[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 212 (Tuesday, December 16, 2025)]
[House]
[Pages H5907-H5908]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING MAYOR MOLLY COSTON
(Ms. Perez of Washington was recognized to address the House for 5
minutes.)
Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor someone who helped
shape the city of Washougal for the better, former Mayor Molly Coston.
Most folks in Washougal didn't call her Mayor Coston. They called her
Mayor Molly because she exuded grace, tenacity, and friendliness.
Molly served her community for nearly a decade on the city council
and then as mayor from 2018 to 2021.
Molly didn't sit on the sidelines. She rolled up her sleeves. She was
involved in every effort, from revitalizing downtown Washougal to her
service to local community groups, including 25 years in her local
Rotary Club. If there was work to be done, Molly showed up.
Molly lived a big life outside of city hall, too. She was even a
master scuba diver. She brought that same sense of curiosity and
courage to her public service.
Mayor Molly Coston passed away this November at the age of 77.
Washougal is better because Molly made it her home, and her impact will
last for generations.
Celebrating Chris Guenther
Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a talented
songwriter and Mossyrock native, Chris Guenther.
Southwest Washington is a place that is built on hard work, mills,
farms, welding, logging, and small businesses. With that comes a
certain kind of music. It is honest and real.
Chris Guenther has been carrying that sound for decades. This year,
he was nominated by the International Western Music Association for
both Songwriter of the Year and Western Album of the Year for his
record ``Singing to Cows.''
I will admit that I have sung to cows. I have never thought about
telling people I do that or writing a song about it. I have to ask
Chris how his cows feel about Roy Rogers' lyrics: Beef, sweet beef,
next week you will boil and fry.
That is exactly why people connect with him. He is genuine. He tells
the truth. He plays the kind of music that comes from living the life
he sings about.
Mr. Speaker, Chris Guenther has a lot more ahead of him, and I am
proud to recognize him today as one of the artists keeping the spirit
of our district alive and well.
Recognizing Kelso High School and Kelso Police Department
Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight a powerful example
in my district that shows how investing in career and technical
education strengthens both our community and public safety.
In October of this year, students from Kelso High School's advanced
welding class teamed up with the Kelso Police Department to fabricate,
install, and reinforce pit bars on two decommissioned patrol vehicles,
converting them to safe, durable training cars for officers to practice
the precision immobilization technique.
I have to say, I am kind of jealous of the kids. Having kids be able
to get real, tangible experience is something that cannot be duplicated
in a textbook. That is what is so amazing about CTE programs. They are
making resources and skills available that they cannot get elsewhere.
They cannot get that online. This is an asset for them whenever they
are ready to hit the workforce.
When I visited Kelso High School in April, I saw firsthand how
welding, automotive, culinary, and other CTE courses give young people
a pathway to good careers.
I am proud to represent a district that leads the hard way, the real
way, with respect for how things used to be done and creativity in
bringing those practices to bear today.
Happy 100th Birthday to Harry Humason
Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a remarkable American
hero, Mr. Harry Humason, who turns the vibrant age of 100 this
December.
Harry volunteered to join the Army in December 1943. He valiantly
fought in World War II, with Patton's 3rd Army, 5th Infantry Division,
2nd Infantry Regiment, helping to liberate Frankfurt, Germany, and
towns in Czechoslovakia.
This year, his daughter raised funds to bring him to Europe and visit
places that he had not seen since he was there in combat, and he was
greeted as a hero. People remembered him and remembered what he had
done for their country and the world.
After the war, Harry used the GI Bill to earn a bachelor's degree in
mechanical engineering and went on to build missiles and rockets at the
Naval Ordnance Test Station, a true example of American ingenuity and
service after service.
I have had the honor of spending time with Harry, and I know him not
just as a veteran but as a thoughtful, engaged public servant. Harry is
an example of doing unto others as you would like to be done to you.
[[Page H5908]]
Mr. Speaker, I wish Harry a happy birthday. May all of his courage
and integrity continue to inspire us all.
Honoring Humaira Falkenberg
Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and service
of Humaira Falkenberg as she retires from Pacific County PUD after
nearly 15 years devoted to public service.
Humaira has stood for reliable energy, economic self-determination
for rural communities, and the belief that the small things attended to
with joy and diligence are the building blocks of a more beautiful
world.
Beyond her work at the PUD, Humaira has brought her full self to her
community as a leader for JEDI Outdoors, a ski instructor, an alpinist,
a ski mountaineer, and a kite surfer. Her life reminds us that public
service and personal passion can go hand in hand.
I have worked with Humaira on issues like grid capacity, support for
existing power generation, and the well-being of rural communities. I
have seen her integrity, vision, and dedication. She helped shape our
community not just through power lines but through joy, service, and
candor.
Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking her for her
service and to wish her a retirement filled with continued purpose,
community, and adventure.
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