November 19, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2267 

our deepest thanks and appreciation to Bill as 

he brings his career in state government to an 

end. 

Visionary, community leader, activist, teacher, advocate, mentor, and friend are just some 

of the descriptions one could use for Bill 

Dyson. He is one of those rare individuals who 

has dedicated a lifetime to public service. As 

an educator and one of Connecticut’s most respected lawmakers, Bill has been a powerful 

voice in the State legislature as well as in the 

New Haven Public School system. 

In the more than 3 decades that Bill served 

in Connecticut’s House of Representatives, Bill 

has served on a variety of committees and 

caucuses including many years as the chairman of the Appropriations Committee. He has 

been a champion of the arts, securing funding 

which has helped New Haven’s rich arts community to flourish and is perhaps best known 

for his leadership on issues dealing with children, ex-offenders and the mentally ill as his 

work on their behalf has translated into meaningful public policy. 

During his tenure he was often the strong 

voice of reason in what at times could be a 

chaotic session. I have no doubt that his colleagues will long remember his booming 

voice—commanding their attention and calling 

for common sense dialogue. His straight-forward, no nonsense attitude garnered him the 

respect of his colleagues and constituents 

alike. Bill is a reflection of all that we hope our 

political leaders will be and his presence at 

the Capitol will certainly be missed. 

I must also take this opportunity to thank Bill 

for his many years of special friendship—one 

which harkens back to my own service in city 

government. Bill is an extraordinary man 

whose impact on our community and our public policy cannot be understated. He has left 

an indelible mark and a legacy—both political 

and personal—that is sure to inspire many 

generations to come. 

It is for these reasons and countless more 

that I am honored to stand today to pay tribute 

to my dear friend, the Honorable William R. 

Dyson, as he is recognized by the New Haven 

community for his outstanding contributions. 

He is one-of-a-kind and I wish him many more 

years of health and happiness as he enjoys 

his retirement. 

f 

RECOGNIZING HOWARD JAMES 

STRICKLER OF LAKE COUNTY, 

CALIFORNIA 

HON. MIKE THOMPSON OF CALIFORNIA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, November 19, 2008 

Mr. THOMPSON of California. Madam 

Speaker, I rise today to recognize Chief Howard Strickler on the occasion of his retirement 

from the Kelseyville Fire Protection District of 

Lake County, California after 32 years of service, 28 of them as Fire Chief. Chief Strickler’s 

leadership will be truly missed by his colleagues and the people of Lake County. 

Chief Strickler is a native son, graduating 

from Kelseyville High School in 1967. His career in public service began in the U.S. Army, 

where he served from 1970–1973. After his 

discharge, he worked with the White House 

Communications Agency before coming home 

and joining the Fire Protection District. 

Chief Strickler has lived in Kelseyville for 47 

years and has done more than perhaps anyone else over that time to keep Lake County 

residents safe. During his tenure he was instrumental in the implementation of the county’s first paramedic program as well the first 

countywide Hazardous Materials Response 

Team. He also helped develop a 911 First Responder Agreement that is now used by all fire 

departments, EMS and law enforcement agencies in the county. 

Chief Strickler has earned the undying admiration of all who have worked for him and 

with him. To a person, they describe Chief 

Strickler as the consummate leader, someone 

who instills confidence in everyone around him 

and whose compassion and love for the community shines through. He is a family man 

whose quiet sense of humor and listening 

skills always made his employees feel comfortable and at home. He will be missed a 

great deal. 

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to 

recognize Chief Howard Strickler for his many 

years of service to Kelseyville and all of Lake 

County, California, and to thank him for his 

many contributions on behalf of our country 

and his community. I join his wife, Debbie, his 

two children, and five grandchildren in wishing 

him the best as he enters this new phase of 

his life. 

f 

EARMARK DECLARATION 

HON. RON PAUL OF TEXAS

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, November 19, 2008 

Mr. PAUL. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the 

Republican leadership standards on earmarks, 

I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations 

Act (H.R. 2638): 

Requesting member: Ron Paul. 

