The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“HONORING CARMEN CARRASQUILLO” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the House of Representatives section on pages H1246-H1248 on Feb. 27, 2020.
The Department is primarily focused on food nutrition, with assistance programs making up 80 percent of its budget. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, said the Department implements too many regulations and restrictions and impedes the economy.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
HONORING CARMEN CARRASQUILLO
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under the Speaker's announced policy of January 3, 2019, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Soto) is recognized for the remainder of the hour.
Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewomen from Wisconsin and California for their wise words and for invoking the angels that we lost in Florida as well.
In honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Carmen Carrasquillo.
Carmen is a graduate of New York's Baruch Community College and earned a business management certification from Columbia University. She worked as the administrator of the Boriken Health Center for the indigent community in East Harlem, New York.
Since joining the council in 1992 as the senior center coordinator, Carmen has worked with residents and leaders to initiate and sustain programs serving seniors and disabled adults. These have earned the Osceola Council on Aging Senior Center numerous awards for maintaining the independence and dignity of our constituents, including Outstanding Senior Center in the State of Florida.
Her background as a bilingual teacher led to the first English classes for Spanish-speaking adults in Osceola County. This also led her to become a founding member of BRAVO, a nonprofit organization that provided necessary information and referrals to a newly emigrating Hispanic population in Osceola County. Carmen was also named Woman of the Year in 1994.
Carmen assisted the Council on Aging with the opening of the first Hispanic site, Centro Latino Americano Edad de Oro, in the Buena Ventura Lakes Community Center, also known as the Roberto Guevara Community Center.
She was also one of the founders of the Senior Follies with the Osceola Center for the Arts, partnered with Southwest Airlines on a Home for the Holidays program, organized volunteer activities for AARP Community Care Days, organized Hispanic outreach for the South Florida Water Management District, started an intergenerational program with New Beginnings Educational Complex that partners at-risk high school students with seniors in various social activities, operating the Federal Emergency Food Assistance program and local food bank that supplies commodities to the poor and area organizations feeding the poor in Osceola County, and was appointed to the Florida Department of Agriculture TEFAP Advisory Board by Charles Bronson, our former ag commissioner.
For that, Ms. Carmen Carrasquillo, we honor you.
Honoring Deborah Guerrera Gale
Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I would like to honor Deborah Guerrera Gale.
Deborah Guerrera Gale moved to Florida in 1978 from upstate New York, where she worked as a banking accountant after graduating from Ulster County College. Once in Florida, she decided to switch careers and became a draftsperson by studying engineering at Valencia College.
Deborah worked for Walt Disney World Ride & Show Engineering as an electromechanical designer for 10 years. She later returned to college to earn a bachelor's degree in human resources at the age of 40 from Barry University and held positions in Disney Human Resources, Organizational Development, and HR Information Services.
Deborah was raised by caring, progressive parents, Barbara and John Guerrera, who instilled in her a belief in the basic human dignity of all people. Through them, she learned that she could make a positive difference in the world and that she could achieve anything with hard work.
This belief inspired a drive for volunteer service in the community, such as organizing projects for foster teens residing at The Grove, an adolescent residential center for at-risk teens, and Help Now, a domestic abuse shelter.
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She also served as president of the Celebration Women's Club, supporting women's charities and college scholarships. While living in Celebration, she was a founding member and president of the Democrats of Celebration.
After retirement, Deborah turned her attention full-time to civic activism and founded the Democrats of St. Cloud Club and was elected as chair of the Osceola County Democratic Party in 2019.
Deborah's belief that she can make a difference has fueled her passion to advance causes that can make our community and our county a better place for the next generation.
Deborah lives in St. Cloud with her husband, Michael Womick. They have one daughter, Jenna Womick Stowers, and a grandson, Treston James.
For that, Deborah Guerrera Gale, we honor you.
Honoring Giorgina Pinedo-Rolon
Mr. SOTO. In honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Dr. Giorgina Pinedo-Rolon.
Dr. Giorgina Pinedo-Rolon was born in Caracas, Venezuela, and moved to the United States in 1986. Since then, she earned a master's in TV production and journalism and a Ph.D. in social psychology.
