Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize the late Mrs. Jeanet Grayson, a beloved mother, grandmother, sister, daughter, friend, and a devoted member of Bethel Baptist Church. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, Mrs. Jeanet Grayson was the rock and foundation of

her large and loving family of seventeen children, sixty-

eight grandchildren, sixty-three great grandchildren, ten

great-great grandchildren, two brothers, two nephews, two

nieces, two great nephews, one great niece, two Godchildren,

three adopted daughters, seven sisters-in-law and six

brothers-in-law;

Whereas, Mrs. Grayson was entrusted with the lives of

hundreds of school children and took great responsibility in

caring for them as a bus driver and food service provider

with Miami Dade County Public Schools, and as a bus driver

and student attendant at Whole Word Christian Academy;

Whereas, Mrs. Grayson was a founder of The Road Runners, an

organization of Southwest Transportation;

Whereas, Mrs. Grayson was a faithful member of Bethel

Baptist Church where she sang in the choir and was a driver

for the Evangelism Ministry; and

Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Frederica S. Wilson,

a Member of the United States House of Representatives,

representing the 24th Congressional District of Florida,

commend the late Mrs. Jeanet Grayson for her dedication to

her family and friends, her church and for her commitment to

our community.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and honor the late Mr. Clarance Patterson, a devoted public servant, union representative, husband, father and friend. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, Mr. Patterson's career as a Waste Management

expert, City Manager and Union Representative spanned sixty

years;

Whereas, Mr. Patterson held the position of Superintendent

of the Department of Solid Waste for Metropolitan Dade

County, was appointed the first Black director for the City

of Miami's Solid Waste Department and held the position of

Assistant Manager for the city of Miami;

Whereas, Mr. Patterson also served as City Manager for the

cities of North Miami and Opa Locka; Assistant City Manager

of Miami Springs, Director of Solid Waste and Public Works;

and Director of Public Works for the city of South Miami;

Whereas, Mr. Patterson was an advocate for city, county and

state employees and served as an international staff

representative for the American Federation of State, County,

and Municipal Employees (AFL-CIO) for seven years;

Whereas, Mr. Patterson was a faithful and active member of

the King of Hearts and the Kiwanis Club, Greater Bethel

African Methodist Episcopal Church and Universal Truth

Center; and

Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Frederica S. Wilson,

a Member of the United States House of Representatives,

representing the 24th Congressional District of Florida,

commend the late Mr. Clarance ``Pat'' Patterson for his

unwavering commitment and dedication to his family, his

church, and our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today, as a descendant of Caribbeans, to recognize National Caribbean American Heritage Month and the countless contributions made to South Florida by Caribbeans and their descendants.

National Caribbean American Heritage Month reminds us of the diversity of the people and cultures that make South Florida great and like no other community in the world.

Let us remember the early Caribbean immigrants who helped build and settle South Florida.

Let us pay tribute to the Caribbean Americans in South Florida who helped shape the American dream and continue to work to make it accessible to all who seek it and its promise of life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Let us be proud of the contributions made by Caribbean Americans to education, business, the arts and politics.

Let us mark National Caribbean American Heritage Month by supporting individuals and organizations that continue to build upon the foundation of economic inclusion and equal rights.

While there are countless shining examples of groups and organizations working to improve the quality of life for all South Floridians, I include in the Record the Caribbean organizations listed below for their commitment and dedication to making a difference in our community:

Association of Caribbean Law Students, Caribbean Bar

Association, Caribbean Students Association (FIU), Caribbean

Today, and Caribbean-American Visual Cultural Preservation.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida,

I rise today to recognize the Reverend Nigel Leon Lovell-Martin, dedicated servant of God, respected spiritual leader, educator, and community activist, who is celebrating 25 years as the Pastor of Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church in Miami, Florida. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, Reverend Lovell-Martin is credited with bringing

stability to struggling Myrtle Grove Presbyterian Church,

when he became pastor in 1997, and building, over the past 25

years, a sound foundation for the church that is supported by

loyal and dedicated members;

Whereas, Reverend Lovell-Martin has initiated numerous

successful ministries at the church that tackle issues facing

youth and adults, the poor and the homeless;

Whereas, Reverend Lovell-Martin is an adjunct professor at

Florida Atlantic University, holds a Ph.D., a Masters, and

several other degrees in Education and raises money yearly

for scholarships to help students further their education;

Whereas, Reverend Lovell-Martin served the Presbyterian

Church in various capacities including as commissioner to the

214th and the 219th General Assemblies, commissioner to the

11th stated meeting of the Synod of South Atlantic,

presbytery staff and moderator, and Committee/Commissioner on

Ministry moderator; and

Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Frederica S. Wilson,

a member of the United States House of Representatives,

representing the 24th Congressional District of Florida, am

honored to recognize Reverend Doctor Nigel Leon Lovell-Martin

on his 25th anniversary as pastor of Myrtle Grove

Presbyterian Church, for his commitment to God, his

congregation and our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to Karol Toomer, a breast cancer survivor and secretary of Miami, Florida, Chapter of Sisters Network Incorporated.

