Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Former Mayor John O'Reilly on the occasion of his retirement from the City of Dearborn, Michigan, where he has honorably served its citizens in various capacities for past three decades. His significant contributions to our community are worthy of commendation.

Mr. O'Reilly graduated from St. Alphonsus High School in Dearborn, attended Oakland University, and earned his law degree from the University of Detroit. He has been a mainstay in Dearborn and throughout the State of Michigan during his celebrated career in public service and has followed in the footsteps of his father John B. O'Reilly, Sr., who served as Dearborn's fourth mayor. Mr. O'Reilly began his career in public service as staff counsel

and district director for Congressman John D. Dingell, then as a chief of staff in the Michigan State Senate, and in serving as the Executive Director of the Southeast Michigan Community Alliance (SEMCA). In 1990, he was first elected to the Dearborn City Council, serving for seventeen years as Council President. In 2006, he was sworn in as the Mayor of Dearborn after the passing of Mayor Michael Guido and was officially elected to the role in a special election in 2007.

During his tenure as Mayor, Mr. O'Reilly has been a champion for economic growth and development within the city, as well as for improving Dearborn's neighborhoods for all. Under his leadership, downtown was revitalized, and the city has continued to be recognized as a center of culture, industry, and innovation. Mr. O'Reilly was highly involved in many state and community organizations, as the chair of the Downriver Community Conference in 2014, President of the Michigan Municipal League in 2015, and was appointed to the Executive Committee of the Michigan Economic Development Corporation by Governor Rick Snyder in 2016. Ever the advocate for his city, he served on the board of directors for the Dearborn Education Foundation, the West Dearborn Downtown Development Authority, and the East Dearborn Downtown Development Authority. He resides in his beloved Dearborn with his wife Christina, and together they have three children Devon, Sean, and Dylan.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Former Mayor John O'Reilly. We are grateful for his years spent serving the citizens of Dearborn. Personally, I am thankful for Jack's years of friendship, counsel, and advice to my late husband John and I, he is someone who can always be counted on. I join with his family, friends, and colleagues in extending my best wishes to him in retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Supervisor Andrew Linko on the occasion of his retirement from the Charter Township of Brownstown, Michigan, where he has served as supervisor for over a decade. His significant contributions to our community are worthy of commendation.

Supervisor Linko began his journey of service as a Construction Electrician in the U.S. Naval Reserves, where he served from 1983 until 1993. A graduate of Youngstown State University, Wayne State University, and Baker College, he studied labor, leadership, electrical engineering, and health and human services. An active member of his community from a young age, he has served in various volunteer positions in local politics in Ohio. He was first elected to the position of City Councilman in Warren, Ohio, where he served as chair of the health and welfare committee.

Supervisor Linko came to find his new home in Brownstown Township when he moved to Michigan in 1996 to work for Ford Motor Company. He worked at Ford until his retirement in 2021. A devoted member of the United Auto Workers, he was a Trustee at UAW Local 387 where he was a leader among his union brothers and sisters and showed his commitment to our auto industry. His experience as a leader in the labor movement inspired him to run for office and show people how workers should be treated. Supervisor Linko started out serving the township on the Zoning Board of Appeals. He became treasurer of the Board of Trustees in 2008 and was appointed Township Supervisor in 2010. He was subsequently re-elected in 2012, 2016, and 2020. During his tenure, he has been a champion for public safety. As supervisor, he oversaw the completion of a $6 million recreation campus. His accomplishments include reducing the township's carbon footprint, welcoming hundreds of new residents, encouraging economic investment, and delivering new jobs for the people of the township. Under his leadership, Brownstown Township has become one of the fastest growing communities in Wayne County. Supervisor Linko is a member of the Woodhaven-Brownstown Rotary and resides in Brownstown Township with his wife, Linda. Together they have two daughters and one granddaughter.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Supervisor Andrew Linko. We are grateful for his years spent serving the citizens of Brownstown Charter Township. Andy is someone that I am proud to call a friend, and I have depended on him for advice, wisdom, and guidance for years. I join with his family, friends, and colleagues in extending my best wishes to him in retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and legacy of John McDonald, Local 1650 president and emeritus faculty member at Henry Ford College in Dearborn, Michigan. His significant contributions to Henry Ford College, the greater Dearborn community, and beyond are worthy of commendation.

