Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, on October 26, 2003, a memorial service in honor of Army Specialist Joshua Neusche will be held at the Camden County Courthouse Square in Camdenton, Missouri. On this occasion, participants will dedicate a tree and marker on the courthouse lawn to the memory of one of our neighbors, a young man whose life was tragically cut short while he served his fellow Americans by wearing the uniform of a citizen soldier.

Spc. Josh Neusche of Montreal, Missouri, was a member of the Missouri Army National Guard's 203rd Engineer Battalion from Joplin. He deployed to Iraq with his unit in May 2003. During this deployment, Spc. Neusche became seriously ill and passed away on July 12, 2003.

By all accounts, he was an outstanding young man and a favorite among his friends. Josh graduated from Camdenton High School in 2002. A participant in a number of extracurricular activities, Josh played in the Laker Band and the Pep Band, ran for the award winning track and cross country teams, was elected 2002 Prom King, tutored children in the A+ Program, and volunteered with the Big Brothers and Big Sisters in Camdenton. He was a member of the Buffalo Prairie Baptist Church in Montreal, Missouri.

Prior to his Guard activation, Josh attended Southwest Missouri State University while holding a full-time job and finding time to volunteer at the Boys' Club in Springfield, Missouri. He inspired loyalty and affection from his friends, as evidenced by the fact that the members of his unit took up a collection after Josh became ill which allowed his family to visit him in the hospital in Germany.

In wartime, the very best young people our country produces are asked to risk and possibly lose their lives in order to advance our national interests. In peacetime, serving as an airman, sailor, soldier, or marine also requires a great deal of hard work and sacrifice. Whether in war or in peace, those sacrifices are particularly difficult for the service members' families.

We can only imagine the pain felt by Josh's family--particularly by his mother, Cindy, his father, Mark, and his brother, Jake--as they have been forced to deal with his untimely death and this sudden, unexpected loss. Our deepest sympathy goes out to his entire family and circle of friends.

Our nation owes a debt of gratitude to Spc. Neusche for his service to our country. We also owe more than we can ever repay to Josh's family, who raised this young man and instilled in him the values that enabled him to succeed as an American soldier. On behalf of my fellow Missourians and my fellow Americans, I thank the Neusche family for their selfless contribution and immeasurable sacrifice.

Mr. Speaker, throughout my years of service, I have spent considerable time learning and understanding the complexities of our Nation's national security programs, and in particular our military personnel policies. It is with this experience and appreciation that I rise to share with my colleagues my deep concerns regarding the Nation's military end strength.

In February 1991, this Nation joined with our allies and went to war in the Persian Gulf. American service members were sent to the Middle East to help restore liberty and freedom to the citizens of Kuwait. The defense authorization bill for fiscal year 1991, provided the Army an end-strength of 702,170, the Navy 570,500, the Marine Corps 193,735, and the Air Force 510,000. When we went to war in 1991, the Army had 12 divisions, the Navy had 529 ships and the Air Force had 165 air wings.

The fall of the Berlin Wall, the end of the Cold War, and the successful prosecution of the first Persian Gulf War all led to the demand and belief that our country should and needed to reduce its military end-strength. The pressure for a ``peace dividend'' became the popular call.

By 1996, we had reduced Army end strength to 495,000, a reduction of over 207,000. The Navy was cut to 428,340, the Marine Corps downsized to 174,000, and the Air Force lost 129,000 for an end-strength of 388,200. The ``peace dividend'' was fast becoming a reality--in 5 years the military end-strength had been reduced by more than a half million.

However, the world has remained far from peaceful. The end of the Cold War has brought its own challenges--nearly 100,000 American forces have been called to serve in Bosnia and Kosovo, and thousands of National Guardsmen and Reserves are still being called to serve today. The United States has also sent our men and women in uniform to other operations around the world, including humanitarian assistance missions to Somalia and Haiti, drug interdiction operations in South America, and training government troops opposed to insurgents in the Philippines. Unfortunately, as the number of military operations has increased, there has also continued to be a slow and steady decrease in the size of our military.

But starting in 1995, the harsh reality of the worldwide operational burden on our forces led to calls for more forces. In 1995, Army Lieutenant General Ted Stroup, then Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, testified that the Army's active end strength should be 520,000, not the 495,000 that was requested in the 1996 budget request. Army Chief of Staff, General Eric Shinseki, reiterated that position during a hearing before the Armed Services Committee in July 2001. He told us that the Army needs a force of 520,000 people.

However, instead of proposing to increase military end-strength, the Bush administration has sought to gain greater efficiencies in the current force. Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld directed the services to find ways to convert military positions that were not on the tip of the spear to civilian positions or private contractor jobs. The services also have been conducting reviews of their own to find ways to convert non-combat units to units with missions more relevant to actually fighting wars in order to relieve the burden on the front line forces now deployed around the world.

While I agree that we need to support more efficient use of the force, the administration's solution to our operational dilemma is wrong, shortsighted and self-defeating. Failing to increase our end strength will only increase the pressure on our current force. There is simply no substitute for having enough people to do

the job--``boots on the ground'' in military parlance and all the organizational efficiency in the world is no substitute.

It is said that history often repeats itself. Our Nation has historically reduced the number of men and women in uniform following major conflicts, such as World War I, World War II, Vietnam, Korea, and the Cold War. As a result of this historical phenomenon, we had a relatively small force by historical standards when we were violently attacked by terrorists on September 11, 2001. In the days since then, hundreds of thousands of National Guard and Reservists have been called to active duty to provide security at our Nation's airports, bridges, nuclear power plants, and other important facilities. Thousands of men and women in uniform were sent to Afghanistan to remove terrorists and their supporters in Operation Enduring Freedom. And, in March of this year, Armed Forces personnel were sent to invade Iraq and remove a cruel and ruthless dictator from power, and are likely to be in Iraq for years to come. The message from these events is clear--because there are not enough troops to meet our worldwide military obligations, troops in Iraq and Afghanistan, and even those guarding against terrorism inside the United States, face longer call ups, deployments and hardships than would be required if we had a larger force. We simply need more people in our military to do the job right!

On September 23, 1999, then presidential candidate Bush stated, ``Frustration is up, as families are separated and strained. Morale is down. Recruitment is more difficult. And many of our best people in the military are headed for civilian life.'' Just four short years later, I say the same words to the President. Frustration is up, and families have been separated and strained more today than at any other time in recent history. Morale is declining. Although military recruiting is now satisfactory, many military leaders have expressed their fear that retention and recruiting will decline as troops rotate back home.

