Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, Mr. Groner's roots trace back to Marshall, Texas, where he was the youngest of five siblings. He attended the College of Marshall and graduated from Baylor University. He then joined the United States Marine Corps, and while stationed in Vermont, he met his wife Louise, or as Mr. Groner proclaimed ``the prettiest girl in Vermont''. Shortly after their marriage, Mr. Groner served with honor and distinction as a pilot in the South Pacific Theatre during World War II. Upon his return, Mr. Groner joined the Vermont Air National Guard and interned at a Vermont hospital. As a boy, Mr. Groner's father instilled in him the belief that health care is a profession closely connected with faith, and in addition to his passion for flying, his care for others and faith in God never faded.

When Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, Florida was in need of leadership, Pat Groner answered the call, and, along with his wife and their daughter Jodee, moved to Florida. As CEO of Baptist Healthcare, Mr. Groner implemented numerous programs that are now standard operating procedure in hospitals across the country. Baptist Hospital had the first post-operative recovery room in Florida and was one of the first hospitals in the nation to have an intensive coronary care unit, an outpatient surgical care unit, and Life Flight. During his time at Baptist, Mr. Groner also envisioned a place where seniors could enjoy the advantages of a resort lifestyle coupled with quality amenities, services, and health care and the perfect location. Despite working full-time as CEO, Mr. Groner was dedicated to bringing this vision to fruition, and under his leadership, the Pensacola retirement community, Azalea Trace, opened in 1980. Today, it remains a first- class and well-respected adult retirement community.

In addition to his leadership in the American Hospital Association, the Southeastern Hospital Conference, and the American College of Healthcare Executives, Mr. Groner was co-founder and president of the Hospital Research and Development Institute, co-founder of the Voluntary Hospitals of America, Vice-President and Treasurer of Multi- Hospital Insurance Group, and long-time board member for Blue Cross- Blue Shield of Florida. Outside of his contributions the health care profession, Mr. Groner had an unwavering commitment to serve his community through the March of Dimes, YMCA, Community Mental Health Center, Pensacola Rotary Club, Action 76 Taskforce on Higher Education, Fiesta of Five Flags, and various United Fund organizations. Mr. Groner also had a special interest in education and the State university system, where he served as a member of the Florida Board of Regents.

Mr. Groner's contributions to healthcare and the Northwest Florida community are exemplified by the copious honors and awards bestowed on him. Among his many honors, Mr. Groner was inducted into the Health Care Hall of Fame by the American College of Health Care Executives. He was also awarded the Kiwanis Man of the Year Award, Pensacola Junior Chamber of Commerce Good Government Award, Pensacola Chamber of Commerce Pioneer Award, Freedom Foundation George Washington Medal, and Liberty Bell Award.

There is no question that in his 33 year career as CEO and his many years serving our community, Mr. Groner has made an everlasting impact on Northwest Florida and on the health care profession. To some, Mr. Groner will be remembered as courageous pilot who answered the call of duty during one of our nation's most trying times or as pilot of the

Piper Twin Commanche, Poppa Golf that he flew with his son and frequent co-pilot, Chip; to others, he will be remembered for his contributions to the health care industry; and to his family, he will be remembered as a man devoted to his faith and a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Northwest Florida mourns the loss of a great man, and Mr. Groner's contributions and service to the community and this great nation will not be forgotten. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to honor the exemplary life of Mr. Pat Neff Groner. My wife Vicki and I offer our prayers to Louise, Jodee, Chip, and their entire family. He will be truly missed by all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mary M. Johnson on the occasion of her retirement from service as Santa Rosa County, Florida Clerk of Circuit Court.

Mrs. Johnson is a native Northwest Floridian who studied at Harold School and Milton High School in Santa Rosa County, Florida. In 1960, while still a student at Milton High, Mrs. Johnson was hired to work in the Clerk of Court office. After graduating from high school in 1961, Mrs. Johnson joined the clerk's office full time. While working there, Mrs. Johnson married her husband, Tom, and together they raised their daughter, Lorinda.

Thanks to Mrs. Johnson's acumen and work ethic, she rose through the ranks and quickly became an integral part of the Santa Rosa County Clerk of Court office. Mrs. Johnson served in various capacities for three separate clerks of court, before being elected as Clerk herself in 1994.

