Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, first, I was in the Marine Corps. I did two tours in Iraq and one in Afghanistan. I didn't do anything exceptional; but if anybody else has served in Afghanistan, I will yield to you right now. If anybody in this Congress who has served in a military capacity in these wars in Afghanistan, I'll be happy to yield to you.

You might have taken a few trips over, and you can tell stories about the families that are impacted who you know. You can talk about people who you know that have been impacted. You can talk about those marines and soldiers and sailors and airmen that we see injured at Bethesda and Walter Reed; but if you want to quote somebody, you can quote me. I'm in 223 Cannon.

If you want to talk to a family that's been impacted by three deployments, two of my kids, all of them 10 or under--I have three--two of them have been through three deployments. One child, my youngest daughter, has been through one deployment, the Afghan deployment in 2007.

If you want to talk to somebody, feel free to talk to my family because they understand what it's like. What they also understand is the reason that we're there.

Less than 2 percent of America's population serves. The burden from Afghanistan is on their shoulders. It's on my family's shoulders. They know what's at stake. That's why they basically allowed me to do it. They allowed me to go to Iraq and Afghanistan because of the number one reason that we're there, the number one reason. And it's not to nation- build. It's to make sure that radicalized Muslims stop killing Americans. It's to stop them from destroying this country.

They want to murder us. Every single person in this room, every American, radicalized Muslims want to murder. That's why we have men and women over there right now fighting. That's it. There's no other reason for it.

Nation building is a thing we have to do there on the side to get the people, the Afghan people, on our side. But what we're doing right now is we're taking out the enemy.

And we have to trust General Petraeus. We have to trust President Obama, in this case, that they know what's going on. He's the Commander in Chief, not us. We are not the commanders in chief. There's one of them, and it's the other side's President.

If you want to quote somebody who's been there, feel free to quote me. If you want to talk about it, feel free to come to my office. And if you want to hold up pictures of families, hold up pictures of mine because they've been impacted by it.

But I thank the gentleman from Ohio for bringing up this debate because what has happened is our side has cut defense by $16 billion in H.R. 1. If we're not going to support our troops while we're fighting, this type of resolution might need a look at later. I don't think now is the right time.

I oppose the resolution.

Announcement By the Speaker Pro Tempore

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the service of Lieutenant General Michael L. Oates, the Director of the Joint Improvised Explosive Device Defeat Organization (JIEDDO), who will retire from service on July 1, 2011.

LTG Oates has honorably served his country for more than three decades. Since graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1979, LTG Oates has commanded troops from Company to Division level. He is a veteran of Desert Shield and Desert Storm and served three tours in Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, serving as the Chief of Staff to the Deputy and Chief Operating Officer, Coalition Provisional Authority, as the Deputy Commanding General (Operations) 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) and the Commanding General, 10th Mountain Division/Multi-National Division- Center. Among his many decorations, LTG Oates has been awarded the Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, and the Bronze Star Medal.

As a Member of the House Armed Services Committee, I have supported LTG Oates' mission to provide the necessary training, equipment, and analytical capabilities necessary to protect our service men and women from the threats posed by IEDs. Having served in both Iraq and Afghanistan myself, I have experienced firsthand the dangers that IEDs pose to our troops. Under Oates' leadership, JIEDDO has made significant strides to combat those dangers by not only reducing the effectiveness of the IEDs, but also by helping to eliminate the enemy networks that seek to use these devices to harm our troops.

His approach on Capitol Hill brought a high degree of candor, integrity, and focus. Few missions are as important as JIEDDO's efforts to defeat the IED as a weapon of strategic influence and LTG Oates carried out that mission superbly, executing our counter-IED (C-IED) support to the Afghanistan surge and significantly reducing the effectiveness of IEDs. Also under his leadership, JIEDDO improved its processes and control measures to reduce wasteful spending, improve transparency to Congress, and demonstrate a greater level of accountability.

I have gotten to know Lieutenant General Michael Oates well during his tenure at JIEDDO. He is an inspiring leader, a teacher, and a Texan. The philosophy he instilled in his staff and demonstrated by example in his daily work come from James P. Owen's book, ``Cowboy Values.'' As he concludes his military career and rides off to face even tougher endeavors, he takes Owen's ``Code of the West,'' with him:

Live each day with courage.

Take pride in your work.

Always finish what you start.

Do what has to be done.

Be tough, but fair.

