Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 20th anniversary of First 5 Madera County. Since its creation in 1998, First 5 Madera County has embarked on a mission to promote an integrated system of care with the purpose of ensuring that every child has a safe and nurturing environment to grow. It is both fitting and appropriate that we honor the work of First 5 Madera County and celebrate their many accomplishments throughout the past 20 years.

Since its inception, the goal of First 5 Madera County has been to provide services to children and families in the Central Valley.

Among the many services they provide include early childhood education, public policy advocacy, and community outreach.

First 5 Madera County has been a committed partner to many community groups, working toward prevention and early intervention systems that promote optimal health and development for infants and toddlers. Partnerships such as First 5 and Madera County Workforce have been essential in supporting families with young children to ensure access to professional opportunities that will help them further develop their social emotional learning and family support.

In twenty years, First 5 has increased public participation and efforts to bring awareness to issues affecting families and their children. They have focused on the elimination of persistent disparities in the community. Dedicated staff and volunteers have also created educational workshops for underserved families to help them have the tools necessary for success.

In recent years, First 5 Madera County has continued to demonstrate its independent leadership while recognizing the value of establishing meaningful partnerships. They have succeeded in educating the public on the importance of child advocacy, further developing research issues affecting infants and toddlers and promoted health and education for young children.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring First 5 Madera County on the occasion of their 20th anniversary. I look forward to the opportunity to continue to work together to further First 5 Madera County's mission. Once again, congratulations on this special milestone.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career achievements of Ms. Lilia Gonzales Chavez. Lilia is being honored by Arte Americas with the Armando Rodriguez Legacy Award, in honor of her dedication and commitment to the preservation of the arts of California's Central Valley. This award is given to a person who has broken barriers in civil rights, education, and/or the promotion of the arts to the broader community and selflessly promoted the advancement of the underrepresented. It is both fitting and appropriate that we honor Lilia today for her years of service to our Valley.

Lilia, a native of Fresno, attended California State University, Fresno and obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree in Child Development and a master's degree in Administrative Leadership from Fresno Pacific University.

In 1987, Lilia co-founded Arte Americas and for nearly ten years served as their director. Arte Americas is currently the Valley's largest non-profit Latino Cultural Center. After her time at Arte Americas, Lilia took on a new challenge. In 2011, she was appointed as the Executive Director of the Fresno Arts Council. Lilia has also served on the board of the Fresno Art Museum, the board of the Fresno Arts Council and is a key member of the League of Mexican-American Women in Fresno where she serves as Chairperson of the Scholarship Committee.

Lilia has worked as an educator at Fresno City College where she taught child development and psychology. Lilia also worked with the County of Fresno as an Administrative Analyst and Coordinator of the Inter-Agency Council for Children and Families, where she assisted many underserved communities throughout Fresno County.

An achievement that Lilia is most proud of was being appointed by Governor Jerry Brown to serve as a Trustee on the Board for California State Summer School for the Arts, serving on the Dean's Advisory Council for the Department of Arts and Humanities at California State University, Fresno and the California State University Summer Arts Advisory Board.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring Mrs. Lilia Gonzales Chavez for receiving the Armando Rodriguez Legacy Award. Lilia has been an inspiration, not only through her professional achievements, but also through the community leadership throughout the years. I ask that you join me in wishing Lilia and her family continued success and prosperity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to the life of Mickey Kaitangian, who passed from this life on August 28, 2018 at the age of 83. Mickey was a beloved fixture of the Fresno community, known for volunteering his time and serving others. From his service to our country to his 29 years as a firefighter, Mickey's generous spirit touched the lives of everyone who had the pleasure of knowing him.

Born May 27, 1935 in Fresno, California, Mickey Kaitangian and his brother grew up in poverty-stricken Southeast Fresno. Young Mickey would wander to Fire Station 4 down the street from his home and befriend the firemen on their breaks, where he kindled his deep love for firefighting.

Before beginning his firefighting career, Mickey enlisted in the United States Navy. He worked as a mechanic for the Douglas A-1 Skyraider, serving on the USS Ranger (CV-61) aircraft carrier during the WestPac Far East Cruise.

