Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, on September 4 my colleague Frank Pallone and I introduced the National All Schedules Prescription Electronic Reporting (NASPER) Act. This legislation would establish a national electronic data bank for practitioner monitoring of schedule II, III and IV controlled substances.

Our Nation has been fighting a long battle against the scourge of drug abuse and its devastating effects upon our society. The lives that are ruined, the families that are destroyed, and the loss to societal productivity are almost impossible to comprehend.

Unfortunately, one of the fastest growing areas of drug abuse is through the diversion of prescription drugs. This diversion can include such activities as ``doctor shopping'' where individuals go from doctor to doctor obtaining multiple prescriptions, or through the illegal sales of prescription drugs by doctors and pharmacists, or by prescription forgery.

My own State of Kentucky has been hit particularly hard by the epidemic of oxycontin abuse. In a 2001 hearing before the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice and State, Rod Maggard, a former police chief in Harzard, KY, testified on the effects of the oxycontin epidemic on our State. He told committee members how the drug had ``demoralized our community . . . it bankrupted spiritually, morally, and financially people all over our area.'' The Associated Press reported how Kentucky was experiencing a crime wave as addicts sought to obtain the drug oxycontin.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that one of the most effective ways we can help prevent prescription drug abuse is by getting information to those who are on the front line in this battle--that is the doctors, themselves. Today, in most States when a patient walks into a doctor's office requesting prescription medication, that doctor has no way of knowing if he is the first physician that patient has seen or the fifth. He simply has to rely on the patient to be honest with him. Now obviously, if this patient is an addict or is trying to scam the doctor, the doctor is not going to be told the truth. And yet

we expect this doctor to treat the patient and to be responsible in prescribing medication.

The NASPER Act would take the guess work out of this situation. With a national electronic data bank, the doctor could simply access prescription information and determine what, if any, medication the patient should be given. The bill is consistent with the requirements of the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and the patient would have to give his written consent before the doctor could access the data bank. Only the doctor or pharmacist who is currently treating the patient could request the information. Each request would have to be certified by the treating practitioner or pharmacist that the information is necessary for the purpose of providing medical or pharmaceutical treatment or to evaluate the need for such treatment for a bona fide current patient.

It is also important to note that as the population in our country ages, there will be more and more people who visit multiple doctors for various treatments. The NASPER Act would help doctors coordinate the medication their patient is receiving from other practitioners so that the patient does not experience an adverse medication reaction.

Currently 15 States have some type of Intrastate Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (PDMP). Two additional States are currently in the pilot stage of implementing such a program. A May 2002 General Accounting Office (GAO) study found that in States where a PDMP was in place, ``the presence of a PDMP helps a State reduce its illegal drug diversion . . .'' The same report also states that ``the existence of a PDMP within a State, however, appears to increase drug diversion activities in contiguous non-PDMP States. When States begin to monitor drugs, drug diversion activities tend to spill across boundaries to non-PDMP States.'' In other words, those who want to scam the system know that they will have a difficult time doing so within a particular State, so they just move the problem across State lines.

The State of Kentucky has one of the most effective PDMPs in the Nation. However, there are a number of reports that show drug diversion problems, particularly in the area of oxycontin abuse, have increased in the contiguous States of Tennessee, West Virginia, and Virginia due to the presence of Kentucky's PDMP. I believe the only way we can truly address this problem is by coordinating our efforts across State lines.

The NASPER Act builds on the work that has already begun in the States. Under this legislation, individual States are permitted to set up their own PDMP to the exclusion of the Federal program created by the act, as long as the States submit the information required by the Secretary of Health and Human Services to the Federal data bank. However, the NASPER Act recognizes that if we are truly going to address this problem, we need a Federal role to ensure that the States will be able to share the information across State lines. An interstate system would allow doctors to get the information they need to better serve their patients.

I would like to thank Chairman Tauzin and the staff of the Energy and Commerce Committee for their assistance on this issue. The chairman has been very attentive to concerns that I and others have raised and I look forward to continuing to work with him on this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, advances in technology have revolutionized health care delivery in this Nation. Isn't it time that we used this technology to better serve our citizens in the area of prescription drugs? I would ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, today represents the culmination of 4 to 5 years of Congress' efforts to provide a prescription drug benefit for senior citizens on Medicare. Two years ago, the House of Representatives passed a prescription drug benefit for senior citizens. Last year we did the same. The Senate did not do it the year before, nor did they do it last year; but this year both the House and the Senate will pass a prescription drug benefit.

