Recognizing Colvin Ranch
Floor Speech
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Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Colvin Ranch, a family-owned ranch in Thurston County in my district.
Colvin Ranch started soon after Ignatius Colvin came to Washington State on the Oregon Trail back in 1851. Since then, the family has continued to raise livestock in a humane and sustainable way. The ranch is currently run by Jennifer Colvin, making her a fifth-generation rancher.
Local farms are the backbone of a resilient and sustainable local food supply chain. However, in recent years we have seen growing consolidation in the agricultural industry. Multinational, corporate- run farms are known to cut corners and prioritize profit over community-minded farming practices.
Colvin Ranch has been an advocate for building a meat processing plant with a storefront in the park near their ranch so they can establish what they like to call ``the world's shortest supply chain.''
By supporting farmers like Colvin Ranch, we are investing in sustainable agriculture practices and supporting our local economy and local jobs. National Police Week
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Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today during National Police Week to recognize the brave men and women in law enforcement across southwest Washington.
Recently, I had the honor of going on a ride-along with Sergeant Ripp of the Vancouver Police Department, and I had the pleasure of watching his profound knowledge and deep engagement with the local community. He literally knew 9 out of 10 people we saw walking on the streets, what their lives were like, what their struggles were, and how he could support them.
Sergeant Ripp talked to me about the biggest challenges he sees in our community, including the increasing devastation of drugs like fentanyl and meth, as well as the challenges of folks struggling with serious mental health issues.
The work our officers do is dangerous and often unrewarding, and I am deeply committed to ensuring they receive the resources, regard, and support they deserve.
By providing our law enforcement adequate funding and ensuring they are given the respect and support they deserve, communities like mine will be able to recruit and retain the best public servants possible.
You cannot pay people enough to be disrespected, and we need a cultural shift that values the sacrifices these officers make along with their families.
I am so grateful to have such a strong team working in my district. I sincerely thank them all. Recognizing Andrew Webber
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Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Andrew Webber, a proud husband, father, and veteran who was raised in Raymond, a small town in my district.
Last year, Andrew signed up to volunteer for the Ukrainian army's 59th Motorized Brigade.
He went to Ukraine in order to provide combat training to their soldiers; however, when he noticed that a young man next to him did not have any protective gear, Andrew gave him his.
Andrew passed away on July 29 of 2023 while serving in Ukraine. To this day, his family firmly believes his death would have been prevented if the Ukrainians had proper resources.
That is why it is critical and crucial that after passing the House and Senate on April 24, the President signed the lethal military aid package to send $61 billion to Ukrainian soldiers.
Andrew was a soldier, but he was also a father, a husband, and a son. My thoughts are with Andrew's family and loved ones as they navigate their profound loss. His heroic service and sacrifice will not be forgotten. Recognizing Doris Bier
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Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Doris Bier, who was one of the original Rosie the Riveters during World War II in Fort Lewis.
Doris was raised in Adna, Washington, a small town in my community. From owning the second bicycle in Adna to being hired to drive trucks in cornfields at the age of 14, she has always surpassed expectations.
At the age of 16, she was one of just a few chosen women, along with a few other women, to take a mechanics course at the Clover Park Vocational School.
Upon graduation, she became an official Rosie the Riveter and worked at assembly lines at Mount Rainier Ordnance Depot. No matter what pushback she faced, she continued to work and excel. Doris received an Army-Navy E Award, also known as an Excellence in Production pin, for producing twice as many axles as her colleagues each day.
Doris Bier, along with all of the Rosie the Riveters, helped pave the way for freedom. She still resides in my district where she continues to share her remarkable stories.
Mr. Speaker, I thank Doris for all she has contributed and still contributes to our community. Lewis County Public Utility Department
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Ms. PEREZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize five Lewis County Public Utility Department crew workers who were recently honored by the Northwest Public Power Association with a Safety Heroism Award.
On January 22, Brad Peters, Bob Hadley, Joel Chandler, Travis Merriman, and Hunter Blair saved the life of man who was disabled by pulling him out of a burning RV.
The five PUD crew workers were working in the Mossyrock area when they noticed smoke nearby. While attempting to extinguish the fire, they realized a man was trapped inside and was not able to escape on his own.
Our PUD workers are crucial to our community, but saving lives is well out of their expected duty. The quick thinking and choices of these five men was literally lifesaving, and I applaud them for their heroic work.
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