Vince Fong
Representative for California · Republican · United States
“Shortly after enlisting, he reported to Biloxi, Mississippi, for basic training before continuing his service with assignments in Yuma, Arizona, and Amarillo, Texas. Mr. McAbee served our Nation through the conclusion of World War II.”
“Shortly after enlisting, he reported to Biloxi, Mississippi, for basic training before continuing his service with assignments in Yuma, Arizona, and Amarillo, Texas. Mr. McAbee served our Nation through the conclusion of World War II.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E717] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE 2026 SUMMER INTERN CLASS- ______ HON.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E717] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE 2026 SUMMER INTERN CLASS- ______ HON.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E716] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MR. RICHARD McABEE'S 100TH BIRTHDAY ______ HON.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E716] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MR. RICHARD McABEE'S 100TH BIRTHDAY ______ HON.”
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“Whether serving in my district office or D.C. office, these interns worked tirelessly for our constituents and country, demonstrating a strong willingness to learn and showing their drive and thoughtfulness during their time here. The work done by each of them has helped my team's efforts immensely, and I hope this experience will help them make even stronger contributions in whatever they choose to pursue. I truly look forward to seeing the impact they will have on their endeavors in the years ahead. ____________________”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E717] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE 2026 SUMMER INTERN CLASS- ______ HON. VINCE FONG of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, July 21, 2026 Mr. FONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the amazing interns who spent their summer serving the people of California's 20th Congressional District. As their summer internships come to an end, I want to sincerely express my gratitude to Sydney Calderwood for her service in my Bakersfield, California office, and to Logan McLoughlin, Isabella Stroia, and Cara Gallen for their contributions to my Washington D.C. office.”
“His commitment to defending our Nation, caring for his family, and strengthening our community perfectly models the character and patriotism that define the `greatest generation'. Please join me in thanking him for his service and wishing him the best as he turns 100 years old. ____________________”
“Shortly after enlisting, he reported to Biloxi, Mississippi, for basic training before continuing his service with assignments in Yuma, Arizona, and Amarillo, Texas. Mr. McAbee served our Nation through the conclusion of World War II. After the war ended, he continued his dedication to the Armed Forces by serving as a mechanic for the B-29 bomber and was honorably discharged in September 1945. In 1949, Mr. McAbee married his wife, Marilyn, and together they built a family. They welcomed their daughter, Brenda, in 1950, and their son, Brian, in 1951. In 1962, the McAbee family eventually put down roots in Dunlap, California, where Mr. McAbee became a well-known and respected member of the mountain community for more than six decades. Throughout his life, Mr. McAbee has embodied the values of service, perseverance, and dedication.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E716] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MR. RICHARD McABEE'S 100TH BIRTHDAY ______ HON. VINCE FONG of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, July 21, 2026 Mr. FONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Richard McAbee as he celebrates his 100th birthday. Born on July 21, 1926, Mr. McAbee demonstrated his immense patriotism at the age of 18, when he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps to serve as a B-29 bomber pilot during World War II.”
“Whether serving in my district office or D.C. office, these interns worked tirelessly for our constituents and country, demonstrating a strong willingness to learn and showing their drive and thoughtfulness during their time here. The work done by each of them has helped my team's efforts immensely, and I hope this experience will help them make even stronger contributions in whatever they choose to pursue. I truly look forward to seeing the impact they will have on their endeavors in the years ahead. ____________________”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E717] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING THE 2026 SUMMER INTERN CLASS- ______ HON. VINCE FONG of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, July 21, 2026 Mr. FONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the amazing interns who spent their summer serving the people of California's 20th Congressional District. As their summer internships come to an end, I want to sincerely express my gratitude to Sydney Calderwood for her service in my Bakersfield, California office, and to Logan McLoughlin, Isabella Stroia, and Cara Gallen for their contributions to my Washington D.C. office.”
“His commitment to defending our Nation, caring for his family, and strengthening our community perfectly models the character and patriotism that define the `greatest generation'. Please join me in thanking him for his service and wishing him the best as he turns 100 years old. ____________________”
“Shortly after enlisting, he reported to Biloxi, Mississippi, for basic training before continuing his service with assignments in Yuma, Arizona, and Amarillo, Texas. Mr. McAbee served our Nation through the conclusion of World War II. After the war ended, he continued his dedication to the Armed Forces by serving as a mechanic for the B-29 bomber and was honorably discharged in September 1945. In 1949, Mr. McAbee married his wife, Marilyn, and together they built a family. They welcomed their daughter, Brenda, in 1950, and their son, Brian, in 1951. In 1962, the McAbee family eventually put down roots in Dunlap, California, where Mr. McAbee became a well-known and respected member of the mountain community for more than six decades. Throughout his life, Mr. McAbee has embodied the values of service, perseverance, and dedication.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 172 Issue 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026) [Congressional Record Volume 172, Number 119 (Tuesday, July 21, 2026)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E716] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] HONORING MR. RICHARD McABEE'S 100TH BIRTHDAY ______ HON. VINCE FONG of california in the house of representatives Tuesday, July 21, 2026 Mr. FONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Richard McAbee as he celebrates his 100th birthday. Born on July 21, 1926, Mr. McAbee demonstrated his immense patriotism at the age of 18, when he enlisted in the United States Army Air Corps to serve as a B-29 bomber pilot during World War II.”