Technology had changed many thing at the clerk's office by the time Mrs. Johnson decided to run; however, Mrs. Johnson's vast knowledge of procedure and her ability to lead and manage a large staff of 125 individuals was unquestioned. The Clerk of Courts plays a vital role in county government, and it takes a truly committed and capable individual to lead the department and ensure that everything runs smoothly. For 18 years as Clerk of Circuit Court, and 52 total years in the clerk's office, Mrs. Johnson displayed the hard work, dedication and commitment to public service necessary to ensure that the Clerk of Court continued to serve the people of Santa Rosa County. All of Santa Rosa County thanks her for her tremendous service to her community. During her retirement, Mrs. Johnson hopes to spend as much time as possible with her two lovely grandchildren and to spend more time volunteering at her local church.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Mary M. Johnson for her outstanding public service to Santa Rosa County. Mrs. Johnson is a truly committed public servant and has played an integral role in Northwest Florida's community for more than 50 years. My wife Vicki and I wish her all the best in her retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to congratulate Judge Thomas T. Remington upon his retirement after sixteen years as Okaloosa County Circuit Judge.

Judge Remington's career in public service began in 1966 with his commissioning as a second lieutenant in the United States Army. In 1967, he served in Vietnam as an infantry platoon leader with A Company, 2nd Battalion, 503rd Infantry Regiment (Airborne), 173rd Airborne Brigade. His military badges and decorations include the Combat Infantry Badge, the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars with Combat Distinguishing Devices, and two Purple Hearts.

After his honorable discharge from the Army, Judge Remington served as Assistant Public Defender for the First Judicial Circuit of Florida. In 1971, after being admitted to practice in all State and Federal Courts, he served as Assistant Public Defender for the First Judicial Circuit of Florida. His success in that role earned him the position of Assistant State Attorney for the First Judicial Circuit of Florida. In 1973, he became a partner in the law firm Smith, Grimsley & Remington, P.A. in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. In 1976, he was appointed Acting State Attorney to conduct a special grand jury investigation.

From 1977 to 1992, Judge Remington belonged to the Association of Trial Lawyers of America and the Academy of Florida Trial Lawyers. From 1980 to 1984, he served on the First Judicial Circuit Trial Court Nominating Commission, and from 1988 to 1990, he served as Chairman of the First Judicial Circuit Grievance Committee. Judge Remington's career as a judge began in 1993, when he became a Walton County Circuit Judge in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. In 1996 Judge Remington was elected Circuit Judge for Okaloosa County and has held that position since then, even serving as Chairman of the Okaloosa County Judicial Task Force in 1997.

Without question, Judge Remington's positive contributions to Northwest Florida and to our nation have been immense, and his mark on the judicial landscape will remain for years to come.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me great pride to congratulate Judge Thomas T. Remington on his retirement and thank him for his service. My wife Vicki joins me in wishing Judge Remington; his wife, Dinah Smith; their children, Scott A. Remington, Mary Remington Williams, and Sara (Betsy) E. Hart; as well as their nine grandchildren, all the best.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to congratulate Judge Jack R. Heflin upon his retirement after 24 years as Circuit Judge in Okaloosa County, Florida.

In his first years after his graduation from Indiana University, Judge Heflin worked as a purchasing agent for Bell Telephone Labs and Western Electric Company. His career in public service began in 1967 with his commissioning as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force. He served in uniform until receiving an honorable discharge at the rank of captain in 1971. Subsequent to his service in the Air Force, he attended law school at the University of Florida, earning his Juris Doctor in 1973.

Judge Heflin entered private practice upon being admitted to the Florida Bar in 1973 and specialized in the areas of commercial law, family law, bankruptcy law, and general practice. He has maintained a focus on domestic violence since 1973. In 1988, Judge Heflin was appointed to serve as Circuit Judge for Pensacola and has served in his current role as Okaloosa County Circuit Judge since 1991.

