[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 184 (Tuesday, December 4, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2471-E2472]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           HONORING JOHN R. SHAFER OF ST. HELENA, CALIFORNIA

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 4, 2007

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize 
John R. Shafer on the occasion of his receiving the 3rd Annual Making a 
Difference Award from the non-profit organization Healthy Moms and 
Babies. This award is being presented in recognition for his 
outstanding work in support of making healthcare accessible to all in 
the Napa Valley.
  Mr. Shafer has always had a strong commitment to public service. At 
age 18 he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and flew combat missions over 
occupied Europe as a B-24 bomber pilot. After a long career in 
corporate textbook publishing, he came to the Napa Valley, as so many 
before him, looking for a new place to call home. John purchased a 
vineyard site in an area known as Stag's Leap. Although it had been 
idle for several years, he had a vision that it could grow to become 
one of the country's premier wineries. The following year, he moved his 
family to California to make this vision a reality.
  Since then, Shafer Vineyards has grown into a world class winery and 
has done so while practicing and promoting sustainable, earth-friendly 
agriculture. Throughout his success in the wine industry Mr. Shafer has 
remained committed to serving his community. In addition to being a 
former president of the Napa Valley Grape Growers Association and a 
former member of the board of the Napa Valley Vintners Association, Mr. 
Shafer has also been active with the board of directors of the 
Community Health Clinic Ole since 1990. Clinic Ole is dedicated to 
bringing the highest quality medical and dental services to the 
underserved communities in Napa County and

[[Page E2472]]

has become an essential part of the health and well being of all 
residents of the Valley.
  In addition to his support for Clinic Ole, Mr. Shafer also 
spearheaded the building of the Napa Valley Vinters Community Health 
Center. This facility houses not only Clinic Ole, but also the Sister 
Ann Community Dental Clinic, Napa Emergency Women's Services and also 
Healthy Moms and Babies, which provides pregnancy care, education and 
support to women in underserved communities. By seeing this project 
through to completion Mr. Shafer has helped to ensure that healthcare 
will be available to the underserved in a way that is both coordinated 
and accessible.
  Madam Speaker, it is fitting at this time that we thank John Shafer 
for his commitment an dedication to helping others and his community. 
His efforts have ensured that thousands of residents in the Napa Valley 
have access to the best medical care for themselves and their children. 
The Making a Difference Award is only one reflection of what will 
surely be a legacy that will last for many years.

                          ____________________