November 20, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E2287 

Neufeld will be honored at the 50th anniversary enshrinement dinner of the Fresno Athletic Hall of Fame on Thursday, November 6, 

2008. 

Born third in a family of nine children in the 

Ukraine at the turn of the 20th century, William 

Neufeld moved to the United States and blossomed into a world-class track and field performer in the javelin and other throwing 

events. His father, a Mennonite minister, eventually settled the family in Reedley, California, 

where the 6-foot-2, 201-pound teenager 

played football, basketball, baseball and track 

and field in high school while earning money 

working in the fields. He went to Bethel College in Kansas where he played basketball 

and starred in track and field. Mr. Neufeld then 

decided to follow his brother Henry to the University of California, Berkley. It was a perfect 

match, as he dominated the throwing events 

and led the Bears to the national collegiate 

title in 1923. 

The following year, Mr. Neufeld won the discus title at the collegiate nationals, but he was 

just getting started. He won the javelin competition at the U.S. Olympic Trials in Cambridge, Massachusetts, by more than five feet, 

throwing for 1911⁄2 feet. Following a week-long 

voyage across the Atlantic Ocean, he placed 

fifth in the javelin in the 1924 Olympics in 

Paris. William Neufeld was a familiar face at 

many Olympics to follow. 

After coaching at Riverside College and 

Harvard, Mr. Neufeld entered the Navy during 

World War II and later returned to Harvard as 

the Director of Physical Education. When 

Neufeld’s competitive career ended, he traveled the globe as a coach and athletics liaison 

for the U.S. State Department. He served as 

a liaison to the 1952 Japanese Olympic team 

and also coached sports in Iran, Taiwan and 

Africa. Mr. Neufeld passed away at the age of 

ninety-one in Riverside, California in 1992. 

Madam Speaker, we rise today to posthumously honor William Neufeld’s achievements and for his induction into the Fresno 

Athletic Hall of Fame. I invite my colleagues to 

join me in offering my congratulations in memory of Mr. Neufeld’s many accomplishments. 

f 

TRIBUTE TO VIRGINIA KREBS 

HON. DENNIS MOORE OF KANSAS

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, November 19, 2008 

Mr. MOORE of Kansas. Madam Speaker, I 

rise today to pay tribute to Virginia Krebs, my 

former colleague on the Johnson County 

Community College Board, JCCC, who recently stepped down from that position at the 

age of 89. 

My tenure on the JCCC overlapped with Virginia Krebs for 6 years in the 1990s. She is 

truly a distinguished public servant whose concern for our community has benefited her 

friends in neighbors, both in tangible and intangible ways, since the 1960s. Today, Sun 

Publications of Johnson County posted an editorial reflecting on her distinguished service 

and an article detailing some of the ways in 

which she served Johnson County and the 

JCCC over the past several decades. These 

two pieces tell her story much better than 

could I. I include them in the RECORD for review by the House membership and wish my 

good friend, Virginia Krebs, many happy returns on her long-delayed retirement, although 

I am certain she will continue to find ways of 

being indispensable to the JCCC and Johnson 

County. 

[From Sun Publications, Nov. 19, 2008] 

A MODEL FOR PUBLIC SERVICE

The departure of Virginia Krebs from the 

Johnson County Community College Board 

of Trustees is a reminder of her long and distinguished service to the college. Her leadership, from JCCC’s beginning, helped bring it 

recognition as one of the nation’s most prestigious community colleges. 

Actually, her dedication predates the life 

of the college. Krebs served on the task 

force, appointed by the county commission 

in 1963, to examine the feasibility of a community college here. That three-year chore 

led to establishment of the college district 

and, in 1967, voter approval of a tax to support it. 

Rather than running for the board of trustees, as she was urged to do, Krebs signed on 

as the first employee, a part-time job as the 

board secretary. Later she became special 

assistant to the governing body. In that role 

she worked closely with the trustees in forming the mission and fundamental objectives 

of the college, along with the hiring of its 

first president. 

Her career at the college mirrored the 

widespread entry of women into the professions and work force. She was in her late 40s 

and the mother of four sons, two of them elementary school age and younger, in the 

early years of her time at the college. She 

knew from personal experience the needs of 

working women. 

As the college’s director of community 

services—its first—in the 1970s and ’80s, 

Krebs played a major part in creating one of 

the most highly respected continuing education programs in the Midwest. 

