Gluesenkamp Perez Announces Congressional Leadership Award Winners

Today, Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez (WA-03) announced the winners of her inaugural Congressional Leadership Awards to honor community members who represent the best of Southwest Washington.

This award recognizes residents of Washington’s Third District who have demonstrated exemplary leadership, service, or heroism and who have gone above and beyond to make a significant positive impact for their communities or fellow citizens.

“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. They sure as heck don’t look at someone’s bumper stickers before helping pull their truck out of a ditch,” said Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez. “I kicked off my Congressional Leadership Awards to honor the outstanding leadership, service, and heroism that goes unrecognized in our communities each day. We received dozens of incredible nominations across Southwest Washington – and I’m excited to continue to honor leaders who put their communities first.”

Open nominations for the next series of Congressional Leadership Awards will be announced at a later date – and nominations already submitted will be again considered.

Rep. Gluesenkamp Perez awarded a Congressional Leadership Award to the following community members this winter:

Ralph Harris
Clark County, Washington

Ralph Harris, a 24-year U.S. Navy veteran, is a tireless volunteer for the American Red Cross and Disabled American Veterans (DAV). He volunteers to deliver blood and drives about 500 miles a week for the Red Cross, has been awarded the 50-gallon pin for donating blood, and has volunteered over 600 hours of his time.

Ralph has also spent several hundred hours volunteering as a counselor for DAV. Additionally, he volunteers with the City of Vancouver where he participates in cemetery clean ups and trail counts. Up until last year, he volunteered for Neighbors on Watch (NOW) with the Vancouver Police Department.

“Ralph is an unassuming person who unselfishly gives his time to the community. A Navy Veteran, he assists disabled veterans with the process of getting medical benefits and assistance,” said nominator Mike Burton, U.S. Air Force veteran. “Ralph also is untiring in the time he gives to the American Red Cross as an unpaid driver. Ralph is truly a leader in community services.”

Chris Fuller
Skamania County, Washington

Chris Fuller is the Chief of Skamania County Fire District 4, where he has served for more than 30 years, and a third-generation resident of the upper Washougal area. He owned and operated the Washougal River Mercantile alongside his sisters, a family business of more than 50 years. 

Chris also serves as Chair of the Skamania County EMS and Trauma Care Council. He volunteers for the American Legion, school functions, and community events, as well as taking time to help his neighbors.

“Chris Fuller is a cornerstone to the community of upper Washougal in Skamania County. He has dedicated his life to caring for his community, many of which he considers his family and friends,” said nominator Kaitlyn Hildenbrand, Skamania County EMS paramedic. “Chris is one-of-a-kind, he’s caring, genuine, and a rare gem of a human being!”

Doug Paulson
Clark County, Washington

Doug Paulson is a retired Clark County Sheriff’s Office Deputy with 33 years of service, including working as a firearms instructor and on marine patrol. He has been engaged with the Police Activities League (PAL) of Southwest Washington for more than a decade, including five years on the board. PAL fosters positive relationships between law enforcement and young people, and Doug has volunteered for countless programs, including summer camps, mentoring, PAL Patrol, basketball, and literacy activities.

Doug has a passion for basketball and served as a referee, as well as a coach at Silver Star Elementary and the PAL basketball summer camp. He spearheaded the effort to expand PAL services to rural areas outside of Vancouver and to invite agencies to partner with PAL.

“For over three decades, Doug Paulson has embodied the very spirit of PAL, dedicating countless hours to mentoring and coaching our youth while serving as a Clark County Sheriff’s Deputy,” said nominator Jesse Jimenez, Executive Director of the Police Activities League (PAL) of Southwest Washington. “What truly sets Coach Doug apart is not just his own commitment to our programs, but how he’s inspired an entire generation of law enforcement officers to volunteer with PAL, helping us expand from Vancouver to serve all of Southwest Washington. 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.”

Rich and Rhonda Black
Cowlitz County, Washington

Rich and Rhonda Black are the founders of Helping Every Veteran in Need (HEVIN), a nonprofit organization committed to assisting veterans and their families in Cowlitz County. HEVIN dedicates their resources to addressing a diverse range of needs for veterans, including emergency rent and medical assistance, automobile repairs, and support groups.

Rich and Rhonda were born and raised in the Pacific Northwest, alongside their four daughters and six grandsons. Rich serves on the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity and Rhonda serves as a Board Director for the Longview Rotary Club. Rich is a United States Air Force veteran who was stationed at Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane and in England during Operation Desert Shield/Storm. Outside of work and volunteering, Rich and Rhonda spend most of their time together with family and traveling.

“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. From auto repair to housing, they are there,” said nominator Casey Leonard, U.S. Army veteran. “Their network puts veterans together to help each other with transportation to the VA or other medical appointments. Personally, I would not be where I am without HEVIN’s help.”