Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Mr. Jeff Nall upon receiving the Non Profit Communicator of the Year Award from the Pensacola chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association.

Mr. Jeff Nall frequently goes above and beyond his responsibilities as the Vice President of Communications and Marketing for the Council on Aging of West Florida. To achieve the Council's mission of educating the community to the unique needs of seniors, Mr. Nall utilizes an assortment of media tactics. His innovative techniques include a weekly television show geared toward seniors and monthly email newsletters. Due to his proactive approaches to reaching the public, many senior residents have benefitted.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I proudly recognize Mr. Jeff Nall as the Florida Public Relations Non Profit Communicator of the Year. I am grateful for the positive work he does to improve the lives of seniors in my district. My wife Vicki and I wish Mr. Nall and his family all the best for the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Ms. Sonya Daniel upon receiving the Crisis Communicator of the Year Award from the Pensacola chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association.

In her role as the Public Information Officer for Escambia County, Ms. Sonya Daniel is responsible for disseminating vital information to the public during times of crisis. During tropical storms and hurricanes Ms. Daniel has remained calm and levelheaded. Amidst panic, she effectively relayed important information to residents of Escambia County on how to prepare and respond to crises. She was recognized by the Florida Public Relations Association for her streamline approach to communicating with the media. Ms. Daniel is known for utilizing all the resources of local media to reach concerned citizens as quickly as possible.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I proudly recognize Mr. Sonya Daniel as the Florida Public Relations Crisis Communicator of the Year. I am grateful for the work she does to inform the residents of my district of critical information. My wife Vicki and I wish Ms. Daniel and her family all the best for the future.

Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today in recognition of the service of David O. Miller from the Protocol Office of the Air Armament Center, Eglin Air Force Base, Florida. Mr. Miller retires today after 49 years total federal service, 28 years in the United States Air Force and 21 years of Civilian Service. I am proud to recognize his vast contributions to national security through his humble service to this great Nation in the United States Air Force, both as a member of active duty as well as a civil servant.

Mr. Miller is a native of Loris, South Carolina. He graduated from Loris High School in June 1962, and began his military career with the United States Air Force in September, 1962. He later attended the University of Tampa and the El Paso and Pike's Peak community colleges. In his military career, he first served as an Administrative Apprentice and retired as a Senior Master Sergeant in February 1991.

The United States Air Force has been in existence more than six decades and Mr. Miller has been serving her for almost five decades beginning in 1962. He began his protocol career in 1976 when General Chappie James directed the establishment of the first protocol office at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado. Mr. Miller was one of three people chosen to establish the organization. His outstanding performance in the protocol field eventually led to General Gregory Martin, Commander, Air Force Materiel Command, honoring him for superior performance in his duties by awarding him the Commander's Recognition Award in 2004. Mr. Miller was the second person to receive this award.

After retiring as a Senior Master Sergeant following 28 years of active duty service in the United States Air Force, Mr. Miller began his civilian federal service career in 1991 as a protocol assistant with the Protocol Office of the Air Armament Center at Eglin Air Force Base. Throughout his career, Mr. Miller demonstrated superior performance as a compassionate leader driven by a tremendous sense of purpose. He pursued excellence each day at the Air Armament Center, contributing immensely to its mission success. He consulted on protocol matters to ten Eglin center commanders, all of whom were charged with leading the world's largest Air Force Base. With Eglin being one of the most visited military facilities in the Department of Defense, Mr. Miller tirelessly contributed to a team of round-

the-clock-protocol support, decade after decade. From meeting aircraft with dignitaries on the flight line in the early hours to planning and directing social functions at the general's residence into the late evening, Mr. Miller upheld the rules of decorum for tasks small and large with professionalism and enthusiasm.

The most notable example of Mr. Miller's exceptional commitment to seeing to the needs of Eglin airmen, civilians and family members at large was during a memorial service attended by more than five thousand people. This was held on base to reflect upon the twelve fallen Airmen from the 33rd Fighter Wing at Eglin Air Force Base who were killed in the Dhahran Air Base bombing of the Kohbar Towers in Saudi Arabia in June, 1996. The memorial, organized by Mr. Miller and held a few days after the bombing, was recognized as ``an absolutely flawless ceremony and an outstanding tribute to our fallen warriors,'' by the Air Force Development Test Center Commander. Mr. Miller was awarded the Exemplary Civilian Service Award for his work.

