Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5331 would designate the facility that was already mentioned on Gorgonio Drive in Twentynine Palms as the Colonel M.J. ``Mac'' Dube, United States Marine Corps Post Office Building.

Mac passed away this year, but will always be remembered in Twentynine Palms as a United States Marine and a dedicated public servant.

Mac and I, ironically enough, both served as colonels at the same time, an honor I will always remember and cherish. Mac was a great marine. He served for over 30 years. He earned four Purple Hearts, multiple wars, four Bronze Stars with Combat ``V,'' and a Silver Star.

After a career as the Chief of Staff at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, he retired in Twentynine Palms, where he went to work, ran for office, became the mayor, and became a council member. Then when he was done with that, he served in multiple county offices, oftentimes as a volunteer.

His children grew up there. He was deeply involved and was somebody that, ironically enough, was part of the Marine community on the military side and, obviously, the civilian community and the county side on the other side of the fence.

This is a tribute to a man who dedicated his life to serving his Nation, serving the Marine Corps, and serving the Twentynine Palms community. He left a legacy for all those who will come after him. He was always in town. He gave so many things to so many people. He was the most generous individual I ever knew, and I think that he will always be remembered in the Twentynine Palms area for his hard work, his dedication, and his patriotism.

Will the gentleman yield for a comment?

I thank the gentleman.

As I mentioned, I knew Mac very, very well, and I used to joke with him, and I said, ``You know, I have two Purple Hearts, and it showed that I was dumb enough to not duck twice, and you have four of them. What does that say about your IQ?''

But he was a true American and would do anything, and I thank the gentleman from Vermont so much for his support of the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a retiring leader of the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District, Patrick Milligan. Patrick Milligan was born in San Bernardino in 1937. His family started one of the original citrus farms in Rialto. He fondly recalls memories of growing up in Rialto during a time when he and his friends could walk through vacant land shooting bb guns. In 1955, he graduated with honors from San Bernardino High School and later graduated from Stanford University and Stanford Law. He returned to his hometown and began practicing trial law in 1961, starting a law firm in San Bernardino where he continues to practice law. Pat is married to Jean Miller Milligan and has four children, two of whom have followed in his footsteps as attorneys.

In 1964, at the age of 28, Pat was elected to the Board of Directors for the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District (Valley District). He has served on the Board for over 41 years and has served as President

of the Board for 19 of those years, almost half of his tenure. When Pat was elected, Valley District was only 10 years old. So, Pat has been involved in building this new agency from the ground up. He ``hit the ground running'' helping Valley District settle two lawsuits with Orange County Water District and Western Municipal Water District, respectively. The settlements fairly divide water resources providing the downstream agencies with the guaranteed amounts they desired while providing the upstream, Valley District service area, the flexibility they desired. The resulting court judgments are still used to this day to manage water resources. To help reduce the possibility of costly lawsuits in the future by providing a forum where water issues could be discussed, Valley District along with Orange County Water District, Chino Basin Municipal Water District (now Inland Empire Utilities Agency), and Western Municipal Water District formed the Santa Ana Watershed Project Authority.

Pat was also instrumental in settling a 40-year legal dispute that involved both the Department of Water Resources and Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWDSC). He directed the effort to negotiate with MWDSC which led to a cooperative agreement. Under that agreement, MWDSC has purchased some of Valley District's unused imported water from the State Water Project resulting in substantial revenues used to build facilities and purchase water for storage locally. The agreement also benefited MWDSC when their partially completed Inland Feeder Pipeline was connected to Valley District's Foothill Pipeline allowing MWDSC to fill their newly constructed Diamond Valley Reservoir before their pipeline was complete.

