Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, due to a family emergency, I missed the following rollcall vote: No. 95 on March 5, 2012.

If present, I would have voted: rollcall vote No. 95--H.R. 3637--To designate the ``Roy Schallern Rood Post Office Building'' in Jupiter, Florida, ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the 30th Anniversary of Bay Area Food Bank. For more than three decades, the Bay Area Food Bank has helped fight hunger in Florida, Alabama and Mississippi.

Bay Area Food Bank was founded in 1981 as a small organization that aimed to serve the needs of citizens of Mobile and the Eastern Shore area in Alabama who were impacted by high inflation and unemployment. With just $5,000 and only two permanent staff members, the Bay Area Food Bank distributed 77,000 pounds of food in its first year. Through the tireless dedication of staff and volunteers, Bay Area Food Bank has grown immensely. Today, they distribute as much food in one day as they did during their entire first year, and, over the course of their history, Bay Area Food Bank has distributed more than 100 million pounds of food to families throughout the Gulf Coast. In fact, Bay Area Food Bank distributes more than 2 million pounds of food annually from their warehouse located in my home county--Santa Rosa County, Florida. In 2011, Bay Area Food Bank distributed over 15 million pounds to 80,000 families in total.

While Bay Area Food Bank does an incredible job providing food for families in the Gulf Coast region, they also play an extremely vital role in the aftermath of disasters. In 2004, Hurricane Ivan devastated the Gulf Coast and left thousands of families without food and water. Many residents were left without power for weeks, and, during this trying time, Bay Area Food Bank's staff and volunteers increased their operations and distributed more than 1.5 million pounds of food in the first month after the hurricane. Just one year later, Hurricane Katrina provided another challenge for the Gulf Coast community. Many areas were decimated by the hurricane. During this time of need, Bay Area Food Bank once again increased their operations, distributing more than 1 million pounds of food and hurricane relief supplies per week for the first two months after the disaster. When the Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill left thousands of families along the coast facing food shortages, Bay Area Food Bank again came to their aid. They conducted over 425 oil spill related mobile pantry distributions of more than 1.5 million pounds of food in 10 coastal counties in Florida, Alabama and Mississippi.

Mr. Speaker, for more than 30 years, Bay Area Food Bank and its dedicated staff and volunteers have served families in Florida, Alabama and Mississippi. They started off small, but through tireless work and determination they have expanded their reach into communities all along the Gulf Coast. They are truly an example of what can be achieved by a group of individuals who work together to serve the needs of their community. My wife Vicki and I congratulate Bay Area Food Bank on their 30th Anniversary, and, on behalf of the United States Congress, we thank the staff, volunteers and commercial partners that have helped to create a successful organization whose immense significance to the Gulf Coast community cannot be overstated.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Jeffrey Pribble as the 2013 Escambia County, Florida Teacher of the Year. Mediocre teachers tell, good teachers explain, excellent teachers demonstrate, and the best teachers inspire. As portrayed by today's award and his students' achievements, Mr. Pribble is someone who has been an inspiration to his students, driving them to realize their potential and achieve excellence, and I am proud to recognize the accomplishments that place him among the best of Northwest Florida.

Mr. Pribble has been an educator for 16 years and currently serves his students, parents, and community as the AP English Literature and Composition, Dual Enrollment English, and Multimedia Communications Instructor at Escambia High School. During his tenure at EHS, Mr. Pribble has excelled in teaching students from diverse backgrounds, while also helping to facilitate the publication of the school's yearbook and newspaper. As someone who has the uncanny ability to combine a force of intellect with superb interpersonal, problem solving, and leadership skills, he has exceeded expectations.

With a vast list of accomplishments, it is hard to highlight them all. In the classroom, he increased 2011 Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test (FCAT) scores by 79 percent with his standardized classes and 67 percent with his advanced classes. Outside of the classroom, his yearbook and newspaper staff has received numerous accolades. The National Journalism Education Association awarded Mr. Pribble and his multimedia students 18 National Edition and Featured Video Awards for their work. Mr. Pribble and his students have also produced and screened films. Last May, he organized a formal screening of one of his class's student films, Never Miss a Beat, where over 300 students, parents, teachers, and community members attended.