In 1964, at the age of 29, Mickey joined the Fresno Fire Department. For 29 years, Mickey served on the frontlines. His colleagues remember Mickey as, ``the first to go into the fire and the last to come out.'' Even after long hours of hard work, Mickey always made time for his wife Betty, and their sons Kelly and Raymond.

Mickey lived life to the fullest. He volunteered for pit crews of famous race car drivers, including Mario Andretti and A. J. Foyt in 1969. He also tried his hand at Semi-Pro baseball.

After his retirement in 1994, Mickey continued to serve as an ambassador for the Fresno Fire Department by representing them at local charity events. He so generously gave his time to a number of local charities, including donating toys to patients at the local children's hospital and teaching school children about fire safety.

Mickey's life of dedicated service for the community and country he loved so much should serve as an example to us all. He is survived by his beloved wife Betty, sons Kelly and Raymond, and six grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me on this day in a moment of silence in memory of the life and service of Mickey Kaitangian. The contributions that he gave throughout his life will continue to have a lasting impression on the fabric of our Valley. His presence in our community will be greatly missed. It is my honor to join his family and many friends in celebrating his life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Virgil Ryals. Mr. Ryals is a Korean War veteran who served the United States of America honorably.

Virgil was born in Winters, California, and his family later relocated to Chowchilla.

After graduating from Chowchilla High, he joined the U.S. Army in Januaty 1951. Completing his basic training at Fort Ord, Virgil was assigned to a unit with the 6th Army. In the summer of 1951, he sojourned with his Army companions to Pusan, South Korea where he joined the 1st Cavalry Division. Shortly afterward he was assigned to Company C of the 7th Cavalry, the infamous ``Garry Owen'' regiment once led by George Armstrong Custer.

Virgil was assigned to a radio section of Headquarters Company where he received and transmitted vitally important intelligence to embattled Army units. Virgil's hard work and quick learning was quickly noticed by his superiors, and Virgil was soon promoted to head the section. In October 1951, Virgil's communicators kept all units in contact when a Chinese counterattack threatened to overrun the regiment.

Virgil served on occupation duty in Japan until December 1952, when he returned home on leave to visit his family. At the end of his leave, Virgil and his family were involved in a tragic car accident which claimed the life of both his parents. Virgil, suffering from two broken legs, a broken elbow and numerous other injuries, was not expected to live. But, for the next eleven months, Virgil underwent several procedures at Letterman's Hospital where he fought to recover.

In November 1953, Corporal Virgil Ryals was honorably discharged from the United States Army. For his service, he was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Army of Occupation Medal (Japan), the Korean Service Medal with three Bronze Stars, the United Nations Service Medal, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge.

Virgil worked as a dairyman and farmer until 1959 when he accepted a position at the Chowchilla Post Office, where he worked for thirty-one years. Mention the name of Virgil Ryals to virtually anyone in Chowchilla and they will know the congenial, chatty, helpful postal worker who helped generations of Chowchillans.

His wife, Eva, passed away in 1999. They raised two beautiful children and have one grandchild. Virgil is a Life Member of Chowchilla VFW Post 9896, American Legion Post 148, and a member of St. Columba Church.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the service of Virgil Ryals for his dedication to his family and his country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Donald E. Schnoor. Mr. Schnoor is a Korean War veteran who served the United States of America honorably.

Donald E. Schnoor was born in Chowchilla on December 19, 1934. Twenty years later, he would be part of the famed First Cavalry Division fighting in Korea.

Don attended local schools. In June 1952, shortly after graduating from Chowchilla High, he enlisted for three years in the U.S. Army. After basic training at Fort Ord, he was selected to train as a musician with the Army Band Training Unit. Upon completion of band training, he was assigned to play the trombone with the 6th Army band at Fort Mason in San Francisco. The band played for troops leaving and arriving by ship to and from the Far East, primarily Korea. Numerous Hollywood and local professional celebrities performed with the band. Wanting to see a bit of the world, Don subsequently volunteered for duty with Army occupation troops in Japan.

