Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of S. 1963, the ``Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act.'' I voted for components of this bill and would have voted in favor of this bill if not home recovering from surgery. This important legislation will help us to meet the needs of the men and women who have courageously sacrificed for our country and those that now care for them.

This bill ensures that veterans and their families get the care and support they need after they have put their lives on the line defending our great country. We in Congress made a promise not to leave our veterans behind and this bill renews that promise. This bill addresses the unique needs of the families and caregivers of our wounded warriors, of returning women soldiers and those veterans who are catastrophically disabled.

This bill provides support services to family and other caregivers of veterans, including education on how to give better care, counseling and mental health services, and respite care for family and other caregivers of all veterans. It also provides health care and a stipend for caregivers living with severely wounded veterans of Iraq and Afghanistan, many of whom have had to leave a job to care for their veteran full-time.

This bill improves health services for nearly 2 million female veterans. The VA will be able to provide care for female veterans' newborns for up to seven days for the first time in history and improve treatment for sexual trauma victims. It requires the VA to conduct a study of barriers to female veterans seeking health care and implement a reintegration pilot program.

This law ensures the VA can better treat veterans suffering from mental health issues and provides the VA with resources to learn more about the tragically high suicide rate among veterans. This bill also prohibits copayments for veterans who are catastrophically disabled and creates a pilot program to provide certain dental services to veterans, survivors and their dependents. It also expands grants that fund critical organizations offering transitional housing and other support for homeless veterans.

I believe this legislation offers comprehensive solutions to major, high-priority challenges facing veterans and their families. It brings hope to the men and women in uniform who have dedicated their lives to our country, and their families who have in turn dedicated their lives to caring for their wounded warriors at home.

Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor the tireless service of Diane Collins for her remarkable dedication as a volunteer at the Loch Raven VA Community Living and Rehabilitation Center and Chapter 451 in Dundalk. To salute her service, Ms. Collins was awarded the 2009 Congressional Volunteer Recognition Award by the Veterans Advisory Council for Maryland's 2nd District.

Veterans of the United States Armed Forces have dedicated themselves to protecting the lives of every American. Their service to our Nation deserves the highest level of gratitude. It is important that we take the time to recognize the individuals who give of their time and talents to support veterans and ensure their comfort, care, and well- being.

As a member of the Disabled American Veterans Representatives for the Loch Raven VA Community Living and Rehabilitation Center, Ms. Collins is an active fundraiser and friend, giving 506 hours of volunteer service to date. She makes certain she is aware of all patient needs and makes requests to the Disabled American Veterans to purchase items not routinely supplied by the VA. Once a month, Diane creates a fun activity for the residents, including parties with watermelon, cupcakes, fried chicken, strawberry shortcake and hot dogs. Through her chapter, a juke box was donated to the center.

Ms. Collins does things simply because she believes they are ``the right thing to do.'' She exceeds expectations in all respects. To the veterans' delight, she brings young people with her to visit with them and regularly babysits for a severely disabled neighbor. Her colleagues say she exemplifies the VA's mission statement of creating an environment that fosters respect, compassion, and excellence.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Diane Collins. Her compassion and dedication to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces are an inspiration to us all, and are deserving of the utmost gratitude. It is with great pride that I congratulate Diane Collins on her exemplary service as an advocate and a volunteer.

Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor the tireless service of Mr. Robert T. Cianelli as a volunteer driver for the Disabled American Veterans Transportation Network and a dedicated supporter of America's military personnel. To salute his service, Mr. Cianelli was awarded the 2009 Congressional Volunteer Recognition Award by the Veterans Advisory Council for Maryland's 2nd District.

Veterans of the United States Armed Forces have dedicated themselves to protecting the

lives of every American. Their service to our Nation deserves the highest level of gratitude. It is important that we take the time to recognize the individuals who give of their time and talents to support veterans and ensure their comfort, care, and well-being.

For the past 5 years, Mr. Cianelli has made sure patients at the Glen Burnie VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic are picked up for their appointment on time and safely returned to their home. To date, he has logged 1,300 driving hours and more than 20,000 miles. Mr. Cianelli's experience as a computer scientist has significantly improved the efficiency and effectiveness of the transportation network, providing a program to maintain driver statistics, automating vehicle expense reports and developing a route sheet to expedite driver pick-up times. Robert's colleagues say that it would be hard to find an individual that contributes more than he does to guarantee the success of the Disabled American Veterans Transportation program.