After graduating from Detroit Catholic Central High School, Mr. McDonald attended Henry Ford College and then the University of Michigan--Ann Arbor, where he earned bachelor's and master's degrees in English. He began teaching 19th century American literature and English composition at the college in 1969. After gaining tenure in 1971, he became involved in Henry Ford Community College American Federation of Teachers' Local 1650 and soon became a trusted leader

among his peers. Under his leadership, Mr. McDonald was the master negotiator and Local 1650 was a force to be reckoned with. They negotiated strong contracts featuring shared governance, community service, wages, post tenure review, distance education, intellectual property, and professional development. His leadership brought recognition to the union on a national level, where Mr. McDonald served as the American Federation of Teachers National Vice President. To celebrate his 40th anniversary as president of Local 1650, his fellow officers dedicated the Library of Labor Studies at Henry Ford College in his honor.

A fixture at Henry Ford College and in Dearborn, Mr. McDonald was an advocate for education and for his community. As he often said, ``Henry Ford College is Dearborn's College.'' He knew that this school opened doors for its students and relished in uplifting all who crossed his path. The ultimate educator, the world was his classroom. Those who knew him know of his tenacity, compassion, and sharp wit.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of John McDonald, we are all thankful for his dedication to education and the labor movement. A trusted friend and confidante of mine and a giant in our community, our thoughts are with his wife, Denise, and his family at this time. We are forever grateful for his lifetime of work and know that his legacy will live on in those who he touched at Henry Ford College.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mary Ryska of River Rouge on the occasion of her 100th birthday. Her contributions to our community as a Rosie the Riveter are worthy of commendation.

Born on December 23, 1921, Mrs. Ryska was born and raised in River Rouge, Michigan, where she remains today. She attended school at St. John Cantius until 8th grade, when she left to work as a housekeeper in Detroit to help support her family. Though she had setbacks, she never gave up on obtaining her high school diploma. At age 67, she graduated from high school in Southgate, Michigan and earned her diploma.

Employed at the Willow Run Bomber Plant in Ypsilanti Township, Mrs. Ryska was a riveter, riveting the camera pulley bracket on the B24 aircraft. She remained working at the plant until she was pregnant with her second child. As a Rosie the Riveter, Mary's hard work, grit, and patriotism not only sustained the American war effort, but paved a path for the next generation of working women.

Ever the hard worker, Mrs. Ryska has held jobs at various companies around Southeast Michigan. She was also the landlady for properties throughout River Rouge. She is currently a member of St. Andrew Bessette Church and was previously very active as a member of Our Lady of Lourdes Church. Her lifelong commitment to service reminds us all of the impact that the Rosies have had on our state and nation. She was married to her loving husband Stanley for 48 years, and together they had two daughters and two sons.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in celebrating Mary Ryska on her 100th birthday. I join with her family--including her five grandchildren and ten great grandchildren--and friends in extending my best and warmest wishes to her on this special day. I am proud to honor her life, her accomplishments, and her invaluable contributions to our nation as a Rosie the Riveter.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rev. Dr. Joe Nathaniel Crout on the occasion of his retirement after over 44 years of ministry at New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church in Ypsilanti, Michigan. His lifetime of service and dedication to our community is worthy of commendation.

Pastor Crout preached his first sermon on May 5, 1963 after hearing the call to ministry. In 1977 he graduated from Detroit Bible College, where he studied Theology and Psychology. That same year he founded New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church which found it's home in Ypsilanti, Michigan. In 2001, he was conferred an honorary doctorate degree from the Tennessee School of Religion in Memphis, Tennessee. Since its founding, Pastor Crout has served as Senior Pastor for New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church. He has dedicated his life to Jesus Christ and has focused on serving the needs of those families and individuals in our community.