Her awareness of societal and economic 

changes led to creation of a program for 

women who, having raised their families, 

were interested in work outside the home. It 

helped prepare women for a new career. 

Krebs was on the leading edge of many activities that enriched our cultural and intellectual life. She helped organize the first 

county arts council, a JCCC ‘‘Evening With 

the Stars,’’ an astronomy venture for the 

public, and a speakers bureau that arranged 

for faculty members to appear at meetings of 

civic, service and community groups. 

A year after she retired from the college in 

1984, Krebs found another way to serve. She 

ran for and was elected to the JCCC Board of 

Trustees. Voters returned her to the board 

six times, the most recent in 2005. She retired in mid-October. 

As a trustee, Krebs drew from her experience on the faculty to bring the needs of continuing education to the board. She was 

known as a good listener, well-read and with 

the ability to analyze issues with keen insight. She was not a frequent speaker at 

trustee meetings, but when she spoke, her 

comments were considered a valuable addition to the discussion and decision at hand. 

Virginia Krebs has been an imaginative, 

innovative force in this community. She deserves our praise and gratitude. 

[From Sun Publications, Nov. 19, 2008] 

RETIRING JCCC ICON WILL BE MISSED

(By Kristin Babcock) 

The history book about Johnson County 

Community College is dedicated to her. As 

Charles Bishop, professor emeritus at the 

college, researched and wrote the book, one 

influential name appeared more than any 

other: Virginia Krebs. 

‘‘Dedicating it to her was a very easy decision,’’ Bishop said. ‘‘When I looked at the 

history, she was someone who was instrumental from the beginning. There was no 

easier choice than Virginia Krebs.’’ 

Krebs, who became the college’s first employee in 1967, recently resigned from her position on the college’s Board of Trustees. 

Krebs, who turned 89 this year, said she was 

ready to stop driving to meetings. She also 

hopes to become more involved in her retirement community, she said. 

‘‘It was not any big thing, and I still hope 

to do some things with the college,’’ Krebs 

said. 

Her desire to be involved started in childhood, Krebs said. In grade school she started 

her own civics clubs. 

In adulthood she helped form and lead several parent-teacher associations. She served 

as program chair for Kansas State PTA. She 

served on state task forces to revise state 

school codes and to consolidate area school 

districts. 

‘‘She just always had interest in organizing,’’ Virginia’s son Fred Krebs said. 

‘‘There was always an emphasis of trying to 

group things that brought people together in 

the community. The community college 

came along and they were born to meet.’’ 

In 1963, the board of county commissioners 

appointed Virginia to study the feasibility of 

building a community college in Johnson 

County. In 1967, county voters approved a 

taxing district to fund the college. Before 

the college had its own buildings, Virginia 

became the college’s first employee as assistant to the first board of trustees. 

‘‘Community colleges were kind of the new 

kid on the block in the ’60s and ’70s,’’ Bishop 

said. ‘‘She always had her ears to the community and tuned into the higher-end world 

as well. She did a nice job of marrying higher 

education and community needs.’’ 

Those marriages were seen most prominently when Virginia became JCCC’s director of community services in 1969. Under her 

leadership, organizations formed to include 

senior citizens, art supporters and community civic groups. Through her efforts, students, children and adults found a place to be 

involved, educated and entertained at the 

college. 

‘‘She is kind of a matriarch of Johnson 

County Community College,’’ Charles 

Carlsen, former JCCC president, said. ‘‘She 

was well-networked and promoted relationships between groups and the college.’’ 

Some groups Virginia called ‘‘among the 

most interesting’’ were programs that helped 

women educate themselves to enter the 

working world in the 1960s and 1970s. 

‘‘It helped ease the transition for literally 

hundreds of women in the county,’’ Bishop 

said. 

Virginia also helped form a speakers bureau at the college. Professors spoke to civic 

organizations about a variety of topics. Although it involved extra work with no extra 

pay for professors, they would volunteer 

when she asked, Bishop said. 

‘‘A lot of professors like to squirrel down 

in their office and read books, and she got 

them to get out there,’’ Bishop said. ‘‘Her 

arms were long and her grip was wide. She 

reached out to aspects of the community, involved people and got you in there. She has 

a fire in her belly when she needs to.’’ 

Virginia retired from work at the college 

in 1984. She ran for a position on the board of 

trustees and was elected in 1985. 

‘‘I was not surprised when she ran for the 

board,’’ Fred said. ‘‘She felt she had important things to do. She felt she was making a 

contribution. It was very important to her.’’ 

