Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a very special event that is taking place in the heart of the 2nd Congressional District on Sunday, September 25, 2005--the Central Oregon Crop Walk. This weekend, over 125 walkers will gather in Bend, Oregon to raise awareness and funds to fight hunger at home in Central Oregon and in nearly 80 countries around the world.

Since 1998, this gathering has become an annual event in Bend and is now in its 8th year. This Fall, walkers participating in the Central Oregon Crop Walk join Oregonians in four other communities--Baker City, Hood River, Corvallis and Grants Pass--and 1,800 Walks nationwide, to make a real difference toward ending hunger one step at a time. Money raised by walkers in Oregon and around the nation supports Church World

Service, an organization of 36 religious denominations united together to relieve poverty and aid in social and economic development. I applaud Oregonians participating in local Crop Walks and am very pleased to see so many faith groups coming together to support food programs that provide relief to families in our community and around the world.

Events like Crop Walks are a vital link in the chain of services-- public and private--that provide for the most needy in our Nation and the working poor that struggle to make ends meet each month. There are also several pieces of important Congressional legislation that would move our Nation closer to resolving the challenge of food insecurity and hunger. The Hunger Free Communities Act (H.R. 2717) sets a goal of ending hunger by the year 2015 along with establishing grant programs that would support local food programs and improve the coordination of Federal, State and local nutrition services. The Stop Senior Hunger Act (H.R. 1792), which renews the federal commitment to locally- administered programs like Meals on Wheels and congregate meal programs at local senior centers, is another important component in tackling hunger by targeting the vulnerable senior population. Finally, common sense measures like the Relief Trucking Tax Credit Act (H.R. 1954), which would give transportation and trucking companies a 25-cent/mile tax credit for volunteering trucks and drivers to transfer charitably donated food for hunger relief efforts, will help more food reach those in need. Because hunger is a problem that can take a variety of faces and forms in communities around the country, resolving it requires a variety of approaches. For this reason, I am proud to be a cosponsor of each of these measures and am hopeful that when they are combined with efforts like the Crop Walk that hunger and food insecurity will be a challenge that we overcome once and for all.

I urge my colleagues to support these sound legislative endeavors, and join me in highlighting the outstanding work of participants of Crop Walks occurring throughout Oregon.

Mr. Speaker, colleagues, I rise to pay special tribute to the life and spirit of an outstanding community leader, Mr. Earl MacPherson. Earl passed away on July 10, 2005, at his home in Medford, Oregon. He is survived by his wife, Lyn; daughters, Laura and Adrienne; son, Ronald; and step-son, Robert. On behalf of the constituents of Oregon's Second Congressional District, my family, and myself, I offer deepest condolences to his family for their loss.

Earl's passing, after a life replete with civic accomplishments, concludes a remarkable string of military and volunteer service that set a commendable standard for other leaders and volunteers to follow. His legacy and contributions to southern Oregon veterans and seniors will live on for generations to come.

With service in the United States Marine Corps, the Oregon Army National Guard and the Oregon State Defense Force, Earl dedicated 50 years of service in defense of our Nation during World War II, the Korean and Vietnam Wars. In 1944, following the Battle of Saipan, he received the Purple Heart medal for wounds sustained during an enemy grenade attack.

Ever the warrior, Earl spent the past 30 years championing the causes of, and lending his voice to, his fellow veterans. He was the founder and chairman of the Jackson County Allied Veterans Council, organized and started Medford's annual Veterans' Day parade and was instrumental in establishing the annual Southern Oregon Stand-down event to aid homeless veterans. In addition, Earl was an active member of some fifteen different veterans' organizations, including his beloved Marine Corps League. Mr. Speaker, I cannot begin to list all of his accomplishments as a volunteer. In fact, I last had the pleasure of seeing Earl at the dedication of the Medford Veterans Park Memorial, a fitting final project for an unparallel veterans' advocate.

Earl's focus on community involvement extended beyond veterans' concerns. Since 1991, he had served on the Board of Directors of the Medford Senior Center. Under his guidance, this vitally important facility became a well spring for the mental, physical, and social health of thousands of Jackson County seniors.