An Ypsilanti resident for over 60 years, Pastor Crout has been greatly involved in our community. He is a founding member of the Minister's Alliance of Ypsilanti, Ann Arbor, and Vicinity and has been active in organizations that serve our neighbors such as Helping Hands Charity, Inc and the Partnership in Economic Alliance for Community Empowerment. He has served on the board of the Washtenaw Housing Commission and is a frequent volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and the Parkridge Community Center of Ypsilanti.

A trusted friend and confidant for many in leaders and individuals alike in our area, Pastor Crout's passion for humanity and community is felt by all who have met him. His character, compassion, and dedication to service has touched countless lives. Pastor Crout resides in Ypsilanti with his loving wife and ministry partner Audrey, they have been married for 44 years.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Rev. Dr. Joe Nathaniel Crout on his retirement from New Covenant Missionary Baptist Church. As a pillar of our community, a leader, and a man of true faith, Pastor Crout's powerful sermons will be missed. We join with his congregation, friends, and family in wishing Pastor Crout the very best in retirement and thank him for his years of service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Councilman William LeFevre on the occasion of his retirement from the Trenton City Council after over thirty years of service to the City of Trenton, Michigan. His significant contributions to our downriver community are worthy of commendation.

William LeFevre was born in Columbus, Ohio in 1948, his family moved to Southgate, Michigan that same year. A 1966 graduate of Southgate High School, he attended Central Michigan University from 1966 to 1970. In 1971, he joined his parents in running the family business, B & D Vacuum, where he remains today. In 1973, Trenton became his home.

Councilman LeFevre was appointed to the Trenton City Council in February 1990 to fill a vacant seat, since then he has been reelected every year since. A trusted colleague among his peers, he's served as Mayor Pro Tem six times. He is also the chairman of the Trenton Brownfield Committee. While serving on the Council he has been an advocate for Trenton's financial growth and development and strong voice for the City's public safety officers.

An active member of the community, Councilman LeFevre is a Trenton Rotarian, a Trenton Jaycee, and a longtime member of Trenton Faith United Methodist Church. His sharp wit, caring personality, and compassionate ways--as well as his colorful wardrobe--makes Councilman LeFevre someone that leaves a mark on each person that he meets. All who know him can attest to his generosity and love for his community. A gifted emcee, he has been the host of the annual Trenton City Awards Banquet, Trenton Education Foundation events, the Trenton Rotary Wild Game Lunch, and the Trenton Memorial Day and Christmas Parades for countless years. Councilman LeFevre and his wife Linda reside in Trenton, along with their two children Matthew and Andrea who are proud graduates of Trenton High School.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Councilman William LeFevre for his dedicated service to the citizens of downriver. We are immensely grateful for all that he has done to improve the lives of Trenton, Michigan. I join with Bill's family, friends, and colleagues in extending my best wishes to him in retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Combating International Islamophobia Act.

This legislation creates an office to monitor and combat Islamophobia at the Department of State. In recent years, we have seen tragedies like the 2019 Christchurch shooting, as well as the state-sponsored persecution of Uyghurs in China.

My hometown of Dearborn, Michigan, has a very large Muslim community, and it is also a constant target of Islamophobic hate. There have been thousands of documented complaints of anti-Muslim hate and bias in the United States this year alone. In my community are good-standing Americans. They are afraid and fearful of these actions, and I have heard from constituents who are afraid of visiting their mosques or going to events as a result.

Passing this bill sends a strong message about our shared commitment to safeguarding religious liberty worldwide.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Belleville Football Team, the victors of the 2021 MHSAA Division 1 Football State Championship. This team's tremendous accomplishment is worthy of commendation.

On November 27, 2021, the Belleville Tigers and Rochester Adams Highlanders met at Ford Field in Detroit for the Division 1 championship game. After being up 21-20 at the half, the Belleville Tigers quickly established a divisive lead in the third quarter. In a stunning victory, the Belleville Tigers won the state championship and defeated Rochester Adams with a score of 55-33.

