April 28, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E695 and daughter Catie of Dixon. He leaves be- RECOGNIZING THE LIFE AND struggle for security and peace. We gather hind his mother, Carmenza Brennan of Wood- SERVICE OF here today to deliver a clear message—that in land, his father Javier Arroyave of New York, these turbulent times—the government of the and a loving circle of extended family. HON. ZOE LOFGREN and the American people stand shoulder to shoulder with Israel, now and for- Staff Sgt. Arroyave died serving the country OF CALIFORNIA ever. he loved, with comrades he loved and with the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Since 1948, Israel has persevered through love of his wife and family in his heart. Our Wednesday, April 28, 2004 seemingly insurmountable challenges by draw- Nation is humbled and grateful for his sac- ing upon the richness of Jewish tradition and rifice. Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the life and service of Pat Till- our love for life. In just over five decades, Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time man who was killed in action in Israel has risen from the ashes of the Holo- that we recognize Staff Sgt. Jimmy Arroyave, last week. Originally from San Jose, Pat Till- caust and developed into one of the most who gave his life in service to our country. man lived a life that exuded courage, loyalty technologically advanced nations on earth. Its and hard work. population has increased ten-fold. It has es- f On the football field, Pat was a shining star. tablished a vibrant democracy that values Though undersized at his position, Pat always freedom, justice and human rights. Israel has COMMENDING SANTA MARIA HIGH excelled. After starring in football at Leland deepened economic, military and diplomatic SCHOOL FOR RECEIVING THE High School, Pat went on to play football at ties with America and Europe, but most re- COLLEGE BOARD 2004 INSPIRA- . As a 5-foot-10, 180- markably with nations like Turkey, India, Egypt TION AWARD pound linebacker at Arizona State University, and Jordan. The ingenuity of the Israeli people Pat was named Pac-10 Defensive Player of soared during the recent high-tech boom, with HON. LOIS CAPPS the Year, a tremendous honor for an athlete more Israeli Internet startups and companies who succeeded on brains and heart. Though on the NASDAQ per capita than any other OF CALIFORNIA proud of his award, he was even prouder of country in the world. While Israel celebrates 56 years of freedom, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES his educational accomplishments. Pat earned this freedom is unquestionably challenged by a degree in marketing in just 31⁄2 years and ongoing incidents of terror and festering re- Wednesday, April 28, 2004 maintained a 3.84 GPA. gional threats. At this difficult time, it is clear The selected Pat in the Ms. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to that the essential counterbalance to these final round of the 1998 NFL draft. Pat re- pay tribute to an extraordinary accomplish- threats is America’s steadfast partnership with sponded by engaging in a rigorous exercise ment by one of the Central Coast’s finest edu- Israel. This sentiment is shared by an over- program and adding 20 pounds of muscle to cational institutions: Santa Maria High School whelming majority of my colleagues in Con- his already solid frame. Pat spurned his critics (SMHS). gress, where Israel is enjoying unprecedented and became a starter during his first NFL sea- friendship and support. I am delighted to report that SMHS will re- son. In 2000, the St. Louis Rams tried to sign ceive the College Board 2004 Inspiration In this post-9/11 world, the American and him to a $9 million offer sheet and out of loy- Israeli people are forever linked. We under- Award for its steadfast commitment to fos- alty, Pat turned it down to stay in Phoenix for tering student success in one of America’s stand that terror knows no borders and cannot less money. be justified, qualified or ignored. We under- most socioeconomically challenged commu- It was Pat’s deep loyalty that drove him to nities. To meet each student’s personal needs, stand that terrorism—in any form or supported do the unthinkable. Following the horrific at- by any nation—must meet a swift, definitive the staff has been deeply involved in devel- tacks of 9/11, Pat, returning from a honey- oping a variety of innovative methods to reach and unequivocal response. We know that in- moon announced that he was