Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Turkish government for its involvement in the successful negotiations with Libyan government officials to release New York Times journalists: Lynsey Addario, Stephen Farrell, Tyler Hicks, and Anthony Shadid. The journalists were released Monday after successful diplomatic negotiations by the Turkish and British governments.

According to reports from Libyan authorities, the journalists were detained on March 15, before the air strikes began. The group entered the eastern, rebel-controlled region of Libya without visas, a common practice by journalists reporting on the crisis in Libya. The New York Times reported that the journalists were held captive by loyalist forces of Col. Qadhafi. Early reports indicated that the journalists' whereabouts were unknown. As the situation in Libya intensified, U.S. officials requested Turkish involvement to secure their release. Diplomatic negotiations progressed as the U.S. and coalition forces proceeded with the air strikes over Libya. Turkish ambassador Sahinkaya worked tirelessly to achieve a safe release. It was not until that Monday that the Qadhafi loyalists released the journalists to the Turkish diplomats.

The journalists were taken to safety at the nearby Turkish embassy located in Libya's capital, Tripoli, where they contacted their families and the New York Times to share the news of their release. After a 3\1/2\ hour drive in an armored car, the journalists safely arrived in Tunisia and prepared for their journey home.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the Turkish government for its tremendous diplomatic efforts to negotiate with the Qadhafi loyalists for the release of the New York Times journalists.

Madam Speaker, how soon we forget. During the last congressional session, then-Minority Leader Boehner called deem-and-pass bills ``a scheme and a plot,'' one that he has employed immediately upon assuming the Speakership.

It's doubly ironic because this particular deem-and-pass bill is blatantly unconstitutional, as it eliminates the Senate and President from the legislative process. Article I, section 7, clause 2 of the Constitution reads, ``Every bill which shall have passed the House of Representatives and the Senate, shall, before it become a law, be presented to the President of the United States; If he approve he shall sign it; but if not, he shall return it . . . ''

This deem-and-pass spending bill would eliminate the inconvenience of the United States Senate passing or the President signing H.R. 1, the radical Republican proposals to eliminate 700,000 to 900,000 jobs. Whether or not Republicans ram it down our throats today is probably irrelevant since it is clearly unconstitutional, but we should vote it down as a matter of constitutional principle.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 2011 Blue and Gold Banquet for Cub Scout Pack 976.

The Boy Scouts were founded in the United States on February 8, 1910 by William D. Boyce when he incorporated the Boy Scouts of America. The following year, the BSA adopted the Scout Oath and the Scout Law. After over one hundred years of scouting, these founding principles have guided over

one hundred million BSA youth members to be trustworthy, loyal, helpful, friendly, courteous, kind, obedient, cheerful, thrifty, brave, clean and reverent.

Each year, Cub Scout packs commemorate scouting and its enduring principles with a Blue and Gold Banquet. The pack celebrates scouts, pack leaders and other adults who have contributed to the pack's health and vibrancy. I would like to extend my personal congratulations to the following Cub Scouts in Pack 976 who will be recognized at the 2011 Blue and Gold Banquet for advancing to the next level of scouting.

The Order of the Arrow is awarded to scouts that best exemplify the Scout Oath and Law in their daily lives. The following individuals are being awarded the Order of the Arrow this evening.

Chris Arcangeli, John Cheng, Hank Reinhardt, Cyrus Robinson, Holden Snyder, Nicolas Bocock, Nicholas Baltas, Jack Heerink, Charlie McGarry, Noah Strike, Danny Flood, Austin Gillmore, Salim Roustom.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the Boy Scouts of America, their one hundred year anniversary and the 2011 Blue and Gold Banquet for Cub Scout Pack 976. The BSA sets a high standard for integrity and strength of character. I admire all scouts who seek to uphold the BSA core principles, and extend my sincere best wishes to the Cub Scouts of Pack 976 as they strive to realize their scouting potential.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Command Sergeant Major Victor Angry on the occasion of his retirement following more than 23 years of service in our United States Army National Guard. SGT. MAJ. Angry joined the Army National Guard in 1987, following in the footsteps of his brothers who also served our country in uniform. SGT. MAJ. Angry was just 19 years of age when he enlisted. Raised in an urban and poor environment, SGT. MAJ. Angry found himself with few dreams, little passion, and deflated hopes, and thought that he was just ``taking a job'' for four years. That ``job'' became an extraordinarily successful career in which SGT. MAJ. Angry has become a part of history.

