[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 34 (Friday, February 28, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E280]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              HONORING THE LIFE OF ROBERT ``HARRY'' ROGERS

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, February 28, 2014

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Robert 
``Harry'' Rogers who passed away on January 16, 2014, at the age of 84. 
As the founder of Rogers Helicopters Inc., Harry saved countless lives 
in firefighting, salvage, and search and rescue operations. His kind 
heart, talent, and tireless service to the Central Valley will be 
greatly missed.
  Harry was born on March 28, 1929, in Clovis, California. As a child, 
Harry dreamed of flying and was inspired by his father, Robert, as well 
as other local pilots.
  After graduating from Clovis High School in 1947, Harry attempted to 
join the Air Force but was unable to do so because of an injury he 
suffered while playing football in high school. However, this setback 
did not stop Harry from following his dream to fly and serve others. 
After attending Reedley College, Harry worked as a pilot and mechanic 
for several helicopter companies before founding his own operation.
  In 1962, Harry and his wife, Wanda, founded Rogers Helicopters Inc. 
in Clovis. The operation remained in Clovis for three decades before 
moving to Fresno Yosemite International airport. Over the years, Harry 
and his pilots flew tens of thousands of hours in operations throughout 
the state of California.
  Harry was an authority on flying in the Sierras, which is 
characterized by treacherous summer winds, icing in the winter, and few 
places to make emergency landings.
  Many people relied on Harry's expertise and services including 
sheriff's deputies, park rangers, and search and rescue crews. Harry 
and his choppers worked tirelessly to rescue and recover stranded 
hikers and climbers, investigate wildfires and mountain utility lines, 
and transport emergency supplies to the needy.
  Harry exemplified selflessness and was always dedicated to helping 
others. In 1965, the U.S. Army awarded Harry with a citation for flying 
in dangerous weather to deliver supplies to flood victims in Northern 
California. In one incident, Harry's chopper crashed in a river canyon, 
and Harry was quick to rescue his passengers seconds before the 
aircraft exploded.
  In 1969, Harry achieved the tremendous feat of being the first person 
to land on top of Mount Whitney, the highest summit in the continental 
United States.
  In his spare time, Harry liked to share his passion for flying with 
others. In the 1960s and 70s, Harry often took Clovis High School 
cheerleaders for a ride before dropping them off on the football field. 
Throughout his career, Harry regularly flew news crews over the Central 
Valley so they could photograph the beautiful scenery and was 
especially partial toward the Kings River in Fresno.
  Harry cherished his time with family and friends. He was a devoted 
husband to Wanda, a loving father to his sons, Rory and Robin, and he 
enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren, Robby and Randy.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the 
House of Representatives to join me in honoring the life of Robert 
``Harry'' Rogers, a Central Valley pioneer in rotary-wing aviation.

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