Samuel Logan Brengle, the legendary leader in the Salvation Army, once spoke the following words that reflect Earl's character and life. He said, ``The final estimate of men shows that history cares not an iota for the rank or title a man has borne, or the office he has held, but only the quality of his deeds and the character of his mind and heart.'' Indeed, Earl MacPherson has exemplified these ideals through his service, sacrifice and commitment to his country and his community.

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Barbara Johnson, a trusted and dedicated member of my staff who has served the U.S House of Representatives and my constituents with distinction and an unswerving commitment to excellence.

Barbara keeps my district schedule in a meticulous fashion. Due to her efficient ways, I've never missed an official meeting on her scheduling watch. Every constituent seeking an appointment or my assistance receives a prompt and accurate response from Barbara, and visitors leave my office with a smile after dealing with her. Simply put, Barbara is a pleasure for people to work with and she's darn good at what she does.

In over three years of making district travel arrangements for me and my staff, there has never been a glitch. My colleagues can fully appreciate what a significant achievement that is. With a district larger than thirty-three states and my commuting back to my district every week, it is comforting to know that even the most ambitious travel schedule will go smoothly in Barbara's hands.

Mr. Speaker, as we all know, many times our constituents receive their first impression of us when they visit our offices. Barbara greets every visitor with a friendly smile and a warm welcome. People walking into my District Office know immediately from Barbara's cheerful demeanor and hospitable nature that they are welcome and are going to receive the best service I can render.

Although I could list many more of her significant contributions to our enterprise, her greatest asset is her ability to work with the fellow members of the team. She is always of good cheer and considerate of her fellow staff members. She is the calming force in stressful times and the mature, steady hand in any crisis. We tease her about being the ``Mom,'' but without a doubt, she demonstrates that quiet and loving leadership that is often associated with an outstanding mother.

Sadly for our office and the residents of southern, central and eastern Oregon, at the end of this month Barbara will be leaving her service post in the United States Congress. Fortunately, she is moving on to new opportunities and a new phase in her very productive life. Although I am very happy that Barbara and her husband, Jim, will be enjoying the many new adventures that lie ahead for them, there is no doubt that Barbara will be sorely missed.

She leaves with my deepest gratitude for her service and the enduring friendship of all who have had the good fortune to work with her. She may be living in another city, but she will always be a member of our team.

Mr. Speaker, colleagues, I rise to honor an esteemed member of the United States Air Force, Senior Airman John A. Lockheed, an Air Traffic Control Journeyman with the 270th Air Traffic Control Squadron stationed at Kingsley Field in Oregon's Second Congressional District.

The United States Air Force has presented Airman Lockheed with their most prestigious award and the Force's highest honor for an enlisted member of the Air National Guard by selecting him as 2005's most ``Outstanding Airman,'' an honor given to only one enlisted Air National Guard member each year.

The Air Force boasts a long tradition of talent, service and dedication, so to be recognized as one of the elite speaks volumes of Airman Lockheed's abilities and outstanding performance.

After volunteering for deployment to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Airman Lockheed was quickly certified to control air traffic. The Air Force so trusted his skill, they selected him to be the facility trainer for incoming personnel. His duties ranged from rapidly securing airspace clearances for aircraft evacuating wounded troops to controlling aircraft returning from completed missions, and he was the watch supervisor's choice for handling even the most complex traffic issues.

Ever ready and capable of tackling challenging situations as they arose, Airman Lockheed immediately assumed control of half of Iraq's airspace on one occasion when another center lost radio and radar coverage.

In addition to volunteering for a 120-day extension of his tour in Iraq, Airman Lockheed extended his spirit of service beyond traditional roles. He was active in a program that delivered school supplies to children called ``Operation Crayon,'' served on the Kingsley Field Honor Guard, was the unit Combined Federal Campaign Representative, and volunteered with the local Boy Scouts.

Most impressive is that this record of accomplishment has been built in a short amount of time. Airman Lockheed, 21, enlisted in the Oregon Air National Guard in 2002 and just completed basic training and air traffic control school in 2003.

America's men and women in uniform are truly the finest in the world, and this tradition of excellence continues through the service of patriots like Senior Airman John Lockheed. A simple thank you cannot fully express my gratitude for his commitment and dedication.

