E178 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 14, 2019 Madam Speaker, for overcoming the chal- of Gdansk, Poland, who was tragically mur- DEER TRAIL RODEO’S 150TH lenges he has faced to serve as a beloved pil- dered just a few weeks ago. ANNIVERSARY lar of Malta and the town’s goodwill ambas- Mayor Adamowicz was a powerful voice for sador, I recognize Jack Stenswick for his spirit liberty in Poland, and always acted with the HON. KEN BUCK of Montana. best interests of his people at heart. OF COLORADO f A resurgent Russia seeks to undermine IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CELEBRATING THE 101ST ANNI- transatlantic solidarity and Western resolve. In Thursday, February 14, 2019 the face of transatlantic challenges, we must VERSARY OF LITHUANIAN INDE- Mr. BUCK. Madam Speaker, I rise today to PENDENCE strengthen U.S.-Polish relations. That is why we must extend a hand of recognize the Town of Deer Trail, Colorado for friendship to the next generation of demo- commemorating its 150th year of rodeo com- HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI cratic, transatlantic leaders. These shared petition. OF ILLINOIS The first rodeo in the world was held in democratic values go back to our nations’ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Deer Trail, Colorado on July 4, 1869. Multiple founding, and are critical to liberty in Europe organizations, including the Pro Rodeo Hall of Thursday, February 14, 2019 today. Fame, History Channel, and Guinness Book of Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today I am honored to introduce legislation to es- World Records have recognized this mile- in celebration of the 101st anniversary of Lith- tablish the ‘‘Pawel Adamowicz Democratic stone. Deer Trail should be appropriately rec- uanian independence. It is an honor to recog- Leadership Exchange Act.’’ This program ognized for fostering and promoting rodeo, nize a nation with such rich and vibrant history would equip the next generation of leaders and thereby helping to preserve our Western and whose immigrants and descendants have with the skills and networks needed to culture. enriched the cultural landscape of our nation. strengthen transatlantic relationships. Chicagoland is fortunate to be home to the Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Fourth In honor of Mayor Adamowicz’s legacy, I Congressional District of Colorado, I extend largest Lithuanian diaspora population in the urge my colleagues to support this important world. With Little Lithuania on the Southwest my congratulations and best wishes to the legislation. I ask that it be brought to the floor Deer Trail Rodeo. We look forward to their Side of Chicago and a significant part of the for a vote without delay. community in Lemont and Cicero, I am proud continued success. f to represent a part of this heritage. The cele- f bration of Lithuania’s 101st anniversary pays VETERAN OF THE MONTH—DR. due respect to the signing of Lithuania’s Act of IN RECOGNITION OF TEXAS CLARENCE G. OLIVER, JR. Independence on February 16, 1918, an act SENATOR JANE NELSON that sought to restore an independent state. Although true independence was not achieved HON. KEVIN HERN HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS OF OKLAHOMA until after World War I and the fall of the Ger- OF TEXAS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES man Empire, this single rebellious act paved the way for what has become a free and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thursday, February 14, 2019 democratically governed state. Lithuanian- Thursday, February 14, 2019 Mr. KEVIN HERN of Oklahoma. Madam Americans have reason to celebrate their her- Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, I rise Speaker, I rise to honor Dr. Clarence G. Oli- itage proudly. today in tribute to my friend Texas State Sen- ver, Jr. of Broken Arrow, Oklahoma. One such place where Chicagoan Lithua- Dr. Oliver has worn many hats. He’s been ator Jane Nelson. On Tuesday, January 8, nians have found a home is in Marquette Park a teacher, journalist, school administrator, 2018, Senator Nelson gaveled in the first day at the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Par- Army officer, newspaper editor and publisher, of the Texas Senate, becoming the first ish, founded by Lithuanian immigrants in 1927. community leader, university professor, author, woman to usher in the opening session. A beautiful new church was constructed in and the Dean of Education at Oral Roberts Senator Nelson is a true trailblazer. First 1957 incorporating influences from the Lithua- University. nian folk baroque style and Lithuanian folk art. elected in 1993, she is the highest-ranking Re- In all of these roles, Dr. Oliver has proven This includes a gold-plated reproduction of the publican in the Texas Senate. During her ten- himself to be a service-minded leader and a Virgin Mary from a shrine in Sˇ iluva, Lithuania. ure, Senator Nelson has led efforts to promote role model for many. Now led by Pastor Juanius Kelpsˇas and Fa- fiscal responsibility, strengthen education, and An American hero, Dr. Oliver served our ther Gediminas Kersˇys, this beautiful church care for Texas veterans. She made history in country as an Infantry master sergeant during continues to receive numerous parishioners 2013 when she was appointed as the first the Korean War. He received a direct appoint- and visitors, each bearing witness to a rich woman to chair the Texas Senate Committee ment as a second lieutenant, Infantry, in 1952 component of Lithuanian-American history. on Finance, and in this role continues to over- and served in command and staff assignments In 2015 I had the opportunity to visit Lith- see the creation of the Texas budget. for two decades, plus another 10 years in the uania with a congressional delegation led by Senator Nelson lives in Flower Mound and U.S. Army Reserves. then-Speaker Boehner to celebrate and represents portions of Denton and Tarrant Dr. Oliver’s career of service extends far be- strengthen the bonds between our countries. I Counties. A former teacher and fellow Univer- yond his military accomplishments. had a wonderful experience meeting Lithua- sity of North Texas alum, she previously He was superintendent of one of Okla- nians and enjoying the beauty of the country served two terms on the State Board of Edu- homa’s fastest-growing schools and served as in Vilnius and on the Baltic Coast. One of my cation. As a public servant and longtime North an administrator for 30 years. After serving as most cherished memories was my visit to Our Texas fixture, Senator Nelson is deeply com- the Dean of Education at ORU, he continues Lady of the Gate of Dawn. mitted to our community. I am grateful for her to volunteer as an adjunct professor and guest Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in many years of service, and I congratulate her lecturer and serves on doctoral degree dis- honoring Lithuanian Independence Day. At on this groundbreaking achievement. sertation committees. home, I have witnessed firsthand the positive Dr. Oliver was twice chosen as the Okla- contributions Lithuanian-Americans bring to f homa Superintendent of the Year. our local community, and I trust that the bonds The Broken Arrow Chamber of Commerce PERSONAL EXPLANATION between our two nations will remain strong. recognized him as the ‘‘Outstanding Citizen of f the Year’’ in 1975 and again in 1992 and PAWEL ADAMOWICZ DEMOCRATIC HON. KAY GRANGER awarded with the Chamber’s ‘‘Legacy’’ award LEADERSHIP EXCHANGE PROGRAM OF TEXAS in 2011. In 2015, the Chamber created the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ‘‘Dr. Clarence G. Oliver, Jr. Lifetime Achieve- ment Award’’, further testament to the impact HON. MARCY KAPTUR Thursday, February 14, 2019 Dr. Oliver continues to have on his commu- OF OHIO Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I missed nity. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES votes due to circumstances beyond my con- I am honored to recognize Dr. Oliver today Thursday, February 14, 2019 trol. Had I been present, I would have voted for his service both in our military and as a cit- Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise to yea on Roll Call No. 78; nay on Roll Call No. izen and educator, and I am honored to call honor the legacy of Mayor Pawel Adamowicz 79; and yea on Roll Call No. 80. him my friend. VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:07 Feb 15, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14FE8.003 E14FEPT1 SSpencer on DSKBBXCHB2PROD with REMARKS.