George Radanovich

Mr. RADANOVICH

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

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Hefley), a member of the Committee on Resources.

Mr. RADANOVICH

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

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2976, the Healing Opportunities in our Parks and Environment Act, was introduced by the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Rahall). September 11 is a day not one of us will ever forget. The events of that day are seared deep into our memories. Each one of us will recall where we were, what we were doing, and how the events of the day impacted us personally. Some, of course, were impacted more directly. Many lost family members, were injured, or narrowly escaped harm; or because in the course of carrying out their duties as medical or rescue workers, were called upon to aid survivors and victims. As a Nation, we deeply appreciate the great sacrifices made as a consequence of the events of September 11. Following these tragic and emotional events, many have sought refuge in the natural beauty of America's natural parks and public lands. These lands have the ability to serve, at least in part, as a healing opportunity to those who were most affected by these terrible events. H.R. 2976 would create a new HOPE pass to authorize entry into our federally owned parks and public land for victims, families, survivors, and medical and rescue personnel and their immediate families when accompanied by a holder. Some think this new pass can serve in some small measure as an attempt to help heal the wounds of this tragic event. I urge an ``aye'' vote on the bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2976) to provide for the issuance of a special entrance pass for free admission to any federally owned area which is operated and maintained by a Federal agency and used for outdoor recreation purposes to the survivors, victims' immediate families, and police, fire, rescue, recovery, and medical personnel directly affected by the September 11, 2001, terrorist hijackings and the attacks on the World Trade Center and the Pentagon, and for other purposes.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 2828, H.R. 400, and H.R. 2976, the three bills just considered.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Pyunic USA for their accomplishments over the past 11 years. Pyunic USA is an Armenian-based association that is dedicated to helping disabled individuals in Armenia. Pyunic was founded in 1989 to provide aid to the children left disabled by the devastating Armenian earthquake of 1988. Since its inception, Pyunic has evolved into an association that supports all of the physically challenged in Armenia. The help they provide includes individuals born with disabilities and those who were injured while defending Karabagh. Services provided by Pyunic include physical and mental rehabilitation, advocacy for the rights of the disabled, annual summer/winter camp sessions, and athletic paralympic training to all disabled children and young adults throughout Armenia. With over 50 volunteers and only 4 staff members Pyunic's mission is to integrate the disabled into Armenia's mainstream life. The organization takes pride in their efforts to develop outstanding disabled athletes who travel worldwide to compete in several marathons and Paralympics. In 2000 Pyunic was selected as the ``Best Non- Governmental Organization (NGO) of Armenia for Youth.'' Pyunic has created working relationships with several international nongovernmental organizations, including Save the Children International, the World Rehabilitation Foundation and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees. Pyunic has five main goals: to help disabled become self-sufficient and contributing members of Armenia, and integrate them into mainstream life; to promote physical, social and psychological rehabilitation; to utilize sports to develop strong bodies and active minds; to develop skills to meet challenges of life for the disabled; to educate the public through dissemination of information on the issues of disability. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Pyunic USA for their commitment to improving the lives of the disabled. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Pyunic USA many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, as we approach the upcoming Veterans holiday weekend, I wanted to remind all Americans of the wonderful and rare opportunity before them. As my colleagues may recall, Mr. Speaker, following the tragic events of September 11, Secretary of the Interior Gale Norton and National Park Service Director Fran Manella announced that all entrance fees to all of the 385 units of the National Park System would be waived over Veterans Day weekend. The events of September 11 will never be erased from our memories. Each of us will remember where we were and what we were doing on that tragic day. They have taken their toll upon many of us in so many ways. Since these events, many have found solace in America's national parks for healing. All of our national parks serve as a tool to recapture the American spirit and provide much of the healing Americans are looking for. I applaud the Secretary's announcement and encourage all Americans to take advantage of this weekend for unity, hope, and healing by visiting the diverse treasures of America's national park system.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Patsy Milton for receiving a 2001 Common Threads Award. This award is presented to women in agriculture who have made a remarkable contribution to their community through volunteer work and philanthropy. Patsy Milton has been a passionate advocate for educating others on the importance of agriculture in their lives. Patsy, her husband Rick, and their family raise stone fruit and grapes in the area surrounding Parlier, California. She and her husband are highly involved in the Fresno County Farm Bureau. In the Farm Bureau, Patsy has been the coordinator of the Ag in the Classroom program since its inception in 1987. Her community involvement includes the Reedley Fresh Fruit Festival, Riverview School Parent Teacher Club, Reedley High School Band Boosters, Reedley Drama Club, and Christ Lutheran Church in Reedley. In 1995 she received the California Foundation for Agriculture in the Classroom Volunteer Award. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Patsy Milton for earning a 2001 Common Threads Award. She has shown outstanding involvement, not only in agriculture, but also in strengthening her community. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Ms. Milton a bright future and continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Peter Vang for receiving the Portraits of Success Award presented by KSEE-24 and Companies that Care. This award pays tribute to Mr. Vang's involvement in the Asian-American community. Peter's active involvement has made him a role model for the members of his local community. Mr. Vang is currently a staff analyst for the Fresno County Human Services System, acting as a community liaison between the refugee community and the Human Services System. He also coordinates and hosts the Southeast Asian Talk Show series on Radio KVIF 900 AM. Mr. Vang has served the Southeast Asian community through his innumerable undertakings. He has served in many different Southeast Asian organizations and is the founder of the Hmong American Citizens Alliance and Co-founder of the Laotian Chamber of Commerce. His accomplishments have earned him a Portraits of Success Award, presented by KSEE-24 and Companies that Care in recognition of Asian- American Heritage Month. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Peter Vang for his commitment to improving the lives of the people in the community, I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Vang many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Randy Kevorkian for receiving the Distinguished Service Award from the California Department of Corrections. The California Department of Corrections presents the award annually to employees who go above and beyond the call of duty. Randy Kevorkian is a Parole Agent III. He has been an agent since 1988 and has worked in numerous assignments in the Visalia and Fresno parole offices. Kevorkian organized the ``Another Way'' program, a juvenile delinquency prevention and intervention program in the Central Valley. The program allows parole agents and parolees to speak with atrisk kids about the dangers of drugs and gangs. Over the past 13 years, Kevorkian has addressed more than 85,000 young people and made more than 1,200 presentations at junior and senior high schools, local juvenile halls and group homes. The Distinguished Service Medal is awarded for an employee's exemplary work conduct with the department for a period of months or years, or involvement in a specific assignment of unusual benefit to the department. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Randy Kevorkian for earning the Distinguished Service Award from the California Department of Corrections. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Kevorkian many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Honor Mario G. Obledo for receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the City of Orange Cove. Mr. Obledo received the award at a ceremony held on July 20, 2001. Obledo has an extensive educational background as well as a long career in public service. He received a degree in pharmacy in 1957. Three years later he earned a Doctor of Law degree. Mr. Obledo served as Assistant Attorney General for the State of Texas, and also served as Secretary of Health and Welfare in the State of California. He has also served as a member of the faculty at Harvard Law School. Along with his time in public office and teaching in the classroom, Mr. Obledo is active in several community organizations. He is the co- founder and president of the National Hispanic Bar Association and the Mexican-American Legal Defense Fund. He was national president of the League of United Latin American Citizens and co-founded the Southwest Voter Registration Project. Mr. Obledo has received several prestigious awards. In 1998, he received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the highest civilian award in the United States. He also received Mexico's highest civilian award to a foreigner. He was Pharmaceutical Planning Service, Inc.'s Distinguished Person of the Year in 1999 and in the same year was given the National Hispanic Hero Award by the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Mario G. Obledo for receiving the Lifetime Achievement Award from the City of Orange Cove. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Obledo many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Marcia Campbell Mathews for being named a Farm Advisor Award finalist by the Friends of Agricultural Extension. The Friends of Agricultural Extension will recognize Marcia at their annual awards dinner. Marcia is the Stanislaus County Agronomy Farm Advisor. She has developed a program on the subject of the ``Use of Dairy Lagoon Water as a Nutrient Source for Crops.'' Through her program she has developed practical tools, such as a Nitrogen Quick Test and a flow meter/valve configuration, to help crop producers evaluate nutrient levels achieved by the application of manure products. Marcia is continuing to refine and promote the use of these procedures, as well as several other valuable nutrient management techniques. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Marcia Campbell Mathews for being named a Farm Advisor Award finalist by the Friends of Agricultural Extension. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Marcia Mathews many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Fresno County Supervisor Sharon Levy for her years of dedicated service to the community. Sharon Levy was first elected to the Fresno County Board of Supervisors in 1975 and was reelected for a 7th term in March of 1996. She served as Governor Deukmejian's Appointee to the State Board of Corrections and currently serves as a member of Fresno County Children & Families First Commission (Chairman), Fresno County Transportation Authority, San Joaquin River Conservancy, Selma-Kingsburg-Fowler County Sanitation, Fresno Rotary, Board of Governors of the California State University (Fresno Foundation), Airport Land Use Commission, Co- Chairman of Adult Volunteer Crossing Guard Program, COG Rail Committee, Domus Mitis Foundation. Supervisor Levy's past committee and board Memberships include: Fresno County Planning Commission, Workforce Development, Fresno Convention Visitors Bureau, Philharmonic Board, Valley Children's Hospital Board, Past-President of Jr. League of Fresno, Past-President of Women's Symphony League, Past-President of Mallock PTA, Former Den Mother. Sharon is married to Joe Levy. They have three children and 8 grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Sharon Levy for her active and distinguished community involvement. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Sharon Levy many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Laverne Schwalm for his service to our country as a member of the U.S. Merchant Marines. Mr. Schwalm passed away 1 year ago, on October 26, 2000. Ensign Schwalm was born in Toledo, OH, and attended high school in Deerfield, MI. After high school he joined the U.S. Merchant Marines at the age of 17. He began his service in the Merchant Marines in 1944 and worked as a radio operator. He and his family first lived in California in 1947, when he was stationed in San Francisco. Laverne and his wife moved to Fresno when he left the Merchant Marines in 1949. After the Merchant Marines Laverne worked as a foreman at Pittsburgh Steel Company for 25 years. Laverne and his wife Billie were married for 53 years. He is survived by his wife, 4 children, 10 grandchildren, and 11 great-grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I honor Laverne Schwalm for his service to our country. I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Schwalm's accomplishments.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Larry Hibdon for his years of dedicated service to the community. After 29 years with the City of Madera's Parks Department, Mr. Hibdon retired last year. In 1971, Larry began his recreation and community services career as a Recreation Playground Leader. From there, he earned his degree in Recreation from Fresno State University and continued to progress his career with the City of Madera. He spent some time as their Community Services Supervisor and finally became the Director of Parks and Community Services, a position he has held for 13 years. Larry Hibdon's guiding principal has always been that a Parks and Recreation Department is designed to serve the people. Under Larry's direction and guidance the Parks and Community Services Department has reached new heights. The following are some major milestones for this department under Larry's direction: starting the Disabled Adult Program, creating the Summer Youth Enrichment School, creating the Christmas Basket Program, creating the 50 acre Lion's Town & Country Regional Park, groundbreaking for Madera's first Senior Center, inception of the Madera County Arts Council, creating and opening the Madera Municipal Golf Course, creating the 37 acre Millview Sports Complex, first bike lanes in Madera, creating the Madera Beautification Committee, the Gateway Tree Project implementation, grand opening of the Pan-American Community Center, and the repair of the Route Bus system in Madera. This list only begins to highlight the vision that Larry has had for Madera. He has continually been dedicated to getting more parks, recreation and leisure activities for all Maderans. In 1999 Mr. Hibdon received the California Parks and Recreation Society District VIII Howard B. Holman Award. The award is the highest honor that can be bestowed in the profession of Parks and Community Services by the profession in the State of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Larry Hibdon for his active and distinguished community involvement. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Larry Hibdon many more years of good health and happiness.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the city of Kochi, Japan, on celebrating their 400th year of existence. Kochi has a special relationship with Fresno, CA, because the two have been Sister Cities since February 11, 1965. Kochi is a city that is rich with history. Yamanouchi Kazutoyo, a successful warrior of that period, took up residence in the city of Tosa in the year 1601. Kazutoyo's status as a warrior and his loyalty to the Tokugawa leyasu earned him a vast area of land to farm and develop. He recognized that the future development of the town would be impossible at the site in Tosa. So he moved his government back to the Otaska area and built Kochi Castle, the foundation of the great city. Kochi is a progressive city that has long been at the forefront of social and political progress. Kochi is proud to be the first city in Japan to grant voting rights to women. Several key figures in the birth of modern Japan, such as Sakomoto Ryoma and Itagaki Taisuke, were from Kochi. Fresno is proud to be a Sister City with Kochi, Japan. This relationship encourages growth, fosters understanding, and develops friendships through cultural, educational, and personal exchange. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate the city of Kochi, Japan on their 400-year anniversary. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing the city of Kochi many more years of prosperity and good fortune.