Upon arrival in Japan, Don was informed that although he had been trained as a musician the Army considered him an infantryman first and a trombone player second. Upon reaching Inchon, Korea, Don joined the 5th Regiment of the legendary First Cavalry Division along the frontlines southeast of Seoul near Yong Dong Po. He was assigned duty as part of a fire team for a 75 MM recoilless rifle mounted on a \3/4\ ton 4x4 utility truck.

Don served in Korea until the truce was signed in 1954 and then joined the rest of the First Cavalry Division in Hokkaido, Japan.

Later that year, the 5th Regiment moved south to Sendai, Japan, where Don joined the First Cavalry Band and Orchestra. Shortly after joining the band, Don was recommended to audition for the U.S.O. Orchestra, and after tough competition, was accepted. He spent the remainder of his overseas service traveling in Japan playing for U.S.O. shows for American servicemen. Don was one of three trombonists and enjoyed the duty.

Don returned to the U.S. in the late spring of 1955 and was discharged as a sergeant at Fort Ord. For his service, he was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

After military service to his country, Don returned to Chowchilla and began a career in farming that has continued for fifty-six years. He and his wife, Peggy, have three daughters, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren.

Don is a Life Member of Chowchilla VFW Post 9896, the American Legion Post of Madera, the Madera Elks, and the First United Methodist Church of Madera.

Don said, ``I am truly proud to have had the opportunity to serve my country.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the service of Donald E. Schnoor for his dedication to his family and his country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Tony Machado. Mr. Machado is a Korean War veteran who served the United States of America honorably.

Tony Machado was born in Turlock, California in 1933. After graduating from Hilmar High, he worked in agriculture for a few years until he was drafted into the United States Armed Forces.

After completing basic training at Fort Ord, Tony was trained as a military policeman at the Basic Military Training School. There he received training in tactical and garrison law enforcement duties, including reports, forms, basic law enforcement tasks, security, unarmed self-defense, responding to incidents, and support activities such as convoys, checkpoints and enemy prisoner of war operations.

Once deployed to Korea, he was assigned to the legendary 15th Infantry Regiment. Arriving during the final months of the war, Tony was a member of Company A of the 15th Regiment. Despite the 1953 armistice, tensions ran high as the North Koreans constantly moved forces closer to the DMZ. Tony's MP unit provided invaluable security for convoys, directing traffic at key road junctions as well as many other duties.

Tony served seventeen months in Korea, later returning to the U.S. to assume duties at Fort Ord until his discharge as a Private First Class. For his service, he was awarded the Korea Service Medal, the United Nations Medal, the National Defense Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

After his service, Tony returned to agriculture, working as a dairyman, eventually operating his own dairy on Chowchilla's Road 14. He is a life member of the Chowchilla VFW Post 9896, a member of the Farm Bureau, the Cabrillo Club, Lions Club, and served as a director of the Madera District Fair. He was inducted into the Chowchilla Athletic Foundation Hall of Fame and was chosen as 2007's Chowchilla Unique Citizen of the Year by the Chamber of Commerce.

Tony continues to make his home in Chowchilla. He has six children and five grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the service of Tony Machado for his dedication to his family and his country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Melvin Gilliam. Mr. Gilliam is a Korean War veteran who served the United States of America honorably.

In 1952, Melvin ``Corky'' Gilliam said goodbye to his classmates at Chowchilla High and traveled to Fort Ord for induction into the U.S. Army.

Gilliam was designated as a rifleman, and within a short time, he landed at Pusan, Korea. The young private was assigned to the 40th Infantry Division, participating in the Korean War's major battles at Heartbreak Ridge, the Punchbowl, and Sand Bag Castle.

In the following months, the 40th was sent into action along the Main Line of Resistance (MLR) above the 38th Parallel at a place called Sand Bag Castle. The division engaged in heavy fighting, and Private Melvin Gilliam was wounded by shell fragments. While recovering at an aid station, it was discovered that he was only seventeen years old. He was sent to Japan to Camp Drake where he remained until his eighteenth birthday on 4 December 1952. After his return to Korea, Gilliam served as rifleman, carrying the Browning Automatic Rifle and worked as a radio operator with line units.