This is a meaningful plan. It is going to provide basically free medicines for any senior citizen on Medicare who is at 135 percent of the poverty level and below. The only thing they will be expected to pay is a small $2 copay for generic drugs and a small $5 copay for name-brand drugs.

I have heard a lot of comments today about private insurance companies are going to be involved in administering this plan. I think it is important to recognize that today's Medicare plan uses private insurance companies to handle all of the reimbursement charges for Medicare. So we are not doing anything dramatically different in this bill than what is being done today.

I would also say the fact that this bill would provide catastrophic coverage for seniors is going to be a tremendous benefit. It will give them the peace of mind to know that no matter how high their drug costs may be, at some point the Federal Government will pay for all of it, the taxpayers will pay for all of it. I would also say that this bill provides an important rural health benefit package that is going to benefit all of rural America. It also provides additional monies, important monies that are needed for disproportionate share hospitals. It will benefit every children's hospital in America today. All those hospitals that provide care for people on Medicaid will receive additional funds. I think this is an important bill, and I urge Members to vote for the previous question and to adopt this new prescription drug benefit for Medicare beneficiaries.

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

Mr. Speaker, tonight is the culmination of 4 or 5 years of debate of a prescription drug benefit for our senior citizens here in America. I hear a lot of the criticism and I have heard it all day today about private insurance companies being involved in this program that we are submitting tonight. Yet, I would remind those on the other side of the aisle that private insurance companies are involved in Medicare as it exists today and has been for some time because it is the private companies that are responsible for the reimbursement of our health care.

So private companies are already very much involved in our Medicare system today.

I would also say, what benefit are seniors going to get from this program? First of all, if they are 135 percent of the poverty level and below, and I can tell my colleagues, in my district that is about 60 percent of them, they are not going to have to pay anything. The government's going to pay their premium for them. The only thing that they will have to pay is a $2 small copay for a generic drug and a $5 copay for a name-brand drug. What is wrong with a program that provides free medicines for seniors who today cannot get them?

I would also say that in addition to that tremendous benefit, and we provide catastrophic coverage for them as well, but in addition to that tremendous benefit, we have a rural health package in this bill that is going to help rural America, rural health providers. It is going to provide $27 billion over 10 years for our rural areas, and the disproportionate share payment for our rural hospitals, children's hospitals around the country, urban hospitals that treat our citizens on Medicaid, our hospitals over the next 10 years are going to get $3.8 billion for those who treat the neediest in our society.

This is a program that we should all be supporting, and certainly we should not support the Democratic substitute.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a Kentucky landmark, Ferrell's Snappy Service in Hopkinsville, Kentucky.

Ferrell's is one of the oldest, most successful small businesses in Kentucky. David Ferrell and his five elder brothers started their hamburger chain in 1930 in Owensboro, Kentucky. The business later expanded to Hopkinsville, Henderson, Madisonville and Cadiz, Kentucky. The Hopkinsville restaurant in the longest running of the chain, opening in 1936 when Franklin Roosevelt was President.

Mrs. Cecil Ferrell still operates Ferrell's in Hopkinsville today. Countless customers including myself look forward to dropping by, having a burger, and visiting with Mrs. Ferrell who is always there to greet you with a smile and good conversation.

Ferrell's Snappy Service has become an institution to its customers and Hopkinsville. After 67 years of service, perhaps one of the most beloved aspects of Ferrell's is how much it has not changed. Ferrell's is located in the same building in which it opened in downtown Hopkinsville. It offers the same menu of hamburgers, chili, pecan pie, potato chips, and cold colas. This has not gone unnoticed by its faithful customers. One customer who moved to Texas returned to Hopkinsville to purchase 200 Ferrell's hamburgers before she returned to the Lone Star State. People from around the world have enjoyed Ferrell's hamburgers including a delivery that was dropped off by a tourist for Prince Charles and Princess Dianna in London. Customers can enjoy a hamburger 24 hours a day, six days a week, and Mrs. Ferrell has often said Ferrell's has been a meeting place for folks through the years who work late shifts or who just want to get together.

