[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 159 (2013), Part 2]
[Senate]
[Page 1812]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




                      WELCOMING THE GUEST CHAPLAIN

  Mr. CRAPO. Thank you, Senator Reid.
  I rise today to thank Chaplain Ronald L. Derrick for joining us today 
to offer the Senate's opening prayer. I am honored to have the 
privilege of welcoming this esteemed Idahoan to the U.S. Senate to 
serve as our guest chaplain.
  Chaplain Derrick, who is joining us from Rigby, ID, has many years of 
service to our community and our Nation. He served our Nation in the 
U.S. Army from 1966 to 1968. He retired from his Bonneville County, ID, 
job after 23 years as a printer and mail clerk and he is also a former 
county coroner, Driggs Chamber of Commerce president, and volunteer EMT 
firefighter. In 1987, the American Legion recognized Chaplain Derrick 
as Idaho's firefighter of the year.
  Chaplain Derrick was ordained into the ministry in 1979 through the 
Solid Rock Pentecostal Church, and he continues to serve in various 
aspects of ministry. Reflecting his long spiritual contributions to the 
community, he was given the high honor of serving as National Chaplain 
of the American Legion for the 2012-2013 term. Through this position, 
he performs and oversees services and provides prayers and guidance for 
the Legion's 2.4 million members. As a 40-year member of the American 
Legion, he has a strong connection with his fellow veterans, 
servicemembers, and the communities he serves. In addition to serving 
as National Chaplain, he has served at a number of other leadership 
positions in the American Legion. Truly, his devotion to those in his 
community and his Nation has touched the lives of many in civic and 
spiritual ways.
  Chaplain Derrick has been married for 45 years to his wife Bird, who 
serves as the Department of Idaho Auxiliary Chaplain. They have three 
children: Tim, Andrew, and Dana Sue, and nine grandchildren.
  Chaplain Derrick, thank you for your dedication and service and the 
blessing you are bringing to the Senate today. This Congress and our 
Nation have considerable challenges ahead. These challenges require 
fortitude and understanding. I join you in praying for our country, and 
greatly value your prayer today and your service.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. The majority leader.

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