[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 45 (Friday, April 2, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E517]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         IN RECOGNITION OF THE COMMUNITY OF STOCKTON, MISSOURI

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. IKE SKELTON

                              of missouri

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, April 2, 2004

  Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me take this means to recognize the 
citizens of Stockton, Missouri, for their efforts in recovering from a 
tragedy. On the evening of Sunday, May 4, 2003, this small Missouri 
community was struck by a powerful tornado. It has taken months to 
restore what took minutes to destroy, but this community has shown 
strength and resolve in the face of great challenges.
  The utter destruction visited upon Stockton is difficult to grasp 
unless seen. It is measured in terms of what is no longer there. The 
absence of businesses, homes, churches, even 100 year-old trees, act as 
a daily reminder of what happened. The Stockton town square was 
particularly hard hit. Like most town squares in small communities 
throughout Missouri, Stockton's was an important center of economic 
activity. Most of the buildings leveled in the downtown area were 
businesses. The local business owners took it upon themselves to form 
the Downtown Business District Committee. This committee, open to all 
business-owners, created a means of mutual support and a forum for 
discussion of common problems and issues. One important task was to set 
up guidelines for reconstruction of the town square. The first building 
on the square to reopen was the pharmacy of Ray Zumwalt. The rebuilding 
of the pharmacy, along with all of the other buildings in Stockton, did 
not happen overnight. It was a gradual process. But as bricks were laid 
and roofs repaired, the mending of the spirit of this town could be 
seen, not just in the buildings, but in the people as well. The return 
of hope to a community that has lost so much is a very important thing.
  Today, the community of Stockton is busy preparing for a four-day 
event commemorating the one-year anniversary of the tornado. This event 
will serve as a reminder of that day, and as a celebration of all that 
has been accomplished in such a short period of time. Some questioned 
whether the town could survive. With this city-wide event, scheduled to 
take place May 1 through May 4, the people of Stockton will answer with 
a resounding ``yes''.
  The following individuals deserve special recognition for their 
efforts to help the people of Stockton: Jerry Uhlmann, Charles May, 
Gayla Weber, Dick Hainje, Dennis Moffett, Dan Best, Brad Gair, Jonathan 
Hoyes, Fred May, Jeff Wall, Peggy Kenney, R. Bruce Martin, Kristi 
Perrin, Richard Barnes, Sheila Johnson, Cynthia Davies and Gale 
Roberts. These individuals from the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency, the State Emergency Management Agency and the Department of 
Natural Resources provided direction and support in the community's 
efforts to rebuild.
  Mr. Speaker, there are days such as the May 4, 2003, when we are 
reminded of the awesome and unforgiving power of nature. In minutes, 
lives, families, and whole communities can be uprooted. The people of 
Stockton made the decision to rebuild, not retreat. It takes strength 
and courage to face the challenges posed by such a disaster. They have 
faced this time of trying with such great resolve, have overcome 
setbacks with such perseverance, they serve as an example to us all of 
what can be accomplished when the people of a community based on strong 
traditions of support, compassion, and dedication come together to help 
their neighbors. Stockton has a lesson to teach us all: the values of 
family, community, and helping those in need are still alive and well 
in this country. I am sure my fellow Members will join me in honoring 
the citizens of this outstanding community and thanking those who have 
done so much to help.

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