Ferrell's Snappy Service is a sound example of the importance and impact small businesses have on our economy. After 67 years of uninterrupted service, Ferrrell's has served countless people and provided a great product at a fair price. Those who have been employed there and those who have dined there

know what an impact this small business has had on our economy.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent Mrs. Cecil Ferrell and her family in my congressional district. She and her late husband David have made a positive and long lasting impact on our community, and I am proud to bring their accomplishments to the attention of this House.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Double Springs Baptist Church in Waynesburg, Kentucky during its 200th anniversary. Located in the eastern part of Kentucky's First Congressional District, Double Springs Baptist's goal of advancing faith in Christ was established at the time of its founding.

The Double Springs Baptist Church was organized in January, 1803 as a meeting house for people in southern Lincoln County, northern Pulaski County and eastern Casey County. From its humble beginnings, the church has been successful in serving the community and strengthening their faith through God.

Throughout the past 200 years, Double Springs Baptist has grown to become a vital part of the local community. This rich heritage is being preserved through the training of new leaders and the creation of new ministries to care for the needs of people.

The new millennium has brought the parishioners of Double Springs great spiritual and structural growth under the care and guidance of Pastor Brad King. Under Pastor King's leadership and with the continued dedication of its members, I am sure Double Springs Baptist will enjoy another 200 years of service to the Lord. Double Springs Baptist is truly a church from yesterday, as well as, a church for tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I extend my warmest congratulations to the Double Springs Baptist Church on this special occasion. With their commitment to faith and service to their community, the staff and members of Double Springs Baptist Church are truly role models for us all. I call upon my colleagues to join me in applauding the church's 200 years of excellence. Thank you for your time and attention, Mr. Speaker. I appreciate the opportunity to speak here today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of Owen's Delicatessen, an outstanding small business with a unique history in my hometown of Hopkinsville, Kentucky.

Owen's is owned and operated by Ms. Francis Lynn Moss. It was founded in 1960 out of a record shop which became an electric shop owned by her parents, Annie Ruth Owen and Lynn Owen. Owen's began its unique food service by selling delicious prune cakes. These cakes became so popular, that Francis and her mother expanded their business into Owen's Delicatessen that specializes in freshly prepared foods and baked goods.

Each day begins with the preparation of baked hams, turkeys, cakes, pies, and brownies. All food is prepared the day it is served, and for 33 years Owen's has met the demands of an ever expanding customer base. Francis prepares most of the food sold at Owen's and she has been fortunate to have a dedicated staff of employees who join her in the early hours of the day to make sure the food is ready for the noon time crowd.

Owen's is best characterized by delicious food served with country charm in a home style environment. Customers dining at Owen's are seated at a kitchen table in a room filled with antiques collected by the Moss family throughout the years, some of which came from the Moss electric store.

Mr. Speaker, Owen's Delicatessen is beloved by its faithful customers and all who walk through its doors. It is a shining example of the significance and economic impact a small business can have on a community. I am proud to bring the accomplishments of Francis Moss and her employees at Owen's Delicatessen to the attention of the House.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a young lady in my District, Ms. Kacey L. Reynolds of Calvert City, Kentucky. Ms. Reynolds is the Kentucky winner of the 2003 Veterans of Foreign Wars Voice of Democracy broadcast script writing contest. Ms. Reynolds's script, entitled ``Freedom's Obligation,'' has great meaning as our armed forces are in the process of liberating the Iraqi people and giving them the freedoms we enjoy everyday. At sixteen years old, Ms. Reynolds has a true understanding of what freedom means and what individuals must do to preserve it. I have attached a copy of Ms. Reynolds's script to be placed in the Record. I urge all my colleagues to read her inspiring thoughts on the true value of freedom.