Giorgina has extensive experience in television, print, and radio and has worked in various roles for Telemundo Orlando, Casiano Communications' Imagen magazine, and other local news outlets.
Currently, she works for the city of Orlando as the director of the Office of Multicultural Affairs.
Giorgina has been very involved in the business community and the local government of central Florida. She has been recognized for her work with the following awards: Don Quijote Awards' Professional of the Year; Girl Scouts of Citrus' Women of Distinction Awards Visionary of the Year; Orlando Business Journal 40 Under 40; Working Together Outstanding Community Service Award; and the Executive of the Year, HABLA Awards.
Dr. Pinedo-Rolon is a board member of the Crimeline and Girl Scouts of Citrus. She is also chair of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando's Government Affairs Committee and a member of the Central Florida Commission on Homelessness' Family Homelessness Committee. She was a former board member and chair of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando, the Economic Development Commission, the Orange County Membership and Mission Review Board, the Coalition for the Homeless, the Hispanic Heritage Scholarship Fund, Easter Seals, and a former president of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists' Central Florida Chapter.
She is a member of the National Association of Professional Women, National Association of Hispanic Journalists, American Association of Marketing and Public Relations, Hispanic Public Relations Association, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando, and a lifetime member of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials.
Giorgina is married to our Orlando police chief, Orlando Rolon, the first Puerto Rican to hold that position. She has two stepchildren and three grandchildren.
For all this and more, Dr. Giorgina Pinedo-Rolon, we honor you.
Honoring Dr. Angela M. Garcia Falconetti
Mr. SOTO. In honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Dr. Angela M. Garcia Falconetti.
A native Floridian and the daughter of Cuban exiles who completed their degrees at Florida colleges, Dr. Falconetti has a personal commitment to the Florida college system and to ensuring all students have the chance to receive a quality education. She has developed a vision to strengthen student success and has advocated successfully at the State level for critical funding.
Her two decades of service in three States include extensive experience in all aspects of higher education administration. She holds a bachelor's degree with specializations in communications and education cognate from New York University and a master's degree and a doctorate degree in educational leadership from the University of North Florida, with specializations in instructional leadership and postsecondary education and adult learning.
She later completed an endowed postdoctoral fellowship in community college leadership with the University of Texas at Austin while working as a research associate for the Community College Survey of Student Engagement.
At the national level, she served as special assistant to the first Deputy Assistant Secretary for Community Colleges in Washington, D.C.
Prior to being named president of Polk State College, she served as vice president of institutional advancement at Virginia Western Community College and as executive director of the foundation.
Dr. Falconetti continues to serve as an active leader in national, statewide, and local organizations, including the American Association of Community Colleges' Commission on Institutional Infrastructure and Transformation, the Florida College System Council of Presidents' Steering Committee, the Florida Association of Colleges and Universities, and the Florida Chamber Foundation Board.
She lives in Winter Haven, Florida, with her beloved husband, Robert, and their daughter and the light of her life, Sophia.
For that, Dr. Angela M. Garcia Falconetti, we honor you.
Honoring First Sergeant Daila Espeut-Jones
Mr. SOTO. In honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize First Sergeant Daila Espeut-Jones.
First Sergeant Daila Espeut-Jones was born and raised in Jamaica until the age of 15. In 1979, she migrated to Boston, Massachusetts, and later joined the Army in 1982. She served on Active Duty for 22 years and retired in 2004.
During her military tenure, she served in many positions, including squad leader, platoon sergeant, training noncommissioned officer, customs supervisor, plans supervisor, area support team leader, Korean linguist, senior transportation supervisor, first sergeant, and acting division sergeant major.
Her duty assignments included Fort Eustis, Virginia; Seoul, Korea; Fort Bragg, North Carolina; Haiti; Honduras; Albania; Bosnia; Hanau, Germany; Orlando, Florida; and southwest Asia.
Her awards and decorations include: Legion of Merit; Bronze Star; Meritorious Service Medal; Army Commendation Medal, with two oak leaf clusters; Army Achievement Medal, with three oak leaf clusters; Humanitarian Service Ribbon; Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal; Noncommissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon; Overseas Service Ribbon; Parachutist Badge; Expert Weapon Marksmanship Badge; and German Silver Marksmanship Badge.
