E1092 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 4, 2020 dollars and his constant focus on improving more and more with pandemic-related emer- MARTHA GRACE FIELDS, CON- the lives of every resident of Tuolumne Coun- gency calls In City, more than 200 GRESSIONAL AWARD SILVER ty. members of the fire department have tested MEDALIST Supervisor John Gray has truly been an positive and seventy-three are currently in- asset to Tuolumne County in making it a more fected. Captain Rocha likely came into contact HON. MICHAEL T. McCAUL prosperous place for small businesses and a with ten to fifteen COVID–19 each and every OF TEXAS more desirable community for residents and day while in uniform. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES visitors. It is my privilege to rise today in rec- And then, the worst happened. In early No- Friday, December 4, 2020 ognition of his distinguished public service. vember, Captain Rocha went into quarantine f and was eventually hospitalized. He fought the Mr. MCCAUL. Madam Speaker, I rise today disease valiantly, with the same vigor and to recognize the outstanding work of Martha RECOGNIZING MAJOR BRETT verve with which he fought fires and saved Grace Fields. Martha is an exceptional young KUHRT lives for nearly three decades. But as Captain woman who was recently announced as a Sil- Rocha no doubt taught the young firefighters ver Medalist for the Congressional Award, one HON. JACK he trained, not all battles can be won; and on of the highest honors presented to America’s OF November 21th, Captain Rocha made his way youth. The Congressional Award Foundation IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES toward eternal peace. He was sixty years old. was created to recognize initiative, service, and achievement in young people. Martha has Friday, December 4, 2020 Captain Rocha will be remembered in the community as a courageous public servant demonstrated the core components of this Mr. BERGMAN. Madam Speaker, it is my and a generous leader. We will never forget award through her servant heart and un- honor to recognize the tremendous work of his selflessness, his humility, or the twenty- matched work ethic. She gave back to her Major Brett Kuhrt during his time as my of- nine years he dedicated to our safety and local community by completing over two-hun- fice’s legislative fellow. Major Kuhrt’s leader- peace of mind. His team will remember him as dred hours of public service. Beyond her serv- ship, work ethic, and commitment to public a mentor who trained and prepared them for ice to others, she put in hundreds of hours of service have made him an integral part of our the risks that they faced every day on the job. personal development by competing on her team. His family and friends remember him as loving high school swim team and enrolling in numer- In a year of unprecedented challenges, Brett man with a good sense of humor and an in- ous leadership courses and seminars. Addi- has helped countless constituents in Michi- credible ability to inspire those around him. tionally, Martha was one of the first females to gan’s First District with everything from navi- They remember Captain Rocha as man who receive the highest honor in Boy Scouts, the gating federal agencies to answering in-depth would do anything for anybody. They say peo- rank of Eagle Scout. Simultaneously, she re- policy questions. He has shown a keen ability ple looked up to him ‘‘like he was Hercules.’’ ceived the highest rank in the Sea Scouts, to tackle complex issues ranging from national And throughout his life, Captain Rocha always Quartermaster. Martha’s continued hard work security and defense to veterans and labor proved to be a decent, dependable man—a has not gone unnoticed, and I am proud to policy, crafting legislative policy and providing man who loved to ride his motorcycle, sing sec her receive the recognition she deserves. technical support to staff. Brett has also dis- karaoke, and spend time with friends at the I would like to congratulate Martha for her im- played a true willingness to serve in multiple Outpost Bar and Grill. pressive achievements at such a young age capacities, always lending a hand when need- and I look forward to seeing her continued ed, no questions asked. He has set a high ‘‘For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as success and leadership. standard for future fellows and is an out- f standing example of the best of the U.S. Air a ransom for many,’’ scripture tells us This Force. has been a year of loss, a year of painful HONORING PRESIDENT JERRY Madam Speaker, on behalf of myself and goodbyes, and a year of empty seats at the RAWLINGS OF GHANA my staff, I thank Major Kuhrt for his excep- dinner table. But it also a year of heroes. The tional work on behalf of Michigan’s First Con- doctors, nurses, medical students, nursing stu- dents, EMTs, firefighters, and ordinary Ameri- HON. gressional District, and I wish him all the best OF in his future endeavors. cans who have placed their health in the hands of God to save others. Heroes who IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f have come to serve the wellbeing of complete Friday, December 4, 2020 IN RECOGNITION OF THE LIFE strangers. And, all too often, heroes who have Ms. LEE of California. Madam Speaker, AND MEMORY OF CAPTAIN ROB- given their lives as ransom for untold millions. today we honor the extraordinary life and ca- ERT ‘‘BOBBY’’ ROCHA Heroes like Captain Rocha. reer of Jerry Rawlings, the former President of Today, my prayers are with Captain’s Ghana. HON. Rocha’s family, his friends, and all his brothers He was born on June 22, 1947 in Accra, OF MISSOURI and sisters at Station 18. Let it be preserved Ghana to his loving mother Victoria Agbotuni. in this timeless Record that his loss leaves us IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES He received his education from the Achimota with a grief that cannot