[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 58 (Tuesday, May 3, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E792]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             IN RECOGNITION OF ROBERT ``BOB'' FLETCHER, JR.

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. DORIS O. MATSUI

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                          Tuesday, May 3, 2011

  Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Mr. 
Robert Fletcher, Jr. for his commendable service to Sacramento 
Japanese-American families during World War II and his work in the 
Sacramento community.
  Bob Fletcher was born on July 26, 1911 in San Francisco, California 
to Robert Fletcher, Sr. and Olive Barkley. Following his upbringing in 
Redwood, Bob attended the University of California, Davis, where he 
received a degree in Agriculture Science in 1933.
  Following his graduation from UC Davis, Bob worked as a state fruit 
and vegetable inspector at various locations, including the Florin 
Train Station, where he became friends with several local Japanese-
American farm owners. In 1940, Bob became the director of the 
Sacramento County Farm Bureau.
  After the December 7, 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor and the subsequent 
internment of Japanese-Americans, Bob quit his job as a state 
agriculture inspector and took control of three Japanese-American 
family farms belonging to the Tsukamotos, Nittas and Okamotos. He 
farmed the 90 acres of land until they returned home in 1945, when he 
returned their land to them and split half the profits.
  Bob's desire to improve his community continued, and, in 1953, he 
helped form the Florin Fire Protection District, a local volunteer fire 
department at which he served as a volunteer Assistant Chief for 20 
years, then served as the Chief for an additional 12 years. He retired 
in November of 1974.
  In October of 1959, Bob helped found the Florin County Water 
District, to protect the water rights of local farmers and provide 
clean water to the community. After more than 40 years, Bob continues 
to serve as a board member to this day.
  In 1985, Bob helped form the Florin Historical Society, and donated 
five acres of his land to build the Florin Community History Center and 
adjacent park, to preserve the history of the Florin community.
  Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Mr. Robert Fletcher, Jr. for 
his meritorious work in the Sacramento community, his ability to look 
past racial barriers and help save the farms of three Japanese-American 
families, and his more than 80 years of outstanding civil service. I 
ask all my colleagues to join me in commending Bob Fletcher for his 
truly remarkable service.

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