on the Victorville City Council, and he will be sorely missed

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Beverly Lowry for her service on the Board of Directors of the Mojave Water Agency in Apple Valley California. Bev, as she is affectionately known by most, began her distinguished career in the water industry serving her first term with the Mojave Water Agency through 1976, and later was re-elected in 1989, serving continuously since that time. Bev has held the position of President of the Board of Directors in 1993 and from 1996 through 1999, and again from 2014 through 2016. Bev has been a Barstow area resident for more than 50 years. She and her late husband Al settled in Barstow in 1966 where she has lived since with her two sons and two grandsons close by. She has led a lengthy and distinguished career in public service, including her current term as a Director at Mojave Water District representing Division 6, which encompasses the greater Barstow area. During her tenure with Mojave, Bev has seen the agency transform as the desert communities have grown. As an advocate for water rights and integrated planning Bev worked to secure community participation in the Agency's first Integrated Regional Water Management Plan in 2004, as well as subsequent updates of the plan. Bev also oversaw the completion of multiple other projects and initiatives that would ultimately aid the region in continuing to supply water as the state of California faced extreme drought conditions. Her passion and service extend throughout the community serving in several roles where she worked on behalf of the larger region. While I have enjoyed working with Bev, I also asked former Congressman Jerry Lewis to join me in thanking her for her service. Congressman Lewis said, ``Bev's dedication to the Mojave Water Agency is to be commended. It was a privilege to work with her while I was a Member of Congress. In addition to calling her a great public servant, it is a privilege to call her my friend.'' Marking her 34 years of well-respected service, Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in wishing Bev well in her retirement. Her decades of service to the Mojave Water Agency is inspirational, and I am grateful for her contributions to the community and state of California.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions that Carol and the late Don Bremer have provided to our community of Big Bear Lake as they are awarded the 2018 Humanitarian Award. After studying to be educators at Wayne State College, the late Don Bremer and his wife Carol Bremer honorably served our country throughout the Korean conflict. The Bremer's spirit for public service progressed through their service as educators and administrators for over thirty-five years. Their experience within military, education and public service only flamed their charitable hearts leading them to establish a Charitable Foundation and create over six endowed annual scholarships; all while engaging and participating in multiple philanthropic organizations. Don and Carol are most recognized for their participation throughout Big Bear Lake with various, fundraisers and community projects including the yearly Big Bear Homecoming Royalty Parade where Don enjoyed towing the float in his 1968 Corvette convertible. Most recently, Don and Carol raised over $110,000.00 to fix and upgrade our local hospital's patient rooms. The Bremer's are a shining beacon of charity throughout Big Bear and Southern California and it is with sadness that I learn Don's passing, may his contributions live onward and thank you Carol Bremer for being an exceptional wife, mother and member of our community

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary contributions and impact of Steve Caloca, Director of the University of California, Los Angeles Lake Arrowhead Conference Center. After a decade of service at the center, Steve will resign his position to take on a new role as the Executive Director of Food Services and Events at Warner Brothers Entertainment. Since Steve joined the UCLA Conference Center in 2008, Steve has overseen numerous renovations, improvements, and expansions at the facility. He leaves behind a legacy of vision and leadership that resulted in the employment of hundreds of local mountain residents, and he was instrumental in providing higher education opportunities for students through alumni scholarships. Under his leadership, the conference center team hosted many executive level retreats, won numerous recognition awards from industry publications, and orchestrated the construction of the scenic Zen Deck. Steve delivered a first-class experience to conference center guests while also building lasting relationships within the local community. Steve also served as the Chairman of the Board for the Lake Arrowhead Chamber of Commerce and was active with the local Rotary Club. His dedication to our local mountain community was unparalleled. However, I know that he will excel in his newest pursuit. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, I thank him for his many years of service to the constituents of the 8th Congressional District of California.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Bishop for yielding me the time. I would like to take a few minutes to talk about my bill, H.R. 857, the California Off-Road Recreational and Conservation Act. The California desert has long been a land of many uses. The local economies depend on a combination of revenue from recreational off- highway vehicle use, known as OHV, mining, and tourism to our stunning desert parks and wilderness areas. Balancing these economic drivers is key to aligning Federal land use policies. This bill is the product of years of outreach to local governments, Tribes, off-highway vehicle users, conservation groups, chambers of commerce, miners, and other stakeholders. H.R. 857 will establish five off-highway vehicle recreational areas in the California desert, as well as expand an existing OHV area. Three of these OHV areas would also include expansion study areas. In total, these 6 OHV areas cover 300,000 acres. This bill creates additional protections for OHV users and ensures that these areas cannot be closed administratively. Creating the Nation's first system of off-highway vehicle recreation areas will ensure that OHV activity is conducted in appropriate locations, protecting other parts of the desert. The California Desert Protection Act of 1994 left the Mojave Desert with hundreds of thousands of acres of wilderness study areas. In a decade