Ms. Toomer was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. In September of 2012, Ms. Toomer, who has been a strong advocate for breast cancer awareness, became the Secretary for the Miami Chapter of Sisters Network, Inc., a national African-American breast cancer survivorship organization. Its mission is to address the needs particular to African-American women, the underinsured and the underserved around the country by getting the message out that ``we must stop the silence about breast cancer so women can start beating the odds.'' The organization has since provided a strong support group for hundreds of women with breast cancer, as well as survivors in South Florida.

Experts estimate that about one out of every eight women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life. The strongest risk factor for breast cancer is age. A woman's risk of developing this disease increases as she gets older. However, thanks to the work Ms. Toomer is doing and improvements in cancer treatment and early detection, millions of women and thousands of men are surviving breast cancer today.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. The disease occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get it, too. Today, there are more than 2.9 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

I am honored to recognize Karol Toomer, a breast cancer survivor and secretary of the Miami Chapter of Sisters Network, for her dedication and commitment to our community and the fight against breast cancer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to LaRhonda Lampkin Sharp, a breast cancer survivor, and co- founder and treasurer of the Miami, Florida, Chapter of Sisters Network Incorporated.

Mrs. Sharp was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2007. In 2011, she and four other breast cancer survivors founded the Miami Chapter of Sisters Network, Inc., a national African-American breast cancer survivorship organization. Its mission is to address the needs particular to African-American women, the underinsured and the underserved around the country by getting the message out that ``we must stop the silence about breast cancer so women can start beating the odds.'' The organization has since provided a strong support group for hundreds of women with breast cancer, as well as survivors in South Florida.

Experts estimate that about one out of every eight women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life. The strongest risk factor for breast cancer is age. A woman's risk of developing this disease increases as she gets older. However, thanks to the work Mrs. Sharp is doing and improvements in cancer treatment and early detection, millions of women and thousands of men are surviving breast cancer today.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. The disease occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get it, too. Today, there are more than 2.9 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

I am honored to recognize LaRhonda Lampkin Sharp, a breast cancer survivor and co-founder and treasure of the Miami Chapter of Sisters Network, for her dedication and commitment to our community and the fight against breast cancer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to Felicia Weatherspoon, a breast cancer survivor and co- founder of the Tenaciously Pink Cancer Support Group at Trinity Church, in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Ms. Weatherspoon was diagnosed with breast cancer in 1996. After more than a decade of activism and advocacy for breast cancer awareness, Ms. Weatherspoon helped found the Tenaciously Pink Cancer Support Group, in May of 2012. The support group meets every fourth Sunday. Its mission is to provide spiritual one-on-one support to people undergoing treatment for cancer and comfort the patients, care givers, and their families. Tenaciously Pink also hopes to enable cancer patients/ survivors and supporters to look beyond the diagnoses to cope with treatments and resume living life to its fullest.

Experts estimate that about one out of every eight women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life. The strongest risk factor for breast cancer is age. A woman's risk of developing this disease increases as she gets older. However, thanks to the work Ms. Weatherspoon is doing and improvements in cancer treatment and early detection, millions of women and thousands of men are surviving breast cancer today.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. The disease occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get it, too. Today, there are more than 2.9 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

I am honored to recognize Felicia Weatherspoon, a breast cancer survivor and co-founder of The Tenaciously Pink Support Groups, for her dedication and commitment to our community and the fight against breast cancer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to Patricia Johnson, a breast cancer survivor, and co-founder of the Tenaciously Pink Cancer Support Group at Trinity Church, in Miami Gardens, Florida.

Ms. Johnson was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2008. After many years of activism and an advocacy for breast cancer awareness, Ms. Johnson helped found the Tenaciously Pink Cancer Support Group in May of 2012. The support group meets every fourth Sunday. Its mission is to provide spiritual one-on-one support to people undergoing treatment for cancer and comfort the patients, care givers, and their families. Tenaciously Pink also hopes to enable cancer patients/survivors and supporters to look beyond the diagnoses, cope with treatments, and resume living life to its fullest.

Experts estimate that about one out of every eight women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life. The strongest risk factor for breast cancer is age. A woman's risk of developing this disease increases as she gets older. However, thanks to the work Ms. Johnson is doing and improvements in cancer treatment and early detection, millions of women and thousands of men are surviving breast cancer today.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. The disease occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get it, too, Today, there are more than 2.9 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

I am honored to recognize Patricia Johnson, a breast cancer survivor and co-founder of the Tenaciously Pink Support Groups, for her dedication and commitment to our community and the fight against breast cancer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to Edith Morgan, founder of the Mom-2-Mom 58 Foundation, in Miami, Florida, a support group for mothers that focuses on issues such as breast cancer, child safety and empowerment, juvenile delinquency, domestic violence and many other topics.