The time has come for Congress to ensure that our Nation has the military manpower that it needs to successfully execute the missions we ask our brave service men and women to perform. We need to increase our military end-strength, particularly in the Army, now. We need to ensure that the all volunteer force will continue to work as well as it has for the last 30 years. And that will only happen if we have enough people in uniform.

Mr. Speaker, let me commend the chairman and the ranking member of the Committee on Appropriations for bringing to the floor this supplemental appropriations bill. This $86.7 billion supplemental will help improve the quality of life for our servicemembers currently serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom.

I am pleased that the committee chose to continue to increase the imminent danger pay for those who continue to face danger on the front lines. The supplemental also supports a continued increase in the family separation allowance, which will help separated families cope with the cost increases associated with the deployments.

The bill also continues the authorization of per diem travel funding for family members whose servicemember may be ill or injured as a result of the activity or duty; and it would allow the Department of Defense to provide for a per diem to allow the servicemembers to purchase civilian clothing as well.

The bill would improve the security of our forces in Iraq and in Afghanistan, with $251 million being provided to purchase additional special armor plates. These special armor plates are in short supply in Iraq. As a matter of fact, we were told they were 37,000 short. Increased funding has been provided for modern hydration systems, for clearing unexploded ordnance, for spare parts, and other necessary field equipment.

Now, Mr. Speaker, despite these improvements, I believe more could have been done. For instance, the increase in imminent danger pay and family separation allowance increases should be permanent. Next September, servicemembers and their families should not have to wonder again and hope that Congress will do the right thing and extend the increases for another fiscal year.

Additional funds should also have been provided to support the growing number of family assistance centers that are needed, particularly for the Guard and for the Reserve.

In addition, supplemental funding could have been provided to enhance the transitional services for our injured servicemembers for whom continued military service will not be possible.

These are just a few examples of the additional improvements that could have been included in this bill but are not.

Mr. Speaker, I commend the chairman and the ranking member of the Appropriations Committee for bringing to the floor this supplemental appropriations bill for military and reconstruction activities in Iraq and Afghanistan.

This $86.7 billion supplemental will help improve the quality of life for the service members currently serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom, as well as for their families. I am pleased that the committee chose to continue the increase in imminent danger pay for those who continue to face danger on the front lines. The supplemental also supports a continued increase in the family separation allowance, which will help separated families cope with the costs increases associated with deployments away from home. Both increases would be effective for the entire 2004 fiscal year.

The bill would also continue the authorization of per diem travel funding for family members whose service member may be ill or inured as a result of service on active duty, and would also allow the Department of Defense to provide a clothing per diem allowance with which service members could purchase civilian clothing while recuperating from their injuries.

The bill would also improve the security of our forces in Iraq and Afghanistan; $251 million has been provided to purchase additional special armor plate inserts--the armored protective plates that are in such short supply in Iraq. Increased funding has also been provided for modern hydration systems, for clearing unexploded ordnance, for spare parts and for other necessary field equipment.

Despite these improvements, I believe more could be done. For example, the increase in imminent danger pay and family separation allowance increases should be permanent. Next September, service members and their families should not have to wonder and hope that Congress will do the right thing and extend the increases from one fiscal year to the next.

Additional funds also should have been provided to support the growing number of family assistance centers that are needed, particularly for the Guard and Reserves. The majority of National Guard and Reserve families do not live near a military base and has difficulty accessing the family support programs that are provided by the services. Additional funds for family support programs would have been helpful.

In addition, supplemental funding could have been provided to enhance the transitional services for our injured service members for who continued military service will not be possible. Providing more case managers, who provide direct assistance to recovering service members, would help smooth the transition. Creating additional social workers to work with the service member and the Department of Veterans Affairs for follow on health care services and disability compensation would also improve transitional services and help prevent these vulnerable service members from suffering undue hardships.

These are just a few examples of additional improvements that could and should have been included in this bill. While I understand the difficulties the chairman faced in bringing forward a bill that would be acceptable, I believe that the committee should have made a better effort to include the amendment offered by the ranking member, Mr. Obey, which included a number of these quality of life improvements that I have previously mentioned.

As such, I hope that my colleagues will support those amendments that seek to improve the protection of our troops and the quality of life for themselves and their families.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to MG Arnold Punaro, United Stated Marine Corps Reserve, on the occasion of his retirement. Major General Punaro has served our Marine Corps and our Nation for more than 35 years.

A native of the great state of Georgia, Major General Punaro grew up in the town of Macon, and graduated from Mount de Sales Academy. He then chose to focus on higher education, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in English from Spring Hill College in Mobile, Alabama. He would later earn Masters degrees at the University of Georgia and also Georgetown University. Like many fine, Southern gentlemen before him, he answered the call to duty and joined the Marine Corps, serving as a platoon commander in Vietnam where he was decorated for heroism and wounded in combat.

In 1973, after completing his active duty tour, Major General Punaro transferred to the Marine Corps Reserve, and continued to dedicate himself to the service of our country, working in the U.S. Senate for Senator Sam Nunn on national security matters for 24 years. In his work with the Senate Armed Services Committee as Staff Director of the Senate Armed Services Committee, he was involved in the formulation of all major defense legislation and the oversight and review of all major defense activities for over two decades. This included the Defense Officer Personnel Management Act and its Reserve counterpart, the Goldwater-Nichols Defense Reorganization Act, the Acquisition Streamlining Act, personnel transition provisions, special operations reforms, and all pay and benefits matters. Major General Punaro also remained actively involved in numerous Reserve organizations, including a tour on active duty in Operation Desert Shield and an extended tour on active duty as the Commander of Joint task Force Provide Promise (Forward) in command of U.S. Forces serving in the former Yugoslavia.

Throughout his career, both civilian and military, MG Arnold Punaro dedicated himself to improving our national security. He serves as a member of Secretary of Defense Rumsfeld's newly formed Defense Business Board and is also a Senior Associate at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington, D.C. He serves on the adjunct faculty at the Marine Corps University and on the Secretary of Defense Reserve Forces Policy Board. As a general officer, he has spent 5 years in command, focusing on increased operational readiness and the integration of reserve forces into the total force Marine Corps. Always keeping the welfare of his Marines at the forefront of his efforts, Major General Punaro spearheaded several programs that directly benefited the quality of life for our service members.

Major General Punaro was recently mobilized on active duty, serving concurrently as a Special Assistant to the Commander, U.S. European Command and as Director of Reserve Affairs Division where he oversaw the largest mobilization in the history of the Marine Corps. In support of the Global War on Terrorism, more than 22,000 Reserve Marines were called to duty. More than 75 percent of those were deployed into theater, where they served with distinction. His dedication to the defense of our country, as a young man in Vietnam to his actions with the Senate together with his continued service with the Marine Corps Reserve, has been a lifelong endeavor. We have been fortunate to have such a high caliber marine officer in support of our nation.

