[Congressional Record Volume 162, Number 118 (Thursday, July 21, 2016)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1158]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING PHIL MEMBRERE FOR HIS DEDICATION TO HIS NEIGHBORS IN NEED 
                AND THE FISH FOOD BANKS OF PIERCE COUNTY

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. DEREK KILMER

                             of washington

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 21, 2016

  Mr. KILMER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Phil Membrere, who 
will ``retire'' this year after 14 years as a dedicated volunteer for 
the FISH Food Banks of Pierce County in Tacoma, WA. Phil is widely 
recognized at FISH Food Banks as one of the most committed volunteers 
that the organization has ever seen.
   Phil Membrere began serving at FISH Food Banks in 2002 after a 
serious auto accident forced him to retire from his career as a union 
truck driver. He used his skills in logistics and transportation to 
assist FISH with the pick-up and processing of locally donated food and 
quickly became instrumental to the success of the daily operations.
   After years of being counted on by FISH Administrative Staff, Phil 
spent the last few years helping to lead this organization on day-to-
day operations and helping to streamline other administrative 
processes. His service has been especially impactful at the Southeast 
Tacoma FISH Food Bank, where he has helped facilitate numerous large 
donations from the Puyallup Tribe of Indians.
   Mr. Speaker, for the past fourteen years, Phil Membrere has been a 
loyal, full-time volunteer at FISH Food Banks of Pierce County. He has 
treated his neighbors in need with the compassion, dignity, and respect 
that they deserve. Phil has taken pride in this role, reporting to his 
post five days a week and undoubtedly inspiring others to serve their 
community. The countless local families that he assisted are all 
stronger, healthier, and have a brighter future because of his service. 
The contributions of Phil and his fellow volunteers embody the values 
that make our community and our country a great place to live.
   Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join the leadership and staff at FISH 
Food Banks of Pierce County, Phil's friends and family, and the greater 
Tacoma-Pierce County Community in expressing my gratitude today in the 
United States Congress for Phil Membrere's 14 years of volunteer 
service. As the proud Representative of Washington's 6th Congressional 
District in the House of Representatives, I offer my best wishes for a 
happy ``second'' retirement and wish Phil an early happy 70th birthday.

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