In a season that was as challenging as it was rewarding, the Tigers' tireless dedication to football and commitment to teamwork paid off when they became state champions for the first time in school history. These players proved that with hard work and confidence in one's teammates, there is no obstacle that is too big to overcome. The Belleville Tigers have made our community proud, and we are all excited to celebrate this achievement alongside them.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring the Belleville Football Team as they celebrate winning the 2021 state championship. Please join me in congratulating the Tigers on a fantastic victory and wishing them the best of luck in the years ahead. Go Tigers.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Benjamin V. Goodell VFW Post 552 as it celebrates its 90th anniversary. This tremendous milestone is worthy of commendation.

On July 31, 1931, twenty members of the Lincoln Park community came together to establish VFW Post 552 in old Lafayette School. In the following years, the post quickly flourished and changed locations to accommodate its expanding membership, especially in the aftermath of World War II. Post 552 was the fastest-growing post in the state, with peak membership of around 700 members by 1975.

Throughout the years, Post 552 has celebrated many victories, held countless events, and provided invaluable support to our community's devoted veterans. For nine decades, Post 552's leadership has made a profound difference in Lincoln Park and Southeast Michigan. It played a critical role in establishing the local VA Hospitals, coordinating the annual Lincoln Park Memorial Day Parade, and sponsoring a number of efforts that have made the city a better place. Post 552 has earned a host of accolades and awards in recognition of these achievements, and I am proud that our community is home to such a dedicated and patriotic group.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring Benjamin V. Goodell Post 552 on its 90th anniversary. Post 552 is a pillar of the community, and we are grateful for the important role it has played in veterans' lives throughout the past nine decades. Please join me in celebrating Post 552 on this special occasion. We all are looking forward to celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2031.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Fire Engineer Radoslav Marinkovich of the Dearborn Fire Department. His honorable years of service to our community is worthy of commendation.

Fire Engineer Marinkovich retired on November 23, 2021, after serving over two decades with the Dearborn Fire Department. He has been a trusted member of the department since July 1998, when he began his career as a Firefighter I. He rose to level of Firefighter II in March 2005. Assigned to Fire Station 3 on Wyoming Avenue, he was promoted to position of Fire Engineer in December 2007.

The recipient of numerous awards, Fire Engineer Marinkovich is an example to his peers. He is a three-time recipient of the Meritorious Company Commendation and a nine-time winner of the Safe Driving Award. He earned the Unit Commendation Award For June 25, 2021, Catastrophic Flooding, and was a part of the

invaluable team that assisted the citizens of Dearborn in a time of crisis and need. To top off an award-winning career, he was given the 2021 Meritorious Service Award For Over 20 Years of Exceptional Service. When faced with a challenge, he does not faulter. Fire Engineer Marinkovich has been a stellar member of the department for the past twenty-three years and his lasting commitment to serving others has made him stand out among his fellow firefighters.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Fire Engineer Radoslav Marinkovich for a career of exemplary service to the Dearborn Fire Department. I join with Fire Engineer Marinkovich's family, friends, and colleagues in extending my gratitude to him for his honorable service in protecting our community and thank him for his role in serving the people of the City of Dearborn for the past two decades.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Lorraine Sullivan on the occasion of her retirement from the Dearborn, Michigan Social Security Office after over thirty-seven years of service to the Social Security Administration. Her significant contributions in service of our community are worthy of commendation.

Mrs. Sullivan got her start at the Social Security Administration as a Stay in School participant. She later held many titles as she worked her way up the ranks, serving as Development Claims Clerk, Claims Technical Expert, Operations Supervisor and now, District Manager of the Dearborn Field Office. The recipient of two Regional Commission Citations, her excellence in service is evident through her work as a leader in the office. Dedicated to improving the conditions of the workplace, she is an advocate for diversity and inclusion within her office and celebrates the diversity of her staff, encouraging them to present developmental trainings on various topics.