Attaining the rank Command Sergeant Major is the epitome of success in the Army National Guard. It is the highest rank possible, with the exception of Sergeant Major of the Army, for enlisted soldiers and there is no greater honor. SGT. MAJ. Victor Angry was the very first African American to achieve this rank and he has become a role model and inspiration for other young men and women, especially those who face personal challenges.

SGT. MAJ. Angry has a role model of his own--his wife Michelle. The life of a servicemember can be very difficult, especially on his family. Frequent moves or deployments, becoming re-established in a new community, guiding your children through the pain of leaving old friends and trying to fit in yet again are just a few of the issues that are faced. Michelle has not only guided her family through these changes, she has aided so many other children along the way. Michelle has been instrumental in the development and success of the Fort Belvoir Family Childcare Program where her nurture, patience, and intelligence have contributed immeasurably to the growth and security of the children of our soldiers. Michelle has become a ``Star Provider'' and has rightfully earned the praise of so many including Evelyn Flores, Family Child Care Director, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

I believe that SGT. MAJ. Angry would agree that without the unconditional love and support of his wife Michelle and his children Dominique and Alexxyus, his professional success in the U.S. Army Guard would not have been possible.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Command Sergeant Angry on the occasion of his retirement and in thanking him for his service to our country. I also commend Michelle Angry and all military spouses and families throughout our country. They are truly the unsung heroes. Our armed services would suffer greatly without the eternal support of their families, and I thank Michelle and all military families for their sacrifices.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize the 142nd Anniversary of the Shiloh Baptist Church in Mason Neck, Virginia, and to celebrate the unveiling of its historical marker.

The mission of Shiloh Baptist is to be a ``beacon of light'' within the community, bringing hope, spiritual guidance, and a loving spirit to those it serves.

On November 18, 1879 Relius Allen and Archie Gilliam, Trustees, purchased one acre of land on Gunston Road, where the first Shiloh Baptist Church was built. This humble log structure became the spiritual home to local families including the original organizers named Gilliam, Berries, Gant, Blackburn and Williams. A small cemetery was also established on the original property. In 1900, another one- acre parcel was purchased directly across the street; this parcel included a building, the Gunston white school, which served as a second meeting house. In 1927, a vestibule and steps were added to the building, which is still in use today.

Since that time, the Church has witnessed many changes. August 11, 1984 marked the groundbreaking of the New Edifice to the Glory of God, which was dedicated the next year. In 1999, a 6-acre addition was dedicated. In 2004, two trailers were installed, providing additional room for classes, administrative offices, prayer rooms, and a library. Also in 2004, two additional acres were purchased, increasing the total Church property to 10 acres. The house on the original Parson's Property has been set aside for use as a ``House of Helps and Hope'' to serve the needs of our less fortunate neighbors, as well as a nursery.

It is believed that Reverend John Webb was the first pastor of the church and since its founding, 16 pastors and three interim pastors have served the Shiloh Baptist congregation. In 2002, the Reverend Doctor Luther M. Bailey became Pastor of Shiloh Baptist Church, where he continues to serve. Under his leadership, new programs have been implemented and membership has grown to 146.

The significance of Shiloh Baptist Church has been recognized with the placement of a historical marker presented by the Fairfax County History Commission. This Church has witnessed great transformations in our country from its beginnings shortly after the end of the Civil War to the election of our Nation's first African-American President, Barack Obama.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the 142nd Anniversary of Shiloh Baptist Church, and in recognizing the historical significance and contributions to the community made by this Church and its members.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 12th Annual March Is Red Cross Month Gala and the formation of the American Red Cross in the National Capital Region.

The gala is traditionally held in the Prince William community to commemorate the work of the local chapter of the American Red Cross. This year's event also celebrates the establishment of the American Red Cross in the National Capital Region, which now serves the communities of Prince William, Loudoun, Fairfax, Arlington, and Alexandria in Virginia, the District of Columbia and Prince George's and Montgomery in Maryland.