He is married to the former Carmen Sue Brown of Dublin, Georgia, and they have one son, Michael, who resides in Denver, Colorado.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize Mr. David O. Miller for his excellent leadership and service to the United States Air Force both as a military member and civil servant. His dedication to our Nation is most deserving of this recognition. From all the constituents of Florida's First Congressional District, I would like to congratulate him on his retirement and wish him well in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of a great man and a good friend. Mr. Frank Lay is the true measure of a man--through his humility, through his leadership, through his commitment to others; he is a shining example to us all. For that reason, Madam Speaker, I am privileged and grateful to honor Mr. Lay on this day.

Mr. Lay has spent the last 21 years as the principal of Pace High School. During his years as principal, Mr. Lay has been a driving force for growth and improvement throughout the halls of Pace High School. To the students, he is a compassionate friend. To the faculty, he is an innovative visionary. To the community, he is a principled leader.

Mr. Lay is a committed and caring educator. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Troy University in 1970. He later then earned a Masters in Physical Education from Georgia State University and a Masters in Administration from the University of West Florida. During his career, he was selected as the Georgia Teacher of the Year, Track and Field Coach of the Year, and Principal of the Year. Most recently, he was honored with the God in Government Lifetime Achievement Award. These accolades are a true testament as to the character and commitment of Mr. Lay.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize Frank Lay for his service to Northwest Florida. He is a dedicated educator and leader who will be sorely missed after his retirement. My wife Vicki and I wish all the best for continued success to Frank and his wife Nancy, his children, grandchildren, and entire extended family.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure I rise to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Shooters of Training Squadron SIX. Through times of war and through times of peace, Training Squadron SIX has served our country with great distinction and valor. For that reason, I am proud to recognize the Shooters of Training Squadron SIX for their exceptional training and excellent performance over the last 50 years.

Training Squadron SIX has picked up the torch lit by their predecessors on May 1, 1960, and continued the legacy of producing the best combat aviators the world has ever seen. On that day, Training Squadron SIX was commissioned with the task of providing primary flight training to a younger generation of student naval aviators. Since being commissioned, more than 15,000 students have been trained and in excess of 1.1 million flight hours performed.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Training Squadron SIX for going above and beyond the call of duty on their 50th anniversary. To this day, Training Squadron SIX continues to provide the highest quality training to student aviators from the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and several Allied Forces.

Madam Speaker, I missed rollcall vote No. 248 on May 5, 2010. If present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain (Ret.) John C. Miko as he prepares to retire as Vice President of Government Relations for the Electronics, Intelligence, and Support Operating Group of BAE Systems. Captain Miko's life of dedicated service to this country throughout times of conflict and times of peace is truly remarkable, and it is a great privilege to recognize him on this day.

Following the example set by his family's military service, Captain Miko attended the United States Coast Guard Academy and received a commission as an Ensign upon graduation. After serving aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Unimak for 16 months, he went to flight school at NAS Pensacola, Florida. Within his aviation specialty, he had a variety of important and challenging flying assignments. Captain Miko served as an instructor pilot and spent three years as an exchange pilot with the British Royal Navy. In addition, he commanded a large Coast Guard Group and Air

Station in Oregon. Before being detailed to the Department of Homeland Security Transition team and the DHS Office of Legislative Affairs, Captain Miko served as the Coast Guard liaison to the U.S. Senate and as Chief of Coast Guard congressional affairs.

Upon his retirement from the U.S. Coast Guard in 2004, Captain Miko accepted a government relations position with BAE Systems. Since then, he has continued to demonstrate his abilities as a passionate and effective public policy advocate on matters of national security. In his role as Vice President of Government Relations, he displayed even- tempered, professional leadership that consistently focused on helping others do what is best for our U.S. military members and veterans.

Captain Miko has tirelessly supported this nation's military through his service in the U.S. Coast Guard and as a trusted voice within the defense community. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the U.S. Congress I am honored to recognize the efforts and accomplishments of this outstanding American patriot. I congratulate and thank Captain John C. Miko for his 33 years of service and wish him a happy retirement.

Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to recognize the passing of one of Pensacola, Florida's most respected residents, Mr. Anthony Ciano. His life will not soon be forgotten. Instead, his life will be remembered as one embodying the purest virtues of loyalty, hard work and selflessness. For that reason, Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize the life and deeds of Anthony Ciano on this day.