Bill number: H.R. 2638. 

Account: Rdt&E Defense Health Program. 

Legal name of requesting entity: Gulf Chemical and Metallurgical Corporation. 

Address of requesting entity: PO Box 2290, 

302 Midway Road, Freeport, TX 77542–2290. 

Description of request: The project earmarks 

$3,000,000 for a Department of Defense lead 

study of vanadium to assess the health safety 

and risks of military and civilian workers exposed to vanadium through work in military 

applications. 

f 

HONORING DR. PETER G. MEHAS 

HON. JIM COSTA OF CALIFORNIA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, November 19, 2008 

Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today 

along with Congressman RADANOVICH to congratulate Dr. Peter Mehas upon his induction 

into the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame. Dr. 

Mehas was honored at the 50th anniversary 

enshrinement dinner of the Fresno Athletic 

Hall of Fame on Thursday, November 6, 2008. 

Peter Mehas’ love of sports was nurtured 

during his childhood, as he shagged baseballs 

as a bat boy for the Fresno Cardinals at Euless Park. Although he never considered himself a great athlete, Dr. Mehas was an AllAmerican center/linebacker at Fresno City College, and a member of the 1961 California 

State University, Fresno Mercy Bowl team. 

After graduating from California State University, Fresno, Dr. Mehas coached the football, 

soccer and tennis teams at Roosevelt High 

School. His tennis teams won five straight 

North Yosemite League titles. 

After receiving his masters degree, and 

coaching football at University of California, 

Los Angeles, Dr. Mehas returned to Fresno 

where he taught and coached future Fresno 

Hall of Famers Charle Young and Charles Anthony, both football players at Edison High 

School. Dr. Mehas moved into administration 

for Clovis Unified School District, and assisted 

in the development of many programs and facilities; including Clovis High School’s 

Lamonica Stadium and the Clovis West High 

School Olympic Swim Complex. He earned his 

doctorate in Education from the University of 

Southern California in 1979. 

Dr. Mehas has served as the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame president for 15 years. At 

the time of his induction, his professional and 

civic career is a notable example of applying 

the lessons learned in athletics to other endeavors. Under his leadership, the Hall of 

Fame expanded on its mission of honoring the 

Valley’s greatest sports heroes and inspiring 

youngsters to follow in their footsteps. He also 

has been instrumental in expanding athletic 

opportunities for women. 

Politics came next as Dr. Mehas served as 

Governor George Deukmejian’s secretary of 

education and a trustee for the State Board of 

Education and California’s Community Colleges. In 1990, he was elected to the first of 

four terms as the Fresno County superintendent of schools. In 2007, he was appointed to the California State University board 

of trustees. 

Madam Speaker, we rise today to commend 

and congratulate Dr. Peter Mehas upon his 

achievements and induction into the Fresno 

Athletic Hall of Fame. I invite my colleagues to 

join me in wishing Dr. Mehas congratulations 

on his many accomplishments. 

f 

RECOGNIZING JAMES P. CHITWOOD 

UPON HIS RETIREMENT 

HON. JEFF MILLER OF FLORIDA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, November 19, 2008 

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, on 

behalf of the United States Congress, it is an 

honor for me to rise today in recognition of 

James P. Chitwood upon his retirement as the 

Executive Director of the College Advancement and Foundation for Northwest Florida 

State College. 

As executive director of the College Advancement and Foundation for Northwest Florida State College, an organization that provides educational and charitable aid to the 

Northwest Florida State College, Mr. Chitwood 

has greatly expanded the fundraising abilities 

of the school and has helped it obtain the 

sixth greatest endowment among community 

colleges in the United States. 