Our community is enriched in many ways by the American Red Cross in the National Capital Region. The American Red Cross shelters feed and provide emotional support to victims of disasters; supply nearly half of the nation's blood donation stockpile; teach lifesaving skills; provide international humanitarian aid; and support military members and their families. The Red Cross is a charitable organization and depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to perform its mission.

Red Cross offices in Northern Virginia, Maryland and the District of Columbia are combining their operations to deliver a seamless system that carries out the mission of the American Red Cross. The strength of the American Red Cross and the commitment of

its paid and volunteer staff throughout our region help us prepare for and respond to emergencies down the street, across the country and around the world.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the 12th Annual March Is Red Cross Month Gala and the formation of the American Red Cross in the National Capital Region. The Red Cross has always depended on the cooperation of communities, neighbors, and volunteers, and this new regional endeavor is in keeping with that tradition.

Mr. Speaker, today the House will vote on H.R. 471, a bill to make Congress the de-facto School Board for the District of Columbia. This legislation, introduced without a hint of irony by self-proclaimed small-government conservatives, would authorize $60 million in federal taxpayer subsidies for private schools in the District of Columbia. The same party that just cut $1.2 billion in Head Start funding for Americans across the country will readily transfer tax money from all Americans to the District of Columbia. Moreover, the concern expressed today for District of Columbia students rings hollow in light of the Republicans' repeal of voting rights of the Delegate from the District of Columbia, which occurred in the first vote this session. Thus, this legislation is hypocritical on three levels, as it represents federal intrusion in local affairs, a federal spending increase in D.C. in contrast to nationwide education funding cuts, and disingenuous concern for the welfare of D.C. residents.

Although H.R. 471 is blatantly inconsistent with Republicans' alleged fealty to fiscal conservativism and federalism, it is quite consistent with Republicans' ideologically driven efforts to unravel public education. This bill is not about providing educational alternatives for students: It is about defunding public schools and gutting teachers' unions. Does this sound familiar? Middle class Americans are attempting to survive a similar assault by Republican governors and state legislatures in Wisconsin and Ohio. Ultimately, this bill isn't even about vouchers, but rather about power. There is not any compelling data that vouchers work, after all, while there are several studies suggesting that, at best, they divert resources and talented students from public schools. But whether vouchers work or not is irrelevant to the party whose goal is elimination of the public education system as we know it, for vouchers are just a means to that end.

Educational policy should put students first rather than sacrifice them for ideological objectives. H.R. 471 would make District of Columbia students lab rats in a Republican experiment to gut public education and replace it with an unproven alternative. H.R. 471 makes a mockery of Republican commitments to federalism and fiscal conservativism, even as it belies their callousness to the welfare of their own constituents.

Finally, my colleagues should be aware that this bill did not pass out of the Oversight and Reform Committee without controversy. Congressman Platts of Pennsylvania made what may have been the most articulate speech in opposition to the bill. He reminded us that even if vouchers did work--and there's no evidence they do--they would still abandon the rest of our students. Mr. Platts called on all of us to work toward an education system that helps all students succeed, and I would hope that we could identify that as our objective rather than diverting money from public schools through vouchers.

I urge my colleagues to put students first and vote against H.R. 471.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize the Asian American Chamber of Commerce and to congratulate this year's Gala awardees. These awards recognize local businesses that have demonstrated an extraordinary commitment to the community.

The Asian American Chamber of Commerce is a resource for local businesses looking to connect with one another and the community of Northern Virginia. The accomplishments of this chamber reflects the many contributions Asian Americans have made to our community and the growing prominence of Asian Americans in civic, social, and political life of our region.

It gives me great pleasure to recognize the following awardees:

Asian Business Excellence Award: Base Technologies

Lifetime Achievement Award: Master Jhoon Rhee--Pioneer of U.S. Tae Kwon Do

Non-Profit of the Year: New Tang Dynasty Television

Public Service Award: Rosemary Lauer--Devotion to Children

Member/Volunteer of the Year: Cindy Chatman--Prudential

Small Business of the Year: Allegra Print & Imaging of Fairfax

Corporate Partner of the Year: Verizon, State Farm, CitiBank

Government Agency of the Year: Fairfax County Office of Public Private Partnerships

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing their accomplishments and thanking these individuals and organizations for their work in the community. The efforts and leadership of these honorees have been a great benefit to our community and truly merit our highest praise. I also would like to thank the Asian American Chamber of Commerce for its tireless efforts to promote the highest caliber of business and social involvement from area businesses and owners.

