[Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 105 (Monday, July 29, 2002)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1441]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING JAKE SCHEIDEMAN FOR BEING WORLD CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, July 26, 2002

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jake 
Scheideman for his humanitarian work in Nicaragua and his dedication to 
both his local community and the world. As a resident of my hometown of 
St. Helena, California, Jake has inspired the people around him as well 
as the people of Nicaragua. He has been recognized as one of St. 
Helena's World Citizens of the Year.
  Jake Scheideman has spent the last decade traveling between the 
United States and Nicaragua on a mission to build a baseball field in 
the small town of Matagalpa, Nicaragua. He has raised over $50,000 for 
the project and has brought dozens American volunteers to Nicaragua to 
assist with the building of the dugouts and backstops. He has been 
helped by General Charles Wilhelm, General Carrion of the Nicaraguan 
Military, Ambassador Oliver Garza as well as many others. The 
involvement of so many distinguished people attest to Jake's ability to 
motivate and inspire.
  However, where Jake's mark is most visible is in the community where 
he worked. The residents of Matagalpa, Nicaragua and its surrounding 
areas have come to call the project the ``Field of Dreams.'' An 
American Flag flies beside the Nicaraguan Flag and is proudly raised at 
every game.
  Jake Scheideman received a Bachelors Degree in Business Management 
from Pacific Union College in 1991. After graduation Jake moved to St. 
Helena where he quickly became involved in the community. He was a 
Parks and Recreation Commissioner for six years, a member of the Napa 
Valley Conference and Visitors Bureau Board for four years and was 
President of the St. Helena Merchant Association. He has been active in 
the St. Helena Chamber of Commerce, serving as its President in 1999. 
He also founded important community events and organizations. Jake has 
been a Volunteer Firefighter and Emergency Medical Technician for the 
St. Helena Volunteer Fire Department for twelve years.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in recognizing the achievements of Jake 
Scheideman. At a time when this country is feeling the repercussions of 
the inhumane acts of September 11th and needs positive inspiration, 
Jake Scheideman reminds us of the humanity and compassion that is still 
out there.

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