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[Pages H1052-H1053]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
RECOGNIZING JUAN GUAIDO
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from
Arkansas (Mr. Hill) for 5 minutes.
Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, last week Venezuelan interim
President Juan Guaido was welcomed with
[[Page H1053]]
bipartisan support in this Chamber as President Trump's guest for the
State of the Union.
For years, Venezuela's united Socialist party has pushed a once
prosperous country towards desperate poverty and open tyranny.
The wrongful detention of the Citgo Six for more than 2 years
demonstrates the corrupt nature in which Maduro will do anything to
remain in power.
The United States and the Organization of American States should
institute greater pressure and tighten sanctions against the Maduro
regime and his cronies in order to support a return to a democratic
Venezuela.
I stand with President Guaido and the people of Venezuela and call on
Maduro to step down and release the Citgo Six and all political
prisoners or face greater sanctions.
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Wilmer Plate
Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and
legacy of one of Arkansas's great veterans, Lieutenant Colonel Wilmer
Plate, who recently passed away at the age of 99.
Will was born in 1919 and began his long career of service shortly
after the start of World War II. Will led numerous missions during the
war as a commander of a 10-man crew in a B-24.
Following the end of World War II, Will continued his service for
more than three decades until his retirement from the Air Force as a
chief warrant officer 4 and shortly after as a lieutenant colonel in
the Air Force Reserve.
Lieutenant Colonel Plate continued to provide crucial insight into
World War II by publishing his memoir entitled, ``The Storm Clouds of
War: Reflections of a World War II Bomber Pilot.''
Will earned numerous medals and awards for his service, including,
among many others, the Purple Heart and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Will was a true American patriot, one of which all Americans and
Arkansans can admire, and I extend my deepest respect, affection, and
prayers to his friends, family, and loved ones.
Honoring the Life and Legacy of Forrest Wood
Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and
legacy of one of Arkansas's great outdoorsmen, Mr. Forrest Wood, who
recently passed away at the age of 87.
Born in Flippin, Arkansas, Forrest was considered a pioneer in the
fishing industry and the father of the modern bass boat.
He founded Ranger Boats, a bass boat company that he designed and
built principally for black bass fishing with his wife Nina. In 1968,
Forrest was instrumental in the formation of the bass fishing
tournament circuit.
As a long-time Arkansas game and fish commissioner, he was a strong
conservationist and devoted to Arkansas, the Natural State. Forrest was
awarded the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Sport Fishing
Association of America and the BASS Federation. Forrest was also
inducted into the Arkansas Game and Fish Foundation Outdoor Hall of
Fame and the Arkansas Business Hall of Fame.
Forrest was an inspiration and friend to many across our State, and I
extend my respect, affection, and prayers to his friends, family, and
loved ones.
Recognizing Ron Chastain
Mr. HILL of Arkansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Major
General Ron Chastain for recently being appointed as the civilian aide
to the secretary of the Army.
General Chastain was born in Paris, Arkansas, and was commissioned as
a second lieutenant in the Army Reserve upon graduation from the ROTC
program at Arkansas Tech University.
General Chastain's distinguished military service in the Arkansas
National Guard spanned nearly four decades, including service as
adjutant general and receiving Federal recognition as a major general
of the line in 2005.
General Chastain spent over 30 years working for the U.S. Department
of Agriculture's Farm Service Agency where he was responsible for the
administration of Federal farm programs at the county, district, and
State level.
General Chastain has received numerous awards and decorations
throughout his career, including the Army Distinguished Service Medal,
the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star.
I thank General Chastain for his decades of service to our Nation,
and I wish him well in his new position with the U.S. Army.
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