[From the 2002-2003 VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship Contest]

Freedom's Obligation

(By Kacey Reynolds--Kentucky Winner)

Our forefathers viewed freedom as a quest--a goal they

lived, and gave, their lives fearlessly pursuing. Today, most

of us view freedom as a privilege we deserve, a complimentary

right owed to us, simply because we are American. But our

liberty must never be taken for granted and we must never

delude ourselves into believing freedom is free. Independence

has always come at a price, and we have a responsibility to

ensure that it continues so the heroic sacrifices made to

secure it were not in vain. Freedom is a blessing and a

responsibility and our obligation to it is threefold.

Our first obligation to freedom is that of education.

Thomas Jefferson once said, ``If a nation expects to be

ignorant AND free, in a state of civilization, then it

expects what never was and never will be.'' Ignorance is the

first enemy of liberty. It is through education that we

possess the freedom, not only to provide for ourselves, but

to choose the manner in which we do so. It is through

learning that we open our minds to new concepts and

courageous ideals to better govern ourselves. It is through a

knowledge of our history that we take pride in who we are and

our rich heritage as Americans. Education

provides opportunity--the opportunity to be self-sufficient,

the opportunity to understand, the opportunity to be free.

Our second obligation to freedom is that of obedience.

America's government is ``of the people, by the people and

for the people'', but our founding fathers knew that no

people can be truly free if any individual person is allowed

to violate the rights of others. Obedience to the law is

essential for equality and security. If we expect our

government to provide freedom for us, then we have a

responsibility to respect each other. Crime is the second

enemy of liberty. President Theodore Roosevelt said, ``No man

is above the law and no man is below it. Nor do we ask any

man's permission when we require him to obey it. Obedience is

demanded as a right, not asked as a favor.'' Obedience by

each individual provides freedom for all.

Our third obligation to freedom is that of service, of

giving back to our community, our government, and our

country. We, as citizens of that freedom, hold a

responsibility to dedicate our time, our resources, our

passion, and, sometimes, even our lives for the greater good.

It is in serving one another that we become united. If we

fail to give of ourselves, then we fail the memory of those

brave souls who went before us to sacrifice everything.

Selfishness is the third enemy of liberty, but volunteering

our service affords us the opportunity to give back what we

receive. Only in this service can our country provide us with

true freedom.

Without education, how can we be free to govern ourselves?

Without obedience to our laws, how can we ensure safety and

security for all people? Without service, how can we expect

others to fight and die for our freedom? We cannot. We must

dauntlessly pursue education, bravely stand up for what is

right through obedience and unselfishly give of ourselves

through service so freedom can continue to flourish. This is

our obligation. It is in being the ``home of the brave'' that

makes us ``the land of the free''.

Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. Chairman, I am delighted that we are making such progress on this energy bill.

Mr. Chairman, as part of the legislative activity that preceded the introduction on H.R. 6, the Committee of Energy and Commerce reported legislation which authorized $200 million per year for 9 years for clean coal projects at new and existing plants. The legislation was based, in part, on H.R. 1213, legislation that I introduced with my colleague and our friend the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Boucher).

The Clean Coal Power Initiative, contained in both the Committee on Energy and Commerce bill and H.R. 6, is a vital and necessary part of the effort to provide cleaner and more efficient electricity from coal- fired power plants. However, this initiative must be complemented by tax incentives that will encourage the successful completion and operation of clean coal projects.

As was noted during the preceding colloquy yesterday by the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas) and the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Lewis), H.R. 6 does not contain such tax incentives. I would ask the chairman whether he would lend his support to the adoption of such incentives in conference with the Senate.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me.

Mr. Chairman, this is indeed a sobering day as we sit on the floor and debate this important issue while our young men and women in the military are outside the city of Baghdad as we speak.

It is my privilege to represent the 101st Airborne Division, which is present in Baghdad today. When I was first elected to Congress, the military leaders at Fort Campbell reiterated to me the importance of Turkey as a military ally. As a result of those discussions repeatedly over many occasions, I joined with others in the Congress, and we established the Congressional Caucus on Turkey and Turkish Americans a couple of years ago.

With the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Wexler) and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Rogers) I went to Turkey about 3 weeks ago. We met with not the Prime Minister, Mr. Erdogan, he subsequently became the Prime Minister; and we urged him to allow our troops to use Turkish soil to come into northern Iraq. The Parliament, even though they voted more to do it than they voted against it, they did not get the necessary votes, and they did not pass it. We were disappointed.

