July 14, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1121 Clearly, the $468,000 increase in funding for ter than most, how blessed our nation is to Rosa and was a Future Farmer of America the National Estuary Program and Coastal have in reserve such exceptional young men (FFA) during his time at Santa Rosa High Waterways will result in real returns for the and women who will go on to become leaders School. He later went on to earn his Bachelor American economy, an enhanced quality of in their local communities, states, and the na- of Science degree from California State Uni- life for the American people, and a healthy tion in the areas of business, education, gov- versity, Chico and completed graduate work in ecosystem which supports endangered and ernment, philanthropy, the arts and culture, Journalism at the University of Missouri, Co- threatened species. I thank Chairman CALVERT and the military. lumbia before dedicating his professional life and my colleagues for their support of my We know this because we see them and to Sonoma County’s agriculture community. amendment. benefit from their contributions every day. Mr. Tesconi has held a number of positions f Many of them work for us in our offices as jun- during his impressive career that spanned ior staff members, congressional fellows, or in- over four decades. For 33 years Mr. Tesconi CELEBRATING THE LIFE OF MR. terns and they do amazing work for and on worked as an agriculture reporter for the JOE OSCAR ERNI behalf of the constituents we are privileged to Santa Rosa Press Democrat. Mr. Tesconi’s represent. outstanding coverage of the North Bay farming HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS Mr. Speaker, I believe there is no higher community made him a household name and OF WASHINGTON calling than the call to serve a cause larger led to his appointment to multiple local boards IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES than ourselves. That is why I ran for public of- including the 4–H Foundation of Sonoma fice. I was inspired to serve by President Ken- County, Sonoma County Farm Trails, and the Thursday, July 14, 2016 nedy who said, ‘‘Ask not what your country Santa Rosa Junior College Ag. Trust. For the Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, can do for you, ask what you can do for your last 10 years of his career, Mr. Tesconi I rise today to mourn the loss of Mr. Joe country,’’ and by the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther worked as the Community Relations Coordi- Oscar Erni, who passed away last summer at King, Jr. who said: nator and later the Executive Director of the his home in Sun City Center, Florida. Joe lived Everybody can be great because anybody Sonoma County Farm Bureau. His dedication the quintessential American story—one that can serve. . . . You only need a heart full of to our agricultural and wine communities has personified the Greatest Generation. grace. A soul generated by love. strengthened our Sonoma County community Joe was raised on an Indiana dairy farm By this measure, there are several other as a whole. and studied at Purdue University. When World great young men and women who served as Mr. Tesconi is admired by his peers for his War II broke out, he traded in his textbooks for volunteers this year in my offices. They may unrivaled depth of knowledge, passion, and a uniform, serving in the Pacific as a First toil in obscurity but their contributions to the unwavering advocacy on behalf of our agri- Lieutenant in the U.S. Army. Joe served his constituents we serve are deeply appreciated. culture community. country with distinction as an aerial spotter for That is why today I rise to pay tribute to six Mr. Speaker, Mr. Tesconi has spent his en- field artillery, having been awarded the Air extraordinary young persons for their service tire career working to strengthen and preserve Medal, with four bronze oak leafs, for his serv- to my constituents in the 18th Congressional agriculture’s role as the backbone of our local ice in combat operations. District of Texas and to the American people. economy, natural landscapes, and way of life Following the war, Joe completed his edu- They are: Stephanie Gomez from the Univer- in Sonoma County. Therefore, it is fitting and cation at Hanover College, and soon went on sity of Houston; Bunyad Bhatti from the Col- proper that we honor him here today. to marry the love of his life Elizabeth ‘‘Betty’’ lege of New Jersey; Sara Ali from the Univer- f Rodgers in May of 1948. Joe became a vener- sity of California at Berkeley; Ashley Hogan able part of his community while managing the from Texas Tech University; George Brewster RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND New Albany Inn for 25 years, which led to his from Texas Southern University; and Jeremy SERVICE OF ALFRED LOMELI title of President of the Indiana Hotel/Motel As- Dang from Georgetown University. sociation. He cared deeply for his community Mr. Speaker, the energy, intelligence, and HON. MARK DeSAULNIER and led many philanthropic efforts. He became idealism these wonderful young people OF CALIFORNIA the 1956 Chairman of the Floyd County March brought to my office and those interning in the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of Dimes, and served on the Floyd Memorial offices of my colleagues help keep our democ- Thursday, July 14, 2016 Hospital Board of Directors. Joe was a humble racy vibrant. The insights, skills, and knowl- man whose life impacted everyone he touched edge of the governmental process they gain Mr. DESAULNIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in an extraordinary way. He cared deeply for from