Over the past 20 years, the Foundation for 

Northwest Florida State College, under the direction of Mr. Chitwood, has evolved into an 


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E2268 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks November 19, 2008 

outstanding institution that greatly promotes 

education. In just 20 years, the foundation’s 

assets grew by over $45 million and created 

some of the most notable foundations and 

buildings in the area. The expansion of the 

Chautauqua Center in DeFuniak Springs was 

one of the first projects undertaken by the organization. Its success was followed by the 

construction of the Robert L. F. Sikes Center 

in Crestview, Florida, and the South Walton 

Center in Santa Rosa Beach, Florida. The 

foundation also launched the Arts Center Endowment Campaign and, when the college’s 

focus shifted to health programs, the foundation began the Nursing and Health Technology 

Campaign. 

For many years to come, the Northwest 

Florida community will continue to benefit from 

the lasting impression made by Mr. Chitwood. 

His inspiring involvement in the community 

and dedication to expanding education has 

provided infinite opportunities to the surrounding area. Though retirement will signal 

the end of Mr. Chitwood’s formal career with 

the Northwest Florida State College, it is 

merely the beginning of the lasting legacy that 

he leaves behind. 

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United 

States Congress, I am proud to recognize 

James P. Chitwood upon his retirement and 

for his exemplary service in the First District of 

Florida. 

f 

HONORING MARK LEHN BALDWIN 

III 

HON. SAM GRAVES OF MISSOURI

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, November 19, 2008 

Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly 

pause to recognize Mark Lehn Baldwin III of 

Kansas City, Missouri. Mark 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 1314, and earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. 

Mark has been very active with his troop, 

participating in many Scout activities. Over the 

many years Mark 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 Mark Lehn Baldwin III 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 1998 CALIFORNIA STATE 

UNIVERSITY, FRESNO, SOFTBALL 

TEAM MEMBERS 

HON. GEORGE RADANOVICH OF CALIFORNIA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, November 19, 2008 

Mr. RADANOVICH. Madam Speaker, I rise 

today along with Congressman COSTA to congratulate the 1998 California State University, 

Fresno, Softball Team upon its induction into 

the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame. The team 

members and coaches will be honored at the 

50th anniversary enshrinement dinner of the 

Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame on Thursday, November 6, 2008. 

On a hot day in late May 1998, second 

baseman Nina Lindenberg sent the first pitch 

in the bottom of the sixth inning over the leftfield fence and the Lady Bulldogs into history. 

The home run off Arizona ace, Nancy Evans, 

was Lindenberg’s 13th of the season, gave 

the Bulldogs a 1–0 lead in the championship 

game at Hall of Fame Stadium in Oklahoma 

City, Oklahoma. The Women’s College Softball World Series Most Valuable Player, 

Amanda Scott, then polished off a three-hit 

shutout, and the Wildcats, as California State 

University, Fresno, claimed its first NCAA Division I team championship in any sport. 

The 1–0 victory capped a magical season 

for Head Coach Margie Wright’s Bulldogs, 

who started the season with a 2–2 record and 

finished with 52 wins 11 loses. The season 

was highlighted by 4 wins and 1 loss in the 

Women’s College World Series (WCWS) with 

victories over Nebraska, Michigan, Washington and top-ranked Arizona. The national 

title was a united effort as four Bulldogs made 

the All-Women’s College World Series team: 

outfielder Laura Berg, first baseman Angela 

Cervantez, Nina Lindenberg and Amanda 

Scott. The Bulldogs captivated all of the San 

Joaquin Valley as their games were aired on 

local radio and ESPN. Seeded seventh in the 

field, they arrived in Oklahoma City determined to win the title for a school that had finished second in the WCWS four times. 