Without question, Judge Heflin's positive contributions to northwest Florida and our nation have been immense, and his mark on the judicial landscape will remain for years to come. Northwest Florida is a better, safer place because of his service.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me great pride to congratulate Judge Jack R. Heflin on his retirement and thank him for his service. My wife Vicki joins me in wishing Judge Heflin; his wife, Linda; and their daughters, Heather, Hillary, and Harmony, all the best.

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize Ernie Lee Magaha for his service as the Clerk of the Circuit Court and Comptroller for Escambia County, Florida. For more than fifty-five years, Mr. Magaha has served the people of Escambia County with constant professionalism and an unwavering commitment to service.

Mr. Magaha is a native northwest Floridian and a graduate of Century High School. After graduating from Century, Mr. Magaha enlisted in the Army and served our nation with honor and distinction in the South Pacific during World War II. In 1947, Mr. Magaha was honorably discharged from the Army, and he enrolled at Auburn University, where he graduated with a degree in Economics in 1950.

After graduating from Auburn, Mr. Magaha returned to northwest Florida, where he married his wife, Lucile, and together they raised their two sons Ernie Lee, Jr. and James. In 1951, Mr. Magaha was hired as the Florida State Auditor in Escambia County. He worked in this position in the State Comptroller's Office until 1956, when he decided to run for elected office. Mr. Magaha's commitment to public service was evident to the voters of Escambia County, and in 1957 he took office as the Clerk of the Court.

When Mr. Magaha was elected as the Clerk of Court, there were only three employees. Escambia County and the Clerk's office have grown immensely in Mr. Magaha's fifty-five years in office. Today, the Clerk's office serves a population of nearly 300,000 citizens. Thanks to Mr. Magaha's constant leadership, the Clerk's office has maintained an excellent service record and is an integral part of the northwest Florida community.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Ernie Lee Magaha for his years of outstanding leadership and service to Escambia County. My wife Vicki and I wish Mr. Magaha and his family all the best.

Mr. Speaker. I rise today to recognize the retirement of Anne Bodenstein after an extensive career of service to the citizens of Santa Rosa County, Florida.

Ms. Bodenstein's career with the Office of Supervisor of Elections began in 1992, when she volunteered and dedicated her time as a poll worker and as Polling Place Coordinator. Her involvement with the electoral process continued and she was selected to serve as Inspector, and later as Clerk in her local precinct.

Her commitment and strong work ethic were recognized by many, including Governor Jeb Bush, who appointed her as the Santa Rosa County Supervisor of Elections to fill the remainder of her predecessor's term. Her abilities were also recognized by the Santa Rosa County electorate, who eventually elected her to the Office of Supervisor of Elections, a role which she has held since January 2005.

While serving as Supervisor of Elections, Ms. Bodenstein led a permanent staff of six and orchestrated upwards to 500 Election Day employees. She also oversaw the implementation of four separate voting machine upgrades during her tenure.

Ms. Bodenstein is truly an exemplary public servant with numerous commendable accolades, including 1996 Santa Rosa County Employee of the Year. The Northwest Florida community is grateful for the integral role she has played in our electoral process.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Anne Bodenstein for her exceptional public service to Santa Rosa County. My wife Vicki and I wish her all the best in her retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Helen Guettler McEntyre upon her retirement after forty-two years of dedicated service to the citizens of Washington County, Florida as Tax Collector. Mrs. McEntyre is a Florida native who was born in Fort Pierce. As one of sixteen children in a large, loving family, she was taught the value of hard work and honesty in all she did. The strong foundation of principles she gained as a child contributed to the way she operated as Tax Collector--with integrity and dignity.

Mrs. McEntyre began her lifetime career in public service on October 1, 1970. Throughout her forty-two year career in the Tax Collector's Office, she worked tirelessly to ensure efficiency and success for Washington County. Her final accomplishment before retiring was implementing driver's license services from the Collector's office, which further reflects her willingness to improve services for the citizens of Washington County. Mrs. McEntyre is truly an exemplary public servant, and Northwest Florida is grateful for the integral role she has played in our community.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize Helen Guettler McEntyre for her exceptional public service to Washington County. My wife Vicki and I wish her all the best in her retirement.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to recognize Mr. Robert J. Arnold, Chief Technologist, 96th Test Wing, Eglin Air Force Base, on the occasion of his retirement after 38 years distinguished public service to the United States Air Force and our great nation.