I would like to extend my heartfelt congratulations to Airman Lockheed on this prestigious award. The United States Air Force and the entire United States of America are extremely fortunate to benefit from his service. It is an honor to represent him in the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 12 o'clock and 15 minutes a.m.), the House adjourned until today, Thursday, July 28, 2005, at 10 a.m.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the City of Hines, Oregon, on the occasion of its 75th Anniversary. Although incorporated on December 8, 1930, Hines has a rich history going back to the 1870s.

In 1873, Mr. George A. Smyth was the earliest recorded settler near what is now Hines. He and his immediate family moved from the Willamette Valley to the ``Warm Spring'' area just south of Hines. Shortly thereafter, two brothers by the names of William and Montz Currey set up their ranch headquarters at a small spring, which is now located in the northwest section of Hines. They had a small general store and saloon that was used occasionally as a barricade by nearby settlers when rumors of attacks were circulated after the Paiute Indian uprising in 1878. The Warm Spring was also the site of year-round cattle grazing and many buckaroo camps for the fall and spring cattle round-ups.

In 1924, the Fred Herrick Lumber Company received a contract to start construction of the Malheur Railroad company's tracks to the City of Burns. The lumber company anticipated harvesting 890,000,000 board feet of Ponderosa pine from the nearby Bear Valley District of the Malheur National Forest. They chose the site of the Warm Spring for the construction of a lumber mill because it provided an ice-free log pond. In 1928, the Edward Hines Lumber Company of Chicago took over the Herrick interests of both the railroad and uncompleted lumber mill because of numerous delays in the project.

Due to the Hines Company's strong interest in the area, the Stafford- Derbes & Roy Company, a real estate development firm from New Orleans, purchased land from various ranchers and homestead owners to develop the beginnings of a new city. This project was advertised across the country as ``The greater Burns development in the Great Harney Valley, it is Oregon's first made-to-order community, and one of the first scientifically planned cities undertaken in America.'' Edward Hines and his wife designed and planned the new city around a circular park that was to be, and still is, the heart of Hines. Mrs. Hines stipulated that every house be constructed with slight differences. She wanted this new city to

look different from other mill towns. In 1929, Edward Hines ordered the first 150 homes built for his employees who were due to arrive within a year from Minnesota and Mississippi. In December 1930, the City of Hines was incorporated. The first officers to serve the city were selected, and by 1931 they had their first elementary school and post office. For the next sixty years, Hines Lumber and its employees prospered in this hidden oasis of the high desert.

Development slowed when the mill closed in the early 1990's. However, the loggers who lived there were very proud to have worked for the Edward Hines Lumber Company. Hines has always maintained its own identity. Even today, its residents are fiercely independent people who pride themselves on being from Hines and not from the adjacent city of Burns. This strong sense of community and history is evident by the families that still gather in Hines City Park, the hub of this pioneer town, as envisioned by Mr. and Mrs. Hines.

Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of the 75th Anniversary of Hines, thank you for allowing me to share with my colleagues the history of this fine town.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this amendment. I believe it would undermine the efforts to eradicate production and trafficking of cocaine in Colombia which is the primary source of narcotics entering our Nation.

We have heard some level of debate today about is the amount of cocaine down coming into the United States or not? But the real issue is, how much higher would it be if we did not have this program in place?

Operations under the Andean Counterdrug Initiative have been instrumental in reducing the cultivation of coca 33 percent since 2002 and cultivation of poppies 52 percent last year.

Are those exactly the percentages and which years do you compare? The point is not the exact numbers. The point is the trend and the trend is that there is less being grown because we know we are eradicating it every year. If we are eradicating it, if we are ripping this stuff out, if we are spraying it, if we are making sure it is not growing, that is that much more is not available. That seems pretty obvious on its face.

But this program is doing more to help improve the stability of the country of Colombia and the people who live there, particularly the realm of violent crime in Colombia. Kidnappings are down 34.5 percent in 2004 and almost 61 percent through May of this year. Homicides are down. Terrorist attacks are down. Internal displacement of people, also down by more than 50 percent. Over 200 Columbian narco-traffickers have been extradited to the United States in the last 2 years, including the leader of the Cali Cartel, an important FARC commander, and an AUC commander.

