Paul Cook

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Paul G. (Jerry) Goforth who passed away on October 3, 2014. Jerry, a family man, United States Marine, and a horseman will be remembered as a compassionate and respectful man who provided unconditionally for his family. Jerry enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Second Division, in 1943 and served over two years in the Pacific Theatre. After leaving the USMC, Jerry made Southern California home where he fell in love with his wife Barbara (Bobbie) Baylis. Together they married in 1948 and raised a family. Jerry was a distinguished member of the Long Beach Police Department as a motor officer. After an accident that prematurely ended Jerry's career, he joined the team at State Farm in Costa Mesa as a claims superintendent. Retiring after twenty-five years, Jerry and Bobbie built their dream home and moved to my hometown of Yucca Valley. I can remember Jerry and Bobbie traveling at every opportunity they had. Either abroad or in their motor-home, they loved the chance to see old friends and make new ones. Jerry raised Arabian horses, leather tooled, and restored antique factors. Jerry was a member of the California Chapter of the Second Marine Division Association. He was devoted to promoting the tenets of the association and served as both President of the California and National Associations. ``Once a Marine, Always a Marine'' Semper Fi

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize an important transportation project that is currently under construction in my district, the Eighth District of California on Interstate 15 near the Nevada border. The Joint Port of Entry Project, on Interstate 15, is a vital step towards improving the safety and reliability of California's highways while also creating nearly 2,000 jobs. Planning for this project spans more than twenty years. The first phase of this project will construct the California Highway Patrol Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility. This advanced design facility will help protect our roadway infrastructure from overweight vehicles entering California, which leads to the deteriorating lifespan of our highways. The second phase of this project will construct the California Department of Food and Agriculture Inspection Station. I applaud the California Department of Transportation, California Department of Food and Agriculture, California Highway Patrol, California Department of General Services, and the California Department of Finance for their coordinated efforts to bring this project to fruition. In this final phase of construction, I also wish to recognize the Director of the Department of Transportation, Malcolm Dougherty, P.E., and District Eighth Director Basem E. Muallem, P.E, for their outstanding leadership.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the people of Azerbaijan and all Azerbaijani-Americans on the 96th anniversary of Azerbaijan's Republic Day. On this day, May 28, in 1918, Azerbaijan received its independence and formally created the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic. Over the past 23 years, Azerbaijan has grown to become a close and trusted ally of the United States in a geopolitically challenging region of the world. Situated along the Caspian Sea, with Iran on its southern border and Russia on its northern border, Azerbaijan was the first country in the region to open Caspian Sea energy resources to U.S. and European countries, playing a vital role in European energy security. This role is even more important today with tensions rising with Russia. A steadfast friend and supporter of Israel, Azerbaijan plays a vital role in Israeli energy security, providing almost 40 percent of all crude oil supplies to our closest ally in the Middle East. Azerbaijan is a secular country, with a predominantly Muslim population, that guarantees religious freedom for all. Azerbaijan has been home for centuries to vibrant Jewish and Christian communities, acting as a role model for religious coexistence and freedom. Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Azerbaijan has been a partner in the United States' efforts towards freedom around the globe. Azerbaijan was the first Muslim country to send troops to Iraq and has played an active role in NATO's efforts in Afghanistan, committing troops, resources and allowing use of their airspace and airports. Although the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was first established in 1918, this initial independence was short-lived as the Soviet Union led a bitter and bloody takeover of the country in 1920. In 1991, as the Soviet Union was crumbling, Azerbaijan reestablished its independence and looked Westward to the United States for friendship and guidance. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the people of Azerbaijan on this day. I look forward to working with Azerbaijan as our nations continue to work together and build a lasting and fruitful bond.