J. Correa

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Fire Chief Tom Schultz, the thirteenth Fire Chief for the city of Garden Grove. Fire Chief Tom Schultz began his career in firefighting at the age of 21 as a Fire Prevention Specialist with the Fullerton Fire Department. He soon became a firefighter, and later a captain. After 2 decades, he became the Training and Disaster Preparedness Officer, responsible for the department's overall professional Fire training and for updating and implementing the citywide disaster preparedness program. In 2007, his diligence earned him the position of Shift Battalion Chief which allowed him to oversee the daily activities of the department. In 2011, while serving as the Deputy Chief of Operations, he was assigned to facilitate the management integration of the Fullerton and Brea Fire Departments. His extensive work ascended him to become the acting Fire Chief. In 2015, after an established 30-year career, he was chosen to be the Fire Chief for the city of Garden Grove. Since then, he had proudly and wholeheartedly served the residents of Garden Grove. Fire Chief Tom Schultz was known as the ``firefighter's firefighter''. For more than 25 years, he had been a Fire technology instructor at Santa Ana College, training hundreds of students with a passion for saving lives and serving the community. Anyone who knew Fire Chief Tom Schultz can attest to his integrity, dedication, and humility. While he is a hero to many, he was also a loving son, husband, and father to his family. Today, Fire Chief Schultz is survived by his wife of 27 years and children. Madam Speaker, I had the opportunity to work with Fire Chief Tom Schultz; and I ask that the House join me in a brief moment of silence in honor of Fire Chief Tom Schultz's memory. We are forever in debt to his service. Shall his legacy live on.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, today I rise to bring attention to the Vietnamese Government's violence and oppressive attacks on its own citizens in Loc Hung garden. For generations, families have thrived in this farming community, Loc Hung garden. They raised their children and care for their elders. These citizens are law-abiding citizens, yet, the Vietnamese Government sent over 1,000 officers to destroy this community and displace over 200 families. There was no due process, no day in court, and no compensation. Instead, the Vietnamese Government took land by force from its own citizens. These tactics cannot go unnoticed, and the world must call this out for what it is: tyranny. I ask the Vietnamese Government to allow these families to return to their homes. On behalf of the thousands of Vietnamese citizens living in Orange County, I ask the Vietnamese Government to cease its behavior, cease these oppressive tactics, and let the Vietnamese people live in peace and return to their land where they have been living for generations.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I would like to take some time to honor Manuel U. Garcia, a proud U.S. Citizen and Zacatecano that devoted his life to theater, philanthropy, and his family. Regrettably Mr. Garcia passed away on October 28, 2018 in Santa Ana, California at the age of 76 years old. Mr. Garcia was born in El Cargadero, Zacatecas, Mexico to Francisco and Antonia Garcia. He was the fourth child of a family of 10 children. At the age of 21, he immigrated to the United States in 1962 as a member of the Bracero Program and worked as a farm worker in Arizona and California. He eventually made his way to Los Angeles where he attended community college to learn English. In 1964 he moved to Santa Ana where he bought two homes. He became an imperative resource to his family and friends arriving from Mexico, providing them with temporary shelter, food and helping them find jobs. As a member of the Santa Ana Actors Club of the Yost Theater, he helped bring Spanish-speaking theater to the growing Latino community in Santa Ana by acting and writing screen plays and poems. He began working as a laborer in 1966 and was a proud card-carrying member of the Laborers' International Union of North America, Local 652, for more than 50 years. During his 23 years as a laborer, he worked on many construction projects throughout Southern California, including numerous expansions to the Interstate 5 freeway and building the Indiana Jones Adventure ride at Disneyland Park in Anaheim. Mr. Garcia was married in 1971, to Reyna Silvia, and together they had eight children: Leticia, Patricia, Alma, Elvira, Rosalva, Carlos, David, and Teresa. He was also the father to Johnny and the grandfather to 13 grandchildren. After nearly 30 years in the United States, he was inspired to become a citizen as a result of the anti-immigrant sentiment in California in the 1990s. He was proud to become a U.S. citizen on March 9, 1999, and quickly registered to vote as a Democrat. He made sure he voted in every election, and took pride to learn about all candidates, local measures, and statewide propositions to make sure he made informed decisions. Manuel was also very proud of his Mexican nationality, and frequently visited El Cargadero--a small town in the state of Zacatecas. He was instrumental in helping build a health clinic, a library with computers, a funeral home, and update the