Mr. Speaker, as the incoming co-chair of the Congressional Caucus on Korea, it is my great honor to congratulate Steve P. Choi on being named the 36th President of the Korean American Association of the Washington Metropolitan Area.

My community, the 11th Congressional District of Virginia, is enriched by its great diversity. More than 1 in 4 residents are foreign born and 40% are minorities. Asian-Americans, particularly Korean- Americans, comprise the largest ethnic population. The National Capital Region is home to more than 80,000 Korean-Americans making this area the third largest Korean community in the United States. Fairfax County, which I represent, has a sister-city relationship with the Songpa-gu district of Seoul, Korea.

The Korean-American community contributes immeasurably to the Northern Virginia region. A large percent of businesses in the area are owned and operated by Korean-Americans, who provide a robust variety of jobs, goods, and services to local residents. The strong character and work ethic displayed in the Korean-American community are consistent with that of so many immigrant groups who have come before. Education is highly regarded and sought after, and honesty, integrity and dignity are values that are instilled at a young age and continue to develop throughout life.

The Korean American Association of the Washington Metropolitan Area plays a critical role in providing information, opportunities, and services to local Korean-Americans. Throughout my career, first as a district Supervisor, then as Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors and now as the U.S. Congressman representing this district, I have worked closely with the Korean American Association of the Washington Metropolitan Area as well as other Korean-American groups to ensure that the needs of the community are addressed and that its voices are heard. I look forward to working with Mr. Choi as he begins his term as president of this esteemed organization so that together we can continue the progress toward achieving of our common goals.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Steve P. Choi on being named the 36th President of the Korean American Association of the Washington Metropolitan Area and in wishing him continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Fairfax County Youth Football League and to celebrate the 21st Anniversary of the Fairfax County Football Hall of Fame.

The importance of youth sports cannot be overstated. Participation in organized sports teaches our youth many lessons that will serve them well throughout life. These invaluable lessons include sportsmanship, teamwork, honesty, a sense of belonging, and maybe most importantly, the work ethic instilled by striving for success and working to achieve a common goal. Organized youth sports also contributes to our society, studies have shown a correlation between participation in sporting activities and doing well in school. Some studies indicate that reduction in gang activity can be partially attributed to refocusing at-risk youth into organized, supervised activities such as youth sports.

I applaud the Fairfax County Youth Football League for the opportunities that they provide to all of our children to succeed and be a part of a team. I also congratulate the following students, coaches and community leaders who are being recognized at the 21st Annual Fairfax County Football Hall of Fame:

Fairfax County Football Hall of Fame 2011 Inductees: Will Montgomery (NFL Washington Redskins, Virginia Polytechnic University, Centreville High School, Southwestern Youth Association), Bill Yoast (Hammond High School, T. C. Williams High School), George Casey (Vienna Youth Incorporated).

Football Official of the Year--Youth Sports: Arnold Palmer (Fairfax County Football Officials Association).

Karl Davey Community Achievement Award: Betty Powell (Fairfax County Youth Football League).

Tom Davis Meritorious Service Award: Lee Ann Pender (Director, Office of Administrative Services, Fairfax County Public Schools).

Gene Nelson Commissioner of the Year Award: William Barry Thompson, III (Fairfax Police Youth Club).

FCFHF Awards--$1,500 Scholarships: Lisa Kinston (West Potomac High School-Cheerleading), Andrew Weidinger (Lake Braddock High School- Football), Scotty Nicoll (Westfield High School-Football), John ``JP'' Theodorakos (Herndon High School-Football).

High School Players of the Year: Marcus Harris (Stone Bridge High School), Anthony Taylor (Washington-Lee High School), Michael Nebrich (Lake Braddock High School), Jared Velasquez (Robinson High School), Kevin Hogan (Gonzaga High School), Dominique Terrell (At Large-Osbourn High School).

High School Coaches of the Year: Mickey Thompson (Division V-Stone Bridge High School), Mark Cox (Division VI-Battlefield High School).