be weighed and debt Secondary School, graduating in 1966 with his Friday, December 4, 2020 that cannot be paid. His legacy lives on in the general education certification. While in school Mr. CLEAVER. Madam Speaker, I rise countless lives he touched and saved. So, he became well known for his love of Polo today with a heavy and tired heart to honor Madam Speaker, let us honor Captain Rocha. and his willingness to speak out about injus- the life of fire Captain Robert Joseph ‘‘Bobby’’ Let us remember the light he brought with him tice. Rocha. Captain Rocha was a beloved, giving, everywhere he went. And, whatever we do in In 1967 he enlisted in the Ghanaian Air vibrant soul, who lost his life last week after Congress today, tomorrow, next week, next Force and became a flight cadet. Shortly after- battling a COVID–19 infection he caught in the year let the story of Captain Rocha sit at my ward, he was selected to attend the Ghana line of duty. Captain Rocha gave twenty-nine chair in this Chamber. Let the stories of his Military Academy and Training School. Upon years of honorable service to the Kansas City fallen brothers, Billy Birmingham and Scott completing his training in 1969 he was award- Fire Department, and while his life was cut Davidson, walk with me through these halls. ed the ‘‘Speed Bird Trophy’’ acknowledging short, we must ensure that his memory is Let those stories remind us all that we have a his top ranking status in flying and airmanship. never forgotten. part to play. Let them remind us of our duty Nine years later he earned the rank Flight- Captain Rocha began at the fire department to serve. Lieutenant. back in 1991, the same year I was sworn in In the coming days, flags across my state During his career in the military, he began as Mayor of Kansas City. Since then, I have will fly at half-staff to honor Captain Rocha, to observe how corruption, privilege, and injus- watched from afar as he rose to the rank of dutiful Americans will wear masks and adhere tice impact soldiers and the people they are Captain while earning the respect and admira- to social distancing, and first responders will sworn to protect. tion of his fellow firefighters and the city he wake up again and again to walk into a weary His concerns about Ghana’s future led him protected. When the coronavirus hit, Captain nightmare that we have the power to make to become an outspoken critic of the corrup- Rocha knew the fire department was in for a less dark. Captain Rocha gave his life to save tion and mismanagement he saw from the long haul. During this past year, firefighters others. We can never repay that debt. But it country’s military leaders and called for more around the country have been assisting EMTs is our duty to try. attention to the plight of Ghana’s poor.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:42 Dec 07, 2020 Jkt 019060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A04DE8.020 E04DEPT1 dlhill on DSK120RN23PROD with REMARKS December 4, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1093 Eventually, he led an effort to remove the FAREWELL REMARKS EXPRESSING family. She always went above and beyond for existing military government and convened GRATITUDE FOR THE HONOR OF me and I am forever grateful. elections. When the subsequent government REPRESENTING MISSOURI’S I also want to especially thank all my Chiefs encountered challenges managing the econ- FIRST CONGRESSIONAL DIS- of Staff: Harriet Grigsby, Darryl Piggee and omy, he intervened again, and ruled directly TRICT Yvette Cravins. for the next eleven years. During his time as In the book of Matthew chapter 25, verses unelected leader, President Rawlings sought HON. WM. LACY CLAY 36–40, the scriptures read, ‘‘When I was to introduce reforms that would place Ghana OF MISSOURI naked you clothed me. I was sick you visited on a firm economic foundation and create me, when I was in prison you came to me. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES shared prosperity. The righteous answered, Lord, when did we In 1992, President Rawlings convened elec- Friday, December 4, 2020 see you hungry, thirsty, clothed you, or in pris- tions and presided over a gradual return to de- Mr. CLAY. Madam Speaker, I rise today to on visited?’’ And the King answered them, mocracy and openness in Ghana. After two offer my farewell remarks as a Member of the ‘‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to the least terms as elected leader, President Rawlings U.S. House. of these my brothers, you did it to me.’’ retired in 2001 and presided over the peaceful And while I will be sad to leave this historic These scriptures have been a guidepost for transfer of power to the opposition leader John place, I will forever be grateful for the oppor- my career in public service. Over my ten Kufuor. tunity to serve Missouri’s 1st Congressional terms, I have fearlessly advocated for the per- Following his presidency, he continued to be District for two decades, and to have been manent interests of African Americans and active in world affairs, particularly as the Afri- blessed with the friendship of so many col- other unheard voices. can Union special envoy to Somalia. leagues. I have had many legislative achievements in President Rawlings’ commitment to justice I have given my best because my constitu- this body and I thank all of colleagues who as- and opportunity extended beyond Ghana and ents deserved nothing less. I learned that vital sisted me in doing as the scriptures noted the African continent to African Americans and lesson about public service from my best advi- ‘‘caring for the least of these’’. In my remain- the African diaspora In particular, President sor and my personal hero . . . my dad, former ing time, I would like to highlight a few vic- Rawlings worked actively, both in office and in Congressman Bill Clay. tories. retirement, to build bridges between Ghana And the truth is none of my