When you make a promise, keep it.

Ride for the brand.

Talk less and say more.

Remember that some things aren't for sale.

Know where to draw the line.

I am proud to share in the celebration of LTG Oates' military career, recognizing both his extraordinary leadership of JIEDDO and his distinguished military service.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words.

Mr. Chairman, I stand in opposition to this amendment for a few reasons, not any as eloquent as the ones that have already been stated but for some fairly simple reasons, I think.

Number one, what if one of us here, one of us Members, a Congressman, earmarked a $100 billion project today? If it were one of us who did this, who said that we're going to give this one job worth $100 billion to one company, I think there would be an outcry from all over. We don't do that anymore, and there's a reason we don't do it anymore: Because it leads to corruption, and it leads to people doing things that they should not be doing. We shouldn't give the DOD the same-- let's call it--temptations to have to give a $100 billion contract to one company.

Number two, competition. It's interesting now to see how things have switched where you have folks that have been talking about competition when it comes to health care, competition when it comes to business now saying that competition's going to bring quality down and bring costs up. That's not what competition does, Mr. Chairman. What competition does is bring quality up and bring costs down. I think there is definitely bipartisan agreement on that.

And number three, I served in Afghanistan on my third tour and, when I was over there about midway through in 2007, an F-18 went down. It went down here stateside, and the reason it went down is it had a cracked wing, and what we didn't know at that time is if that was an inherent flaw in the F-18 structure. So what we did in Afghanistan is we shut down all F-18 flights. In fact, the world over, F-18 flights were shut down until we could figure out if this problem was inherent in all F-18s or if it was just one problem for that one particular F- 18.

If this happens with the F-35, with just one engine, we're going to ground the free world's new jet. That's what will be grounded, because the F-35 is being sold to other countries. It's being used by all of our services except for the Army, and if it goes down and we have to stop flight for it, it could put people in harm's way. That's why this is, frankly, not a money issue or a jobs issue. This is an issue of operational risk. You should have a backup engine for the main engine for the main fighter for this Nation and other nations going forward.

So with that, Mr. Chairman, I oppose this amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

First, I believe my friend from North Carolina does have the best intentions at heart. I believe he is doing this for the right reason. He wants to get out of

Afghanistan and he believes that Afghanistan is a very corrupt country with very corrupt leadership. The problem is, is that things in this world aren't perfect. I served for 6 months in the Marine Corps in Afghanistan in 2007. I didn't do anything of significance, but when I was there I saw what really turned the people of Afghanistan towards America, what made them turn around, what made them change their mind. It wasn't us killing people who cause us to stay up at night and worry about them. That's what we're worried about. What the Afghans are worried about is, will they have electricity? Can they drive on the roads? Can they put fruit in their Mack truck and drive it 20 miles and sell it at the next town? Do their lights work? Is their trash getting picked up? Is their sewer getting cleaned out? General Petraeus understands this is counterinsurgency. That's what counterinsurgency means.

I want to get out of Afghanistan, too. It is an expensive war in blood and treasure, but it is a war that was not started by us. It was started by two airplanes flying into two towers. And 9/11 has cost us more than Afghanistan ever will in what it has done to this Nation, making us second guess who our friends are, sending us to Afghanistan.

I would ask my friend from North Carolina this, and I am going to yield the balance of my time to my friend from North Carolina: If we are not the ones helping out the Afghan people, I will tell you who it is going to be--the Taliban. The Taliban are the bankers of Afghanistan. They have drug money and they use it to loan to the locals in Afghanistan. So if we don't help them out, if we don't become their friends, if we don't befriend the people, the counterinsurgency doesn't work.

I think that my friend, if he knew that we would leave quicker, we would leave Afghanistan in victory quicker by keeping this money there, I think he would withdraw his amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Jones).

Reclaiming my time, this is an interagency fund, DOD, State Department, USAID, different American agencies. They are going to be the ones distributing this money. I doubt Karzai ever sees this money, as it would go straight to contractors, either Afghan or from here, from the U.S., or other countries.

I yield to the gentleman.

Reclaiming my time, Mr. Chairman, $400 million is a lot of money, and Americans do need that money. But I would answer that with this: The men and women that have given their lives over in Afghanistan, the men and women, as you well know, representing Camp Lejeune and all of those marines, the men and women that have given their time and their blood for this country I think deserve to be backed up by us by saying we are going to give the money to your boss, General Petraeus, so we can win the war and leave victoriously, and I think that is what I think this $400 million does.

