[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1293]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING TONY FLETCHER

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MIKE THOMPSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, December 17, 2024

  Mr. THOMPSON of California. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. 
Tony Fletcher, a dedicated advocate in our Napa community. For thirty-
five years, Mr. Fletcher has demonstrated unwavering commitment to 
enriching the lives of the blind and visually impaired (BVI) through 
his work with the Enchanted Hills Camp for the Blind.
  Born and raised in Napa, Mr. Fletcher dedicated his career to serving 
our community and ensuring that visually impaired individuals have 
access to resources. Mr. Fletcher's journey with Enchanted Hills Camp 
began in 1989, marking the start of a lifelong career with LightHouse 
for the Blind. Later, in 1995 he earned a Master of Arts in Special 
Education with an emphasis on Orientation and Mobility from San 
Francisco State University. Mr. Fletcher is retiring after thirty-five 
years of serving Lighthouse for the Blind which oversees Enchanted 
Hills Camp concluding his career as the Senior Director of Services.
  Under Mr. Fletcher's leadership, Enchanted Hills Camp has flourished 
as a safe, nurturing, and empowering environment where blind campers of 
all ages could explore, learn, and experience the joys of a traditional 
summer camp. Mr. Fletcher's vision and determination extended beyond 
the campgrounds, as he built partnerships with the County of Napa. In 
2017, when devastating wildfires destroyed much of Enchanted Hills 
Camp, Mr. Fletcher in partnership with County Supervisor Ryan Gregory 
and the LightHouse organization, helped rebuild the camp. Today, 
Enchanted Hills Camp continues to be a fully accessible and inclusive 
retreat where blind, deafblind, and low-vision campers continue to 
thrive.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Fletcher for his remarkable service to the 
Napa community and the BVI population. Mr. Fletcher's work has had a 
profound impact on generations of students. His dedication has 
cultivated a legacy of resilience and compassion that will benefit our 
community for years to come. It is fitting and proper that we honor him 
here today.

                          ____________________