I think it has been said repeatedly today, and everyone recognizes, we all agree, Turkey is a valuable military ally. But on another note, I would like to point out today that the real tension in the world today, I think all of us would agree, is between Christians and Muslims and the Jewish faith. Everywhere we look we see this tension.

Turkey has been a perfect example of a Muslim country with a secular government that has good relationships with the United States, with democracies, with the State of Israel. It is the type of model that I think is vitally important for the long term. I think that is one of the reasons that we see that President Bush has requested this money. Therefore, I would urge the Members today to defeat this amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to comment briefly on the flawed regulatory decision recently announced by the Federal Communications Commission. The FCC's approach can be deemed as borrowed from what the railroad industry refers to as trackage rights; that is, using another company's property.

Under the FCC rules, competitors are able to pay a bare minimum to use the incumbent phone company's networks. The prices are set using a complicated formula devised by the FCC and administered by State commissions. It is Federal price controls at their worst.

This approach has two negative effects. First, it discourages investment in the U.S. network by incumbent phone companies. Why would you invest if someone else is going to be able to use your property? Second, by deliberately underpricing network access, the FCC has discouraged investment in other networks by other firms. It hurts facilities-based competitors who cannot hope to match the FCC-mandated artificially low rates. Even Wall Street has expressed their dismay at this decision.

Mr. Speaker, this country should be encouraging investment, not discouraging it. We should be creating jobs, not discouraging it. I hope that the FCC will correct this bad decision as soon as possible.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize nominees for the Regional Academic All-Star Team from the Pennyroyal region in western Kentucky.

The regional Academic All-Star program's purpose is to recognize top academic scholars

and performers. Students from Caldwell, Christian, Trigg and Todd Counties of Kentucky were nominated based on their academic performance in seven disciplines: English, foreign language, journalism, mathematics, science, social studies and the creative and performing arts. The students are judged on their core academic score, the curriculum of the student, their grade point average, academic honors earned, unique accomplishments and achievements, extracurricular activities (both community based and school-related), employment history, and an autobiographical essay.

Mr. Speaker, education is the foundation upon which we reach our human potential. Students in my District are developing their talents, furthering their education and pursuing their aspirations in life through programs like the Academic All-Star program. Encouragement and recognition develop confidence and achievement among young Americans-- the future leaders of our country.

The following students have been nominated for their academic excellence:

J. D. Quin, Princeton; Frank Armstrong, Hopkinsville; Rebekah Woodall, Cadiz; Josh Covington, Hopkinsville; Jason Musser, Elkton; Elizabeth Hostilo, Hopkinsville; Jordan Judy, Trenton; Dana Davis, Gracey; Ethan Thomasson, Cadiz; Lewis Jones, Princeton; James Yoakum, Hopkinsville; Sarah Phaup, Madisonville; Melinda Orten, Hopkinsville; Hannah Cummins, Fredonia; Rachel Jaggers, Cadiz; Kelsie Nabb, Guthrie.

David Harper, Hopkinsville; Patrick Armstrong, Hopkinsville; Louis Clayton, Hopkinsville; Emmy Lou Kacer, Hopkinsville; Gwen Son, Princeton; Tavia Green, Hopkinsville; Kimberly Fennell, Cadiz; Craig Richardson, Hopkinsville; Jennifer Belcher, Hopkinsville; Jessica Mizwa, Elkton; Jonetta Tabor, Elkton; Jeremy Wells, Hopkinsville; Jackie Shiue, Hopkinsville; Emmy Lou Kacer, Hopkinsville; Stuart Cook, Cadiz; Jeffrey Kellow, Hopkinsville.

Kevin Oliver, Princeton; Katharine Pettit, Lewisburg; Tanner Parrent, Hopkinsville; Ben Gray, Cadiz; Hunter Ray, Hopkinsville; Cayce East, Hopkinsville; Ashley Crick, Crofton; Cayce Higgins, Hopkinsville; Rose Heflin, Elkton Menyon; Cayce East, Hopkinsville; Brian Belva, Hopkinsville; Elizabeth Dearing, Princeton; Patience Manos, Cadiz; Angela Latimer, Hopkinsville.