With that, I oppose the gentleman's amendment.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, today, I am introducing the Fairness for Military Recruiters Act, legislation to ensure that America's military recruiters are not denied or unfairly restricted access to high school campuses. Most students on the verge of completing high school undoubtedly think about the future. For some, immediately entering college is an option. Others choose to follow a different path, including taking full advantage of the benefits and educational opportunities offered through military service.

The intent of the Fairness for Military Recruiters Act is straightforward. The legislation simply reaffirms and strengthens existing federal law, enacted in 2002 under the No Child Left Behind, NCLB, Act, providing military recruiters the same access to high school campuses and basic student contact information that is provided to other institutions of higher education.

Before the enactment of NCLB, it was reported that nearly 2,000 high schools across the country either banned military recruiters from campuses or restricted access to student directories. In the years since the implementation of NCLB, despite early opposition from several school boards and administrators, most schools ultimately altered their policies and allowed some form of recruiter access.

Under current law, any high school that receives federal education funding must provide military recruiters access to its campus and student directory--the same access provided to colleges and universities. Schools are also required to notify parents and students of their right to ``opt-out,'' which occurs when a parent or student 18 years of age requests not to be contacted by a military recruiter.

This is a balanced approach to ensuring that students are familiar with the multitude of education and career opportunities offered by any one of the military service branches. Military service promotes discipline and a strong work-ethic. Young Americans should not be discouraged from serving their country or, at the very least, considering the benefits of serving in the armed forces with the assistance of a military recruiter.

The American military is an all-volunteer force. Without patriotic and talented young Americans continuing to step forward, end-strength won't be the only thing adversely affected. So will American security.

Despite the necessity to recruit qualified candidates for the armed forces, there are some school administrators and activist groups who vehemently oppose the idea of military recruiters in high schools. There are reported instances of groups, known as ``counter- recruiters,'' attending parent-teacher conferences and distributing opt-out forms. In one case last year, the New York Civil Liberties Union sent volunteers to stand outside 24 high schools, in the interest of discouraging students from interacting with military recruiters.

Others take a different approach. Amy Hagopian, a professor of Global Health at the University of Washington, who is equally committed to ending recruitment in high schools, wrote an article for the American Journal of Public Health that compares military recruiters with child sex predators. She alleges that military recruiter behavior is ``disturbingly similar to predatory grooming.''

What an insult to anyone who has ever worn a uniform in defense of our nation, especially those who have made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of freedom. The ultimate goal of Hagopian--who was behind the first successful effort to close the door on military recruiters in high schools--and others who share the same viewpoint is nothing less than a complete, across-the-board prohibition against military recruiters.

Meanwhile, some school administrators have creatively interpreted notification and consent requirements in the interest of limiting campus visits or access to student contact information. There are numerous examples of this occurring, but a recent decision by the San Diego Unified School District, which incorporates several high schools in my congressional district, restricts all recruiters--military and private--to only two visits a year and needlessly complicates recruiter-student interaction.

This decision is in fact consistent with federal law since military recruiters are provided the exact same access as private recruiters. But most private recruiters interface with students far less regularly than military recruiters. Often time, private recruiter interactions are limited to college or career fairs, instead relying on other forms of advertising and outreach. Military recruiters on the other hand have a steadier presence in high schools and, while it is absolutely necessary that these recruiters follow school guidelines and not interfere with individual learning, decisions like this, whether intended or not, are a significant step toward shutting the door on our military.

When it comes to ``opting-out,'' students and parents should make that decision on their own, without undue influence from activists and administrators with anti-military bias. Families that recognize and honor the commitment of our military to defending freedom should not be represented by the small minority of those who actively seek to marginalize or even denigrate the armed forces.

The legislation I am introducing protects the rights of parents and students to opt-out while also maintaining military recruiter access to high school campuses and directories. Schools would still be obligated to notify parents and students of their options, ensuring there is a mechanism in place that prevents contact information from being released.

The alternative suggested by some of my colleagues, in anticipation of the upcoming reauthorization of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act, is to create an opt-in process. In other words, military recruiters would be denied access to student information unless a parent sends in a release authorization form. They question whether the recruitment provision violates a student's right to privacy, even though it's consistent with federal law and court-tested privacy rights. An analysis by the Congressional Research Service acknowledges this fact, noting that, unlike medical records, the basic information available to recruiters is no different than information ``typically found in a phone book.''

