[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 171 (Thursday, October 1, 2020)]
[House]
[Page H5112]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               RECOGNIZING LAKE COUNTY MANAGER JEFF COLE

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from 
Florida (Mr. Spano) for 5 minutes.
  Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Jeff Cole for 
his 30 years of distinguished service to the citizens of Florida, 
culminating this year with his retirement as the Lake County manager.
  Mr. Cole began his public service career in 1990, supporting the 
Brevard County Board of County Commissioners. In 1994, he embarked on a 
21-year journey with the St. Johns River Water Management District, 
overseeing intergovernmental affairs and public and media outreach.
  His long record of accomplishments brought him to Lake County in 
2016, where he took on heightened responsibilities and focused on 
enhancing government efficiencies and accountability, while improving 
the quality of life in Lake County.
  Through challenges ranging from Hurricane Irma to COVID-19, Mr. Cole 
remained accessible and demonstrated unwavering leadership and 
dedication to our community.
  Mr. Speaker, I wish Jeff and his wife, Audrey, the very best in the 
next chapter of their lives together. From the bottom of my heart, I 
thank Jeff for his commitment to our citizens and the legacy that he is 
leaving behind. He will be missed.


               Remembering Specialist Alexander J. Miller

  Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Specialist Alexander 
J. Miller, a young soldier who served our Nation in the Armed Forces 
and was, sadly, killed in combat in Nuristan province, Afghanistan, on 
July 31, 2009.
  Alex attended East Ridge High School in Clermont, Florida and, soon 
after graduation, enlisted in the U.S. Army, being assigned to the 1st 
Battalion, 32nd Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 10th 
Mountain Division, Light Infantry, based in Fort Drum, New York.
  Alex hoped to attend the University of Central Florida after 
completing his tour of duty, but that dream vanished when insurgents 
attacked his unit.
  Miller was awarded two medals posthumously: the Purple Heart and the 
Bronze Star.
  May his memory and sacrifices be a reminder to all of us of his 
service and love of country.
  Our thoughts and prayers remain with the entirety of the Miller 
family and his community these many years later.


             Remembering First Lieutenant Ivan D. Lechowich

  Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to celebrate the legacy of a 
local resident and hero of Florida's 15th District, First Lieutenant 
Ivan Lechowich.
  Lieutenant Lechowich was a devoted husband and loving father who 
served his country in uniform and was, sadly, killed in Ghazni 
province, Afghanistan, on September 28, 2011.
  Lieutenant Lechowich graduated from the International Baccalaureate 
Program at King High School, earned his undergraduate degree from the 
University of Florida in 2007, and, after joining the U.S. Army in 
2009, deployed to Afghanistan 2 years later.
  Ivan was serving as a Sapper Platoon leader for the 515th Sapper 
Company out of Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri, when an improvised 
explosive device took his life.
  Ivan was awarded the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Army Commendation 
Medal, and NATO Medal.
  To his beloved wife, Jenn; daughter, Natalie Marie; and the rest of 
the Lechowich family, our district and community still mourns the loss 
of Ivan these many years later. May his memory and many sacrifices be a 
reminder of his love for his family and his Nation.


               Remembering Sergeant Daniel McKinnon Angus

  Mr. SPANO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Sergeant Daniel 
McKinnon Angus, a local hero in Florida's 15th District, who was killed 
in action in Afghanistan on January 24, 2010.
  Daniel graduated from Armwood High School in 2000 and, in 2003, 
joined the U.S. Marine Corps where he knew he belonged and hoped to 
make a career of serving his community and country.
  Daniel stood out among his peers and received the Combat Action 
Ribbon, two Good Conduct Medals, the Afghanistan and Iraq Campaign 
Medals, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and a number of 
service decorations.
  Daniel loved spending time with his wife, Bonnie, and his 1-year-old 
daughter. Now 11 years old, may she always know and treasure the 
knowledge of her father's heroism.
  Men and women like Daniel who are willing to lay down their lives in 
defense of our country and in support of others many miles away are 
what make our Nation the greatest on Earth. Let us never take their 
sacrifice or that of their surviving families in vain.

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