December 13, 2018 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1673 A native of Pearl City, Hawaii, Major Briones her continued success in all that God has Celebration. Each year, the Council celebrates was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in planned for her family. the efforts of selfless community members in the Signal Corps from Officer Candidate f fostering intercultural relationships, increasing School in 2006. He earned a Bachelor’s de- awareness for the cultural significance of Chi- gree in Public Policy from The George Wash- TRIBUTE TO WILFRED R. DEFOUR, nese Americans and all Pacific Islander Ameri- ington University (GWU), a Master’s degree in SR. cans. This is in addition to their invaluable IT Management from Webster University, and support for projects and programs that ad- a Master’s degree in Legislative Affairs from HON. ADRIANO ESPAILLAT dress the economically challenged members GWU. OF NEW YORK of the community that are often forgotten. Major Briones has served in a broad range IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES This year’s honorees are staples in our community. The Hall of Fame recipient is the of assignments during his 12 years as an Thursday, December 13, 2018 Army officer, including Platoon Leader and Chan Family of General Produce. They are a Battalion Signal Officer at Fort Lewis, WA; Mr. ESPAILLAT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to business built on three generations of dedica- Company Commander at Schofield Barracks, share with my colleagues’ sad news that has tion to supplying the highest quality produce to HI; and Legislative Liaison in Washington, struck my community with the passing of the Sacramento community and beyond, in D.C. He also has served two combat deploy- Wilfred R. DeFour, Sr. at the incredible age of addition to providing 80 years of civic engage- ments in Iraq with the 3rd Stryker Brigade 100. ment. Combat Team, 2nd Infantry Division. Mr. DeFour was raised in Harlem; a proud Receiving Frank Fat’s Founder Award is I have had the privilege of working directly alumnus of Dewitt Clinton High School in the C.C. Yin, Founder of Asian Pacific Islander with Major Briones, first as a fellow in my Cap- Bronx; and later graduate of both the City Col- American Public Affairs. Originally created to itol Hill office throughout 2016 and, then, dur- lege of New York and New York University empower leadership and representation for the ing his succeeding assignment as a Congres- School of Commerce . Asian Pacific Islander Community, this organi- sional Budget Liaison for the U.S. Army. His Mr. DeFour was an aircraft technician work- zation has inspired community involvement professionalism, performance, and commit- ing on many of the planes flown by the nationwide through fellowship, mentorship and ment to the mission, as both a fellow and liai- during World War II. In fact, education. son, are in keeping with the highest traditions Mr. DeFour painted the tails of aircraft red by The recipient of the Community Service of military service and made a lasting impres- hand that lent the airmen their signature mon- Award is My Sister’s House. The organization sion to both Members and staff of the United iker of ‘‘Red Tails’’. provides invaluable services and is a haven States Congress. Throughout his career, He was a man of extraordinary dignity, the for Asian Pacific Islander American women Major Briones has positively impacted sol- highest character and a great sense of humor. who are suffering from domestic violence. diers, peers, and superiors. He personified the magnanimity of his genera- Since they began in 2000, My Sister’s House On a personal level, I have had the honor tion that endured the division and animus of has provided resources and community to of also meeting Major Briones’ family, who, as racial segregation in this country yet still those seeking refuge from dangerous situa- with all American military families, share his fought for our country and its shared defense. tions. selfless commitment to our country. I thank his Just a few weeks ago in , I Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to wife, Ilana, as well as his parents, Daniel and had the enormous privilege with my fellow this celebration as it recognizes pillars in the Roberta, for their sacrifices made in sup- elected officials and community leaders to offi- Sacramento community and to praise them for porting his service to our country. cially unveil the renaming of the Post Office lo- another successful year for the Chinese Amer- Mr. Speaker, it has been a genuine pleas- cated at 99 Macombs Place as the ‘‘Tuskegee ican Council of Sacramento. As unparalleled ure to have worked with Major Shane Briones Airmen Post Office Building.’’ Mr. DeFour was leaders, these individuals and organizations since the second session of the 114th Con- our guest of honor and shared with us his ex- set an incredible example. gress. Our country has benefited from his ex- perience and what his service meant to him. f traordinary leadership, judgment, and passion It is my intention to rename the Lincolnton RECOGNIZING LADD PAULSON FOR for the Army profession. It is with great appre- Post Office located at 2266 Fifth Avenue, New THE 2018 MONTANA CONGRES- ciation that I recognize and commend Major York, NY 10037, where he worked after re- SIONAL VETERAN COMMENDA- Briones for his service to our country and wish turning from his military service for over three TION him all the best as he continues his service in decades. the United States Army. Just last month he said ‘‘I regret so many of HON. GREG GIANFORTE f my comrades are no longer here with us. It was a great experience. We didn’t know that OF MONTANA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HONORING PATTI COONS we were making history at the time, we were just doing our jobs. That’s about the size of it.’’ Thursday, December 13, 2018 HON. LUKE MESSER For a man with a larger than life presence, Mr. GIANFORTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today OF INDIANA what struck me and those around him was his to recognize Ladd Paulson of Billings, a recipi- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES humility and grace. He told us ‘‘After looking ent of the 2018 Montana Congressional Vet- back at it, everyone was pleased with what we Thursday December 13, 2018 eran Commendation for his service to his did. What we did, we did our best and our country and leadership in his community. Mr. MESSER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, on best was the greatest.’’ We are lesser without Mr. Paulson enlisted in the United States behalf of the entire 6th Congressional District him and can only hope to strive to match; but Marine Corps in 1983 and served two deploy- of Indiana, to recognize Patti Coons for her never exceed his example. ments in the South Pacific with the 3rd Bat- contribution to our state. Godspeed Combat Technical Sergeant talion, 7th Marines and 3rd Battalion, 9th Ma- Patti is an institution in Indiana politics and Wilfred R. DeFour, Sr. It was a pleasure to rines. He rose to the rank of Corporal through has been helping promote Republican prin- have known him. four years of active duty and two years as a ciples for decades. She is a retired senior ex- f reservist. ecutive for the Decorating Den Interiors fran- Mr. Paulson served the Billings community chise. It has been a pleasure to work with IN RECOGNITION OF THE CHINESE as a law enforcement officer. He was active in Patti, and our state is better off today because AMERICAN COUNCIL OF SAC- the domestic violence task force and instru- of her extraordinary leadership and service. I RAMENTO’S ANNUAL GOLD mental in organizing local businesses to help On a personal note, Patti is among my fa- MOUNTAIN CELEBRATION in the prevention of domestic violence. He was vorite people who I have met on this journey awarded the Montana Law Enforcement Medal in Congress. She is smart, strong, honest and HON. DORIS O. MATSUI of Honor for his bravery under fire while ap- loyal. With Patti, you always know where you OF CALIFORNIA prehending an armed and dangerous criminal. stand. She is a great friend to my wife Jen- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Even after a service-connected injury forced nifer, and we both appreciate all that Patti has him to retire in 2002, he remains active serv- Thursday, December 13, 2018 done to help Jennifer with the Congressional ing others through his advocacy for disabled Club. Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in law enforcement officers. I will be forever grateful for Patti’s friendship recognition of The Chinese American Council Mr. Paulson also volunteers his time in the and support of my work in Congress. I wish of Sacramento’s 31st Annual Gold Mountain Adopt-A-Cop program at area schools, as a

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