Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Ed Bergh on his retirement from Yelm High School after 38 years of teaching. The Washington State Legislature has also named Mr. Bergh the Washington Civic Educator of the Year.

Mr. Bergh studied political science at Western Washington University and soon after graduation, he became a Social Studies teacher. Today, Mr. Bergh teaches World Problems, History, and American Government.

In addition to his passion for educating young people, Mr. Bergh loves learning more about the subjects he teaches. He looks for ways to increase his knowledge and apply that learning to the classroom. Mr. Bergh does not simply lecture his students, he engages them in discussion and helps them think critically before reaching conclusions.

In addition to teaching, Mr. Bergh enjoys learning and writing about his hometown, Yelm, Washington. He created the Yelm History Project, a virtual database for the history of Yelm, the Web site of which he and his students regularly update.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize the career of Ed Bergh. His dedication to teaching is an inspiration and has undoubtedly helped countless students who have gone on to accomplish great things.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Lincoln High School, in Tacoma, WA, for its many achievements over the almost one hundred years it has been open, and to congratulate all who work and study at Lincoln as they prepare to celebrate the school's 100th anniversary.

Lincoln High School accepted its first students in 1914. Since then, the teachers at Lincoln have educated thousands who would go on to graduate, and the school has supported many of its students by raising scholarship funds for future graduates. In the coming year, Lincoln High School hopes to raise $100,000 in scholarship money to celebrate their centennial anniversary. This year's fundraising will build upon the successes during the school's 75th anniversary, when $75,000 was raised to

support 12 graduating students. Lincoln High School's organizing committee has hosted various fundraisers to connect students and communities through education.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I honor Lincoln High School. Schools like Lincoln High School keeps students motivated and active by ensuring that all are given the opportunity to have a bright future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the work of the People for Puget Sound organization. For twenty years, this organization has been a strong voice for protecting one of the Pacific Northwest region's most valuable assets: the Puget Sound. After achieving many victories to protect the waterway, People for Puget Sound is transferring its programs to other organizations and concluding its operations.

Established in 1991, People for Puget Sound has worked to restore the fish and wildlife in the Puget Sound by creating clean and healthy land and waters that can be enjoyed by future generations. The organization worked to educate people who work and live throughout the Puget Sound basin about the shared responsibilities in protecting this resource.

Throughout its history, People for Puget Sound hosted countless events to bring volunteers out to restore habitats. Restoration ecologists worked throughout the Puget Sound region to give citizens the tools to protect the Sound where they work and live.

In addition to educating and engaging the public, People for Puget Sound has been a fierce advocate for the protection of environmental safeguards. For years, volunteers have gathered annually to speak with their representatives about steps that could be taken to clean up the Puget Sound.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize the valuable work of People for Puget Sound. Although the organization is dissolving, I know the values and dedication of its staff and thousands of members from across the region will continue to protect the Puget Sound.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and congratulate Seattle Chocolates in Tukwila, Washington for being named a finalist for the 2012 King County Executive's Small Business Awards, in the Woman Small Business of the Year category.

Seattle Chocolates was founded in 1992 by CEO Jean Thompson as a gourmet chocolate company that specializes in truffles and truffle bars. Their confections are carefully made with fine European chocolate in the King County region.

The Woman Small Business of the Year award recognizes a women-owned business that has made significant contributions to the community and economy. Currently, 28.7 percent of businesses in the King County region are women-owned and operated. King County is also ranked one of the highest among U.S. counties for women-owned businesses.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I honor Seattle Chocolates. Small businesses like Seattle Chocolates inspire women and create jobs. I commend Seattle Chocolates for representing our community and women-owned businesses all across the nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Pacific Metallurgical in Kent, Washington for being named a finalist for the 2012 King County Executive's Small Business Awards, in the Exporting Small Business of the Year category. The Exporting Small Business award is given to small businesses that have increased international sales in new and existing markets.

Pacific Metallurgical is an innovative heat treating business that was founded in 1967. The family-owned company was one of the first commercial heat-treat suppliers in the King County region. The company has since grown and the company is today offering new equipment and technology worldwide.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate Pacific Metallurgical. Advanced companies like Pacific Metallurgical help to stimulate our local and national economies through trade and growth.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the heroic acts of bravery undertaken by Jody Wellman, James Bostwick, and Christopher Hastings of Washington State, who saved the lives of two individuals.

On the morning of Saturday, August 11, 2012, Transportation Security Officers (TSOs) Jody Wellman, James Bostwick, and Christopher Hastings intervened at a time of crisis to save the lives of a man and a woman who suffered a car accident on Interstate-5 in Washington State.

