Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Andrew ``Steve'' Healey, III, a dedicated teacher and coach of 33 years for students throughout New Jersey.

For more than 25 years, Steve served as a teacher, head track coach, and defensive coordinator for the Central Regional High School football team. Using his experience as a Division I athlete at Simpson College, he oversaw the school's teams becoming multiple Shore Conference and State champions. Because of his leadership and passion, Steve was inducted into the New Jersey State Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2003. At the conclusion of his tenure as head track coach, the team's final record was an impressive 188-51. It seems only fitting that tomorrow Central Regional High School will be naming the school's track in his honor.

His passion for coaching and encouraging students was seen just as frequently on the field as it was in the classroom. For his incredible work he was awarded Central Regional Teacher of the Year, the NJ Governor's Award for Outstanding Teacher, and the Who's Who Among America's Teachers.

Steve Healey is a shining example of what makes a coach and teacher successful: the ability to inspire athletes and students to reach their fullest potential by imparting knowledge and the tools necessary to succeed. I know I speak for New Jersey's 3rd District in congratulating Steve on this incredible tribute. The newly named track and the athletes who use it will now and forever know about Steve's incredible work ethic, competitive drive, and compassion. I congratulate coach on a distinguished career and thank him for imparting his values so we can strive to live by his example.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Willingboro High School Boys Track Team as they commemorate nearly 50 years of athletic accomplishment with a celebratory parade.

Since the 1970s, the high school's boys track team has been a shining example of athleticism, leadership, and teamwork for the community of Willingboro, New Jersey. The school's track program has produced some of the greatest runners in New Jersey Track and Field history, including Olympians Carol Lewis, Carl Lewis, and Lamont Smith.

Today, the team is coached by Martin Booker, Aaydah Copprue-Worthy, Chuck James, and Robert Cornelius, whose leadership and guidance have upheld the team's impressive legacy and positively impacted the lives of so many student-athletes. The Willingboro Boys Track team continues its reputation of excellence as record holders for the most State Indoor Titles in New Jersey Public School history.

I know I speak on behalf of the entire 3rd Congressional District when I extend my congratulations to the current and former Willingboro players and coaches for their impressive achievements and extraordinary legacy.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor John and Kathy Logue, who are being honored as the 2022 Citizens of the Year for Moorestown, New Jersey. This year's award recognizes two Moorestown residents who have positively impacted the quality of life of our community.

John and Kathy moved to Moorestown in 1978 and immediately became involved in the community. Their collaborations touched the lives of many, and they have become familiar faces around town. Whether it was volunteering at neighborhood events, coaching sports teams, or leading a Girl Scout troop, their positivity radiates throughout our community. During the last 46 years, John and Kathy have volunteered with 9 and 11 different organizations respectively, in Moorestown and throughout New Jersey.

Starting his work in 1978 as the Moorestown Deputy Clerk, John became an active member of many committees and advisory boards. Totaling a combined 12 years of service, John played an integral role on the Planning Board; the Zoning Board; the Economic Development Advisory Committee; the Low and Moderate Income Housing Advisory Committee; Moorestown's Visioning Advisory

Committee; and the Make It Moorestown Celebration Committee. In addition, John was an active member of the Moorestown Rotary Club and the Knights of Columbus Council 1082.

Similarly impressive, Kathy served as Vice President, Planning Board Alternate, and a member of the Appearance Committee for the Moorestown School Board for more than a decade. Kathy was also a Board Member and Secretary of the Moorestown Business Association from 2006 to 2009. Her most recent community work involves her contributions to Percheron Park and her involvement on the Moorestown Tree Planting and Preservation Committee.

For almost five decades, whether they were together or apart, John and Kathy they have been integral participants in Moorestown's volunteer community and have been described as an inspiration to everyone around them. I am proud to congratulate them both for winning this award and thank them for their continued service to our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge Faith and Community Empowerment (FACE)'s efforts to unite Los Angeles on the eve of the 30th anniversary of the Los Angeles Riots.