In July 1953 Gilliam boarded the merchant ship General Miggs for return to the U.S. For the remainder of his three-year enlistment, Gilliam served with the 2nd Division at Fort Lewis, Washington. While at Fort Lewis, his regiment was selected to star in the film ``To Hell and Back,'' the true story of Audie Murphy, the most decorated soldier of World War II. Gilliam was able to meet the soldier-actor, and was honored to be part of the film, acting as a German rifleman. Before leaving active duty, Gilliam would also serve with the 7th Armored and the 44th Infantry Divisions.

Melvin Gilliam was discharged as a corporal and served five more years in the Army Reserve. For his service he was awarded the Purple Heart, the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Korean Service Medal with 3 bronze stars, United Nations Service Medal, ROK Presidential Unit Citation, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge. To this day he is very proud to have served his country.

After release from active duty he returned to Chowchilla and worked as a dairyman and in trucking until his retirement. He and his late wife Loretta made their home in Chowchilla. He has four children, six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren.

He has been active in the community for more than a half-century as a member of the First Baptist Church, Life Member of Chowchilla VFW Post 9896, Life Member of American Legion Post 148, a member of the Military Order of the Cooties of the U.S., Lions Club International, Free and Accepted Masons of Chowchilla, Scottish Rite of Freemasonry--32nd Degree, Tehran Shriners, the Noble Nobles Club of Tehran Temple, and E Clampus Vitus.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the service of Melvin

Gilliam for his dedication to family and country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service of Ronald E. Lawson. Mr. Lawson honorably served in the United States Army for twenty years, touring in Korea, Germany, and Vietnam.

Ronald ``Ron'' E. Lawson was born in Los Angeles and, in 1959, at age seventeen, he enlisted in the Army, completing his basic training at Fort Ord. He was then sent to Korea as a member of the 1st Cavalry with duties in the DMZ. Upon completion of his tour, he was posted to Germany, serving five years with the First ARB 46th Infantry and the 24th Infantry Division.

After returning to the US as a weapons instructor, Ron was called up for his second tour in Korea, this time serving a year with the famed 7th Cavalry with the 2nd Infantry Division at the DMZ.

Ron was later selected to attend the Drill Sergeant Academy at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, earning the distinction of Honor Graduate. After graduation, Ron was deployed to Vietnam as part of Military Assistance Command. He worked with South Vietnamese Regional Forces in the Central Highlands of II Corps, providing instruction and tactical advice to regional soldiers, accompanying them on jungle operations.

After twelve months in Vietnam, Ron assumed duties as a drill sergeant for new recruits at Fort Ord, later returning to Germany as operations sergeant with the 1st Armored Division. He deployed in 1961 and 1964 for the Berlin Crisis and to Greece and Cyprus in 1962. He once more returned to Fort Ord to serve with the 7th Light Infantry Division.

After twenty years of service, Ron retired with the rank of First Sergeant. For his service, Ron Lawson was awarded the Bronze Star, Army Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Gold Star, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, Army of Occupation Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Korean Service Medal, National Defense Service Medal and the Combat Infantry Badge. Additionally, Ron received six letters of commendation and was selected Drill Sergeant of the Year.

After retirement from the Army, Ron and his family settled in Chowchilla, California. Working as a maintenance supervisor, Ron served on the City of Chowchilla Planning Commission for twenty-one years. He is a Life Member and past commander of VFW Post 9896 and American Legion Post 148. Ron attends St. Columba Catholic Church and is a member of the Young Men's Institute. Ron and his wife, Mathilde, have two children and two grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the service of Ronald E.

Lawson for his dedication to his family and his country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Matthew Chaney, a member of the Merced High School Class of 1978 who has been recognized for his dignity, grace, and courage. Since graduating high school forty years ago, Mr. Chaney has made numerous contributions to his family and community, particularly in the last seventeen years with his fight against ALS.

After high school, Mr. Chaney attended the University of California, Berkeley and earned a degree in physical education. After graduating, Mr. Chaney began his professional career, which has included work in product development and sales in the chemical industry.