Mr. Arnold's career began in industry, performing and later managing missile, A-7, and F-8 weapons programs at numerous test and evaluation facilities. In previous positions with the Air Force, he led A-10 and F-15 weapons test programs at Edwards Air Force Base, California. During his outstanding career, he managed test and evaluation programs involving practically every type of weapon and aircraft in the Air Force inventory. He formed the Corporate Plans Office for the Air Force Development Test Center at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, establishing and leading the Center's strategic planning program, institutionalizing modernization planning, and implementing a command-wide ``Single-Face- to-Customer'' office. Upon formation of the Air Armament Center at Eglin Air Force Base, he established the Plans and Programs Directorate for the Center and led planning for the inaugural Air Armament Summit to shape the future of air armament and joint service test and training infrastructure.

Mr. Arnold's record as a leader and his ability to form partnerships at all levels of government is unsurpassed. He was hand-picked by Air Staff to serve as the Interim Deputy Director for the Defense Test Resource Management Center (DTRMC) where he orchestrated preparation of the initial DTRMC DoD Strategic Plan for test and evaluation resources.

Without his care and stewardship as Chairman of the Eglin Encroachment Committee, mission critical natural resources might never have been preserved. His leadership enhanced community partnerships in the Eglin community and throughout the State of Florida.

Mr. Arnold's contributions to range sustainment, encroachment and the test and evaluation field as a whole have saved millions, brought him national recognition and benchmarked a number of innovative processes that will stand the test of time. His talents and overall knowledge and understanding of the Air Force mission will be greatly missed.

Mr. Speaker, it is only on rare occasions that we find men of such exceptional character as Bob Arnold. He left his indelible mark on the Air Force and the Northwest Florida community. On behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to offer my congratulations to Bob and his wife, Myra. My wife, Vicki, and I wish them the best for continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and service of Doyle Edward Conner, Sr. Throughout his long and distinguished career in politics, Doyle Connor served the people of Florida for 40 years in both the Florida House of Representatives and as the Commissioner of Agriculture. Commissioner Conner served as a mentor and an inspiration to countless individuals throughout the state. All of Florida mourns the loss of a great man and unparalleled public servant.

Commissioner Conner was a fourth-generation farmer who grew up learning the value of hard work on his family's farm in Starke, Florida where he helped raise cattle, grow strawberries and cut timber. Commissioner Conner was a born leader, and he was active in his community from a very young age. He participated in his local 4-H club and eventually became president of the Alachua County branch of 4-H. In 1947, he graduated from high school and enrolled at the University of Florida where he became involved in the Future Farmers of America (FFA), serving as the president of FFA at both the state and national levels.

In 1950, while still a 21-year-old student at the University of Florida, Commissioner Conner was elected to the Florida House of Representatives. Despite his youth, he quickly established himself as a serious and committed statesman who was respected by his

colleagues on both sides of the aisle. Due to his assiduous work ethic and natural leadership, Commissioner Conner quickly rose through the ranks of the Florida House of Representatives. In 1957, at the age of only 28, Commissioner Conner was elected as the Speaker of the Florida House of Representatives, becoming the youngest Speaker in the state's history--a record that still stands today. While serving as Speaker, he helped craft legislation to promote and advance Florida's agricultural industry, including the landmark Green Belt Law. He also worked to establish first- class agricultural labs to help eradicate numerous diseases and predators and pave the way for the further development of the Florida agricultural industry.

In 1960, after serving 10 years in the Florida House of Representatives, Commissioner Conner was elected as the Florida Commissioner of Agriculture, a position that he held until his retirement in 1991. Commissioner Conner brought his vast experience as both a farmer and a legislator to his new role and helped expand Florida's output from $900 million in 1960 to more than $6 billion at the time of his departure in 1991. Commissioner Conner was a tireless worker, who traveled around the world to promote Florida agriculture and open new markets for Florida's farmers. He also expanded on his earlier legislative efforts to combat diseases, and under his leadership, Florida established a method for detecting the Mediterranean fruit fly which became the worldwide standard.