On a personal level, Mr. Pribble does not believe in settling, and he strives to constantly evolve as a teacher, mentor, and motivator. While some are defensive to constructive criticism, Mr. Pribble welcomes it as a way to improve his efficacy. Likewise, while some teachers are unwilling to take academic risks, Mr. Pribble attributes some of his greatest successes to the use of a novel approach. He incorporates innovative teaching practices such as the use of technology and multimedia

tools to supplement daily lessons. Mr. Pribble's ambition and willingness to accept challenges motivates his students to strive for excellence in their academic life.

Mr. Pribble's greatness lies well beyond his title as Escambia County Teacher of the Year--it lies in the hearts and minds of those who have been deeply affected. Teachers such as Mr. Pribble leave a perpetual impact on their schools, and due to Mr. Pribble's ambition and success, Escambia High School is initiating a multimedia academy for 2012 2013. The multimedia academy will help ensure that his legacy will continue to be felt by Escambia High students for years to come. Great teachers are an invaluable asset to our nation's students, and to be honored as Teacher of the Year is a reflection of Mr. Pribble's inexorable dedication to the students of Escambia County. He has proven himself to be among the most exceptional teachers in our nation.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I take great pride in recognizing Jeffrey Pribble's enthusiasm for teaching, talent for inspiring, and commitment to excellence. My wife Vicki joins me in congratulating Mr. Pribble, and we wish him all the best as he continues to be an exemplary role model to others who follow in his footsteps.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the life of Northwest Florida's beloved Joseph Crona.

Mr. Crona was a native of Pensacola, Florida and a longtime leader in the Northwest Florida community. He was a true patriot. After graduating from Pensacola High School, Mr. Crona answered the call of duty, serving with honor and distinction during World War II in the European Theater. When he returned home, Mr. Crona attended Florida State University, where he played offense, defense, and special teams on Florida State University's inaugural football team. He continued to follow his beloved Seminoles, taking in games around the country, and he was honored by the University as part of a special ceremony recognizing the Fiftieth Anniversary of the school's first football team.

After graduating from FSU with a degree in economics, Mr. Crona moved back to his hometown where he translated his success in the classroom and on the football field to the boardroom. He began working in the Trust Department at Citizens and Peoples National Bank, rising to become a Trust Officer. In 1971, he joined Commercial National Bank as Executive Vice-President, and shortly thereafter, Mr. Crona became President of Commercial National Bank. He went on to serve as President of Charter National, Century National and finally Sun Bank, where he worked as President/CEO until his retirement in 1994.

Mr. Crona was an avid sportsman, and he pursued his passion for the outdoors through years hunting and fishing. As an active member of the Pensacola Sports Association, Mr. Crona helped to bring world class sporting events to Northwest Florida. He served as President and Tournament Director of the Pensacola Open, which saw world class PGA golfers, including legendary winners such as Arnold Palmer, Gary Player and Pensacola's own Jerry Pate, compete at the highest level in front of Northwest Florida's passionate fans.

In addition to his tireless efforts promoting sports throughout the area, Mr. Crona was an active member of Northwest Florida's civic society. He was a member of the Pensacola Chamber of Commerce, the United Way, Navy League and numerous Mardi Gras organizations. He served as President of the Fiesta of Five Flags, which commemorates Pensacola's founding as the first European settlement in America, and in 1989 he wore the mask of Don Tristan De Luna, as the ceremonial head of the festivities.

As a patriot and a veteran, Mr. Crona also recognized the importance of honoring and thanking the brave men and women who sacrifice so much so that we may be free, and he was a part of a small group who secured financing and oversaw the construction of the World War II Memorial at Veterans Memorial Park in Pensacola.

Mr. Crona is survived by Diane, his wife of 57 years; his daughter, Susan Smart; as well as two grandchildren, Joseph and Sydney Smart. To some Joseph Crona will be remembered as a patriot and a leader in the Northwest Florida community. To others he will be remembered as a lifelong Florida State Seminole. To his friends and family, he will most fondly be remembered as a loving and devoted family man. His tireless work and immense contributions to his community cannot be overstated. Northwest Florida has truly suffered a great loss with his passing.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me great pride to honor the life of Joseph Crona. My wife Vicki joins me in extending our most sincere condolences to the entire Crona family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Duscha Ross as the 2012 Okaloosa County, Florida Teacher of the Year. Good teachers educate, but the best teachers make a difference and inspire. For eleven years, Ms. Ross has made a significant impact in the lives of her students, colleagues, and community. I am proud to recognize her achievements.

