Ed Perlmutter

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Lorenzo Baldizan-Moralez for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Lorenzo Baldizan-Moralez is a student at Arvada High School and received this award because his determination and hard work have allowed him to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Lorenzo Baldizan-Moralez is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Lorenzo Baldizan-Moralez for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassador for Youth award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of his future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Emilia Lingad for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Emilia Lingad is a student at Arvada High School and received this award because her determination and hard work have allowed her to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Emilia Lingad is exemplary of the type of achievement that can be attained with hard work and perseverance. It is essential students at all levels strive to make the most of their education and develop a work ethic which will guide them for the rest of their lives. I extend my deepest congratulations to Emilia Lingad for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassador for Youth award. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication and character in all of her future accomplishments.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 321) to award a Congressional Gold Medal to the members of the Women's Army Corps who were assigned to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, known as the ``Six Triple Eight''.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation and to include extraneous material in the Record.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. The 855 women of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, better known as the Six Triple Eight, were given a mission to sort a 2- year backlog of mail consisting of millions of letters. But these women did more than just sort and distribute this backlog in record time. As the largest contingent of African-American women to serve overseas during World War II, the Six Triple Eight demonstrated successfully that African-American women could and should be included in the ranks of the military. Throughout their time overseas, the Six Triple Eight had a motto: ``No mail, low morale.'' Beginning in February 1945, with their arrival in Birmingham, England, the Six Triple Eight perfected their sorting processes, setting up three 8-hour shifts running 7 days a week. At peak efficiency, they processed for delivery 65,000 pieces of mail per shift. Army leadership estimated it would take between 6 months and a year to clear the backlog of mail. The women of the Six Triple Eight did it in 3 months. The Six Triple Eight were then moved to Rouen, France, where they continued their mission, often working in cold, dark, and damp conditions and alongside German prisoners of war and French civilians. Finally, this group of women was moved to Paris, where they remained, sorting and distributing mail to American troops through May 1946. In all, the Six Triple Eight were estimated to have distributed 17 million pieces of mail. Yet, despite their important contributions to boosting troop morale and their work to dispel racist stereotypes within the military of the value and dedication of African-American women in the armed services, the accomplishments of the women of the Six Triple Eight went unrecognized for decades. This bill is small, but it is a significant step toward ensuring the Six Triple Eight's contributions are acknowledged and widely celebrated. The bill directs the United States Mint to strike a Congressional Gold Medal in honor of the women of the Six Triple Eight Central Postal Directory Battalion in recognition of their pioneering military service and contributions to increasing the morale of all American personnel stationed in Europe by ensuring no mail from loved ones was left undelivered. For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask my friend from Ohio--and I thank him for his remarks--if he has any other speakers. If not, I was hoping Ms. Moore would be here, but I am prepared to close. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Ohio because I thought we were all finished, but obviously there are other speakers and there is time on both sides.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his personal remarks about how important the mail--receiving mail and receiving communication--is. There were 7 million people in the European theater during World War II, and there were many names that were exactly the same that these women had to sort through. In fact, there were some 7,500 individuals named ``Robert Smith,'' and they had to figure out precisely who was to receive what mail. They did this, and they did this in very difficult environments and were able to provide the morale that was so key to all of these soldiers, sailors, and airmen and -women in their service. So I suggest to my friend from Ohio that we close. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Mfume).

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Wisconsin (Ms. Moore), the sponsor of this bill.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield an additional 1 minute to the gentlewoman from Wisconsin.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. I thank the sponsor of this bill and the passion she always brings to this floor. I also thank the sponsor of the bill in the Senate, Senator Moran from Kansas. I thank everybody for their hard work in ensuring the women of the Six Triple Eight receive the recognition they so richly deserve. As Drexel University historian Gregory S. Cooke notes: They knew what they did would reflect on all other Black people. The Tuskegee Airmen, the Six Triple Eight, represented all Black people. Had they failed, all Black people would be seen to have failed. That was part of the thinking going into the war. The Black battalions had the burden that their role in the war was about something much bigger than themselves. The women of the Six Triple Eight fought a battle indeed greater than the warehouses stacked to the ceiling with bags and bags of undelivered mail and ensuring our Nation's soldiers received letters from back home. It was also a battle for equality and for recognition and respect from their fellow Americans. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado for receiving the 2021 Arvada Chamber of Commerce's Non-Profit of the Year Award. The Arvada Chamber of Commerce's Non-Profit of the Year is recognized for their support of Arvada and its citizens through impactful programs, services and overall involvement within the community. Nominees are also evaluated on local partnerships and collaboration. Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado supports Arvada by making the benefits of animal-assisted therapy available to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. It is one of the first counseling centers in the country to specifically integrate teams of professional therapists and their therapy animals to facilitate the therapy process. The program specifically aims to serve economically, physically, and/or mentally disadvantaged individuals and families. AATCP also provides many opportunities for members of the surrounding community to become involved as volunteers, taking care of the animals, the property, and the onsite organic garden that produces much of the fresh produce consumed by the therapy animals. Congratulations to Animal Assisted Therapy Programs of Colorado for this honor and I thank them for their contribution to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Arvada Economic Development Association (AEDA) for receiving the 2021 Arvada Chamber of Commerce's Behind the Scenes Award. The Chamber's Behind the Scenes Award is given to an organization or individual who is an unsung hero in our community and is truly focused on ensuring the Arvada community and businesses are thriving. The Arvada Economic Development Association team has exhibited leadership and collaboration through their willingness to partner and support the Arvada Chamber of Commerce and the local businesses they serve. The staff and board members of AEDA offered their time and talent to ensure the appropriate resources were allocated throughout Arvada in order to have an optimal impact on the business community as a whole. Through this investment, they have supported the economic recovery of the local business community during the COVID-19 pandemic, critical shifts to the local workforce system, and helped advance business education programs. These are a few of the countless examples of how AEDA has shown their commitment to their partners, local businesses and our community all while continuing to make Arvada one of the best places to do business. Congratulations to Arvada Economic Development Association for this honor, and I thank them for their contribution to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Barber- Nichols for receiving the 2021 Arvada Chamber of Commerce's Business of the Year Award. The Arvada Chamber of Commerce's Business of the Year Award recognizes a business that has established a reputation for providing a superior level of customer service while using ingenuity and innovation to overcome challenges. Not only does Barber-Nichols excel as a company but it also continues to support the community by participating in local activities and partnering with local non-profit organizations. Barber-Nichols is accelerating the delivery of innovative turbomachinery systems through collaborative customer relationships merged with integrated engineering and manufacturing to explore the universe and ensure sustainable energy. Barber-Nichols experienced 10 percent+ year-over-year revenue growth from $30 million in 2017 to $60 million in 2021, supporting local Colorado jobs by growing from 100 to 160+ employees. In addition, Barber-Nichols remains committed to developing a next-generation skilled manufacturing workforce in Colorado by sponsoring young talent directly out of trade schools. Barber-Nichols employees also show their commitment to the community they call home by volunteering with a variety of local organizations such as Adopt-A-Street City of Arvada, Community Table Arvada Food Bank, Habitat for Humanity, Jefferson County Schools Art Program, Children's Hospital, Foothills Animal Shelter, and others. Congratulations to Barber-Nichols for this honor and I thank them for their contribution to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mike Huggins and Lenka Juchelkova for receiving the 2021 Arvada Chamber of Commerce's Entrepreneur of the Year Award. The Arvada Chamber of Commerce's Entrepreneur of the Year recognizes an individual or team for their commitment, investment, and innovation as a business owner in Arvada. Mike and Lenka own and operate the Arvada Tavern and the Glo Car Wash in Arvada along with several other businesses in the Denver metro area. Their businesses define what is great about this community: reliable, consistent, great customer service with a focus on giving back to the community they call home. This husband-and-wife team work tirelessly to provide high-quality service to the community and good-paying jobs and positive work culture for their employees. Mike and Lenka support not only their employees and customers but the business community as a whole. Congratulations to Mike Huggins and Lenka Juchelkova for this honor and I thank them for their contribution to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rita Lawrence for receiving the 2021 Arvada Chamber of Commerce's Chamber Champion Award. The Chamber Champion Award is given to an organization or individual who has gone above and beyond in their support of the Arvada Chamber and who has served as a leader and champion promoting the good work and priorities of the Chamber. Rita serves in many roles at the Chamber, including on its Board of Directors and Executive Committee, the Networking KAPS Council, Annual Dinner Action Team and more. Rita has a long tenure as a member of the Chamber joining in 2011 and jumping right in as a leader and active volunteer. Rita serves as a role model and impressive community leader. Her work has benefited the Chamber and the business community as a whole. Again, congratulations to Rita Lawrence for this honor and I thank her for her contribution to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jamie Connell of the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) for her service to our country and wish her well on her retirement. For more than 37 years, Jamie has served the constituents of the State of Colorado and other states with her public service. With most of the BLM public lands concentrated in Colorado's Western Slope, Jamie oversaw more than 8.3 million acres of public land and 27 million acres of federal mineral estate in Colorado, ranging from alpine tundra, colorful canyons and sagebrush steppe to mountains rising more than 14,000 feet above sea level. During her time in Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Idaho, Wyoming, Oregon, Washington, and the District of Columbia, she tirelessly worked to improve and many areas of natural resource management. In her role, she has worked constructively with officials in the legislative and judicial branches of federal and state government as well as with industry and non-profit partners. Jamie's hard work and dedication has been tremendous. I wish Jamie all the best in retirement and send gratitude for her service to our community, the State of Colorado, and the United States of America.