[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 138 (Saturday, October 28, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1989]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       HONORING MR. GARTH GARDNER

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. GRACE F. NAPOLITANO

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 27, 2000

  Mrs. NAPOLITANO. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise today and honor Mr. 
Garth Gardner, an extraordinary American Citizen who served our Nation 
with honor and bravery during World War II. On November 11, 2000, this 
Veterans Day, I will proudly present the Purple Heart Medal to Mr. 
Gardner for his acts of bravery during WWII.
  Mr. Garth Gardner was born on September 25, 1922 in Carbon County, 
Utah. He graduated from Carbon County High School in 1940 and attended 
Carbon County Jr. College for two years. At the age of 19, Mr. Gardner 
enlisted as a cadet in the U.S. Army Air Force. On March 27, 1945, Mr. 
Gardner departed to New Guinea, where he flew 29 missions against the 
enemy in a B-24 liberator with a crew of 10 servicemen.
  Following his return to the United States, Mr. Gardner was married to 
Mary Ponti on December 30, 1945. In 1948, Garth graduated from USC, 
with a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. Following 
his graduation, Garth bought a house in Pico Rivera where he and his 
wife raised their three sons. Mr. Gardner worked for the County of Los 
Angeles Flood Control District for 25 years and upon retiring from the 
County in 1976, became a California Probate Referee--a position he has 
held for the last 26 years.
  In March 2001, he will retire from the Pico Rivera City Council after 
29 years of service. He has served 8 terms, including his final term, 
as Mayor. One of his major accomplishments is completing the flood 
control project, which began in 1991 and will be completed in 2001. 
This important project begins at the Pacific Ocean and extends 26 miles 
to the Whittier Narrows Dam and costs $250 million.
  Mr. Gardner will always remain active in his community and continue a 
life of service. I would like to urge all my House colleagues to join 
me today in recognition of Mr. Garth Gardner's remarkable service and 
contribution to our Nation and to offer our personal congratulations as 
he receives his Purple Heart Medal this Veterans' Day.

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