[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 147 (2001), Part 16]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 22934]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]



       LEGISLATION TO DESIGNATE THE RICH GUADAGNO VISITORS CENTER

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                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, November 16, 2001

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce 
legislation to honor the memory of one of my constituents who perished 
on United Flight 93, Richard J. Guadagno. Rich was the manager of the 
Humboldt Bay National Wildlife Refuge and devoted his life to the 
preservation of wildlife. This legislation will designate the 
Headquarters and Visitors Center of the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife 
Refuge as the Richard J. Guadagno Headquarters and Visitors Center.
  As we know, the passengers aboard Flight 93 undoubtedly saved 
hundreds, if not thousands, of lives by thwarting the disastrous intent 
of the terrorists. Rich had a law enforcement background that would 
have aided him in his convictions and his desire to prevent an even 
greater tragedy. All Americans, especially those of us who work at the 
U.S. Capitol, have these brave individuals to thank for preventing 
further terror on September 11th, 2001.
  Rich was also a hero to all those who care about wildlife and the 
environment. Rich began a career in public service as a biologist at 
the New Jersey Fish and Game Department and the Great Swamp National 
Wildlife Refuge. Before joining the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife 
Refuge, he worked at the Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge in 
Delaware, Supawna Meadows National Refuge in New Jersey, and the 
Baskett Slough and Ankeny National Wildlife Refuges in Oregon.
  Colleagues in the Fish and Wildlife Service consistently commended 
his courage and dedication to conservation and protecting biological 
diversity. As refuge manager at the Humboldt Bay National Wildlife 
Refuge, he led with a vision that his colleagues embraced and admired. 
He always kept the best interests of the refuge at heart, and he 
enthusiastically worked to improve the condition of the refuge.
  When Rich boarded Flight 93, he was leaving Newark, New Jersey after 
visiting his family and his grandmother on her 100th birthday. His 
memory will live on in the proud hearts and minds of his family and 
friends. All Americans will join his girlfriend, Diqui LaPenta, his 
sister Lori Guadagno, his parents Jerry and Beatrice Guadagno in 
remembering Rich as a true hero.
  Mr. Speaker, Richard Guadagno worked his entire life to make the 
better place for all of us. He was truly a great American. Please join 
me in passing this legislation, so that Rich Guadagno and his 
tremendous successes in life will always be remembered.

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