Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the work and career of UCSF Fresno Associate Dean Dr. Joan L. Voris, and to congratulate her on her retirement from the UCSF Fresno Medical Education Program on January 5, 2015.

Dr. Voris has decided to retire, leaving her most recent post as the associate dean of the UCSF Fresno Medical Education Program, a position she has held since 2002. Prior to her appointment as associate dean, she was a faculty member for 24 years. In her position as associate dean Dr. Voris provided leadership and oversight to residency programs in eight specialties, 17 sub-specialties, undergraduate medical education, the UCSF Fresno Latino Center for Medical Education and Research, the California Area Health Education Center, the UCSF Fresno Alzheimer's and Memory Center, and various pipeline programs within the community.

Dr. Voris has made incredible changes to the UCSF Fresno medical education program as associate dean. During her tenure, the program has seen an increase in the number of core faculty from 77 to 229, and the number of residents and fellows trained on an annual basis increased from 172 to 293, a 70% increase. To add to her long list of accomplishments, all but one of the 14 fellowship programs was established under her leadership.

Prior to working at UCSF Fresno, Dr. Voris attended prestigious Stanford University where she earned both her bachelor's and medical degrees. Afterwards, she completed her pediatrics residency training at UCSF Fresno. During her 36 years working as a pediatrician in Fresno, Dr. Voris has served on a medical team which brings health care to communities in Mexico during the summer, working to provide health care to those who live in areas which have access to little to no medical services.

Due to her amazing contributions to the medical community and her expertise in child abuse issues and childhood obesity, Dr. Voris was named by the Marjaree Mason Center in 2010 as one of their Top 10 Professional Women. Additionally, in 2012, she received the ``Physician Community Service Lifetime Achievement Award'' from the Fresno-Madera Medical Society.

Her colleagues have nothing but praise for Dr. Voris, expressing their appreciation at her tireless efforts to improve health care in the San Joaquin Valley and to increase awareness of UCSF Fresno.

Mr. Speaker, it is with utmost respect that I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the career of Dr. Joan L. Voris. Her outstanding work in pediatrics, her improvements at the UCSF Fresno Medical Education Program, and her extensive contributions to the community have all led to her to be regarded as one of the best doctors in the Central Valley. It is my hope that she continues to have a happy and fulfilling life in retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the ranking member for the opportunity to speak on H.R. 5781, the California Emergency Drought Relief Act.

Mr. Speaker, we have been here before, and we will be here again until Congress acts to provide authority for increased operational flexibility for California's water projects. The American Geophysical Union released a report last week that indicates, according to some of the measures they are taking, that the 2012-2014 drought affecting California is the worst in 1,200 years. The 2014 drought is responsible for part of the greatest absolute reduction to water availability to agriculture that we have ever seen. But we can operate the projects differently for different outcomes.

The water modeling experts in the area I represent have indicated to me that without additional authority to move water, unless California receives 150 percent of its normal average rainfall this year, which is unlikely, the water allocation on both the east side and the west side of the San Joaquin Valley will be zero. Last year it was zero, and next year it will be zero.

But urban users in the bay area and southern California, they will get water. The fish, they will get water. But the folks on the east and west side of the San Joaquin Valley will get a zero water allocation unless we exceed 150 percent of normal. I would like the House to think about that. We are talking about 2 years without surface water that forms the basis of the economy of the region. The results are an immediate impact to farmworkers and their families, to farmers, and to the farm communities. This isn't some esoteric discussion about precedent; this is about people's lives and their livelihoods that are at stake.

Economists at UC Davis estimated that in 2013 the California economy lost $2.2 billion in economic output as a result of this drought. For my friends whose primary concern is environmental protection, the loss of surface water supplies for the valley means that farmers are forced to turn to groundwater, and they are overdrafting that groundwater in substantial manner.

This is a crisis. The situation this year has been devastating, and if we do nothing, next year it will become catastrophic.