Youth Players of the Year--Youth Sports: Kyle Hamrock (Braddock Road Youth Club), Jelani Shakir (Ft. Belvoir Youth Football), Zachary Braskamp (Reston Youth Football), Kyle Phox (Springfield Youth Club), Guy Myers (Manassas Youth Football), Brandon Lessard (McLean Youth Football), Garrett Snedeker (Chantilly Youth Association), Benjamin Davenport (Lee-Franconia Football), Devon Patterson (Gainesville/ Haymarket Football), Jack Caldwell (Braddock Road Youth Club), David Im (Herndon Optimist Club), Glenn Rushing (Ft. Hunt Youth Football), Sean Fitzgerald (Vienna Youth Inc.), Christian Abenes (Ft. Belvoir Youth Football), Nick Donlon (Southwestern Youth Association), Hayden Burke (South County Athletic Association).

Coaches of the Year--Youth Sports: David Curtis (Alexandria Youth Football), Todd Casey (Vienna Youth Inc.), James Passmore (Herndon Optimist Club), Mike Anderson (Fairfax Police Youth Club).

Cheerleaders of the Year: KC Buckley (Vienna Youth Inc.), Annie Cowman (Vienna Youth Inc.), Tristen Davenport (Gainesville/Haymarket Football), Meghan Henry (Herndon Optimist Club), Kathleen Winkert (Dulles South Youth Sports).

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the Fairfax County Youth Football League as well as those students, coaches and community leaders who are being honored at this 2011 Hall of Fame celebration.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Pack 1818 and Troop 1818, the Jewish Cub Scout Pack and Boy Scout Troop that are based in my neighborhood in Mantua in Fairfax. Cub Scout Pack 1818 now boasts 34 boys ranging from Grade 1 to Grade 5. Chartered by the Olam Tikvah Men's Club since 2000, Pack 1818 provides an opportunity for these boys to take in a variety of sports, crafts, and outdoor activities, like hiking and camping.

This year, Tiger Cubs include: Jacob Boyett, Elijah Fischer, Benjamin Golden, Ari Pearlstein, Nathan Rothberg, Isaac Saiger, and Matthew Wurmser. Wolf Cubs include Jacob Book, Nathan Chernys, Ben Engler, Daniel Fertel, Alex Frame, Zach Grossman, Sebastian Jones, Aidan Jupiter, Jacob Hemmerdinger, Rueben Hemmerdinger, Solomon Hutchins, Ben Neifeld, and Zachary Shmargal-Ellison. Bear Cubs include Mitchell Akawie, Samuel Goldberg, Jared Johnson, Michael Krasovsky, Ilan Nabatkhorian, Lars Rosen, and Jacob Rutzick. First year Webelos include Solomon Jones while second year Webelos include Joshua Ackerman, Kenny Book, David Chernys, Daniel Dorlester, Jordan Lamar, and Aaron Shurberg.

I am especially pleased to note that these last six boys--the second year Webelos--will transition to Boy Scouts during a ceremony this evening. Each of those boys has earned the Arrow of Light award.

After they become Boy Scouts, the number of Boys in Troop 1818 will equal 18, which in Jewish tradition corresponds to Life. Troop 1818, which is only three years old, has emerged as an important force for so many boys' lives. Troop 1818 provides opportunities to build lifelong skills and values, and make lasting friendships through weekly activities and a variety of outdoor programs. The boys have a chance to earn merit badges in such diverse areas as engineering, camping, orienteering, nuclear science, and first aid. This past year, boys from Troop 1818 got to learn CPR, build and sleep in a snow igloo, and attend the 100th anniversary National Jamboree with Scouts from around the country and world.

Troop 1818 currently includes Benjy Ackerman, Max Chernys, Jamie Frame, Josh Hone, Casey Lamar, Ezra Lapidus, Levi Meerovich, Josh Rutzick, Sam Rutzick, Ezra Postelnek, Yosef Postelnek, and Zach Watts. These boys have made significant accomplishments over the past year-- earning merit badges and multiple rank advancements--which they will receive at their semi-annual Court of Honor this weekend.

Finally, I'd like to also recognize Robert Book, who founded Troop 1818 and current serves as Committee Chair for Pack 1818. An Eagle Scout himself, Robert is being recognized this weekend for his accomplishments by being presented with the Shofar Award.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rise and join me in congratulating these scouts and also in thanking the troop leaders, parents and families for their dedication to our youth.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Our Daily Bread, and to congratulate them on their 26 years of service in the Northern Virginia community.