His excellence and leadership in Florida was recognized nationally, and he was even asked by President Kennedy to move to Washington to lead the U.S. Department of Agriculture. After thanking the President for his offer, Commissioner Conner respectfully informed him that he wanted to keep his family in Florida and continue serving the state he so deeply loved. For his service to the agricultural industry, he was presented with numerous awards and recognitions. He was inducted into the Florida Agricultural Hall of Fame, Florida Citrus Hall of Fame, the Florida 4-H Hall of Fame, and the Florida FAA Hall of Fame.

Commissioner Conner also had an unwavering commitment to educating young people to help advance Florida's agricultural sector. He maintained a life-long relationship with his alma mater, serving as the president of the University of Florida National Alumni Association, and in 1972, he received the Distinguished Alumni Award. Today, the University of Florida maintains a scholarship in Commissioner Conner's name, which is awarded to students throughout Florida who display leadership in FFA and 4-H.

Commissioner Conner served as a mentor to numerous individuals throughout his career. My wife Vicki and I both had the distinct privilege and honor of working for and learning from Commissioner Conner. His leadership and commitment to Florida helped inspire me and numerous others to pursue public service. His contribution to the state of Florida and our nation cannot be overstated, and his legacy will continue to inspire Floridians for generations to come.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress I am honored to recognize the life and service of a great man, Commissioner Doyle Conner. His contribution to Florida will never be forgotten. Vicki and I extend our most heartfelt condolences to the entire Conner family.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3197) to name the Department of Veterans Affairs medical center in Spokane, Washington, as the ``Mann-Grandstaff Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center''.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

H.R. 3197 would rename the medical center in Spokane the Mann- Grandstaff Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center. This legislation would recognize not one but two American heroes, both Medal of Honor recipients: Private First Class Joe Eugene Mann and Platoon Sergeant Bruce Alan Grandstaff. Their story is nothing less than heroic.

Private First Class Mann served in the 101st Infantry Division of the U.S. Army during World War II.

On September 18, 1944, while under heavy fire, he crept into range of the enemy's artillery position and was able to destroy key weaponry. Though wounded four times, he refused medical evacuation in order to remain with and stand guard over his platoon throughout the night. During an attack the next morning, PFC Mann selflessly threw himself on top of a live grenade, sacrificing his own life to save those of his fellow soldiers around him.

He was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery on August 30, 1945.

Platoon Sergeant Grandstaff served in the Eight Infantry Regiment, Fourth Infantry Division during the Vietnam War.

On May 18, 1967, a weapons platoon he was leading came under attack. Though he was under heavy enemy fire from three directions, Platoon Sergeant Grandstaff raced to the aid of several of his fellow soldiers who had been wounded, saving the life of one. Seriously wounded himself and unable to maneuver around the enemy onslaught, he refused medical aid and continued to defend his position fiercely. At one point, he was able to crawl to within ten meters of an enemy machine gun and destroy it with hand grenades, saving countless lives. Platoon Sergeant Grandstaff eventually succumbed to his wounds in the battlefield.

He was also posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his bravery on that day.

Together, Private First Class Mann and Platoon Sergeant Grandstaff are examples of the best, the most courageous, and the most giving and selfless parts of the American spirit. To have the VAMC in their home state of Washington bear their names is a proper and befitting honor.

H.R. 3197 has received the unanimous support of Washington's Congressional delegation and major veterans service organizations (VSOs).

Among the many Washington State VSOs who have provided letters of support of this legislation are: the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States Department of Washington, the American Legion Department of Washington, the American Veterans (AMVETS) Department of Washington, the American Ex Prisoners of War Department of Washington, the Disabled American Veterans Department of Washington, the Fleet Reserve Association Northwest Region, the Washington State Gold Star Mothers, the Gold Star Wives of America Northwest Region, the Department of Washington Marine Corps League, the Washington State Military Officers Association of America, and the Blue Star Mothers of Washington.

Further, the Congressional Budget Office, in a preliminary cost estimate, has assured me that H.R. 3197 represents only a minimal cost of less than five hundred thousand dollars to the federal Government.

At this time I yield such time as she may consume to the sponsor of this particular piece of legislation, the chairwoman of the Republican Conference, the gentlelady from Washington (Mrs. McMorris Rodgers).

