Sam Farr

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Program. This program is a wonderful educational and cultural exchange for both the congressional intern and office. The Uni-Capitol Washington Internship Program annually delivers some of Australia's best and brightest university students for two month internships in our offices. During their time in our nation's Capitol, these student-ambassadors continue to develop their commitment to civic engagement and public service.

This year I welcomed student-ambassador Emma Lee who has been a great example of the high quality students who are involved in this program. Emma is a Masters candidate from the University of Sydney, with a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Wollongong where she was a Dean's Scholar. She has been an invaluable asset to our office these past two months.

Throughout her time in this office, she has had the chance to pursue her interests on a range of issues, from foreign affairs, human rights, and diplomacy to food security and the environment. She has attended committee briefings, drafted constituent correspondence, and assisted my staff with research. Her Australian accent has garnered the attention of many of my constituents on tours and over the phone. She is often asked to share her experiences in Washington, DC.

I ask my colleagues to join with me in recognizing the contributions of the Uni-Capitol Internship Program and to thank Emma Lee for her participation, time, and hard work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw the attention of the House of Representatives to the remarkable performance of one of my constituents, Specialist Joshua Fernandez, proudly serving in the California National Guard. A native of Soledad, California, Specialist Fernandez was selected as the 2015 California National Guard Soldier of the Year. This title is only bestowed to those soldiers who emerge victorious from the Guard's Best Warrior Competition; a grueling, four- day contest that includes a 6-mile road march, a chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear knowledge report, and a series of physical fitness and rifle and pistol competitions.

SPC Joshua Fernandez serves as a Team Leader with Alpha Company, 1st Battalion, 184th Infantry Regiment. He served three years active duty service at Fort Stewart, Georgia with the 3rd Infantry Division prior to enlisting in the California Army National Guard. He has served in one combat deployment during Operation Enduring Freedom in Afghanistan attached to a Special Operations Task Force.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute Specialist Joshua Fernandez for his steadfast commitment to service to our great Nation on behalf of the House of Representatives. He is a shining example of the dedication and sacrifices made by the men and women who serve in United States Armed Forces.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable public service career of Mr. John Collins, who is retiring from a 28 year career with Goodwill Industries as the Senior Vice President of Workforce Development Programs to Goodwill Industries for Santa Cruz, Monterey and San Luis Obispo Counties. In that time John build a stellar reputation for compassionate service and insightful leadership. He is so well networked in the community that it seems that John can claim almost everybody in the Central Coast, including me, as a friend.

A native of Santa Cruz, California, John earned his Master of Public Health Degree from San Jose State University, and his Bachelor of Science Degree in Health and Human Services Administration from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale. John has held positions in both the private and non-profit sectors. Prior to joining Goodwill, John provided consultant services to companies regarding troubled employees and health issues; Program Director for Dominican Hospital's EAP; and Director of Human Organ Recovery at Walter Reed Army Medical Center.

As Senior Vice President, Mr. Collins has been very active in the support and implementation of the Americans with Disabilities Act, The Workforce Investment Act, and many educational strategies. As a CARF Surveyor, he has ensured that organizations around the world follow the standards for quality employment and training programs. John's work has also included extensive outreach in the Central Coast community. He serves on the Workforce Investment Board as well as having served on The Monterey County Tourist and Travel Alliance, the Board of the Santa Cruz Chamber of Commerce and Monterey County Hospitality Boards of Directors. He served as an elected Trustee and president of the board of Santa Cruz City Schools.

Mr. Speaker, I know that I speak for the whole House in sharing our gratitude to John for a job well done and extend our best wishes to John and his family in this next chapter of life. I know that even in retirement, he will still find himself involved in the community and helping people in need and will continue to stand as an example for others.