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor Larry Fortune, the president of Fortune Associates, who was recently featured in an executive profile for the Fresno Business Journal newspaper. The question and answer Executive Profile, printed in the Fresno Business Journal on August 6, 2001, reads as follows: Q. What is your essential business philosophy? A. By attracting and utilizing the most experienced and professional agents in the market we can give the most experienced and professional service to our clientele. Q. What is your best professional accomplishment? A. The recruitment and engagement of our current sales staff. Q. If you could effect any change in the community, what would it be? A. I would reduce taxes, fees and red tape so as to lure employment to the Fresno area. Q. Goal yet to be achieved? A. I have many goals, not least of which are: 1. Write a book. 2. Produce a TV series about agriculture in the San Joaquin Valley. 3. Travel throughout Russia, the Orient and Africa. 4. Get two kids through college and off the Larry scholarship plan. 5. Start a landscape award program in Fresno. Q. What is a good yardstick of success? A. Each time a current customer refers a new client to us, we are being successful. Q. What is the best way to keep your competitive edge? A. We continually talk with accomplished, experienced and professional agents in the community always looking for a mutually beneficial situation. Q. Toughest business decision? A. To switch from a ``residential'' office to a ``commercial'' office in 1995. Q. Who has been your mentor? A. My father, Don who died four years ago. Hardly a day goes by without somebody in the community reminding me of what a ``great, trustworthy friend'' my father was. Q. Three words that best describe you? A. Happy-Alive-Family Q. Person you are most interested in meeting? A. My children when they are adults. Q. What is your organization's five year vision? A. We believe that we will maintain our position as one of Fresno's top two or three preeminent commercial brokerages, not by expanding but by continuously providing the same high level of professional, competent service that got us where we are today. Q. What is the community service project, organization or event closest to your heart? A. Tree Fresno has probably done more to better the appearance of Fresno and raise the community pride in the last several years than any other organization. Q. Best business advice you've ever received? A. That even though customers sometimes do not want to hear the truth, they will always remember favorably the person who tells the truth. Q. Three greatest passions? A. My wife, my kids, my business. Q. Favorite way to spend leisure time? A. Traveling or working in the yard. Q. Most influential book? A. Winning Through Intimidation by Robert Ringer. Q. Death row dinner? A. Shish kabob, rice pilaf, carrot and raisin salad and chocolate cake. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor my friend Larry Fortune for his years of dedicated and distinguished service to his community. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Fortune many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jan C. Mennig for his extensive career in public service. Mr. Mennig has decided to retire after serving in many capacities in the public and private sectors. Mennig has a notable educational background. He graduated with honors from the University of Southern California with a degree in Public Administration. He went on to earn his M.S. and Ph.D. degrees. He also completed many advanced courses while a Colonel in the United States Army Reserve. Mennig is a U.S. Army Certified Logistician and received an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from August Vollmer University. While living in Southern California, Mr. Mennig served as Assistant Chief and Chief of Police in the Culver City Police Department for over twenty years. While in Culver City, he served on many boards, including the Executive Committee for the California Police Chiefs Association and the Los Angeles County Regional Criminal Justice Planning Board. Mennig also served as President of the Culver City Lions Club and Chairman of the Board of Culver Palms Family YMCA. In 1987, Mennig retired from the Culver City Police Department and the U.S. Army Reserve and moved to Mariposa, California. Since relocating to Mariposa, Mr. Mennig has served in many positions, including President of the Mariposa Wine Grape Growers Association and as a member of the Mental Health Board of Mariposa County. Mr. Mennig retired as the Executive Director of the Mariposa County Chamber of Commerce on June 30, 2001. Mr. Speaker, I wish to congratulate Jan C. Mennig for his extensive career as a public servant. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Jan C. Mennig a happy retirement and continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Richard Lee McMechan, retiring Superior Court Judge of Mariposa County. Judge McMechan began his education at Fullerton Junior College, and soon after, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Police Science from California State University of Long Beach in 1960. He proceeded to earn his law degree from Western State University College of Law in Anaheim in Orange County. During and after law school he served as a detective and traffic officer in Garden Grove from 1958-62. From 1962-72 he served as a Claims Manager/Supervisor at Kemper Insurance Company in Santa Ana. Judge McMechan also proudly served his country from Private to Sergeant in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve from 1956-62. Judge McMechan was admitted to the California Bar Association on January 5, 1972. From 1972 to 1974 he handled insurance defense for Hunt, Liljestrom & Wentworth. Between 1974 and 1982 he was a sole practitioner for San Juan Capistrano and Santa Ana, in California. McMechan also served as the Deputy District Attorney, part time, in Mariposa County from 1979-82. He served as Judge of the Sierra Judicial District Justice Court in Madera County from July 13, 1982 to November 16, 1987. On October 29, 1987 Judge McMechan was appointed to the position of Superior Court Judge and was officially elected Superior Court Judge on June 7, 1988. Judge McMechan was born October 15, 1937 in Brea, California. He married Carol A. Wojciechowski on May 12, 1962. The couple have four successful children: Diedre, Kirsten, Darin and Bryan. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Judge Richard Lee McMechan for his tremendous contributions to his community. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Judge Richard Lee McMechan many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Kim Sutters for being named ``Registered Nurse of the Year'' by the Central Valley Coalition of Nursing Organizations. Sutters will receive the award in the Advanced Practice category. Kim is known as the ``pain guru'' of Valley Children's Hospital. Staff, physicians, pharmacists and patients rely on her expertise in this area and she is regularly called upon to consult in pain management. She has developed a pain brochure, which was translated into 3 different languages. Kim currently serves on multiple committees, including the Restraints Task Force, Infection Control Committee, Nursing Practice Team, Pain Management Sub-Committee, I.V. Procedures Task Force, Clinical Nurse Specialist Job Performance Standards Committee and the Medical/Surgical Core Curriculum Revision Task Force. Kim is currently an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the University of California, San Francisco, Department of Physiological Nursing. She has also taught at California State University of Fresno's Nursing Program. Kim is well recognized as a published author in multiple journals. She is currently the principal investigator in a study with the National Institutes of Health titled ``Home Care Management of Pediatric Pain.'' Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Kim Sutters for being named ``Registered Nurse of the Year'' in the category of Advanced Practice by the Central Valley Coalition of Nursing Organizations. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Kim Sutters many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Justina Borba for receiving a 2001 Common Threads Award. This award is presented to women in agriculture who have made a remarkable contribution to their community through volunteer work and philanthropy. Justina Borba has been involved in her family's farm on the Westside of California's Central Valley since the early 1940's. She and her husband, Ross, raised three children who run the farm today. She has been involved with several community organizations, including the Girl Scouts, American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, Marjaree Mason Center, Agricultural Education Foundation, American Epilepsy Foundation, Valley Children's Hospital, and Community Hospitals of Fresno. St. Agnes Hospital awarded Justina the ``Christ the Healer'' award for her community involvement. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Justina Borba for earning a 2001 Common Threads Award. She has shown outstanding involvement, not only in agriculture, but also in strengthening her community. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Ms. Borba a bright future and continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joseph DiTomaso for being named an Extension Specialist Award finalist by the Friends of Agricultural Extension. The Friends of Agricultural Extension will recognize Joseph at their annual awards dinner. Joseph is a U.C. Davis Weed Science Extension Specialist. He has continually been developing his program on the subject of ``Control of Yellow Starthistle.'' The emphasis of his research has shifted from defining the biology and ecology of this serious pest to developing integrated system approaches to its long-term management, as well as to that of other non-crop weeds. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate Joseph DiTomaso for being named an Extension Specialist Award finalist by the Friends of Agricultural Extension. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Joseph many more years of continued success.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize William (Harry) Armstrong on the occasion of his 71st birthday. Harry was born in Merced, California on October 28, 1930. He graduated from Merced Union High School. Mr. Armstrong served in the Korean War and is a member of the American Legion, Post 147. He began working in the dairy industry in 1960. Harry has extensive public service experience, including: appointment to the Clovis Planning Commission, election to the Clovis City Council, election as Mayor of Clovis, President of the League of California Cities, President of South San Joaquin Division of the League of California Cities Committee, Ex-officio member of the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee, Chairman of the Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, and Vice-Chairman of the Fresno County Water Advisory Board. Harry lives in Clovis with his wife Jeanine. They have three grown children: Tom, an attorney; Jim, a businessman; and Megan, a teacher. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Harry Armstrong on his many years of public service and to recognize his 71st birthday. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Harry many more years of happiness.

Mr. RADANOVICH

Mr. RADANOVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Gordon Gilbert for receiving the U.S. Department of the Interior Valor Award. The award is given to employees of the department who ``demonstrate unusual courage involving a high degree of personal risk in the face of extreme danger.'' Sequoia National Park Ranger Gordon Gilbert was recognized for his involvement in a December 25, 1998, incident in Yosemite National Park. Rangers were called to a Yosemite Valley home where an armed man had barricaded himself and threatened suicide. Gilbert was the first Ranger to respond to the scene, and part of the team of five rangers that diffused the situation and took the man into protective custody. Gilbert's actions helped to ensure that nobody else in the park had their safety threatened by this dangerous individual. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Gordon Gilbert for his courage and bravery. I urge my colleagues to join me in wishing Mr. Gilbert many more years of continued success.