When Pat took office, Valley District had a contract with the State of California to receive up to 98,000 acre-feet of water from the State Water Project but Valley District had no facilities in place to distribute the water. Under his leadership, Valley District built a regional pipeline system that began with the 84,000 foot long, 6.5 foot diameter Foothill Pipeline. The system now spans from Rialto in the west to Yucaipa in the east. To save money, these facilities were built in partnership with other water agencies. Pat shepherded this ambitious project through good and bad economic times, and never lost the vision to complete these regional facilities. Later, Valley District had the foresight to purchase an additional 4,600 acre-feet of entitlement water raising the total annual amount to 102,600 acre-feet. Pat was the innovator and force behind using ``Super Wells'' to lower high groundwater conditions in South San Bernardino to help prevent liquefaction, a new term at that time, during earthquakes. The super wells and accompanying pipeline, known as the Baseline Feeder, pumped the nuisance high groundwater to meet needs in Rialto. On the east end of the valley, additional facilities were added that enabled the transport of local storm water. These facilities, in combination with other local facilities, were used in a creative arrangement to meet supplemental water needs in the Yucaipa area without construction of a pipeline to Yucaipa. The agreement, known as the ``Exchange Plan'', enabled Mill Creek water to be delivered to Yucaipa in exchange for State Water Project (SWP) water.

Pat has always looked out for the Valley in which he grew up. In the early 1970's the United States Army Corps of Engineers unveiled an ambitious flood control plan on the Santa Ana River that included the proposed Mentone Dam that would capture both the Santa Ana River and Mill Creek. While the Mentone Dam made sense as a flood control facility, it did not make sense to people that lived in the valley. The dam would have created an eyesore on the east end of the valley and covered over most of the community of East Highland! Valley District took the lead in encouraging alternate proposals and in 1986, the Army Corps agreed to an alterative that moved the dam into the foothills where it stands today. Under Pat's leadership, the Seven Oaks Dam is being used not only for flood control but also for water supply. Valley District, on behalf of water customers throughout the valley, partnered with the Western Municipal Water District and secured Water Right Permits to capture the newly detained water made available by the construction of the Dam. The capture of this water, which would have historically flowed into the Pacific Ocean, will save the people of the valley hundreds of millions of dollars.

Pat has always understood the value of the investment in the State Water Project. When that value was threatened by the Department of Water Resources and other State Water Contractors, Pat directed litigation to protect the District's contract right to sell any unused imported water at a fair price. Valley District prevailed and the resulting revenue has been used over the years to help fund regional facilities, reducing local costs.

Pat has always believed in good planning backed by solid science. Valley District has been a leader in studying the valley's resources to determine the opportunities and constraints. Through a relationship with the United States Geological Survey that has lasted decades, a groundwater flow model was produced which has proven invaluable to analyze water management scenarios and new projects. This model continues to be enhanced and is used every year to develop a management plan for the valley.

This year, Pat announced that he would be retiring from the Valley District Board. His vision and leadership will be dearly missed by both the Board and the Staff. I commend Pat for his years of leadership and service and wish him all the best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Paul G. (Jerry) Goforth who passed away on October 3, 2014. Jerry, a family man, United States Marine, and a horseman will be remembered as a compassionate and respectful man who provided unconditionally for his family.

Jerry enlisted in the United States Marine Corps Second Division, in 1943 and served over two years in the Pacific Theatre.

After leaving the USMC, Jerry made Southern California home where he fell in love with his wife Barbara (Bobbie) Baylis. Together they married in 1948 and raised a family.

Jerry was a distinguished member of the Long Beach Police Department as a motor officer. After an accident that prematurely ended Jerry's career, he joined the team at State Farm in Costa Mesa as a claims superintendent.

Retiring after twenty-five years, Jerry and Bobbie built their dream home and moved to my hometown of Yucca Valley.

I can remember Jerry and Bobbie traveling at every opportunity they had. Either abroad or in their motor-home, they loved the chance to see old friends and make new ones. Jerry raised Arabian horses, leather tooled, and restored antique factors.

Jerry was a member of the California Chapter of the Second Marine Division Association. He was devoted to promoting the tenets of the association and served as both President of the California and National Associations.

``Once a Marine, Always a Marine''

Semper Fi

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize an important transportation project that is currently under construction in my district, the Eighth District of California on Interstate 15 near the Nevada border. The Joint Port of Entry Project, on Interstate 15, is a vital step towards improving the safety and reliability of California's highways while also creating nearly 2,000 jobs. Planning for this project spans more than twenty years.