In addition to his service at the Glen Burnie VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic, Mr. Cianelli volunteers with Operation Welcome Home at BWI Airport, welcoming thousands of troops home and providing them with care packages to hold them over while they wait for connecting flights. Mr. Cianelli raised funds to get the program off the ground and continues to do so.

As a member of the Baltimore Marine Corps League, Mr. Cianelli helped raise $27,000 for the ``Wounded Marine Program'' at the National Naval Medical Center in Bethesda and the Walter Reed Army Hospital. The program fed hundreds of meals to family members at the hospital during the height of the fighting in the Iraqi city of Fallujah when there were significant casualties arriving. It paid for Christmas baskets, lodging and taxi coupons for families, as well as televisions and video games for wounded soldiers.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me today to honor Mr. Robert T. Cianelli. His compassion and dedication to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces are an inspiration to us all, and are deserving of the utmost gratitude. It is with great pride that I congratulate Mr. Robert T. Cianelli on his exemplary service as an advocate and a volunteer for American servicemen and women everywhere.

Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor the service of John Alexander for his remarkable dedication as a volunteer at the Loch Raven VA Community Living and Rehabilitation Center. To salute his service, Mr. Alexander was awarded the 2009 Congressional Volunteer Recognition Award by the Veterans Advisory Council for Maryland's Second District.

Veterans of the United States Armed Forces have dedicated themselves to protecting the lives of every American. Their service to our Nation deserves the highest level of gratitude. It is important that we take the time to recognize the individuals who give of their time and talents to support veterans and ensure their comfort, care, and well- being.

As the Disabled American Veterans Representative for the Loch Raven VA Community Living and Rehabilitation Center, Mr. Alexander is an active fundraiser and friend. Mr. Alexander makes certain he is aware of all patient needs and makes requests to the DAV to purchase items not routinely supplied by the VA. His fundraising efforts have enabled Loch Raven VA residents to receive televisions and body pillows for hospice patients. It also enables residents to travel out-of-state to participate in the Golden Age Games, a recreational ``Olympics'' style event.

Twice per month, Mr. Alexander visits the residents and spends time talking with them. Annually, he coordinates Veterans Day at the Golden Corral, advertising, greeting guests and raffling a television. It is an event that community veterans thoroughly enjoy. Sometimes working 10-hours straight, Mr. Alexander is always kind and compassionate, upbeat and pleasant. His colleagues describe him as an ``awesome human being.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Mr. John Alexander. His compassion and dedication to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces is an inspiration to us all, and is deserving of the utmost gratitude. It is with great pride that I congratulate Mr. John Alexander on his exemplary service as an advocate and a volunteer.

Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor the tireless service of Joseph Rihel as a dedicated volunteer for the Glen Burnie VA Outpatient Clinic. To salute his service, Mr. Rihel was awarded the 2009 Congressional Volunteer Recognition Award by the Veterans Advisory Council for Maryland's 2nd District.

Veterans of the United States Armed Forces have dedicated themselves to protecting the lives of every American. Their service to our Nation deserves the highest level of gratitude. It is important that we take the time to recognize the individuals who give of their time and talents to support veterans and ensure their comfort, care, and well- being.

A retired Baltimore City firefighter and reservist in the U.S. Navy, Mr. Rihel continues to serve his county and community as a volunteer at the Glen Burnie VA Outpatient Clinic. Mr. Rihel has driven more than 20,000 miles transporting veterans to their clinic appointments and back home. To date, he has given more than 1,700 hours of volunteer time to the Disabled American Veterans Transportation.

Time and again, Mr. Rihel has gone above and beyond expectations. When an illness disrupted the regular driving schedule, he worked overtime to keep the office moving. After a major snow fall, he cleared the snow off the vans, then moved them to a snow-free area so that Veteran patients and other drivers could access them safely. Mr. Rihel's colleagues describe him as ``phenomenal.''

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Mr. Joseph Rihel. His compassion and dedication to veterans of the U.S. Armed Forces are an inspiration to us all, and are deserving of the utmost gratitude. It is with great pride that I congratulate Mr. Joseph Rihel on his exemplary service as an advocate and a volunteer.

Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Ramona Hatfield, a finalist for the 2010 Military Spouse of the Year Award by Military Spouse Magazine. She has gone above and beyond the call of duty to support her fellow military families and deserves our utmost gratitude and respect.

Ramona, who lives in Curtis Bay, worked resiliently to create a spouse club to support the morale and welfare of the Coasties in the Greater Baltimore Area, turning an idea and a handful of volunteers into a program that has benefitted thousands of families. Her work has provided emergent day care for families in crisis, holiday parties for families away from home and scholarships for both spouses and dependent children. Admired and trusted by military commanders, Ramona's colleagues consider her a ``go-to'' spouse for the things that matter most.

Ramona is instrumental in organizing special care for families in times of crisis. She is working to create a first-of-its-kind facility to provide affordable and reliable childcare for single or dual military families. In addition to coordinating the spouse and dependent scholarships each year, she operates a pantry that has provided free infant and toddler items to 1,500 military families to date.

Ramona's efforts are all the more remarkable considering her responsibilities at home. While caring for her mother, mother-in-law and her own household, Ramona volunteers at her church as a youth minister, belongs to the spouse organization, works full-time and plays an active role in her daughter's high school activities. Her colleagues say that Ramona puts her own needs aside to tend to the needs of others and lives each day to its fullest. Her friends and colleagues describe Ramona as a ``ray of sunshine,'' ``trustworthy'' and ``dependable.'' She exemplifies the Greater Baltimore Area's Coast Guard Spouse Association motto: unconditional love and support.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Ramona Hatfield. Her compassion and dedication to the Coast Guard community and her family is an inspiration to us all. It is with great pride that I congratulate Ramona Hatfield on her exemplary service to her community and our country.

Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Mr. Kenneth Banks for his outstanding business success, community involvement, and impact on Maryland's economic growth and prosperity.

Mr. Banks graduated from Adelphi University in 1974; Mr. Banks has been in the construction field since 1975. He was a foreman and project manager for a contractor before launching his own firm in 1980. Mr. Banks' high standard of excellence, emphasis on professional expertise, and dependability has had a powerful impact on the community. He has worked with numerous community organizations including the American Heart Association, where he chaired the 25th Anniversary Heart Ball.

Mr. Banks is a member of the Greater Baltimore Executive Committee and serves as a member of the Board on the Chesapeake Crescent Commission, chaired by the Governors of Maryland and Virginia and the Mayor of Washington, D.C. He is also a member of the board of the Maryland Affordable Housing Trust and the United Way of Central Maryland. He is a past member of the Board of Trustees at Adelphi University, his alma mater, and is an Executive-in-Residence at Morgan State University's Earl G. Graves School of Business and Management Honors Program.

In 2009, Mr. Banks won several awards for business results and community focus including The Greater Baltimore Committee Mayor's Business Recognition Award, the Award of Excellence given by Associated Builders and Contractors, the Professional Achievement and Community Service Award by the Baltimore City Community College Foundation, the Entrepreneur Award by the Black Engineer of the Year Global Competitiveness Conference, and the Future 50 Award by SmartCEO Publishing.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Mr. Kenneth Banks for his outstanding work and community involvement. Through his visionary leadership and stellar business principals, Baltimore continues to grow and flourish.

Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Mr. Richard Schaeffer, Jr., for a distinguished 40-year career with the Federal Government.

A graduate from Catholic University of America, Schaeffer holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. His participation in the Intelligence Fellows Program, National Senior Cryptologic Course, and Executive Development Seminar provided a sound base for his future achievements.

As one of the National Security Agency's (NSA) highest ranking senior leaders, the Information Assurance Director, Schaeffer is responsible for the availability of products, services, technology and standards for protecting our nation's critical information systems from adversaries in cyberspace. Prior to holding the position of one of the nation's leading defenders against cyber attacks, Schaeffer was Chief of the National Security Operations Center, which manages the U.S. Cryptological System, serving as the command-and-control center for crisis response. His other major assignments have included Information Assurance Deputy Director, NSA Deputy Chief of Staff, and Director, Infrastructure and Information Assurance. Prior to his work with NSA, Schaeffer served in the United States Marine Corps, including two tours in Vietnam.