For the last thirty years, Mr. Chaney has been a devoted father to two remarkable gentlemen, having spent many years supporting the activities of his sons and community. He has served as a little league board member and remained active as a coach for both baseball and soccer, despite having lost the use of his arms. In Lafayette, California, the ``Chaney Field'' at the Lafayette Little League stands in honor of Mr. Chaney's contributions to his community and family.

Mr. Chaney also holds a passion for environmental protection. As a co-director of Bluefish.org, he helps lead an organization committed to facilitating an open, honest dialogue between citizenry, business, and government concerning the plight of Idaho's wild salmon and steelhead.

Since his ALS diagnosis in 2000 at the age of 40, Mr. Chaney has been an advocate for those affected by the disease through his involvement in many local and national fundraising and awareness efforts. Some of these include Major League Baseball's ``4ALS'' initiative with the San Francisco Giants, ``Runs for ALS'' Lafayette Little League campaign, and most notably for the ALS Association's Golden West Chapter, which he fundraised over $1 million for.

On June 3, 2016 Mr. Chaney was honored as the recipient of the Spirit Award at The ALS Association Golden West Chapter's Annual Champions for Care and a Cure dinner as celebration for his determination for his efforts in the areas of advocacy, fundraising, and public awareness of

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Hill) for giving me this opportunity to pay my tribute to Senator John McCain.

John McCain was clearly an American hero. His love and patriotism for our country knew no bounds. I first met Senator McCain in 2006 when we were on a congressional trip to Antarctica. We spent 6 days together, exploring the science and the efforts that were going on with NASA and with our Defense Department and American universities that were doing valuable research.

I got to witness firsthand his self-deprecating sense of humor. Like he did with many Members and people with whom he came into contact, he gave me counsel. During those days we spent together he said: Hey, kid, if you really want to learn how to do this right--well, first of all, I liked the fact that he called me kid--you ought to listen carefully. Too many people around here don't spend enough time listening.

For me, and for so many other Members and people professionally that Senator McCain came into contact with, he was a role model on how we should conduct ourselves, not only as Representatives, but also as people who want to solve problems. He, clearly, I think, set the bar quite high on how we develop bipartisan compromises.

I gave a speech here last year about what has happened to the art of the political compromise. Has it become a lost art? Well, Senator John McCain had fine-tuned his skills, his efforts to reach across the aisle, to figure out ways in which you could bring people together to find that art of the political compromise.

So his greatness, really, is one that reflects the true values of Americans. For all of us, I think he instilled the nature of--as we know in our country, historically, there is the politics of hope and there is the politics of hate. Many individuals have been successful at practicing both types of politics in their careers.

But Senator McCain's success was the politics of hope, the politics of love, love of country and love of his fellow Americans. It carried him through the trials and difficulties that life brings one's way, both in his service to

his country in the United States Navy and as a prisoner of war.

When he had the opportunity because of his status to leave the Hanoi Hilton early, he made it very clear he would not until every American prisoner of war left, and he suffered great torture as a result of that.

The lessons in life that Senator John McCain learned were lessons that he tried to teach to all of us in his conduct as a public servant, in which he put public service among the highest levels of contribution that one can make to their country.

So not only was he a role model for all of us, for Americans, but throughout the world. When we traveled in the Middle East, in Europe, my Congressman colleague, Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart, and I, who worked closely with our European colleagues, John McCain was sought after for advice, for understanding the body politic, what was happening in America, and how we could better work together with our European allies, and the values that we hold most dear, the values of human rights, the values of freedom of speech, the values of ensuring that we protect our democratic institutions.

Senator John McCain really reflected the best that America has to offer, which is why he was so well respected around the world. When you went to countries in which you had autocrats and dictators and you had issues of human rights, he was always sought after by those who were oppressed, because there was, clearly, a sense of empathy that they understood that he had for them.

So as I close, let me say that the tributes that we pay to him are small in comparison to what he gave to our country. The book that President John F. Kennedy wrote, ``Profiles in Courage,'' if there were to be a second book in the 21st century, clearly, Senator John McCain would be one of those individuals who, throughout his career, exemplified what it means to have profiles in courage in his conduct, in his daily life, in the practice of the politics that he led through example, which are lessons for all of us to learn.

