[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 20 (Thursday, January 31, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E120]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





 HONORING THE CAREER OF STEPHEN R. BAUMAN--DIRECTOR OF THE VA CENTRAL 
                     CALIFORNIA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, January 31, 2019

  Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my good friend and 
colleague, Stephen R. Bauman, as he retires from his position as 
Director of the VA Central California Health Care System in Fresno, 
California. Throughout his distinguished career with the United States 
Navy and the Department of Veterans Affairs, Stephen has dedicated his 
life to public service and the care of our nation's veterans. Stephen 
has left an indelible mark on the Central Valley through his commitment 
to the veteran community.
  Stephen honorably served our country for 36 years in the United 
States Navy. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War. As a reservist, he was 
activated in support of Operation Desert Storm and completed a tour in 
Iraq and Kuwait in 2004 as a Command Master Chief in support of 
Operation Iraqi Freedom. He attended Grantham University in Lenexa, 
Kansas and obtained a bachelor's degree in Business Administration in 
2011.
  Stephen began his career with the Department of Veteran Affairs in 
1977 as a staff nurse at the VA Palo Alto Healthcare System. He has 
served at eight VA facilities throughout his career, including the 
Northern California Health Care System, Sierra Pacific Network and Los 
Angeles. He was appointed Director of the VA Central California Health 
Care System in November 2015. His proven experience and sound 
leadership qualities made him the perfect fit to guide the Fresno VA.
  As director, Stephen was responsible for the delivery of health care 
for approximately 96,000 veterans throughout Central California, with 
an annual operating budget of $212 million. He oversees both the main 
campus in Fresno and the outpatient clinics in Tulare, Merced, and 
Oakhurst, California. My staff and I have had the pleasure of working 
closely with Director Bauman throughout his tenure. Stephen has gone 
above and beyond to help veterans in need of assistance in the Central 
Valley. I commend him for his exemplary work on behalf of the veterans 
who have sacrificed so much for our great nation.
  Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognition of 
Director Stephen R. Bauman, in honor of his remarkable career and 
contributions to the Department of Veteran Affairs. I wish Stephen the 
very best as he enters a new phase in his life. I ask that you join me 
in wishing Stephen and his family continued happiness and prosperity.

                          ____________________