elementary school. For nearly four decades, he partnered with many Mexican government officials to further help improve his hometown. He spearheaded projects to build a bridge, expand the central plaza, build a new townhall, public restrooms, a new baseball stadium, and improve local infrastructure. Manuel was also an avid baseball fan. He was a loyal fan of the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Los Angeles Angels. He played recreational baseball for many years with his brothers, and as a parent coached many teams for the Santa Ana Little League. In his retirement years, he worked part-time as a janitor at the Los Angeles Angels stadium while enjoying a good game--the best of two worlds. Mr. Garcia was a generous man who continuously found ways to give back to his community. His generosity reached hundreds of people and will be missed by friends and family. Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize Manuel U. Garcia.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I have met with multiple veterans in my congressional district who attest to the therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis in managing their pain. According to the American Legion, a significant number of veterans across the country--not just in my district--are currently using medical cannabis as an alternative treatment. With so many veterans using cannabis for therapeutic purposes, it is important that physicians have the information and research necessary to fully advice on the potential impacts of medical cannabis usage on post-traumatic stress and chronic pain. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs is uniquely positioned to pursue that vital research. To that end, I am introducing the bipartisan VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act, which requires VA to conduct clinical research on the safety and effectiveness of medical cannabis, in varying forms and delivery methods, for treating veterans diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and veterans with chronic pain. The legislation requires VA to submit annual reports to Congress on the implementation of this bill for five years. The VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act is a pragmatic and sensible approach to the need for additional research and could potentially save veterans' lives

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 50th wedding anniversary of Alfredo and Guillermina Hernandez. Alfredo and Guillermina were married December 18, 1968, in Mexico Distrito Federal. While still residing in Mexico, they had three children: Veronica, Jose Alfredo and David Alejandro. Alfredo and Guillermina immigrated with their children to the United States on September 29, 1979. They settled in Santa Ana, California, where they became productive members of their community, never taking for granted the opportunities our great country has provided them. For 30 years until he retired, Alfredo worked for Miniondas, a Spanish newspaper based out of Santa Ana, and Mrs. Hernandez has been a small business owner in Santa Ana since 1987. Their hard work and dedication bettered not only their lives, but the lives of their children, grand-children and the generations of children who will follow in their footsteps. Their eldest daughter, Veronica, has been employed with the Santa Ana Unified School District for 28 years, and is married to Ladislao Guillen. Their son, Jose Alfredo, who has been in practice for 18 years as an immigration and criminal defense attorney, served the SAUSD for 10 years as an elected member of the School Board. He established his own law firm in December of 2006, and is married to Alma, an attorney who serves as a Riverside County prosecutor. Their son, David Alejandro, served as a United States Marine for 14 years and now works at the Department of Health & Human Services, and is married to Laura. The legacy of this couple continues not only through their three children, but also through their nine grandchildren, one of whom is serving in the United States Army Reserve, another who has obtained a university degree, and others who are pursuing their educations, dreams, and goals. Considering the strong values, they were provided with from their own parents, it's not surprising that Mr. and Mrs. Hernandez achieved this significant milestone. Alfredo's parents, now passed, were married for 50 years, and Guillermina's parents have been married for 69 years and counting. Madam Speaker, please join me in acknowledging the accomplished lives of Alfredo and Guillermina Hernandez and the gift they've given their children, a set of values that stem from their humble roots as immigrants. Together, they have produced an extraordinary family, whose members are now living the American Dream.