congressional_record: CREC-2002-11-22-pt1-PgE2130-2
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| CREC-2002-11-22-pt1-PgE2130-2 | 2002-11-22 | 107 | 2 | TRIBUTE TO JACK STEWART | HOUSE | EXTENSIONS | TRIBUTETO | E2130 | E2130 | [{"name": "Sam Farr", "role": "speaking"}] | 148 Cong. Rec. E2130 | Congressional Record, Volume 148 Issue 152 (Friday, November 22, 2002) [Congressional Record Volume 148, Number 152 (Friday, November 22, 2002)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E2130] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov] TRIBUTE TO JACK STEWART ______ HON. SAM FARR of california in the house of representatives Friday, November 22, 2002 Mr. FARR of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career of a true public servant, a man who has touched literally thousands of lives. Jack Stewart, who is currently the Monterey County Military and Veterans Affairs Officer and a long-time constituent of mine, will be retiring from the post he created in 1983 after a career that has been marked by excellence and dedication. Jack first served in the U.S. Army in 1954, eventually serving 20 years and receiving several decorations and awards including he Combat Infantryman Badge, Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and Good Conduct Medal. Mr. Speaker, these commendations obviously show the level of commitment he had to defending and protecting the democratic ideals our country cherishes, but it is only the beginning of what would become a career dedicated to those who, like himself, served their country with honor. As a county supervisor, I got to know Jack and understand the workings of his office, which helped us both when I became a California State Assemblyman. When the California Association of County Veterans Service Officers (which Jack served three terms as president) came to Sacramento I was always there for Jack, as he was for me. Jack was always a welcome sight in my office, and I know other counties were envious of the relationship and understanding that we had. One of the highlights of my work with Jack during those years was helping him bring a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall to Monterey County, a deeply moving experience. This project was one of the best instances of veterans coming together with the community, including anti-war leaders, in an outpouring of love and respect for those who didn't come home. This was the first listing of all Monterey County MIA's and those killed in action, which led to the creation of a separate Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Salinas. It also provided for listing those names on the state memorial in Capitol Park in Sacramento, including my cousin John Geisen and Carmel High School classmate Andrew Elliot, who is MIA. For Jack's work on these projects, I am personally grateful. Mr. Speaker, many people will undoubtedly sing Jack Stewart's many praises as his retirement nears, but I must mention a few things that he has done while I have been a member of the U.S. House of Representatives. Perhaps the single most influential role he had was during the closure of Fort Ord in Monterey County, the largest base closure in US history. The economic and social implications on the local communities were astounding, but Jack made sure that the interests of the veterans in the area were attended to. He had the world pulled out from him, as we lost a four hundred-bed hospital that served both active duty members and retirees; the CHAMPUS provider was to be switched so no one knew who to go to for health care; disabled vets wee stranded without transportation; and all military personnel who could help handle such a crisis were gone. The only person left was Jack, who, with his staff had to do the work of an entire division. Out of this chaos, he will be leaving behind a new clinic run by the Department of Veterans Affairs, serving a broader community than ever; a new Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Counseling Program; a Veterans Transition Center for homeless veterans and a transportation network that provides van rides to disabled veterans. Jack was also able to get the federal government to put up land and money to open a state-run veterans' cemetery at Fort Ord, and has been instrumental in starting and running the local process for making this a reality. Of course, this is a project that will continue without Jack, but he should be honored for his role in moving this from an idea to where it is today. Mr. Speaker, I would like to close today by saying that Jack Stewart has handled more challenges than any county veterans officer I know of, and produced a more lasting legacy of services than anyone. This alone speaks volumes, but I hope I have been able to show how much he will be missed, not only by me, but also by the community at large. I wish Jack and his family all of the best in retirement, even though I know that he will remain an active part of the veteran's community. ____________________ |