David G. Reichert

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Washington State Republican Congressional Delegation, I rise today to honor the life of Mrs. Fredi Simpson, and recognize her tremendous service and many contributions to Washington State and our nation.

As a longtime leader in Washington State politics, Fredi was well known for her fierce personality and tenacious drive. Fredi served as the Republican National Committeewoman for Washington State, Chairwoman for the Chelan County Republican Central Committee and Chairwoman of the Chelan-Douglas Republican Women's group, among other posts. In politics, Fredi was a force to be reckoned with, crisscrossing the state helping candidates on every level. Fredi's leadership in the state will be missed.

Above all, however, we will miss her friendship. Fredi was beloved by all who knew her, and she spent her life lifting up her community and serving others. There was no more loyal of a friend than Fredi. The hole she leaves behind in our hearts and in our Central Washington community will never be filled. We are forever grateful for the many laughs shared and will always cherish the fond memories of our time together as partners on the campaign trail, and most importantly as friends in life.

As I reflect on the many remarkable contributions that span Fredi's lifetime, I hold close in my heart the family she leaves behind. While Fredi loved her nation and was devoted to its service, there was no love greater than that which she gave to her family. To her husband, Bruce, a small business owner from Wenatchee, WA, and her son, Kane, I say thank you. From the bottom of my heart, I thank them for sharing Fredi with us--we are all better people and our nation is stronger because of her contributions.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life, service, and sacrifice of Sgt.

Leandro Jasso, an Army Ranger who grew up in Leavenworth, WA and was assigned to Joint Base Lewis-McChord. Sgt. Jasso was killed in Afghanistan during his 3rd deployment protecting and defending our country. The men and women who serve in the military are the very backbone of our nation. The freedoms we as citizens enjoy would not be possible without the courageous sacrifices Sgt. Jasso and countless others have made. Sgt Jasso's commander stated that he was ``a humble professional who placed the mission first, lived the Ranger Creed and will be deeply missed.'' In others words, he had the heart of a servant. While it is with incredible sadness that I make this statement, it is also with immense gratitude for the life of service he lived, the people he touched, and the sacrifice he made. We will be forever grateful.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize National Disability Employment Awareness Month.

This celebration of service began in 1945, when the military men and women returned from World War II with life-altering injuries and disabilities they received during their service in the war. When they returned, they were held back from reentering the workforce because of these limiting disabilities. This sparked public interest and soon after the end of the war, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared the first week of October as National Employ the Physically Handicapped Week.

As awareness grew across the country of the diversity of disabilities individuals have, the week was renamed in 1962 to National Employ the Handicapped Week.

In 1988, Congress passed the Handicapped Programs Technical Amendments Act of 1988, establishing October as National Disability Employment Awareness Month. Throughout this month, we celebrate and continue to increase awareness of the many contributions of workers with disabilities and emphasize the value of a workforce inclusive of their talents, skills, and unique perspectives.

Employees with disabilities of all types bring the valuable qualities of reliability, dedication, loyalty, a positive attitude, and strong work ethic to their places of employment. This motivates their fellow colleagues and has a profound impact on their workplace. That is why in Congress, we continue to work towards creating inclusive workplace cultures around the country and establishing training opportunities for job seekers and employees with disabilities.

This month, I join all workers with disabilities, their families, and the constituents of Washington's Eighth District in recognizing this special occasion and celebrating the contributions they have made to our communities, state, and nation.