[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 29 (Wednesday, February 12, 2020)]
[House]
[Pages H1052-H1053]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        RECOGNIZING JUAN GUAIDO

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Arkansas (Mr. Hill) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, last week Venezuelan interim 
President Juan Guaido was welcomed with

[[Page H1053]]

bipartisan support in this Chamber as President Trump's guest for the 
State of the Union.
  For years, Venezuela's united Socialist party has pushed a once 
prosperous country towards desperate poverty and open tyranny.
  The wrongful detention of the Citgo Six for more than 2 years 
demonstrates the corrupt nature in which Maduro will do anything to 
remain in power.
  The United States and the Organization of American States should 
institute greater pressure and tighten sanctions against the Maduro 
regime and his cronies in order to support a return to a democratic 
Venezuela.
  I stand with President Guaido and the people of Venezuela and call on 
Maduro to step down and release the Citgo Six and all political 
prisoners or face greater sanctions.


              Honoring the Life and Legacy of Wilmer Plate

  Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
legacy of one of Arkansas's great veterans, Lieutenant Colonel Wilmer 
Plate, who recently passed away at the age of 99.

  Will was born in 1919 and began his long career of service shortly 
after the start of World War II. Will led numerous missions during the 
war as a commander of a 10-man crew in a B-24.
  Following the end of World War II, Will continued his service for 
more than three decades until his retirement from the Air Force as a 
chief warrant officer 4 and shortly after as a lieutenant colonel in 
the Air Force Reserve.
  Lieutenant Colonel Plate continued to provide crucial insight into 
World War II by publishing his memoir entitled, ``The Storm Clouds of 
War: Reflections of a World War II Bomber Pilot.''
  Will earned numerous medals and awards for his service, including, 
among many others, the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
  Will was a true American patriot, one of which all Americans and 
Arkansans can admire, and I extend my deepest respect, affection, and 
prayers to his friends, family, and loved ones.


              Honoring the Life and Legacy of Forrest Wood

  Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and 
legacy of one of Arkansas's great outdoorsmen, Mr. Forrest Wood, who 
recently passed away at the age of 87.
  Born in Flippin, Arkansas, Forrest was considered a pioneer in the 
fishing industry and the father of the modern bass boat.
  He founded Ranger Boats, a bass boat company that he designed and 
built principally for black bass fishing with his wife Nina. In 1968, 
Forrest was instrumental in the formation of the bass fishing 
tournament circuit.
  As a long-time Arkansas game and fish commissioner, he was a strong 
conservationist and devoted to Arkansas, the Natural State. Forrest was 
awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Sport Fishing 
Association of America and the BASS Federation. Forrest was also 
inducted into the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation Outdoor Hall of 
Fame and the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame.
  Forrest was an inspiration and friend to many across our State, and I 
extend my respect, affection, and prayers to his friends, family, and 
loved ones.


                        Recognizing Ron Chastain

  Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Major 
General Ron Chastain for recently being appointed as the civilian aide 
to the secretary of the Army.
  General Chastain was born in Paris, Arkansas, and was commissioned as 
a second lieutenant in the Army Reserve upon graduation from the ROTC 
program at Arkansas Tech University.
  General Chastain's distinguished military service in the Arkansas 
National Guard spanned nearly four decades, including service as 
adjutant general and receiving Federal recognition as a major general 
of the line in 2005.
  General Chastain spent over 30 years working for the U.S. Department 
of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency where he was responsible for the 
administration of Federal farm programs at the county, district, and 
State level.
  General Chastain has received numerous awards and decorations 
throughout his career, including the Army Distinguished Service Medal, 
the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star.
  I thank General Chastain for his decades of service to our Nation, 
and I wish him well in his new position with the U.S. Army.

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