[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 57 (Thursday, April 14, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E467]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       TRIBUTE TO STEPHEN LAWSON

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                            HON. JEFF DENHAM

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, April 14, 2016

  Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Stephen Lawson, 
Team Leader at the Modesto Vet Center, for his nine years of 
outstanding service to our nation's heroes and the Modesto community. 
Stephen has announced that he will be retiring on April 29, 2016.
  In 1969, Stephen enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served as a Corpsman. 
After being honorably discharged in 1973 he found his home in the heart 
of the San Joaquin Valley, in Merced California.
  After his service in the military, Stephen's first job was at the 
Merced College Veterans Office where he found a position working with 
veterans returning home and was in charge of the Outreach and Peer 
counseling. In this capacity, Stephen provided outstanding service to 
many veterans who were in need of his help and guidance.
  In 1984, Stephen graduated from Fresno State University with a 
Master's Degree in Rehabilitation Psychology. He found a passion in 
helping his fellow veterans and furthered his career by working as a 
Rehabilitation Counselor at a large counseling firm.
  Eventually, Stephen started Lawson Professional Counseling Corp. 
Under his leadership, the company grew to 50 employees and 10 offices 
throughout the Central Valley. On November 19, 2007, Stephen began at 
the Modesto Vet Center and was appointed Team Leader. Stephen always 
aimed to assure that veterans received the highest standard of care.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Stephen Lawson for his many 
years of service and outstanding contributions to the veteran community 
as well as our country.

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