September 19, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1487 RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF Trudy would tell others that her creativity ers got together at the Pensacola Opera DENNIS O. FREYTES stemmed from her mother, who surrounded House to form the Pensacola Chamber of herself with artists, instilling in her daughter a Commerce. At their first meeting, they elected HON. ALAN GRAYSON deep appreciation for art. the Pensacola-area railroad magnate and fu- OF FLORIDA Her father was Juan I. Valerio, a two-term ture State Senator, William Dudley Chipley to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES County Commissioner for Taos, and a well-re- serve as their first Chairman. The Chamber spected man who was revered for his gen- represented a wide variety of professions and Thursday, September 18, 2014 erosity and service to his community. He also local businesses, and it quickly proved its Mr. GRAYSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, in proudly served as the ‘‘acequia mayordomo’’ worth to the community, helping to grow the honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, to recog- or ‘‘ditch boss’’ and he taught his daughter Port of Pensacola into the largest in Florida by nize Dennis Freytes. Dennis has worked and how to farm, irrigate, appreciate water, and 1900. Thanks to this prosperity and the tire- excelled in the business, government, and recognize the vitality it brings to a community. less work of the Chamber, many new and im- non-profit sectors, and as a Lieutenant Colo- Trudy would carry these values with her portant corporations were started in the Pen- nel in the U.S. Army. throughout her entire life. sacola area. During his time in the Army, he was the Trudy and her husband, Edmund Healy, By the turn of the century, the Chamber had Commander of Infantry, Special Forces, Engi- would go on to found the Healy Foundation to also established a strong military affairs com- neer, Medical, and other units deployed world- focus on land and water issues and projects ponent, linking the Pensacola-area business wide on security and humanitarian missions. that promote healthy New Mexico commu- community to Northwest Florida’s growing mili- He served on General Staff and dealt dip- nities. Through their foundation Trudy and Ed- tary installations. In fact, the Chamber’s lead- lomatically with over 32 countries. mund have built partnerships with local, state ership helped lobby for new defense activities Upon retiring from the Army, Dennis worked and federal entities to generate funding for during the 1898 Spanish-American War. Over at a number of institutions and companies in- land and water projects in New Mexico and in- the years, the Chamber has served as a key cluding BlueChip Energy/Advanced Solar vested in courses at New Mexico State Uni- component driving Pensacola’s transition from Photonics, the Small Business Administration, versity for regulators and inspectors. They a small Navy Yard to the Cradle of Naval the University of Michigan Institute for Social also contributed to the film ‘‘The Water Haul- Aviation. Research, the University of Puerto Rico, and ers,’’ spurring swift approval of the Navajo- Meanwhile, during the early 20th century, Mathematic Policy Research. Gallup water project in Congress. The project the Chamber also brought together the busi- Dennis has volunteered his time to help helped make clean water available to more ness community and local city and county offi- seniors, youth, veterans, small businesses, than 240,000 residents. cials to help upgrade Pensacola’s local infra- and state, local and national government. He In 2001, Governor Bill Richardson appointed structure to meet the needs of a growing pop- is the current Vice President for the Southeast Trudy to the Water Trust Board and was elect- ulation and economy. Thanks to the work of Region of the National Association for Uni- ed its Treasurer. Her involvement had an im- the Chamber, local leaders, and the broader formed Services. In his role as Vice President, mediate effect. As the proud founder of the Pensacola community, the entire Pensacola Dennis helps to promote a strong national de- Acequia Project Fund for the Water Trust area grew from a small town with no paved fense and to protect veterans’ benefits. Dennis Fund, Trudy championed a holistic approach roads and few utilities to a world-class city that also serves as Veterans Advisor to Orange to water issues and fought to ensure the pros- is home to tens of thousands of residents, County Mayor Teresa Jacobs and as Chair of perity of underrepresented rural communities countless successful businesses, and millions the Florida Civil Rights Association’s Govern- in New Mexico. Trudy understands the con- of visitors each year. ment Committee. nection between water and people; what it Over the years, the Greater Pensacola Dennis previously served as