The first phase of this project will construct the California Highway Patrol Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Facility. This advanced design facility will help protect our roadway infrastructure from overweight vehicles entering California, which leads to the deteriorating lifespan of our highways. The second phase of this project will construct the California Department of Food and Agriculture Inspection Station.

I applaud the California Department of Transportation, California Department of Food and Agriculture, California Highway Patrol, California Department of General Services, and the California Department of Finance for their coordinated efforts to bring this project to fruition.

In this final phase of construction, I also wish to recognize the Director of the Department of Transportation, Malcolm Dougherty, P.E., and District Eighth Director Basem E. Muallem, P.E, for their outstanding leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the people of Azerbaijan and all Azerbaijani-Americans on the 96th anniversary of Azerbaijan's Republic Day. On this day, May 28, in 1918, Azerbaijan received its independence and formally created the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic.

Over the past 23 years, Azerbaijan has grown to become a close and trusted ally of the United States in a geopolitically challenging region of the world. Situated along the Caspian Sea, with Iran on its southern border and Russia on its northern border, Azerbaijan was the first country in the region to open Caspian Sea energy resources to U.S. and European countries, playing a vital role in European energy security. This role is even more important today with tensions rising with Russia. A steadfast friend and supporter of Israel, Azerbaijan plays a vital role in Israeli energy security, providing almost 40 percent of all crude oil supplies to our closest ally in the Middle East.

Azerbaijan is a secular country, with a predominantly Muslim population, that guarantees religious freedom for all. Azerbaijan has been home for centuries to vibrant Jewish and Christian communities, acting as a role model for religious coexistence and freedom.

Since the 9/11 terrorist attacks, Azerbaijan has been a partner in the United States' efforts towards freedom around the globe. Azerbaijan was the first Muslim country to send troops to Iraq and has played an active role in NATO's efforts in Afghanistan, committing troops, resources and allowing use of their airspace and airports.

Although the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic was first established in 1918, this initial independence was short-lived as the Soviet Union led a bitter and bloody takeover of the country in 1920. In 1991, as the Soviet Union was crumbling, Azerbaijan reestablished its independence and looked Westward to the United States for friendship and guidance.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the people of Azerbaijan on this day. I look forward to working with Azerbaijan as our nations continue to work together and build a lasting and fruitful bond.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Tony Hackbarth. Tony, who passed away on May 21, 2014, was a larger than life figure in the Hi-Desert's city of Barstow.

Better known as Mr. Del Taco, Tony and his brother Ed opened the first Del Taco on First Street in Barstow in 1966. By 1981, Del Taco had 250 locations across the Golden State feeding thousands of customers every day. After selling the franchise in 1979, Tony remained the owner and operator of the three Barstow restaurants located on First Street, Mountain View, and Lenwood Road. He worked at the First Street location up until his death.

Everyone in the Barstow community knew Tony and could find him waving out of the drive through window of the First Street Del Taco location. A true man of the people, and a champion of the community it is with a heavy heart that I stand here today.

Tony served four years in the U.S. Air Force and was discharged in 1958. In 2001, he was awarded the ``Man of Continuous Service'' by the Barstow Chamber of Commerce and he and his wife were awarded the ``Parents of the Year'' award in 1990.

Tony is survived by his wife of 56 years, Barbara and their four children, Julie, Mark, Aaron, and Brae. I join with the City of Barstow and everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Tony in remembering him, and praying for his family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of M.J. ``Mac'' Dube, who passed away Tuesday, April 29, 2014. Mac, a family man, United States Marine, and public servant will always be remembered in Twentynine Palms for his hard work, dedication, and enthusiasm.

As a combat Marine, Colonel, and Chief of Staff at the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center, Mac served his country honorably and left a legacy for all those who will come after him. Mac and I were both promoted to Colonel at the same time, an honor I will always remember and cherish. You know, the Marine Corps has an old saying, ``No greater friend, no worse enemy.'' This could not have been truer for Mac, he was a great Marine and his thirty years, four Purple Hearts, and Silver Star are all compliments of his extraordinary service.

Mac began his involvement with the city of Twentynine Palms in 1994 following his retirement from the Marine Corps. He held various roles including a seat on the city council and as a field representative to County Supervisor Bill Postmus.