The point is we are taking these narco-traffickers out of the business of trafficking in narcotics, of bringing this terrible stuff to our borders and to our people. This is a good program that has done well and we need to continue to fund it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the 150th anniversary of the treaty signing between the Tribes of middle Oregon and the United States on June 25th, 1855. I will have the honor this weekend

of celebrating this historic agreement with the Tribes at the Warm Springs Reservation. This historic agreement has been the guiding document between the Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation and the United States government for 150 years. The Wasco, Taih, Wyam, Tenino, Dock-Spus Bands of the Walla Walla and The Dalles Ki-Gal-Twal-La and the Dog River Bands of Wasco have called the Middle Columbia River home since time immemorial.

As we near the anniversary of this Treaty, I would like to share with my colleagues some of the rich history of the Treaty. On June 25th, 1855 near what is now The Dalles, Oregon, these bands and tribes finalized negotiations with Superintendent for Indian Affairs of Oregon Territory Joel Palmer and agreed to cede over 10 million acres of land that became most of Central Oregon from the east side of the Cascade Mountains up to the middle of the Columbia River and over to the Blue Mountains.

For the past 150 years, the Tribes of Warm Springs have had a strong government that has been successful in preserving their traditional cultural ways and providing for the well being of their members, homelands, and future generations. Today, The Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs have over 4,000 enrolled members and the Tribes operate almost all their own programs and services including their own tribal public safety department which includes tribal police, courts, and justice, as well as medical and fire response, utilities, infrastructure, social services, housing and education among other programs.

In addition, the Tribes lead the way nationally and within Indian Country for managing their vast reservation lands and resources. The Tribes co-operate a large hydroelectric project, manage their large timber resources, operate their own sawmill, and is pursuing innovative endeavors in creating energy from biomass production of wood products. In addition, they help manage their Treaty-entrusted fishing resources.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs in the United States Congress and have enjoyed working on many projects important to the Tribes and the people of eastern Oregon. Whether it has been working with the Tribes on legislation authorizing the 408-megawatt Pelton Round Butte hydroelectric project near Madras or partnering with them to help site their future casino in Cascade Locks, I have had the pleasure to work with the honorable people of The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs.

As Chairman of the House Resources Subcommittee on Forests and Forest Health, and co-author of the Healthy Forests Restoration Act, I have also had the good fortune to work on issues that will assist the Tribes in managing their own lands. In June of this year I was pleased to announce that Warm Springs Forest Products Industries received a $250,000 grant through the U.S. Forest Service's Woody Biomass Utilization Grant Program which was authorized in the Healthy Forests legislation. This grant program creates markets for small-diameter material and low-value trees removed from hazardous fuel reduction activities and helps organizations and businesses turn hazardous fuel reduction material into marketable forest products and energy resources.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to share with you and my colleagues the rich history of The Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs and look forward to continuing our productive working relationship in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the heroic action of one of our brave soldiers serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Specialist Brandon Sabetti of Mosier is a member of the National Guard from my home state of Oregon. He was called to active duty with Alpha Company of the Third Battalion of the 116th Cavalry and conducted training exercises at Ft. Polk, Louisiana and Ft. Bliss, Texas before transferring to Iraq at the end of last year. I had the honor of meeting with many of the citizen soldiers who comprise Alpha Company when I visited both forts during their training.

Since that time he conducted regular mobile infantry missions to secure dangerous areas of Iraq and to help Iraqis rebuild their country after decades under Saddam Hussein's ruthless regime. On the morning of June 3rd, he was traveling in a convoy toward Forward Operating Base Warrior near Kirkuk as part of a road-clearing mission when the vehicle in which he was riding was struck by a roadside bomb.

Spc. Sabetti, the gunner and designated combat lifesaver in his vehicle, was sitting in the open turret at the top of the Humvee and was ejected upon impact. He immediately got back on his feet and began triaging his wounded companions--dressing their wounds and administering intravenous fluids. He quickly ran to the second vehicle in the convoy to report the injuries and share the need for a quick medical evacuation.

He jumped into the third Humvee, which was pulling into position to provide security to the injured when a second bomb detonated, destroying that vehicle as well. Undaunted, Sabetti again went to work administering medical care to those wounded in the second attack and assisting in their evacuation after additional support arrived.