As many of us remember, the Los Angeles Riots that occurred during the spring of 1992 left 63 people killed, over 3,000 business destroyed, and more than a billion dollars in property damage. The city's Korean community alone saw more than five hundred million dollars of property damage--leaving many to face the uncertainty of no longer being able to provide for themselves and their families.

As the 30th anniversary approached, FACE worked alongside community organizations to launch the Serve Advocate Inspire Give Unite (SAIGU) campaign to promote peace, tolerance, and unity across Los Angeles. Beginning tomorrow, events such as documentary screenings, art exhibitions, and interfaith prayer sessions will take place across the city. Together, these events are designed to highlight the community's desire to remember and heal from those traumatic events. This year's events are meant to build bridges of understanding and combat the myths that drive wedges between the city's diverse and vibrant ethnic communities.

30 years later, this anniversary comes at a time of rising xenophobic rhetoric, particularly against the AAPI community. As the one of only four Korean Americans currently serving in Congress, I am incredibly thankful of the work that FACE and others have done to reject hatred and promote diversity and understanding. I look forward to seeing the success of the SAIGU campaign and following FACE's continuing good work.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the hard work and innovative thinking of teachers and staff at Mary E. Roberts Elementary School of Moorestown, New Jersey for taking steps to reduce their food waste.

Every year is the United States wastes more than 100 billion pounds of food, the equivalent of 130 billion meals. In New Jersey alone, one person on average throws away 325 pounds of food each year. Across the country, over $408 billion dollars' worth of food is being thrown away each year, the need for new and innovative ways to reduce food waste has never been higher.

Knowing that their school had an important role to play in reducing and recycling food waste, teachers and paraprofessionals at Mary E. Roberts Elementary School took action. In 2019, the school received funding through the Sustainable Jersey for Schools grant to purchase equipment and hire instructors to explain to students how to sort their unopened and untouched food. These resources were instrumental in the launch of the ``No Food Left Behind'' program where left-over food and produce from the school's garden is collected and donated to local food pantries and animal hospitals.

The action taken by Mary E. Roberts Elementary School has inspired the community to proclaim yesterday, April 28, 2022, as Stop Food Waste Day and encourage others to learn about simple ways to minimize the impact of food waste.

Each of us believes that no one in the United States should go to bed hungry. The unfortunate reality is that, in New Jersey's Third District alone, more than 55,000 people, including 12,000 children, experience hunger. Programs such as ``No Food Left Behind'' are not only raising awareness playing a key role to raise awareness on food waste. I applaud all the staff, students, and volunteers at Mary E. Roberts Elementary School for showing us how we can all improve our communities, and I look forward to seeing more schools across the country follow their lead.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Private Oliver Cromwell, one of the most decorated Black soldiers who served in the American Revolutionary War.

Private Cromwell was born in 1753 in Mansfield Township, New Jersey, and in 1776 he enlisted in the 2nd New Jersey Regiment. He crossed the Delaware River with General George Washington and went on to fight for American independence in the battles of Trenton, Princeton, Brandywine, Monmouth, Short Hills, and Yorktown. At the conclusion of the war, Cromwell received the Badge of Merit for six years of faithful service to the Army and was honorably discharged by General Washington in 1783.

Following his service, Cromwell fathered 15 children in Burlington Country and loved to share stories of his time as a ``Drummer in the Revolution'' with his family and the community. Cromwell passed away at 101 years old in 1853, and he is buried in Burlington at the Broad Street Methodist Church cemetery. Oliver Cromwell risked everything fighting for freedom in a country that did not recognize his own right to freedom. For these sacrifices, Oliver Cromwell should be eternally remembered for his contributions toward America's independence. Burlington County is grateful for Private Cromwell's dedication, sacrifice, patriotism, and honorable personal conduct.

Nine generations of his descendants have resided in Burlington County, some of whom still reside in the 3rd District today and continue to honor their familial legacy through community engagement, service, and historic preservation. I am grateful for Private Cromwell's descendants' continued contributions to our community and am proud to be honoring the life and legacy of their ancestor on this day.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Louise Calloway, Founder and Curator of the Underground Railroad Museum in Burlington County, and a beloved member of our community.

