[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 49 (Wednesday, March 26, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E579]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  RECOGNIZING MR. RONALD J. RUFFENNACH

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. CHET EDWARDS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, March 26, 2003

  Mr. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize Mr. Ronald J. 
Ruffennach for his many years of hard work, initiative and dedication 
to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and our Nation.
  Ron has served the Corps for 30 years. His career encompasses working 
in the Pittsburgh District, Europe, and the Savannah District before 
transferring to the Southwestern Division's Fort Worth District Office 
in 1984. During his career, he has been called upon to accomplish many 
significant projects for the Corps of Engineers.
  Ron is recognized as a leader and expert in the Corps' Public Affairs 
community. He has often been sought out to provide valuable public 
relations expertise during disaster recover efforts. His expertise was 
invaluable in 1989 following Hurricane Hugo in South Carolina and the 
earthquake in northern California; in 1991, when he was assigned to the 
Defense Reconstruction Assistance Office during the Kuwait Recovery; 
and in 1993 when he was called to the Corps' Civil Works Forward Office 
following the Midwest flood event.
  While in the Fort Worth District, Ron's unique and selfless 
dedication, as the Chief of Public Affairs and Legislative Affairs, is 
instrumental in building partnerships and achieving consensus on many 
important projects in the State of Texas, Louisiana, New Mexico, and 
beyond. My staff and I have personally called upon Ron to assist us in 
obtaining valuable assistance on projects in my district and throughout 
the State of Texas.
  In the community, Ron has been a trusted and well-known leader and 
public servant. He is a 1993 graduate of Leadership Fort Worth, and an 
active member of the St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church, where he is a 
Eucharistic Minister and an active member of the Men's Club. He served 
as a past president of the Boy's Select Soccer Club, past president of 
the Martin High School Soccer Booster Club and was active in local 
school board issues. He also was a regular volunteer at the Arlington 
night shelter.
  Over the past few years, Ron has experienced serious health issues. 
However, not once during that period did Ron's commitment to the 
nation, the Corps of Engineers, and his family waiver.
  I know that you, Mr. Chairman, and the other members of the 
subcommittee would like to join me in thanking Mr. Ronald J. Ruffennach 
for his long, dedicated, and faithful service to the nation, the Army, 
and to this committee. Thanks Ron.

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