Sabetti's heroic courage under fire and willingness to attend to the needs of his comrades despite risk to himself was central to ensuring that none of the ten Oregon Guardsmen injured in the attack lost their lives.

Mr. Speaker, this young man exemplifies the honorable character of the men and women who have answered duty's call throughout our Nation's history. His willingness to serve and sacrifice for our country and his fellow soldiers is a clear demonstration of the courage and professionalism that distinguish our armed forces. This grateful Nation owes Spc. Sabetti and his compatriots in arms serving around the world every day a profound debt of gratitude. I am proud to call him a fellow Oregonian and I thank him deeply for his service.

God bless America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of two patriots who have made tremendous sacrifices as part of Operation Iraqi Freedom to help preserve and expand the liberty that we all hold dear.

Sergeant Johan Christian Bagge of Eugene and Second Lieutenant Timothy Bomke of Portland are members of the National Guard from my home State of Oregon. They were called to active duty with Alpha Company of the Third Battalion of the 116th Cavalry and conducted training exercises at Ft. Polk, Louisiana and Ft. Bliss, Texas before transferring to Iraq at the end of last year. I had the honor of meeting with many of the citizen soldiers who comprise Alpha Company when I visited both forts during their training.

Since that time they conducted regular mobile infantry missions to secure dangerous areas of Iraq and to help Iraqis rebuild their country after decades under Saddam Hussein's ruthless regime. On the morning of June 3rd they were traveling in a convoy toward Forward Operating Base Warrior near Kirkuk as part of a road clearing mission when, without warning, two separate roadside bombs detonated, damaging two of the three vehicles in the convoy and injuring ten of the soldiers.

Both Sgt. Bagge and Lt. Bomke sustained severe wounds in the attack and were transferred back to the United States for further treatment. They were brought to Walter Reed Hospital in Washington, DC briefly to begin their recoveries and have since been relocated to Brooke Army Medical Center and Ft. Lewis. From conversations with family and friends, I understand that these soldiers have maintained extremely positive attitudes

throughout their ordeals even as they've undergone a series of significant medical procedures.

Mr. Speaker, these two men exemplify the honorable character of the men and women who have answered duty's call throughout our Nation's history. Their willingness to serve and sacrifice for our country is a clear demonstration of the courage and professionalism that distinguish our armed forces. This grateful Nation owes these men and their compatriots in arms who serve around the world every day a profound debt of gratitude. I am proud to call Sgt. Bagge and Lt. Bomke fellow Oregonians, I thank them for their service and I wish them both a healthy recovery.

God bless America.

Mr. Speaker, colleagues, I rise today in honor of a dedicated public servant and inspirational teacher, Mr. Merle Saunders, on his induction into The National Teachers Hall of Fame. Mr. Saunders teaches Automotive Technology at Vale High School in Vale, Oregon, a rural town of approximately 1,000 located in eastern Oregon. This tremendous honor is well-deserved and I am proud to recognize him for this achievement.

One of only five individuals nationwide to be inducted into the Hall of Fame this year, Mr. Saunders has been recognized for his 25 years educating students in Vale. During his career, he has received numerous awards, including six teacher-of-the year awards, from organizations such as AAA, the Environmental Protection Agency, the Vale Chamber of Commerce and the prestigious Milken Family Foundation.

His excellence in instruction extends beyond the walls of Vale High School's classrooms. The school's automotive troubleshooting team, which Mr. Saunders advises, has won 14 State championships and has received several national trophies.

Mr. Speaker, great teachers possess a valuable combination of intelligence, talent, patience and a genuine compassion for their students. The mission of The National Teachers Hall of Fame is to ``recognize and honor exceptional teachers.'' They have accomplished this with the induction of Mr. Saunders.

I would like to formally thank him for his service, commitment and dedication to young people at Vale High School and congratulate him on the receipt of this prestigious honor. He is an inspiration to his students, his colleagues and to us all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a very able district staff member, Kathy Olson, who is leaving our employ at the end of the month.

There is not one of us in this esteemed body who fails to appreciate what a key role our staff members play in helping us to serve our constituents. As you know, people often seek our assistance when all else has failed. By the time they reach their Member of Congress, they are frustrated, discouraged, and sometimes angry. It is always heartening when we can intervene to solve those serious and longstanding problems.