Ms. Ross joined the Okaloosa County, Florida School District in 2002, with a background in Political Science and Military Studies from Pennsylvania State University. Her career as a teacher and mentor began at the Department of Juvenile Justice in Okaloosa County where she taught Language and Reading. Since then she has served the Okaloosa County School District in various capacities as a 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade teacher and a Remedial and Advanced Reading teacher at Northwood Elementary School. Ms. Ross has proudly served as a 5th grade teacher at Mary Esther Elementary School for the past two years.

Ms. Ross makes a difference by never settling for mediocrity. While some are afraid of change and are unwilling to take risks, Ms. Ross attributes some of her greatest successes in the classroom to the use of a novel approach. She incorporates innovative teaching practices, such as the use of the Balanced Literacy Model, Discovery Education Assessment (DEA) Probes, and technology to supplement daily lessons. Using these methods, she is able to better address the needs of her students and provide them a pathway to success. She strives to share teaching methods with her colleagues to ensure that all can benefit from these successful techniques. She also combines education with community involvement and often invites various community members, including members of the military and local Kiwanis Clubs, to participate in her lessons and interact with other members of Mary Esther Elementary School.

Out of her passion for teaching and her love for children, Ms. Ross sets high standards for all of her students and works with them to achieve their goals and the desired results of the overall academic performance of the class. She is the positive force behind each student's growth of mind, by giving them the confidence, knowledge, and inspiration needed to succeed. Teachers like Ms. Ross leave a perpetual impact on their schools and community.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I take great pride in recognizing Ms. Duscha Ross as one of Northwest Florida's finest educators, and I congratulate her on her recent accolade as Okaloosa County, Florida Teacher of the Year. This is an outstanding achievement, and her service to the area should stand as an example to those who follow in her footsteps. My wife Vicki joins me in wishing her all the best for continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jeffrey A. Baugus as the 2013 Santa Rosa County, Florida Teacher of the Year and the first Santa Rosa County Middle School teacher to ever win the award.

Benjamin Franklin once said, ``Tell me, and I forget. Teach me, and I remember. Involve me, and I learn.'' It is with great honor that I recognize Jeffrey Baugus for his ability to not only teach, but to involve and inspire those around him. The best teachers are those who not only educate, but those who strive every day to actively engage their pupils. Mr. Baugus embodies this spirit. By supplementing lessons with humor and advanced technology, Mr. Baugus gives mathematics a whole new meaning to his students. Through his innovative teaching practices, he gives his students the tools to succeed.

Mr. Baugus's impact is felt both inside and outside the classroom. He proves that education is never ending, and teaches his students there is always room for improvement. Following this mantra, in 2010, Mr. Baugus completed a Masters in Education in Curriculum and Instruction with an emphasis in Middle School Mathematics. In addition to his role teaching Algebra I, he is also an active member of the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the Florida Council of Teachers of Mathematics, the Air Force Association, and the Santa Rosa County Council of Teachers of Mathematics, where he serves as President. Today's award is not Mr. Baugus's first, and I am sure it will not be his last. Over the last few years, he was awarded the 2009 Air Force Association (Hurlburt Chapter) Teacher of the Year, the 2009 Santa Rosa County Middle School Math Teacher of the Year, the 2009 QWBMS Rookie of the Year, and 2012 Teacher of the Year for Woodlawn Beach Middle School.

The title of Teacher of the Year is an immense honor and is evidence of Mr. Baugus's tireless work and dedication to his students and his profession. Mr. Baugus has proven himself to be among Northwest Florida's finest teachers. The Santa Rosa County, Florida School District is honored to have him as one of its own.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize Jeffrey Baugus on this achievement and his exemplary service in the Santa Rosa County School District. My wife Vicki joins me in congratulating Mr. Baugus, and we wish him and his family all the best.

Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sympathy and solemn gratitude that I rise to pay tribute to four of our nation's fallen heroes: Captain Ryan P. Hall of Colorado Springs, Colorado; Captain Nicholas S. Whitlock of Newnan, Georgia; First Lieutenant Justin J. Wilkens, of Bend, Oregon; and Senior Airman Julian S. Scholten of Upper Marlboro, Maryland.

