[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 32 (Wednesday, February 29, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E279]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




    A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF LIEUTENANT COLONEL CLIFFORD GEORGE FORD

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 29, 2012

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of 
Lieutenant Colonel Clifford George Ford, distinguished veteran of the 
United States Air Force, loyal friend, and loving father, grandfather, 
and great-grandfather. Cliff passed away on January 18, 2012 at the age 
of 81. Through his thoughtful nature, zest for life, and dedication to 
service, he leaves behind a wonderful legacy.
  Cliff was born on April 16, 1930 in Lohrville, Iowa, and grew up on 
farms in Iowa and Minnesota, alongside his two brothers and two 
sisters. It is during his childhood that his lifelong love of nature 
developed. After graduating from Lake City High School at the age of 
17, Cliff made the decision to serve our great Nation in the United 
States military. Cliff's time in the United States Air Force took him 
all around the world, including: Japan, Germany, England, and Taiwan. 
While living in Yakota Air Base, Japan, Cliff met the love of his life, 
Rose. The two married on February 10, 1951.
  Cliff spent the majority of his life serving our country in a number 
of capacities while in the Air Force. Throughout his service, Cliff 
demonstrated courage, determination, strength, and empathy--he truly 
illustrated the best of what America has to offer. In 1975, Cliff 
retired from the United States Air Force and spent the remainder of his 
life in Atwater, California. Retiring in the heart of California's San 
Joaquin Valley afforded Cliff the opportunity to purchase an almond 
orchard and pursue his lifelong passion for agriculture.
  Cliff's legacy will live on through his service to our Nation, his 
work in our Valley, and through his children: Christine, Linda, 
Michelle, Anita, Chuck, Valerie, Melissa, and Hilary; 14 grandchildren; 
and one great-grandchild. Perhaps what was most telling of Cliff's 
character was the importance he placed on family and kinship. Cliff 
leaves his family with many warm and cherished memories.
  In a note to Cliff, his grandson wrote, ``every person is an example 
of the people they have spent their life with.'' As we reflect on 
Cliff's life, let us aspire to lead a life like his--one filled with 
resolve, self-reliance, and love.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the 
life of Lieutenant Colonel Clifford George Ford, an honorable and 
respected man with an unwavering commitment to his loving family and 
our Nation.

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