Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Anthony Musselman of Suffolk, Virginia, a Quartermaster 1st class sailor currently serving in Iraq in the Global War on Terror.

Originally joining the Navy for an opportunity to see the world and learn some new skills, Quartermaster Musselman has accomplished his dream and has literally traveled the world over. A dedicated student of the naval profession, he was always looking at the stars. Quartermaster Musselman was happy to strike for quartermaster, learning to ``shoot'' the stars with a sextant rather than use GPS satellites.

One of his favorite memories during his 9 years of service was following September 11th when a German destroyer asked permission to pass by his amphibious assault ship. As they passed, the whole German crew was standing at attention with large sheets hung from all parts of the ship saying ``We Stand With You''.

Quartermaster Musselman is married to Misti Musselman from Chino, California. The couple currently lives in Suffolk, Virginia and is expecting their first child while he is deployed in Iraq. He is currently deployed with the Iraqi coastal patrol squadron guarding coastal oil fields. Quartermaster Musselman's parents currently reside in Citrus Hills, Florida.

Mr. Speaker, it is soldiers like Anthony Musselman who volunteered to protect the freedoms that all Americans hold dear to their hearts. While brave men and women like Anthony serve in the name of freedom and liberty, his family, friends and loved ones should know that this Congress will never forget his sacrifice and commitment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ryan Seader of West Palm Beach, Florida, an Army Private First Class soldier currently serving in Iraq.

Following his education at community college and prior to enlisting in the National Guard, Private Seader used his natural ability to fix things to start a profession in the construction field, specializing in restoring old homes.

Enlisting in the National Guard in January 2004 as a mechanic in the construction field, Private Seader was trained to work with water pumps. Following his activation, he was sent to Fort Dix, New Jersey and cross trained to serve as a prison guard.

Private Seader is currently serving in company 652 while deployed in Iraq. his Company is stationed at the Abu Ghraib Prison where he is a part of the team working to demolish the facility.

While on a recent leave, Private Seader was presented with an American flag that had been flown in his honor. Ryan is a proud soldier-demonstrating his dedication to his country and the war on terror.

Private Seader's parents are also committed to helping fight the global war on terror. Mary and Rick Seader live in inverness and work to educate their local community on the need to defend the American ideal and to never give into cowardly acts by terrorists like the September 11, 2001 attack on our homeland.

Mr. Speaker, it is soldiers like Ryan Seader who volunteer to protect the freedoms that all Americans hold dear to their hearts. While brave men and women like Ryan serve in the name of freedom and liberty, his Family, friends and loved ones should know that this Congress will never forget his sacrifice and commitment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Randy Hatcher of Brandon, Florida, an Army Staff Sergeant killed in 1991 during the first Persian Gulf War.

Born in Tallahassee, Florida, Sgt. Hatcher was active on his high school wrestling team while living in Birmingham, Alabama. The son of an Air Force veteran, Randy made the decision to enter the military following high school.

Following six years of Army service in Germany, Sgt. Hatcher was deployed to Iraq as part of the 197th Army Infantry Brigade. During his seven months serving in the Persian Gulf, Sgt. Hatcher wrote many upbeat letters to his family and loved ones, speaking of his love of fishing and how he worried for his family back home.

Three days following victory in the Persian Gulf, Sgt. Hatcher was killed when an ammunition trailer in his convoy exploded. Up until his death, Sgt. Hatcher remained positive about his mission and his service in the Army. He believed in what the United States was doing in the Persian Gulf and did not complain about the work or the conditions he served in while overseas. He left behind his wife Florlita and a two and a half year old son Randy. Sgt. Hatcher's parents, Carol and Joseph Jones, still reside in Citrus County, Florida.

Mr. Speaker, it is soldiers like Randy Hatcher who volunteered to protect the freedoms that all Americans hold dear to their hearts. While brave men and women like Randy have perished in the name of freedom and liberty, his family, friends and loved ones should know that this Congress will never forget his sacrifice and commitment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Kevin Justice of Citrus County, Florida, an Army Chief Warrant Officer with More than twenty-four years of service.

Chief Warrant Officer Justice is a graduate of Hernando High School and the Florida Military Academy, where he attended Officer Candidate School. When he is not deployed overseas, Kevin attends the First United Methodist

Church and tries to find time for a round of golf. During his many missions abroad, he sets up a web cam to keep in touch with his wife Shannan, his two children, Nickolus and Hillery and his parents Jay and Mary Justice.