Throughout his distinguished career, Major General Punaro has demonstrated uncompromising character, discerning wisdom, and a sincere, profound sense of duty to his country, and his Corps. On behalf of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, I would like to recognize Major General Punaro's accomplishments and his devoted service to the Nation. Congratulations to him, his wife Jan and their four children, 2LT Joe Punaro (USMC), Julie, Meghan, and Daniel on the completion of a long and distinguished career. I wish them all the best as they continue to live life beyond our country's beloved Corps.

Mr. Speaker, let me take this means to pay tribute to the Lafayette County Health Department which is celebrating its 50th Anniversary on October 9, 2003.

The Lafayette County Health Department has proudly served the residents of Lafayette County since 1953. In that year, a sixteen member County Health Steering Committee was appointed to analyze various health problems in Lafayette County. In 1957, the steering committee recommended hiring the first county health nurse, Catherine Boedeker Winfrey. It was also in 1957 that the county started receiving public health funds. With the funds, the Lafayette County Health Department started massive polio immunization clinics and started to dispense tuberculosis medicines. They also provided dressings to cancer patients and provided classes in home nursing, first aid, babysitting, and civil defense. Hearing and vision screening were started in the county's schools. The Lafayette County Health Department became the lead agency in coordinating disaster plans for the county.

In 1963, immunization services were expanded to include the prevention of diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, and the smallpox diseases. The Lafayette County Health Department implemented Maternal Child Health programs to educate the public about prenatal and infant health issues in 1967. Mass immunizations for rubella were available in 1970, the same year that family planning services were offered for the first time. In 1973, child health conferences were started. This program offered free well child check-ups as well as other programs to promote healthy children.

Through the 1980's and 1990's the Lafayette County Health Department continued its many services. In 1980, the department added Environmental Sanitarian services to offer inspections of food establishments and public sanitation outlets. In 2000, the department developed a Mentoring Moms program for mothers in the county.

Mr. Speaker, the Lafayette County Health Department has provided valuable public health services to the people of Lafayette County for the past 50 years. I hope that the other Members of the House will join me in thanking them for their wonderful years of service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedication, public service and patriotism that personified the Naval career of Admiral Robert J. Natter, United States Navy. Admiral Natter is currently serving as the Commander, U.S. Fleet Forces Command and Commander, U.S. Atlantic Fleet, and he will soon retire from the Navy after more than 37 years of distinguished service wearing the uniform of our Nation.

I have had the pleasure to know the Natter family for nearly 16 years and have personally worked with the Admiral on a variety of important issues affecting the Navy and the U.S. military, so it is with great pride and admiration that I honor a dear friend as he begins the next chapter of his life.

I first met Bob in 1981 when he was a commander. I hired him as a military fellow on my staff and assigned him to work all of my legislative issues on the Armed Services Committee. I was impressed with how quickly Bob became an expert at the complicated legislative and budget processes. In hindsight, it is clear to me that the Navy afforded Commander Natter this position because they knew he was flag officer material, and this professional development opportunity would serve Bob and the Navy well. It did.

During the years following the 1991 Tailhook Convention, the Navy was struggling to repair its reputation. At this critical time Rear Admiral Natter was assigned as Chief of Legislative Affairs. His wartime and operational experience gave him instant credibility. But it was Admiral Natter's knowledge of Washington and the Hill along with his candor, confidence and demeanor that helped navigate the Navy through those rough waters and rebuild and restore the Navy's reputation.

A native of Trussville, Alabama, Admiral Natter grew up in a family of true American patriots. One of nine children, seven boys and two girls, all seven sons joined the military as six naval officers and one Air Force officer. After enlisting in the Naval Reserve, Bob Natter chose the Naval Academy as his commissioning source graduating in 1967. After a few tours at sea, he was sent to Vietnam for duty on riverboat patrols where he learned first hand the harsh realities of war. While serving as the Officer in Charge of a Naval Special Warfare detachment, Lieutenant Natter was seriously injured when his special operations team came under attack. He then earned both the Purple Heart and Silver Star for his heroic actions. His experiences in Vietnam instilled in him the true meaning of leadership, strengthened his desire to serve, and solidified his reputation as a strong leader and most capable warrior.

Throughout his career, Admiral Natter held many positions of great responsibility including command of USS Chandler (DDG 996), USS Antietam (CG 54), and Commander of the United States Seventh Fleet. In June 2000, Admiral Natter assumed duties as Commander, U.S. Atlantic Fleet where he was

charged with providing fully trained, combat ready forces to support United States and NATO commanders in regions of conflict throughout the world.

On September 11, 2001, the world changed. As America prepared to go to war, I for one, was pleased to know that Admiral Natter was leading the Atlantic Fleet's 160,000 Sailors and Marines, 162 ships and 1,200 aircraft, as well as 18 major shore stations providing training, maintenance and logistics support.

Then on October 1, 2001, Admiral Natter was assigned additional responsibility as the first Commander of the newly established U.S. Fleet Forces Command, which is responsible for manning, equipping and training all Atlantic and Pacific Fleet ships and aircraft squadrons. His strong and dynamic leadership inspired Atlantic Fleet Sailors, officers, and civilians to perform their best and contribute their utmost during a time of unprecedented military action that resulted in the overwhelming success in the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq.

Admiral Natter's was truly an amazing career that was recognized by numerous personal awards and decorations. In addition to the Silver Star and Purple Heart, Admiral Natter's personal decorations include three awards of the Distinguished Service Medal, the Defense Superior Service Medal, five awards of the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal with Combat V, two awards of the Meritorious Service Medal, the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V, and the Navy Achievement Medal with Combat V. He was also a distinguished graduate of the U.S. Naval War College, and he earned Masters Degrees in Business Management and International Relations. And, he was honored as the fifth recipient of the Naval War College's annual Distinguished Graduate Leadership Award.

His career clearly speaks for itself. Admiral Natter personifies the Navy's core values: Honor, Courage, and Commitment. But, what his bio doesn't tell you is that through it all, Bob was, above all, a family man. He is a loving husband to his beautiful wife Claudia, and a dedicated father to his three children Kelly, Courtney and Kendall. Anyone that knows Bob, knows that he lives for his family and his children are truly the ``glimmer in Dad's eye.''

Admiral Natter is a family man, a patriot, a hero, and a superb naval officer who, throughout his naval career, led with courage and integrity. His leadership and performance in peacetime and war were instrumental in the success of the Navy and outstanding support for naval forces throughout the world. Thanks to his inspirational leadership and selfless dedication to duty, our Navy has remained second to none.