These four brave, young men paid the ultimate price in defense of our nation's freedom when their U 28 aircraft went down near Djibouti, Africa on Saturday, February 18, 2012. They were members of the United States Air Force Special Operations Command. Of their dedication to duty, courage of heart, and commitment to their nation, there can be no doubt. They were living examples of the Airman's Creed, ``I am an American Airman, guardian of freedom and justice, my nation's sword and shield, its sentry and avenger. I defend my Country with my life.'' Upon the altar of freedom, they have fulfilled their vow to defend their country and paid the ultimate price.

The report of this tragic incident pierced the hearts of their families, friends, and the AFSOC community. It reminds us that there is no greater sacrifice than that in which one gives his life for others.

While there are no words that we can say here on the floor today that will bring back Ryan, Nicholas, Justin, and Julian to those who love them and know them best, we can and will honor their service and sacrifice. We have heard many times and know in our hearts the truth that Freedom often demands of us a heavy and at times unbearable price. It is a burden of loss that rests heavily upon those who love them.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a grateful United States Congress, I stand here today to honor these four men and all of the heroes we have lost. My wife, Vicki joins me in offering our deepest, most sincere condolences and prayers to their families and friends. May God continue to bless them, the AFSOC community, and the United States Armed Forces.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Justina Pickard as the 2012 Walton County, Florida School District Related Employee of the Year. Justina Pickard is an Instructional Aide at Maude Saunders Elementary, where she has proudly served for thirteen years.

Mrs. Pickard found her calling for teaching later in life than most. When her son began primary school, she volunteered in his classroom and fell in love with helping children. Even though Mrs. Pickard already possessed a Business Degree, her passion for teaching brought her back to school so that she could earn a degree in Early Childhood Education. Her educational background, passion for teaching, and ability to speak three languages make her among Northwest Florida's finest educators. Education is more than just teaching--it is about inspiring. Mrs. Pickard exemplifies this mantra. When she teaches, Mrs. Pickard bestows in her students that anything is attainable and through hard work, success is always within reach.

Mrs. Pickard attributes her excellence in the classroom to multiple factors with most importance accredited to her family and her church. Her dedication to the Northwest Florida Community, her family, and the First Baptist Church is certainly admirable.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize Justina Pickard on her achievement and contributions in the Walton County School District. My wife Vicki joins me in congratulating Mrs. Pickard, and we wish her all the best.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Randella Lindsay as the 2013 Walton County, Florida School Teacher of the Year. For more than 38 years, Mrs. Lindsay has served the students of Northwest Florida, inspiring them to strive for excellence. I am honored to recognize her achievements.

Teachers are amongst our nation's most valuable public servants. They are responsible for mentoring our students and ensuring that our next generation emerges ready to lead our nation in the future. Mrs. Lindsay's assiduous work and unbridled enthusiasm for her profession exemplify the characteristics of a successful teacher. Today, Mrs. Lindsay approaches the challenge of teaching with the same energy and excitement that she has harnessed since she stepped into the classroom in 1973. Her enthusiasm and dedication to her students fosters an atmosphere of success, where individual students can pursue their education goals at their own pace.

Mrs. Lindsay clearly understands the important position that teachers serve as role models for their students. Being a role model demands an incontrovertible commitment to professionalism in all aspects of life. Mrs. Lindsay treats her students, their parents, faculty, and staff with the utmost respect. She also understands the importance of mentoring young teachers and always seeks to help young people interested in pursuing a career in teaching. By sharing her years of wisdom and experience with all of her fellow colleagues, Mrs. Lindsay improves the quality of her own classroom, as well as the entire school.

Throughout her career, Mrs. Lindsay has been selected to serve in important roles in both her school and her school district. In 1983, while teaching Florida History as part of her 4th grade curriculum in Okaloosa County, Florida, Mrs. Lindsay recognized that the state's Florida studies program did not include any information on Okaloosa County. Over the next two years, she worked with two of her colleagues to research the history of Okaloosa County, and they produced a work book to supplement the Florida History course for future students. Mrs. Lindsay was also chosen to serve as one of three members on a committee responsible for planning the opening of a new elementary school, where she was later selected as their Teacher of the Year.