Often, it takes a tremendous amount of knowledge and research to find the one key that will enable us to resolve an issue for a constituent. With her high level of knowledge and understanding, Kathy is an unqualified expert on Social Security and Medicare. Through her keen intellect and tireless work ethic, Kathy has garnered a sound grasp of the most complicated of issues. I not only value her for the unselfish assistance that she has provided my constituents, but I also rely heavily on her expertise and counsel in dealing with Social Security and Medicare issues.

Kathy has taken constituent service to a high level of excellence. Although her professionalism and mastery of the issues are indeed outstanding, it is her inherent goodness and concern for others that has made her so effective. Kathy begins every case with a sympathetic ear and a sincere desire to help ease the pain for those who call my office.

There are countless examples that demonstrate her effectiveness, but the one that resonates most with me was when an agency referred a homeless and destitute woman to me who had exhausted all alternatives. In her eighties, this constituent had no Social Security benefits because she had no record of her birth. She didn't know her real name. She didn't know who her mother and father were. She spent a life of being dependent on abusive people who manipulated her. She had lived a life of hopelessness, and her declining years promised only more despair.

After months of frustrating research and chasing down tenuous leads, Kathy found the woman's identity and established a case that qualified her for benefits that would allow her to live the rest of her life in relative comfort and free of fear. Although the woman was deeply grateful for having a life of misery put behind her and a sense of hope restored, she was most appreciative of the photo of her mother that Kathy found during her exhaustive research. The woman had never seen a picture of her mother. Kathy not only assisted in giving her a life of dignity, she was able to give her a sense of self that most of us take for granted.

Kathy's demonstrated ability to work well with others and to get things done led me to ask her to take on an extra load to manage my academy selection process. She already had a very full agenda, but she cheerfully took on the new task and made many valuable improvements in how I select nominees. My selection committee consists of retired military officers with the ranks of major, colonel, captain, and general; men who expect top performance. Each member of the selection committee has shared with me their admiration of Kathy's professionalism and enthusiasm in coordinating a very complicated process.

After almost six years of serving constituents in the Second Congressional District of Oregon, both for my predecessor, Congressman Bob Smith, and for me, Kathy has chosen to leave the office to devote more time to her family. Her husband, Brian, and daughter, Alyssa, have been most understanding as Kathy's demanding job has taken so much of her time. They are rightfully proud of the great work that she has done and very pleased to have her able to spend more time with them in the near future.

Mr. Speaker, I am indeed sad to see Kathy Olson leave our team. Her unselfish service has helped countless families in the Second

Congressional District over the years, and it is only fitting that she now devote full attention to her own.

As you can tell, Mr. Speaker, I am very proud of the great and unselfish work Kathy Olson has done on my behalf, but I am most proud to join many, many others in calling her a friend. I know that I reflect the feelings of all of her fellow staff members in wishing her continued success and happiness.

Mr. Speaker, it is a great honor for me to rise today to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the signing of the Treaty between the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and the United States Government. I am proud to represent the people of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation in Congress and am always warmly welcomed when I visit the reservation.

Mr. Speaker, since time immemorial, the people of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation have lived on the Columbia River Plateau. Specifically, their homeland is the area now known as northeastern Oregon and southeastern Washington. The Umatilla Tribes currently have over 2,446 tribal members who continue to care for and live on the land of their ancestors.

On May 28, 2005, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla will gather to commemorate the 150th Anniversary of the treaty they signed with the United States Government. For the members of the Umatilla tribes this is an opportunity to remember and honor their ancestors who signed the treaties and to educate their youth and the public about these important documents.

I think it is fitting as we near the anniversary of this treaty to share with my colleagues a little bit of the history of the treaty signing. For nearly three weeks in late May and June of 1855, thousands of Native Americans from the Cayuse, Umatilla and Walla Tribes, along with the Nez Perce, Yakama and some bands of the Colville, all convened in the Walla Walla Valley, Washington Territory for a historic treaty council. During this three-week period the tribes met and negotiated with Washington Territory Governor Isaac Stevens and Superintendent for Indian Affairs of Oregon Territory Joel Palmer.