Mr. Speaker, these students embody the spirit, commitment and sacrifice that we all should strive for in our daily lives. I am proud to represent them in my District. I extend my thanks to these students for their efforts, and I am proud to bring their accomplishments to the attention of this House.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 76, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the late Mrs. Rosemary Pace of Hopkinsville, Kentucky. Mrs. Pace passed away on March 5, 2003. Mrs. Pace was a community leader and an outstanding citizen.

Mrs. Pace was a native of Elmhurst, Illinois. She was born on November 14, 1914. Throughout her lifetime, she touched the lives of many with her civic involvement. She was a home economics teacher at Bethel College in Hopkinsville and taught at the Fort Campbell Independent Schools for 18 years.

After retirement, Mrs. Pace continued to serve her community in many ways. She was a board member of the Senior Citizens Center, president and vice president of the Christian County Retired Teachers Association, president and vice president of the Christian County Chapter of the National Association of Retired Federal Employees, president of the Christian County Homemakers Association, secretary and treasurer of the Christian County Extension Council, board member of the Kentucky Farm Bureau, and a volunteer teacher at Holiday Elementary School.

Mrs. Pace also organized and distributed food commodities for Pennyrile Allied Services. She served as president and vice president of the St. Elmo Homemakers, and she was president of the Hunting Creek Homemakers. These are only some of her many community service activities.

Mrs. Pace was a strong believer in education. She founded the Family Career and Community Leaders (FHA) Rosemary M. Pace Region II Scholarship fund. She was a member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society, International.

Mrs. Pace spent countless hours establishing and promoting the Farmers Market in Hopkinsville. She received numerous awards and honors for her outstanding volunteer work in the community and the state. She epitomized the word volunteer and her service to the community will always be held as an example to others.

Mrs. Pace was known in the community for her trademark hats. Rarely was she seen in public without a beautiful red hat. She was a truly exceptional citizen.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to call attention to the selfless acts of Rosemary M. Pace for all her efforts on behalf of so many, and I am honored to bring her accomplishments to the attention of this House.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Richard P'Pool of Princeton, Kentucky for his hard work and dedication on behalf of our nation's veterans.

Mr. P'Pool has spent countless hours and resources documenting and recognizing veterans who have been interred without proper ceremony or marker. When discovering a grave without a proper marker, Mr. P'Pool begins to research the veteran. It is necessary to fully document the service member's military career so that the Department of Veterans Affairs can provide a military marker for the grave. Mr. P'Pool helped apply for and received over 300 markers from the Department of Veterans Affairs at his own expense. This process requires hours of tedious and detailed research because the documentation required, including the muster rolls and the extracts from State files or land warrants, is not often not readily available.

Whenever possible, Mr. P'Pool organizes a memorial ceremony to honor the veteran with the assistance of re-enactment soldiers from the 5th Tennessee Infantry Regiment, members of the Sons of Confederate Veterans and members of the United Daughters of the Confederacy. They have memorialized soldiers of the Civil War, Korean War and World War

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Larry Walston of Hopkinsville, KY, for his hard work and dedication on behalf of our Nation's veterans.

Mr. Walston has worked tirelessly to document the service of veterans who were interred without proper ceremony or marker. In conjunction with officials from the Commonwealth of Kentucky, he has obtained the military service records of nearly 300 civil war veterans buried in Riverside Cemetery in Hopkinsville. These soldiers were interred without stones. The documentation he helped collect was used to order individual markers from the Department of Veterans Affairs. With the assistance of member of the Sons of the Confederate Veterans and others, these markers were then placed in the cemetery.

Mr. Walston served our country as a member of the United States Navy and a veterans of the Vietnam War. He is a professor as Hopkinsville Community College and a member of the Sons of Confederate Veterans, Military Order of the Stars and Bars, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, the Veterans of Foreign Wars and many other community service organizations. He is assisting in making application for military monuments to be certified under the Kentucky Military Heritage Act.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent Larry Walston in my district. I extend my thanks to him for all efforts on behalf of so many deserving veterans, and I am proud to bring his accomplishments to the attention of this House.