Senator John McCain, a grateful Nation can never, ever say thank you enough for all that you did and all that you gave. God bless you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Golden Valley Health Centers in honor of National Health Center Week. Since 1972, Golden Valley Health Centers have served the people of the San Joaquin Valley with integrity and honor. During that time, they have been guided by their mission to improve the health of patients regardless of language, financial, or cultural barriers, and exemplified the benefits that health centers provide to local communities.

Golden Valley Health Centers provide affordable, comprehensive primary and preventive care to underserved communities with their 32 clinics throughout Merced, Stanislaus, and San Joaquin Counties. Their team of over 900 people includes physicians, nurse practitioners, behavior health specialists, physician assistants, and certified nurse midwives, all of whom advance the mission and vision of Golden Valley Health Centers through the various essential care services they provide.

Golden Valley Health Centers have proved it is possible to overcome barriers to healthcare access, such as geography, income, and insurance status. In doing so, health centers, such as Golden Valley, improve health care outcomes while, at the same time, reducing the costs of health care. These health centers provide services vital to the public health of our valley and nation, including healthcare for our veterans, natural disaster response, and mental health care to help battle the opioid epidemic. It has been an honor to work alongside Golden Valley Health Centers to ensure access to quality, affordable health for constituents throughout my district.

Furthermore, Golden Valley, like most health centers, is governed by patient-majority boards and locally owned and operated, ensuring that patients are engaged in their own health care decisions. With local control, health centers often serve as critical economic

engines that generate essential revenue for local communities, including those in California's San Joaquin Valley.

During National Health Center Week, we celebrate the legacy of America's health centers, and their vital role in shaping the past, present, and future of America's health care system. I encourage all Americans to take part in this week by visiting their local health center and celebrating the important partnership between America's health centers and the communities they serve.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Golden Valley Health Centers for their work to provide quality health care for the communities of the San Joaquin Valley. It is both fitting and appropriate that we honor them and recognize the role they play in maintaining the wellbeing of our communities during National Health Center Week.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Elmer Joseph ``EJ'' Lorenzi, an upstanding member of the Merced community, who has been recognized as ``Man of the Year'' for the 2018 Harvest of Hope by Catholic Charities of Merced.

EJ was born on May 18, 1931 at Mercy Hospital in Merced to Giuseppe and Rita Bernardi Lorenzi. Within a few, short years, it became clear that EJ was destined for an extraordinary life of serving others. His life-long dedication to service began at the age of 10, when EJ played the accordion for the United Service Organization to help raise money for war bonds.

From that moment, EJ's service and dedication to the Merced community never wavered. While he established himself as a mainstay in the business community, EJ's focus continued to be service. He has been a member of the 3rd degree and 4th degree Knights of Columbus Council 2384 for over six decades. He has served Merced with integrity and honor through the Merced City Chamber of Commerce, Merced Little League, and as Ambassador for the City Council of Merced.

EJ also served on many advisory boards in Merced County. EJ's tireless leadership as chairman of the advisory committee for Measure C was instrumental in passing the measure, which is expected to raise millions for the police and fire departments in Merced.

EJ has also been instrumental in restoring several historic buildings in Merced that were slated for destruction. Historic sites such as Bob Hart Square and Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church, still stand today because of EJ's unwavering leadership.

EJ's service to his community has always been backed by his lovely family. EJ married his high school sweetheart Evelyn Weres in June of 1950. Together, EJ and Evelyn have five children, ten grandchildren, and nine great grandchildren, who will carry on the family's great legacy.

At the spry age of eighty-seven years old, EJ continues to serve his community however he can, guided by the same three principles that have followed him throughout his life: God family, and his Catholic faith.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring the exceptional life of Elmer Joseph Lorenzi. I wish him and Catholic Charities of Merced the best as he is recognized for his contributions to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and achievements of Monsignor Anthony Janelli, a longtime clergyman of the Catholic church, and a lifelong resident of the Central Valley. With over 50 years of service to the Church, Fr. Janelli has selflessly dedicated his time to the welfare of people in his clergies.