So, as Admiral Natter moves into retirement with Claudia, our Nation and Navy owe him a debt of gratitude for his superb service. I wish him fair winds and following seas as he concludes his distinguished career.

Mr. Speaker, let me take this means to congratulate Missouri corn producers and the people of Mid-Missouri Energy, Inc., who have tirelessly worked to form a farmer-owned ethanol production facility in Malta Bend, Missouri. Folks from this cooperative will break ground on their new plant on October 4, 2003.

Farmers in Missouri and throughout the nation are working in fields right now to harvest their corn for the year. Many of these producers have experienced tough economic times over the past several years and prolonged drought in the Midwest is making things difficult again this year. In order to make their yields more valuable, corn growers have sought to enhance the value added nature of their commodity. Ethanol, which is a renewable fuel that comes from corn, is an important value added product for farmers and its production means a great deal to those of us who live in middle America.

Mid-Missouri Energy, Inc., was created to maximize the return on investment to its investors by adding value to Show-Me State corn production, to create economic development in central Missouri, and to foster a positive environment among its employees. The men and women who make up this cooperative are hard working Missourians who have committed their time and money to the success of the new ethanol production plant. I especially applaud the efforts of Mid-Missouri Energy Chairman Ryland Utlaut of Alma, Missouri, for his dedicated efforts.

As farmers break ground on this new ethanol production facility, I know that Members of Congress will join me in honoring the outstanding work of Mid-Missouri Energy, Inc.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York for yielding me this time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the motion to instruct conferees offered by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley). I compliment him for this and I also compliment the gentleman from New York (Mr. McHugh) for his support for this issue. This motion will direct the House conferees on the National Defense Authorization Act for the year 2004 to accept the Senate provision, which would provide enhanced health care coverage for Reservists and National Guardsmen.

Under section 701 of the Senate bill, members of the Selected Reserve, which includes the National Guard, who are alerted for mobilization, would receive expanded medical and dental screening. However, more importantly, this section would provide members of the Selected Reserve and Individual Ready Reserve the ability to participate in the Tricare program on a cost-share basis. Tricare, as we all know, is the military's health care system. In addition, the Senate section would require the Department of Defense to continue to pay the health care premiums for Reservists who are called to active duty and have other health care coverage.

Reservists and National Guardsmen have been an integral part of every military operation over the past decade. Desert Shield, Desert Storm, Somalia, Haiti, Kosovo, Operation Noble Eagle, Operation Enduring Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom all have seen citizen soldiers called to active duty. The vital role the National Guard and Reserves play in our Nation's security has only become more clear since September 11.

On the homefront, Guard and Reserve personnel were called to defend our Nation's airports and bridges and other important infrastructure across our country. Overseas, they continue to serve in Afghanistan, Iraq and other places around the globe.

In the last 2 years, over 329,000 of our citizen soldiers have been called upon to protect our Nation's interests both here and abroad. Today, there are still almost 170,000 part-time volunteers serving at the tip of the spear.

Those currently serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom have recently been informed that their deployments are being involuntarily extended. These Service members will have to serve at least 1 year in Iraq. Families who were expecting their loved ones to return home in a matter of months will not see their loved ones until next year. That means hardships for both military members and families alike. Thousands of Reservists who are basically part-time employees will have served full time for at least a year under incredibly dangerous and stressful conditions. Their families will have sacrificed in innumerable ways as well.

The very least we can do for those who volunteer to serve their Nation as citizen soldiers, and for their families, is to provide access to quality health care for themselves as well as for their families. This motion by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley) tells the conferees to agree to that very proposition. I urge my colleagues to join me in this motion.

Mr. Speaker, on April 23, 2003, in my hometown of Lexington, MO, a rededication was held on the Pioneer Mother Monument, known as the Madonna of the Trail.

In 1928, the National Society, Daughters of the American Revolution (DAR) erected 12 duplicate monuments known as the Madonna of the Trail paying tribute to the pioneer motherhood of the covered wagon days. The monuments were placed along the Old Trails Memorial Highway in twelve states across the United States. Statues are located in Springfield, Ohio; Wheeling, West Virginia; Council Grove, Kansas; Lexington, Missouri; Lamar, Colorado; Albuquerque, New Mexico; Springerville, Arizona; Vandalia, Illinois; Richmond, Indiana; Washington County, Pennsylvania; Upland, California; and Bethesda, Maryland.

At the original dedication of the Pioneer Mother Monument, 75 years ago, my father Ike Skelton III, spoke as a representative from the Lexington Legion Post. Also speaking that day was the Jackson County Court Judge Harry S. Truman.

The rededication of this monument was under the direction of the Missouri DAR. The moving force behind this event was LaVeda Cross, of Lexington, MO, with the help of her devoted husband Bill. However, without the support of the Lafayette/Lexington Chapter DAR and all the local citizens, the day would not have been possible.

I was privileged to deliver the rededication speech which is set forth as follows:

Re-Dedication of the Pioneer Mother Monument Lexington, MO--August 23,

2003

Thank you for inviting me to take part in this special

ceremony to rededicate the Madonna of the Trail, the Pioneer

Mother Monument, here in Lexington. This event could not have

taken place but for LaVeda Cross and her devoted husband,

Bill. A special thanks to the Lafayette/Lexington Chapter DAR

and local citizens for their efforts to make this day

possible.

To be able to participate in this event is very special to

me, and not just because my wife Susie has been an active

member of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Seventy-

five years ago, when this very monument was dedicated, many

prominent people participated: Mrs. Benjamin L. Hart, the

Missouri DAR's State Regent; Edward J. White, Vice President

of the Missouri Pacific Railroad Company; Mrs. John Trigg

Moss, Chairman of the DAR's National Old Trail Committee;

Mrs. Henry C. Chiles, Regent of the Lafayette Lexington DAR

Chapter; and Judge Harry S Truman, President of the National

Old Trails Road Association, to name a few.

But according to the program, and according to history

passed down in my family, my father, Ike Skelton, III,

Lafayette County's young Prosecuting Attorney, was allowed to

give remarks while presenting a memorial flag and flag pole

at the monument site. He was acting as the representative of

the Lexington American Legion Post.

On that day, my father first made the acquaintance of Judge

Harry Truman, the ``Man From Independence'', the man who

would later become President of the United States. Because of

the lasting friendship that was formed at the inaugural

dedication of this monument, my wife and I in later years

came to know President Truman as well--and he was a genuinely

nice person.

But imagining that Monday afternoon, September 17, 1928,

it's unlikely anyone dreamed that among them stood a future

President--a man whose decisions would set the course for the

second half of the twentieth century and alter the future of

the world. Makes you want to look around a bit at the crowd

gathered here today, just in case.

