[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 76 (Wednesday, May 19, 2010)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E883]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      IN TRIBUTE TO DEAN RASMUSSEN

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. ELTON GALLEGLY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 19, 2010

  Mr. GALLEGLY. Madam Speaker, I rise in tribute to Dean Rasmussen, 
businessman, philanthropist and recipient of this year's ALS 
Association's Lifetime Achievement Award.
  Dean's father died from ALS, commonly called Lou Gehrig's Disease, 
more than 20 years ago. Always a man of action, Dean joined the 
National Board of Directors for The ALS Association. He spearheaded 
advocacy programs in Washington, DC, and Sacramento, California, and 
was instrumental in the growth and success of the Los Angeles Chapter.
  Known as the godfather of The ALS Association's advocacy efforts, he 
served as the catalyst and provided seed money for the creation of the 
association's Advocacy Department. Subsequent advocacy efforts have 
resulted in nearly $1 billion of support for research, patient care and 
advocacy that helps people with ALS throughout the United States.
  Dean's success in driving The ALS Association to new heights is 
typical of his drive in business, sports and advocacy for education and 
our children.
  Dean graduated from the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy and served 2 
years aboard Standard Oil of California tankers as a third mate before 
enrolling in Arizona State University, where he graduated with a 
bachelor's of science degree in construction. In 1968, he joined the 
company his father founded 4 years earlier as vice president and 
general manager.
  Dean is now the managing member of C. A. Rasmussen Co., LLC, and 
emeritus chairman of the board of C. A. Rasmussen, Inc., a privately-
held, general engineering contracting firm that builds highways and 
other infrastructure throughout California.
  Among Dean's other activities, he is a former member of the Liberty 
Mutual Insurance Company Advisory Board, emeritus member of the board 
of trustees of Harvey Mudd College and former trustee/president of 
Harvey Mudd College's Friends Committee. He is also a former trustee 
and campaign chairman of Viewpoint School in Calabasas, California, 
past president of the Southern California Contractors Association and 
emeritus director of Casa Pacifica (an abused children's home serving 
Ventura County).
  Dean enjoys spending time with his wife, Kathleen, and his four 
children; reading history; collecting shotguns and fine wines; as well 
as bird hunting and other shooting sports. He is a member the Ventura 
County Game Preserve Association, the Point Mugu Gun Club, a life 
member of the National Rifle Association, and is on the Board of the L. 
C. Smith Collectors Association.
  Madam Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in congratulating my 
wife, Janice's, and my friend of 40 years, Dean Rasmussen for earning 
The ALS Association Lifetime Achievement Award and in thanking him for 
a lifetime of service to his community and country.

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