since then, these areas have been reviewed extensively for their suitability as wilderness areas. My bill would designate some of these areas as wilderness, primarily within these wilderness study areas and Death Valley National Park, while releasing other areas from the wilderness study that were found to be unsuitable for wilderness designation. Additionally, my bill would designate approximately 18,000 acres of existing Federal land as the Alabama Hills National Scenic Area. This would restrict large-scale projects, such as renewable energy generation, while preserving all existing recreational and commercial use of Alabama Hills. Activities such as filming, hiking, mountain biking, rock climbing, hunting, fishing, and authorized motorized vehicle use would be unaffected. Additionally, recreational mineral prospecting, i.e., rockhounding, would continue. This portion of H.R. 857 passed the House as a stand-alone bill in the last Congress with unanimous support before stalling in the Senate. The California Off-Road Recreation Conservation Act has the support of San Bernardino County and Inyo County; the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California; local cities; virtually every major off-road vehicle group; environmental groups, such as the California Wilderness Coalition, and the Pew Charitable Trusts; local chambers of commerce; and Lone Pine Paiute-Shoshone Reservation. There is no known opposition to this bill. H.R. 857 is the product of years of grassroots work and represents a consensus on how to manage our public lands in the California desert. Mr. Speaker, I strongly encourage my colleagues to support its passage.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the exemplary career of City of Hesperia Senior Economic Development Specialist Lisa Lamere, who will officially retire from her position on June 22, 2018. Since her hiring by the City of Hesperia sixteen years ago, Lisa has worked to improve her city and community. During her time, she has attracted, retained, and helped to expand businesses that have opened or relocated to Hesperia. Additionally, she has worked on grant applications to successfully secure state, federal, and private funding for projects to improve everything from infrastructure to education. When she's not hard at work improving the business environment in Hesperia, Lisa is the President of the Mojave River Valley Horseman's Association. Lisa has been a tremendous asset to City of Hesperia and the entire High Desert Community for well over a decade. I congratulate Lisa Lamere for her years of service and wish her the best in her retirement.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Hesperia Mayor Russell E. Blewett, an incredible pillar of the community. Russ passed away on May 23, 2018 at the age of 74. Russ was born on April 9, 1944 in Covina, CA and was a lifelong resident of the great state of California. He graduated from Baldwin Park High School and attended the University of California, Riverside with a bachelor's degree. Later in life, he attended the University of Redlands where he received his master's degree in business. Russ always showed a love of politics and public service. He served as California's youngest mayor from 1972-1973, and again from 1977- 1978, in the City of Baldwin Park. Although his business and family eventually took him away from Baldwin Park, he continued to have a passion for his community and public service wherever he went. When he moved to Hesperia in 2003, he quickly became ingrained in the community. In 2010, he was elected overwhelmingly to the Hesperia City Council, and was reelected in 2014. He served as Hesperia's mayor in 2012 and in 2018. With Russ's passing, Hesperia has lost a titan who helped build the city into what it is today. Russ was known for his faith, integrity, and incredible work ethic, and will be missed by all who knew him. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, I would like to pass along my deepest condolences to all of Russ's friends and family during this difficult time.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Bishop Mayor Pro Tem Patricia Gardner, who passed away after a courageous battle with cancer. Pat served on the council for six years, and was an active member in her community throughout her life. Pat moved with her family to Bishop in 1960, when her father was transferred within the California Department of Transportation. Although she left Bishop to attend college, she and her husband returned in 1981. Pat held a graduate degree in physical therapy, and was the owner of Sports Medicine and Rehab Therapy from 1986 to her retirement in 2011. When she wasn't running a thriving business, Pat remained focused on helping in her community. She was active in the United Methodist Church, where she taught Sunday school, and served four terms on the Bishop Union Elementary School District. After her retirement, Pat continued her commitment to improving her community and ran for Bishop City Council in 2012. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, I would like to recognize the tireless work that Pat Gardner undertook to improve Bishop for her friends and neighbors. Her determination, grace, and passion for her community will not soon be forgotten.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize David Caine who will be honored as the Lake Arrowhead Chamber of Commerce's Citizen of the Year. David is the founder of Quiet Skies--Lake Arrowhead, a group dedicated to preserving Lake Arrowhead residents' quality of life in the face of flight pattern changes by the FAA. David epitomizes what it means to be a concerned citizen. When flight patterns changed over Lake Arrowhead last year, David was the first person to contact my office to notify me what a massive complication this was for my constituents. Not only did he quickly bring this issue to light, he has been diligent in researching this issue and organizing the local community. Due to his hard work, dedication, and perseverance, FAA representatives came to Lake Arrowhead to present a partial solution while they continue to work on a permanent fix. This meeting was the first time in history that the FAA has voluntarily made changes to accommodate a community. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, I would like to thank David Caine for the incredible work he has done organizing and informing the community about the seriousness of this issue, and for his tireless efforts to advocate on behalf of Lake Arrowhead residents. His determination, diligence, and passion make him truly deserving of the title, Citizen of the Year.