[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 50 (Thursday, March 21, 2019)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E322-E323]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     THANKING CHIEF BILL JOHN BAKER

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEVIN HERN

                              of oklahoma

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, March 21, 2019

  Mr. KEVIN HERN of Oklahoma. Madam Speaker, I rise today to thank 
Chief Bill John Baker for his many years of service to the Cherokee 
people and to his community. Chief Baker's service to the Cherokee 
Nation and the state of Oklahoma has touched the lives of many, whether 
acting in the capacity of Principal Chief of the Cherokee Nation, as a 
Cherokee Tribal Councilor, as PTA President, as President of the 
Tahlequah Chamber of Commerce, or as the coach of local youth sports 
teams.
  Personally, my wife Tammy and I can attest to Chief Bill John Baker's 
dedication to community by our mutual involvement in the Ronald 
McDonald House Charities. When we first moved to Muskogee Oklahoma, 
Tammy called Chief Baker to bring his attention to the Cherokee Nation 
women's use of the Ronald McDonald House--roughly 1/3rd of the House's 
inhabitants are Cherokee citizens. Without hesitation, Chief Baker 
stepped up to the plate and asked--how much money does Ronald McDonald 
House need?
  Chief Baker's accomplishments have been heralded by his colleagues 
and neighbors alike. The town of Okay is grateful for the Veterans 
Monument project that Chief Baker spearheaded. People recall the 
countless times that he expedited housing assistance for disabled and 
elderly Cherokee citizens. Chief Baker's friends, neighbors, and those 
who

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may not have had the pleasure of knowing him will benefit for years to 
come because of the extra first response vehicles that he helped secure 
for the Fire Department and the drivers education cars that he worked 
to provide for the local schools.
  All these amazing things that Chief Bill John Baker had a hand in, 
ultimately help raise awareness of the Cherokee people and their 
presence in Northeastern Oklahoma. I congratulate Chief Baker on his 
retirement, as it is well deserved

                          ____________________