E1074 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks August 27, 2019 Pride. As a proud host of the Gay Softball rector and Principal Scientist of Nature Collec- ers to identify and train future spiritual leaders. World Series, Kansas City looks forward to tive, formerly known as San Elijo Lagoon Con- She has also recently completed her level four continuing its rich history of supporting the servancy. Nahuat language training at the University of LGBTQ+ community. Residents of North County may remember Central America, furthering her understanding Madam Speaker, please join me in honoring that, not so long ago, our beautiful lagoons and study of the culture. the North American Gay Amateur Athletic Alli- and river valleys were not valued for their bio- Violet’s passion for her research and the ance for their admirable work with the diversity and were threatened by development communities she serves has distinguished her LGBTQ+ community nationwide and cele- and pollution. Their outlets to the ocean were as a true pioneer in her field. During her year brating the 2019 Gay Softball World Series in blocked and invasive plant species were grow- abroad, Violet was selected to serve as a pan- Kansas City. We are indebted to the NAGAAA ing out of control. Few fish or invertebrates elist at the annual Latin American Studies As- which has changed the lives of LGBTQ+ indi- could survive in the murky waters. Today, they sociation Conference in Boston, where she viduals for the past forty-two years and left an have largely been restored to their natural presented some of her ongoing research find- indelible mark on our country and commu- states. They provide critical habitats for native ings. In addition to the Fulbright Scholarship, nities. plants and animals as well as wetlands for mi- Violet received the coveted UC Merced Miguel f grating birds. Velez Scholarship alongside a $10,000 fellow- It has taken years of stable leadership, hard ship from the UC Office of Multi Campus Re- COMMEMORATING THE CITY OF work, and a shared commitment by profes- search Programs. SPRINGFIELD, TENNESSEE, ON sionals, local citizens, elected officials, and While earning these countless honors for ITS BICENTENNIAL ANNIVER- supportive organizations to restore the ten her academic excellence, Violet has distin- SARY beautiful wetlands in North County guished herself as a student leader who works and South Orange County. They enhance our tirelessly to better the lives of her community. HON. JOHN W. ROSE coastline—from the Los Penasquitos Lagoon Violet received the Outstanding Graduate Stu- OF TENNESSEE in the south—to the San Juan Creek in the dent Award in 2018, the UC Merced Social IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES North. Justice Award in 2017 and 2018, and during Under Gibson’s leadership, the Nature Col- that same timeframe, was nominated for UC Tuesday, August 27, 2019 lective is guiding to completion the $120 mil- Merced’s Outstanding Student Leadership for Mr. JOHN W. ROSE of Tennessee. Madam lion restoration of the 1,000-acre San Elijo La- three consecutive years. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the City of goon Ecological Reserve. Forty miles of Violet’s successes do not stop at her profes- Springfield, Tennessee, in honor of its 200th streams have been restored. An annual sional and academic achievements. Violet and anniversary. Springfield is the county seat of breaching of the inlet has been established to her daughter, Danielle Bermudez, made Ful- Robertson County, located just north of Nash- keep the lagoon healthy. More than three bright history as the first mother and daughter ville and just south of the Tennessee-Kentucky thousand school children in the Nature Collec- to receive the Fulbright Scholarship as grad- border. tive’s nationally recognized school program re- uate students during the program’s 72-year With a little over 16,000 citizens, Springfield ceive field trips throughout the Escondido wa- history. Together, they exemplify the pio- has regularly demonstrated exactly what it tershed. Walkers and joggers can access neering spirit of UC Merced and the diversity means to be a tight-knit community. This town seven miles of trails from Cardiff-by-the-Sea, that embodies ’s San Joaquin Valley. is built on a solid foundation of hard work, ag- Solana Beach, Encinitas, and Rancho Santa Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to ricultural acumen, and family values, and