The importance of teachers is unquantifiable. Each and every teacher should be commended for their commitment to our nation's future. Mrs. Lindsay has proven to be among the many exceptional teachers in our nation. To be selected as Teacher of the Year, chosen from a large pool of extremely qualified applicants, is a reflection of Mrs. Lindsay's tremendous work ethic and steadfast dedication to the students of Northwest Florida.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Randella Lindsay for her accomplishments and her continuing commitment to excellence at Mossy Head Elementary School and in the Walton County School District. My wife Vicki joins me in congratulating Mrs. Lindsay, and we wish her all the best.

I thank the gentleman from Louisiana for the time and for all he has done to bring this forward. I also want to thank all my colleagues from the gulf coast who fought so hard to make sure that this legislation came to the floor.

I would say that, given the time that I have, this amendment is vital. It's important to not only the State of Florida but the entire gulf coast area because it will return a great portion of the fines that will ultimately be paid for the oil spill back to the gulf coast.

The amendment is the first step in a very long process to make sure that BP and the other responsible parties are held responsible, and would start to restore the gulf coast from the damages that were suffered as a result of the worst oil spill in the history of the world. So I urge all my colleagues to support this amendment.

Mr. Speaker, this year's tribute to our lost four chaplains, last seen on the decks of the USAT Dorchester offering comfort and their only chance for survival to others, is particularly poignant. For it was this past year that these men were reunited at this country's most hallowed grounds, Arlington National Cemetery.

With the recognition long overdue of Rabbi Alexander D. Goode, and all the Jewish war chaplains who have served this Nation in faith, the four chaplains stand watch once again over their flock from Chaplains Hill. Providence most definitely brought them together after history attempted to break their bond.

And so 69 years later, we reinforce the bonds of faith that no man can break and pay our respects to Chaplains Fox, Poling, Washington, and Rabbi Goode and honor their sacrifice to our great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Peter Paulding, Chief of Police of the City of Gulf Breeze, upon his retirement after forty years of honorable and decorated law enforcement service. For the past ten years, Police Chief Paulding has admirably served the citizens and community of the City of Gulf Breeze, Florida.

Our community owes a large debt of gratitude to Police Chief Paulding for his many accomplishments. During his tenure as Chief of Police, the City of Gulf Breeze maintained one of the lowest crime rates in the State of Florida, helping to make it one of the top rated communities in the country. Under Chief Paulding's leadership, the Gulf Breeze Police Department implemented many inventive and highly successful initiatives. Chief Paulding was responsible for implementing the Volunteers in Policing, VIP, program, creating the Traffic Safety Task Force, and also implementing the first red light traffic enforcement system in the state of Florida, a system that has now been endorsed by the Florida State Legislature.

During Chief Paulding's ten-year tenure, the Gulf Breeze Police Department was awarded the Rocky Pomerance Excellence in Policing Award eight times by the Florida Police Chiefs Association. Also recognizing the Department's community policing initiatives, the Department received the International Association of Chiefs of Police Community Policing Award in 2003 and 2010.

Under Chief Paulding's leadership, the Gulf Breeze Police Department was the first law enforcement agency in the Northwest Florida Panhandle to receive accreditation by the Commission for Florida Law Enforcement Accreditation. In 2011, the Gulf Breeze Police Department was a finalist for the Motorola Webber Seavey Award for Quality in Law Enforcement for implementing a coast-watch program as a community policing response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill disaster. In 2008, as its Project Leader, Chief Paulding was responsible for the Gulf Breeze Police Department's recognition as a semi-finalist for the Webber Seavey Award for its Project Homecoming, and in 2006 the Gulf Breeze Police Department was yet again recognized as a semi-finalist for the Webber Seavey Award for its Volunteers on Patrol program.

In addition to his role as Chief of Police, Paulding served his community in numerous roles, including President of the Florida Police Chiefs Association in 2010-2011. He will continue to serve the City of Gulf Breeze by overseeing the automated red light traffic enforcement program that he initiated.

