[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 102 (Thursday, June 15, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E836]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        HONORING RODERICK OLSON

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JIMMY PANETTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 15, 2017

  Mr. PANETTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize and honor a man who 
served California's Central Coast and the United States as a Marine and 
a public servant. Roderick Olson, a proud veteran of the Vietnam War 
from Santa Cruz, California passed away but left a legacy in place for 
LGBT Californians and service members.
   Roderick Olson arrived in Santa Cruz in 1997 after serving in 
Vietnam. During his time in Santa Cruz, he dedicated his time to 
serving the community, especially his brothers and sisters in the LGBT 
community. He joined the Board of Directors of the Santa Cruz AIDS 
project, focused on a community-based response towards reducing the 
HIV/AIDS epidemic.
   Roderick also served as a coordinator at the Santa Cruz Diversity 
Center, a member of the Pride Committee, the Program Committee and the 
Executive Committee. Further, he focused his time on protecting 
individuals from domestic violence and founded the 60 Plus program to 
support LGBT seniors.
   Additionally, he established the first gay veterans group in the 
Santa Cruz region dedicated towards supporting LGBT service members. 
Roderick dedicated his life towards assisting LGBT veterans prior to 
the repeal of Don't Ask Don't Tell, helping future LGBT service members 
serve openly.
   Mr. Olson passed late last year and will be interred with military 
honors this week at the California Central Coast Veterans Cemetery. 
However, his life and dedication to the Central Coast will not be 
forgotten. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing 
the life of Roderick Olson.

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