[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 158 (2012), Part 11]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 14996]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                   A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF AL WAGNER

                                 ______
                                 

                             HON. JIM COSTA

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, October 9, 2012

  Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a sad and heavy heart to 
honor the life of one of Central California's most treasured public 
servants, Mr. Al Wagner of Wasco, California. Al led an exemplary life 
filled with a strong faith in God and a reverence for service. His 
dedication and loyalty to the people of the San Joaquin Valley, coupled 
with his warm and caring nature made him a true source of pride for our 
Valley. We say goodbye to Al as a son, brother, friend, mentor, and 
dedicated public servant.
  His many contributions to the San Joaquin Valley and California were 
exemplified through his work in the California State Legislature, which 
began in 1998 when he served as Chief of Staff for then Assembly Member 
Dean Florez, and subsequently as District Director for State Senator 
Michael J. Rubio. Upon retiring from public service with elected 
officials, Al went to work at Valley Baptist Church, where he also 
worshipped.
  Al genuinely cared about people and it was reflected in his superior 
moral character and advocacy work. He was a dependable and effective 
champion for the people he most cared about and always maintained a 
commitment to fighting for what was right, meritorious, and fair. He 
was fluent in American Sign Language and Spanish--further indicating 
his true dedication to service. Al also managed to find time to do 
business-related work for Baptist missions in poor villages and 
orphanages in Central and South America, as well as Eastern Europe.
  A valued political strategist and community activist, Al served as a 
friend and mentor to many up-and-coming politicos, including several 
members of my staff. Al willingly shared his expertise and leadership 
in hopes of developing the next generation of leaders for our Valley, 
State, and Nation.
  Al will be best remembered by those who knew him for his wit, love of 
people, and simple generosity. He gave of himself freely, and for that 
selflessness, we honor him.
  Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I ask my colleagues in the 
House of Representatives to pay tribute to the life of Al Wagner--a 
faithful public servant, friend, and great American.

                          ____________________