[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 119 (Thursday, September 13, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1647]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO THE LATE RHONDA RASMUSSEN

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JOE BACA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Thursday, September 13, 2001

  Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, it is with regret and deep sadness that I rise 
to honor Rhonda Sue Rasmussen, former constituent from San Bernardino, 
who passed away on September 11, 2001, when a hijacked plane collided 
with a section of the Pentagon where she worked. She was one of the 
many American heroes who perished that day from an evil terrorist 
attack.
  Throughout the years, Rhonda was a true visionary. She loved her 
family. I believe that the well-being of our Nation's peoples depends 
on all of our dedication and efforts to invest in the present and the 
future.
  Mr. Speaker, Rhonda served as an auditor for the army. She was one of 
the many faceless men and women that support our military forces and 
keep our Nation safe. She was a dedicated worker, one who always makes 
sure that citizens come first. She was extremely strong, brave and 
dedicated to her work. She had a sense of fun about her, even though 
she approached her duties with great seriousness and duty. They say a 
person is measured by the lives he or she touched. Through the grace of 
God, Rhonda touched many lives.
  Rhonda's family had nothing but praise for her, describing her as a 
dedicated and great hero that on Tuesday put herself in harm's way. So 
in giving this honor, we are honoring her this day.
  The last time her family saw her was during a barbeque earlier this 
year. It was at this barbeque, hosted by her mother who suffers from 
cancer, that she told her family that she would soon move to Monterey, 
California. Regretfully, that day will never come. A family will never 
be reunited, and we grieve for the loss of this wonderful soul.
  Rhonda served our nation proudly, raised four wonderful and dedicated 
children, and was loving wife. Although she, her husband, and her 
children had to move often due to her work, she managed to raise four 
wonderful children. Three of her children are in college and the fourth 
is a Forestry Department firefighter in Washington state.
  May God protect the soul of this wonderful woman. In a time when 
decent people are in short supply, she was a model and example to her 
children and her community. Selfless as seen in her commitment to the 
safety of our nation. Caring as seen in her devotion to her family. Her 
soul is one of the many departed on that fateful day, but the impact of 
her death is a deep well of sorrow in itself. I wish to extend to her 
children, husband, and the rest of her family my most heartfelt 
condolences.
  I cannot ever come to comprehend what her loss means to her family, 
but I am saddened and I mourn with them. Let us take comfort in the 
fact that she is now guarded by our Lord. Rhonda you are loved by many, 
you served your nation well, you are a hero, and will not be forgotten.
  A devoted wife to Floyd Rusmussen, Rhonda lived in Virginia during 
her work at the Pentagon. Rhonda has four children: Nathan, T.J., 
Jeremiah and Becky.
  In short, Rhonda Rasmussen is a model of excellence we can all 
follow. Rhonda will be missed by family and friends alike. She touched 
us all with her kind deeds and leadership in her community.

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