H.R. 5781 is not perfect nor is it a bill that will solve all of California's problems. We need to fix a broken water system. However, it is a bill that provides, for 18 months, the flexibility for the movement of water which is now not being moved. And it does so responsibly by preserving the Secretary's discretion to reduce pumping to prevent additional harm to endangered species. It will only take advantage when we have storms. It does not change the biological opinions, and it does nothing to move water rights in front of someone else, as the previous speaker said. It has a sunset on it.

There will be debate about others ways to assist in drought recovery, but this is the measure we have before us now.

I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. It will help the San Joaquin Valley. It will help all of California to get by during the devastating effects this drought is having. It is not a panacea. And yes, we need to work together, but as far as igniting water wars, gee, I don't think they have ever subsided. There are still historic differences.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman.

The fault lines on water in California everybody on this floor knows. They are deep and they are historic and they have existed for decades. It is because we have this broken water system. We have a water system designed for 20 million people. We now have 38 million people.

To provide water for the people, for the environment, and to maintain agriculture, of which we are the largest agricultural State, we need to work. We need to work together.

There were some comments about the secret meetings. Gee, if this has been a secret as we have been working together for 8 months now, it is one of the worst-kept secrets in Washington this year, I think. The fact is this provides us a modicum of relief. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation, but we need to do much more.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 541, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness that I rise today to honor the life of former Congressman John Krebs. John was a close friend and a mentor.

As a young immigrant to the United States from Tel Aviv, John was able to live the American Dream and much more. He serves as an inspiration for all of those who knew him.

John served in the United States House of Representatives from 1975 to 1979. One of his proudest legislative accomplishments was incorporating the Mineral King Valley into the Sequoia National Park.

In 2009, President Obama recognized John for his efforts, and he signed legislation establishing the John Krebs Wilderness area which covers 40,000 acres within Mineral King Valley.

Mr. Krebs was a community leader and was active in the Democratic Party, playing key roles in both local and statewide campaigns throughout California.

John will be greatly missed by his wife, Hanna; by his son, Daniel, and his wife, Susan; by his daughter, Karen, and her husband, John; and by his grandchildren, Elizabeth, Caroline, Jack, Clay, and Peter.

John's strong values, work ethic, and compassion for others were evident to all who knew him and were fortunate to work with him. It is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the United States House of Representatives to honor the life of former Congressman John Krebs, my good friend.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Earl Smittcamp who passed away on the morning of October 20, 2014 at the age of 96. Earl's passion for farming and education exemplify the meaning leadership.

Earl was a prominent agriculture business leader. He alongside his wife Muriel, founded Wawona Frozen Foods which currently leads the industry in development and distribution of fruit and fruit products. A 1939 graduate of Fresno State, Earl recognized the value of hard work and education and spent his time giving back to his community.

Earlier in his life, Earl honorably served our country in the U.S. Marines Corps during World War II. Upon his return, he and his wife purchased her father's 200 acre fruit ranch. Their small business went on dominate the frozen food market, making Wawona Frozen Foods one of the oldest peach processors in the U.S.

Wawona Ranch flourished into a full agricultural operation ranging from fruit farming, packing, frozen-food production to food processing. Earl's sons Bob and Bill manage the business. The Smittcamp's success made a $2 million donation to Fresno State in 1997, possible. This generous donation helped establish the Smittcamp Family Honors College. The Honors College offers a rigorous academic program for top students. The Smittcamp Family Alumni Center was also later established and opened in early 2000.

In addition to his businesses, Earl also received the following government appointments: Sixth Acting Disaster Governor of California by Governor Ronald Reagan from 1966 to 1972, served on the California State Board of Agriculture from 1970 to 1972, was appointed by President Richard M. Nixon to the White House Conference on Food and Nutrition in 1969, served as chairman of the Federal Farm Credit Board in 1971, and finally in 1976 Earl was appointed to the U.S. Advisory Committee on Regulatory Programs.

In 1993 Earl's hard work was recognized by The Fresno Chamber of Commerce's Leon S. Peters Award. Other awards include Clovis' Outstanding Citizen in 1962, Fresno State's Outstanding Alumnus in both 1963 and 1980. In addition, Earl was inducted into the Frozen Food Hall of Fame in 2005.