it Fe, and new trail connections are coming join me in honoring Violet Barton for her out- has continued to show these unwavering at- soon. standing leadership, scholarship, and service tributes over the course of its long history. Gibson’s contribution goes beyond the San to her community. I join Violet and her family Although Springfield was not incorporated Elijo Lagoon. For decades, he has collabo- as they celebrate her incredible accomplish- until 1819, the first General Assembly of Ten- rated on the planning of large restoration ments and wish her the best as she completes nessee gave a county seat identified as projects in seven north San Diego County wa- her PhD at UC Merced. Springfield to Robertson County in 1796. Two tersheds, including Buena Vista Lagoon, San f years later, in 1798, the town was established Dieguito Lagoon, San Elijo Lagoon, and Carls- under this name. bad Hydrologic Unit. He has chaired the San HONORING THE LIFE AND LEGACY Since the early eighteenth century, agri- Diego County Wetlands Task Force and OF FRANKLIN AUGUSTUS culture has played a large role in Springfield’s chaired five coastal counties for the Southern development, and it continues to provide many California Wetlands Recovery Project. HON. CEDRIC L. RICHMOND employment opportunities for its citizens. There is no doubt that Gibson’s dedication OF LOUISIANA Thanks to its rich soil, Springfield thrives in the to protecting our environment has improved IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES production of hay, corn, and wheat, but is best the quality of life for families in Southern Cali- Tuesday, August 27, 2019 known for its production of tobacco. In fact, in fornia and uplifted our communities. I am 1928, Springfield was labeled as the ‘‘Home of deeply grateful for his hard work, and I am Mr. RICHMOND. Madam Speaker, I rise to the World’s Finest Dark Fired Tobacco.’’ proud to recognize him as the Constituent of honor the life and legacy of Mr. Franklin Au- I hope that my House colleagues will join the Month. gustus, a stunt pilot and avid flyer. Mr. Augus- me in celebrating this bicentennial achieve- f tus passed away on Friday, August 16, 2019 ment of Springfield, Tennessee. The town and at the age of 69. its residents have continued to show the HONORING VIOLET BARTON Mr. Augustus was an acrobatic air show strong faith and values of Tennessee since pilot and a member of a New Orleans-based the days when its first courthouse was built of HON. group that honored the Tuskegee Airmen. A li- hand-hewn logs. I wish Springfield and its citi- OF CALIFORNIA censed pilot who had been flying since the zens much prosperity and happiness over its IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES age of 19, he once described himself as the next 200 years and beyond. ‘‘world’s only black civilian air-show acrobatic Tuesday, August 27, 2019 f pilot’’ in a 1988 Times-Picayune Newspaper Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to article. Mr. Augustus performed hundreds of RECOGNIZING DOUG GIBSON AS honor Violet Barton, a doctoral candidate at daredevil aerial maneuvers at shows and often CONSTITUENT OF THE MONTH UC Merced who has been awarded the Ful- visited schools to speak with young students bright Scholarship. While receiving this highly to encourage them to explore aviation. HON. MIKE LEVIN competitive scholarship, Violet lived in El Sal- In addition to being a stunt pilot and avid OF CALIFORNIA vador to research the socioeconomic, racial, flyer, Mr. Augustus was a longtime community IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and gender inequality present in the country. activist, a U.S. Army veteran, the president of During her time in El Salvador, Violet con- the Lake Charles Tuskegee Airmen Chapter Tuesday, August 27, 2019 nected closely to her culture as a Latina and a Reserve Deputy for the New Orleans Mr. LEVIN of California. Madam Speaker, I woman and worked towards uplifting the com- Parish Sheriff’s Office. am honored to name Doug Gibson, of munity. Violet spearheaded the creation of the Mr. Augustus was a treasure to us all. He Encinitas, as my Constituent of the Month for first ever indigenous Nahuat spiritual guide lived a fulfilled life doing what he loved to do his 23 years of leadership as the Executive Di- leadership program and coordinated with oth- for so many years. We are forever grateful to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:32 Aug 28, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A27AU8.003 E27AUPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with REMARKS August 27, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1075 Mr. Augustus for his life and we keep his sor. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to RECOGNIZING ELI PANNELL ON friends and loved ones near and dear to our join me today in honoring the life and career WINNING ILLINOIS HIGH SCHOOL hearts. of Peter Vang, a hero to his family, a wonder- ASSOCIATION’S CLASS 1A STATE Madam Speaker, I celebrate the life and ful role model for his children and grand- FINALS BOYS WRESTLING TOUR- legacy of Mr. Franklin Augustus. children, his siblings and friends and an exem- NAMENT f plary member of the community. HONORING THE LIFE OF PETER HON. f OF ILLINOIS VANG IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TRIBUTE TO JAMES ‘‘JIM’’ Tuesday, August 27, 2019 HON. JIM COSTA ALBERT CULLUM, JR. OF CALIFORNIA Mrs. BUSTOS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Eli Pannell, a senior from Fulton IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. JOAQUIN CASTRO High School, who won the Illinois High School Tuesday, August 27, 2019 Association’s Class 1A State Finals Boys Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to OF TEXAS Wrestling Tournament. honor the life and career of Mr. Peter Vang. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Eli Pannell finished his final year at Fulton Peter passed away on Friday, May 18, 2019 High school with 34 victories, a record single- in Clovis, California. He was a beloved and Tuesday, August 27, 2019 season. He won the finals by pinning his op- well-respected member of the community, and ponent in 5 minutes 3 seconds. Due to his vic- he will be missed by all who had the pleasure Mr. CASTRO of Texas. Madam Speaker, tory he not only won the State Finals, but of working with him. today I rise in honor of jazz legend Jim holds multiple records at Fulton. As a former Peter was born on January 20, 1960 in Cullum, Jr. who passed on August 11, 2019. athlete, I appreciate the fortitude Eli displayed Laos and immigrated to the United States with Mr. Cullum hails from my hometown of San to achieve his dream of being a state cham- his family as a refugee after the Vietnam War. Antonio. For 60 years he exemplified what it pion and commend him for his determination He was an embodiment of the American means to be an artist. He is survived by his and attitude. Eli is an example of the impor- Dream. Peter and his family came to settle in longtime companion, Donna Cloud; sister, tance of dedication and a strong work ethic. I the United States to start a new beginning. His Mary Conoly Hester; children, Bonnie Cullum, am proud there is such young talent in our own experiences as a refugee motivated Peter Blanquita Sullivan, Lene´ Conner-Foley, Chris community, and to see him represent Fulton to help those in the Southeast Asian commu- Cullum, James Cullum, Katie Cullum, and so well throughout the state. nity assimilate to life in the United States. Catlin Cloud; and six grandchildren. Although It is because of student leaders such as Eli Peter loved the United States and became a the San Antonio and Jazz community will that I am especially proud to serve Illinois’ naturalized citizen. He was very proud of this mourn the loss of Jim Cullum, Jr., his impact 17th Congressional District. Madam Speaker, I accomplishment. will endure for many years to come. would like to again formally congratulate Eli Peter served as the Executive Director of James ‘‘Jim’’ Albert Cullum, Jr. was born on Pannell on his Class 1A State Finals title in the Lao Veterans of America, Inc., in Fresno, September 20, 1941 to James Albert Cullum Wrestling. California where he helped the Lao and and Conoly Prendergast Cullum. At an early f Hmong soldiers who fought in the Special age he was drawn to music, listening to his fa- IN RECOGNITION OF THE CENTEN- Guerrilla Unit (SGU) during the Vietnam War. ther’s records and who was a well-respected NIAL OF THE WALDORF EDU- Peter was a driving force in assisting my office jazz clarinetist and saxophonist. In 1953, the CATION SYSTEM with the creation of the Hmong Burial legisla- family moved to San Antonio from Dallas. tion that became Public Law 115–141 on March 23, 2018. In 1963, the Cullum family established the HON. OF MICHIGAN Peter was a hard-working individual who Landing Jazz Club in the basement of the Nix IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES dedicated his life to serving others. During his Hospital, becoming the first nightclub on San career, Peter worked for the Fresno County Antonio’s historic Riverwalk. For decades, the Tuesday, August 27, 2019 Landing played six nights a week until the Department of Social Services for over 21 Mrs. DINGELL. Madam Speaker, I rise years, until his retirement in 2015. He also passing of Jim Cullum, Sr. Shortly after, the today to recognize the 100th anniversary of spent many years with the Lao Family Com- band renamed itself the Jim Cullum Band. the Waldorf education system. munity of Fresno. In addition to his profes- Since then, the band performed over 300 jazz The first Waldorf school was established in sional career, Peter served on numerous com- masses across the United States. The band 1919 in Stuttgart, Germany to reflect the prin- munity boards and committees and received and its members became ambassadors of the ciples of education outlined by Rudolf Steiner, awards and recognitions during his lifetime. It City of San Antonio, and played in venues like an Austrian philosopher, artist, and scientist. was most fitting and appropriate that I ap- the Carnegie Hall, Austin City Limits, the These principles aim to nurture the needs of pointed Peter to the Fresno County Equal Op- White House, and the Kennedy Center. growing children from preschool through portunities Commission (EOC), where he Jim Cullum carried his performances twelfth grade and enable them to fully develop served with distinction as a commissioner for throughout the world and taught music work- their intellectual, artistic, emotional, and phys- 22 years. His service to the community will not shops locally. He served as the president of ical skills. A Waldorf education allows children be forgotten. the San Francisco Traditional Jazz Foundation to experience music, theater, literature, and Peter was preceded by his mother, See and created the Cullum Riverwalk Jazz radio writing in unique ways that help them cultivate Yang and by his son, Richard Vang. program, syndicated on National Public Radio their imagination and creativity and truly be Peter is survived by his son, Billy Vang who broadcasting. The weekly program reached confident of their place in the world. is currently serving in the U.S. Army, stationed across 200 stations for 25 years. The Waldorf Education system plays an im- in Okinawa, Japan, Billy’s wife, Ryoko Vang portant role in our community. Rudolf Steiner and their child, Haruka Vang; his daughter, Cullum was a historian at heart. He dedi- School of Ann Arbor, one of the over 160 Wal- Sarah Vang; his daughter, Mindy Ruz, her cated much of his time advocating for the dorf schools across North America, opened its husband, Anthony and their children, Valerie preservation of San Antonio’s historic sites. He doors in 1980, beginning as a school for and Audrey Ruz; his daughter, Sylvia Phillips, was known to live by the Golden Rule, holding grades one through four. Since then, the her husband, Matthew and their children, An- strong convictions of integrity and respect. No- school has significantly transformed. Today, drew and Charlotte Phillips; his father, tably, he inspired many to pursue their interest Rudolf Steiner School of Ann Arbor offers a WaCheng Vang; brother, Yeu Vang; sisters, in music and would bring light into every room complete pre-k to 12th grade program and Kaying Moua, Mee Vue and Betty Vang-Do, a he occupied. continues to encourage students to take risks, long with his nephew and nieces. Peter was a A mentor, artist, and activist are just a few be passionate, and strive to reach their per- wonderful son, brother, father, uncle and words to describe such a remarkable indi- sonal goals. Rudolf Steiner School of Ann grandfather. vidual. Madam Speaker, I am proud to stand Arbor is truly dedicated to inspiring our na- I will remember Peter’s good humor, his will- and recognize this brilliant bohemian who tion’s next generation and preparing them to ingness to always help, his calming demeanor dedicated his life to music and community. He tackle life with confidence, self-knowledge, and his smile. He was a great friend and advi- will be greatly missed. and a true understanding of the world.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 01:32 Aug 28, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A27AU8.007 E27AUPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with REMARKS