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Snow Valley Mountain Resort, which has been named the Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce Business of the Year. Snow Valley is the oldest continually operating ski resort in Southern California, having begun operations in 1924. Celebrating their 80th year anniversary this 2017-2018 ski season, Snow Valley employs nearly 400 people during their high season. They have consistently contributed and stimulated the local tourist economy of the area. Snow Valley instructors have taught thousands how to ski and snow board at their Learning Center, which includes an Adaptive Learning Facility. Additionally, Snow Valley has been active in the local community by supporting projects including the Active Transportation Project grant program and the Running Springs to Big Bear trail system. The Resort was also one of the driving forces behind the construction of the first hospital in Lake Arrowhead. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, I would like to thank Snow Valley for their contributions to the local economy in Lake Arrowhead, as well as being an important part of the culture, history, and heritage of our local mountain communities.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Rim of the World Historical Society, which has been selected by the Lake Arrowhead Communities Chamber of Commerce as its Non-Profit of the Year. The Society is dedicated to collecting, preserving and sharing the history of the Western San Bernardino Mountains communities. The Rim of the World Historical Society was founded in 1986 as the Crestline Historical Society. The early organization provided temporary history exhibits and programs. Over time, the name changed to the Rim of the World Historical Society the focus shifted to being a stronger and more visible part of mountaintop communities, from Green Valley Lake to Cedar Pines Park. Its volunteers have designed and installed exhibits within the Mountain History Museum that are open to the public. Through the work of countless volunteers and community members, the Mountain History Museum has provided a window into the history of our beautiful mountain communities. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, I would like to thank Rim of the World Historical Society for their hard work, dedication, and passion for culture and history of our mountain communities.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Michael Visser who will receive the Distinguished Education Service Award from the Victor Valley College Foundation on February 24, 2018. Michael was selected for this award by the foundation because of his commitment to encouraging his students to pursue careers in law enforcement. After retiring from three decades in law enforcement, Michael began teaching courses at VVC and was instrumental in opening the Regional Public Safety Training Center on campus. He also played a vital role in assisting the VVC Campus Police Department in obtaining new firearms and improved training. He has gone above and beyond in supporting the campus by facilitating emergency drills such as ``The Great Shakeout'' and ``Active Shooter Training.'' Michael's passion for giving back to his students is evident in everything he does. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, I would like to congratulate Michael Visser for his tireless effort on behalf of his students at VVC. Undoubtedly, he is well-deserving of the Distinguished Education Service Award.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Fred Hunter, who received the President's Award from the Victor Valley College Foundation on February 24, 2018. Fred was selected for this prestigious award because of his selfless contributions to Victor Valley College and local community. As the Chief Executive Officer for the Desert Valley Hospital/Desert Valley Medical Group, Fred spearheaded a partnership with VVC to assist students in pursuing careers in the field of nursing. This partnership provided not only financial assistance to these students, but also three-year employment contracts with Desert Valley Hospital. If that wasn't enough, Fred personally mentors and tutors nursing students in the program to ensure their success. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, I would like to congratulate Fred Hunter for receiving the President's Award from the Victor Valley College Foundation. He is truly deserving of this honor and I thank him for his willingness to give back to his High Desert community.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Thurston ``Smitty'' Smith, who was awarded the Distinguished Service-Community Service Award from the Victor Valley College Foundation on February 24, 2018. Smitty was selected for this award because of his distinguished career as a public servant. As a former member of the Hesperia City Council, Smitty devoted countless hours of his time and expertise to economic and urban development of the city. He was instrumental in the completion of the Hesperia Civic Plaza Park, Ranchero Underpass, and Ranchero Bridge project. In addition to his work in Hesperia, Smitty serves on the Mojave Water Agency's Board of Directors, chairs the Victor Valley Bicycle Tour, and is active with several non-profit organizations. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, I would like to congratulate Thurston ``Smitty'' Smith for receiving the Distinguished Service-Community Service Award from the Victor Valley College Foundation. It is a well-deserved and long-overdue honor.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sid Hultquist, who was selected for induction to the Victor Valley College Alumni Hall of Fame. As an alumnus of VVC, Sid became a fixture in the Victor Valley and distinguished himself as a leader and public servant. During his 38 years of fire service, Sid worked for nearly every firefighting agency in the High Desert. Under Sid's guidance as Fire Chief for the Apple Valley Fire Protection District, the agency was able to secure additional funding to hire new firefighters and reduce critical response times for town residents. Undoubtedly, the training he received at VVC was instrumental in helping Sid excel in many areas of his career. On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, I would like to congratulate Sid Hultquist for his induction to the Victor Valley College Alumni Hall of Fame. I couldn't think of a better honor for someone who gave so much to his community.