success would For 14 years, I hosted the Career Fair at St. and African Americans. In 2019, Members of have been possible without my remarkable Louis’ HBCU, Harris-Stowe State University, the Congressional Black Caucus traveled to family. which connected thousands of job seekers Ghana to commemorate the 400th anniversary I want to thank the rock of our family, my with good paying jobs providing economic sta- of the beginning of the brutal institution of mother Carol; and my devoted and talented bility. slavery in America. On that occasion, Mem- sisters, Vickie and Michelle. Creating jobs and economic development bers of the Congressional Black Caucus met was a priority for me. We were able to build with President Rawlings and his family, and he I also want to thank my children, Carol and Will. No Member serves unto themselves. the new $120 million National Archives Admin- pledged to continue his effort to deepen bonds istration Center in North St. Louis County. between Ghana and the African American Families also sacrifice greatly. Carol and Will have made me extremely proud. They carry The greatest economic victory for North St. community. Louis was the bipartisan effort to build the We offer sincerest condolences to his wife, themselves with such dignity, poise, and char- acter. There is no greater joy I have than headquarters of the National Geospatial Intel- his children, and the Ghanaian people. The ligence Agency. That $1.7 billion project is the Congress stands in solidarity being their Father. I thank them for being my greatest and best legacy. largest single federal investment in St. Louis with the people of Ghana as they commemo- history, of which I am extremely proud. rate President Rawlings’ legacy, and continue To my wonderful wife Pat: I could not have As Chair of the Financial Services Housing their work to strengthen democratic institutions selected a better partner to share in my post- Subcommittee, I secured the renovation of and inclusive prosperity in their country. Congressional career. Her love and optimism keep my life balanced and exhilarated. I so over 200 units of housing at the old Homer G. f look forward to our days to come. Phillips hospital in North St. Louis and an ad- COMMEMORATING MS. KATHERINA Of course, the best part of being a Member ditional 200 plus units in Wellston with the DIMENSTEIN’S DEPARTURE of Congress has been helping tens of thou- help of St. Louis County. sands of constituents solve issues with the People in my district, particularly the elderly, HON. federal government. deserve to live with dignity and security. None of that could have been possible with- As Chair of the Oversight Census Sub- OF ARIZONA out my dedicated and compassionate staff committee, I worked to ensure Census 2010 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES over the years—Patricia Green, Sheila was successful and addressed the digital di- Friday, December 4, 2020 Mileszko, Virginia Cook, Debra Miller, Michelle vide in vulnerable communities. Mr. SCHWEIKERT. Madam Speaker, I rise Bogdanovich, Sandra Houston, Ishmael-Lateef My focus on healthcare led to The Everson today to commemorate my Chief of Staff, Ms. Ahmad, Jasmina Hadzic, Sean Weller, Craig Walls and Ron Springs Gift of Life legislation, Katherina Dimenstein as she departs from my Rasmussen, Percy Green, Adam Bordes, increasing grants to states and expanded office. Katherina has devoted the past eight Marvin Steele, Richard Pecantte, Frank ‘‘Les’’ organ and tissue registry for minorities. years of her life and career to the people of Davis, Mark Odom, Lou Aboussie, Noelle I have been a champion for environmental Arizona. Lindsey, Brian Williams, Michelle Mitchell, Brit- justice, cleaning up waste sites often lingering Iwant to thank Katherina for her dedication tany Packnett, Josh Peters, Pauline Jamry, in minority neighborhoods. and service to Arizona’s 6th District. She did Perre Smalls, Samantha Williams, Sherry My environmental record includes $5 million an outstanding job for our office, especially Faulkner, Tony Grandison, Bill Sibert, Frank to clean up the former St. Louis Army Ammu- her excellent work to promote strong trade re- Taylor, Erica Powell, Matt Alexis, Rico Doss, nition plant: $30 million to clean up the former lationships for Arizona and help modernize our and my Communications Director Steven Carter Carburetor plant; and $266 million to tax code through the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act. Engelhardt, and the late Allison Singfield and clean up West Lake Landfill which holds waste She is committed to being both a voice and a the late Dottie Ross. from the Manhattan Project. resource for the people. I would like to extend a special thanks to Lastly, one of my signature achievements Congress is an institution devoted to serving educator Gwendolyn Reed, who also served was the African-American Civil Rights Network the people, and Katherina has exemplified this as a staffer for both me and my father, Con- Act. The National Park’s program educates every day by not only meeting with Arizonans, gressman Bill Clay, Sr. generations on the struggles of African Ameri- veterans, and advocacy groups, but by man- I also want to thank an exceptional Amer- cans who demanded full civil rights in spite of aging all my Washington, D.C. office oper- ican who has devoted 48 years of public serv- violence and hate. ations and legislative priorities on the Ways ice to the U.S. House, my remarkable Con- I am proud of my legacy and work for Mis- and Means Committee. We look to Katherina stituent Services Director, Edwilla Massey. souri’s first Congressional District. as an incredibly valued member of our team, I want to thank my devoted Executive As- May God bless you all, and may God con- and we will greatly miss her. sistant and Scheduler, Karyn Long. Karyn is tinue to bless the United States of America.

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