[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 9 (Monday, January 24, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E97]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       TRIBUTE TO STEVE HAMANN, EL CAJON 2010 CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

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                           HON. DUNCAN HUNTER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, January 24, 2011

  Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, it's with a profound sense of appreciation 
and respect that I rise today to acknowledge the contribution of Steve 
Hamann to the San Diego community. Steve was recently named 2010 
Citizen of the Year for the city of El Cajon, which I am proud to 
represent in Congress. Each of the candidates in the running for 
Citizen of the Year would have been an excellent choice, but Steve's 
tireless work and charity on behalf of so many others puts him in a 
class by himself.
  Anyone who knows Steve understands that his purpose is not derived 
from self-motivation. His commitment to helping others showcases his 
good nature and moral character, demonstrated through more than 16 
years of charity work, where he raised millions of dollars for numerous 
causes. All of it on donated time and without compensation--a mark of 
true dedication and purpose.
  Such an extraordinary level of involvement is why Steven is known 
around East County San Diego as the ``Auctioneer Extraordinaire.'' He 
has spent countless hours hosting events each year--more than 80 in one 
year, in fact--and, thankfully for all us, he shows no sign of slowing 
down anytime soon. A member of the Rotary Club of El Cajon, Steve 
embodies the Rotarian motto of ``Service above Self.''
  The list of organizations Steve lends his time and efforts to support 
is long, but certainly worth noting. He is well known for his work with 
the Boys and Girls Clubs of East County, Stoney's Kids, St. Madeleine 
Sophie's Center, the East County Salvation Army, The East County 
Chamber of Commerce, the El Cajon Community Development Center, the El 
Cajon Elks Lodge, the Heartland Boy Scouts, the Cajon Valley Union 
School District, the Grossmont Union High School District, the 
Grossmont Cuyamaca College District, the Mother Goose Parade, the Home 
of Guiding Hands, the El Cajon Recreation Department, the East County 
YMCA, the Grossmont Hospital Foundation and the Olaf Wieghorst Museum.
  Aside from his sterling reputation, I got to better know Steve as the 
moderator for the East County Chamber of Commerce's Congressional 
Debates. The one thing about Steve in this setting is that he has 
always been as firm as he has been fair, demonstrating his objectivity 
while asking tough questions that help better inform community 
residents about their choices entering election season. Steve is also 
Editor-in-Chief for the East County Herald newspaper, where he focuses 
on promoting most of El Cajon's events and featuring those events in 
quality photo series. This is just one more service to the community 
that Steve provides.
  Many San Diegans, as do most Americans, often wonder if they are 
making a difference in their communities or do enough to help influence 
the lives of others. Steve is a good example of someone who should 
never have to wonder whether they are making an impact. The evidence is 
in his work, hours dedicated and results. Steve serves as an excellent 
example to others too, reminding us all that a little time and 
attention to helping others goes a very long way.
  I cannot say enough about Steve. He is an ambassador for our 
community and, without question, makes El Cajon a better place for each 
one of its residents. I want to thank Steve for his work and 
congratulate him on the Citizen of the Year award. His wife of 32 
years, Lorraine, and his children Sarah and Ben, undoubtedly share 
Steve's enthusiasm and good nature. I want to extend my thanks and 
appreciation to them too.
  So, Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing 
Steve Hamann and wishing him continued success in all future endeavors. 
The El Cajon community and our nation benefit from Steve's leadership, 
as well as others who commit their lives to causes bigger than 
themselves.

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