First Sergeant Espeut-Jones currently serves as the president for the Association of the United States Army's Sunshine Chapter in Orlando and chair of the Orange County Mayor's Veterans Advisory Council. She is an active member of the Women in Defense Central Florida Chapter; Kappa Epsilon Psi Military Sorority, Inc.; Buffalo Soldiers Motorcycle Club Orlando; National Defense Industrial Association; Semper Fidelis of America, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 4287; American Legion; Orange County Veterans Treatment Court mentorship program; and mentor at several schools in Orange County.
In 2015, First Sergeant Espeut-Jones was selected as one of Orlando Business Journal's Veterans of Influence. She is currently employed at ZelTech as a program manager.
For all that and more, First Sergeant Daila Espeut-Jones, we honor you.
Honoring Ernestine Mason Davis
Mr. SOTO. In honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Ernestine Mason Davis.
Ernestine Mason Davis grew up in the Florence Villa community and attended Jewett High School. She is a member of the First Missionary Baptist Church.
She is a founding member and a board member of the Lake Maude Recreation Center, now known as the Neighborhood Service Center. She is also a founding member of the Winter Haven Northeast Cultural Recreation Complex, Polk County Opportunity Council, and Haven Day Care. She has assisted in organizing the East Central Polk Democratic Club Council. She presently serves on the board of the Agricultural and Labor Program, Inc.
Ms. Davis is a regular attendee at Winter Haven Commission meetings and spends her time working for social and economic justice issues. She continues to devote her time to the Polk County community by advocating for homeless, food programs for low-income families, recreation for the youth, and civic and cultural programs for the community.
She is a member of the NAACP and has received numerous awards and recognitions. In February 2020, she was honored with a proclamation by the city of Winter Haven for her commitment to community service. She has received the Honorary Pioneer Award, the Agriculture and Labor Program Community Action Partnership Award, Volunteer Service Award, the J. Owens Academy of Fine Arts Award for being a civil rights leader, Community Service Award for advocating for children and families, and the NAACP Exemplary Leadership and Service Award. She has also received awards from her family for organizing and supporting family reunions.
She was married to the late John Wesley Davis and has five children. She is a grandmother and a great-grandmother.
For that, Ernestine Mason Davis, we honor you.
Honoring Maria Ramos
Mr. SOTO. In honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Maria Ramos.
Maria Ramos Joiner was born in Bayamon, Puerto Rico. At the age of 3, her father decided to move the family to the Bronx in New York in search of the American Dream.
The New York public school system gave her the opportunity to attend field trips to museums and cultural art centers, sparking her love for the arts with her first visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.
Influenced by her mother's old Bible, with its beautiful illustrations and stories, Maria's passion for artistic expression further grew. The oldest of six, she collected brown paper bags as her canvases and confiscated every pen, pencil, or crayon that was unattended for her pretend studio.
Mostly self-taught, Maria's work has been shown in galleries and museums. Maria has also donated work for fundraisers to raise money for various causes.
One of the most important works she has exhibited was at the Mennello Museum, honoring the Pulse nightclub victims in 2016. After its exhibition initially, Maria graciously donated the piece to the city of Orlando.
Maria has also been recognized for her art depicting the culture of Puerto Rico, with an influence from the European masters she studied.
Maria is an advocate for the homeless and is known for her charitable work throughout the years, whether through her art donations or when someone is in need.
For that, Maria Ramos, we honor you.
Honoring Colonel Paulette Schank
Mr. SOTO. In honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Colonel Paulette Schank.
Colonel Paulette Schank began her outstanding career as a licensed practical nurse out of high school, eventually achieving her master's degree in nursing in pursuit of a career in patient care.
After gaining clinical experience, and speaking to several registered nurses in the anesthesia field, she decided her desire for further autonomy and utilization of critical thinking skills was perfectly matched to a career in the anesthesia profession.
Upon successful completion of a post-master's certificate in nurse anesthesia, she worked for 6 years at Frankford Hospital and later at Osceola Regional Medical Center in Florida.