leaving the NFL citement and hate pose the most significant students and improve learning and success in to join the Army Rangers. To enlist, Pat left a diverse and dynamic setting. A distinguished obstacles to peace, and we know that ter- behind his new bride Marie and a $3.6 million rorism incurs irreparable pain and loss. panel of Inspiration Award judges selected contract from the Arizona Cardinals. Santa Maria High School based on the On this Yom Ha’zikaron, our thoughts and Mr. Speaker, Pat Tillman was never about prayers turn to brave soldiers who have sac- school’s success in increasing the number of the money or the bright light of fame. He was student’s preparation for college. rificed their futures for that of Israel. Yet this a man who cared more about others more year, one cannot help but also think of the 960 While many SMHS students are children of than he cared about himself. Pat’s physical innocent Israelis who have died since Sep- migrant farm workers who never had the op- strength and talents were only overshadowed tember 2000 in hundreds of terrorist attacks. portunity to graduate from high school, a ‘‘can- by his love for country and personal integrity. These are the victims of Israel’s latest war, do’’ attitude permeates the school. Santa I have no doubts that when Pat Tillman died, where civilians—as opposed to soldiers—are Maria’s 3,650 students learn in a facility de- he did so trying to protect his fellow soldiers. the prime targets. signed for 1,800. Despite the portable class- Mr. Speaker, Pat Tillman was a giant. He Six years ago at the White House, I stood room trailers used to accommodate the over- was given a golden egg in the NFL and he alongside President Clinton and Prime Min- flow, students and teachers go about their sacrificed it for a uniform and a flag. It is most ister Netanyahu at the signing of the Wye business of learning and teaching with great appropriate at this time that we honor him. Pat River Accords. I hoped then that Israel was spirit and determination. was and will forever remain a true hero. He embarking upon a new era of peace. Unfortu- Mr. Speaker, historically this school had its upheld a standard of patriotism and courage nately, since refusing Prime Minister Barak’s share of struggles, including poor achievement that we should all strive to achieve. On behalf historic offer in January 2001, we have wit- and gang activity. The transformation of of the citizens of San Jose, I wish to express nessed a complete abdication of responsibility SMHS began a decade ago. SMHS embarked my deepest sympathies to Pat’s wife Marie, on the part of Yasser Arafat, the deterioration on an action plan that included career explo- his father Patrick Sr., his mother Mary and his of the Palestinian Authority and a cynical at- ration initiatives, the creation of a college cen- two brothers Kevin and Richard and the entire tempt by the Palestinians to use terror—as op- ter, and partnerships with businesses and Tillman family. posed to negotiations—as a means of achiev- community leaders. f ing their political goals. As a result, America must lead efforts with Additionally, Mr. Speaker, I have a personal ISRAEL INDEPENDENCE DAY AND Egypt, Jordan, Europe and others in the inter- connection to this school. One of my legisla- ISRAEL MEMORIAL DAY national community to build the capacity and tive aides, a proud SMHS graduate, serves in will of Palestinian anti-terror institutions so that my Washington office and helps with the im- Israel is not forced to continue to act in self- portant issues of the 23rd Congressional Dis- HON. ROBERT WEXLER OF FLORIDA defense. America must also firmly support trict. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Israel’s construction of a security barrier be- In closing, I want to affirm my support for tween Jewish population centers and the West SMHS, and ask my colleagues to join me in Wednesday, April 28, 2004 Bank. That is why I traveled to the Hague in congratulating the school on its receipt of the Mr. WEXLER. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to the Netherlands two months ago—to oppose College Board 2004 Inspiration Award. This join you in marking 56 years of Israel’s inde- the Palestinian case against Israel in the Inter- Monday will be a very proud day in the beau- pendence, 56 years of American-Israeli rela- national Court of Justice and voice my unwav- tiful mosaic we call Santa Maria. tions, and 56 years of Israel’s continuing ering support for Israel’s right of selfdefense.