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, more than a year ago, the U.S. Department of Justice rescinded the Cole Memorandum, a directive that provided a framework for states to pursue the reasonable regulation of cannabis within their borders. The Department's ill-conceived decision adversely affects California and other states that in ``good faith'' implemented regulatory frameworks that relied on the memo. In November 2016, the people of California spoke up and voted in favor of Proposition 64, which legalized recreational cannabis, joining the growing number of states in our nation that have legalized recreational cannabis. To date, ten states have legalized recreational cannabis and more than 30 states--which represent more than half of the American population--permit some form of medical cannabis use. The repeal of the Cole Memo contravenes the will of the American public. Furthermore, this decision will negatively affect numerous Americans who utilize cannabis for medical purposes. We need to provide consumers, patients, businesses, and regulators with certainty. Therefore, I am introducing the bipartisan Sensible Enforcement of Cannabis Act. This legislation will prohibit the Attorney General from prosecuting individuals for any conduct that concerns medicinal or recreational cannabis use in states in which it is legal, with narrow exceptions provided for the safety of the public.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Nguoi Viet Daily News, the first and largest daily newspaper published in Vietnamese in the United States, and its 40 years of success. Nguoi Viet Daily News was initially established as a weekly four-page newspaper by Mr. Yen Ngoc Do in 1978. On December 15, 1978, the first issue was dated and printed in Mr. Do's garage. With his own savings, he was able to finance the press run of 2,000 copies and distributed them in San Diego, California. In 1985, the publication officially became ``Nguoi Viet Daily News'' and was relocated to Santa Ana. In 2004, Nguoi Viet Daily News became the only Vietnamese newspaper to be audited and certified by the Verified Audit Circulation. Today, Nguoi Viet Daily News also publishes other editions including: Nguoi Viet North-East, Nguoi Viet Houston, Nguoi Viet San Francisco, and Nguoi Viet Utah. Having its headquarter located in Westminster, Orange County and two other locations in San Gabriel and Gardena, Los Angeles, where many Vietnamese Americans reside, Nguoi Viet Daily News produces an average of 13,736 copies per day and has 50-60 readers accessing its online news per day. After four decades, Nguoi Viet Daily News remains the largest Vietnamese newspaper in the United States as it continues to make significant impacts on the Vietnamese American population overseas. On Nguoi Viet Daily News' 40th anniversary, it is with great pleasure that I commend Nguoi Viet Daily News for their devotion and contributions to the Vietnamese community.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I would like to take some time today to honor Steve Harris, an elected Trustee for the Centralia School District, who is retiring with honor and distinction, having been changing the lives of students and teachers for decades. After graduating from California State University Long Beach, Steve brought his talents to teach some of the most academically and socially challenged students in the region, he began his education career as a learning disability aid eventually becoming an elementary school teacher. When Steve saw a need, he acted, which is why he went back to school himself, where he earned a master's degree with Second Language acquisition so that he could bring a diverse language program to English language learners. Steve Harris went beyond the classroom and began teaching teachers and developed the prototype for standard-based evaluations, including having served as Chair of the Los Angeles County Consortium for Peer Assistance and Review. Steve went on to become a program specialist for Title I schools and a teachers' union official, where he lobbied countless members of Congress and the California State Legislature on issues relating to advancing student achievement, including for meaningful changes to No Child Left Behind. Steve has been recognized by the President of the United States, legislators, and the countless students whose lives he has impacted. After retiring as a teacher, Steve first ran for the Centralia School District board of trustees in 2014 on a platform focused on serving the entire child and their family, and won in one of the largest margins of victory in the District's history. As a Trustee, Steve championed serving children more meals after school and during the summer, expanding a local resource center, ensuring adequate raises to employees, bringing improvements to special education, and implementing a local hire agreement on bond construction projects. Steve retires from the Board of Trustees ready to continue making a difference in his synagogue, neighborhood watch, and most importantly, with his three children. Steve's service will be missed, but his impact will continue.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Western High School championship-winning football coach Dan Davidson on being named Orange County's Football Coach of the Year. Coach Davidson led the Western High School Pioneers to the first-ever CIF championship. Coach Davidson built a winning team of hardworking young men--inner city kids, average athletes--and made them believe in themselves and hard work. Do you know what? They won CIF this year in Orange County. I want to congratulate Coach Davidson because not only did he create and build a football team of winners, but he also changed the lives of many students in central Orange County. Coach Davidson, congratulations. All of us in Orange County are proud of you. Keep up the good work.