The Mom-2-Mom 58 Foundation is a non-profit faith-based organization that was born

out of the tragic death of the late Kansas City Chief linebacker Derrick Thomas on February 8, 2000. Thomas' death was the result of a car accident; he was not wearing a seatbelt. His mother, Mrs. Morgan, felt a pressing need to get the word out to other mothers about the importance of training our children in the use of seat belts. She also realized there were other issues she wanted to address, wherein she could be of service to the community. In 2006, the Mom-2-Mom 58 Foundation started a breast cancer support group, and each year holds a fundraising walk and spa day for women with breast cancer and survivors. The goal is to empower and to encourage women with breast cancer and survivors of breast cancer.

Experts estimate that about one out of every eight women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life. The strongest risk factor for breast cancer is age. A woman's risk of developing this disease increases as she gets older. However, thanks to the work Mrs. Morgan is doing and improvements in cancer treatment and early detection, millions of women and thousands of men are surviving breast cancer today.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. The disease occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get it, too. Today, there are more than 2.9 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

I am honored to recognize Edith Morgan, founder of the Mom-2-Mom 58 Foundation, for her dedication and commitment to our community and the fight against breast cancer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to Adrian B. McClenney, a breast cancer survivor and co-founder and president of the Miami, Florida, Chapter of Sisters Network Incorporated.

Mrs. McClenney was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2011. During treatment and her search to find support, she learned about Sisters Network, Inc., a national African-American breast cancer survivorship organization. Its mission is to address the needs particular to African-American women, the underinsured and the underserved around the country by getting the message out that ``we must stop the silence about breast cancer so women can start beating the odds.'' Mrs. McClenney contacted the organization and was so moved by their support and encouragement that in 2012, she and three other breast cancer survivors founded the Miami Chapter of Sisters Network.

The organization has since provided a strong support group for hundreds of women with breast cancer, as well as survivors in South Florida.

Experts estimate that about one out of every eight women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life. The strongest risk factor for breast cancer is age. A woman's risk of developing this disease increases as she gets older. However, thanks to the work Mrs. McClenney is doing and improvements in cancer treatment and early detection, millions of women and thousands of men are surviving breast cancer today.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States. other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. The disease occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get it, too. Today, there are more than 2.9 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

I am honored to recognize Adrian B. McClenney, a breast cancer survivor and co-founder and president of the Miami Chapter of Sisters Network, for her dedication and commitment to our community and the fight against breast cancer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to Andrea Ivory, a breast cancer survivor and the founder of The Women's Breast Health Initiative (WBHI) in Hialeah, Florida.

Ms. Ivory was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2006. While she was fortunate that her breast cancer was detected early and that she had insurance and access to doctors, she knew that many other women did not. To better the odds for at-risk women with fewer resources, she founded the Women's Breast Health Initiative in 2008. WBHI is an outreach organization dedicated to educating women about the importance of breast health and providing them with the resources to beat the disease.

Since it was founded, WBHI has delivered literature to 50,000 households and by use of a mammography van, the organization has provided free breast cancer screening for thirteen hundred women. For her contributions to the fight against breast cancer, Ms. Ivory was named Cable News Network's (CNN) Hero, in 2009. CNN ``Heroes'' is a tribute to ordinary people changing the world.

Experts estimate that about one out of every eight women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her

life. The strongest risk factor for breast cancer is age. A woman's risk of developing this disease increases as she gets older. However, thanks the work Ms. Ivory is doing and improvements in cancer treatment and early detection, millions of women and thousands of men are surviving breast cancer today.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. The disease occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get it, too. Today, there are more than 2.9 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

I am honored to recognize Andrea Ivory, a breast cancer survivor and founder of The Women's Breast Health Initiative, for her dedication and commitment to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to Vice Mayor Felicia M. Brunson, chairman of West Park Relay For Life, in West Park, Florida. Relay For Life is the main volunteer- driven cancer fundraising event of the American Cancer Society.

Vice Mayor Brunson lost her grandmother to breast cancer in 1996. In 2006 she formed West Park Relay For Life. Through community-based fundraising and little corporate sponsorship, West Park Relay For Life has raised more than $150,000 in the fight against breast cancer.

In 2010, Vice Mayor Brunson was the driving force behind the City of West Park designating the third week in October as ``Paint the City Pink Week.''

Experts estimate that about one out of every eight women born today will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some time during her life. The strongest risk factor for breast cancer is age. A woman's risk of developing this disease increases as she gets older. However,

thanks to improvements in cancer treatment and early detection, millions of women and thousands of men are surviving breast cancer today.

Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women in the United States, other than skin cancer. It is the second leading cause of cancer death in women, after lung cancer. The disease occurs almost entirely in women, but men can get it, too. Today, there are more than 2.9 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.

I am honored to recognize Vice Mayor Felicia M. Brunson for her dedication and commitment to empowering women in the fight against breast cancer.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize and pay tribute to Mrs. Dorothy Wright Edwards, a beloved and well-respected educator, mentor, a trail blazer and pioneer for women in the field of Physical Education, and a lifelong community servant. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, Mrs. Edwards is receiving one of the highest

honors bestowed in the renaming of the student services area

at Miami Northwestern Senior High School to the Dorothy

Edwards Student Services Center;

Whereas, during her tenure with Miami-Dade Northwestern

Senior High School, Mrs. Edwards was a business teacher, all-

girls dean and later became the school's assistant principal

from 1955 until her retirement in 1971;

Whereas, Mrs. Edwards was the second female physical

education teacher hired by the Miami-Dade County Public

School System and was also a teacher, counselor and

administrator for students at Booker T. Washington High and

Dorsey Elementary Schools;

Whereas, Mrs. Edwards, an advocate for education and

physical fitness, is recognized in Who's Who in American

Education, and received the Florida State Teacher Award from

the Florida State Chamber of Commerce in 1966 and 1977;

Whereas, Mrs. Edwards, a graduate of Florida A&M College

(now University), was inducted into the university's Sports

Hall of Fame and has received numerous awards from various

organizations; and

Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Frederica S. Wilson,

a Member of the United States House of Representatives,

representing the 24th Congressional District of Florida, am

proud to pay tribute to Mrs. Dorothy Wright Edwards for her

dedication to education and physical fitness, for her

commitment to our students, for her contributions to Miami

Northwestern Senior High School and to the Miami-Dade County

Public School District and for life-long service to our

community.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to honor the late Gregory Blatch, a dedicated, well respected and beloved teacher with Miami-Dade County Public Schools, who was affectionately called ``Coach.''

Coach Blatch was employed with Miami-Dade County Public Schools for 34 years. He spent thirty-three of those years teaching at Ojus Elementary School, where he was an institution.

In addition to being an exceptional instructor, Coach Blatch was also a mentor, a motivator and a friend to his students, whom he often referred to as ``my children away from home.''

Coach Blatch participated in and sponsored numerous activities which included student government, the annual Washington D.C. trip, the safety patrol program, Drug Awareness and Resistance Education, and student physical fitness. He was staunch advocate for students' health and safety.

Coach Blatch was also heavily involved in the Parent Teacher Association at Ojus Elementary. He donated a great deal of his time orchestrating and participating in fund raisers from carnivals and talent shows to community outreach programs to support the school.

Coach Blatch was a graduate of Florida A&M University where he received his Bachelor of Science degree. He received his Master of Science degree from Nova Southeastern University. Coach Blatch was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. and a thirty-four-year member of the United Teachers of Dade.

Please join me in honoring the late Gregory ``Coach'' Blatch for his dedication to education, to our children and to our community.

Mr. Speaker, from the 24th District of the great state of Florida, I rise today to recognize Sergeant Major Arthur Wells who has been named South Florida Federal Employee of the Year, for his selfless service to our veterans and their families. I include in the Record the following proclamation:

Whereas, Sergeant Major Wells is assistant chief of

Prosthetics Service at the Bruce W.

Carter, Miami VA Healthcare Systems in Miami, Florida, where

he has been a compassionate, dedicated and devoted employee

for 25 years;

Whereas, Sergeant Major Wells has proven himself to be a

leader and an advocate for all veterans and has effectively

and tirelessly used his expertise to assist many veterans to

obtain prosthetic limbs and devices such as electric

wheelchairs, scooters, patient lifts and many other

instruments to ease any vet's daily task;

Whereas, Sergeant Major Wells is the president of two non-

profit organizations, the South Florida Chapter of Blacks in

Government (BIG) and the Army National Guard Family Support

Foundation, which assists deployed soldiers' families with

funds to pay bills while the soldier is overseas;

Whereas, Sergeant Major Wells has received numerous

accolades and awards for outstanding community service which

includes helping the elderly, raising money for back-to-

school supplies and college scholarships and building homes

in Miami's Liberty City and Overtown neighborhoods with

Habitat for Humanity;

Whereas, Sergeant Major Wells is a decorated, U.S. veteran

who served in numerous U.S. operations and conflicts,

including the Vietnam Conflict and Operation Iraqi Freedom

before his retirement in 2007 which ended 39 years of

military service; and

Now, therefore, be it resolved that I, Frederica S. Wilson,

a Member of the United States House of Representatives,

representing the 24th Congressional District of Florida,

commend Sergeant Major Arthur Wells for his service to our

country and for his dedication and commitment to our

veterans, their families and to our community.