One of the benefits of being in service for Kevin is the opportunity to travel to many countries, including the United Arab Emirates, England, Afghanistan, and the Netherlands. While serving in Operation Enduring Freedom, Kevin was awarded the Bronze Star for justifying the need for additional troops and rotating soldiers in the field.

As a member of the Florida National Guard, Kevin has been deployed for many of the hurricanes that have struck Florida's shores, including Andrew, Charlie, Jeanne and Ivan. Kevin served primarily as a liaison for military assistance and was the go to person to acquire supplies. He went to Oakley Fruit Company to request the use of their tankers to provide purified water to dialysis patients.

One of Kevin's highest honors is his membership in the Royal Order of Saint Barbara, an honorary military society of the United States Field Artillery. Both U.S. Marine and Army field artillery, along with their military and civilian supporters, are eligible for membership. The order links field artillerymen of the past and present in a brotherhood of professionalism, selfless service and sacrifice symbolized by Saint Barbara.

Mr. Speaker, it is soldiers like Kevin Justice who volunteer to protect the freedoms that all Americans hold dear to their hearts. While brave men and women like Kevin serve in the name of freedom and liberty, his family, friends and loved ones should know that this Congress will never forget his sacrifice and commitment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jeremy Reis, a Private in the Marine Corps.

Private Reis attended Lovejoy High School in Jonesboro, Georgia, transferring his senior year to Newton County High, graduating earlier this year in May. His original post-graduate plans were to study art and photography, but following the events of September 11, Private Reis felt the call to duty and enlisted in the Marine Corps. When his tour of duty is complete he hopes to attend art school and fulfill his dream.

Entering basic training in August 2006 at Parris Island, South Carolina, Private Reis is training to be a computer programming specialist.

Raised as part of a close knit family, Private Reis is a member of his Church Youth group and enjoys hunting with his father and brothers. He also enjoys visiting his grandparents at their home in Citrus County, Florida. Private Reis has five dogs, including a pug named Mojo and a boxer named Jordan.

Mr. Speaker, it is soldiers like Jeremy Reis who volunteer to protect the freedoms that all Americans hold dear to their hearts. He is to be commended for his service to our Nation and for his commitment to his family and loved ones.

Mr. Speaker, Americans are frustrated. Back in May, the Senate passed the ``No Illegal Alien Left Behind'' bill which hands rights and benefits to law-breakers on a silver platter. Clearly we have a large hurdle to overcome in compromising with this very atrocious bill.

However, with each day that we fail to pass meaningful border security reform, Americans become anxious that we will do nothing or even worse that we may cave in to the Senate. I heard from more than 14,000 constituents over the last month who emphatically told me that they do not want amnesty for law breakers.

Listen up America: We must stand united behind the border security bill passed by the House, H.R. 4437, and to proclaim to Americans that we agree with them and we will never give amnesty to illegal aliens.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of a distinguished constituent, Rex Guynn of Zephyrhills, Florida. Rex served as the acting fire chief and recently retired after 21 years of service.

Following his service in the U.S. Army, Rex began his career in 1985 as a firefighter. He quickly rose through the ranks to become a driver engineer, captain, fire inspector, assistant chief and acting chief in June 2006.

An avid runner throughout his life, Rex ran track as a kid and has completed marathons as an adult. In his free time, Rex enjoys hunting, fishing, golfing, motorcycle riding and praising the Lord. A member of the CARES Board that governs the senior center, Rex is also a faithful member of the Oasis Church where he serves as a missionary. Rex also is a member of the Florida Fire Marshal's Association, Prison Ministry, Christian Motorcycle Association, and the Rotary Club.

Rex and his wife, Melinda, have one son, Ryan, and one stepson, Blake. They lost a third son, Aaron, in a motorcycle accident after his military service in Iraq. Following Rex's last official day with the city on August 11, 2006, he and Melinda will travel to Uganda, Africa, and spread the word of the Lord as missionaries.

Mr. Speaker, Rex Guynn has served the Zephyrhills community with distinction for 21 years. It is a testament to his desire to serve that he and his wife will continue their missionary work following his retirement. I commend Rex for his service and congratulate him on his retirement from the Zephyrhills Fire Department.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an American soldier who gave his life in service to our Nation.

U.S. Marine Captain Christopher Pate of Beaverton, Oregon was killed in action during operations in Iraq. Captain Pate is survived by his parents, Jerry and Kathy Pate of Lady Lake, Florida, and a fiancee, Margaret Stearns.