Ms. Calloway has committed her life to serving others. Prior to founding the Underground Railroad Museum, she dedicated 50 years to a career in social work and taught college courses in Africa. At a young age, preserving Black history became a passion that's grown into much more. A history buff at 9 years old, she would make scrapbooks using article clippings of African Americans who contributed to our local community.

Despite her first museum closing in 2013, Ms. Calloway worked with local groups to reopen the Underground Railroad Museum in Smithville, New Jersey as part of the Burlington County Parks System. The museum offers its visitors a visual experience of the Underground Railroad, highlighting the role free African Americans and Quakers played at 16 different locations across Burlington County in helping escaped slaves travel to freedom. She hopes that visitors will leave the museum with a greater understanding of mankind, our capacity to be both cruel and kind, and that while we may have different skin colors, we all belong to one human race.

I am proud of the role New Jersey and Burlington County have played in preserving and uplifting Black History. By focusing on the stories of individuals like William Allinson, who operated Wheatley's Pharmacy in Burlington City, New Jersey as a station on the Underground Railroad, future generations will be able to have a connection to the past. Ms. Calloway's remarkable contributions to our community personify Burlington County's slogan, ``The Cradle of Emancipation''.

In addition to sharing history, Ms. Calloway volunteers at numerous community charities and organizations, including the Bethlehem African Methodist Episcopal church of Burlington. In 2011, she was recognized by the New Jersey Conference of the NAACP for her lifetime work as an educator with the Distinguished Educators Award.

I am grateful to Ms. Calloway for her contributions to our community, and I know I speak on behalf of my constituents when I say her dedication and service are appreciated.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3525, the Commission to Study the Potential Creation of a National Museum of Asian Pacific American History and Culture Act.

The contributions of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders to this great Nation have been enormous. The history of AAPIs is rich, but this history is rarely talked about, and the contributions often go unknown or unrecognized. I am often asked how someone can learn about AAPI history, and admittedly, I don't know as much as I should.

Now more than ever, with the rise in hate crimes like the Atlanta shootings and other acts of violence in New York City and throughout the country, we keep hearing this phrase, ``You don't belong here.''

I have heard that throughout my life and, sadly, my two little boys, 4 years old and 6 years old, have already heard hurtful words that have labeled them in ways they don't yet understand.

Like many, I don't want my kids to understand who they are through sources of hate and discrimination. I want them to feel pride, pride in who they are, pride in AAPIs, and pride in our place in this Nation.

Our story is not just an Asian-American story. It is an American story. The history is not just an Asian-American history, it is American history, and this history isn't just for AAPIs to learn, it is for all of us. Together, through learning, we can come together, creating greater understanding, a closer knit community, celebrating the richness of this Nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the retirement of Gerard ``Gerry'' M. Thiers, a non-profit leader and champion for private special education in New Jersey for over three decades.

Gerry has dedicated his life and career to champion policies that benefit children in New Jersey. He began his career researching for the United Way in Philadelphia while also representing Catholic Charities agencies for the New Jersey Catholic Conference and assisting with the management of a large social services agency. After developing a robust advocacy background, Gerry proudly served as the Executive Director of the Association of Schools and Agencies for the Handicapped (ASAH) for 38 years. Under his leadership, ASAH's membership increased from 25 to 95 schools at more than 140 locations across our state. Through his work, he not only supported thousands of educational professionals through development conferences and programming opportunities, but also ensured that children in New Jersey had the resources they needed in quality education to reach their fullest potential.

Gerry led a successful effort to implement a new funding system for private special education schools. With more than 232,500 students receiving special education instruction in the state during the year 2020, this has benefited New Jersey's special needs students' accessibility to a meaningful, accommodating education. He also helped start ``Special Education Week'' in New Jersey, which commends school board members, educators, and parents for their dedication to ensuring quality education for students with disabilities and most importantly, to recognize the hard work of the students themselves.

In addition to his work with ASAH, Gerry also served as Chairperson of the New York Society of Association Executives, Chair of the Advocates for Children of New Jersey in Newark, and was a Board member for the National Association of Private Special Education Centers in Washington, D.C. Through these numerous volunteer roles, Gerry earned respect and a prominent reputation as a non-profit leader on both state and national levels.

