[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 151 (Tuesday, September 19, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H4387]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        CONGRATULATING PRESIDENT CHRIS BAILEY ON HIS RETIREMENT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Washington (Ms. Perez) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to thank president Chris 
Bailey, who is retiring after dedicating 12 years to Lower Columbia 
College. Throughout his tenure, he diligently served students, staff, 
and the community, transforming Lower Community College into a vital 
educational hub in the region.
  As a testament to Chris' leadership, Lower Columbia College developed 
the Lower Columbia Regional Center, enabling folks to work and access 
higher education pathways. Chris was pivotal in introducing the 
college's first two bachelor of applied science degrees, as well as a 
vocational skills center, reflecting his commitment to expanding career 
opportunities for those at the college.
  We have been lucky to have a leader like Chris at Lower Columbia 
College. Mr. Speaker, I thank Chris for his dedication and wish him all 
the best in a well-deserved retirement.


                       Recognizing Mallonee Farms

  Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mallonee Farms, a 
family-owned dairy farm in my district. A few weeks ago, I was able to 
visit the farm in Curtis, Washington, where I met the farm's owner, 
Maynard Mallonee. Maynard is a third-generation dairy farmer and a 
member of the Organic Valley co-op.
  During my visit, I toured their farm, saw their new robotic milkers, 
and heard how Congress can support small, organic farms. Maynard is 
passionate about working for something bigger than himself. He works to 
be a good steward of his land, and he is already taking steps with his 
son, Jack, to ensure that the family farm continues for generations to 
come.
  Everyone at Mallonee Farms is fighting hard for their farm, and I am 
grateful to be in this fight with them. My focus is to ensure that 
Federal policy supports small, family farms like theirs.


        Cowlitz Complex Fires in Gifford Pinchot National Forest

  Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the Cowlitz Complex 
fires in the Gifford Pinchot National Forest. Thirty fires might sound 
like a bad movie plot, but with 695 acres in flames and 342 hardworking 
folks trying to keep it all under control, it is the reality of our 
community.
  To the diligent task forces--the California Incident Management Team 
13 and Rocky Mountain Incident Management Team 2--patrolling and 
monitoring the fires, especially around Pothole, Jackpot, and the Adams 
Fork regions--your steadfastness does not go unnoticed.
  We are thankful that potential threats, like the heat near Pothole, 
turned out to be benign. The task forces' preemptive actions are the 
backbone of our community's safety.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank the folks working these fires. Their tireless 
efforts protect our homes, our forests, and our future. Their 
commitment to contain these forests showcases the resilience of our 
community.


      Honoring a Dedicated Public Servant, Sergeant Richard Kelly

  Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a dedicated 
public servant and cherished member of our community, Sergeant Richard 
Kelly.
  On August 10, we lost Sergeant Kelly unexpectedly due to a medical 
emergency while in the line of duty. He was only 54.
  Sergeant Kelly's commitment to safeguarding our community was 
unwavering. He served the Battle Ground Police Department since 2005, 
where he ultimately rose to the rank of sergeant in 2019.
  Not only was he an officer of the law, he was a husband, father, 
brother, and a pillar of our community. He was respected and loved by 
all who had the privilege of knowing him.
  I personally recall his attentive presence at my Battle Ground 
townhall, a testament to his deep sense of duty and connection to the 
people that he served. His loss leaves a void in our community and in 
the hearts of all who knew him.
  Today, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life and 
service of Sergeant Richard Kelly. Our thoughts and prayers are with 
his family, his colleagues, and the entire Battle Ground community 
during this time. May his dedication serve as a lasting inspiration to 
us all.


   Remembering and Honoring Corporal Zachary ``Zac'' Clayton Merrill

  Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor Corporal 
Zachary ``Zac'' Clayton Merrill, who passed away on August 20.
  After graduating from college, Zac joined the Army, distinguishing 
himself as captain of the 82nd Airborne and leading an explosive 
ordnance team in Afghanistan.

  His commitment and valor earned him the Bronze Star, among other 
commendations. After the Army, Zac's call to service led him to the 
Vancouver Police Department, where he became an integral member of the 
crisis negotiation team and was eventually named unit leader. However, 
beyond the badges and commendations, Zac was a loving husband, son, 
brother, and uncle.
  He also had a profound bond with his grandfather, Stanley Merrill, 
also a Korean war veteran, which speaks volumes about his deep roots in 
service and sacrifice.
  Corporal Merrill's legacy of service, both on the battlefield and on 
our streets, will forever inspire and remind us of the sacrifices made 
by those who choose to serve.
  Mr. Speaker, I send my deepest condolences to his family, friends, 
and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

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