[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 77 (Wednesday, May 21, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E804]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING KENNETH J. HAMMOND

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. JULIA BROWNLEY

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, May 21, 2014

  Ms. BROWNLEY of California. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in recognition 
of Yeoman First Class Kenneth J. Hammond, an Enlisted Surface Warfare 
Specialist (ESWS), and an exemplary community volunteer for Food 
Forward, an organization dedicated to promoting food justice and making 
change around hunger in our community.
   Born in Ukiah, California, YN1 Hammond graduated from Temecula 
Valley High School and joined the United States Navy on July 16, 1996. 
Over the years, YN1 Hammond has had a distinguished career in the Navy. 
YN1 Hammond is currently serving the sailors and officers of U.S. Naval 
Mobile Construction Battalion FIVE (NMCB 5) as the Administrative 
Department Leading Petty Officer. His work has earned him many 
accolades and awards that demonstrate his personal vigor and 
professional work ethic.
   In addition to his honorable service in the Navy, YN1 Hammond is 
equally as dedicated and selfless in his community. As a Pick Leader, 
Neighborhood Captain, and Board Advisor for Food Forward, YN1 Hammond 
has volunteered over 787 hours, has picked over 40,000 pounds of fruit, 
and has recruited over 160 volunteers to help at various events. These 
accomplishments are indicative of YN1 Hammond's unwavering commitment 
and dedication to both his community and to the ideologies of 
philanthropy.
   YN1 Hammond is dedicated to the mission of Food Forward and inspires 
others through his work. With great enthusiasm, YN1 Hammond encourages 
others to take part in the fight against hunger through his continuous 
and successful recruitment of new pick leaders.
   YN1 Hammond has impacted the lives of those in our community by 
spearheading the ``picking'' events with volunteer recruitment, 
fundraising and building awareness of the Food Forward mission. In 2013 
alone, YN1 Hammond's positive attitude and determined spirit of 
volunteerism has helped the Ventura County branch of Food Forward 
harvest over 120,000 pounds or 480,000 servings of fresh fruit that 
would have otherwise gone to waste to help feed our hungry neighbors.
   It is with sincere appreciation that I would like to recognize YN1 
Kenneth Hammond and commend him on his steadfast dedication to his 
country and, especially, to his community.

                          ____________________