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Tony Hackbarth. Tony, who passed away on May 21, 2014, was a larger than life figure in the Hi-Desert's city of Barstow. Better known as Mr. Del Taco, Tony and his brother Ed opened the first Del Taco on First Street in Barstow in 1966. By 1981, Del Taco had 250 locations across the Golden State feeding thousands of customers every day. After selling the franchise in 1979, Tony remained the owner and operator of the three Barstow restaurants located on First Street, Mountain View, and Lenwood Road. He worked at the First Street location up until his death. Everyone in the Barstow community knew Tony and could find him waving out of the drive through window of the First Street Del Taco location. A true man of the people, and a champion of the community it is with a heavy heart that I stand here today. Tony served four years in the U.S. Air Force and was discharged in 1958. In 2001, he was awarded the ``Man of Continuous Service'' by the Barstow Chamber of Commerce and he and his wife were awarded the ``Parents of the Year'' award in 1990. Tony is survived by his wife of 56 years, Barbara and their four children, Julie, Mark, Aaron, and Brae. I join with the City of Barstow and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Tony in remembering him, and praying for his family.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of M.J. ``Mac'' Dube, who passed away Tuesday, April 29, 2014. Mac, a family man, United States Marine, and public servant will always be remembered in Twentynine Palms for his hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm. As a combat Marine, Colonel, and Chief of Staff at the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Mac served his country honorably and left a legacy for all those who will come after him. Mac and I were both promoted to Colonel at the same time, an honor I will always remember and cherish. You know, the Marine Corps has an old saying, ``No greater friend, no worse enemy.'' This could not have been truer for Mac, he was a great Marine and his thirty years, four Purple Hearts, and Silver Star are all compliments of his extraordinary service. Mac began his involvement with the city of Twentynine Palms in 1994 following his retirement from the Marine Corps. He held various roles including a seat on the city council and as a field representative to County Supervisor Bill Postmus. It is with a heavy heart that I come to the House floor today to remember Mac. I join with the Marine Corps and city of Twentynine Palms in remembering and praying for Mac's family, especially his wife Patty. Semper FI.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1241, obviously, would facilitate a land exchange in Mono County, California. It would allow the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area to obtain the 21 acres surrounding the Mammoth Mountain Inn that it currently leases from the National Forest Service. In return, Mammoth Mountain would transfer 1,500 acres of land along with a cash equalization payment to the National Forest Service. This would allow Mammoth Mountain to replace and rebuild the Mammoth Mountain Inn. After more than 50 years of use, the Inn suffers from poor, deteriorated construction, and its replacement would allow Mammoth Mountain to continue operating California's premier ski area. This bill is a jobs bill. Mammoth Mountain's employment fluctuates between a high of 2,500 employees during the winter to down to 650 in the summer. Mono County has a population of only 14,000 people. Thus, this area is by far and above the largest employer in the country. This would help facilitate and would create new construction jobs, but it would also allow the ski area to expand, creating more permanent jobs. It's also an environmental bill. The 1,500 acres that Mammoth Mountain would be transferring to the Forest Service has long been desired for protection by local environmentalists and the Forest Service. It will end what the Inyo National Forest supervisor described as a ``very, very imminent threat to the scenic basin.'' The legislation is supported by the Mono County Board of Supervisors, the town council, the various chambers of commerce and the Eastern Sierra Land Trust. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this vital local bill.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Sean Anthony Jacques of Big Bear Lake, California. Having lived in the area since the age of seven, Sean attended Big Bear Lake Elementary, Middle School, and High School. After his High School graduation, Sean joined the United States Navy and served as an FC2 for six years. Upon the completion of his service, Sean returned to Big Bear Lake to work for the Big Bear Mountain Resorts. He served there and dedicated fifteen years to the area. Sean is survived by his wife, Suzanne, his son Anthony, and daughter Alexandra, his parents, sister, and his many nieces and nephews. Mr. Speaker, I submit his favorite poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson. His wife Suzanne has dedicated this to him after his death. (By Ralph Waldo Emerson) ``To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in others; to give of one's self; to leave the world a bit better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived--this is to have succeeded.''