The Fairness for Military Recruiters Act specifically prohibits the implementation of an opt-in process and clarifies the notification and consent requirement by placing the personal information and career interests of students firmly in the control of parents.

Mr. Speaker, our national security hinges on brave Americans coming forward to volunteer for military service. Restricting recruiter access to high schools would not only reduce the quality and effectiveness of the military, but

also constrain the ability of students to consider military career and education opportunities.

Mr. Speaker, it's with a profound sense of appreciation and respect that I rise today to acknowledge the contribution of Steve Hamann to the San Diego community. Steve was recently named 2010 Citizen of the Year for the city of El Cajon, which I am proud to represent in Congress. Each of the candidates in the running for Citizen of the Year would have been an excellent choice, but Steve's tireless work and charity on behalf of so many others puts him in a class by himself.

Anyone who knows Steve understands that his purpose is not derived from self-motivation. His commitment to helping others showcases his good nature and moral character, demonstrated through more than 16 years of charity work, where he raised millions of dollars for numerous causes. All of it on donated time and without compensation--a mark of true dedication and purpose.

Such an extraordinary level of involvement is why Steven is known around East County San Diego as the ``Auctioneer Extraordinaire.'' He has spent countless hours hosting events each year--more than 80 in one year, in fact--and, thankfully for all us, he shows no sign of slowing down anytime soon. A member of the Rotary Club of El Cajon, Steve embodies the Rotarian motto of ``Service above Self.''

The list of organizations Steve lends his time and efforts to support is long, but certainly worth noting. He is well known for his work with the Boys and Girls Clubs of East County, Stoney's Kids, St. Madeleine Sophie's Center, the East County Salvation Army, The East County Chamber of Commerce, the El Cajon Community Development Center, the El Cajon Elks Lodge, the Heartland Boy Scouts, the Cajon Valley Union School District, the Grossmont Union High School District, the Grossmont Cuyamaca College District, the Mother Goose Parade, the Home of Guiding Hands, the El Cajon Recreation Department, the East County YMCA, the Grossmont Hospital Foundation and the Olaf Wieghorst Museum.

Aside from his sterling reputation, I got to better know Steve as the moderator for the East County Chamber of Commerce's Congressional Debates. The one thing about Steve in this setting is that he has always been as firm as he has been fair, demonstrating his objectivity while asking tough questions that help better inform community residents about their choices entering election season. Steve is also Editor-in-Chief for the East County Herald newspaper, where he focuses on promoting most of El Cajon's events and featuring those events in quality photo series. This is just one more service to the community that Steve provides.

Many San Diegans, as do most Americans, often wonder if they are making a difference in their communities or do enough to help influence the lives of others. Steve is a good example of someone who should never have to wonder whether they are making an impact. The evidence is in his work, hours dedicated and results. Steve serves as an excellent example to others too, reminding us all that a little time and attention to helping others goes a very long way.

I cannot say enough about Steve. He is an ambassador for our community and, without question, makes El Cajon a better place for each one of its residents. I want to thank Steve for his work and congratulate him on the Citizen of the Year award. His wife of 32 years, Lorraine, and his children Sarah and Ben, undoubtedly share Steve's enthusiasm and good nature. I want to extend my thanks and appreciation to them too.

So, Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing Steve Hamann and wishing him continued success in all future endeavors. The El Cajon community and our nation benefit from Steve's leadership, as well as others who commit their lives to causes bigger than themselves.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jonathan D. Olsen for his involvement in the San Diego community. Jonathan is a lifelong resident of Santee, California, having graduated from Santana High School and finalizing his bachelor of arts degree in 2011.

Jonathan has served as the president of the Santee Chamber of Commerce, is leading a successful organization and serves the community with distinction. He is a thriving businessman in Santee, having worked in the Santee community management and operating several business endeavors. He has great abilities in working and managing his family's doughnut shops and other businesses.

Jonathan also has been active in the development of the special edition of the Echo, the Santee Street Fair, Business Expos, the Santee Car Show, and the Santee Chamber of Commerce Awards Night. Under his leadership, several successful community events were organized. These include the Miss Santee-Teen Pageant, Sunrise Santee Morning mixers and programs, business-after-five monthly business networking meetings, Santee Day at the County Fair, Fall Frenzy-City Wide Sale and Craft Fair, SCORE Counseling-SBA counseling, installation and retreat planning and numerous ribbon cutting and grand opening ceremonies. Jonathan is also involved in speaking to high school and college students concerning their goals and aspirations.

Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor to stand in recognition of Jonathan Olsen for his tireless work as a member of the San Diego community. Such an extraordinary level of dedication serves as an example to others and showcases the goodness that community service, charity and strong local leadership could have on impacting the lives of others. I ask that my colleagues join me in paying tribute to Jonathan and wishing him continued success in the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an American Hero, Sergeant Major Raymond Mackey of Sierra Vista, Arizona and the 3rd Battalion 10th Marines. This Marine has served our Nation for 28 years; leading and inspiring our Nation's Marines.

On December 23, 2009, while on patrol, he noticed a marker left by the enemy indicating an improvised explosive device, IED, up ahead. As he pushed a fellow Marine out of the way of the IED, it exploded and Sergeant Major Mackey lost his legs and almost his life. With the help of his wife, Vicki, he recovered and is doing well today.

I ask that the following poem by Albert Caswell penned in honor of Major Mackey and his family be placed in the record:

Arizona's Bright Son

Arizona's son . . .

Shining, but so very brightly . . . as but does, so this one!

Ah yes Raymond, you are one of her brightest of all ones!

As thy will be done!

A United States Marine, oh yes, you are on one of the finest

of all things!

That, this our Country . . . has . . . ever so seen . . .

As a leader of women and men, as upon battlefields of honor

you would descend . . .

A Sergeant Major, whose entire life will be . . . and has

always been . . .

One of strength in honor, time and time again!

As so boldly forth, Mac you have worn that fine shade of

green!

As a magnificent brave heart, who would go off to war to lead

. . .

Leaving behind, all that you so loved . . . and adored!

All for God and Country, all for our most precious freedom to

ensure!

As into such fine heroes, molding and leading our men and

women so for sure!

As when, all in that moment's of truth . . .

Saving your brother in arm's life, giving up your own two

strong legs . . . as lies the proof!

As when, you looked down . . . and so saw what you had found

. . .

As the tears upon his most heroic face, came streaming down!

But, Marines don't quit! They lead!

As now Sergeant Major Mackey, you have a new battle to win .

. . a new war to succeed!

For some heroes, are but put upon this earth!

To teach us, to reach us . . . to all of our hearts so

beseech us . . . all in their worth!

For all in our Lord God's heart, they do so surely come

first!

As does, this bright son now shine! As over the skies of

Arizona, you so rise!

With but your faith and courage, but bringing tears to all of

our eyes!

The kind of son, I wished was mine!

Who will one day, Heaven . . . for his faith and courage,

wings will so find!

Oh Mac, how you do shine! All in your life, all in your time!

And all of those lives that you have saved . . .

And all of those magnificent heroes you have so trained and

trained!

And all for your most heroic brothers in arms, who no so lie

in soft quiet graves . . .

Have so marched forth all in those magnificent shades of

green!

As you will rise up with your heart of courage full, as once

again to lead the way!

As your most courageous life, so brightens all of our days!

Marine! ``Oh Mackey, how you do shine!''

There's an even brighter son, now shining this day all in

Arizona's skies!

It's you, Sergeant Major Raymond Mackey, whose heart to new

heights as does so rise!

I thank the gentleman from California and the ranking member of the Armed Services Committee.

Let me start out by just quoting General Amos a couple of days ago, who's the commandant of the United States Marine Corps on this issue. He said, I don't want to lose any marines to distraction. I don't want any marines that I'm visiting at Bethesda Naval Medical Center with no legs to be the result of any type of distraction. Mistakes and distractions cost marine lives. So there's that quote from the commandant of the United States Marine Corps.

The marines are in part of the heaviest fight in Afghanistan right now, and they were part of the heaviest fight in Iraq between 2004 and 2007.

This is not about race. Let me quote somebody else that we've been quoting, General Colin Powell. General Colin Powell said, skin color is a benign, non-behavioral characteristic. Sexual orientation is perhaps the most profound of human behavioral characteristics. Comparison of the two is a convenient, but invalid, argument.