VerDate jul 14 2003 05:37 Apr 29, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A28AP8.066 E28PT1 E696 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 28, 2004 Prime Minister Sharon’s recent proposal to and that Israel may soon find a genuine peace TRIBUTE TO VALERIE JEAN withdraw Israeli troops and settlements from that will last m’dor v’dor—from one generation WOODWARD TURNER the Gaza Strip is quite significant. Until now, to the next. no Israeli Prime Minister was prepared to uni- HON. JOE BACA laterally evacuate settlements before Israel f OF CALIFORNIA had been promised comprehensive peace as IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HONORING MR. ROSS P. ROGERS part of a final status agreement. And it is es- Wednesday, April 28, 2004 pecially remarkable that the father of the set- tlement movement, Ariel Sharon, has led this Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay initiative. HON. DENNIS A. CARDOZA tribute to the life of Valerie Jean Woodward It is undeniable that Palestinians have suf- OF CALIFORNIA Turner. Valerie had the good fortune to travel throughout the world during her life. She used fered enormously. We must all have IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES rachmanus—compassion—for innocent Pal- these diverse cultural experiences to educate estinians, but Palestinians primarily suffer be- Wednesday, April 28, 2004 those around her and cultivate a loving envi- cause of their own failed leadership. In order ronment for those across the economic and Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to social spectrum. It gives me no greater pleas- to achieve peace, the Palestinian Authority honor Mr. Ross P. Rogers as he concludes ure than to honor today this kind and gentle must be transformed. Arafat’s dictatorship his many, dedicated years with the Merced Ir- spirit. must end. Democracy and the rule of law rigation District and a 45 years career in which Affectionately known as ‘‘Sister T,’’ Valerie must win out. Palestinian schools must cease Ross has provided resources essential to life graduated from Cabrillo High School in their teaching of hatred and implement a cur- in the Central Valley: water to our farmers’ Lompoc, California and went on to attend Cali- riculum of coexistence. Most importantly, a fields and into our families’ homes and fornia State University, Sonoma, earning a new vision of peace and prosperity must be schools as well as electricity to power our cit- bachelor’s degree in liberal arts. In 1981, while broadcast throughout the Arab world, and the ies, businesses and neighborhoods. attending Loveland Church, Valerie accepted likes of Al Jazeera television and Arab news- Ross Rogers has long been a valued leader Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior and papers must terminate their deranged glorifi- made assurance of her eternal life secure. Her cation of martyrdom and Jihad. and a true public servant. He spent nearly his entire life honorably serving his country and ability to see beauty in all things and desire to Israel has responsibilities as well. Prime share her wealth of experiences made her a Minister Sharon must continue to construct the his local community. Ross’ introduction to pub- lic leadership and self sacrifice came as he unique and beloved member of her commu- security barrier in a manner that minimizes the nity. Valerie’s love of teaching and gifted abil- hardships of the Palestinian people and stop served as the Battalion Sergeant Major of the ’s 57th Field Artillery, 7th ity in arts and crafts led to the opening of settlement expansion on the Palestinian side ‘‘Valerie’s Gifts and Consignments.’’ This was Infantry Division in Korea from 1951 to 1954. of the fence. not only a store but also a forum to interact He then used his leadership abilities and com- My friends, the largest challenges facing the with the community around her, opening her mitment to public service to lead to a long and Jewish people do not lie solely in Israel or the home and her heart to those she cared about distinguished career. Middle East. We are witnessing a dramatic most. rise in anti-Semitic discourse, behavior and After leaving the service, Ross decided to In January 1991, Valerie joined her husband sentiment throughout the world—especially in use what he learned studying civil engineering in the Temple Missionary Baptist Church, Europe. Tomorrow I will join Secretary of State at the University of Nevada and work for the where he served as interim pastor and later Powell and leaders from 55 nations at an State Department of Water Resources. He elected senior pastor. Her move to Temple international conference on European anti- then joined the East