Dylan Jude Harrell Community Center

Floor Speech

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Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today with immense pride to recognize DJH Kids, a remarkable nonprofit organization in my district. This exceptional group has successfully obtained a key permit for the proposed Dylan Jude Harrell Community Center in Ilwaco.

This community center honors the life of Dylan Jude Harrell, who was 4 years old when she was diagnosed with diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma, a rare and incurable brain cancer, before passing away 20 months later.

This community center will strengthen the foundations of Ilwaco by addressing the childcare crisis working families are facing and bringing together folks for recreational activities and community-led events.

Community centers like this one are key at a time when the average cost of childcare in the U.S. has risen by 220 percent in the last 30 years.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the folks at DJH Kids and the entire team supporting the Dylan Jude Harrell Community Center. I am excited for what the future of Ilwaco has in store. Honoring Deputy Drew Kennison

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Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of the remarkable resilience and dedication of Deputy Drew Kennison of the Clark County Sheriff's Office. With his 15-year tenure, Deputy Kennison embodies the essence of a public servant.

Just a year following an incident that led to the amputation of his left leg above the knee, Deputy Kennison made a return to patrol duty. His injury resulted from a duty-related accident where a falling tree branch trapped him in his patrol vehicle. It was the efforts of his fellow SWAT team members and emergency responders who saved his life in a moment that reflected the best of those who serve our community.

Deputy Kennison remained positive and determined to return to service throughout his recovery. His journey is a testament to his character and passion for service.

Mr. Speaker, I stand with my community in honoring his unwavering commitment to duty and wish him success as he works toward rejoining the SWAT team. Deputy Kennison embodies the best of southwest Washington and our law enforcement community, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude for his service and the inspiration he provides to us all. Honoring Douglas ``Bill'' Swartz on His 100th birthday

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Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to honor a remarkable individual in my district, Mr. Douglas ``Bill'' Swartz, a distinguished World War II veteran who recently celebrated his 100th birthday.

Bill's service journey began in the Navy, where he achieved the prestigious rank of radioman first class while stationed on the USS Clark Mills. While serving on the USS Clark Mills, the vessel was struck by a torpedo in the Mediterranean and sank.

Remarkably, Bill survived this dire situation, being rescued by a British tug, and his service journey didn't end there. Bill's service took him to the USS Kingsbury, and from there to Hiroshima.

Following World War II, Bill met and married his beloved Nancy in 1947, and they were happily married for 68 years. During this period, Bill was called back to the Navy to serve in the Korean war as a seaplane tender in Japan.

After his Navy career, he worked for the Federal Home Loan Bank as a loan examiner.

In recognizing Bill Swartz today, we honor not only his personal journey but also the indomitable spirit and sacrifice of countless veterans who have selflessly served our Nation. Bill's story serves as an example of courage, resilience, and dedication to the principles we all hold dear as Americans. Honoring the Life of Sergeant Alec Langen

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Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize Sergeant Alec Langen, who was a graduate of Washougal High School in my district and one of the five marines killed in the February 6 helicopter crash during a training flight near San Diego.

Sergeant Langen graduated from Washougal High School, where my son would attend high school, in 2018. He enlisted right out of high school.

Becoming a marine was a lifelong dream of his, allowing him to follow in the footsteps of his father.

He was promoted to the rank of sergeant in October 2022 and was a crew chief for the CH-53E Super Stallion helicopter just like his dad. Over his career, he earned several decorations, including Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, a Good Conduct Medal, and many, many others.

Sergeant Langen's story serves as a reminder of the sacrifice our military members and their families face while they serve our Nation.

To his family and loved ones both in Washougal and across the country: I will never understand how deeply you feel his loss every day, but I assure you that Sergeant Alec Langen's sacrifice and example for our country will not be forgotten.

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