It sounds good to make that comparison, that this is like the civil rights movement. The problem is the United States military is not the YMCA. It's something special. And the reason that we have the greatest military in the world is because of the way that it is right now. We are not Great Britain. We are not France; we are not Germany. And the Marine Corps is not the place, nor is the Army, the Navy, or the Air Force the place to have a liberal crusade to create a utopia of a liberal agenda and experiment during wartime while men and women are risking their lives.

And probably the biggest problem that I have with this repeal is this: the

Armed Services Committee, in the 2 years that I've been in Congress--my last tour was in Afghanistan in 2007. Since I've been in Congress we have not had one full committee hearing on IEDs, on roadside bombs, the number one casualty in Afghanistan.

This is a distraction. This is a waste of time, and every second I think that we spend on this and that Secretary Gates spends on this and that our commanding generals spend on this issue means that we're not focusing on what's important, that is, winning the mission in Afghanistan and bringing our men and women home safely. This does neither.

This does not help us win the mission in Afghanistan. This does not bring our men and women home any faster. It doesn't keep them safer. It doesn't build better weapons. It doesn't train them any better. It's nothing but a distraction right now so we don't focus on the real issue at hand, which is winning in Iraq and Afghanistan and bringing our men and women home. That's what's important.

Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his well thought-out arguments on this issue.

What does the gentleman think about the actual service chiefs, the Marine Corps Commandant, the Army Chief of Staff, the actual generals who lead the military men and women that we speak about, being against the repeal, especially now?

I thank the gentleman from California.

We have made this debate about a lot of things--gay rights, civil rights, our courts, the head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Secretary of Defense, among other things--but all this is truly about is our 18- and 20-year-old young men who are ordered to charge uphill through a hail of bullets and close with and destroy the enemy through fire and close combat. That's what this is about.

Repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell is going to cost our military fighting men effectiveness, which is going to, in turn, possibly cost lives. That's why I would like to object to the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedication, public service and patriotism of U.S. Navy Commander ``Pete'' Casalegno for 30 years of distinguished service to our nation, both with the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force.

Commander Casalegno's military service began in 1965 when he enlisted in the Air Force and served as a weather observer and forecaster. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he served as a member of the combat weather team at Tan Son Nhut, Vietnam, from December 1967 to December 1968.

Upon graduation from the University of San Francisco, Commander Casalegno was commissioned and subsequently designated as a naval flight officer. After completion of advanced training in the E-2 Hawkeye aircraft, Commander Casalegno was assigned to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 114 and completed two overseas deployments onboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) and the USS Coral Sea (CV-43). During this assignment, Commander Casalegno completed arduous qualifications as Officer of the Deck and Tactical Action Officer.

After graduating from the United States Postgraduate School in 1981 with a Master of Science in Systems Engineering, Commander Casalegno was assigned to the staff of the Cruiser Destroyer Group Three as Assistant Air Operations and Electronic Warfare Officer. Involved in frequent deployments to both the Western Pacific and Southwest Asia, Commander Casalegno participated in military operations following the fall of the Shah of Iran and numerous humanitarian operations.

In 1985, Commander Casalegno reported to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 116 where he served as Operations Officer and Maintenance Officer during deployments to the Western Pacific and Southwest Asia. Commander Casalegno was involved in operations which included escorting U.S. merchant ships through the Straits of Hormuz and retributive strikes on Iranian oil facilities.

Following the tour, Commander Casalegno was assigned to the staff of Commander Allied Forces Southern Europe in Naples, Italy. As a staff officer, he was involved in numerous North American Treaty Organization operations, including support of allied forces during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm.

In 1990, Commander Casalegno was assigned as the United States Navy Exchange Officer to the Royal Navy's Maritime Tactical School in Portsmouth, England, where he trained senior allied officials in the employment of naval forces. In 1994, Commander Casalegno returned to the United States to serve at the Navy's Tactical Training Group, Atlantic Fleet, as the air defense instructor.

Commander Casalegno, his wife Marla, his daughter Julie, and his sons Cory and Phillip are stalwart Americans who have made enormous sacrifices over the last 30 years. Commander Casalegno has honorably and faithfully upheld the nation's special trust and confidence conveyed through his military commission. In every way, he has upheld his oath of office with true faith and allegiance. It is with the greatest sense of respect and appreciation that I stand today in recognition of Commander Casalegno and, along with the rest of my colleagues, wish him all the best in his retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a true American hero, United States Marine Cpl Aaron Howell from Potsdam, New York. On April 22, 2010, during a mortar attack in Afghanistan, Corporal Howell lost both his legs and most of his fingers on one hand. Close to death, he somehow summoned the will to live. His life and his experiences are an inspiring lesson to us all about the selfless sacrifice and courage of the men and women serving in the military today. As Corporal Howell meets his latest challenge to rebuild his life, we know that this Marine will climb the next mountain and, with his courage and can-do attitude, will serve as an example to us all. I ask that this poem, written by Albert Carey Caswell, in the honor of Corporal Howell's extraordinary courage, be placed in the Congressional Record.

