HONORING THE CAREER OF STEPHEN R. BAUMAN--DIRECTOR OF THE VA CENTRAL CALIFORNIA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM; Congressional Record Vol. 165, No. 20
(Extensions of Remarks - January 31, 2019)
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[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E120]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
HONORING THE CAREER OF STEPHEN R. BAUMAN--DIRECTOR OF THE VA CENTRAL
CALIFORNIA HEALTH CARE SYSTEM
______
HON. JIM COSTA
of california
in the house of representatives
Thursday, January 31, 2019
Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my good friend and
colleague, Stephen R. Bauman, as he retires from his position as
Director of the VA Central California Health Care System in Fresno,
California. Throughout his distinguished career with the United States
Navy and the Department of Veterans Affairs, Stephen has dedicated his
life to public service and the care of our nation's veterans. Stephen
has left an indelible mark on the Central Valley through his commitment
to the veteran community.
Stephen honorably served our country for 36 years in the United
States Navy. He is a veteran of the Vietnam War. As a reservist, he was
activated in support of Operation Desert Storm and completed a tour in
Iraq and Kuwait in 2004 as a Command Master Chief in support of
Operation Iraqi Freedom. He attended Grantham University in Lenexa,
Kansas and obtained a bachelor's degree in Business Administration in
2011.
Stephen began his career with the Department of Veteran Affairs in
1977 as a staff nurse at the VA Palo Alto Healthcare System. He has
served at eight VA facilities throughout his career, including the
Northern California Health Care System, Sierra Pacific Network and Los
Angeles. He was appointed Director of the VA Central California Health
Care System in November 2015. His proven experience and sound
leadership qualities made him the perfect fit to guide the Fresno VA.
As director, Stephen was responsible for the delivery of health care
for approximately 96,000 veterans throughout Central California, with
an annual operating budget of $212 million. He oversees both the main
campus in Fresno and the outpatient clinics in Tulare, Merced, and
Oakhurst, California. My staff and I have had the pleasure of working
closely with Director Bauman throughout his tenure. Stephen has gone
above and beyond to help veterans in need of assistance in the Central
Valley. I commend him for his exemplary work on behalf of the veterans
who have sacrificed so much for our great nation.
Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognition of
Director Stephen R. Bauman, in honor of his remarkable career and
contributions to the Department of Veteran Affairs. I wish Stephen the
very best as he enters a new phase in his life. I ask that you join me
in wishing Stephen and his family continued happiness and prosperity.
____________________