Eric J. J. Massa

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and pay tribute to a fine American, James Carello, on an occasion when he and his business have received a prestigious honor: the International Circle of Excellence Award for 2009.

The Circle of Excellence, which is awarded by the International dealer organization of Navistar, Inc., honors International truck dealerships that achieve the highest level of dealer performance with respect to operating and financial standards, market representation, and most importantly, customer satisfaction. It is the highest honor a dealer principal can receive from the company.

Mr. Carello's business, Regional International Corporation, is headquartered in Henrietta, New York. Under his leadership, it has grown into one of the preeminent truck dealerships in western New York, with 160 employees and two secondary locations in Buffalo and Geneva. Jim is a recognized leader in the industry, as Regional spent six years on the Rochester Top 100, a listing of privately-owned companies recognized in the area. With this most recent award, Regional International has now received the Circle of Excellence Award a total of seven times.

An International dealer since 1989, Jim is a member of International's Dealer Development and Systems Advisory Board. Jim has achieved this level of accomplishment and recognition through years of hard work and service to his industry and community. An avid sports fan, Jim can frequently be found cheering for his favorite NASCAR driver or the Buffalo Bills. He also has a keen interest in a variety of other vehicles, including a 1934 Ford roadster, a customized motorcycle and two show trucks called Mayhem and Bad Habit. Both of his children, Jason and Gina, are now active in running the business, becoming the next generation of participants. Jim and his wife Lyn dote on their two grandchildren.

Through his dedication, hard work and outstanding customer service, he has built an economically vital business of which he can be justly proud. On behalf of the 111th United States Congress, I congratulate Mr. James Carello for his record of accomplishment.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to laud the lifelong achievements, patriotism and honorable milita service to our country by U.S. Marine Corps veteran John D. Day of Hornell, New York. It is a distinct honor to submit his name before the United States House of Representatives for his numerous contributions to the 29th Congressional District and a grateful Nation.

A graduate of Hornell High School, John went on to study Criminal Justice at Finger Lakes Community College and Corning Community College where he balanced his academic studies with his participation on the collegiate baseball teams. After completing his studies, John heeded the call of duty and enlisted with the U.S. Marine Corps where he served until his honorable discharge in 2000, after 4 years of service.

John then embarked on a career path of public service as a member of various, local police departments where he achieved the rank of Sergeant while simultaneously working towards the completion of his associates degree.

As a training officer, John was credited with designing and implementing numerous programs to better train officers and to improve job performance. Tragically, while en route to work at the Bath VA Police Department on October 27, 2008, John was killed when his vehicle was hit by a drunk driver.

Since the accident, John was posthumously promoted to Lieutenant and was honored in April as the United States Department of Veteran Affairs Police Officer of the Year at the Annual Law Enforcement Banquet. John was also cited by the VA National Central Office for his perfect record maintaining and completing all training records. In addition, the last two classes at the Federal Police Officer Academy at Little Rock, Arkansas, dedicated their graduation and hard work to the way John performed his duties at work and the professionalism he demonstrated.

On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, it is my honor to recognize Officer John D. Day's contributions to his country and community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Terri Julian, Director for the Jack H. Wisby Jr. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Clinic and newly instituted Women's Residential Program, at the Batavia Campus of the Veterans Administration Western New York Health System VAWNYHS. Dr. Julian is the past recipient of the Federal Woman of the Year Award, 2006, and it is my privilege to recognize her significant contributions to the VA system, made on behalf of our veterans.

Dr. Julian was the major force behind the development of the Women's Residential Program at the Batavia campus of VAWNYHS. This is one of two programs nationwide in the Veterans Health Administration, VHA, that provides female veterans treatment for military sexual and/or combat trauma. The all-female staff includes a psychologist, social worker and social service assistants who collectively work to improve the care provided to afflicted female veterans. Dr. Julian's dedicated efforts to the program enable its practitioners to provide high-quality care to our nation's female veterans, who, it is recognized by the VHA, have a recovery process that is unique from their male counterparts.

In addition to the Women's Residential Program, Dr. Julian has improved the organizational capacity of the Jack H. Wisby Jr. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Clinic used by the entire Batavia campus of the VAWNYHS so it now provides the highest quality care for stress- related injuries to all veterans, regardless of gender.

One need only look to Dr. Julian's numerous accolades to understand her commitment and passion for comprehensive care to veterans. As a leader in her field, she is often requested by her peers to lead workshop and training programs, author professional articles and give expert advice on PTSD program development and implementation.

Our servicemen and women sacrifice immensely for our great nation and I am honored that they are recipients of the quality care provided by Dr. Julian and those like her in the VHA. On behalf of the United States Congress, it is my privilege to publically and permanently laud Dr. Terri Julian's dedicated efforts to our veterans.