The Pioneer Mother Monument in Lexington has been a

landmark in this city for my entire life. As you may know,

there are twelve duplicate DAR monuments known as the Madonna

of the Trail paying tribute to the pioneer motherhood of the

covered wagon days. The monuments have been placed along the

Old Trails Memorial Highway in twelve states across the

United States.

According to an article in the DAR Magazine written some

years ago by Helen Bartlett of the Samuel Huntington Chapter

in Huntington, Indiana, the idea of a monument to pioneer

mothers came to Mrs. John Trigg Moss of St. Louis after she

saw a picture of a statue in Portland, Oregon, dedicated to

Sacajawea, the Shoshone Indian woman who guided Lewis and

Clark from Fort Mandan, North Dakota, to the mouth of the

Columbia River. That Sacajawea was the inspiration of this

statue seems quite appropriate.

Lexington sits on the bluffs overlooking the river Lewis

and Clark traveled, not quite half-way through their trek

across the unknown continent. And like the pioneer mothers

who followed, Sacajawea also knew what it was like to care

for an infant while leading a party of travelers through the

wilderness.

In this world of 24-hour news channels, satellite dishes,

thousands of newspapers, magazines, and internet sites, it is

difficult to overstate the leap of faith it must have taken

for the pioneers who bravely ventured into largely uncharted

territory as participants in the Westward Movement. In many

respects, it was a jump into the great unknown. And in some

cases, what the pioneers thought was true--from pamphlets,

from books, from word of mouth--was far from it.

A verse that pays tribute to the covered wagon people goes

like this:

The coward never started;

The weak died on the way;

Only the strong came through.

The women and men who pioneered the West built this

country, but the role played by the women who built this

country deserves special attention and recognition. This

statue, symbolizing all of the women who settled the West, is

larger than life--just as the women we celebrate led lives

that were larger than life.

With a baby in her arms and another child at her side, the

Madonna of the Trail glorifies the value of family. We can

see her sturdy boots, visible as she strides Westward, but we

also see that the Pioneer Mother carries a rifle. Looking at

her, there is no reason to doubt that she would be able to

use it.

The women who endured the trip West were tough, sturdy and

strong. They traveled the mountains, the hills, and the

plains, crossed rivers, fought heat and cold, wind and rain.

They cared for their husbands, bore children, and protected

their families. They tended their animals, hunted and

prepared their food, repaired their wagons, camped under the

stars, and staked out homesteads.

While men and women together built new communities in a

new, strange land, it was

the women who ensured that the communities were actually

settled. They built homes, schools, and churches, worked

farms and ran businesses.

Some moved West by choice, others by circumstance. They

faced terrible hardships. They made great sacrifices. They

struggled mightily. Many of these pioneers--women, men, and

children alike--did not survive. But those who did passed

along to us a rich American heritage--a heritage based on the

values of courage, independence, strength, determination, and

freedom.

In addition to the pioneer women whose accomplishments are

commemorated by this monument, the statue in Lexington also

pays tribute to leaders in our local community who were

instrumental in our country's development during the

covered wagon days.

As noted on the statue's pedestal, Lexington was settled in

1820 by pioneers moving west from Virginia and Kentucky. The

town became an early terminal for river transportation and

also served as the starting point on the Western Trail of the

pack pony and ox cart. Traders and wagon outfitters in

Lexington were some of our most prominent citizens--John,

James, and Robert Aull, William Russell, Alexander Majors,

and William Waddell.

These successful businessmen made their names not only by

selling essential supplies to men and women traveling West,

but also by running their own wagons into the frontier to

supply settlers and U.S. soldiers in their outposts. Russell,

Majors, and Waddell's later enterprise, the Pony Express, was

extraordinary in its ambition and still today enjoys

legendary status.

Our pioneer ancestors seized opportunities that were

available to those willing to take risks and settle our young

country's Western territories. But unlike Harry Truman, who

likely did not foresee in 1928 the prominent role he would

play on the world stage, the early pioneers of our country

realized that they were making history. From contemporary

letters and diaries, we know that they understood that their

adventurous spirits and determination to begin anew would

shape our new country.

Their motives were diverse. Some may have come West because

they could own land. Others traveled to make fast fortunes--

some succeeded, and some simply held on to the dream of

``getting rich quick''. But whether immigrating from

overseas, leaving crowded cities in the east, or moving from

Midwestern cities that at one time bordered the frontier,

their optimism was reflected in the belief that westward

expansion was our nation's manifest destiny.

After seventy-five years, the DAR's Pioneer Mother

Monument, the Madonna of the Trail, remains a fitting

reminder of those days. Seventy-five years since the initial

dedication of this statue, we again recognize and pay tribute

to those who made possible the permanent Westward expansion

of the United States, as well as the twentieth century

leaders who commissioned this monument and worked to ensure

that we would never lose sight of the vital contributions of

pioneer women in our nation's history.

Mr. Speaker, on August 15, at the annual Military Order of World Wars and International Officers Ball, Admiral James O. Ellis, Jr., Commander of the United States Strategic Command, provided us with words that should be shared with all. I extend his remarks for fellow Members of Congress. I know that we can benefit from his words as we face international challenges.

Congressman Skelton, a true friend and colleague in shared

service to our nation over nearly three decades, Major

General Shirkey, Brigadier General Hirai and fellow officers,

active, retired, American and allied, Jim and Pat Snyder, who

created this marvelous venue, veterans and members of the

Military Order of the World Wars, other distinguished guests,

ladies and gentlemen. It's truly a pleasure to be with you

this evening. I cannot begin to tell you how much I have been

looking forward to tonight, with its camaraderie and

conversation and its symbolism and spirit. I suppose I am the

senior Naval Officer for a thousand miles in any direction,

and if my being honored with this opportunity tells you

nothing else, it tells you how far we really have come in

joint and combined operations.

Congressman Skelton, thank you for your far too generous

introduction. Your kind words actually remind this wonderful

audience of two basic facts about me. The first is that I am

old and the second is that I can't hold a job!

In all seriousness, I cannot tell you how delighted I am to

have a small part in this great evening. This room is filled

with a military presence that, literally, spans a wealth of

experience and a world of potential.

The real guests of honor this evening are, of course, the

military members from the seventy-two countries, resplendent

in the cloth of their nations, who join their American

colleagues in a year of personal promise and professional

opportunity.

But it is also a particular honor to be in the company of

veterans from what is now referred to as America's greatest

generation but who would only protest they were merely doing

their duty.

It is also appropriate that we remember the thousands of

military professionals who have passed through the doors of

Bell Hall en route to prominence in the spotlight of history

or, more often, to the unlit corners of the globe and the

ironically brighter glow of heroism in all its forms known

only to the colleagues with whom they served. In a very real

sense, they, and all of you, have brought us to this place

and time in history.