Known by others for her can-do attitude and willingness to help others, her staff describes her as a fair, straightforward, and empathic manager. Always looking for a way to uplift her staff, she has encouraged and mentored many team members who have gone on to become leaders in their own right. Outside of work, she enjoys travelling, dancing, and spending time with her loving family, including her granddaughter Carlaheyah. Mrs. Sullivan and her husband Carl Sullivan have two sons, Theo and Carl. An active member of Mount Olive Baptist Church--the church where she and Carl married twenty-three years ago, she is an enthusiastic volunteer and member of the choir.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Lorraine Sullivan for her dedicated service to the Dearborn Michigan Social Security Office. We are grateful for her years spent serving countless Michiganders and her legacy will live on through the numerous staff members that she has mentored. I join with Lorraine's family, friends, and colleagues in extending my best wishes to her in retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Mary Jarosz of Riverview, Michigan on the occasion of her retirement from the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber after over twenty-five years of service as Legislative & Business Forum Coordinator. Her significant contributions to our Downriver community are worthy of commendation.

Born in Colombia, she moved to the United States at a young age. She grew up on the eastside of Detroit and attended Wayne State University. When former Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber President Ed Clemente noticed Mrs. Jarosz's consistent attendance and interest in the Chamber's forum series, he offered her the opportunity to lead the series--and the rest is history. Since then, Mrs. Jarosz has turned the forum into the fantastic program that we know today, bringing in speakers from all areas of government and business. These speakers have included Former President George H.W. Bush, Michigan governors, state and federal legislators, and other leaders. Each year she has begun the series with an annual address from ``Downriver's champion'' the late Congressman John Dingell, a tradition that continues today with Congresswoman Dingell. The effects of her hard work are felt in all areas of the forum and her impact will continue to be evident for years to come.

An active member of the Downriver community, her service does not end with her coordinator role. Mrs. Jarosz has served on the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber Board of Directors, representing Crystal Gardens Banquet Center in Southgate and on the City of Riverview's Board of Review. She is also a member of the Chamber's Public Policy Committee and has been a trusted friend and advisor to countless Chamber Presidents. In her efforts to educate the youngest of our neighbors, she has worked with local leaders to offer free admission to local high schoolers, so they have the opportunity to attend the legislative and business forums at no cost to them. A resident of Riverview, Michigan for nearly 55 years, she still lives there with her husband Rick. Together they have two children, two grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren. Her dedication to the community that she calls home is an inspiration to all who have crossed her path.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mary Jarosz for her dedicated service to the Southern Wayne County Regional Chamber. We are grateful for her years spent improving the lives of all Michiganders. I join with Mary's family, friends, and colleagues in extending my best wishes to her in retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Andrew French of Ann Arbor, Michigan, the 2020 Chair of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association and President of Aubree's Flagstar. His decades of service to Michigan's restaurant and lodging industry and to our local community is worthy of commendation.

Aubrey William ``Bill'' and Sandee French opened Aubree's, a bar in Ypsilanti's historic Depot Town neighborhood in 1972. Raised in Ypsilanti, Michigan, Mr. French grew up in the restaurant industry. At age 15 he could be found in the back of his parent's bar washing dishes. After graduating from Michigan State University in 1997, he returned home to help his mom and dad revamp the family bar. In 1998, they purchased the space next door to the bar and expanded to become Aubree's Pizzeria & Grill.

In 2005, Mr. French became Vice President of the organization and when his father passed in 2015, he became President and CEO. The pizzeria quickly became a neighborhood favorite and gathering spot for family and friends in the area. With the success of the original Depot Town location, Aubree's has expanded to ten locations across the state of Michigan. To him the most important part of the job is creating a great customer experience for guests--Aubree's employees are part of the family.

In 2012, Mr. French was appointed to Board of the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association. A strong advocate for Michigan's restaurant industry, he was appointed Chair of the Board in 2020. A voice for hospitality on the local, state, and federal levels, Mr. French is a tireless advocate for Michigan restaurants and their employees. Even during the pandemic, he has continued to help keep hundreds of small businesses afloat. Active in his own neighborhood, he serves on the Depot Town Community Development Corporation, as the Vice Chair of the Ypsilanti DDA, and on the board of the Ann Arbor Area Convention and Visitors Bureau. He previously served on the boards for the Hope Clinic and the Ypsilanti Area Community Foundation. He resides in Ann Arbor with his family.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring Mr. Andrew French for his exceptional leadership and extraordinary time. We are grateful for his commitment to the local community and economy and wish him and the Michigan Restaurant & Lodging Association continued success in the years ahead.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Doctor Charles E. Hawthorne of Ann Arbor, Michigan, who passed away on November 1st. His lifetime of service and dedication to our community is worthy of commendation.