their experiences will last a lifetime and to recognize the life and service of a longtime so many people, especially his wife Betty, his prove invaluable to them as they go about Contra Costa resident, Mr. Alfred Lomeli. three children, six grandchildren, and three making their mark in this world. At an early age, Al committed to his passion great-grandchildren. Because of persons like them the future of for serving others by making his first attempt Everywhere Joe went, he made friends with our country is bright and its best days lie to join the Armed Forces. When he was ease due to his gentle and generous spirit. ahead. I wish them all well. turned down for being too young, he returned Joe will be remembered for his exceptionally Mr. Speaker, I am grateful that such at the age of 18, after his graduation from Al- kind heart, his loving personality, and his tre- thoughtful, committed young men and women hambra High School, and joined the Marines. mendous service to his community and our can be found working in my office, those of Upon joining the Marines in September 1944, country. I was proud to call Joe a friend and my colleagues, and in every community in Lomeli and his division were the first to land a relative, and I will miss his presence in our America. Their good works will keep America on Peleliu, a tiny island in the western Pacific family. great, good, and forever young. Ocean. While the mission was expected to Thank you, Joe, for your years of dedication Thank you, Mr. Speaker. only last a few days, the fighting dragged on and service. My thoughts and prayers are with f through November and led to heavy American your family and friends. casualties. Al and his brother Raul’s experi- f HONORING MR. TIM TESCONI ences in the Pacific Theater are the subjects of a book written by Al’s daughter Rhonda en- TRIBUTE TO YOUNG STAFF MEM- HON. MIKE THOMPSON titled ‘‘Semper Fi! Marine.’’ BERS FOR THEIR CONTRIBU- OF CALIFORNIA Al’s time in the Marines further shaped his TIONS ON BEHALF OF THE PEO- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES commitment to service and to those he loved. PLE OF THE 18TH CONGRES- After meeting his wife Guadalupe and settling SIONAL DISTRICT OF TEXAS AND Thursday, July 14, 2016 in the Bay Area, Al began his career in fi- THE Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, nance that ultimately led him to the county I rise today to honor Tim Tesconi upon his in- treasurer-tax collector’s office, which he was HON. duction into the Sonoma County Farm Bu- to in 1978. He also served as president of the OF TEXAS reau’s Hall of Fame for his 43 years of service National Association of County Treasurers and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to our local agriculture community and com- Finance Officers and the California Associa- mitment to preserving agricultural land tion of County Treasurers and Tax Collectors. Thursday, July 14, 2016 throughout our county. Al’s dedication to his job, his family, and his Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, as Mem- A third generation Sonoma County resident, community was admirable. Al passed away on bers of Congress we know well, perhaps bet- Mr. Tesconi grew up on a dairy farm in Santa June 26, 2016. He will be missed sincerely by

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Collectively nicknamed ‘‘Rosie the Riveter’’, Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to these inspiring women entered the workforce IN RECOGNITION OF NEW BETHEL join my wife and me along with the 730,000 with grace and gusto to build planes, tanks AFRICAN METHODIST EPISCOPAL citizens of the 2nd Congressional District in and other armaments that sustained the war CHURCH INCORPORATED congratulating and honoring New Bethel Afri- effort and kept American industry afloat. Phyl- can Methodist Episcopal Church for 142 years lis was 18 when she started working at the HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR. of faithful service to God and humanity. Willow Run Bomber Plant in Ypsilanti dimpling OF f airplane skins. She recalls carpooling to work IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES with other women from Detroit and having to RECOGNIZING KAYLEE GRANT, Thursday, July 14, 2016 pool gas stamps in order to make it to work SPENCER LONG, RYAN TILLMAN, every day. To this day, Phyllis proudly recalls Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is AND DOUGLASS QUIRK the remarkable contributions of the Rosies at my honor and pleasure to extend my sincere Willow Run, who produced more aircraft every congratulations to the congregation of Bethel HON. month than Imperial Japan did in a year, earn- African Methodist Episcopal Church in Colum- OF ing Willow Run, and the area surrounding bus, Georgia as the church’s membership and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES southeast Michigan, worldwide fame as the leadership celebrate 142 years. center of America’s ‘‘Arsenal of Democracy’’. Thursday, July 14, 2016 Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church The contributions of Phyllis and the original was organized in 1874; 87 years after Richard Mr. BUCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to rec- Rosie the Riveters made victory in World War Allen organized the African Methodist Epis- ognize Kaylee Grant, Spencer Long, Ryan Till- II possible, and their patriotism and hard work copal Church in 1787. It is believed the church man, and Douglass Quirk for their hard work will forever remain part of the American story. seat was moved several times from 1874 to and dedication to the people of Colorado’s They instilled a newfound hope in their com- 1927. It