It is also appropriate to recognize our hosts this evening.

The Military Order of World Wars has always been active in

work to support men and women in uniform. Through a long and

storied history of over eighty years, the Order has stood

tall. Among many other achievements, the Order successfully

revived the dormant Purple Heart award for service members

injured in combat and successfully lobbied Congress for

creation of the nation's annual Armed Forces Day observance.

I'd like to particularly thank the Greater Kansas City

Chapter of this fine organization for making tonight's event

an annual tradition over the past 14 years. Jim and Pat

Snyder have worked very hard to make this night a success,

and I particularly want to thank them.

They are in good company, as part Kansas City chapter

alumni include former Presidents and Army veterans Harry

Truman and Dwight Eisenhower.

The world has changed a great deal since these two gathered

in this group. Foes have become friends, prosperity and

democracy have spread underneath an international security

umbrella and alliances and coalitions that no one would have

dreamed of a decade and a half ago have become reality. There

is cause for optimism, even in the face of today's stark

realities. As Secretary Colin Powell's fourth law says: ``It

CAN be done!''

Last March, Japan's Prime Minister Koizumi said ``I am

convinced that the time will come when many countries keenly

realize the necessity of international collaboration for

world peace, stability and prosperity.'' I would add only

that the time is now and the obligations are ours, together.

A few years ago, I was privileged to command NATO's Allied

Forces in Southern Europe during a significant period of

Balkan conflict. Then, as now, I saw the value of strong

alliances of like-minded nations that could, in time of

crisis, find a way to both debate and act to resolve issues

of international security and humanitarian crisis. It is

possible to accommodate legitimate national concerns and

still deal swiftly, as we must, with dictators and despots.

The old saying is that ``much is asked of those to whom much

is given.'' We, all of us in this room, have been given much.

Now is our time to show an understanding of the obligations

that come with all those wonderful opportunities.

Every nation--large and small--must contribute to the

common good, as the Bible says, ``each according to his

means.''

Consider the words of Estonian foreign minister, Thomas

Hendrik. Speaking about NATO in October 2001, he said, ``The

organization as a whole can only benefit from the fact that

the alliance includes members whose national security is

greatly dependent on the existence of a strong, prestigious,

and vital defensive union. The members and the candidate

states who make up this alliance, including Estonia, are not

just consumers of security, but also very important producers

of security''.

In other words, we're all in this together. The basics

remain the same.

The challenges we collectively face are not all military or

political. There are opportunities to share in a host of

common interests in trade, technology assistance, culture,

education and athletic exchange. But none of

these will be possible without collective security. Ronald

Reagan once said, ``There are simple answers, there are just

no easy answers.'' And the security challenges have never

been more difficult as a thousand snakes have replaced a

single dragon.

One of the security opportunities that works best is what

we are seeing here tonight--the faces of military men and

women from many nations, brought together in common interest

to learn, share and grow, both personally and professionally.

The goal is to share strengths and different perspectives; to

appreciate and enjoy different backgrounds and cultures, not

to eliminate them. A bit of humor will often help.

Some years ago I was posted in Bahrain as Captain of the

U.S. Navy regional flagship. One day a Royal Navy frigate

Captain paid a call and asked if I had heard the new joke

making the rounds of the UK Admiralty. A straight man to the

end, I replied, ``No.'' He said it was about the two American

Naval officers whose ship was sunk, leaving them stranded on

a small desert island--a mound of sand, a palm tree and just

the clothes on their backs. Within two days, he said, they

were working nights. . . . You can make a lot of telling

points with humor!

Young men and women of 72 nations are participating in the

Army Command Staff College at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas, this

year. I have been privileged to grow old in the service of my

country, service that has allowed me to personally visit 37

of the 72 nations represented here tonight and to serve with

half again as many of your professional military forces. Even

tonight, I cannot gaze on your uniform splendor without

beginning a flashback recall of 34 years that included the

skies over Vietnam, a decade in the Arabian Gulf, from Japan

to the Taiwan Straits and from Italy into Macedonia, Albania

and even a parachute jump into Kosovo. We shared dangers,

opportunities, challenges, commitment and the occasional

toast. I learned and laughed with friends from many nations,

some of whom I can never forget and others whom I only dimly

remember. But I treasure each experience as well as the

friendship that remain to this day. And I envy each of you,

because your excitement is here and now.

The American writer Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, ``The

only way to have a friend is to be one.'' The flags

decorating this hotel ballroom represent the nations who are

now friends and partners with the United States. We truly

value your views and experience in this newly globalized

world. Whether you come from India or Indiana, from

Kazakhstan or Kansas, your participation enriches all of us.

Earlier, I mentioned the presence in this room of vast

military tradition and experience. Another presence in this

room is a spirit of teamwork.

I see it reflected in the faces of men and women from other

nations who stand with us today. Together, we are the best

hope for a civilized world as we face an ever-changing field

of security challenges.

Teamwork is the mortar for the operational bricks of our

military superstructure. There is an old proverb from the

Czech Republic--``Do not protect yourself by a fence, but

rather by your friends.'' The nations of our alliances must

stand together against those who would threaten the peace and

security of our world. We must not hide in the shadows behind

ever-taller barriers but rather stride confidently into the

sunlight, unafraid in the company of our friends. This is our

time to make a stand. This is our time to make a

difference.

One of the most encouraging developments I've seen over my

30-plus years of service is the growing strength of the

alliances and coalition partnerships I've mentioned.

Immediately after the September 11th terrorist attacks in

New York City and Washington, DC there were many world

leaders and ordinary citizens from many nations who expressed

their anger at the craven acts, and support for the United

States in confronting what we now know is a global scourge.

One of them was British Prime Minister Tony Blair who said,

``This is not a battle between the United States of America

and terrorism, but between the free and democratic world and

terrorism.''

Blair said his soldiers would stand shoulder to shoulder

with Americans and would not rest until evil is driven from

our world. He and many others have remained true to that

commitment.

Just a few weeks ago, Congressman Skelton was speaking at

the Truman Library as it opened a new exhibit on the Korean

War. He talked about the coalition fighting the war against

global terrorism and said, ``What they are doing today will

set the stage for the next 50 years.''

I agree. And you all are the leaders of today and tomorrow

who will get it done.

The best of friends, I believe, are those who have

demonstrated a resilience and resolve born of their own

challenges well and truly met. Those who, perhaps in a decade

or generation or over a long and storied history have shown

they, as a people, have what is necessary to weather any

crisis and pass any test that confronts us.

