[Congressional Record Volume 147, Number 178 (Thursday, December 20, 2001)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2348]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO JAMES K. REES

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, December 19, 2001

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a most 
exceptional California Inland Empire community leader, friend and great 
American--Mr. James Rees.
  Calvin Coolidge, America's 13th President, once said, ``No person was 
ever honored for what he received; honor has been the reward for what 
he gave.'' And Jim Rees gave much during his years of military service 
and banking career.
  With true valor and love of country, Mr. Rees voluntarily enlisted in 
the United States Army in 1942 and became an Officer in 1944. Like many 
other members of the Greatest Generation he served in World War II in 
both the European and North African/Middle East theaters. After the 
war, Jim returned to the United States and in 1948 enlisted in the Air 
Force. He quickly rose among the ranks and in 1957 achieved the rank of 
Major. Jim served in both the Korean and Vietnam wars, and in 1968 
voluntarily retired as a Lieutenant Colonel. He has been honored with 
numerous medals ranging from the WWII victory medal to the National 
Defense Service Medal as well as the Air Force Longevity Service Award 
with four Oak Leaf Clusters.
  After a distinguished career in the Air Force, Mr. Rees established 
himself in Riverside and went into the banking business. He served the 
community with the same care and dedication he had served our country. 
An avid golfer, Jim was instrumental in the revitalization of the March 
Air Force Base golf course. Jim has also been active in the Strategic 
Air Command Group of Veterans and has always been proud to call himself 
a team player.
  A love of country can only be matched by a love of family. Mr. Rees 
has four children, Christine, Susan, Laura, and David, five 
grandchildren, Amy, Jennifer, Jim, Ian, and Susan and great-grandchild, 
Samuel who all refer to him as their hero. No greater honor can be 
bestowed on a man who has selflessly and wholeheartedly served our 
great nation.
  Mr. Speaker, looking back at Jim's life, we see a man dedicated to 
military service and community--an American whose gifts to the Inland 
Empire and California led to the betterment of those who have the 
privilege to come in contact or work with Jim. Honoring him today is 
the least that we can do for all that he has given over the past 80 
years of his life.

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