Earl met his wife Muriel at Fresno State in 1940 and the two happily married. In 2009 he was preceded in death by his wife. They are survived by their four children and 14 grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Earl Smittcamp. Earl's children, grandchildren, relatives and many friends have an outstanding role model that they will hold in their hearts forever. His presence will be greatly missed but his legacy will surely live through the Smittcamp family's deep commitment to supporting the community and the university.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues Mr. Nunes and Mr. Valadao to recognize Justice Marvin Baxter for his honorable service to the state of California. For decades, Justice Baxter served as a dedicated leader who willingly and unselfishly gave his time and talent to make our state a better place.

Marvin Baxter was born in Fowler, California on January 9, 1940. He grew up on his family farm as a second generation American. All four of his grandparents emigrated from Armenia in the early twentieth century. After graduating from Fresno State, he went on to the University of California's Hastings School of Law, where he earned his law degree in 1966.

Justice Baxter began his lifelong career in law in 1967 as a Deputy District Attorney for Fresno County. Two years later, he continued on at a private practice focusing on civil law. Justice Baxter worked with the firm Andrews, Andrews, Thaxter, Jones & Baxter for 14 years before he moved back to public service acting as Appointments Secretary to Governor George Deukmejian. In that capacity, Mr. Baxter advised the Governor on judicial and executive appointments.

After working in the Governor's office for five years, Mr. Baxter was appointed by Governor Deukmejian as Associate Justice of the California Court of Appeal for the Fifth District. In 1991, he was appointed Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of California. Subsequently, in 2002, Justice Baxter was elected by the California voters to serve an additional 12 years as associate justice.

Throughout his career, Justice Baxter has been a part of many landmark decisions. He is known amongst his peers for being straight- forward and clear headed in the courtroom. Colleagues will miss the most senior Supreme Court justice for sound feedback they could regularly count on.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that Mr. Nunes, Mr. Valadao, and I ask our colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize Justice Marvin Baxter for his service to the state of California. Although his time on the California Supreme Court has come to an end, Justice Baxter has made a lasting impression and we commend him for his hard work and dedication.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleagues Mr. Nunes and Mr. Valadao to recognize Mr. Berj K. Apkarian upon his appointment as the first Honorary Consul of the Republic of Armenia in Fresno. This is a monumental occasion for not only Berj but for Fresno's entire Armenian community.

In 1979, Berj immigrated to Fresno, California, from Syria, and he has since been a very active member of Fresno's Armenian-American community. He is the Executive Director of Physician Relations at Community Medical Centers and is also a professor at California State University, Fresno, where he leads the Armenian Studies Program and the Center for Armenian Studies.

In 2009, the City of Fresno established a sister city partnership with the city of Etchmiadzin in Armenia. The partnership enhances the bond between Fresno and Armenia, and Berj was instrumental in forming the relationship. To further strengthen our city's ties with Armenia, the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Armenia was established on August 14, 2014.

As Honorary Consul, Berj will continue to play an integral role in strengthening our Valley's relationship with Armenia. In addition to forming a stronger relationship with Armenia, Berj plans to take a team of medical professionals to Armenia to educate and provide healthcare services for residents living in rural communities.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that Mr. Nunes, Mr. Valadao, and I ask our colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize Mr. Berj K. Apkarian as he begins to serve as the first Honorary Consul of the Republic of Armenia in Fresno.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. John Harris for being the recipient of the 2014 Agriculturist of the Year award from the Greater Fresno Area Chamber of Commerce. John has made countless contributions to California's agricultural economy, and his efforts deserve to be honored.

John was born into a family with strong agricultural roots. His parents grew cotton and grain on their family farm. John attended the University of California at Davis (UC Davis), and later, founded Harris Ranch. Harris Ranch is one of the leading producers of agricultural goods in the nation. His products include: almonds, pistachios, citrus, and various vegetable crops.

Under John's leadership, Harris Ranch has been a leading beef producer in California's Central Valley for years. Additionally, Harris Ranch is the largest cattle feeder ranch in the state, and it produces over 150 million pounds of beef a year.