That's why we look to those of you from other nations who

are here tonight. The Greek warrior Thucydides said, ``We

secure our friends not by accepting favors, but by doing

them.''

It is my expectation that all of you embarking on this

course of study will be challenged. It must be so if you are

to learn. But think of the opportunities this year will bring

and savor every moment.

It reminds me of a story about a little girl who had been

eagerly looking forward to her very first day of school. That

evening, when her father came in from work, he called his

daughter to him and asked her what she thought of school. She

looked at her father and said, very seriously, ``I think I

may have started something I can't finish.'' She was right.

The serious business of learning more about others, about

this world in which we live, and about our profession of arms

is a process we never finish. Congressman Skelton is a strong

proponent of lifelong education, both formal and informal.

Indeed, I received a letter from him just last month in which

he enclosed an abbreviated fifty-volume reading list he

personally recommended. This is a man who practices what he

preaches! He believes, as do I, in the truth of the old

maxim, ``If you want a new idea, read an old book!''

When you graduate from Army Command and General Staff

College, I encourage you to view your education as just the

beginning or, hopefully, a continuation of what for each of

you is a life-long effort to expand your horizons to include

new ideas and, in so doing, deepen your understanding and

appreciation of the world around you.

My background is Navy, and, as such I am arguably not the

most credible spokesman in support of Professional Military

Education. Perhaps as a result of our deployment mentality,

the U.S. Navy has come late to understand its value. I am

embarrassed to admit in front of Congressman Skelton that,

despite participating in a dozen Joint Task Forces, four

combined operations in crisis and conflict and now leading a

major Joint Combatant Command, I am not a graduate of ANY

professional military courses.

I am embarrassed, but it is true. I once noted that having

me speak in favor of PME is about the same as making me the

spokesman for the Hair Club For Men. But that is why the

self-taught, home-schooled, on-the-job-trained warrior envies

you the opportunity that this year offers.

The value of a Professional Military Education is

inestimable in today's world. It accelerates your

professional life, allowing you to walk in the shoes of

hundreds of others, to learn from their successes and

their failures and to create the incredibly valuable

capability to think. It also provides a time to consider

what it means to be a professional soldier, Sailor,

airman, Marine or Coastguardsman. The core values of

integrity, service beyond self, and excellence in all we

do are not only on-duty military values, they are lifetime

values.

Every one of you will gain skills as warriors, and at the

same time you will enrich your lives by participating in the

curriculum at Leavenworth. Those of you from other lands will

enrich the American lives you touch.

And when the time comes to return home or to your

respective services, I hope you will take with you a renewed

confidence in your own abilities to help shape a different

world. For your efforts will define, in ways large and small,

our future. In the affairs of nations, no outcome is pre-

destined. Your presence here is the result of clear vision,

decisive choice, and unwavering commitment. The future of

individual nations and our alliances will be the result not

of inevitability, but of sustained collective effort.

It's effort we must continue to make every day, every week,

every year, in defense of our shared freedom.

In 1999, as his nation was joining the NATO alliance,

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban said, ``Finding one

another is a promising beginning, staying together is a

process, and working together is a success.''

So, tonight I challenge those of you from around the world

to work together for our shared success.

Someone once said that a successful marriage is a sixty-

sixty proposition. In that light I encourage each of you to

strive to put more than what you think is your fair share

into this upcoming year; that will, ironically ensure you get

out far more than you put in. Encourage one another to gain a

deeper understanding of your part of our world and ensure

that when your time together is ended, you can leave with the

regret that characterizes good friends parting and not the

regret of tasks left undone or words left unsaid.

I would close by reminding you of something that you

already know, but which you must never forget, in the words

of a leader from another time and another crisis. You may not

know it, but my Navy family harbors a dark secret. It

concerns my son, who, despite the efforts of his mother and

me to raise him properly and set him on the right path, is a

graduate of West Point. He would be embarrassed to hear me

speak of it, but, in all seriousness, he knows how proud we

are of him, now in command of Bravo Company, Second Ranger

Battalion. He has recently returned from Afghanistan where

for six months he shared dirt, danger and duty with UK Paras,

Italian Carabinieri and soldiers, new friends from a dozen

other nations.

In the four years that his mother and I journeyed up the

Hudson to that storied Point, I came to appreciate the words

of a distinguished graduate of that school who, in a moving

speech nearly four decades ago described the role of a

military in a democratic society and also described a world

whose concerns have not changed so much in the decades since.

Perhaps the more things change, the more they stay the same.

General Douglas MacArthur said: ``And throughout all this

welter of change and development, your mission remains fixed,

determined, inviolable. It is to win our wars. Everything

else in your professional careers is but a corollary to this

vital dedication . . . You are the ones who are trained to

fight.

``Let civilian voices argue the merits or demerits of our

processes of government; whether our strength is being sapped

by deficit financing indulged in too long; by Federal

paternalism grown too mighty; by power groups grown too

arrogant; by politics grown too corrupt; by morals grown too

low; by taxes grown too high.

``These great national problems are not for your

professional participation or military solution. Your

guidepost stands out like a tenfold beacon in the night:

duty, honor, country. You are the leaven which binds together

the entire fabric of our national system of defense. From

your ranks come the great Captains who hold the nation's

destiny in their hands the moment the war tocsin sound.''

He may have been Army, but I can't improve upon that! Thank

you and have a good night.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding me the time, and I rise in support of the motion to instruct the conferees, and I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Edwards) for this motion to instruct.

This motion will direct the House conferees on the National Defense Authorization Act for next year to accept the Senate Defense authorization provisions that provide for a permanent increase in imminent danger and hostile fire special pay, as well as family separation allowance.

Under the Senate bill, section 606 would make permanent a $75 increase in the family separation allowance, and section 619 would make permanent a $125 increase in imminent danger and hostile fire special pay. By accepting the Senate provisions, servicemembers and their families would continue to receive increases that were originally included in the first Iraq war supplemental, but which will terminate on September 30 of this year.

The Department of Defense originally expressed concern about the cost to continue these special pays and allowances. However, recent public statements by officials within the Department indicate that the administration has reversed its position and now supports continuation of these important benefits, especially as American forces continue to face hostilities around the world, particularly in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Our troops put their lives on the line every day. They do this for our country, particularly in Iraq, where guerilla warfare has become a daily occurrence. As of this morning, 179 servicemembers have given their lives in combat. Another 1,186 have been wounded in action. Additionally, another 110 have been killed, and 313 wounded in nonhostile action while deployed to that region. It would be fundamentally wrong, wrong to reduce imminent danger and hostile fire pay for these brave men and women.

