[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 102 (Wednesday, June 15, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E624-E625]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                      HONORING CHRISTINE GALLAGHER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JARED HUFFMAN

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 15, 2022

  Mr. HUFFMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Christine 
(Chris) Gallagher upon her retirement from the United States Army Corp 
of Engineers where she served the San Francisco District's Bay Model 
Visitor Center (Bay Model) in Sausalito, California for nearly four 
decades, and for a lifetime of extraordinary public service.
  Originally from Maryland, Chris moved to Marin County to complete her 
B.A. in Environmental Education from Dominican University in 1983. Upon 
graduating, she joined the National Park Service, working for the 
Golden Gate National Recreation Area in the Marin Headlands, before 
transitioning to the Regional Office of the U.S. Forest Service-Pacific 
Southwest Region. Chris joined the Bay Model in 1986, serving the U.S. 
Army Corps of Engineers as Education Coordinator and was soon promoted 
to Park Manager in 2001, a position she held for over twenty years.

[[Page E625]]

  During her tenure with the Bay Model, Chris was an integral member of 
the management team, leading critical improvement projects, including a 
$16.5 million renovation that featured the U.S. Army Corps of 
Engineer's largest solar installation. Hosting 150,000 visitors a year, 
the Bay Model has long been a pinnacle of community education, and with 
Chris's exemplary ambassador skills, its significance grew. She 
fostered and developed partnerships across the local community, 
government entities, and educational groups. When COVID-19 presented an 
unprecedented challenge for education centers like the Bay Model, Chris 
sprang into action, converting the facility into a space for 
manufacturing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). Between April and 
May of 2020, 10,000 face shields were shipped from the Bay Model, 
directly supporting the pandemic response during a pivotal time for the 
Nation.
  In addition to her exemplary service to the Bay Model, Chris is a 
dedicated volunteer, sharing her skills and energy as a valued member 
of the Sausalito Rotary Club, Sausalito Chamber of Commerce, the 
Sausalito-Sakaide Sister City program, and several other city boards 
and committees. This service has been recognized with numerous 
accolades throughout her tenure, including the Commander's Award for 
Civilian Service and Achievement Medal for Civilian Service.
  The breadth and depth of Chris's professional and volunteer career 
are inspiring, and her many positive contributions will continue to 
impact the community for years to come. Madam Speaker, I respectfully 
ask that you join me in expressing gratitude to Chris for her enduring 
service and extending heartfelt congratulations on her retirement from 
the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and Bay Model Visitor Center and best 
wishes on her next endeavors.

                          ____________________