[Congressional Record Volume 154, Number 65 (Wednesday, April 23, 2008)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E702]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING THE DISTINGUISHED SERVICE OF REVEREND WALT PARRY

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, April 23, 2008

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 
distinguished public service of Reverend Walt Parry, of Fresno, 
California. After nearly 25 years with the non-profit organization 
Fresno Metro Ministry where Reverend Parry succeeded in serving the 
needs of the local community, he retired this past January.
  During his tenure at the Fresno Metro Ministry, Reverend Parry aided 
thousands of deserving local residents with his passion for excellence 
and strong ethical drive. I have had the pleasure of working with him 
frequently and his dedication to the community is to be commended, 
especially in the areas of public health, cultural diversity and 
disadvantaged advocacy.
  Reverend Parry was instrumental in the creation of the Community Food 
Bank, an organization that helps distribute food to people in need 
throughout California's Central Valley. Healthy nutrition was a 
paramount concern for the Reverend, who both fought against the obesity 
epidemic as well as the lack of nourishment in the area. Other notable 
achievements of Reverend Parry include better access to healthcare, 
clean air, improved nutrition, and a deep respect for multiculturalism 
in our Valley communities.
  Throughout his career in the area, Reverend Walt Parry has proven to 
be a highly effective administrator who was always committed to 
excellence in public service. As he gets ready to spend much more time 
enjoying retirement as well as supporting the social causes he is 
passionate about on a more personal level, I wish him continued success 
and best of luck for the future.

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