Fr. Janelli was born in Visalia, California on May 22, 1936 to Ermalinda and Joe Janelli. The oldest of four children, Father Janelli's devotion to duty and faith quickly became apparent. After attending George McCann Catholic School and Santa Clara University that sense of duty led Fr. Janelli to enlist in the United States Army. During the Cold War, he served as a Fire Control Officer in a Nike Missile anti-aircraft battery with the rank of 1st Lieutenant. Upon leaving the Army, Fr. Janelli found himself devoted to another duty: his Catholic faith.

In 1960, Fr. Janelli entered St. John's Seminary of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles to become a priest and spread the word of God. Four years later, he was ordained a priest for the diocese of Monterey- Fresno at St. John's Cathedral. Since then, Fr. Janelli's devotion to his faith and to the people of the communities he so nobly served, has never wavered. He became an Associate to St. Therese Parish in Fresno, followed by assignments to churches in Los Banos and Reedley. In 1971, he was appointed Pastor of St. Elizabeth Parish in McFarland, and in 1973 he joined the Pastoral Team in Merced where he remained until 1980. In 1980, Fr. Janelli sought to further his devotion to the Catholic faith, and to that end, he took a Sabbatical to study Spirituality at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh.

However, Fr. Janelli's heart has always been with the people of his local community. After completing his studies in Spirituality, Fr. Janelli returned to the San Joaquin Valley, where he served as Vicar of Clergy, Rector of the Cathedral and as Pastor of churches in Livingston, Porterville, Dinuba, and Planada. While serving as Vicar of Clergy, Fr. Janelli was honored for his life's work by Pope John Paul II, who designated Fr. Janelli a Monsignor for his exceptional devotion to his community.

Fr. Janelli officially retired in June of 2008, but his duty to the Church has never faltered. He has assisted numerous parishes in the Dioceses of Fresno and Sacramento and served for some time as Pastor of Yosemite. He currently is the Pastor of Sacred Heart Parish in Planada and LeGrand.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the career and achievements of Fr. Anthony Janelli. His tireless commitment to duty, and his devotion to the Catholic church has enriched the lives of countless people. There is no doubt that Fr. Janelli has left a lasting impact on our Valley for which we are deeply grateful.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today and it is my honor and privilege to welcome Imam Ghazvini as the guest chaplain to the United States House of Representatives.

For the past 14 years, Seyed Ali Ghazvini has served as imam, or spiritual leader, of the Islamic Cultural Center in Fresno, a very important Islamic center in the San Joaquin Valley.

In addition to leading prayers and Qur'anic study, the Imam Ghazvini has distinguished himself as a prominent, prominent community leader. Since the beginning of his ministry, the imam has worked intently to facilitate meaningful interfaith dialogue and understanding throughout the valley, among all religions.

As the co-chair of the Interfaith Alliance of Central California, he has brought together numerous religious and social justice organizations to host mixed-faith events and spread tolerance and inclusivity throughout the San Joaquin Valley. I know because I have had the wonderful pleasure and honor to participate.

It has been with great honor, again, that many of us who have been able to participate in these interdenominational meetings have witnessed a renewed commitment to social justice firsthand. I urge my colleagues to welcome me in joining him and in thanking him this morning for his opening prayer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning to speak about our national parks and our parks and recreational opportunities.

I grew up in California's San Joaquin Valley, where we are blessed with some of the Nation's most beautiful lands. Like many, I spent my youth exploring local Fresno recreational areas and the California State parks.

My family and I, many times, visited Kings Canyon National Park and one of the crown jewels of all national parks, Yosemite Valley, seen in this striking photograph.

Wallace Stegner, famous writer, historian, and environmentalist, once said: ``Our national parks are the best idea we ever had. Absolutely American, absolutely democratic, they reflect us at our best rather than our worst.''

July is Parks and Recreation Month, and I urge everyone across this great country to visit our parks and recreational areas. It is great for our families and for all of us. Share in something that reflects America at our best.

Let us also remember that wildfires are a regular threat to our parks during this season. Fires are, sadly, burning as we speak today near Yosemite National Park and throughout the West.

Our thoughts and prayers are with those brave men and women fighting those fires, and their families, while protecting some of America's most precious resources.