Harris Ranch also breeds thoroughbred racing horses. This year, Harris Ranch received national media attention because of the racing horse champion, California Chrome.

John served as the president of the California Thoroughbred Breeders Association and is currently a member of the executive committee in the association. John is also a member of the California Horse Racing Board and served as a chairman in 2004, 2005 and 2009. He also is a member of the Jockey Club, and is a very dedicated man to the sport of horse racing.

John is an active community member, and he is a strong supporter of Saint Agnes Medical, the California Cattlemen's Association, and Western Growers Association. Additionally, he supports agricultural education and donates to UC Davis, California State University, Fresno, and the California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask our colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to recognize Mr. John Harris. He is truly deserving of this recognition, and I thank him for all of the contributions he has made to California's San Joaquin Valley.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 25th anniversary of the Fresno Historical Society's Civil War Revisited celebration, taking place on October 18-19, 2014.

On September 29-30, 1990, more than 10,000 visitors in Fresno's Kearney Park were able to travel back in time to witness four battles between Union and confederate soldiers that originally took place in 1864 near Atlanta, Georgia. Three hundred volunteers from throughout California were sponsored by the Civil War Reenactment Society to assemble and act in authentic Civil War battles complete with cannon volleys, musket fire, rebel yells, costumes, and charging horses.

These volunteers were educated in depth about the lives of the characters they portray, leaving visitors with a broader view of the times and lives of people during the time period. Such authenticity allowed the audience, and over 4,000 students to learn firsthand, vivid history lessons from conversations with soldiers in the 1864 setting.

Over the 25 years of its existence, Civil War Revisited has grown to be one of the largest civil war reenactments in the Western United States. So much so, that it is often referred to as ``an American history class for thousands.''

In 2001, the event expanded by adding a school day program called ``Time Travelers at the Civil War.'' This program allows students to interact with historical figures such as President Lincoln, Clara Barton, Walt Whitman and Harriet Tubman. Additionally, they are able to speak with military re-enactors to learn about life as a part of the war effort, but they are also able to speak to blacksmiths and dressmakers in order to get a glimpse into day to day life in the era.

A unique component of the school day program is a play, featuring a cast of students who bring the voices of children of the Civil War period to life, known as Readers' heater. Students often rehearse at school leading up to a performance during the Civil War reenactment. To date, the Time Travelers program has hosted 22,000 students from throughout the San Joaquin Valley since its establishment. This allows students to learn about history using a more interactive, unique perspective, as opposed to solely reading about the period in textbooks or watching videos.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the outstanding accomplishments of the Fresno Historical Society in its 25 years of excellence in accurately reenacting such an important point in American history.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 40th anniversary of the partnership between the Economic Opportunities Commission and the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. WIC provides care for women with low to medium income, who are pregnant or have a child who is less than five years old.

In 1968, CBS aired a documentary titled ``Hunger in America,'' that shed light on widespread malnutrition across low income communities. The following year, the White House formed a council to address the issue and a recommendation stemming from the council was to focus on providing nutritional food and education to low income pregnant women and children.

When the Child Nutrition Act of 1966 was amended in 1972, the WIC was authorized as a pilot program for two years. The EOC was one of the agencies participating in the WIC as a pilot program, and they issued the first WIC vouchers in the state of California.

In 1975, the EOC established WIC as a permanent program based on the premise that early intervention during critical times of growth and development can help prevent future medical and developmental problems. The Women, Infants, and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program is a federally-funded health and nutrition program for women who are pregnant, breastfeeding, post-partum and children under 5 years.

Throughout the years, the caseload of the EOC WIC has steadily risen to its present high of 37,500 participants. WIC consists of 72 staff members made up of Registered Dieticians, WIC Nutrition Assistants, Local Vendor Liaisons, Breastfeeding peer counselors, and administrative support staff.

The goal of WIC is to enhance the quality of life for women, infants and children by providing them with healthy food and the knowledge and opportunity to make healthy choices in an atmosphere of dignity and respect.

