John Garamendi

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mel Orpilla, in recognition of nearly 40 years of distinguished public service, community leadership, advocacy and dedication to preserving the history heritage of Filipino Americans. Mel Orpilla is a lifelong resident of Vallejo, his commitment to public service began through community-based organizations, including Filipinos for Affirmative Action and Fighting back Partnership. He then spent the next nine years as the Community and Government relations manager for Kaiser Permanente. Mel subsequently brought his experience in community advocacy to Congressman Mike Thompson's office, serving as his Senior Field representative for nearly ten years in the Vallejo office.

Mel has continued his work, serving as our Senior District representative for the last four years, where he has been pivotal in bringing federal funds and resources to Vallejo and Solano County.

Throughout his work, he became the trusted resource for constituents, elected officials, city staff, and everyone in between to assist. Beyond his professional work, Mel has devoted decades to preserving Filipino American history, promoting cultural pride, and ensuring that the contributions of Filipino Americans are recognized and remembered by future generations.

As a leader of the Filipino American National Historical Society (FANHS), Mel played a significant role in the effort to establish Filipino American History Month in California. He and his team helped advance legislation through the California Legislature recognizing October as Filipino American History Month. Under the leadership of key figures like Mel, FANHS helped advance the recognition of October on the federal level. In 2015, the White House recognized FANHS's longstanding efforts to establish Filipino American History Month and hosted the first-ever White House celebration of Filipino American History Month, with Mel, then FANHS National President, delivering keynote remarks.

Mel Orpilla's career reflects the very best of community and public service, a commitment to people and determination to ensure that his community's history and voice are valued and remembered

We proudly recognize Mel Orpilla for his decades of service and his lasting contributions to Vallejo, Solano County, the Filipino American community and the people he has had the privilege of serving.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and recognize Zion Jerge for his heroic acts of bravery. When Zion was faced with a life- threatening situation, he acted quickly and decisively to courageously rescue a father and son from drowning, saving their lives. He demonstrates the strength and care that should inspire us all to act with care for our neighbors and community.

As a Cadet at the Cal Poly Maritime Academy, Zion exemplifies qualities of perseverance, leadership, and readiness, which align with the Academy's values, and which are needed for success in the Maritime industry. I am confident that Zion will carry these qualities forward as he continues his journey and distinguished career in the Maritime industry.

On behalf of the people of California's 8th Congressional District, please accept my sincere gratitude for his brave and honorable service as well as my best wishes for the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Jeanne Gibson. Jeanne's life and legacy are immeasurable. Jeanne, a real life ``Rosie the Riveter,'' inspired generations of women across our country through her example of service, determination, and patriotism.

Jeanne grew up in Minnesota before moving to Seattle in 1944. She entered a shipyard world of heavy steel, protective face shields, and the afternoon-to-night swing shift at the height of World War II. She was one of the more than six million American women who answered the call on the home front as a ``Rosie'' during the war. Jeanne later reflected that the work felt exhilarating, but its urgency made it seem ordinary to the people doing it.

After the war, Jeanne moved to California, which she called home for the rest of her life. She earned an undergraduate degree, a master's degree, and a doctorate in educational psychology from the University of California, Berkeley. Across a 30-year teaching career, Jeanne touched the lives of thousands of students, always focused on supporting and uplifting younger generations.

In 2024, she and her fellow Rosies were collectively awarded the Congressional Gold Medal in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to our Nation. I had the privilege of meeting Jeanne several times over the years, and every accolade she received was well deserved. She was a pioneer, an advocate, and a true patriot.

Even in her later years, Jeanne remained a tireless champion for preserving the legacy of the Rosies. She volunteered at Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park on ``Rosie Fridays,'' sharing the stories of the women whose work helped win World War II and ensuring their legacy would inspire future generations.

Just days before her passing, Jeanne was honored with a Wall of Honor banner at the park she loved so dearly and recognized during a San Jose Earthquakes halftime ceremony celebrating Bay Area heroes. It was a fitting tribute to Jeanne, a woman whose life was defined by selfless service, strength and grace.

On behalf of California's 8th Congressional District, I extend my heartfelt condolences to Jeanne's family and to all those whose lives she touched. I thank Jeanne for her service, her leadership, and her unwavering commitment to preserving the legacy of the ``Rosies.'' Her story will continue to inspire generations to come and she will never be forgotten.