It is my honor to recognize Police Chief Peter Paulding upon his retirement as Chief of Police of the City of Gulf Breeze after a distinguished forty-year law enforcement career. I take this opportunity to commend Chief Paulding for making the Gulf Breeze community a safer and more enjoyable place to live, and I thank him for his valuable years of public service. My wife Vicki and I wish Chief Paulding, his wife Ruth, and their children and grandchildren all the best.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I rise today to recognize Greg Strader, founder of Be Ready Alliance Coordinating for Emergencies (BRACE).

We have been reminded frequently that the threat of natural disasters is always imminent, and vigilance is crucial. Greg Strader has devoted his career to natural disaster emergency preparedness. In serving with the American Red Cross for more than 32 years, he has responded to natural disasters in various capacities; whether it is hurricanes, tornados, floods, fires, or plane crashes, Mr. Strader has always been willing to give of himself to assist others.

Following the devastation to the Gulf Coast caused by Hurricanes Ivan and Dennis, Mr. Strader saw a need for improved disaster response. His experience led him to found BRACE, whose mission is to minimize loss of life, injury, property damage, environmental impact, and economic damage caused by natural disasters. BRACE's response to the BP Deepwater Horizon oil spill cleanup is an excellent example of the organization's invaluable contribution. In less than 36 hours, Mr. Strader assembled more than 1,900 volunteers who contributed over ten thousand volunteer hours in efforts to minimize the disaster's adverse impact.

I commend Greg Strader and BRACE for their efforts in making the northwest Florida community safer, stronger, and better prepared to expeditiously address the devastation of natural disasters and congratulate them on receiving the Presidential ``Champions of Change Award.'' My wife Vicki and I wish Mr. Strader, the staff of BRACE, and their families all the best for continued success.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I rise today to recognize the life of Northwest Florida's beloved Larry Butler. Northwest Florida and the world of music and entertainment mourn the loss of an extraordinarily gifted man.

A musical prodigy, Larry Butler began his distinguished career at the mere age of six, when he made a guest appearance singing with the Henry James Orchestra. At the age of nine, he had his own show on Pensacola's WEAR-TV3; and by his twenty-first birthday, Mr. Butler was already recording with musical legends such as George Jones, Loretta Lynn, Dolly Parton, Jerry Lee Lewis, and Johnny Cash. He later collaborated with both Johnny Cash and Kenny Rogers, on some of their most well known hits. Mr. Butler is a two-time Grammy Award Winner with over 100 gold and platinum awards. He won his first Grammy for writing B.J. Thomas' hit song, ``(Hey, Won't You Play) Another Somebody Done Somebody Wrong Song.'' His second Grammy was for Producer of the Year.

In addition to his celebrated musical career, Mr. Butler has contributed his hard work and talent to improving Northwest Florida. After Hurricane Ivan devastated the Gulf Coast in 2004, Mr. Butler played a crucial role in orchestrating and producing three sold-out concerts with musical friends, Kenny Rodgers, Willie Nelson, and Will Hedgecock, which together raised more than a half million dollars for community rebuilding efforts.

To some, Larry Butler will be remembered as a musical genius; to others, he will be remembered for his charitable work in the Northwest Florida Community; and to his family and friends, he will always be remembered as a loving father and spouse. He touched the lives of many, not only with his music, but also with his devotion and commitment to his family and community.

On behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize the life and deeds of Larry Butler--a talented musician, committed community activist and loving family man. He will be missed by many, but his memory will live on through the timeless legacy he left. My wife Vicki joins me in extending our thoughts and prayers to the entire Butler family.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to recognize Jacqueline Jacks as the 2012 Washington County Rookie Teacher of the Year.

Ms. Jacks has impacted the lives of many through her contributions as Educator of Students with Exceptionalities. Above all, she has earned the fondness and respect of her students and the school community. Driven by her passion for teaching and her love for children, Ms. Jacks is a positive force behind each student's growth of mind, giving them the confidence, knowledge, and inspiration necessary for success.

Ms. Jack's childhood dream was to teach and inspire others, and it was not until after raising her three children that this dream came to fruition. Her story demonstrates that it is never too late to pursue your dreams; it continues to inspire her pupils and her three children, Taryn, Clinton, and Ashton.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize Jacqueline Jacks on her achievement and contributions in the Washington County School District. My wife Vicki joins me in congratulating Ms. Jacks, and we wish her all the best.