February 10, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD -- Extensions of Remarks E229
Over the many years Alexander has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.
Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Alexander Frank Williams for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.
f TRIBUTE TO DR. MATTHEW ALLEN HON. MICHAEL T. McCAUL OF TEXAS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Tuesday, February 10, 2009 Mr. MCCAUL. Madam Speaker: I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Matthew Allen, nuclear physicist from Sandia National Laboratories, for his outstanding service to the Nation. Matt has served with distinction as a Fellow these last two years on the House Committee on Homeland Security, and has worked closely with me for the Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology.
Matt has been instrumental in providing technical expertise to me on critical nuclear-related matters affecting the security of the homeland. He was an essential resource in the successful introduction and ultimately House passage of the ``Next Generation Radiation Detection Act of 2008.'' His oversight and legislative work on issues such as radiation detectors, national nuclear forensics capabilities, and the Securing the Cities program was thorough, well informed, and infused with good humor.
Always wanting to learn and to do, Matt took an interest in areas beyond his personal comfort zone, including biosecurity, cybersecurity, and the nuances of the legislative process. He took enormous pride not only in the details of his work, but in the concept that a laboratory scientist could be invited to serve the Congress in such a central capacity. He referred to his fellowship as a ``study abroad'' program, and, like an idealistic student, delighted in everything the Hill and Washington, DC had to offer.
I applaud Matt's service and hope, long after he has returned to the lab bench, for his continued engagement in policymaking.
f HONORING JAMES TAYLOR SMITH HON. SAM GRAVES OF MISSOURI IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Tuesday, February 10, 2009 Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize James Taylor Smith of Platte City, Missouri. James is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 351, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.
James has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years James has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.
Upon graduating from Stanford University with his bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering he moved on to serve a Regular Commission as a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. Following Basic School he received Military Occupational Specialty as an infantry officer.
After six years of service in the Marine Corps, Jon and his wife Cathy moved to Corcoran where he was employed by the J.G.
Boswell Company as a civil engineer. Between the years of 1972 and 1978, Jon worked in the Boswell Company in Los Angeles, California as an Administrative Assistant to Mr. Jim Fisher and Jim Boswell. During his time in Los Angeles he served as a Reserve Police Officer for the City of Pasadena, California as a Level 1 Officer. In 1978, Jon moved back to Corcoran and continued to work with the Boswell Company's processing office.
In 1984, Mr. Rachford received his final discharge from the Marine Corp reserves, retiring as a Major. Soon after that in 1986 Jon started a new career and went into business with Bob Lyman and Terrell DeVaney as Cal-Econ Consultants and Cal-Econ Realty. He also managed and had partnership interests at South Lake Farms and White Ranch.
In 1992, Jon started his public service when he was elected as a Councilman with the Corcoran City Council. While on the Corcoran City Council he also served on the board of the Kings Waste and Recycling Authority. He also worked with many other local residents to bring a second prison to the community of Corcoran. Jon was also involved with the Corcoran Rotary Club.
After eight short years Jon was elected to the Kings County Board of Supervisors. Jon also served on a couple of committees such as the Kings Waste and Recycling Authority, Tule and Kaweah River Enlargement Committee, where there was much success on bringing additional water storage to Terminus Dam. Jon is also a member of the board of the Corcoran Community Foundation, serves on the Foundation's Executive board as Treasurer and volunteers as a member of the finance committee. In 2001, Mr. Jon Rachford retired from his public service but still continues to stay active in his community.
Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend and congratulate Jon Rachford for his recognition as ``Man of the Year.'' Upon this very much deserved award, we thank him for his service and we wish him continued success and best of luck for the future.
f HONORING ALEXANDER FRANK WILLIAMS HON. SAM GRAVES OF MISSOURI IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Tuesday, February 10, 2009 Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Alexander Frank Williams of Kansas City, Missouri. Alexander is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 314, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.
Alexander has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities.
Conservation Service) and the Auglaize County Soil and Water Conservation District. He was recognized repeatedly for his dedicated efforts to preserve our natural resources, receiving outstanding performance awards from the SCS and The Ohio State University.
Ivo's colleagues recently paid tribute to his 52 years in public service, citing his longstanding support of economic growth and responsible land use practices throughout the county. The experience and knowhow he brought to bear on issues facing Auglaize County will not soon be replaced.
As is to be expected from such a dedicated public servant, Ivo looks forward to getting involved in volunteer work during his retirement.
I know that his devotion to volunteerism will be an outstanding model and an inspiration to others.
I am proud to join the Auglaize County Board of Commissioners and the people of Auglaize County in congratulating Ivo on his distinguished public service career. We wish Ivo and his wife of 50 years, Camille, and their entire family every success as they move to a new chapter in their lives.
f HONORING JOSEPH LAIRD RICHEY HON. SAM GRAVES OF MISSOURI IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Tuesday, February 10, 2009 Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Joseph Laird Richey of Parkville, Missouri. Joseph is a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 314, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.
Joseph has been very active with his troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Joseph has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.
Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Joseph Laird Richey for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.
f HONORING JON RACHFORD HON. JIM COSTA OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Tuesday, February 10, 2009 Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute and congratulate the distinguished public service of Mr. Jon Rachford. Jon Rachford was honored as ``Man of the Year'' by the community of Corcoran, California at a reception held by the Corcoran Chamber of Commerce on January 28, 2009.
Mr. Jon Rachford was born on July 5, 1939, and grew up in Lindsay, where he attended school through his junior year in high school.
In 1956, Mr. Rachford moved to Hanford, California where he graduated from high school.
Upon graduating from high school Jon received a National Reserves Officers Training Corps scholarship to Stanford University.
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