While on patrol in Iraq, Captain Pate's patrol was struck by an improvised explosive device, ripping through his unit. Using his dying words to radio for medical assistance, Captain Pate's bravery and actions most likely saved the lives of two other soldiers severely wounded in the attack.

Joining the Marines in 1999, Chris Pate achieved the rank of Captain in July, 2004. Stationed at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, he was assigned to the 2nd Naval Gunfire Liaison Company, 2nd Marine Expeditionary Force. Serving in Okinawa, Korea, Thailand, South America and Yemen, Captain Pate eventually volunteered for two tours in Iraq.

A modern day renaissance man, Captain Pate will be remembered for his love of languages, his sense of adventure and a desire for knowledge. Having paddeled up the Amazon, spent time in a monastary, studied esoteric Eastern religions, and learned Spanish, German and Arabic, he was well on his way to achieving his dreams. Scheduled to return from Iraq in November, Captain Pate and his finacee were planning their wedding ceremony and anticipating a move to Washington, D.C.

Mr. Speaker, it is soldiers like Captain Pate who have volunteered to protect the freedoms that all Americans hold dear. While brave men and women like Chris have perished in the name of freedom and liberty, his family, friends and loved ones should know that this Congress will never forget his sacrifice and commitment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Leon Zimmermann, Jr., of Homosassa, Florida, a Purple Heart Veteran from the Vietnam War.

In August of 1970, Leon Zimmermann was assigned to guard an area along the Phouc Xuyen River and provide a safe landing area for his fellow troops. As a 19-year-old Navy sailor serving in the jungles of Vietnam, Mr. Zimmermann was looking forward to his watch being over and the opportunity to get some much needed rest in the barracks.

A sudden mortar explosion killed two of his fellow troops, and severely wounded Mr. Zimmermann and two other sailors nearby. Taken to the radio room by the medics, Mr. Zimmermann was eventually evacuated by a rescue helicopter. Once he recovered from his wounds, he received a medical discharge from the Navy.

Due to problems with his military records, Mr. Zimmermann never received official recognition for his military service. I recently had the honor of presenting Mr. Zimmermann with his Purple Heart Medal for the wounds he received that fateful August afternoon.

Following his military service, Mr. Zimmermann was able to put the incident behind him and raise five wonderful children in the United States.

Mr. Speaker, sailors like Leon Zimmermann, Jr. should be recognized for their service to our Nation and for their commitment and sacrifices in battle. I am honored to have presented Mr. Zimmermann with his long overdue Purple Heart. He should know that we truly consider him one of America's heroes.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize September as National Youth Court Month. During September, more than 1,100 youth courts operating in district-level juvenile justice systems, schools, and community-based organizations in 49 states and the District of Columbia will celebrate the fifth annual National Youth Court Month.

Youth court--also known as teen court, peer court, and student court--is one of the fastest growing crime prevention and early intervention programs in the nation. Youth court volunteers, under the supervision of adult volunteers, act as judges, jurors, clerks, bailiffs, and counsel for youth charged with minor delinquent offenses and problem behavior. The overall goal is to help offending youth find an appropriate, constructive, and restorative disposition.

This year, the theme of National Youth Court Month is ``Correcting Crooked Paths: Youth and Communities in Partnership for Justice.'' The theme addresses two very important aspects within the youth court realm: learning from mistakes and youth empowerment. Uniquely, youth and adults from a variety of entities in the community including justice agencies, nonprofit organizations, schools, and municipalities work side-by-side to address and solve local problems particularly related to juvenile crime and problem behavior.

I visited several teen courts last year and was impressed by the power this innovative program has to change misdirected and challenged teenagers into productive and adjusted adults. I would like to recognize their efforts and those of so many other courts by proclaiming September 2006 as National Youth Court Month. I urge Americans to celebrate the valuable contributions that youth courts and their volunteers, adult and youth, make to keep our nation's communities safe.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert Hartwig, the Zephyrhills Fire Chief who recently retired following 32 years of service. Chief Hartwig began his career in 1974 as the first paid firefighter with the Zephyrhills Fire Department, and then rose through the ranks to become a driver engineer, captain, assistant chief and finally chief in 1983.

Chief Hartwig was instrumental in the construction of a second fire station. The new station included administrative offices and doubled the size of the department. He helped secure various grants to enhance the department's functionality and offset the city's budget. Chief Hartwig also entered into a joint venture between the city and Florida Hospital of Zephyrhills to initiate a Wellness/Fitness Program for all Zephyrhills fire rescue personnel.