“The Taft community remains fortunate and grateful to have had such a hero. Victor is survived by his daughters: Patty Killingsworth Gray, Barbara Killingsworth, and Janet Killingsworth Sandoval; his sons-in- law: Everett Gray and Miguel Sandoval; five grandchildren: Christian Gray, Ashley Gray, John Gray, Sarah Sandoval, and Andrew Sandoval; and eight great-grandchildren: Samantha Gray, Andrew Gray, Piper Gray, Foster Gray, Lex Gray, Charlotte Sandoval, Victoria Sandoval, and Oliver Sandoval. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in remembering Victor Killingsworth, and his legacy of invaluable service to both our country and his community. ____________________”
“Promoted to the rank of Lieutenant, Victor was honorably discharged, married Peggy, and returned to his hometown of Taft. The couple ran Taft Sporting Goods for 37 years while raising their three daughters--Barbara, Janet, and Patty. Victor was passionate about supporting his community, helping launch Westside Little League and Westside Jr. Football. Later in life, Victor wrote a book about his service titled ``The Gator Navy,'' where he detailed stories of his training and service. Cementing his local legacy, Victor conceived of the idea to construct the iconic Oil Worker Monument in Taft, the largest bronze statue west of the Mississippi River, to mark the centennial anniversary of the city. Whether it was his service to our country or our community, Victor has certainly left a lasting impact on countless individuals.”
“operations in Saipan in late July 1944, Victor transported--in just one day--some 8,000 Marines in 75 boatloads across three miles of open ocean to secure the Japanese-held island of Tinian in the Northern Mariana Islands. This vital island would later provide the two airfields necessary for American bombers to quickly reach Japan and bring about the culmination of World War II. Later in 1944, Victor served as a Communications Officer aboard the USS Artemis. While onboard at the onset of the heroic Battle of Iwo Jima in February 1945, the USS Artemis sustained withering fire from Japanese coastal artillery and was forced to withdraw to Guam. This was Victor's final combat of World War II, as the war would end seven months later on September 2, 1945.”
“Victor later noted that his audaciousness in landing so close to enemy positions at night seemed to have tricked the Japanese defenders into thinking his boat was one of theirs. Victor next took part in the operation to capture the island of Saipan. While on the island, Victor drove too far into enemy lines where he witnessed tremendous human suffering on the island. In one location in Saipan, he would successfully urge numerous Japanese soldiers to lay down their arms by promising the men they would be treated with civility. Adopting similar de-escalation strategies with civilians he encountered, Victor's compassion saved many from perishing. Upon completion of U.S.”
“During his naval training, while at Joint Expeditionary Base--Little Creek, Victor met his future wife Margaret (Peggy) Sexton who would keep his morale high with frequent devoted letters throughout the war. Upon completion of Midshipman School, Victor received orders to be assigned to the USS Sumter, a troop transport ship, carrying elements of the 4th Marine Division. Assigned to a U.S. Navy Amphibious Squad, Victor worked to transport ``Carlson's Raiders'' to Kwajalein Atoll in the Marshall Islands in February 1944. He would transport Marines onto the six-square mile atoll throughout a fierce four-day battle as part of the Gilbert and Marshall Islands Campaign. In the pouring rain and amidst choppy surf, Victor towed Marine landing forces behind him to the beach like ``ducklings'' as he recalled.”
“Shortly thereafter, Francis and Evelena would move to Taft, California, which would become Victor's home for over 90 years. After graduating from Taft High School and later Taft College, Victor enrolled in the University of California, Berkley. While studying there, the attack on Pearl Harbor occurred, causing the United States to formally enter World War II. Eager to defend his country, Victor enlisted in the U.S. Navy at a time when Japanese and German naval attacks had stretched American naval forces precariously thin. Victor sought to be a more valuable asset to the Navy and enrolled in Midshipman School at Columbia University on December 7, 1942. Industrious American shipbuilders soon remedied the ship shortage with remarkable speed, enabling Victor to later serve in the campaigns against Imperial Japan in the Pacific Ocean.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 70 (Monday, April 28, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 70 (Monday, April 28, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E353] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REMEMBERING VICTOR KILLINGSWORTH ______ HON. VINCE FONG of california in the house of representatives Monday, April 28, 2025 Mr. FONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and heroic service of Mr. Victor Killingsworth of Taft, California. Victor, a veteran of World War II, served our country in the U.S. Navy for over three years and made incredible contributions to the Taft community. Victor passed away on April 5, 2025, at the age of 104. Victor was born on November 11, 1921, in Coalinga, California, to Francis and Evelena Killingsworth.”