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the incredible job Rick Craig and Laura Dyberg have done as board members of the Rim of the World Recreation and Park District. Both of these individuals have enriched and fulfilled the lives of the citizens they have worked for. Rick Craig served four years on the Board of Directors and three of those four years, as chairman. During his tenure with the board, he served on the Planning and Facilities Committee and was instrumental in helping their ``Measure N'' program to succeed. Laura Dyberg served on the board since 2005 and was the Board Secretary for many years. She served on the Planning and Facilities, Personal and Public Relations and Program Committees. She was instrumental in finding a qualified general manager, in the dedication of Harich Field, and with the renaming of the Twin Peaks Recreation complex. Luckily for the community, both of these exceptional individuals will continue their service in various capacities for the betterment of the recreational community. I wish both of them well and look forward to hearing about their new accomplishments.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, Monday, November 11, will be Veterans Day. Veterans Day is very, very special to all Americans, but more so to me. I am a veteran. Part of the reason I ran for Congress was I wanted to talk about veterans' issues. I was concerned about the VA. I was concerned about the claims that have gone so long. I was concerned about, particularly, the Vietnam veterans that have their claims in a stack that haven't been addressed and yet the clock is ticking. They are dying. In 5 years, some insurance person can probably tell you how many of those Vietnam veterans are going to be dead. We have an obligation in this House as Americans to look after those that gave so much for our country, those that gave their lives, people in this House here that gave their limbs, they have been wounded, still carry shrapnel in their body, still have a cloth and have NyQuil and wake up with a nightmare dreaming about a firefight in a way, or the DMZ, or what have you. The memories never go away. We have an obligation to all Americans because, quite frankly, we are going to have another war in the future--I hope it is not in my lifetime--but there is always going to be a conflict, and we are going to call upon the military to do their job, and they will do their job. It is our responsibility to make sure we take care of those men and women that have given so much for their country. Many, many years ago, in a place far, far away, I was a platoon commander. I had a lot of marines, great troops. Many of them never came back. Lance Corporal Borey, Lance Corporal Doran--I can go on and on. I am not here to impress you with my memory because it is no great feat. It is something when you were there with those people and you saw what happened; you realize the significance of Veterans Day and how we can never forget those people that gave so much. So other than that day that is coming up very, very shortly, if you see a veteran, if you see somebody in the military, just say to them, thank you, because you care and you also remember.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Mr. Joshua Raborn of Victorville, CA who passed away on October 16, 2013 after a fatal motorcycle accident. A dedicated public servant, Joshua served in the United States Marine Corps as a Lance Corporal before becoming a firefighter with the United States Forest Service. He held the position of Lead Water Tender Operator on the San Bernardino National Forest, Mountain Ranger District. Joshua started his career in 2008 as a seasonal firefighter with the Big Bear Hotshoots. In 2009, he was admitted into the Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Program before entering Basic Academy number 49 and the Advanced Academy in 2010. After converting to full-time in January of 2011, Joshua spent the remainder of his career on the Mountaintop Ranger District as the lead water Tender Operator at Deerlick Station number 12 in Hesperia. In a very special way I would like to extend my most sincere thoughts and prayers to Joshua's wife Kristen, his four kids, and his parents. His work, legacy, and dedication will never be forgotten by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Maurice Lyons, who passed away October 16, 2013. Mr. Lyons has left those living in the Morongo Basin with a legacy of public service and dedication to community. Mr. Lyons became well known throughout the Morongo Basin during his 15 years of leadership as chairman of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. Raised on the Morongo Reservation as one of nine children, Lyons entered public service in 1994 as a tribal housing commissioner and chairman of the Morongo Head Start parents committee. Soon after he was elected to the Morongo Tribal Council and was elected Tribal Chairman in 2001, serving a total of three terms. In addition to his leadership on the Tribal Council, Mr. Lyons established himself as a community leader through his role in developing the Morongo School, a college preparatory academy that opened on the reservation in 2010. In addition he served as president of the board of directors for National Indian Child Welfare Association and spearheaded a national drive that raised more than $500,000 toward the cost to build a National American Indian Veterans monument at Riverside National Cemetery. Today, I join with the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and with the entire Morongo Basin in remembering this extraordinary public leader who served as an inspiration to all those who knew him.