Trustee for Va- means for survival, economic livelihood, and Chamber of Commerce has grown with the lencia Community College and sat on the Or- cultural heritage. surrounding Pensacola community. From its ange County Schools Search Committee. He It is astonishing to think of all that Trudy has humble beginnings 125 years ago, as a small also volunteered with the Citizens Commission accomplished and fulfilled in her life: a horse- group of civic leaders with no full-time staff, for Children, Alliance for Children and Fami- back rider, successful art gallery owner and the Chamber has grown immensely and today lies, Seniors First, the United Way Board, connoisseur, folk singer, guitar player, film the Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce YMCA Youth Achievers, and a number of writer, avid rancher, passionate water advo- represents more than 1,200 members working other civic and social justice groups. cate, loving mother and proud wife to name a on a daily basis to help bring world-class eco- Dennis is the Founding Chairman of the few. Her zest for life is endless and if you nomic development projects to benefit North- Hispanic Achievers Grant Council. He has re- talked to anyone who knows her, they would west Florida’s businesses and citizens. ceived numerous medals and awards for his tell you that water is her true passion. I look Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States outstanding military, professional, and volun- forward to continuing to work with Trudy on Congress I am proud to congratulate the teer service. the important water issues facing our state Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce on I am happy to recognize Dennis Freytes, and country and would like to take this mo- its incredibly successful 125-year history and during Hispanic Heritage Month, for his serv- ment to recognize all that she has done for look forward to another 125 years of success ice to the United States and contributions to New Mexico. and prosperity. the Central Florida Community. f f f RECOGNIZING THE 125TH ANNIVER- HONORING MICHELLE SCULLY HONORING TRUDY HEALY SARY OF THE GREATER PENSA- COLA CHAMBER OF COMMERCE HON. JOHN GARAMENDI HON. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF NEW MEXICO HON. JEFF MILLER IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF FLORIDA Thursday, September 18, 2014 Thursday, September 18, 2014 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, I submit the Thursday, September 18, 2014 following: Ms. MICHELLE LUJAN GRISHAM of New Michelle Scully (Educator, agriculture and Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise economic development advocate; Lake Coun- Trudy Healy; a woman of remarkable talents to recognize the 125th anniversary of the ty): Michelle has a 20-year history of service who has an unwavering commitment to pre- Greater Pensacola Chamber of Commerce. All to Lake County, particularly in the areas of serving water quality in our great State of New across our Nation, local Chambers of Com- education, agriculture, and economic devel- Mexico. merce play vital roles in supporting economic opment. When Michelle and her husband re- From an early age, Trudy proved to be curi- growth and development throughout their com- located to Lake County as he went to work ous and passionate about her surroundings munities, and the Greater Pensacola Chamber in the family’s pear packing and farming businesses, she quickly immersed herself in She was gifted with a virtuous heart, and im- of Commerce exemplifies this proud tradition. community activities. She was appointed to mersed herself in every aspect of her commu- The Greater Pensacola Chamber of Com- an advisory board tasked with researching nity in Taos, New Mexico. Her mother, Mer- merce’s impressive history dates back 125 the divisive issue of genetically modified cedes Gonzales Valerio, was her trusted years to its first meeting on September 16, crops. She also served on the steering com- friend and confidant whom Trudy loved dearly. 1889, where a small group of business lead- mittee that developed Lake County VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:14 Sep 20, 2014 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A18SE8.106 E19SEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E1488 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks September 19, 2014 AgVenture, a program to educate commu- To his beloved wife Jean, thank you so ly rose to Chief of Staff for Congressman John nity leaders on the importance of agriculture much for sharing this unique human being Blatnik (D–Minnesota–8). to Lake County. To address the issue of hun- with us and being his partner helping him do Later, he was elected to represent his be- ger, Michelle organized a very successful loved Minnesota as the Congressman from Bountiful Gift Box fundraiser for the coun- so much, bring so much joy and so much . ty’s Hunger Task Force.