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, as threats to our homeland continue to evolve and as violent extremists seek to exploit soft targets, the risks posed to our innocent bystanders from vehicular terrorism continues to grow. A vote today to concur with the Senate amendment to H.R. 4227 is a vote to bolster preparedness and response to these emerging threats. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise to urge the House to concur in the Senate amendments to H.R. 4227, the Vehicular Terrorism Prevention Act of 2017. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the Senate amendments to H.R. 4227. They are technical in nature and would enhance H.R. 4227, a bill to require the Department of Homeland Security to report to Congress on what it is doing to help emergency responders and private sector partners counter the threat of vehicular terrorism. It would also explain how DHS is using existing DHS programs like grants, information sharing, training, and research to help in this effort. I urge my colleagues to support this measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to address this body, and I demand that the Government of Vietnam respect human rights, religious freedom, and international law as it pertains to an American citizen, Michael Nguyen, who is being held without formal charges, under arrest in Vietnam. This unjust imprisonment raises issues, especially since he has never broken the law in the United States. He is a loving father, member of the local church, business owner, and model American citizen. Yet, when he was traveling to Vietnam to visit his elderly relatives, he was arrested. Why? We don't know. Apparently, he has been arrested for ``activity against the people's government,'' yet we don't know the circumstances or the reasoning. We ask one very simple thing from the Government of Vietnam: to play by the rules, respect human rights, respect religious freedom, and release Mr. Michael Nguyen, an American citizen who is being detained without formal charges. Mr. Speaker, I urge that he be safely released and that he be returned to his family in the United States.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the distinguished career of the Honorable City of Orange Mayor Teresa ``Tita'' Smith, who is a lifelong resident of her hometown: Orange, California. Mayor Smith is an experienced community leader who began her service to the community in 1986 when she founded the Old Towne Preservation Association (OTPA), which works to preserve the historic neighborhoods in the City of Orange. Mayor Smith has been recognized twice by OTPA, winning the Spirit of Old Towne Award in 2000 and Volunteer of the Year in 2006. Her involvement in the City of Orange continued when she was appointed to the Orange Centennial Committee in 1988, the East Orange Advisory Committee in 1990, and served as the chairperson of the Planning Commission in 1992. Mayor Smith's commitment to the City of Orange is evident by the thousands of hours she has given to the community. She is the Founding President of the Pitcher Park Community Foundation, served on the Orange Planning Commission for over ten years, dedicated 33 years to volunteering at the Orange International Street Fair, and has served on the Young Women's Christian Association Advisory Board; a program dedicated to empowering women and young girls on an economic and social level. Other deserved awards of Mayor Smith are the 2009 Commerce Award from the Orange Chamber of Commerce and the William T. Glassell Award from the Orange Community Historical Society in 2011. Her passion and love for Orange lead her to serve on the Orange City Council in 2004, as Mayor Pro Tem from January 2009 to February 2012, and Mayor from 2012 to 2018. Mayor Smith will be dearly missed as she completes her term on the Orange City Council as Mayor on Tuesday, December 11, 2018. Her heart belongs to the City of Orange and I thank her for her dedicated service throughout the years.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the House amendment to S. 2248. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chairman Roe for his service and leadership in the committee. I also thank Ranking Member Walz, as well as the committee staff, for their efforts in this legislation and for including my bipartisan bill, the Servicemember Family Burial Act, as a provision of this larger bill. When the Department of Veterans Affairs provides burial and headstones or markers for eligible family members who predecease active servicemembers, it is always under very difficult situations. The loss of a spouse or a child is a very painful occurrence, and we want to make sure that the burial benefits and the whole process is as easy as possible for our Active Duty servicemembers during these very difficult times. This bill codifies existing current practice to ensure the VA's process occurs with dignity, sensitivity, and compassion. In summary, this is a simple change that allows for the burial and provisions of headstones for eligible spouses and dependents of children of Active Duty servicemembers in a timely manner. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the inclusion of my legislation within the larger bill, which contains a range of notable measures aimed at assisting our Nation's veterans. Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this legislation.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Western High School Pioneers on their first-ever CIF football championship. Since Western High School opened its doors in 1955, the Pioneers have never won this coveted prize. Now, 63 years later, Coach Dan Davidson put together a very talented team that finally won CIF. Having grown up in Anaheim, I have seen many, many talented Western High School football teams come and go, but I have to tell Coach Davidson: Congratulations. Job well done. Again, congratulations to the Pioneers, to the parents, and to the student body: Job well done. Congratulations. We are all proud of you.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Mr. Bui Binh Ban, a well-respected leader who has made significant impacts on the Vietnamese community in Orange County, California. Mr. Bui Binh Ban was born in 1937, in Nam Dinh, Vietnam. In 1954, he migrated to the South of Vietnam and continued his higher education. In 1958, he graduated and became an agricultural engineering professor training many engineers and officers in the field of agriculture in the South of Vietnam. Mr. Bui left Vietnam and settled in Southern California where he dedicated his life to the Vietnamese community here. He served as the President of the Vietnamese American Federation Association of Southern California for two consecutive terms (1994 to 1998). In 2002, he established the Federation of Overseas Free Vietnamese Communities Television, FreeVN.Net, to livestream Vietnamese community events without accepting any compensation, advertisement or staff offers. His recordings are particularly valuable to not only the Vietnamese community, but other Vietnamese media. In 2010, he became the Advisor for the Institute of Vietnamese Studies and has been in this position until today. Mr. Bui has lived blissfully for 81 years. His passing is a tremendous loss to the Vietnamese community in Orange County. In memory of his passing, I'd like to take this moment to recognize his contributions, dedication, and continuous efforts in preserving and developing the Vietnamese history, culture, activities, and most importantly, community in Orange County. He will always be remembered as a kind, devoted, and prominent Vietnamese community leader.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the services and contributions the Family Caregiver Resource Center (FCRC) offers to the Family Caregivers in Orange County. The FCRC is a non-profit organization, established in 1988 to assist family caregivers who care for adults over sixty who are frail or adults age 18 and older with brain impairing conditions. The FCRC aids through various multicultural services which include family consultation, assessment and care planning, counseling, support groups, respite assistance, and education. In fact, in 1997, the FCRC started the first Vietnamese service program in the United Sates to ensure that the Vietnamese community in Orange County receive the services they need in their language. The continuous devotion to serve the Family Caregivers and their families have earned the FCRC many awards such as Community Partner of the year from National Multiple Sclerosis Society Pacific South Coast Chapter in 2016, the Innovations in Alzheimer's Disease Caregiving Legacy Award in 2014 at the National Center on Aging, and the Diverse/ Multicultural Communities Award and Legacy Award from CSUF Institute Gerontology in 2008. While I join you all to recognize family caregivers across the country on the National Caregiver Month, it is with great pleasure that I recognize the Family Caregiver Resource Center for its contributions, dedication, and efforts to help vulnerable caregiver families in Orange County.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the work of Latino Health Access, a community organization that has been devoted to helping underserved communities in Santa Ana for the past 25 years. Over this time, Latino Health Access has become an important pillar of the community by working to fulfill their mission of providing culturally appropriate health programming and civic engagement resources. This work has been invaluable to the city of Santa Ana as many of the individuals served by their programs may otherwise not have had the ability to get the care they needed. Latino Health Access' ``Promotores Program'' is a shining example of the level of community engagement for which they have become known. Santa Ana residents have built lasting meaningful relationships with staff and volunteers from Latino Health Access through this program. By making themselves available in supermarkets, churches, and other community areas, the Promotores have made the mission of creating healthier communities a reality. This allows Santa Ana residents to receive comprehensive health care ranging from senior care to weight management, and everything in between. Futhermore, Latino Health Access has worked diligently to provide Santa Ana residents with the tools and training to become more active participants in their communities and local governments. They have given these underserved individuals a chance to advocate for the needs of their communities and ensure that their voices are heard. This work has led to tangible results as Latino Health Access has played a critical role in bringing the only park and community center to the 92701 ZIP Code; thereby highlighting the importance open spaces play in the overall health and mental well-being of a community. As they approach their 25th Anniversary, I congratulate them on reaching this milestone and wish them the best of luck on the next 25 years and beyond.