The agreement that came from this three-week negotiation has been the guiding document between the Umatilla, Cayuse, and Walla Walla people with the United States Government for the past 150 years and thus the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla, Yakama, and Nez Perce Reservations were created.

Mr. Speaker, I think it is important to note that the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation have a long history of strong leadership and continue to preserve their traditional cultures and languages. Their leaders were among the most influential negotiators at the Treaty Council 150 years ago and today the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla are regarded as outstanding leaders within Indian Country.

Their leadership and innovative economic endeavors help lead the way in eastern Oregon and in Indian Country. The Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation determine their own futures through successfully operating a wide range of their own services and almost all of their Federal programs, including health services, housing, education, police and fire protection, tribal courts, natural resources management and protection, fisheries, administration, and economic development and employ over 1000 people in the region.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to represent what is today the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and it is an honor to work closely with them to help improve their futures and the futures of all eastern Oregonians.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the courageous men and women being honored on June 1, 2005 by the Oregon Mountain River Chapter of the Red Cross's inaugural Real Heroes ceremony in Bend, Oregon, which I will be honored to be part of. These men and women set themselves apart through selfless acts of heroism and kindness toward others. I would like to

share the stories that depict their unwavering commitment to their fellow citizens and their calm and collected action in the face of great challenge.

Mr. Speaker, Matthew Zedwick is one of the many courageous men and women who have served our country in Iraq as a member of the Oregon National Guard. On June 13, 2004, his quick action under pressure saved the life of his comrade, Sgt. Sean Davis. Sgt. Zedwick was driving a Humvee when two roadside bombs exploded near his convoy. Despite being wounded by shrapnel, Sgt. Zedwick dragged Truck Commander Sgt. Davis safely from a burning vehicle and then returned to the vehicle under heavy enemy fire in an attempt to retrieve the body of Spc. Eric McKinley, who had been killed in the blast. While he was unable to retrieve Spc. McKinley, he was able to retrieve a radio and call for help. His quick thinking and courage under fire saved his own life and the life of Sgt. Davis. For his actions, Sgt Zedwick became the first Oregon National Guardsman since World War II to be awarded the Silver Star medal and a Purple Heart for his valor.

Jordan Bilyeu is another hero who endured the devastation of the Tsunami that struck the Indian Ocean in December of 2004. While vacationing in the Phi Phi Islands, off the shore of Thailand, Jordan was swept up in the water that unexpectedly came crashing toward the beachgoers. Jordan clung to a palm tree while riding out the worst of the Tsunami and eventually was swept into the third story of a nearby hotel. During this ordeal, Jordan was able to assist in the rescue of a woman who lost her legs who had also been pulled into that hotel room, and worked to assist others who had been injured in this tragic natural disaster.

Mr. Speaker, in Deschutes County we owe thanks to several heroes for their quick action at work. On September 13, 2003, Al Ewing's, Corky Metteer's, Tim Wiley's, and Adam Carpenter's emergency efforts saved the life of Stu Martinez when he lapsed out of consciousness. Stu's colleagues quickly ran to his rescue and performed CPR techniques until medical help could arrive. These employees at Wilderness Garbage in La Pine were prepared to react after taking critical life saving and CPR classes administered by the Oregon Mountain River Chapter of the Red Cross one month before.

Deschutes County District Attorney Mike Dugan is another hero who helped avert another tragic accident on the job and saved the life of a young boy in the Deschutes County Courtroom. When a young child started choking on a large piece of candy, District Attorney Dugan rushed to assist the child and used an abdominal thrust technique to dislodge the candy from his throat. The entire episode took only a few seconds, but it is an act that this young child will remember for the rest of his life.

Kathleen Krahmer is a hero whose day-to-day efforts impact the lives of many in her community. On May 23, 2005, Kathleen donated her 57th pint of blood, for an astonishing total of more than seven gallons of blood donated to the Red Cross. Not only is Kathleen a blood donor, but every winter she knits hats and donates them to local schools or to the Bethlehem Inn, a homeless shelter in Bend. This, Mr. Speaker, is just the beginning of her service to others. She is actively involved in the Sparrow Club, an organization that helps critically ill children, and has helped collect money for the Tsunami Relief program. As a teacher she is an inspiration and exemplary example to her students and her fellow citizens and has shown that countless acts of kindness truly do make a significant difference.