Military families back home have recently been informed that longer deployments for our men and women in uniform will become the standard for the foreseeable future. The increase in family separation allowance authorized in the Senate bill is the least we can do to recognize the sacrifices of these servicemembers as well as their families. Almost all families face increased household costs while their servicemember is deployed. Mailing letters, packages for morale, making long-distance phone calls are just a few examples of the additional expenses that families incur while they were separated from a military member. Increasing imminent danger and increasing the hostile fire pay as well as the family separation allowance permanently is the right and honorable thing to do.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge my colleagues to join me in support of this motion of the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Edwards) to instruct the House conferees.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize an outstanding individual who has served this House for as long as I have--more than 26 years. Jack Pollard, who has worked on my personal staff and as a staff member on the House Armed Services Committee staff, recently retired from Federal service to pursue new opportunities in the private sector.

It's fair to say that I have known Jack for his entire life. Jack was born in Kansas City, Missouri, and grew up in Lexington, Missouri, which is also my hometown. Our fathers were great friends from way back, so the Pollard family has always been a part of my life.

Jack graduated from Lexington High School and attended the University of Missouri at Columbia where he earned A.B. and J.D. degrees. Following his graduation from Law School, he worked in Jefferson City as a research analyst and legislative counsel for the Missouri General Assembly's Committee on Legislative Research.

Jack served on active duty with the U.S. Army from 1968 to 1970. His service included 13 months in Vietnam as a member of the 101st Airborne Division. He was awarded the Combat Infantryman's Badge and the Bronze Star (Meritorious Service) during his Vietnam tour.

After I was elected to Congress in 1976, Jack came to Washington to work on my staff as legislative director, and he has been with me ever since. He was my longtime chief of staff and most recently served as Democratic counsel on the House Armed Services Committee.

I believe that I must be one of the most fortunate people ever to serve in the U.S. Congress because I have been blessed with a staff member and a friend like Jack--a man who is not only talented and hard working, but who has also demonstrated his extraordinary loyalty time and again through the years. I have come to rely upon his sound judgement, his policy recommendations, and his broad expertise on matters both large and small.

For me, Jack epitomizes all that is good about the thousands of Americans who dedicate their lives and their considerable talents to public service. I will miss his daily advice, counsel, and calm demeanor, but I wish him, as well as his wife Beth and children Leslie and Michael, the very best as Jack begins his next career. I know my colleagues join me in thanking Jack for his years of distinguished service to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, let me take this means to congratulate the Missouri Farm Bureau for reaching an all-time membership high of 100,000 Missourians. During the last decade, Missouri Farm Bureau membership has grown steadily and will exceed 100,000 by the end of its membership year on August 31, 2003.

Missouri Farm Bureau was first organized in 1915 and was the first such state Farm Bureau to be organized in the Nation. Today, Missouri Farm Bureau is the state's largest farm organization and has offices in each of Missouri's 115 counties. Missouri Farm Bureau also plays an integral role in working with its partners around the country as a member of the American Farm Bureau Federation.

Through the years, Missouri Farm Bureau members have worked to develop grassroots agriculture policy. Their advice is critical to Members of Congress' developing an agriculture strategy that will most benefit Missouri producers. Reaching a milestone of 100,000 members is truly an outstanding accomplishment and is the result of a lot of hard work on the part of Farm Bureau leaders throughout the Show Me State.

Mr. Speaker, I applaud Missouri Farm,Bureau President Charlie Kruse and all 100,000-plus members of this farm organization for their work on behalf of American agriculture. I know that all my House colleagues will join me in congratulating them on a job well done.

Mr. Speaker, let me take this means to recognize the 75th anniversary of the Madonna of the Trail. One of these historic statues stands in my hometown of Lexington, Missouri, where the pioneer mother monument was presented by the Daughters of the American Revolution in 1928. The pioneer mother looks west, up the Missouri River, on area that was settled by American pioneers more than 160 years ago.

In the early 1900's, the Daughters of the American Revolution suggested marking the national Old Trails Road with a series of small markers placed at frequent intervals along the route. This road began with Braddock's Road in 1755. Lt. George Washington surveyed the road, which was cut through the Allegheny Mountains by British soldiers. The road was later continued as the Columbia Pike; the Great Valley Road; the Wilderness Road (cut by Daniel Boone across the Cumberland Gap); the Cumberland Road (also known as the National Road); Boone's Lick Road; and, finally, as the Santa Fe and Oregon Trails.

In 1924, Missouri State Regent, Mrs. John Trigg Moss of St. Louis, a member of the Cornelia Green Chapter, envisioned the idea of placing an identical statue in each of the twelve states crossed by the National Old Trails Road instead of small markers.

The twelve statues, designed by St. Louis sculptor August Leimbach, are made of algonite stone, a poured mass, of which the Missouri granite is used as the main aggregate, thus giving the monument a warm, pink shade. They stand ten-feet tall on a six-foot base with a five- foot foundation (two-feet showing) below.

The Madonna of the Trail is a pioneer woman clasping her baby with her young son clinging to her skirt. The face of the mother, strong in character, beauty, and gentleness, is the face of a mother who realizes her responsibilities and trust in God. It has a feeling of solidarity-- a monument that will stand through the ages.

Marking the 67th anniversary of the Battle of Lexington during the Civil War and facing ever Westward, the Pioneer Mother statue was dedicated on September 17, 1928. The presentation of the American Legion Memorial Flag and Flag pole was made by Ike Skelton III. The keynote speaker was Judge Harry S. Truman, President of the National Old Trails Association.

Mr. Speaker, the Daughters of the American Revolution can be proud of the Madonna of the Trail statue and the 75 years it has graced the City of Lexington. I know the Members of the House will join me in saluting the Daughters of the American Revolution for their contributions to preserving American history.

Mr. Speaker, let me take this means to recognize the 150th anniversary of the Laclede Lodge No. 83 of the Grand Lodge of Missouri, Ancient Free and Accepted Masons in Lebanon, Missouri. The Freemasons of this lodge have worked diligently and provided many hours of community service in Lebanon and Laclede County.

Lodge No. 83 was chartered in 1854 and the first Master of this lodge was Dr. I.W. Greenstreet. The lodge was first located on Wood Street in ``Old Town'' Lebanon. Currently the lodge is located at the corner of Second and Madison Streets in Lebanon.

The Laclede Lodge and its members have stood the test of time. From the beginning, the lodge had to survive a Civil War and hardships from local congregations who did not understand the mystic brotherhood. Today the lodge thrives in a wonderful community and gives back to that community at every turn.

Mr. Speaker, the Ancient Free and Accepted Masons can be proud of the 150 year history they have in Lodge No. 83 and with the Lebanon and Laclede County communities. I know the Members of the House will join me in congratulating Lodge No. 83 for 150 years of fine service.