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, in 2016, there were nearly 45,000 suicides nationwide, making it the tenth-leading cause of death. Tragically, among teenagers and young adults, the suicide rate is particularly alarming, with suicide the second-leading cause of death for people between the ages of 10 and 24. For people experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Crisis Text Line provide free and confidential round-the-clock support. Many colleges and universities also offer mental health resources on campus. To raise awareness of these available resources, my legislation simply requires colleges and universities to provide the contact information for the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline; Crisis Text Line; and a campus mental health center, if applicable, on student identification cards. For colleges and universities that do not provide identification cards to their students, schools must ensure that the information is available on their website. Suicide is a major public health problem. Providing information on existing suicide prevention resources can help students experiencing suicidal thoughts or emotional distress and potentially save lives.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mauro Calderon for his dedication and passion in sharing Mexican cultural traditions with the world. Mr. Calderon has done this through a voluminous body of musical and artistic work that transcends genres and touches the lives of people all over the world. Twenty years of traversing the globe has gifted Mr. Calderon with unique experiences and insights that leave an indelible imprint on his music which resonates with all those who have the pleasure of listening. Though his career has taken him far, Mr. Calderon has never forgotten those who have come before him and offered him instruction and advice when he was just beginning his lifelong journey in music back in 1983. Now 35 years later, Mr. Calderon has taken those lessons and turned them into a successful musical career working with renowned artists and being recognized with numerous awards along the way. One such award that was especially fitting was his recognition as ``Ambassador of Mexican Music in the World'' after a successful tour in Japan. I know the impact music has in solidifying cultural identity--by bridging generational gaps and expressing a community--and Mr. Calderon has worked effortlessly to enshrine the Mexican cultural identity in song. For this reason, I am honored to recognize the accomplishments and career of Mauro Calderon.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the accomplished career of Chief Jack Thomas. Born and raised in Southern California, it was here where Chief Thomas began his career, first serving as an Explorer for the Orange City Fire Department. In 1988, he was hired as a Firefighter and then two years later assigned to the position of Firefighter-Paramedic. It was through his great leadership and zeal that Chief Thomas would go on to assume various leadership positions with the Orange City Fire Department: Fire Captain, Administrative Captain, and Battalion Chief to name a few. Chief Thomas demonstrated heroism by deploying out with his team, California Task Force 5, to New Orleans during Hurricane Katrina in 2005. He is a brave and fearless man and has directed the actions of other fire engine companies during numerous wildland fires throughout California. Chief Thomas has been a hero to his city and community. He has been rightfully awarded the County Board of Supervisors' Courage Under Fire Award, the Orange County Fire Authority's Special Operations Citation for deployment to the Gulf Coast Hurricanes, and the Orange Rotary Manager of the Year. Chief Thomas also serves as husband, father, and grandfather. He still resides in Southern California with his wife Lesa, their children, and grandchildren: I wish Chief Thomas all the best as he retires from a storied career with Orange City Fire Department. I thank Chief Thomas for his service.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the AlvaradoSmith law firm in California. Since 1993, AlvaradoSmith has provided legal counsel to public agencies, large non-profit corporations, municipalities, emerging businesses, mid-sized companies and Fortune 500 companies. Since then they have opened three offices across California in Santa Ana, Los Angeles and San Francisco, in addition to international locations in Latin America. AlvaradoSmith uses state-of- the-art technology and attorneys with a wealth of experience in different sectors to provide clients with innovative solutions. The AlvaradoSmith firm was established by Ray Alvarado and Ruben A. Smith with core principles around diversity, excellence, integrity, and community leadership. They have shown their commitment to these values as one of the largest minority-owned law firm in the