After colliding with a concrete utility box and sign post in the median of the interstate, a vehicle caught fire with a 21-year-old soldier from Joint Base Lewis-McChord and a 29-year-old female passenger inside. These courageous TSOs pulled off the interstate to assist the two passengers out of the vehicle, which burst into flames shortly thereafter. There is no doubt that these two lives were saved because of the heroic efforts of these three brave officers.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Jody Wellman, James Bostwick, and Christopher Hastings, who exemplify the spirit of service and commitment to one's community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life and work of Reverend Ralph Carney. Since 1999, Father Ralph Carney has served as the Catholic Chaplain at Madigan Medical Center in Washington State, conducting mass and ministering to both patients and staff. His passing is a great loss to the community at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.

Rev. Carney was born in 1923. During World War II, he was a sailor along the South American coast and during his career, would serve in the Navy, Air Force, and Army.

Following World War II, Father Carney became ordained as a Catholic priest. Rev. Carney went on to serve as a chaplain for the Air Force and Army. In 1964, Rev. Carney went to Vietnam to work with combat soldiers. Upon his retirement from the Army, he began working at Western State Hospital and after he was a priest at St. John Bosco Catholic Church in Lakewood, WA.

Rev. Carney began working at Madigan Army Medical Center in 1999 and continued his work there until his passing on August 26, 2012 at age 89. He was deeply passionate about serving those who serve our country. Never being one to slow down, Rev. Carney continued his work up until his last days.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I celebrate the life of Father Carney. His service to our country and the men and women who serve to defend it will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the groundbreaking of the 9/11 Memorial at the South King Fire and Rescue Station 64 in Federal Way, Washington. The memorial will include a steel beam from the World Trade Center to honor the firefighters, police officers, and citizens who lost their lives when terrorists coordinated the attacks on September 11, 2001.

In 2011, Lt. Scott Mahlen and firefighter Sven Schievink drove to New York to retrieve the beam. During the 55 hour-long journey, the men were supported by friends and fire stations across the country. After returning to Federal Way, the community worked for the next year to raise money for the memorial.

The South King Firefighters Foundation plans to finish the memorial by September 11, 2013. This project serves as a reminder of how deeply the tragedy of 9/11 affected Americans across the country, and the steel from this beam represents the strength and resilience of the United States in the aftermath of unimaginable tragedy.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize the work of the men and women of South King Fire and Rescue to construct a powerful memorial for the victims of the 9/11 attacks. When completed, this memorial will be an important reminder of those who lost their lives and the men and women who continue to protect our country every day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the ``Catch a Special Thrill'' (C.A.S.T.) for Kids Foundation, based in Renton, Washington. Since 1991, this organization and its founder Jim Owens have worked to partner volunteers who love fishing with people with special needs for fishing excursions. Today, the foundation hosts three different programs; C.A.S.T. for Kids, the Fishing Kids Program, and the Take a Warrior Fishing Program.

The C.A.S.T. for Kids Program held its first event at Banks Lake in Eastern Washington in 1992. Today, events are held in 22 States across the country. This program helps children with special needs and their caretakers

experience the outdoors and spend time on the water. This program also helps educate the community about the abilities of children with special needs and the value of providing this type of experience to those young individuals.

The Fishing Kids Program was established in 1996 to give young people living in urban areas exposure to fishing. Expert anglers volunteer to teach children fishing techniques, angler ethics, fish identification and water safety--giving young people the skills they need to begin a lifelong hobby. Kids also leave the program with a rod and reel to keep and continue using.

In 2011, the foundation launched a new program called Take a Warrior Fishing. The first event was held at Joint Base Lewis-McChord. This program connects transitioning military personnel and their families to increase interactions and appreciation for the outdoors. This also gives returning servicemembers a therapeutic outlet by spending time on the water and in the outdoors.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize the work of the C.A.S.T. for Kids Foundation. Their creative solutions to helping kids and servicemembers by introducing them to the sport of fishing helps a wide variety of special needs individuals in our communities.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and congratulate Jennifer Potter, the President and CEO of the Initiative for Global Development (IGD), on her retirement.

Jennifer joined the group who would found IGD in 2003 with a goal to reduce global poverty through economic growth and investment. Under her leadership as President and CEO, the Seattle-based organization grew from an ambitious idea to a widely recognized international organization. Jennifer has also led IGD's efforts to direct more than $100 million in investments to the developing world and altered the way governments and businesses engage in these areas. Her recent focus on African communities has opened the door for employment opportunities and increased their access to various markets.