Women, Infants and Children has provided support for pregnant women, nursing mothers, and children under five years of age and their mothers for nearly 40 years, and they will continue to give them physical aid and knowledge to help improve the quality of their lives.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the outstanding work of the Women, Infants, and Children Supplemental Nutrition Program in providing aid and support to mothers and children who are in need.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church (Holy Trinity) of Fresno, California in celebration of their 100th anniversary. Holy Trinity's service and dedication to bettering the quality of life in the Fresno community deserves to be recognized.

The Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church that stands today on the corner of Ventura and ``M'' Street was constructed in 1914. It was the first church ever built in the tradition of Armenian Church architecture in the United States of America. The gorgeous brick church was designed by Fresno's first Armenian architect, Lawrence Karekin Cone. Upon its completion, a handful of soil delivered from the Monastery of St. Krikor the Illuminator Erzeroum, Armenia, was placed in the infrastructure. Additionally, sacred objects from St. James Monastery in Jerusalem were brought as a symbol to bridge the church with the homeland and Holy Land. Holy Trinity is the first and oldest Armenian Church in the western United States. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on July 31, 1986.

For the past 100 years, Holy Trinity has served the spiritual needs of Fresno's Armenian community. The church has a strong history of assisting the Armenian community by providing various services to those in need. Most notably the church was essential to the lives of immigrants fleeing from fear of genocide by the hands of the Ottoman Empire in 1915. The church continued these charitable efforts by providing aid and services to displaced persons during World War II, after the fall of the Soviet Union, and wars in the Middle East.

Holy Trinity works daily to build upon a strong community. The social hall, Sunday school building, and Fresno's first Armenian day school are all resources used by individuals to connect with one another and demonstrate their faith. Holy Trinity's goal to keep the Armenian Apostolic tradition alive through service to the Armenian and Fresno community is greatly appreciated.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in recognizing Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church of Fresno, California as they celebrate their 100th anniversary. Holy Trinity's outstanding history and service to the Fresno Community deserves to be honored.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Erna Kubin-Clanin, proprietress and chef of Erna's Elderberry House Restaurant. Erna's Elderberry House is a small town treasure located in Oakhurst, California.

In 1982, Erna purchased a nine acre property for the restaurant. In the beginning, she had to overcome a few challenges, but in 1983, construction began, and the following year, the doors opened for Erna's Elderberry House. Now, on October 19, 2014, she is celebrating the restaurant's 30th anniversary.

Erna takes pride not only in the food she prepares, but also in the annual events that she holds, such as ``A Night in Vienna'' and Erna's signature ``Elderberry Harvest Dinner.'' These events, along with the delicious meals she prepares daily, are the reason why so many tourists from Yosemite National Park and the surrounding areas make sure to visit the notable restaurant.

Guests continue to return to the restaurant to experience the quality of food and service. Only the freshest and most pristine ingredients from local Central Valley farms are purchased for the unique cuisine that is on the menu. They also work with the Maitre'd Hotel to ensure flawless service and hospitality and with the Cellar Master to create an extraordinary wine list, which complements the menu each evening.

For more than fifteen years, the restaurant has maintained the Elderberry House Cooking School. It provides knowledge of the culinary arts to its patrons and transforms the restaurant into a creative arena where inspired cooks can develop their skills under the guidance of the executive chef.

Continuing upon her culinary dreams, Erna opened the enchanting Chateau du Sureau in 1991, the elegant Villa Sureau in 1999, and the magical Spa du Sureau in October 2005.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing 30 years of outstanding culinary experience created by Ms. Erna Kubin-Clanin. She has undoubtedly made lasting contributions to the San Joaquin Valley and the entire state of California.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation for being selected as the 2014 Chamber of the Year by the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.

The Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation (FAHF), a member of the national Hispanic Chamber, was selected from more than 200 chambers for their exceptional service and commitment to promoting and supporting Hispanic businesses in the region. The award was announced at the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's national convention in Salt Lake City.

The Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation, led by President/CEO Dora Westerlund, was founded in 2001 by a group of business owners determined to find effective and engaging ways to address the needs of a dynamic and emerging population. The FAHF, which is the only Hispanic Foundation west of the Mississippi to own its facility--The Downtown Business Hub, has evolved into a one-stop shop that offers an array of resources ranging from networking opportunities to micro-loan programs. In addition, the FAHF offers bilingual workshops on small business lending and courses on business licenses, market research, operations management, and financial statements, to name a few.

The FAHF also has a very strong philanthropic presence in the San Joaquin Valley. Since its inception, the FAHF has focused on assisting underserved families in the region by providing academic scholarships and personal enrichment activities. Through their scholarship program, the FAHF has awarded more than $200,000 in scholarships, and their Lend-A-Hand program provides over 600 parents and 350 children with free food and toys during the holidays. Additionally, the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation, in conjunction with the Mexican Consulate in Fresno, established the Plaza Comunitaria in 2003, which touches the lives of local children and families through the center's annual events and fundraisers.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation for being selected as the 2014 Chamber of the Year by the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Their unwavering dedication to the success and growth of Hispanic businesses in the San Joaquin Valley and their work to enrich the lives of local families is truly commendable. The Fresno Area Hispanic Foundation has served as a catalyst for economic

growth and sets the standard for Chambers of Commerce throughout the nation.

Mr. Speaker, as this Congress comes to a close and as the 114th begins, I am hopeful that we can come together at some time to pass comprehensive immigration reform.

Unfortunately, time and time again, House leadership has consistently denied a vote on the bipartisan, Senate-passed reform legislation while not even presenting an alternative measure of its own. The Senate- passed plan provides a legal, stable workforce for agriculture and critical protections for those who work to put safe, healthy foods on our Nation's dinner tables. Each day that our immigration system remains broken jobs are lost and our economy struggles.

It is unacceptable to put political interests above our national interests. The time to address immigration reform is now. The President's action, mind you, is because this House--its leadership-- has chosen not to act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my friend Arthur J. Hill, who passed away on November 4, 2014 at the age of 99. Arthur was a successful businessman, war hero, and community volunteer who made his community and country a better place through his dedication to his service.

Arthur was born in Coos Bay, Oregon where he attended local schools, and then continued on to study engineering at the University of Oregon. Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, at the age of 27 he volunteered for the U.S. Army and was assigned to the 146th Engineers Battalion as the Headquarters Company Commander, which is a position that he kept until the end of the Second World War when he retired with the rank of Captain.

During his campaign in World War II, Arthur worked tirelessly for the U.S. Army. Arthur's battalion built and operated an assault training center consisting of exact duplications of German fortifications, which was replicated from secret aerial reconnaissance photos of the Normandy landing beaches. He also participated in four additional European Campaigns in Northern France, Ardennes and Alsace, the Rhineland, and Central Europe.

In recognition of his efforts in training 65 civil engineers to assist in the reconstruction of the town of Pilsen, Czechoslovakia, the Czech Government awarded Arthur the Czech Military Medal. He was also awarded the Czech Presidential Medal on the 50th anniversary of the liberation of Czechoslovakia, and was chosen as the recipient of the first annual ``Hero of the Valley Award,'' which is given to a distinguished military veteran in the San Joaquin Valley.

Upon returning home from serving our country, Art met and married his wife, Betty Jane ``BJ''; the couple enjoyed over 50 years of happy marriage until she passed away in 1998. After the war, Arthur went on to work in the oil industry until 1980, when he retired as president of Hill Oil Company. He then worked at the Veterans Memorial Museum from 1992 until 2011 where he served as Director for ten years. The Veterans Memorial Museum is considered by many to be one of the finest military museums in the country. Art was also a member of the Fresno Rotary Club for over 50 years and was Commander of the American Legion in Fresno.

Arthur loved to spend time with veterans, and cared for them so much that in 2010, he established the ``Veterans of the Central Valley Fund'' at the Fresno Regional Foundation. This fund supports the Veterans Memorial Museum and other projects benefitting veterans. Apart from serving the community, Arthur and his wife Betty Jane loved to spend their time traveling the world. Arthur is survived by his son Brad and his wife Audrey, and their daughter Carly and her husband Keith Berry.