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in honor of 241 servicemembers who were killed 30 years ago in the attacks by Hezbollah against the U.S. Marine compound in Beirut. I was not stationed in Beirut during the attack, but this was my former battalion, the First Battalion, Eighth Marines. Until 9/11, this was the deadliest terrorist attack against Americans in our Nation's history; and in many ways, it was the beginning of the war on terror that we are still fighting today. Mr. Chairman, I now ask my colleagues to rise and observe a moment of silence in honor of the sacrifice of 241 Americans--220 marines, 18 sailors, and three soldiers--who were lost 30 years ago today.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Robert ``Bob'' Greiner of Victorville, CA, who passed away October 17th, 2013 after leaving what will be a lasting impression on the members of the Victor Valley community. During the Korean War, Bob was drafted into the Army and eventually served as part of the Military Police. Bob's service to his country did not stop there. After leaving the Army, Bob opened car dealerships where, he became a well know face around the town. During the recession and throughout the closure of George Air Force Base, he provided work to those in need. Bob's service to his country and community is a legacy that will not soon be forgotten. Today, I join with the Town of Victorville and the whole country in remembering this great soldier, community leader, father, and husband. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Mrs. Greiner, and all the friends and family of this extraordinary man.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Kevin B. Brewer of the Faith in the Word Christian Center in Twentynine Palms. It is an honor to serve the people of the Eighth Congressional District, particularly when so many people in the district are dedicated to serving others. Dr. Brewer began his service in 1972 when he joined the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in 1976 after graduating from Ashland University in Ohio. Between 1976 and 1997, Dr. Brewer wore the ranks of Second Lieutenant and Lieutenant Colonel in the Marine Corps, and it was during his overseas tour in Okinawa, Japan in 1979 that he rededicated himself to God and his calling to minister the gospel. In March of 1985, Dr. Brewer began working part time as a pastor at Faith in the Word, and became the full-time pastor in 1989. Even as he was serving members of the Mojave Desert community, Dr. Brewer answered the call of duty once again in 1990, reporting for active military duty in Operation Desert Shield, before finally retiring from the USMCR in 1997. After his retirement, Dr. Brewer has continued to serve members of his community as president of the local Ministerial Association and Rotary Club, in addition to his vital work as pastor. Dr. Brewer is just one example of the many community members in the Eighth District who have chosen to serve in many ways, and I want to thank all of them for their service and for honoring me with the chance to represent them in Washington, D.C.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Mr. Nelson Draper, Sr. of Barstow California who passed away on Sunday September 22, 2013. After being recruited to join the U.S. Marine Corps in 1944, Draper joined the ranks of 420 others who used their native language to aid the United States military in World War II. At the age of 25, Draper left his home on the Navaho Indian Reservation in Chinle, Arizona to become a Navajo Code Talker. At the time of his passing, aged 93, Mr. Draper was the sole Code Talker veteran in San Bernardino County. The Navajo language was chosen as a secret weapon in the United States' war efforts because it was impossible for a non-Navajo speaker to learn and it had no written form. Before the use of Code Talkers, it would take military personnel up to two hours to encrypt and decipher secret codes. In 2001, Draper was recognized with one of the highest awards bestowed by this body, the Congressional Silver Medal. After his retirement from the Marine Corps, Mr. Draper and his wife moved to Barstow where he worked at the Marines Corps logistics base for more than thirty years. Today, I join with the City of Barstow and the whole country in remembering a great Marine, citizen, and family man. My thoughts and prayers are with Draper's wife, Lena, their seven children, thirty-five grandchildren, and forty-nine great grandchildren.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100th Anniversary of the Morongo Basin. It is the honor of a life time to be able to serve the people of the Eight Congressional District in Washington, D.C. As seen over the course of the Basin's 100 year history, this region maintains a strong sense of community and upholds many noble traditions. Today I am here to talk specifically about Ms. Mara Cantelo and the strong sense of volunteerism she brings to the community. Over the past 100 years, there have been many shining moments to which we can remember the Basin. The year 2009 comes to mind when I think of its altruistic spirit. It was in 2009 that Mara Cantelo, a Coachella Valley native, received the Jefferson Award from the American Institute of Public Service in recognition of her steadfast and selfless efforts to help those who are less fortunate. Mara has been a paragon of benevolence in her community since 1984 when she co-founded Tender Loving Christmas with her mother Julie Tunstall. As the name suggests, Tender Loving Christmas was dedicated to giving care and compassion, in the form of food, to those who needed it most in the holiday season. Since then it has grown to become Tender Loving Cause, and has taken to providing for the poor year round. This charitable labor of love has successfully fed nearly 3,500 impoverished people since its inception, and will undoubtedly serve thousands more in the future. To the people of the Morongo Basin, thank you for including me in your 100 year project. The sense of volunteerism you and Mara bring to your community is admirable and a true beacon of inspiration to us all.