Our Daily Bread is a volunteer-based organization dedicated to providing critical services to families and individuals suffering from financial hardship. Through robust community support from local faith- based groups, community organizations, local businesses, schools and universities, Our Daily Bread has grown to provide food, financial literacy education and assistance, school supplies, and holiday cheer to thousands of people in our area.

Our Daily Bread's mission is to identify and address the unmet fundamental needs of Fairfax area residents, and to empower the community to help our neighbors maintain self-sufficiency. This mission of sustainability and self-sufficiency evolved from humble beginnings. Our Daily Bread was founded in 1984 as a temporary homeless shelter that rotated among several area churches. When Fairfax County opened a county-run shelter in the Reston area, Our Daily Bread refocused its energies on feeding the homeless and opened a soup kitchen to serve those most in need. Recognizing the difficulties faced by those patrons unable to benefit from this service, Our Daily Bread again reinvented itself first by delivering sandwiches made by volunteers and later to delivering supplemental groceries directly to homeless families who were living in motels along Route 50 in Fairfax.

Our Daily Bread has a history of being dynamic in the face of changing demographics. Beginning in the 1990's and largely fueled by the high cost of rental housing, a new urgent need emerged. Families who were not homeless, families in which one or both parents were often juggling multiple jobs, were finding themselves unable to meet their basic needs and were just one crisis away from homelessness. Our Daily Bread rose to meet this challenge and began a program offering emergency financial assistance in the form of a modest one time grant of up to $350.00. More recently, Our Daily Bread expanded their services to provide financial mentoring, a back to

school program and holiday meals and gifts. It is a testament to talent and commitment of the volunteers, staff, and supporters who make Our Daily Bread's what it is today; an organization with the foresight and readiness to take on new problems, while continuing to deliver on core initiatives.

Today, Our Daily Bread provides critical services to the elderly, the working poor, the disabled and the homeless in the Fairfax area. In 2010, Our Daily Bread provided food assistance to 425 families, an 18% increase from the previous year. In addition, 333 families benefited from financial assistance and over 385 families took part in financial literacy training and mentoring, a 73% increase over last year. 4,584 families were served by the holiday program, and 337 children received supplies for school. Over half of those assisted by our Daily Bread's program were children.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in paying tribute to Our Daily Bread for their commitment to the community. I would also to express my sincere gratitude to the volunteers and staff who contribute their time and energy and also to the Fairfax area business community for the support they provide to this worthwhile cause.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Prince William County Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) and its 2011 ``Salute to Veterans'' Freedom Fund Banquet. U.S. Army Major General (Retired) Robert C. Gaskill and U.S. Marine Corps Master Gunnery Sergeant (Retired) John W. Jones Jr. will receive special recognition at the banquet for their service to our nation.

The NAACP was established in 1909 to eliminate racial prejudice and remove barriers of racial discrimination that prevent equal opportunity for all members of society. The Prince William County Chapter seeks to implement outreach initiatives, educational programs and victim services that address issues of discrimination in the local community. The local chapter hosts an annual Freedom Fund Banquet to raise funds to support the chapter's activities. This year, the program will honor veterans of the United States armed forces.

It is my honor to join the Prince William County Chapter of the NAACP in giving special recognition to two veterans and residents of Prince William County, Major General Gaskill and Master Gunnery Sergeant Jones.

General Gaskill was born in Yonkers, N.Y., on April 12, 1931, to John and Armania Gaskill. The Gaskill family later moved to Arlington, Va. General Gaskill completed Reserve Officer Training as a Distinguished Military Graduate, and received a bachelor of science in business administration from Howard University in 1952. He was commissioned into one of the last all-black battalions in the United States Army. General Gaskill had a distinguished and decorated career in the Army before his retirement in 1981, to which he credits the support of his late wife Erotida Gaskill. General Gaskill is a Life Member of the NAACP, member of Unity in the Community, and an elder at his church.