Jennifer's true passion for non-profit work stems from her service in the Peace Corps and experience leading multiple urban planning and development organizations. She has also served on various boards of organizations focused on international policy. Her inspirational drive and vision will be difficult to replace, and her efforts to eliminate world hunger will always be remembered and appreciated.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I recognize and congratulate Jennifer Potter on her retirement. I wish her the best in all her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Technology Access Foundation (TAF) Academy, located in Kent, Washington and part of the Federal Way Public Schools, for winning the Schools of Distinction award for being the top middle school in mathematics instruction.

Each year, the Intel Corporation honors elementary, middle and high schools from across the country for excellence in math and science education. Award winners in the math and science categories for each level receive $10,000 to support efforts to remain at the cutting edge of preparing students for careers in the 21st century.

The TAF Academy opened in 2008 as a unique partnership between the Federal Way Public Schools and the Technology Access Foundation. It is a public middle and high school that receives additional support from the Technology Access Foundation to give students topnotch education in science, technology, engineering, and math. Students take rigorous classes that prepare them for college and eventually careers in the ever-changing and increasingly competitive global job market.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize the hard work of students, teachers, parents, and administrators of the Technology Access Foundation Academy. The academy's focus on science, technology, engineering and math will be greatly beneficial to its students and to our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and congratulate Kona Kai Coffee Company in Kent, Washington for being named a finalist for the 2012 King County Executive's Small Business Awards, in the Workforce Development Small Business of the Year category.

Kona Kai Coffee Company started off as a small business with the vision of creating Hawaiian coffee products in the Northwest. Today, the company maintains a strong workforce that is diverse and highly skilled.

The Workforce Development Small Business of the Year award is given to those business that recognize the importance of on-the-job training, partnerships with other businesses, involvement of the community, benefits of educational institutions, and apprenticeships. Kona Kai Coffee Company has contributed greatly to the King County region and economy by practicing these ideas.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I honor Kona Kai Coffee Company. Businesses like Kona Kai Coffee Company that care deeply about the future of their employees deserve to be recognized and appreciated.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and congratulate Mosby Farms in Auburn, Washington for being named a finalist for the 2012 King County Executive's Small Business Awards, in the category of Rural Small Business of the Year.

Mosby Farms is a family-owned farming business that began in 1977. The Mosby family has grown conventional and organic foods for decades, while giving back to their community by donating thousands of pounds of food weekly.

The Rural Small Business of the Year award recognizes the achievements of the rural industry. Mosby Farms excels at what they do and represents the King County area proudly.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I honor and congratulate Mosby Farms as a finalist this year. Rural businesses offer many opportunities for work and promote economic growth in agricultural and rural communities throughout our nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor and congratulate Nesby and Associates in Renton, Washington for being named a finalist for the 2012 King County Executive's Small Business Awards, in the Minority Small Business of the Year category.

Nesby and Associates is a development consulting firm that encourages consumers and companies to invest in diverse markets. The company succeeds by having a large clientele, ranging from the local to the national levels.

The Minority Small Business of the Year award is only presented to extraordinary minority-owned businesses that have shown significant growth and contributions to the King County community. Currently, 13 percent of the businesses in the King County region are minority-owned and Nesby and Associates and many others make tremendous contributions to the region's economic strength.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I honor Nesby and Associates. The firm proudly represents the growing numbers of minority-owned businesses in our community and throughout our nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Port of Seattle for receiving the 2012 Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award. The Port of Seattle is one of just fifteen employers across the country to receive this honor.

Each year, the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve, an agency of the Department of Defense, awards employers with their annual Freedom Award. This is the Department of Defense's highest recognition awarded to employers for their exceptional support of Guard and Reserve employees. More than 3,000 nominations from Guardsmen and Reservists, or their family members on their behalf, were submitted and the Port of Seattle distinguished themselves among all the nominees.

A Naval Reservist nominated the Port of Seattle because of the Port's focus on hiring military members and veterans, as well as for their participation in the military's Transition Assistance Program. Twenty percent of the Port's employees have served in the military and the Port has started a fellowship program to help returning service members transition from active duty to the civilian workforce. The Port of Seattle's efforts at employing Guardsmen and Reservists serves as a model for other port districts that are establishing programs to hire more service members.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I honor the Port of Seattle for their superb treatment of Guard and Reserve employees. The Defense Employer Support Freedom Award is a well-deserved honor.