nation and the largest certified minority-owned law firm in California. Their highly- qualified attorneys attended the nation's prestigious law schools including Berkley Law, Cornell, Georgetown, UCLA, USC and Yale. Their attorneys have breadth in their expertise ranging from business litigation to intellectual property. Their clients include Netflix, Shell, University of California, Restoration Hardware, Southern California Edison and Northrop Grumman. Today, AlvaradoSmith serve as champions for diversity in legal counsel and continue to set the example for other law firms. AlvaradoSmith fosters inclusivity through their ability to speak over five different languages, investment in a multi-generational workforce, creation of women's leadership forum, and multi-disciplinary practice. I am honored to recognize AlvaradoSmith and its 25 years of dedication to diversity and inclusion.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take some time today to honor Duncan McCulloch, an explementary constituent who I am immensely proud to represent. Mr. McCulloch has served the public schools of Southern California for more than 25 years as a teacher and administrator. Before becoming principal of Segerstrom High School in Santa Ana, he served with distinction as the assistant principal of Costa Mesa High School, and then Corona del Mar High School. Each school he has worked at has been touched by his outstanding leadership and enthusiasm, and his students have been inspired by his dedication. Mr. McCulloch has served as Segerstrom High School's principal for 5 years, and during that time he constantly strove to provide more opportunities for the enrichment of his students. Among his many accomplishments are introducing a program in American Sign Language, creating the only Aerospace engineering program in Southern California, and implementing an ACT preparation program to help students reach their goals. His dedicated focus for his students became evident to all that witnessed him teach and guide his students. He was not only a principal, but a mentor, friend, and at times even a father figure to his students. He carries the qualities that every principal should strive for--dedication, genuine interest, and being a role model for all of his students. Mr. McCulloch enriches the lives of everyone he encounters and is a pillar of his community. Every role that he has held was served with distinction and leadership. His time as a principal for Segerstrom High School will be forever remembered, and we are saddened to see him leave. His actions deeply impacted all of his students and colleagues who will now carry on his legacy and continue to make a positive impact in our community. Even though he is retiring, he will continue to be a teacher, leading by example and demonstrating the best qualities of a life. I am truly honored to recognize Mr. McCulloch today for improving and guiding the lives of future generations.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congresswoman Walters for bringing this most important issue to the attention of the American public. Mr. Speaker, I rise today as well to address the issue of Mr. Michael Phuong Nguyen, an American citizen and a resident of Orange County, who is currently being detained by the Vietnamese government. As Representative Royce just said, we seem to be enjoying a stronger, closer relationship with Vietnam on trade and security. Then we have this contradiction, a contradiction that an American citizen is being detained. On July 7, Michael Phuong Nguyen was touring Vietnam, visiting relatives, and he was arrested. It has been almost 2 months. The charge is penal code 109, which is activity against the People's government, yet there are no facts that have been presented, no evidence. He is being held. He has been arrested with no evidence being presented. His wife and his family, they are also personal friends of mine. I know this family. They are strong members of our community. That is why I don't understand how Michael could have been arrested in Vietnam. I ask the Government of Vietnam to please release Michael. Please release him back to his family and to his country, the United States of America.

Mr. CORREA

Mr. CORREA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor John Mason on his retirement. John was born in 1927 in Madrid, Nebraska, and spent his childhood on a family farm in Nevada before moving to Los Angeles at the age of 22 to fulfill his dream of becoming an artist. He enrolled in the Los Angeles Institute of Art where he collaborated with other artists and visionaries. It was through clay that he first found the tools to realize his vision, and he quickly became an innovator in the field of ceramic sculpting. His creations pushed the limits of what clay could do and forever changed how artists thought about the material's possibilities. After moving to New York in the 1970s, Mr. Mason expanded his artistic pallet further, working with firebricks and welded steel pieces to construct even more abstract sculptures in his future career. Mr. Mason has been recognized by countless venues around the world. His passion for making art is unmatched throughout the world. His contributions to the field of sculpting and the many young artists he has inspired make me proud to honor John Mason today.