[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 61 (Wednesday, April 10, 2024)]
[House]
[Pages H2256-H2257]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  DYLAN JUDE HARRELL COMMUNITY CENTER

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Washington (Ms. Perez) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today with immense pride 
to recognize DJH Kids, a remarkable nonprofit organization in my 
district. This exceptional group has successfully obtained a key permit 
for the proposed Dylan Jude Harrell Community Center in Ilwaco.
  This community center honors the life of Dylan Jude Harrell, who was 
4 years old when she was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine 
glioma, a rare and incurable brain cancer, before passing away 20 
months later.
  This community center will strengthen the foundations of Ilwaco by 
addressing the childcare crisis working families are facing and 
bringing together folks for recreational activities and community-led 
events.
  Community centers like this one are key at a time when the average 
cost of childcare in the U.S. has risen by 220 percent in the last 30 
years.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the 
folks at DJH Kids and the entire team supporting the Dylan Jude Harrell 
Community Center. I am excited for what the future of Ilwaco has in 
store.


                     Honoring Deputy Drew Kennison

  Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the remarkable 
resilience and dedication of Deputy Drew Kennison of the Clark County 
Sheriff's Office. With his 15-year tenure, Deputy Kennison embodies the 
essence of a public servant.
  Just a year following an incident that led to the amputation of his 
left leg above the knee, Deputy Kennison made a return to patrol duty. 
His injury resulted from a duty-related accident where a falling tree 
branch trapped him in his patrol vehicle. It was the efforts of his 
fellow SWAT team members and emergency responders who saved his life in 
a moment that reflected the best of those who serve our community.
  Deputy Kennison remained positive and determined to return to service 
throughout his recovery. His journey is a testament to his character 
and passion for service.
  Mr. Speaker, I stand with my community in honoring his unwavering 
commitment to duty and wish him success as he works toward rejoining 
the SWAT team. Deputy Kennison embodies the best of southwest 
Washington and our law enforcement community, and we extend our 
heartfelt gratitude for his service and the inspiration he provides to 
us all.


         Honoring Douglas ``Bill'' Swartz on His 100th birthday

  Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor a remarkable 
individual in my district, Mr. Douglas ``Bill'' Swartz, a distinguished 
World War II veteran who recently celebrated his 100th birthday.
  Bill's service journey began in the Navy, where he achieved the 
prestigious rank of radioman first class while stationed on the USS 
Clark Mills. While serving on the USS Clark Mills, the vessel was 
struck by a torpedo in the Mediterranean and sank.
  Remarkably, Bill survived this dire situation, being rescued by a 
British tug, and his service journey didn't end there. Bill's service 
took him to the USS Kingsbury, and from there to Hiroshima.
  Following World War II, Bill met and married his beloved Nancy in 
1947, and they were happily married for 68 years. During this period, 
Bill was called back to the Navy to serve in the Korean war as a 
seaplane tender in Japan.
  After his Navy career, he worked for the Federal Home Loan Bank as a 
loan examiner.
  In recognizing Bill Swartz today, we honor not only his personal 
journey but also the indomitable spirit and sacrifice of countless 
veterans who have selflessly served our Nation. Bill's story serves as 
an example of courage, resilience, and dedication to the principles we 
all hold dear as Americans.


               Honoring the Life of Sergeant Alec Langen

  Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Sergeant Alec 
Langen, who was a graduate of Washougal High School in my district and 
one of the five marines killed in the February 6 helicopter crash 
during a training flight near San Diego.
  Sergeant Langen graduated from Washougal High School, where my son 
would attend high school, in 2018. He enlisted right out of high 
school.
  Becoming a marine was a lifelong dream of his, allowing him to follow 
in the footsteps of his father.
  He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in October 2022 and was a 
crew chief for the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter just like his dad. 
Over his career, he earned several decorations, including Navy and 
Marine Corps Achievement Medals, a Good Conduct Medal, and many, many 
others.
  Sergeant Langen's story serves as a reminder of the sacrifice our 
military members and their families face while they serve our Nation.

[[Page H2257]]

  To his family and loved ones both in Washougal and across the 
country: I will never understand how deeply you feel his loss every 
day, but I assure you that Sergeant Alec Langen's sacrifice and example 
for our country will not be forgotten.

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