However, as the daughter of a retired naval chief petty officer, family legacy and patriotism drove Colonel Schank's wish to assist patients in a much different setting. She enlisted in the Air Force and learned to transport patients in critical conditions.
These skills served her well in support of Operation Desert Storm, where she evacuated troops, with a 100 percent survival rate of those transported. During her 24 years in the service, Colonel Schank provided medical assistance in times of war and in humanitarian efforts--from Iraq to Turkey, Mozambique to Honduras and beyond.
As both a civilian nurse anesthetist and Air Force Reserve officer, she has dedicated her life to caring for others, be it in Florida or around the world.
Her love for education and helping those in need is ever present, and she continues to surpass what it means to be a student, nurse, and a constituent of Florida's Ninth Congressional District.
For that, Colonel Paulette Schank, we honor you.
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Honoring Yasmin Flasterstein
Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Yasmin Flasterstein.
Yasmin Flasterstein is the cofounder and executive director of Peer Support Space, Inc., which serves as a hub for diverse peer communities in central Florida. She also works as a wellness recovery action plan facilitator, is a board member and the Community Engagement Committee chair for the One Orlando Alliance, is a founding leader of Orlando Trans Collective, and sits on the board of directors for Central Florida Cares and Peer Support Coalition of Florida.
Yasmin has been in social justice leadership positions since she was 14; and in college, she brought membership of a mental health advocacy group, UCF Active Minds, from 20 to over 200 members in one semester.
Yasmin has worked in various clinical roles at La Amistad Behavioral Health Services and at the Mental Health Association of Central Florida.
Yasmin was a leader in the mental health response to the Pulse tragedy, working as the program director for Orlando United Counseling, providing long-term counseling for those affected directly and indirectly. During this time, Yasmin also set up events to destigmatize mental health in LGBTQ+ communities and Latin, Black, and immigrant communities as well.
She has since shifted from working in clinical environments to the peer professional environment. She believes in the power of peers with similar lived experiences, particularly from within marginalized communities, and works to train and support them in using their own experience with mental health in order to guide and support others.
She is passionate about breaking the mental health stigma that leaves people suffering alone and uses her experience as a suicide survivor living with PTSD and dissociative disorder to help others.
Her nonprofit, Peer Support Space, has helped over 2,500 individuals with free services during its inaugural year, and they have recently opened central Florida's very first peer respite in my district.
And for that, Ms. Yasmin Flasterstein, we honor you.
Honoring Catherine Haynes
Mr. SOTO. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Women's History Month, I would like to recognize Catherine Haynes.
Originally from Indiana, Catherine now lives in Orlando, Florida. She is known to be a dedicated volunteer, member, and supporter of the central Florida veteran and military community.
Fourteen years ago, she realized veterans weren't receiving information about events that would be helpful to them. In order to fulfill that need, she created a massive email distribution list that includes veterans from six counties who are served by the Orlando VA Medical Center in Lake Nona.
As part of her patriotic duty, she regularly greets the three Honor Flight hubs at the Orlando International Airport. Once she greeted and thanked over 3,000 senior veterans for their service.
Catherine's patriotism is inherent. She can trace her family's military history back to the Revolutionary War, where her family served and became America's first veterans. Almost every generation in her family has served our country, including her son, Andrew, who served in the United States Navy.
For several years, Catherine has volunteered with the Wall of Faces national project, whose goal is to match a photograph with every name that appears on the Vietnam Memorial Wall in Washington, D.C. Last year, she found a Florida Vietnam war casualty without a photograph. By using reverse genealogy, she found the veteran's family, received his photo, and found where he had been buried in an unmarked grave for almost 50 years.
Catherine has been finding photographs of war casualties across the Nation for years and recently began focusing her efforts on Puerto Rico, where she has faced several challenges in locating nearly 100 pictures of the remaining Vietnam war casualties.
One of her favorite quotes is: ``Well-behaved women seldom make history.'' Her motto is: ``The soles of my shoes seldom cool off, and neither do the tires on my car.''
Catherine is supported by her husband, Joseph, in her continual efforts to support our central Florida veterans and military community.
And for that, Ms. Catherine Haynes, we honor you.
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
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