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the Thornton Fire Department in Thornton, Colorado, for earning the 2021 Congressional Fire Services Institute's Masimo Excellence in Fire Service-Based EMS Award, which is given annually to the top fire department in the country. Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, the Thornton Fire Department has gone above and beyond to serve their community. As part of their efforts, they created a Pandemic Response Team that has conducted over 20,000 COVID tests for public employees, senior citizens, first responders, and other community members. When vaccines became available, the Pandemic Response Team expanded their services to administer over 80,000 vaccinations at drive-through sites for city employees and other community members. The Pandemic Response Team's success led other fire agencies around the country to look to Thornton as a model for how to effectively respond to the challenges of COVID-19. In a very difficult year for fire and emergency services, the Thornton Fire Department's innovative approach to a rapidly changing public health crisis is something we should all thank them for and model.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Lauren Martens of SEIU for his 16 years of service to the Service Employee International Union (SEIU) Colorado State Council. For more than 40 years, Lauren has organized and fought tirelessly on issues in the labor community on many different issues. In his last position he fought and advocated for a raise to the minimum wage and won paid sick and family leave, passed and defended the Affordable Care Act, helped fund public services, defeated attacks on union rights, fought for immigrant and racial justice, and much more. He has been able to help support members fighting for and winning their union, making their voices heard in politics, and winning improvements in their lives at the bargaining table, including with the first-ever union contract for state employees. I have admired Lauren's passion to be part of the fight for justice and have worked with him over the years on numerous issues. His hard work and dedication to the labor community in Colorado is tremendous. I extend my deepest appreciation for Lauren Martens and his service and dedication to our community. I thank him for his continuous dedication to serving the people of Colorado.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Bob Briggs of Westminster, Colorado, who passed away on December 2, 2021. Bob was born December 24, 1937, in Greeley, Colorado, as one of eight children and the oldest son. His family moved to Westminster in 1943 where Bob graduated from Westminster High School. He earned a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Colorado State University, both in horticulture. According to a January 2020 profile in Orchard Living, he majored in horticulture because he did not want to wear a tie for a living. Bob married his wife, Shirley, on September 8, 1957. He had a long career in local and State politics, serving as Adams County Commissioner for 4 years, beginning in 1979--where he actually helped me on one of my very first cases that I had as a lawyer--as the local board member for the Regional Transportation District for 4 years in 1999, and a State representative for District 29 from January 2003 to 2005. He served terms on the Westminster City Council, including a stint as mayor pro tem. He was a longtime proponent of local rail and helped found the advocacy group Rocky Mountain Rail. Mr. Speaker, Bob was a devoted husband and a loving father and grandfather. He and Shirley raised two children and enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren. I am deeply grateful for his lifetime of service to our community.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud Westminster Fire Chief Doug Hall for his 43 years of service to the City of Westminster and surrounding communities. For four decades, Chief Hall has been active within the Westminster community and fire department. Chief Hall began his career in 1978 when the City had 18 firefighters, an administrative assistant, and only one of its three fire stations was staffed. The Westminster Fire Department now has 143 employees, with 123 serving in an emergency response capacity from six staffed fire stations. For the past 10 years, Chief Hall has served as Fire Chief. Under his leadership, Westminster Fire Department earned an ISO Class 1 rating, the Center for Public Safety Excellence's (CPSE) highest accreditation. Less than 300 agencies have received an ISO Class I accreditation nationally. In addition to overseeing the modernization of the department, including upgrading public safety telecommunications systems and other technological upgrades, Chief Hall developed new career pathways for future firefighters through a multi-agency firefighter academy and officer development program. Outside of the Westminster community, Chief Hall is recognized as a leader in the Colorado firefighting community. He served as President of the Board of Directors for the Adams and Jefferson County Hazardous Materials Response Authority from 2019 to 2021 and represents Colorado municipalities as a member of the Colorado Fire Commission. Chief Hall has been a member of the Westminster Rotary Club for 13 years. I extend my deepest appreciation for Chief Hall and his service and dedication to our community. I thank him for his continuous dedication to serving the people of Colorado.

Mr. PERLMUTTER

Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Agent Ashley Ferris of the Lakewood Police Department for her heroic actions which undoubtedly saved lives and protected our community from further violence. On December 27, 2021, the Denver and Lakewood, Colorado, communities experienced a terrible tragedy. A gunman opened fire at multiple locations in Denver before traveling to Lakewood where he continued the shooting spree. As a result of this gun violence, five lives were taken and two others were injured. My condolences go to the friends and family of the five victims of these murders: Alicia Cardenas, Danny Scofield, Sarah Steck, Alyssa Gunn-Maldonado, and Michael Swinyard. Jimmy Maldonado was injured as well as Agent Ferris, who bravely confronted and killed the gunman even after being shot in the abdomen, undoubtedly preventing additional loss of life. The Lakewood Police Department said it best: ``If not for the heroic efforts of Agent Ferris and other law enforcement, this incredibly violent tragedy could have been even worse.'' Agent Ferris was previously recognized for her actions on the job in 2020 when she, along with two fellow Lakewood Police Officers, performed lifesaving measures on a woman suffering medical distress. For her actions, she was presented with the department's Lifesaving Award. I am thankful Agent Ashley Ferris was recently released from the hospital. I wish her a full and speedy recovery, and I extend my deepest appreciation for her bravery, sacrifice, and service to our community.