Contra Cost Irrigation Missionary was accompanied by a leadership Semitism in Berlin. District as General Manager. In 1991, he role in the Inland Empire. At this conference, I will continue to urge joined the Merced Irrigation District, where he Valerie had a love for education and chil- European governments to take decisive action would make his lasting impression and finish dren that was finally satisfied when she began against anti-Semitic hate crimes and impose his career. teaching at Loveland Academy in Fontana, stronger measures to punish perpetrators of In his relatively brief tenure here, Ross has California in 1992. During her time there she these heinous acts. European leaders must created a legacy for the Merced Irrigation Dis- co-founded the Temple Learning Center (TLC) acknowledge that anti-Semitism is not just a trict by turning it into one of the most re- where she served faithfully as principal. Her Jewish problem. It is a social disease that has spected water agencies in the state of Cali- commitment to bettering the lives of others plagued Europe throughout history. It is not a fornia. This was despite the fact that the dis- was further evident in her missionary work in temporary or political phenomenon, and it trict he inherited in 1991 had just suffered American Samoa, Western Samoa, and Ja- must be met with a zero-tolerance policy, es- from the longest drought in recent history and maica, and especially the children’s missions pecially in European schools. was handicapped by internal struggles. in Ghana, Malawi, and Zambia. Fortunately, there is reason for hope as I join today with family and friends in paying Ross has never been fearful of change or more European nations are finally confronting tribute to Valerie Turner, a dearly loved mem- innovation in his work. The most notable ex- their complicity in the annihilation of European ber of her family and community. She was a ample was in 1995, when Ross made the de- Jewry. Last week—while in Budapest—to selfless role model and a generous teacher. cision to create the Energy Resources Depart- mark 60 years since the deportation and killing Above all, Valerie was a supportive and dedi- ment. That decision dramatically changed the of 600,000 Hungarian Jews, I was overtaken cated wife, mother, and friend. She is survived Merced Irrigation District for the better. His with emotion when told that the display of by her husband Pastor Raymond W. Turner leadership moved the district squarely into the Israeli flags throughout the city marked the and their six children. She will be deeply 21st century and has the potential to lead to most prominent display of the Star of David missed by all. an economic boon for our local communities. since yellow stars were branded on the chests f Following his longstanding tradition of public of Jews. Today, Europe has no choice but to ARMENIAN GENOCIDE face the evils of anti-Semitism, so we may ful- service, Ross has been extremely active in his fill the promise of ‘‘never again,’’ in memory of local community outside of his work with the those lost and as a promise to generations to water district. He has been an active member HON. MARK E. SOUDER come. in the Brentwood Lions Club for twenty-five OF INDIANA Last week, on Yom HaShoah we mourned years, dutifully serving in all Lions Club offices IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES for those who have passed, and today we do and as President twice. Wednesday, April 28, 2004 so again on Yom Ha’zikaron. It is not a coinci- Ross has been married to his wife Adair for Mr. SOUDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support dence, however, that tomorrow we will cele- forty-seven years, and together they have two of my colleagues who stood to commemorate brate the continuity of life, the independence daughters and three grandchildren. I am proud the Armenian Genocide of 1915Ð1923 and in of Israel and the perseverance of the Jewish to recognize all of Ross’ numerous accom- memory of those who died 89 years ago. State. This should give us great hope. As plishments and to call him my friend. Today I The Genocide of 1915Ð1923 was the cul- Israel marks the beginning of its 56th year of call upon my colleagues to help me thank mination of decades of official Ottoman poli- independence, it is my most sincere wish that Ross for his commitment and dedicated serv- cies to stamp out Armenia—religiously, cul- the vision of hope embodied in Israel’s na- ice to the Central Valley, and to wish him a turally, and ethnically. The ‘‘Armenian Ques- tional anthem—Hatikva—may come to fruition very happy retirement. tion’’ posed a problem for many successive

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