“Speaker, on behalf of a grateful Nation, I ask my colleagues here in Congress to join me in celebrating 100 years of Howard Lee Davidson's brave and patriotic life. ____________________”
“Without the bravery of Howard and others like him in the Third Army, the Allied offensive to liberate Europe would certainly have suffered deeply. When he returned to the United States after serving in the war, Howard met his wife Stella Thrasher and the two were soon married. The couple had three children--Kenny, Danny, and Vicky, who is Howard's loving caretaker. Howard's grandson, also named Danny, followed his grandfather's dedication to patriotism and currently serves as Staff Sergeant at Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. In our country's proud history, it is so often the legacy of service among families which keeps our Nation safe and our Armed Forces strong. I hope Howard looks back with pride on his years of service, not only for the great sacrifices and honor, but also the enduring legacy it fosters for our Nation. Mr.”
“Howard would soon brave the treacherous Atlantic Ocean aboard the RMS Queen Mary vessel to join the war in Europe. On June 12, 1944, six days after the Normandy landings on D-Day, Howard was assigned to the U.S. Third Army, commanded by legendary General George Patton. During this time, Howard served as an anti-aircraft gunner in which he was part of the offensive across France, Belgium, and all the way into Germany. While advancing through the Ardennes Forest centered around Belgium and Luxembourg, Howard found himself in the Battle of the Bulge. Often referred to as ``the greatest American battle of the war,'' Howard fought alongside British, French, and Canadian Allied forces to halt the final offensive of German reserves during a six-week winter onslaught.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 59 (Wednesday, April 2, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 59 (Wednesday, April 2, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Page E280] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] CELEBRATING THE 100TH BIRTHDAY OF HOWARD DAVIDSON ______ HON. VINCE FONG of california in the house of representatives Wednesday, April 2, 2025 Mr. FONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise to wish a happy 100th birthday to Mr. Howard Lee Davidson of Visalia, California, a veteran of World War II and a hero of our community. Howard was born in Visalia, California on April 2, 1925. With the entry of the United States into World War II, he proudly enlisted in the U.S. Army as Private First-Class Howard Lee Davidson.”
“Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in remembering the life of Patricia Farris, a valued member of our community who has left a lasting impact on countless individuals. [[Page E280]] ____________________”
“For decades, she successfully contributed to community events and productions while simultaneously managing the family-run businesses. In 1980, Patricia was hired as publisher for the News Review, a local newspaper that informed thousands of community members on events effecting the Indian Wells Valley. It was in this role that Patricia became a strong advocate and voice for the Indian Wells Valley. Always seeking to keep her community and its leaders aware of important stories and events, Patricia served in this role for 44 years, until retiring in 2024. Patricia is preceded in death by her husband Fred, with whom she shared a 52-year long marriage, her daughter, Patti Cosner, grandson, Kenny Farris, and great-grandson, Joshua Farris. She is survived by her children, Paul, Bill, and Laura, her 32 grandchildren, and other relatives. Mr.”
“Through the Great Depression and World War II, Patricia grew up alongside her six siblings and parents. Together, they became one of the first families to put roots down in the area prior to the establishment of the Naval Air Weapons Station China Lake, home of the U.S. Navy's premier weapons development program. Following her graduation from Burroughs High School, Patricia attended college in Missouri, where she would meet her husband, Fred Stanley Farris. They soon fell in love and were married on December 1, 1948. In 1969, Patricia and Fred Farris returned to the Indian Wells Valley with their children, after spending years living around the country. Patricia Farris, alongside her husband, managed a service station and cafe within the town of Inyokern, and worked many community events such as air shows and parades.”
“Congressional Record, Volume 171 Issue 59 (Wednesday, April 2, 2025) [Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 59 (Wednesday, April 2, 2025)] [Extensions of Remarks] [Pages E279-E280] From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [ www.gpo.gov ] REMEMBERING PATRICIA FARRIS ______ HON. VINCE FONG of california in the house of representatives Wednesday, April 2, 2025 Mr. FONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and enduring legacy of Patricia Marie Farris, a caring mother, grandmother, great- grandmother, and entrepreneur who dedicated her career to our communities. Patricia passed away March 5, 2025, at the age of 94. Born on April 29, 1930, in Blue Eye, Arkansas, Patricia moved west in 1941 during the Dust Bowl and was raised in the Indian Wells Valley of California.”