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Dr. Cheryl A. Marshall who will be inducted as the seventh president of Crafton Hills College on September 27, 2013. Dr. Marshall has had a distinguished career in the field of education. Having received her doctorate of education from the University of Southern California, Dr. Marshall has spent ten of the last twenty years as an educator in positions of leadership, changing the lives of her students for the better. As a member of the Inland Empire Economic Partnership's Education Council, she has contributed to the region-wide effort to address educational gaps and prepare our students for a strong presence in the workforce. As a former educator, I believe it is her specialization in educational management, strategic planning, and performance management that sets her apart. A firm believer in the intrinsic value of education, Dr. Marshall fully understands and appreciates the vital role that education plays in our society. Having secured close to $9 million dollars in grant funding during her career, she has been able to safeguard various programs and services would always be available in order for her students to succeed. During her tenure as Vice President of Instruction, Dr. Marshall ensured Crafton Hills College received full accreditation within just two years. Such dedication, exemplified by Dr. Marshall, makes Crafton Hills College an excellent institution of higher learning. In closing, I'd like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Dr. Marshall, her husband Patrick and their two children on her inauguration. I look forward to seeing Crafton Hills College grow and prosper under her experienced direction.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues Ken Calvert and Raul Ruiz to honor the memory of a friend of mine, Jack Gosch, who passed away late last month. As an active member of the Hemet, California, community, Jack was a natural salesman who lived a long, enthusiastic, and vibrant life. He contributed greatly over his lifetime to the economic success and vitality of the city, and will long be remembered. Jack was born on June 26, 1928, in Norwich, Kansas. He attended Wilson High School in Long Beach and the University of California Los Angeles. He graduated from the university in 1951 with a business degree and served two years in the U.S. Air Force. Following his service managing a Post Exchange, he joined Ford Motor Company, where he worked his way up from an entry-level data position to general field manager for the Los Angeles region. In 1964, he established his first dealership in Hemet, California. In the following years he added to the Gosch Auto Group with new dealerships in Temecula and other cities throughout Riverside County. During the 1970s, Jack was president of the Hemet Chamber of Commerce and the Hemet-San Jacinto Exchange Club. In 1974, Jack co- founded The Bank of Hemet, and through his retirement in 2001, Jack served as chairman of the board. He was also a founding board member of Valley-Wide Parks & Recreation District, which was established in 1972 and has since grown from one park to over 75 throughout San Jacinto, Menifee, and French Valley. He was a partner in many local businesses, such as Hemet Valley RV, Hemet Insurance, and the Valley Chronicle Newspaper, among others. Jack is survived by his wife Gwenyth; sons Eric (Gisela) and Marc (Marie); grandchildren Courtney, Patrick, Kurt and Matthew; great- granddaughter Lily Mae, and sister Betty Davidson.

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 121 on the ordering of the previous question for H. Res. 175, I am not recorded because I was absent due to a death in the family. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' On rollcall No. 122 on adoption of H. Res. 175, the rule providing for consideration of H.R. 1549, I am not recorded because I was absent due to a death in the family. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' On rollcall No. 123 on final passage of H.R. 360, I am not recorded because I was absent due to a death in the family. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. COOK

Mr. COOK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of one of my constituents, Rita Vogler, who passed away last week from lung cancer. A valued member of the Hesperia, California community, Rita formerly served as mayor and a city councilwoman. She also furthered the interests of the City of Hesperia as an active member of the Hesperia Kiwanis Club and the National Federation of Republican Women. Rita is just one of 1,660,290 people expected to be diagnosed with cancer this year, according to the American Cancer Society's statistics. Approximately 580,350 Americans will die of cancer this year, or 1,600 people per day. In my home state of California alone, 57,290 people are expected to die from cancer in 2013. I hope Rita's death will remind my colleagues of the importance of our continued pursuit of a cure for this terrible disease. At the signing of the National Cancer Act of 1971, President Nixon declared war on cancer. In that year, 215,000 Americans died from cancer. Yet the number of deaths each year has more than doubled to reach the 2013 prediction, and even when adjusted for population inflation, incidence and death rates have not shown the evidence of the nation's efforts to eradicate the disease. More Americans continue to die, leaving family and friends behind to mourn their losses. In Rita's case, her death came barely two weeks after her diagnosis with lung cancer. However, I am encouraged by the progress made by researchers every year and hope that we continue to see strides forward. Rita's friends describe her as kind and sincere, a mentor and inspiration to many, devoted to serving her community. She is survived by her husband Al and children Rocky and Allise.