[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 31 (Tuesday, February 25, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E238]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO TERRY GILMORE

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN CALVERT

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 25, 2014

  Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an 
individual whose dedication and contributions to the community are 
exceptional. Temecula has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated 
community leaders who willingly and unselfishly give their time and 
talent to make their communities a better place to live and work. Terry 
Gilmore is one of these individuals. On February 22, 2014, Terry was 
honored as the 2013 ``Citizen of the Year'' award recipient at the 
Temecula Chamber of Commerce Installation and Awards Gala.
  Terry was born and raised in the thriving city of St. Louis, 
Missouri, as one of four children to parents with a blue collar 
background. Like them, Terry never went on to attend college, but 
instead gained his keen business sense from working at a bowling alley 
starting at a very young age. Terry developed his love for the sport of 
bowling while clearing out the pins at the back of the lanes and often 
earned free games as payment. As a youth, Terry became one of the top 
10 amateur bowlers in the country.
  The joy Terry found in bowling was put on hold when he received a 
draft card for Vietnam in 1966. He served his country proudly for over 
a year as an infantry radio operator. Immediately after returning from 
the war, Terry found that he was willing to move just about anywhere to 
follow his dreams. With $702 dollars in his pocket and a brand new 
Corvette, Terry moved from his hometown of St. Louis out west to the 
sunny city of Phoenix, Arizona for a new start.
  Though Phoenix was still a very small town at the time of his move, 
Terry found his way in to a job at the local Dodge dealership, 
Scottsdale Dodge. Not only did he find passion in the job, but he also 
found love when he met a sales associate, named Cindy, who would 
eventually become his wife. Terry's commitment showed itself early in 
his career. He was the first to pick up extra shifts on weekends and 
holidays, all the while saving up to provide for his wife and family. 
He moved up within the dealership and soon decided to take a huge risk 
by moving out to Ventura, California in 1983 to get more experience in 
the automotive industry. Terry landed a job with Robert Gregory at 
Paradise Chevrolet, where his success eventually led him to take on the 
role as General Manager.
  A mere eight years later, Robert Gregory was given the opportunity to 
open a new Chevrolet dealership in the then-small town of Temecula, 
California, and invited Terry to buy in as his partner. With hard work 
and dedication, Terry became the sole owner of Paradise Chevrolet after 
20 years. Terry's attitude for success created a thriving business that 
earned him the ``Chevrolet Dealer of the Year Award'' for the entire 
United States in 2010.
  It is hard to imagine that Terry would have any free time on his 
hands, yet he has always found time for his community. From Copy for 
Kids, serving in Chamber positions, and helping local Veterans, Terry 
truly has had a hand in developing organizations and groups that make 
our community great. He found his true calling, however, through the 
Boys & Girls Clubs of Southwest County. For over 20 years, Terry has 
helped the non-profit reach their fundraising goals, and currently 
serves on the Board of Directors, more specifically the Emeritus Board 
of Distinction. When asked why he remains so involved in these 
organizations, Terry stated, ``There is nothing more valuable than your 
time, so I decided to give mine.''
  In his spare time, Terry enjoys spending time with his wife of over 
30 years, their daughter who attends San Diego State University, and 
his daughter from a previous marriage, who still lives in St. Louis.
  Considering all that Terry has done for the city of Temecula, the 
Temecula Chamber of Commerce named him their 2013 ``Citizen of the 
Year.'' Terry's tireless passion for service has contributed immensely 
to the betterment of our community. He has been the heart and soul of 
many organizations and events and I am proud to call him a fellow 
community member, American and friend. I know that many individuals are 
grateful for his service and salute him as he receives this prestigious 
award.

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