[Congressional Record Volume 150, Number 56 (Wednesday, April 28, 2004)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E696]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING MR. ROSS P. ROGERS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. DENNIS A. CARDOZA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 28, 2004

  Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Ross P. Rogers as 
he concludes his many, dedicated years with the Merced Irrigation 
District and a 45 years career in which Ross has provided resources 
essential to life in the Central Valley: water to our farmers' fields 
and into our families' homes and schools as well as electricity to 
power our cities, businesses and neighborhoods.
  Ross Rogers has long been a valued leader and a true public servant. 
He spent nearly his entire life honorably serving his country and his 
local community. Ross' introduction to public leadership and self 
sacrifice came as he served as the Battalion Sergeant Major of the 
United States Army's 57th Field Artillery, 7th Infantry Division in 
Korea from 1951 to 1954. He then used his leadership abilities and 
commitment to public service to lead to a long and distinguished 
career.
  After leaving the service, Ross decided to use what he learned 
studying civil engineering at the University of Nevada and work for the 
State Department of Water Resources. He then joined the East Contra 
Cost Irrigation District as General Manager. In 1991, he joined the 
Merced Irrigation District, where he would make his lasting impression 
and finish his career.
  In his relatively brief tenure here, Ross has created a legacy for 
the Merced Irrigation District by turning it into one of the most 
respected water agencies in the state of California. This was despite 
the fact that the district he inherited in 1991 had just suffered from 
the longest drought in recent history and was handicapped by internal 
struggles.
  Ross has never been fearful of change or innovation in his work. The 
most notable example was in 1995, when Ross made the decision to create 
the Energy Resources Department. That decision dramatically changed the 
Merced Irrigation District for the better. His leadership moved the 
district squarely into the 21st century and has the potential to lead 
to an economic boon for our local communities.
  Following his longstanding tradition of public service, Ross has been 
extremely active in his local community outside of his work with the 
water district. He has been an active member in the Brentwood Lions 
Club for twenty-five years, dutifully serving in all Lions Club offices 
and as President twice.
  Ross has been married to his wife Adair for forty-seven years, and 
together they have two daughters and three grandchildren. I am proud to 
recognize all of Ross' numerous accomplishments and to call him my 
friend. Today I call upon my colleagues to help me thank Ross for his 
commitment and dedicated service to the Central Valley, and to wish him 
a very happy retirement.

                          ____________________