I know I speak for the 3rd District in wishing Gerry a happy retirement filled with days of doing what he loves--biking, golfing and reading. He can retire knowing that his life's work will not go unnoticed by our community, filled with the students, teachers, and parents of those impacted by a disability. It is because of Gerry that New Jersey can continue to pride itself on providing one of the highest quality educations through destigmatizing best practices that continue normalizing special education programs students deserve. New Jersey is grateful for the work that he has done, and I hope that he can inspire others to carry on his legacy as a champion for special education students across the country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my gratitude for the service of our Vietnam veterans and the patriotism shown by the community of Barnegat, New Jersey as they honor Vietnam War Veterans Day. Today families gather to commemorate the 49th anniversary of final U.S. combat troops departing South Vietnam.

I had the opportunity to attend the second annual event in 2019 and have seen firsthand how much this day means not only to the veterans and their families, but to the visitors who travel from all over New Jersey to attend. Barnegat is the only town in the entire country to have a Vietnam veterans' monument fully funded by an individual Vietnamese refugee. Barnegat is setting an example on how we can honor the sacrifices Vietnam veterans made for our country and I sincerely hope this inspires others to reimagine how we remember our Vietnam veterans and all of our veterans.

New Jersey's 3rd Congressional District is home to one of the largest concentrations of veterans in the country, a place where more than sixty thousand veterans call Burlington and Ocean Counties home. With such a large population, we see brave servicemembers who have kept us safe every single day. To honor such a sacrifice, I know putting together a meaningful ceremony dedicated to the hundreds of Vietnam veterans here today is no small feat. Truly, it is people's passion and organizing that provides hope that military service will never be forgotten. Thy Cavagnaro and her team have done an exceptional job putting this together.

Our appreciation for our veterans should not solely be in ceremonies alone. The simple promise we make is that if someone steps up to protect us, our families, and our nation's security, we will have their backs for the rest of their lives. This promise is one that we as a nation have not always kept, and I am trying to fix that so our veterans and their families receive the benefits they have earned. Whether it is passing the Honoring our PACT Act to ensure all veterans exposed to toxic chemicals during their service have access to the care and benefits they deserve, or making everyday connections directly with veterans in the community, it is on all of us to recognize and celebrate our veterans every day.

For the thousands of Vietnam War veterans and the hundreds being recognized today at this ceremony, know we are eternally grateful and free thanks to their service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mayor Greg Handshy of South Toms River. A former U.S. National Guardsman and member of American Legion Post 129, Mayor Handshy continues his dedication to public service as he enters his 10th year as an elected official, with three of those years serving as Mayor.

Greg is a retired member of Plumbers and Pipefitters UA Local 9 where he worked as a licensed plumber. True to his nature, Greg has always been willing to help his neighbors by volunteering to fix a plumbing leak or assist in local food bank distributions.

His impact is felt throughout South Toms River through the many social programs he has spearheaded. He is the founder of the South Toms River Community Garden which has brought joy to green thumbs and fans of garden vegetables alike. He also started the very successful After School Homework Club that provides young people in the community both academic and recreational opportunities.

I am so very proud to have leaders such as Mayor Handshy in my district and on behalf of all of the constituents of the New Jersey 3rd Congressional District, I thank Mayor Handshy for years of selfless service to our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Deborah Heart and Lung Center on their 100th anniversary. Deborah is a true leader for cardiovascular and pulmonary care throughout the state with a mission of providing quality care to our community and beyond.

One hundred years ago, the hospital started as a tuberculosis and pulmonary center. As advancements in antibiotics led to the eradication of tuberculosis, Deborah began to concentrate on other chest diseases.

Today, Deborah serves as New Jersey's only specialty heart hospital and has become a cornerstone of compassionate care in our region. Deborah maintains a distinguished reputation for educating the next generation through one of the largest cardiac teaching fellowship programs in the country, and consistently debuts innovative cardiac treatments through their clinical research department.