The team was led throughout the year by a 

pitching staff that included Amanda Scott (25– 

4, 0.79 ERA) and Lindsay Parker (21–4, 1.54 

ERA) and a balanced hitting attack keyed by 

Laura Berg (.458 batting average, 72 runs), 

Nina Lindenberg (.449, 77 RBI), outfielder 

Becky Witt (.392, 69 runs) and Amanda Scott 

(14 home runs, 72 RBI). The team included: 

OF Laura Berg, 1B Angela Cervantez, 2B 

Nina Lindenberg, Lindsay Parker, P Amanda 

Scott, Becky Witt, OF Candice Bowlin, OF 

Kara Campbell, SS Alicia Dowland, C/1B Jennifer Jokinen, 3B Jaime Maxey, P Kim Peck, 

C Jennifer Slaney, C Janna Todd, 1B 

Vanessa Valenzuela, C Amber Wall, C Carolyn Wilson, OF Daviana Wisener. The coaching staff was headed by Margie Wright, assisted by Margaret Sutter and Mary Ivy. Also 

involved with the team was Maribel Campos, 

manager, and Andrew Weeks, trainer. 

Madam Speaker, we rise today to commend 

and congratulate 1998 California State University, Fresno, Softball Team upon its achievements and induction into the Fresno Athletic 

Hall of Fame. I invite my colleagues to join me 

in wishing the 1998 Fresno State Softball 

Team congratulations on its many accomplishments. 

f 

EARMARK DECLARATION 

HON. THOMAS E. PETRI OF WISCONSIN

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, November 19, 2008 

Mr. PETRI. Madam Speaker, pursuant to 

the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding an earmark I received as part of 

H.R. 2638—The Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009: 

Requesting Member: The Honorable THOMAS E. PETRI. 

Bill Number: H.R. 2638—The Consolidated 

Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing 

Appropriations Act, 2009. 

Account: Army Operations & Maintenance, 

Operating Forces 115 Land Forces, Operations Support Account. 

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: Deere & 

Company—World Headquarters. 

Address of Requesting Entity: One John 

Deere Place, Moline, IL 61265. 

Description of Request: Provide $3,200,000 

to complete the manufacturing of approximately 215 Light-weight Tactical Utility Vehicles at John Deere Horicon Works in Horicon, 

Wisconsin. (Joint request with Representative 

MIKE MCINTYRE of North Carolina.) The Lightweight Tactical Utility Vehicle is a rugged, air 

droppable, highly mobile diesel-powered tactical utility vehicle to expedite casualty evacuation and resupply activities of Corps units. 

They have been heavily utilized during Operations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring Freedom. 

This request is consistent with the intended 

purpose of the Department of Defense, Army 

Operations and Maintenance account. 

f 

IN HONOR OF THOMAS V. 

FUENTES 

HON. MIKE ROGERS OF MICHIGAN

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, November 19, 2008 

Mr. ROGERS of Michigan. Madam Speaker, 

I rise today to honor the accomplishments of 

Thomas V. Fuentes, who is retiring after 25 

years of service in the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Throughout his career with the FBI 

he has served his country with honor and integrity. 

Mr. Fuentes began his distinguished career 

with the Bureau in 1979 as a Special Agent in 

the Chicago Field Office. Serving in this office 

for over 10 years, Mr. Fuentes led the fight 

against organized crime and mob corruption. 

As an Organized Crime Task Force supervisor, his efforts were instrumental in bringing 

countless Chicago criminals to justice. I had 

the privilege of serving with Mr. Fuentes in the 

Chicago Field Office and witnessed firsthand 

his tremendous skill and dedication. 

Mr. Fuentes was promoted to FBI Headquarters in 1990 as a supervisor in the Organized Crime Section. As a result of his continued success against organized crime targets, 

Mr. Fuentes was eventually appointed as the 

assistant special agent in charge of the San 

Francisco Field Office. There he established 

the International Cybercrime Squad and was 

selected to serve as an FBI tactical commander at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Atlanta, Georgia. 

In August 1997, Mr. Fuentes was promoted 

to the Senior Executive Service as the chief of 

the Organized Crime Section at FBI Headquarters. Among his many ground-breaking 

law enforcement initiatives, Mr. Fuentes created the Organized Crime Task Force consisting of FBI Agents and Hungarian National 

Police Officers in Budapest, Hungary—the first 

such multinational organized crime task force 

of its kind in the FBI. 

Mr. Fuentes’ extraordinary career with the 

FBI has been marked by his transformational 


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