Howell?

Howell does one go off to war?

Howell do you walk though the valley of death, and yourself

ignore?

Howell do you come back from the dead, and rebuild your life

again once more?

Howell do you wake up and see your fine legs, and part of

your strong hands so gone?

Howell do you find the courage, the strength to somehow move

on?

Howell, do you raise your fine head up so high, and want to

live, with tears in eye?

For only such things in a magnificent heart of courage so

lie!

For only such things our Lord God up in Heaven, the courage

so gives!

That against all odds, tells you I still have so much more to

this our world to give!

For only such beauty, but comes and so emanates . . . from a

heart where faith and courage live!

Yea, you Marine . . . who upon battlefield of honor were so

bravely and so heroically seen!

As with your Brothers In Arms, who but did so such many most

magnificent

things . . .

Living and dying for each other, all in that most heroic hue

of green . . .

All in that great glory and high honor, of being a United

States Marine . . .

And when on that morning you awoke, all in your tears as you

began to choke . . .

As it was when your fine heart so spoke!

Don't give in, don't give up . . . finding hope!

Just Howell, did you find the strength to cope!

Bringing the Angel's up in Heaven to tears, emote!

Just Howell, do you wake on each new morn . . . as oh Howell,

you inspire us all with your life so worn!

As you Teach Us . . . as You So Beseech Us . . . as upon our

souls your faith adorns!

For you are but the kind of Son, every Father on earth would

wish for one!

As you make us understand just Howell Heaven is won!

And Howell against all odds, Thy Will Be Done!

Now, I know Howell!

Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the retirement of Ms. Deanna Weeks from the East County Economic Development Council (ECEDC), located in my congressional district in East San Diego County. For 25 years, Deanna has provided inexhaustible service and dedication to the people and businesses of San Diego's East County. Both as a person and a professional, Deanna will be sorely missed.

One does not have to search very long to find the positive results of Deanna's work, sacrifice and leadership in our community. Like the rest of the nation, our region is going through difficult economic times. I firmly believe, however, it could be much worse for East County if it were not for the significant contributions Deanna made during her time and leadership with the ECEDC. Prior to joining ECEDC Deanna worked at the Center on Aging at San Diego State University followed by Greenwald/McDonald commercial developers. In the early 1990s after joining the ECEDC, Deanna pioneered a grant effort from the Department of Defense that studied the needs of small defense-related firms in the East County, resulting in Connectory.com, an internet connectivity tool that allowed for many San Diego companies to gain business with the U.S. Federal Government and expand and grow into new and exciting areas.

Aside from creating Connectory.com and managing its development and growth from a sub-regional marketing tool into a nationally recognized asset, Deanna was also the leading force behind forming the San Diego Space and Defense Consortium, which provided vital resources to local companies enabling them to compete with large defense contractors. She created and supported the East County Economic Development Foundation and the Supporting Education and Economic Development partnership, both of which work to create and strengthen career and technical education opportunities in our local high schools and community colleges. Deanna has served in other capacities such as the Boards of the Downtown El Cajon Partnership and the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce and is currently serving on the Board of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District where she has been a key member of the East County K- 16 Collaborative, a joint effort between community education and business that focuses on improving student transition between grade levels and curriculums.

Madam Speaker, in a time when the needs of our community usually score low on our list of priorities, I am always encouraged by the efforts of Deanna and her unending determination and sacrifice to make East San Diego County the special place it is to live. While she will be greatly missed, she has provided us all with a great example of service to the community. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in congratulating Deanna Weeks on her retirement, I wish her all the best in her future endeavors and thank her for her many years of unyielding dedication to guiding the economic prosperity of San Diego's East County. We will miss you Deanna, enjoy those grandkids!

Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to one of our nation's most dedicated veterans, Robert L. Tade, Commander, American Legion El Cajon Post 303, which I have the honor of representing.

