December 28, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1211 After four years of service, James returned Brown, appointed to the Madera County Mos- about their care options, invest in research, the family dairy business with his three broth- quito Abatement Board from 1982 to 2001, and hold community events like the annual ers, John, Jess, and Larry. After some delib- and served as a Madera County Planning ‘‘Walk for ALS’’ here in Des Moines and the eration, James thought it would be good to Commissioner. In 2003, Supervisor Rodriguez national Ice Bucket Challenge that raises move the family business to 13621 W. Henry decided to run for Madera County Board of money—and awareness—for those with ALS. Miller Road in Los Banos. Supervisors and won his current seat in 2004. As part of Josh’s work, he makes multiple trips James was a member of Our Lady of Fat- During his tenure on the board, he has from Iowa to Washington D.C. each year, ima Society and president for 8 years, Director prioritized his constituents and worked hard for meeting with our lawmakers to rally support of the Los Banos Dairyman’s Association the people of Madera County. He was past for ALS research, funding, and of course this many years, driver for cancer patients for 10 member and vice-president of the Pan-Amer- bill. Josh made this trip on behalf of Iowans years, and volunteered at New Bethany Resi- ican club, former volunteer for American Heart with ALS who could not, bringing their stories dential & Skilled Facility for 20 years, just a Association, past member of New Hope to legislators across Iowa and Washington. few of his interests. He was a member at the Madera, NAACP Branch 1084, and Madera Josh’s passion for Iowa is clear. He’s San Luis Canal Company over 60 years, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. He is cur- served our communities in so many ways and American Legion in Los Banos, charter mem- rently the Chairman of First Five Commission, we’re lucky to have him during this extremely ber for National WWII Museum in memory of Madera County Transportation Commission, difficult time, as the pandemic has not only his brother, was honored in 2013 for living in Local Agency Formation Commission, Tesoro been frightening for those with longterm ill- Merced County for over 50 years, and 2017 Viejo Conservancy and sits on the High-Speed nesses, like ALS, but the economic strain on Honor for Outstanding Volunteer in Merced Rail Heavy Maintenance Facility task force. our nonprofits across the country. Although County. During his free time, Supervisor Rodriguez the pandemic has changed the way Josh and James is survived by his wife of 68 years, is an active member of St. Joachim’s Catholic the Iowa ALS provide help, they still make Dolores; their sons, James Areias, Jr. and wife Church and enjoys spending time with his wife sure they are providing the same level of care Janice, Dennis Areias and wife Kirsten; and Sarah and their family. He also loves to fish for Iowans and their families. Josh credits his daughters, Cynthia Arambel and husband and camp and enjoys being in nature. amazing co-workers, caring board members, Daniel, and Julie Areias. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join and volunteers across the state who all work Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the career of Supervisor Max together and of course his wife, Kate, and me in celebrating and honoring the life of Mr. Rodriguez. His love for public service and their twin daughters Lydia and Taylor—who James Alexander Areias. A proud veteran, Madera County is evident throughout the would like the record to show they are 12 and dedicated dairy farmer and an outstanding role course of his career. I join his family and a half. ‘‘We are Iowa’’ he said, explaining that model in the community. I join his family, friends in congratulating Supervisor Max Iowans pitch in and help each other in times friends and community in honoring his great Rodriguez on a well-deserved retirement and of need. It is Josh’s love for his fellow Iowans, life and contributions. wish him continued health and happiness in passion for change, and service to our com- this new phase of life. munity that I am proud to name him Iowan of f the Week. f PERSONAL EXPLANATION f HONORING JOSH NUSS AS IOWAN OF THE WEEK HONORING THE LIFE OF JULIO HON. BRETT GUTHRIE AUGUST SANDINO OF IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. CYNTHIA AXNE HON. OF IOWA Monday, December 28, 2020 OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Speaker, had I been Monday, December 28, 2020 present, I would have voted YEA on Roll Call Monday, December 28, 2020 No. 250. Mrs. AXNE. Madam Speaker, today I want Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to f to honor an Iowan who is fighting for change honor the life of Mr. Julio August Sandino, and assistance for those who have who passed away on November 17, 2020. HONORING THE CAREER OF THE amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS or also Julio was a longtime Merced County resident HONORABLE MAX RODRIGUEZ known as Lou Gehrig’s disease. Executive Di- and Army veteran. rector of the Iowa ALS Society, Josh Nuss, Julio was born on September 29, 1933 in HON. JIM COSTA has been a leading champion in our state for Merced, California to Guido Sr. and Carola OF CALIFORNIA those diagnosed with this tragic, progressive Sandino, both Italian immigrants. He was the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and misunderstood disease. I am proud to youngest of three boys. Growing up on a farm, honor Josh as our Iowan of the Week. Monday, December 28, 2020 Julio understood the value of hard work and Earlier in December, I was proud to vote for the art of growing the best onions and toma- Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to a bill that ensure those who have ALS can re- toes. After being a four-year basketball varsity honor the career of my good friend Max Rodri- ceive social security benefits as soon as they player for Merced High School, setting several guez. Supervisor Rodriguez is a longtime receive their diagnosis. I’m glad to see that bill school scoring records and receiving the best Madera County Supervisor for District 4 and a signed into law, which is going to offer finan- student award in woodshop, Julio joined the trusted leader in our community. Supervisor cial assistance to those with this disease. But from 1953 to 1955 as a Rodriguez is retiring after serving on the perhaps no one was more excited to see this corporal stationed in Germany during the Cold Board of Supervisors for the past 15 years. legislation pass than Josh, who listened to the War. During that time, he made the regimental Supervisor Rodriguez was born and raised vote happen live as it passed the Senate and basketball team. in Madera, California. He graduated from then the House. Josh said it was amazing to Julio returned home after serving honorably Madera High School in 1958 and went to hear Senators and Representatives from in the Army and met the love of his life, Rita Fresno City College. Shortly after, Supervisor across the country speak on behalf of those Albiani, a daughter of Italian immigrants from Rodriguez took jobs working in the fields in with ALS. He hopes too that this bill will open Livingston, California. In 1956, they were mar- order to provide for his family. He then began the door to other rare diseases and illnesses ried at Our Lady of Mercy Church in Merced working for American Forest Products, known who need assistance too. and started a family of their own. Julio started as North Fork Sawmill, for 25 years. During Josh’s work with ALS began in 2004 when his own business, Sandino’s Custom Cabinet his time at the sawmill, Supervisor Rodriguez he first met Iowans with this rare but fatal dis- Shop, which he owned for 40 years until re- was the Financial Secretary and President of ease. When in 2014, he had the opportunity to tirement, and Rita worked as an accountant the Lumber and Sawmill Workers Union. In join the Iowa ALS Chapter, he jumped at it. and managed medical offices. 1985 when the sawmill closed, Supervisor The work he does is deeply meaningful be- Julio started his love of woodwork on his Rodriguez went back to school and became a cause he is ‘‘helping the best people at the family’s farm and converted animal and stor- Farmers Insurance agent until his retirement in worst time of their lives’’, he said. As part of age sheds into his cabinet shop. He made 2008. Executive Director for Iowa ALS, Josh’s work beautiful pieces of cabinet work that was well- Supervisor Rodriguez was appointed to the include advocacy and supporting our commu- known in Merced County, Tahoe, San Fran- Madera District Fair Board by Governor Jerry nity. Iowa ALS helps those with ALS learn cisco, and Yosemite. During his career, Julio

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