Mr. Speaker, I do also want to thank the sponsor of this legislation, Mrs. McMorris Rodgers. She's the wife of a retired Navy commander, and she herself has proven to be a strong and steadfast advocate for veterans in Washington and around this country.

I also want to say thanks to my good friend, the new ranking member, Mike Michaud, for his leadership in helping to move this legislation to the floor. He's been an active and valuable member of our committee since his first days in Congress almost a decade ago, and he himself has proven himself time and time again a strong voice for America's veterans.

General Leave

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include any extraneous materials on H.R. 3197.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 3197, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6443) to designate the facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs located at 9800 West Commercial Boulevard in Sunrise, Florida, as the ``William `Bill' Kling VA Clinic''.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

The legislation before us would name the VA community-based outpatient clinic in Sunrise, Florida, the William ``Bill'' Kling VA Clinic. William, better known as Bill, served as a Navy radar technician during the Second World War.

When he moved to Plantation, Florida, in 1973, Bill continued his service--this time as an advocate for his fellow veterans. He spent eight years as Florida's Commissioner of Veterans Affairs and twenty- seven years as the President of the Broward County Veterans Council. Bill was also a proud and active member of the American Legion, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, and the Jewish War Veterans of the United States.

In each of those capacities, he worked tirelessly to ensure that the struggles and triumphs of veterans in Broward County, in Florida, and around the county were properly recognized and respected.

He was instrumental in the opening of a VA CBOC in Oakland Park more than two decades ago and, when that facility became unserviceable, played an active role in relocating it to Sunrise.

Thanks in part to his efforts, the Broward County CBOC reopened in Sunrise in 2008 and has been helping to improve the health and daily lives of Broward County veterans each day since.

Today, the entrance to that ninety-eight thousand square foot clinic bears a plaque dedicated to Bill.

Given the leadership he has unquestionably shown on behalf of his fellow veteran Floridians, it is only proper that that facility should now also bear his name.

H.R. 6443 has received the unanimous support of Florida's Congressional delegation and Florida's major veterans service organizations (VSOs).

Among the VSOs who have provided letters of support in favor of this legislation are: the Vietnam Veterans of America Florida State Council, the American Legion Department of Florida, and the Jewish War Veterans of the United States.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I have no further speakers, but I do want to reserve the balance of my time so the gentleman from Maine can recognize the sponsor of the legislation.

I am grateful to my good friend from Florida (Ms. Wasserman Schultz) for bringing this legislation to the floor and honoring such a fine gentleman. I also again want to thank the ranking member for helping us work so quickly to bring this legislation to the floor.

I would also note that, in closing, a preliminary cost estimate provided by CBO, H.R. 6443 represents only a minimal cost to the Federal Government.

With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members would have 5 legislative days to revise and extend and add any extraneous material for H.R. 6443.

I appreciate the kind remarks by my good friend, the ranking member of the Veterans' Affairs Committee. I once again encourage all Members to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns today, it adjourn to meet at noon tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Mrs. Donna Fassett for her selfless service to the Northwest Florida Community.

Donna Fassett is the Executive Director of ARC Gateway, an organization committed to improving the lives of persons with, or at risk of, developmental disabilities. For the past thirty-three years, she has served her community and the organization with unwavering commitment and immeasurable success. Under her leadership, ARC Gateway has expanded its programs to touch the lives of more than 900 children and adults.

Outside of her role with ARC Gateway, Donna Fassett is involved in myriad civic organizations, including: Impact 100, the Florida Council of Executive Directors, the Great Gulfcoast Arts Festival, Fiesta of Five Flags, and Pensacola Five Flags Rotary, where she previously served as President.

Mrs. Fassett's commitment to service and bettering the lives of others has been recognized through the countless awards bestowed to her. She is the recipient of ARC Florida's Robert Ettinger Award for Executive Excellence, Unsung Hero Award, and Life Time Achievement Award, as well as, the Center for Independent Living's Joe Oldmixon Award for Advocacy and the Able Trust Dr. George Spelios Leadership Award. There is no question that Donna Fassett's impact on Northwest Florida is immense, and we are all grateful for her dedication and service to improving our community.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me great pride to recognize Mrs. Donna Fassett. My wife Vicki joins me in wishing Donna, her husband Charlie, their two sons Donald and Robert and two grandchildren, Morgan and Jake, all of the best.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 6374) to designate the facility of the Department of Veterans Affairs located at 180 Martin Drive in Carrollton, Georgia, as the ``Trinka Davis Veterans Village.''