is recorded that within the 53 years Fourth District as interns in my Washington, munities, embodying positivity in a time of less than 20 pastors were appointed to Bethel. DC office for the Summer 2016 session of great turmoil and uncertainty, and inspired a During the years of 1927 to 1930 the member- Congress. social movement that forever redefined the ship of Bethel ranged from 50 to 80. By the The work of these young men and women role of women in the workplace. The number year 1932, the church membership had in- has been exemplary and I know they will have of working women in the United States in- creased to 220. a bright future ahead of them. They learned a creased to 20 million in 1944, and has never Ephesians 4:16 states ‘‘from whom the great deal about our nation’s legislative proc- since fallen to pre-war levels. Phyllis and her whole body, being fitted and held together by ess and served as tour guides and interacted fellow Rosies paved the way for generations what every joint supplies, according to the with constituents. I was glad to be able to offer to follow. proper working of each individual part, causes this educational opportunity to them and look Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me the growth of the body for the building up of forward to seeing them build their careers in today in honoring Phyllis Roullier for her con- itself in love.’’ Through the blessings of God, public service. tributions to the war and her role in inspiring New Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Kaylee, Spencer, Ryan and Douglass plan generations of American women. Her story is Church has grown spiritually, numerically, and to continue pursuing their college degrees at one that embodies the best of American val- materially, for the last 62 years. the end of their internships and I wish them ues and spirit and one that we will continue to In 1954, a new building was assembled the best in their future endeavors. Mr. Speak- share with our children and grandchildren for under the leadership of Rev. R. L. Tyson (de- er, it is an honor to recognize Kaylee Grant, decades to come. The values that Phyllis and ceased), thus Bethel African Methodist Epis- Spencer Long, Ryan Tillman, and Douglass the Rosies embodied—patriotism, bravery and copal Church was renamed New Bethel Afri- Quirk for their service this Summer. resolve—are ones we all must strive to emu- can Methodist Episcopal Church. As the f late. We salute the Rosies for their contribu- church’s congregation grew in numbers and in tion to American history. Their legacy will for- spirit it also grew in size. Between the years PERSONAL EXPLANATION ever remind us that we all have the power to of 1965–1998, God blessed New Bethel Afri- do something more for our community and our can Methodist Episcopal Church with several HON. DANIEL WEBSTER country. architectural additions to the church, to help OF FLORIDA f accommodate its growing flock. By the grace IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of God, New Bethel African Methodist Epis- RECOGNIZING 2016 ‘‘PAUL BUNYAN copal Church was bestowed the honor of Thursday, July 14, 2016 SERVICE ABOVE SELF AWARD’’ hosting the 92nd Session of the Southwest Mr. WEBSTER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on YOUTH WINNER FONG MOUA Georgia Annual Conference, in 1988. roll call no. 448, on July 13, 2016, I was un- New Bethel African Methodist Episcopal avoidably detained off of the House floor. HON. SEAN P. DUFFY Church has been blessed to have several Therefore, I was unable to cast my vote on an OF WISCONSIN anointed guests, and guest preachers such as amendment offered by Rep. KING (R–IA) to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the first female minister, Rev. Varnette Green H.R. 5538. Thursday, July 14, 2016 (deceased), who served as the guest Reviv- Had I been present, I would have voted alist at the Youth Revival, in 1987, and Bishop YES. Mr. DUFFY. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to Donald George Kenneth Ming, who preached f stand before you today to recognize Mr. Fong the unadulterated word of God in June 1993, Moua of Wausau, Wisconsin for his excep- at the church’s first family and Friends Day. In IN RECOGNITION OF MRS. PHYLLIS tional commitment to our community. June 2002, under the righteous leadership of ROULLIER Mr. Moua is the youth recipient of the Wis- Rev. Bruce Francis, New Bethel African Meth- consin 7th Congressional District’s 2016 ‘‘Paul odist Episcopal Church celebrated its 127th HON. Bunyan Service Above Self Award,’’ which Church Anniversary and some of the distin- OF MICHIGAN seeks to recognize an individual who has guished guests in attendance included Con- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES gone above and beyond to serve their com- gressman and spouse, Mrs. munity. l am privileged to award this young Vivian C. Bishop, District Staff Member, Mrs. Thursday, July 14, 2016 man in recognition of his unparalleled service Elaine Gillispie and Councilor Evelyn Wood- Mrs. DINGELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to to our district. son. recognize Phyllis Roullier, a longtime resident Mr. Moua was born in a refugee camp in It gives me great honor to recognize New of Belleville, Michigan and an original Rosie Thailand. He called that camp home until his Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church, a the Riveter. Phyllis was born on August 24, parents made the journey to the United States holy vessel guided by the exceptional leader- 1924 and has lived her full life as the cher- when he was seven years old. He began

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