Holding an A.A. degree from Hillsborough Community College, Chief Hartwig achieved

the difficult Smoke Diver's Certification. In his spare time, he has been involved with many clubs and organizations, including: President of the East Pasco Soccer Youth League, President of the Kiwanis Club, youth baseball coach, youth soccer coach, board member of the Chamber of Commerce, member of International Association of Fire Chiefs, member of Florida Fire Chiefs' Association, member of Pasco Hernando Fire Chiefs' Association, member of Florida Fire Marshals' Association and was an instructor at the Florida State Fire College.

Chief Hartwig will spend his retirement years pursuing his first love; home remodeling. Learning the construction trade by working side- by-side with his father, he eventually created his own home remodeling business, ``The House Doctor.'' He also loves Alaska and has spent extensive time there commercial salmon fishing. Chief Hartwig has a grown son, Jeff, a grown daughter, Amy, and one grandchild.

The entire Zephyrhills community can be proud of the work that Chief Hartwig has accomplished during his thirty-two year tenure. A dedicated public servant, Robert Hartwig has earned his retirement many times over and should be congratulated for a job well done.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Sterling Dobbs of Homosassa, Florida.

Joining the Army in June of 1941, Mr. Dobbs spent more than 4 years in service to our Nation. As a pilot, Mr. Dobbs proved his mettle in more than 35 combat missions in the European Theater during World War

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in frustration with the Senate's delay in protecting Americans by taking up the House border security bill.

Employer verification and enforcement are vital to upholding our immigrant laws. Innocently hiring an illegal alien because there is no system in place is one thing. Knowingly violating our immigration laws for cheap labor is another. Not only does this hurt Americans by driving down wages, it invites an influx of illegal aliens that overwhelms our border security.

H.R. 4437 cracks down on those who compound our immigration problems by hiring illegals, fining them up to $25,000 per employee when they consistently violate the law.

To the Senate we need to say, listen up. Listen to what the American people are saying and pass H.R. 4437. This must become law this year so we can stop the massive illegal flow and secure our borders.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an American soldier who gave his life in service to our Nation.

Army Specialist Raymond Salerno III of Land O'Lakes, Florida recently passed away following an extensive battle to recover from wounds sustained during operations in Iraq. Specialist Salerno was 27 years old, and leaves behind a fiancee, a 7-month-old son, and a grieving family.

While on patrol in Iraq in October, Specialist Salerno's tank was struck by a roadside bomb, sustaining third-degree burns over much of his body. While recovering in Fort Benning, Georgia, Specialist Salerno had recovered enough to perform basic tasks like answering telephones. His death came as a shock to everyone who knew him.

A dedicated wrestler, Specialist Salerno graduated from Land O'Lakes High School in 1997. Following his high school career, he worked at Response Mail, a direct mail marketing company. Yearning to one day gain a college education, Specialist Salerno joined the Army. His dream was to potentially go to the police academy and earn a pilot's license.

Specialist Salerno leaves behind his fiancee Nerea Guerrica and their son Nikolas; parents Robin and Raymond Salerno; brothers Christopher and Joshua; and sister Camille.

Mr. Speaker, it is soldiers like Specialist Raymond Salerno III who have volunteered to protect the freedoms that all Americans hold dear.

While brave men and women like Ray have perished in the cause of freedom and liberty, his family, friends and loved ones should know that this Congress will never forget their sacrifice and commitment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of a distinguished constituent, Bill Sellers of Brooksville, Florida. Bill has recently been named the 2006 Outstanding Agriculturalist of the Year by the Extension Professionals Association of Florida. Bill will receive the award at the Association's annual banquet this September.

Growing up on a farm, Bill took a keen interest in agriculture and the land. An avid member of the Future Farmers of America, Bill went on to study agriculture in college, eventually helping to manage his mother's cattle farm near Brooksville. Today, Bill earns a living as an agricultural mortgage lender.

In addition to his lifelong passion for agriculture, Bill has been involved in giving back to the local farming community through his service on the area extension board. Bill has also played a key role in the partnership between Hernando County and the University of Florida in the area of agriculture and farming.

One of Bill's greatest challenges as a proponent of the farming lifestyle is the reticence of today's youth to enter into an agriculture career. With the challenges famers face from global competition, the increased use of technology and unpredictable weather conditions, fewer and fewer young people are entering the profession.

Mr. Speaker, men like Bill Sellers provide the lifeblood of this great Nation. Tilling the land, raising the livestock, and ensuring that America's food needs are met is an honorable calling. I commend Bill for his service and congratulate him on being named the Outstanding Agriculturalist of the Year.