Sergeant Jones was born in Memphis, Tenn., on September 3, 1930, to Mattie and John W. Jones, Sr. Sergeant Jones' mother passed away when he was nine, and he was raised by Laura Belle Jones, his father's second wife. In 1956, Sergeant Jones joined the United States Marine Corps. While in the Marine Corps, Sergeant Jones went to night school to complete his high school degree and enrolled in college courses. His service in the Corps included tours in the 1958 Lebanon Crisis and the Vietnam War. Sergeant Jones is married to the former Anne Tankins of Quantico. He is active in the NAACP and volunteers in his church, First Mount Zion Baptist Church, where he serves as Deacon Emeritus and sings in the choir.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in recognizing the Prince William County Chapter of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People and its 2011 ``Salute to Veterans'' Freedom Fund Banquet. I extend my personal appreciation to Major General U.S.A. (Retired) Robert C. Gaskill and Master Gunnery Sergeant U.S.M.C. (Retired) John W. Jones, Jr. for their service and sacrifice on behalf of our country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 21st Annual Martin Luther King Youth Oratorical Contest hosted by the Prince William Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. and its Education Foundation.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. left an indelible mark on the way Americans engage in civil dialogue. Despite the violence perpetrated against the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. King responded with oratory and nonviolent resistance to condemn the injustice of social inequality. His legacy is one of tolerance and steadfast commitment to principled and peaceful communication.

The MLK Youth Oratorical contestants pay tribute to Dr. King's legacy with their ability to exercise the strength of the spoken word. This is a skill inseparable from their character and will serve them well as they tackle leadership opportunities and build personal relationships.

I congratulate and applaud the following contestants of the 21st Annual Martin Luther King Youth Oratorical Contest:

Middle School Contestants

Hannah Wied--Pennington School

Jacob Gonzalez--Parkside Middle School

Jawuanna McAllister--Stonewall Middle School

High School Contestants

Seth Opoku-Yeboah--Osbourn Park High School

Alice Gyamfi--C.D. Hylton High School

Attiqah Syeda--Gar-Field High School

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for recognizing the benefit that Dr. King's teachings bring to the development of our youth. We lay the foundations of a more tolerant society when we nurture the ability to engage and communicate with one another in a way that respects our common humanity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the recipients of the 2011 Dale City Civic Association Community Awards.

The Dale City Civic Association was founded in 1967. Citizens formed the organization to give a voice to community initiatives and collective action in Dale City. Today, the organization's purpose is to represent the interests of the residents of Dale City in a manner that benefits the entire community. Members do this with robust beautification efforts, land use advocacy and volunteer responses to community needs.

The Association hosts an annual awards banquet to honor individuals and organizations that show an exceptional devotion to their community and public service. It is my honor to enter into the Congressional Record the names of the recipients of the 2011 Dale City Civic Association Community Awards:

High School Teacher of the Year: Major William Brannen.

Middle School Teacher of the Year: Amy Crotty.

Elementary School Teacher of the Year: Terri Faulkner.

John D. Jenkins Youth Citizen of the Year: Alexis Simpson.

Youth Environmental and Conservation Scholarship: Shaila Bills.

Kathie Feeney Nurse of the Year: Gail D. Russell.

Prince William County Police Department, Police Officer of the Year: Officer Dave Endrizzi.

Dale City Volunteer Fire Department, Officer of the Year: Captain Linda Wortham.

Dale City Volunteer Fire Department, Emergency Medical Service Provider of the Year: Sergeant. Dennis Oden.

Dale City Volunteer Fire Department, Firefighter of the Year: Firefighter Tinashe Banda.

Dale City Volunteer Fire Department, Cadet of the Year: Michael Cajayon.

Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue, Emergency Medical Service Provider of the Year: Lieutenant Chris Eddy.

Prince William County Department of Fire and Rescue, Firefighter of the Year: Technician I Andrew Marsh.

Deputy Sheriff of the Year: Deputy Timothy Angels, Master Deputy Wayland Thompson.

Catherine Spellane Citizen of the Year: Susan Canfield.

Kathleen K. Seefeldt Community Service Award: Timothy J. Rupert.

Ernestine S. Jenkins Lifetime Volunteer Award: Lillian Garland.

Business of the Year: DEP Copying and Printing Center.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in commending the winners of the 2011 Dale City Civic Association Community Awards for their dedication to building and maintaining a healthy community. Each recipient has made an impact on Dale City, and with these awards we hope to show them that their contributions have not gone unnoticed.