The son of Jesse and Cleanna Hawthorne, Dr. Hawthorne felt the call to serve from a young age. A graduate of Cooley High School in Detroit, Michigan, he started and led a campus ministry called Youth For Christ. In college, Dr. Hawthorne founded the United Students for Christ ministry. He graduated from the University of Michigan with a B.A. in Sociology and M.A. in Guidance & Counseling. While still studying in university, he became a licensed minister in 1976 through Pastor James E. Slappy, Jr. and was ordained to the ministry in 1978 by Bishop J.S. Bailey. He later graduated summa cum laude from Trinity Theological Seminary with a Ph.D. in Biblical Counseling in 1987.

As soon as Dr. Hawthorne graduated from the University of Michigan he stepped into ministry full-time with United Ministries in Higher Education at Eastern Michigan University. A talented preacher, he spread his passion at college campuses across Michigan and touched the lives of countless students. In 1980, he founded Labor of Love Ministries, and in 1982 it officially became a church. Labor of Love Ministries located in Ypsilanti, Michigan, where Dr. Hawthorne served as Senior Pastor, has been a faithful gathering place and spiritual home for so many.

Described by those who knew him as a visionary leader and passionate teacher, Dr. Hawthorne sought to spread his faith around the nation and the world but felt strongest about serving his home church and loving community here in Michigan. A leader not only in the world of ministry, he was a member of the Ministerial Alliance of Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti and the Pastors Alliance for County Transformation. Dr. Hawthorne also served as President and CEO of Hawthorne Ministries, President of Samaritan Community Development Corporation, Superintendent of the Northeast Michigan Headquarters District, and as a Board Member of the Church of God in Christ Missions Department, A man with a tremendous heart, beloved by his family, students, and congregation alike--he will never be forgotten.

Madam Speaker. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Dr. Charles E. Hawthorne, a pillar of our community and a man of true faith. His legacy is one that will remain for years to come in the hearts of those who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family--wife Donna, children Charles II and LaDonna--friends, and their congregation at this time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Stephen Fletcher of Dearborn Heights, Michigan on the occasion of being named Veteran of the Year by the Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council. His contributions to our community and to our nation are worthy of commendation.

Raised in Michigan, Mr. Fletcher's interest in serving his country was sparked by his family's legacy of service. His great-grandfather served during World War I, his father served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, and his older brother served in the Army and Marines. In high school, he decided to take courses with the Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps.

Following graduation, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, and went to boot camp at Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, then military occupational specialty training at Marine Corps Base Quantico, where he graduated top of his class. He served overseas in Okinawa, Japan and at Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, retiring from the Marines at the rank of corporal. He served from 1981 to 1986.

After the attacks of September 11, 2001, Mr. Fletcher once again felt the call to serve his country. Though he couldn't rejoin the Marines, in July 2014 he joined the U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, where he remains today. A familiar face in active military and veteran groups in Metro Detroit, he served as commander of the Dearborn Allied War Veterans Council in 2017. Additionally, Mr. Fletcher is a member of the Marine Corps League 152 and the American Legion Post 364.

Despite his numerous commitments, he still finds time in his busy schedule to give back. Mr. Fletcher is most proud of his work with the Missing in America Project that helps give forgotten remains of veterans a proper burial. Three days a week he volunteers at the Freedom Center at Detroit Airport and assists in creating online memorial profiles for those killed in action on Together We Served. Each year, he helps at various local events including at the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society's Light Up the Night walk that he attends in honor of his father who had leukemia. He is someone who knows the true meaning of public service.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Stephen Fletcher on this well-deserved commendation. He has honorably served this country throughout his exemplary military career. I join with Stephen's family, friends, and colleagues in thanking him for his continued service to our community and our Nation.