In addition to serving as New Jersey's ``safety net'' hospital, providing unparalleled care to residents of all twenty-one New Jersey counties, Deborah in its 100 years has treated 2.3 million patients from every county in the state and from 87 countries throughout the world.

From the beginning, Deborah's medical treatment was provided by a staff known for their compassion and medical excellence. At a time when millions of Americans are making the tough decisions between keeping food on the table and healthcare, Deborah has never issued a bill to one of its patients.

The work Deborah Heart and Lung Center is doing makes a real impact on the lives of everyone in our community. On Deborah's 100th anniversary, I extend my best wishes and thanks to every current and former staff member and volunteer.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Staff Sergeant Brian C. Darling, who recently retired after nearly three decades in the United States Army and the New Jersey Army National Guard.

Brian grew up in Manchester, NJ, and was inspired by his familial legacy of service. He decided to carry that torch himself and enlisted in the active-duty Army in 1995. Brian was deployed overseas for several years as a Paralegal Specialist where he provided legal and administrative support to the Army's legal team. Over the course of his service, he served tours in Iraq in 2008, Afghanistan in 2010, and Qatar from 2014-2015. He spent the past year as an active part of the Army's mission to fight COVID-19 and is retiring at the rank of Staff Sergeant. Brian's service hasn't ended with his retirement, he continues to be a valued schoolteacher in the Central Regional School District of Bayville, New Jersey.

I would like to formally thank Staff Sergeant Darling for his service to the United States of America and his continued contributions to our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor, Edward ``Ed'' A. Toriello, a World War II veteran, as he celebrates his 100th birthday today.

Sergeant First Class (SFC) Ed Toriello proudly served his country in Patton's 3rd Army during World War II. In 1944, he was a recent graduate from St. John's University's Divinity School looking to enter the priesthood when a week later, he answered the call to serve his country. Following six months of training he was sent to the European Theatre where he first served as a combat medic, then a scout in the 76th infantry regiment. Ed was supposed to remain in the country and go to Officer Candidate School, but at the height of the war, the Army needed more enlisted men, and he was immediately deployed overseas. During the frigid winter of 1944-45, he and his unit were sent to help stop the last German offensive of the war at the Battle of the Bulge. The 76th infantry regiment was then tasked with securing the Remagen Bridge in March of 1945, a crucial action that allowed the Allies to enter Germany. This single event's success is credited with shortening the war.

Throughout his service, Ed exemplified bravery and resilience as his unit suffered heavy losses. Edward is a decorated soldier, earning numerous commendations including 3 Service Stars, the Combat Medic Badge, and the Combat Infantry Rifle Badge. After Germany's surrender, he was assigned to the U.S. sector in Southern Germany where he was offered to then attend Officer Candidate School as he had originally intended. Instead, he decided to return to civilian life and as he describes it, ``the rest was history''.

Ed Toriello returned to Brooklyn where he met his wife to be, Zina Toriello nee Caruba, and together they went on to have six children. They ultimately moved to Southern Ocean County in 1977 where he quickly became a beacon of positivity within the community. He remained active as a community volunteer and leader in numerous organizations such as Kiwanis International, Italian American Social and Civic Association, and the Knights of Columbus. Ed also served as a trustee for three decades with South Ocean's Medical Center and started a beloved local fundraising concert for the facility that has raised over $100,000 to date. Today, Ed enjoys watching the Yankees and cooking for his friends and family.

Edward A. Toriello is a distinguished member of our community whose heroic actions during the Second World War set the trajectory for a life of servitude that has positively impacted those around him and will continue to benefit generations to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the hard work and dedication shown by the Mount Laurel Cub Scout Pack 15.

During the holiday season, Pack 15 partnered with BookSmiles, a 501(c)(3) organization that collects and distributes books throughout New Jersey and the Greater Philadelphia area and have been serving our communities since September 2017. As a result of their efforts, Pack 15 collected more than 7,000 books--the largest single day book collection in BookSmiles's history.

I commend every member of Cub Scout Pack 15, their leaders Jeffrey A. Shaman and Daniel Pelaez, and the entire team at BookSmiles for accomplishing something that will benefit children, students, teachers, and parents throughout our community.