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U.S. Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez, D-Skamania, awarded the first of her congressional leadership awards on Monday, March 17, to five community members in Southwest Washington.
The awards are given to residents of the state’s Third Congressional District who have shown “exemplary leadership, service and heroism,” according to a news release from Gluesenkamp Perez.
“As I’ve traveled across Southwest Washington, I’ve met some incredible, skilled folks dedicated to improving life in their communities and doing meaningful work in service of their neighbors,” she stated in the release. “They embody a spirit of self-sacrifice and don’t think twice about stepping up or stepping in when they’re needed most. As I’ve traveled across Southwest Washington, I’ve met some incredible, skilled folks dedicated to improving life in their communities and doing meaningful work in service of their neighbors. They embody a spirit of self-sacrifice and don’t think twice about stepping up or stepping in when they’re needed most.”
Gluesenkamp Perez recognized Ralph Harris, a 24-year U.S. Navy veteran, for his service as a volunteer with the American Red Cross and Disabled American Veterans.
Harris has dedicated more than 600 hours to these organizations and also volunteers with the City of Vancouver doing cemetery cleanups and trail counts and working with Neighbors On Watch with the Vancouver police Department.
“Ralph is truly a leader in community services,” nominator Mike Burton said. “A Navy veteran, he assists disabled veterans with the process of getting medical benefits and assistance.”
Gluesenkamp Perez awarded Chris Fuller, chief of Skamania County Fire District 4, for his service as chair of the Skamania County EMS and Trauma Care Council and his time as a volunteer in the community with the American Legion, local schools and other events.
Fuller is a third generation Washougal resident and has served the fire district for more than 30 years.
“Chris Fuller is a cornerstone to the community of upper Washougal in Skamania County,” nominator Kaitlyn Hildenbrand said. “He has dedicated his life to caring for his community, many of which he considers his family and friends.”
Gluesenkamp Perez recognized Doug Paulson, a retired Clark County Sheriff’s Office deputy, for his time working with the Police Activities League of Southwest Washington and serving as referee and coach for the basketball program at Silver Star Elementary.
Paulson served on the Police Activities League (PAL) board for five years and has led the effort to expand the organization’s services to the rural areas surrounding Vancouver.
“For over three decades, Doug Paulson has embodied the very spirit of PAL,” said nominator Jesse Jimenez, executive director of PAL. “His impact echoes through our community — from the hundreds of youth whose lives he’s touched directly through our basketball, literacy and mentoring programs, to the lasting legacy he’s created by showing his fellow officers the profound difference they can make in young lives through PAL.”
Gluesenkamp Perez awarded Rich and Rhonda Black, founders of Helping Every Veteran in Need (HEVIN), for their nonprofit work.
Helping Every Veteran in Need is based in Cowlitz County and serves veterans and their families through emergency rent and medical assistance, automobile repairs and support groups.
Rich is a U.S. Air Force veteran and serves on the board of directors for Habitat for Humanity. Rhonda serves on the board of directors for the Longview Rotary Club.
“Rich and Rhonda Black founded HEVIN several years ago. They and their board members and volunteers are tirelessly working to better the lives of veterans in Cowlitz County,” nominator Casey Leonard said. “From auto repair to housing, they are there.”