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

The legislation before us today does, in fact, name the VA community- based outpatient clinic in Carrollton, Georgia, as the Trinka Davis Veterans Village.

Trinka Davis was a Carroll County business leader who desired that her estate be used to provide support and assistance to veterans and their families. Following her death in 2008, the Trinka Davis Foundation contacted the Atlanta VA Medical Center and determined that there was a need for an outpatient clinic in Carrollton, Georgia, to better serve the 3,500 veterans in northwest Georgia. As such, the foundation worked with local VA leaders to plan, design, and construct the clinic, and in September presented the $17 million gift in kind to the VA. The 73,883 square foot clinic, which opened to veterans in September, provides primary, home-based, and mental health care and a number of specialty services, including physical and occupational therapy. It encompasses a 42-bed community living center that provides rehabilitation services and long-term care.

She was not a veteran herself, but Ms. Davis' generous gift was already improving the health and daily lives of Georgia's veterans and their families, and will no doubt continue to do so for generations to come.

It is only proper that the facility that she provided the funding for bear her name as recognition of her outstanding service to the veterans of the State of Georgia. It's received the unanimous support of the Georgia delegation, and Georgia's major veterans service organizations have all supported it. Also, I would like to note that, according to a preliminary cost estimate provided by CBO, it represents a minimal cost of less than $500,000 to the Federal Government.

This legislation is sponsored by my good friend and colleague, Dr. Phil Gingrey, and I want to thank Dr. Gingrey for his leadership in spearheading this provision and for his steadfast support of veterans, not only in the State of Georgia, but across this Nation.

I urge all of my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 6374, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I want to now yield as much time as he may consume to the sponsor of this piece of legislation, the gentleman from Georgia, Dr. Gingrey.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 6374.

I encourage all Members to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to recognize the Adkison family for being selected as the 2012 Washington County, Florida Outstanding Farm Family.

Jarrod Adkison, a proud third generation farmer, takes to heart the value of hard work, dedication, and the love and support of family. Today, the Adkison family incorporates the lessons learned from generations worth of farming experience to grow peanuts, corn, soybeans, wheat, hay and oat crops. They also raise brood cows and purebred Charolais, and this year they also expanded their growing operation to include cotton. Jarrod, his wife Tara, their children Chelsea, Nathan, MaryBeth, and Harrison, along with his cousin Philip and two full time employees, are the brains and brawn behind the impressive 1,180 acres that make up the family farm.

Jarrod is set on ensuring the farm is in a position to allow future generations of his family the opportunity to carry on the family farming legacy. He understands this goal is possible only with the invaluable support of his family, and he receives tremendous support from the entire Adkinson family. Tara, in addition to her duties as a wife and mother to their four children, is also a Registered Nurse at Jackson County Hospital. Jarrod's cousin Philip is a tremendous asset and lives and works on the farm as well. Jarrod and Tara's love of education, farming and community has transferred to their children's hearts. They are more than willing to help out on the family farm, eager to get a feel for the land that may one day be theirs to live and work.

The Adkison Family belongs to the Washington County Farm Bureau Board of Directors and the Washington County Cattlemen's Association Board of Directors and serves as FSA County Committee members. Recently, MaryBeth and Harrison, eager to make their mark on helping the community, joined the local 4-H Club. Jarrod Adkison is a blessed man. He thanks the good Lord for the opportunity to follow in the footsteps of his grandfather Floyd, father Ken, and Uncle Tim Adkison. His gratitude also goes out to the Washington County farming community, of which he is thankful to be a part.

Mr. Speaker, our great nation was built by farmers and their families. The Washington County Outstanding Farm Family of the Year Award is a reflection of the Adkisons' tireless work and their dedication to family, faith and farming. On behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to offer my congratulations to the Adkison family. My wife Vicki and I extend our best wishes for their continued success.