It is with a heavy heart that I come to the House floor today to remember Mac. I join with the Marine Corps and city of Twentynine Palms in remembering and praying for Mac's family, especially his wife Patty.

Semper FI.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1241, obviously, would facilitate a land exchange in Mono County, California. It would allow the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area to obtain the 21 acres surrounding the Mammoth Mountain Inn that it currently leases from the National Forest Service. In return, Mammoth Mountain would transfer 1,500 acres of land along with a cash equalization payment to the National Forest Service. This would allow Mammoth Mountain to replace and rebuild the Mammoth Mountain Inn. After more than 50 years of use, the Inn suffers from poor, deteriorated construction, and its replacement would allow Mammoth Mountain to continue operating California's premier ski area.

This bill is a jobs bill. Mammoth Mountain's employment fluctuates between a high of 2,500 employees during the winter to down to 650 in the summer. Mono County has a population of only 14,000 people. Thus, this area is by far and above the largest employer in the country. This would help facilitate and would create new construction jobs, but it would also allow the ski area to expand, creating more permanent jobs.

It's also an environmental bill. The 1,500 acres that Mammoth Mountain would be transferring to the Forest Service has long been desired for protection by local environmentalists and the Forest Service. It will end what the Inyo National Forest supervisor described as a ``very, very imminent threat to the scenic basin.''

The legislation is supported by the Mono County Board of Supervisors, the town council, the various chambers of commerce and the Eastern Sierra Land Trust.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this vital local bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of Sean Anthony Jacques of Big Bear Lake, California.

Having lived in the area since the age of seven, Sean attended Big Bear Lake Elementary, Middle School, and High School. After his High School graduation, Sean joined the United States Navy and served as an FC2 for six years. Upon the completion of his service, Sean returned to Big Bear Lake to work for the Big Bear Mountain Resorts. He served there and dedicated fifteen years to the area.

Sean is survived by his wife, Suzanne, his son Anthony, and daughter Alexandra, his parents, sister, and his many nieces and nephews.

Mr. Speaker, I submit his favorite poem by Ralph Waldo Emerson. His wife Suzanne has dedicated this to him after his death.

(By Ralph Waldo Emerson)

``To laugh often and love much; to win the respect of

intelligent persons and the affection of children; to earn

the approbation of honest citizens and endure the betrayal of

false friends; to appreciate beauty; to find the best in

others; to give of one's self; to leave the world a bit

better, whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a

redeemed social condition; to have played and laughed with

enthusiasm and sung with exultation; to know even one life

has breathed easier because you have lived--this is to have

succeeded.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the incredible job Rick Craig and Laura Dyberg have done as board members of the Rim of the World Recreation and Park District. Both of these individuals have enriched and fulfilled the lives of the citizens they have worked for.

Rick Craig served four years on the Board of Directors and three of those four years, as chairman. During his tenure with the board, he served on the Planning and Facilities Committee and was instrumental in helping their ``Measure N'' program to succeed.

Laura Dyberg served on the board since 2005 and was the Board Secretary for many years. She served on the Planning and Facilities, Personal and Public Relations and Program Committees. She was instrumental in finding a qualified general manager, in the dedication of Harich Field, and with the renaming of the Twin Peaks Recreation complex.

Luckily for the community, both of these exceptional individuals will continue their service in various capacities for the betterment of the recreational community. I wish both of them well and look forward to hearing about their new accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker, Monday, November 11, will be Veterans Day. Veterans Day is very, very special to all Americans, but more so to me.

I am a veteran. Part of the reason I ran for Congress was I wanted to talk about veterans' issues. I was concerned about the VA. I was concerned about the claims that have gone so long. I was concerned about, particularly, the Vietnam veterans that have their claims in a stack that haven't been addressed and yet the clock is ticking. They are dying. In 5 years, some insurance person can probably tell you how many of those Vietnam veterans are going to be dead.

We have an obligation in this House as Americans to look after those that gave so much for our country, those that gave their lives, people in this House here that gave their limbs, they have been wounded, still carry shrapnel in their body, still have a cloth and have NyQuil and wake up with a nightmare dreaming about a firefight in a way, or the DMZ, or what have you. The memories never go away.