For his renowned work with the Federal Government, Schaeffer earned numerous awards including Armed Forces Communications and Electronic Association Meritorious Service Award; the Presidential Rank Award; Secretary of Defense Medal for Meritorious Civilian Service; and Secretary of Defense Productivity Excellence Award, among many others.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Mr. Richard Schaeffer, Jr., and his illustrious career with the Federal Government. His leadership and loyalty has protected this nation for over 40 years. His dedication to the United States is highly commendable.

Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor the life of Father Joseph Martin, Jr. for his pioneering work in substance abuse rehabilitation.

A native Baltimorean, Father Martin graduated from Loyola High School in 1942 and

went on to attend Loyola College from 1942-1944. Father Martin began working part-time at St. Mary's Seminary his senior year of high school and while he was attending college, he felt the calling to enter the priesthood. He was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Baltimore in 1948.

When it became apparent that Father Martin had a problem with alcohol, he entered the Guest House in Lake Orion, Michigan, an alcoholism treatment center and sanctuary for Catholic priests. He left the Guest House in 1959, returning to Baltimore to resume teaching at St. Charles College in Catonsville. He seized every opportunity to speak about alcoholism, captivating audiences with what became the ``Chalk Talk on Alcohol.''

In 1970, Father Martin reached out to Mae Abraham, a woman he met through A.A., and with the encouragement of her and her husband, he made the decision to work the field of recovery. He became a lecturer and educator in the Division of Alcohol Control for the State of Maryland, conducting seminars for doctors, lawyers, parole officers, and social workers. His quest to open a treatment center began and in 1983 his dream came true with the opening of a facility in Havre de Grace, Maryland.

For his leadership and devotion to the recovery of substance abuse, Father Martin earned several awards to include the Andrew White Medal from Loyola College, for his contributions to the general welfare of the citizenry of Maryland; Rutgers University's Summer School of Alcohol Studies' Distinguished Service Award (1988); and the Norman Vincent Peale Award (1992).

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor the life of Father Joseph Martin, Jr. His legacy of hope and healing for those suffering from addiction will continue to carry on through his rehabilitation center.

Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor the life of Cpl Jonathan Daniel Porto, who died honorably serving his country as a part of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Corporal Porto enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps in March 2008. An honor graduate from Paris Island, he received two meritorious promotions. Corporal Porto served as a Small Arms Repair Technician and was assigned under 1st Battalion 6th Marine Regiment, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, North Carolina.

In March 2010, at the age of 26, Corporal Porto was killed in action while supporting combat operations in the Helmand province of southern Afghanistan. For his superior leadership skills, Porto was promoted to Corporal in December 2009.

His awards include the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and NATO International Security Assistance Force Medal.

I commend Corporal Porto for his utmost dedication and devotion to preserving the freedom of our Nation. His commitment and bravery gives his widow and infant daughter, Rachel and Ariana Porto, of Edgewood, Maryland, immense pride.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor the life of Cpl Jonathan Daniel Porto. It gives me great pride to honor one of our Nation's fallen heroes.

Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Mr. David Thompson, recipient of the Harford County Land Preservationist of the Year award. Thompson is one of Harford County's strongest advocates for the preservation of farmland.

Thompson's interest in horticulture began with his family's vegetable and flower garden. In 1978, he and his wife, Marilyn, founded a local nursery, which has since grown into one of the region's most respected nursery and landscaping enterprises.

Thompson's leadership in the horticulture community is unprecedented. He is a past president of the Maryland Nursery and Landscape Association, the American Conifer Society, and the Mid-Atlantic Nursery Trade Show. Thompson recently stepped down from the Harford County Agricultural Land Preservation Advisory Board, after many years of faithful service, including terms as Chairman. During his time on the Board, Thompson worked with the County Executive and the County Council to increase the property tax credit for preserved farmland. In 2009, Thompson was named a Master Farmer by the American Agriculturist magazine, becoming only the 48th Marylander to receive this honor.

Thompson strives to promote the green industry and horticulture education in Maryland. He has been an active leader in the development of the Agriculture and Natural Resources program at North Harford High and is a member of the University of Maryland Horticulture Advisory Board.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Mr. David Thompson, Harford County Land Preservationist of the Year. His exceptional advocacy and endeavor to educate others on behalf of the horticulture community is unparalleled.

Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor the Veterans of Foreign Wars, VFW, and the She Serves Initiative.

The mission of the VFW is to ``honor the dead by helping the living'' through veterans' service, community service, national security and a strong national defense.