In the early 90s, Rob joined the American Legion and quickly became involved in El Cajon Post 303, serving as Post Commander for the past 3 years. Having been a dedicated service member of the Armed Forces for over 40 years, Rob understands the importance of advocating patriotism and honor to our nation's youth and devoting time to fellow service veterans. Since he joined the American Legion, Rob has displayed an endless enthusiasm in ensuring the success of his post, having almost tripled the membership and instituting more than two dozen programs to support the local community.

On June 26, 2010, Commander Tade was bestowed with the California Department of the American Legion's highest honor: Legionnaire of the Year for 2010. He was selected out of 117,000 dedicated members who serve our worthy veterans and youth groups today. Rob is truly deserving of such an award and is a prime example of the patriotism that makes our country the best in the world.

Madam Speaker, let us all applaud the devoted service that Mr. Robert Tade has provided to El Cajon and the rest of San Diego. I urge all my colleagues to join me in celebrating the many achievements of this great public servant.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Robert J. Collins, Superintendent of the Grossmont Union High School District, which I have the pleasure of representing.

Bob Collins has served the Grossmont Union High School District with distinction for

the past 3 years, and I wish him nothing but the best as a new chapter in his life begins.

Prior to his service in Grossmont, Bob was a 39-year veteran of the Los Angeles Unified School District. Throughout his career Mr. Collins served as a social studies teacher, leadership advisor, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, Superintendent of District One and Chief Instructional Officer for Secondary Schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District.

In November 2007, Bob became superintendent of the Grossmont Union High School District, where he established a singular focus for the district: the academic and personal success of every student. He has excelled in working with local leaders, while creating targeted programs to address the social and emotional needs of students; recognizing that student achievement is not just a classroom issue.

Restoring public confidence in schools has been a continuing theme of his administration that has been marked by significantly increased standardized test scores, greater parent engagement, and strong community and business relations. His efforts and the programs he developed have been recognized at the local, State and national levels and are models in many other schools and districts. His honors include being recognized as Principal of the Year in the State of California in 1989.

Madam Speaker, let us all applaud the 43-year service that Robert Collins has provided to our San Diego and Los Angeles communities. I urge my colleagues to join me in celebrating the many achievements of this great public servant.

I thank the ranking member for yielding.

America right now is locked in combat against a dangerous enemy in Afghanistan, facing the constant threat of ambush and roadside bombs. The last thing our soldiers and marines need is any unnecessary or harmful distractions.

As a marine who has served downrange in both Iraq and Afghanistan, I have personally witnessed that the current policy of Don't Ask, Don't Tell works and the repeal of current law does not work. I have lived with, eaten with, dived for cover with, and fought with my fellow marines overseas three times. Some military lawyers may think that this amendment looks good on paper, but in effect it will destroy the combat readiness of our fighting force. Our focus right now should be on achieving victory and returning our military home safely.

While America possesses the best military equipment in the entire world and the most technologically advanced weaponry on Earth, the true strength of our might is derived from the core set of values and principles that is shared by our frontline combat troops. It is these shared beliefs that lead to the comradery and the instinct of our troops to risk their lives to protect one another every single day.

The commandant of the Marine Corps stands opposed to repealing current law, and each of the other service chiefs have expressed concerns with taking any action on Don't Ask, Don't Tell until the year-long study under way at the Pentagon is completed. With all due respect, Secretary of Defense Gates and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mullen, have and are performing a great service to our Nation, but they work for this administration and as such are required to follow President Obama's lead and not necessarily speak for the men and women who have volunteered to fight for our Nation and put themselves in harm's way.

Evidently, the White House and congressional Democrats think they are doing our military a favor by rewarding them for victory in Iraq and continued hard fighting in Afghanistan by forcing a liberal social agenda on them and furthermore ignoring our military's input on this matter by not having this vote after the Pentagon study is completed so that at least this would be an informed vote. Our time would be better spent on evaluating the real threats facing our military in Afghanistan, starting with the roadside bomb threat and ensuring our troops have the resources that they need.

The debate on Don't Ask, Don't Tell is just another distraction on these and other priorities, and I urge my colleagues here in the House to vote ``no'' on this amendment. We need to listen to our military leaders, listen to the commandant of the Marine Corps and the actual generals and admirals in charge of our military fighting for us, not people who work for this administration and are going to tow the line for this administration. We've got to do what's right. Support the military. We need victory, not social change, in the military.