Fred predicted that even in retirement 

people will still use his mother as a resource. 

‘‘She still has contributions to make,’’ 

Fred said. ‘‘Lots of people still think of her 

as a mentor. She has a legacy we all have to 

follow.’’ 


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E2288 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks November 20, 2008 

Voters re-elected Virginia for six consecutive terms on the board of trustees. After her 

retirement, the board named her the first 

trustee emeritus. 

‘‘She was a stalwart throughout,’’ Fred 

Logan, former JCCC board chair, said. ‘‘She 

is one of the founders but not just a founder. 

She has been an important part for 40 years. 

That kind of service will always be remembered.’’ 

On Nov. 20, the JCCC Board of Trustees 

will interview eight finalists to fill Virginia 

Krebs’ term, which ends June 30. 

The candidates are: Laura S. Byrne-Harris, 

Leawood; William A. Dean, Overland Park; 

Ronnie Metsker, Overland Park; Michael M. 

Morales, Olathe; Melody L. Rayl, Olathe; 

Kurtis M. Ruf, Overland Park; Mary R. 

Tearney, Leawood; and Sandra K. Willsie, 

Overland Park. 

The new trustee will begin Dec. 11. The 

seat is up for election in April 2009. 

f 

ROBERT MASSEY 

HON. JOHN T. DOOLITTLE OF CALIFORNIA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, November 19, 2008 

Mr. DOOLITTLE. Madam Speaker, on November 8, 2008, Robert Massey died in Fair 

Oaks, CA. Born on November 5, 1921, ‘‘Farmer Bob’’ (as he is known) contributed to the 

community throughout his life. As a local historian, Bob frequently shared his knowledge of 

the area and made a habit of correcting media 

reports and the Fair Oaks Historical Society 

whenever their reports conflicted with his own 

expertise. Bob was a member of the Sunrise 

Center Toastmasters, sharing with others his 

great oratory skills and motivational tactics. 

Many families enjoyed a visit to Farmer Bob’s 

pumpkin patch and truck farm. 

While Bob made many great contributions to 

our region, perhaps his most important work 

was his strong advocacy for the Auburn Dam. 

The Auburn Dam Council’s website describes 

Bob as President of the council from 1921– 

2008. This is an appropriate title for someone 

who understood the need for greater flood 

protection and was willing to work for the safety of so many others living nearby. Unfortunately, the dam has yet to be built, but when 

that day comes it will be in large part thanks 

to Bob’s efforts. 

Our thoughts and prayers are with Bob’s 

loving wife of 65 years, Beryl, and the rest of 

his family and friends. Bob brightened the 

lives of so many people, and he will be truly 

missed by those of us who were fortunate 

enough to have known him. 

f 

PRESIDENTIAL RANK AWARD OF 

MERITORIOUS EXECUTIVE TO 

DR. L. BRUCE SIMPSON 

HON. JEFF MILLER OF FLORIDA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, November 19, 2008 

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I 

rise to honor the selection of Dr. L. Bruce 

Simpson for Presidential Rank Award of Meritorious Executive for 2008. Each year, the 

President recognizes and celebrates no more 

than 5 percent of career Senior Executives 

with this award. Recipients of this prestigious 

award are strong leaders, professionals, and 

scientists achieving results and consistently 

demonstrating strength, integrity, industry, and 

a relentless commitment to excellence in public service to America. 

Dr. Simpson is Director of the 308th Armament Systems Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, 

Florida and is a 27-year veteran of the Federal 

civil service. He leads a wing of over 900 personnel and executes a portfolio of programs 

valued at more than $46 billion. The wing’s 

programs include the Joint Direct Attack Munition, Small Diameter Bomb, Advanced Medium 

Range Air-to-Air Missile, High-Speed Anti-Radiation Missile Targeting System, Joint Air-toSurface Standoff Missile, Joint Air-to-Surface 

Standoff Missile Extended Range, Miniature 

Air Launched Decoy, Aerial Target Systems, 

P5 Combat Training System, Sensor Fuzed 

Weapon, Wind-Corrected Munitions Dispenser 

and Joint Stand-Off Weapon System. These 

programs are all key elements in enabling our 

warfighters to engage high-value targets and 

are vital weapons in the Global War on Terror. 