We have an obligation to all Americans because, quite frankly, we are going to have another war in the future--I hope it is not in my lifetime--but there is always going to be a conflict, and we are going to call upon the military to do their job, and they will do their job. It is our responsibility to make sure we take care of those men and women that have given so much for their country.

Many, many years ago, in a place far, far away, I was a platoon commander. I had a lot of marines, great troops. Many of them never came back. Lance Corporal Borey, Lance Corporal Doran--I can go on and on. I am not here to impress you with my memory because it is no great feat. It is something when you were there with those people and you saw what happened; you realize the significance of Veterans Day and how we can never forget those people that gave so much.

So other than that day that is coming up very, very shortly, if you see a veteran, if you see somebody in the military, just say to them, thank you, because you care and you also remember.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Mr. Joshua Raborn of Victorville, CA who passed away on October 16, 2013 after a fatal motorcycle accident.

A dedicated public servant, Joshua served in the United States Marine Corps as a Lance Corporal before becoming a firefighter with the United States Forest Service. He held the position of Lead Water Tender Operator on the San Bernardino National Forest, Mountain Ranger District.

Joshua started his career in 2008 as a seasonal firefighter with the Big Bear Hotshoots. In 2009, he was admitted into the Wildland Firefighter Apprenticeship Program before entering Basic Academy number 49 and the Advanced Academy in 2010. After converting to full-time in January of 2011, Joshua spent the remainder of his career on the Mountaintop Ranger District as the lead water Tender Operator at Deerlick Station number 12 in Hesperia.

In a very special way I would like to extend my most sincere thoughts and prayers to Joshua's wife Kristen, his four kids, and his parents. His work, legacy, and dedication will never be forgotten by all who were fortunate enough to know him.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Maurice Lyons, who passed away October 16, 2013. Mr. Lyons has left those living in the Morongo Basin with a legacy of public service and dedication to community.

Mr. Lyons became well known throughout the Morongo Basin during his 15 years of leadership as chairman of the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. Raised on the Morongo Reservation as one of nine children, Lyons entered public service in 1994 as a tribal housing commissioner and chairman of the Morongo Head Start parents committee. Soon after he was elected to the Morongo Tribal Council and was elected Tribal Chairman in 2001, serving a total of three terms.

In addition to his leadership on the Tribal Council, Mr. Lyons established himself as a community leader through his role in developing the Morongo School, a college preparatory academy that opened on the reservation in 2010.

In addition he served as president of the board of directors for National Indian Child Welfare Association and spearheaded a national drive that raised more than $500,000 toward the cost to build a National American Indian Veterans monument at Riverside National Cemetery.

Today, I join with the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and with the entire Morongo Basin in remembering this extraordinary public leader who served as an inspiration to all those who knew him.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in honor of 241 servicemembers who were killed 30 years ago in the attacks by Hezbollah against the U.S. Marine compound in Beirut.

I was not stationed in Beirut during the attack, but this was my former battalion, the First Battalion, Eighth Marines. Until 9/11, this was the deadliest terrorist attack against Americans in our Nation's history; and in many ways, it was the beginning of the war on terror that we are still fighting today.

Mr. Chairman, I now ask my colleagues to rise and observe a moment of silence in honor of the sacrifice of 241 Americans--220 marines, 18 sailors, and three soldiers--who were lost 30 years ago today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Robert ``Bob'' Greiner of Victorville, CA, who passed away October 17th, 2013 after leaving what will be a lasting impression on the members of the Victor Valley community.

During the Korean War, Bob was drafted into the Army and eventually served as part of the Military Police. Bob's service to his country did not stop there. After leaving the Army, Bob opened car dealerships where, he became a well know face around the town.

During the recession and throughout the closure of George Air Force Base, he provided work to those in need. Bob's service to his country and community is a legacy that will not soon be forgotten.

Today, I join with the Town of Victorville and the whole country in remembering this great soldier, community leader, father, and husband. My thoughts and prayers go out to his wife, Mrs. Greiner, and all the friends and family of this extraordinary man.