[Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 40 (Tuesday, March 3, 2026)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E182]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING 100 YEARS OF THE CRAG RATS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MAXINE DEXTER

                               of oregon

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, March 3, 2026

  Ms. DEXTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a remarkable 
organization from Hood River, Oregon: Crag Rats.
  Since 1926, the Crag Rats have answered the call when Oregonians and 
visitors find themselves in danger on our mountains and in our gorges. 
As the Nation's oldest search and rescue organization, they conduct 
roughly thirty rescue missions each year--bringing climbers, hikers, 
and adventurers home safely.
  This volunteer-run nonprofit serves Hood River, Mount Hood, and the 
Columbia River Gorge with extraordinary skill and courage. Their 
members train relentlessly. To earn the title of Crag Rat, volunteers 
must summit Mount Hood and Mount Adams, complete first aid and incident 
command training, attend meetings consistently, and be voted in by 
their peers before even becoming probationary members. That standard 
reflects the seriousness of their mission and the trust our community 
places in them.
  As a physician, I understand the urgency of emergency responses. 
Minutes matter. Preparation matters. Lives depend on steady hands and 
clear heads. The work of search and rescue is demanding and dangerous, 
and it requires deep commitment to community.
  For one hundred years, the Crag Rats have embodied the very best of 
Oregon--service, resilience, humility, and courage. Their value is 
measured in missions completed, in families reunited, in tragedies 
averted, and in the quiet confidence our community feels knowing they 
stand ready.
  I thank every volunteer who has given time, strength, and expertise 
to this extraordinary organization.
  Mr. Speaker, please join me as I congratulate the Crag Rats on one 
hundred years of service and honor their enduring commitment to keep 
Oregon safe.

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