Selected for Senior Executive Service in 

2003, Dr. Simpson has served as Deputy 

Manager of the Armament Product Group, Director of the Air Armament Center Special 

Projects System Program Office, and Director 

of the Directed Energy Directorate at the Air 

Force Research Laboratory. Dr. Simpson has 

been honored as a Distinguished Fellow at 

Mississippi State University and received Annual Technical Achievement Awards from the 

Air Force Research Laboratory and Air Force 

Systems Command. 

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United 

States Congress, I would like to congratulate 

Dr. L. Bruce Simpson on this most prestigious 

Presidential Rank Award of Meritorious Executive. America and the United States Air Force 

depend heavily on the selfless service and 

leadership he provides. I sincerely wish Dr. 

Simpson many more years of dedicated public 

service to this great country. 

f 

HONORING FRANK MECHAM 

HON. KEVIN McCARTHY OF CALIFORNIA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, November 19, 2008 

Mr. MCCARTHY of California. Madam 

Speaker, I rise today to honor Frank Mecham, 

a resident and community leader from Paso 

Robles, California, for his outstanding and exemplary leadership while serving as the mayor 

of Paso Robles from 2000 through 2008. 

Frank has been a longtime leader in local 

government, reflecting the same success, enthusiasm, care, and commitment to his community as nine generations of Mecham Californians and five generations of San Luis Obispo 

County Mechams before him. His great-great 

grandfather, Don Joaquin Estrada, was a 

member of the first County Board of Supervisors in 1852, and his father was Fire Chief 

at Fort Hunter Liggett for over 20 years. Carrying on this tradition of public service, Frank 

served our country in the United States Navy 

and later began his political career on the 

Parks and Recreation Advisory Board and the 

Planning Commission for the City of Paso 

Robles. He was elected to the City Council in 

1998 and served for two years. In 2000, Frank 

was the first mayor of Paso Robles to be directly elected by the voters (in the past, the 

mayoral post had rotated between elected city 

councilmembers). 

In 2003, Paso Robles felt the devastating 

effects of the San Simeon Earthquake. Frank 

showed strong leadership and composure 

throughout this natural disaster and guided the 

City through the aftermath and recovery efforts. Through his tireless efforts, the City of 

Paso Robles was able to rebuild faster and 

move forward onto the road to recovery 

quicker than anyone had expected. In addition, as mayor, he also oversaw the completion of the Barney Schwartz Park, the Public 

Safety Center, the Robert Rader Memorial 

13th Street Bridge, and the Niblick Bridge expansion. 

In addition to his public service, Frank has 

also remained active in the Paso Robles community. Frank is a member of the Twin Cities 

Community Hospital Board of Governors, the 

Nacimiento Water Commission, and the Paso 

Robles High School Technology Academy. He 

has also coached youth baseball and football 

for over two decades in the community, established a youth football league which continues 

to this day, and created the first Youth Commission for the City in 1999. In 2004, Frank 

was honored by the Paso Robles Chamber of 

Commerce as Roblan of the Year in recognition of his outstanding service to the local 

community. 

In a City named for its strong oak trees, 

Frank has stood strong in times of challenge, 

and helped create prosperity through a commitment to fiscal responsibility and transparent 

and accountable government. I commend 

Frank for his service and leadership as mayor 

of Paso Robles, and wish him and his family 

well as he continues to serve our community 

as a supervisor on the San Luis Obispo County Board of Supervisors. 

f 

HONORING TRAVIS WEBB 

HON. TIMOTHY WALBERG OF MICHIGAN

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Wednesday, November 19, 2008 

Mr. WALBERG. Madam Speaker, I rise 

today to honor Corporal Travis Webb from 

Adrian, Michigan who was injured in an improvised explosive device (IED) blast in Mosul, 

Iraq on January 22, 2007. He lost both legs 

and his best friend Nicholas Brown died in his 

arms after the blast. The following poem is 

dedicated to a true American hero, Travis 

Webb. 

A SOLDIER’S STORY

Throughout our Nation’s history 

Such magnificent men of honor and glory, 

have so been seen 

Who so went, where angel’s feared to tread 

Who went off to war 

All for us, the ones who so lived and died and 

so bled 

All so we could be here! 

As this is a soldier’s story! 

All about Heartbreak, Faith and Glory 

All about life and death 

As he put himself in harm’s way, as his best 

friend died in his arms that day 

When courage comes to crest! 

All about a young man from Michigan . . . 

Travis, and his heroic stand 

As all of us, he would so bless 

Who came out of such hell and fury! 


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