For centuries, the VFW and its auxiliaries, including the She Serves Initiative, have been serving veterans by giving them a place to address their concerns and providing moral support. The She Serves Initiative works to empower, encourage, and appreciate all women who have served in the military.

Through outreach within the community, She Serves works to educate others about the sacrifices of female veterans who have served faithfully in conflict overseas. The She Serves Initiative acts as the connecting point for women of the VFW.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor the VFW and the She Serves Initiative for their outstanding presence within the community. The support these two organizations provide to our Nation's veterans is essential and greatly appreciated.

Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Mr. David Hopkins, recipient of the Harford County Agricultural Pioneer Award. Hopkins owns and operates a local produce stand, providing Harford Countians with fresh, locally grown fruits and vegetables.

Hopkins, a third generation farmer, was introduced to the direct-to- consumer produce business in the 1970s, when he and his brother worked for a local produce stand. In the 1980s when that stand closed, the Hopkins family began to sell produce from their farm. With the determination of Hopkins, his family produce stand flourished and the Hopkins family was able to build a pavilion to house the stand. In 2004, the produce stand was so successful they were able to sell the dairy cows.

In 2009, Hopkins assisted with Harford County's ``Buy Local'' campaign by allowing the Division of Agriculture to have its logo and slogan painted on the side of his barn. Hopkins continues to operate his stand with the help of his family, including his brother Daniel and son Aaron, who is continuing the family's farming legacy by studying Agriculture at the University of Delaware.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Mr. David Hopkins, Harford County's Agricultural Pioneer of the year. The achievements of Mr. Hopkins produce stand should be a model to local businesses within Harford County.

Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Army Staff Sergeant Gustavo Rodriguez for his exceptional service to the United States Army, his fellow medics, and corpsmen.

A native of Harford County, Sergeant Rodriguez was inspired by his father, a Vietnam veteran, to join the military and become a combat medic. His 15 years of service include three tours to Iraq and the receipt of the Bronze Star.

Sergeant Rodriguez, nicknamed Doc by his fellow soldiers, provides exceptional medical care and serves as a mentor and comrade to his colleagues. For his dedication and stellar commitment to the service, the Armed Services YMCA will award Sergeant Rodriguez with the Angels of the Battlefield Award. His bravery and honorable service saves lives each and everyday on the battlefield.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Army Staff Sergeant Gustavo Rodriguez. His tremendous contributions to the United States military do not go unnoticed.

Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to honor Judge Thomas Ward for his remarkable work with the Hibernian Society and outstanding service to the citizens of Baltimore, especially within our Irish community.

Ward, a native Baltimorean, began his career in civic duty as a Member of the Baltimore City Council in 1963, during which time he sponsored legislation to create The Parking Lot Act, the Architectural and Historical Commission, and a tree planting program that resulted in the implantation of over 25,000 trees.

A graduate from Georgetown University, the University of Maryland School of Law, and The Johns Hopkins University Graduate School, Judge Ward spent an illustrious 29 years practicing law as an attorney and another 15 years presiding as a judge, where he was known as one of the hardest working judges on the Baltimore Circuit Court.

When the people of Ireland immigrated to Baltimore, many of them found employment with the B & 0 Railroad. Judge Ward was so inspired by the gritty hard work of these immigrants that he wanted to find an appropriate way to honor them. In the late 90s, he helped begin the Railroad Historical District Corporation after he was approached to help repair 5 alley homes along Lemmon Street, commonly referred to as the ``Lemmon Street Five.'' Ward rallied historic preservationists, raised money, recruited volunteers, and faced the difficult task of restoring dilapidated 160-year-old buildings. With his steadfast determination and desire to better his community, Judge Ward saw the completion of the ``Lemmon Street Five'' in 2002. Of the five Lemmon Street houses, two developed into the Irish Shrine and Railroad Workers Museum, which pays tribute to the Irish immigrants who started new lives in Baltimore during the Great Famine of 1845-50.

As a member of the Hibernian Society of Baltimore, Judge Ward continues to provide charitable assistance and advice to immigrants from Ireland. Judge Thomas Ward greatly deserves the title of Hibernian of the Year for his exceptional work within their organization.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join with me today to honor Judge Ward, an exemplary citizen of the State of Maryland and commendable member of the Hibernian Society.