[Congressional Record Volume 164, Number 92 (Tuesday, June 5, 2018)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E761]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       HONORING AND REMEMBERING THE LIFE OF RONALD L. REHNER, SR.

                                  _____
                                 

                             HON. TOM REED

                              of new york

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 5, 2018

  Mr. REED. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember the life of 
Ronald L. Rehner, Sr. Ronald Rehner was a family man and known to many 
as a school teacher, who taught in the New York communities of 
Rochester and Elmira, in Cincinnati, Ohio, and even as far away as 
Moshi, Tanzania, teaching geography at Mawenzi Secondary School. Ever 
concerned with current affairs, Ron would bring real world issues to 
the classroom to give context to his lessons. Beyond his work in the 
classroom, during his time in Tanzania, Ron was an active member of the 
United States Peace Corps. After applying his gifts abroad, Ron 
returned to the United States to teach history at Thomas Edison High 
School in Elmira, New York.
  After retiring from being a school teacher, Ron worked at Chemung 
County RSVP and in the garden department at Chase Pitkin. During his 
free time Ron enjoyed going camping, hiking, cooking, and gardening.
  Ron's interest in politics was put to good use as the legislative 
chair of AARP Chapter 276. Ron and his entourage of red shirted 
colleagues were familiar faces in my office and were frequent attendees 
at my town hall meetings. Ron was an effective communicator and a 
tireless advocate. He was never shy about standing up for what he felt 
was right.
  When Ron was not working, he would volunteer his time to give back 
and improve the community. Ron volunteered with many organizations in 
his community. Ron shared his time with Senior Notebook, the Department 
of Aging Advocacy, Age Friendly Coalition, Creating Healthy Schools and 
Communities, Poverty Coalition, Food Bank of the Southern Tier, Health 
Priorities Squared, and First Presbyterian Church. No matter where he 
went or what he was doing he always had a smile to give and welcomed 
all.
  Throughout his life, Ron earned many accolades for his hard work and 
dedication to his community. Ron was recognized with the Mildred 
Parfitt Award, the Jefferson Award, and named the Chemung County 
Department of Aging and Long Term Care's Distinguished Volunteer of the 
Year. He was also nominated for the coveted AARP Andrus Award.
  Ron will be missed by the many communities and countless individuals 
he made an impact on over a lifetime of good will and service to his 
fellow man. I will certainly miss his presence.
  I ask that this legislative body join me to remember the life of 
Ronald L. Rehnner, Sr.

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