Mr. Speaker, the next individual I'd like to honor demonstrates that you can be a hero at I any age. Spencer Brennan has already made a significant impact on those around him at the age of 14 and I'm sure that his tradition of helping others will continue for many years. As a young child Spencer fell very ill, but he battled back to overcome his illness and never gave up during his most difficult challenges. Now, he works for the benefit of other children as a 'volunteer for the Sparrow Club. For the last two years, Spencer has worked to raise money for the Sparrow Club and to support other children who face medical crisis. For his service, he was awarded the prestigious ``Dameon Award'' for his compassion, courage, character and conscience.

The next hero I would like to highlight, Kim Meeder, is an individual who has worked very hard to make a difference in the life of troubled teens, abused kids and adults across Oregon and our nation. The work being done by Kim and her husband Troy at the Crystal Peaks Youth Ranch is tremendous. Kim has helped pair abused and neglected horses with troubled individuals seeking solitude and comfort. The ranch gives these individuals a place to rekindle their spirits and recover from the problems of their past.

Mr. Speaker, let me conclude by talking about a collaborative effort in central Oregon that provides medical coverage for those without coverage. Since opening just over a year ago, the Volunteers in Medicine Clinic has completed approximately 5,000 free examinations in Deschutes County. Three of these volunteers have gone above and beyond the call of duty. Dr. Tom McGranahan, a retired anesthesiologist, has worked over 600 hours assisting doctors and training others in the use of new electronic medical records while serving as the clinic's resident computer expert. Cindy Cocanower, an area pharmacist, has utilized her expertise so the organization can provide medications at little or no cost to VIM patients. She has donated over 200 hours of her time and expertise and spent countless hours working on similar endeavors outside the clinic. Sharon Lichti, a retired college professor, has been the lead volunteer charged with training dozens of new volunteers since the opening of the clinic. The contributions of these individuals have provided medical coverage for many uninsured individuals throughout central Oregonian, and we owe them a debt of gratitude.

Mr. Speaker, the individuals being honored on June 1 demonstrate that each of us can be a hero in our community and we are grateful for all that they've done and continue to do.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on the occasion of the dedication of Medford, Oregon's Veterans Park Memorial to pay special tribute to the members of the Veterans Park Memorial Committee of Jackson County and the many area volunteers whose time and effort have made this event possible. I am proud to represent these distinguished Americans in Congress, and recognize not only their tremendous work to make this park a fitting memorial to the many brave patriots who have served our great Nation, but also for each of their years of military service.

In 1919, on a small plot of land just south of Medford, a young man named Paul Rynning planted a maple tree in memory of a friend who had been killed in World War I. After that first tree was planted, others soon followed, each dedicated to the memory of a World War I soldier who had given his life for the cause of freedom. In 1958, Jackson County deeded the park to the City of Medford and on Memorial Day, in 1986, it was officially proclaimed Veterans Park. Later that year the Veterans Memorial Committee was incorporated with the goal of completing the memorial that had been started so humbly 67 years earlier.

For the past 19 years, local veterans service organizations including the Non Commissioned Officers Association, the Disabled American Veterans, the Fleet Reserve Association, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the American Legion, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, the Korean War Veterans Association, the Air Force Sergeants Association, the Vietnam Veterans of America, the American Merchant Marine Veterans, the Military Officers Association of America, the Marine Corps League and the Navy League, along with individual volunteers and public and corporate sponsors, have pulled together, donating thousands of hours of their time and hundreds of thousands of dollars to make this memorial a reality. The fruit of their labor is this memorial that recognizes the services of all our Nation's veterans--from the American Revolution to the Global War on Terrorism and from all of the Armed Services.

On May 29th, 2005, the citizens of Jackson County dedicate the Veterans Park Memorial and laud the volunteers of the Veterans Park Memorial Committee who have, through their untiring efforts and devotion to their cause, brought their 19-year dream to reality.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be part of this celebration and I will continue to do all I can in Congress to express my gratitude to the brave patriots who've preserved the freedoms we all enjoy.