[Congressional Record Volume 165, Number 85 (Tuesday, May 21, 2019)]
[House]
[Page H4015]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING BOB DINGEMAN

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
California (Mr. Peters) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. PETERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the late Colonel 
Robert ``Bob'' Dingeman, a decorated veteran and beloved community 
leader who dedicated his entire life to service.
  Bob's commitment to service began when he was just a teenager. He was 
living with his family in Hawaii and serving in the Reserve Officers' 
Training Corps when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Bob helped to 
get the women and children to safety before joining the defense of the 
base, and the events of that day led Bob to a life of military service.
  He graduated from West Point in 1945 and went on to serve in World 
War II, the Korean war, and the Vietnam war. During his decades of 
service, Bob earned a Silver Star, Soldier's Medal, Bronze Star, and 
Purple Heart.
  After retiring from the Army, Bob earned multiple master's degrees 
and worked as a college professor at San Diego Miramar College, 
teaching math, history, and political science.
  Bob became a pillar of San Diego's Scripps Ranch community where he 
and his wife, Gaye, and their children made their home.
  Bob helped create the town's council, the Scripps Ranch Civic 
Association; organized many annual traditions, including the Fourth of 
July Parade; and established the community newsletter.
  The Robert E. Dingeman Elementary School opened in 1995, so named by 
the San Diego Unified School District to recognize Bob Dingeman's 
accomplishments in the community. The school celebrates Bob Dingeman 
Day every year on June 12, Bob's birthday.
  Scripps Ranch and San Diego are better off for Bob's leadership and 
his community involvement. His legacy of military and volunteer service 
will continue to be an example for us all.
  Please join me in honoring Bob Dingeman for his dedication to Scripps 
Ranch and his service to the country.


     Recognizing Marine Corps Air Station Miramar's Commitment to 
                           Alternative Energy

  Mr. PETERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Marine Corps Air 
Station Miramar on receiving a 2019 Secretary of Defense Environmental 
Award.
  The award recognizes Marine Corps Air Station Miramar's commitment to 
protecting the environment while supporting the mission of the 
military.
  The United States Department of Defense is the world's largest user 
of fossil fuels, and when the price of those fuels spike, it harms our 
mission. That is why the Marine Corps views energy security as national 
security.
  The marines at Miramar have led on energy storage research through a 
partnership with the California Energy Commission's Electric Program 
Investment Charge and deployed a methane-to-energy project from an 
onsite landfill that generates half the base's energy.
  MCAS Miramar's installation-wide microgrid delivers 100 percent 
renewable energy to the base. Its distribution can provide reliable 
energy to mission-critical facilities for 3 weeks if they are ever 
disconnected from the grid.
  This achievement has wide implications for the Marines, San Diego, 
and the way we power our world. Energy innovation has always come 
naturally to the military, and MCAS Miramar embodies San Diego's 
forward-thinking approach and commitment to sustainability.
  I thank Marine Corps Air Station Miramar and all marines stationed 
there for their service to our Nation. I thank Marine Corps leadership 
for their dedication to alternative energy.

  Please join me in congratulating Marine Corps Air Station Miramar on 
the 2019 Secretary of Defense Environmental Award.


             Recognizing New Children's Museum of San Diego

  Mr. PETERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the New 
Children's Museum of San Diego, winner of the 2019 National Medal for 
Museum and Library Service. This award is the highest honor given to 
museums that demonstrate extraordinary and innovative approaches to 
community service.
  The New Children's Museum, which will celebrate its 36th anniversary 
this year, is a cornerstone of arts and culture for San Diego families.
  The museum is certainly a model for engaging people of all 
backgrounds with art. They collaborate with community centers, social 
service organizations, and schools to spread art, creativity, and play 
outside the museum.
  The New Children's Museum employs a philosophy that enables children 
to learn through play. Their philosophy is pervasive in their immersive 
exhibits that allow children to climb, touch, build, and engage with 
the art.
  I brought my own children there to think, play, and create, like so 
many families, when they were younger.
  Today, the museum offers free and reduced admission for military 
families, Head Start groups, homeless and foster children, migrant 
families, and more.
  This award is a testament to the New Children's Museum's service to 
San Diegans.
  Please join me in honoring the New Children's Museum.

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