Born in Akron, Ohio as the son of Italian immigrants, Mr. Ciano moved to Florida to begin his career. Starting out as an automobile mechanic in a new environment, it could have become very easy for him to lose heart and become discouraged. However, never losing sight of the American Dream, Mr. Ciano worked hard and eventually became the manager of several automobile dealerships. In 1968, Anthony Ciano moved to Pensacola and purchased his first automobile dealership. With much diligence and commitment, Mr. Ciano built his Ford dealership into one of the most successful in the region and in the entire country.

In addition to understanding the importance of hard work, Mr. Ciano also knew the value of community service and charity. With an always grateful heart, Mr. Ciano eagerly looked for ways to give to others and contribute to the community. He was involved in numerous civic and charitable organizations throughout Northwest Florida. Whether it was his work to begin the Boys' Club of Escambia and his participation in the Rotary Club, or his support of local law enforcement and the Miracle League Baseball Park for handicapped children, Mr. Anthony Ciano was a leader who was ready to give selflessly of himself for the betterment of those around him and in his community.

Madam Speaker, though Mr. Ciano may have passed, the impact of his life, actions and deeds will forever remain. My wife Vicki and I express the deepest sympathies to his loving wife Natalie and his children.

Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to rise and recognize the 50th anniversary of the Doerbirds of Training Squadron Two. Over the years, the Doerbirds have served our country with great distinction and valor. For their commitment to training outstanding student aviators, Training Squadron Two rightfully holds a place in the annals of naval history. For that reason, I am proud to recognize the Doerbirds of Training Squadron Two for their exceptional training and excellent performance over the last 50 years.

The current Doerbirds of Training Squadron Two picked up the torch lit by their predecessors on May 1, 1960. On that day, Training Squadron Two was commissioned with the task of providing primary and intermediate stage flight training to select student aviators from the United States Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and several allied nations. Each year Training Squadron Two graduates approximately 210 student aviators. Logging nearly 2,000 flight hours each month, they have flown in excess of 1,800,000 flight hours and trained more than 19,000 students since their commissioning.

To mark this great occasion, the Doerbirds will be honoring a great man and one of their own. Major Daniel S. Haworth is one of the many distinguished pilots to be a part of Training Squadron Two. Major Haworth was an instructor pilot with the Doerbirds from 1981 to 1985. While Major Haworth logged over 1,000 hours in the T-34C Turbomentor aircraft and was honored by being named instructor of the month four times, his greatest legacy is one that will always be remembered for its level of courage and selflessness in the face of adversity. On October 4, 1987, Major Haworth was flying a night vision goggle shooting exercise in his UH-1N Huey helicopter. During the exercise, the aircraft suffered a tail rotor malfunction. Sacrificing his life, the courage and composure displayed by Major Haworth at the controls are solely attributed for the survival of all the crewmembers on board.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize the Doerbirds for going above and beyond the call of duty on their 50th anniversary. To this day, the Doerbirds of Squadron Two continue to provide the highest quality training to student aviators. As they remain resolute and steadfast to doing their part to defend our nation, we must do our part to remember their unwavering commitment with our hearts and minds.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to honor the life and service of Mr. Ron Yeakle on his 87th birthday. Mr. Yeakle is a true patriot. His story of extraordinary heroism and commitment to country has been an inspiration to many.

Ron Yeakle was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. In World War II, Mr. Yeakle served as a bomber pilot. During a bombing mission near Vienna, Austria, his B-24 Liberator was shelled at over 22,000 feet. In a harrowing feat of courage and bravery, Mr. Yeakle survived the jump and was later captured by enemy soldiers and forced to spend 14 months in German concentration camps. In what must have seemed like a hopeless situation at times, Mr. Yeakle and the other captors managed to encourage each other to endure this horrific experience until they were liberated by General George Patton and his men.

After the war, Mr. Yeakle and his wife Dorothy moved to Pensacola, Florida. In 1969, Mr. Yeakle was a co-founder of Piping and Equipment, Inc., where he still serves as a consultant. Additionally, Mr. Yeakle has served on the West Florida Hospital Board and the Ellyson Industrial Park Board. Ron and his wife have two daughters, Priscilla Carroll and Suzanne O'Meara.

It is with great honor, Madam Speaker, that I recognize the life and deeds of Mr. Ron Yeakle on his 87th birthday. He has been a leader both at times of war and times of peace. My wife Vicki and I wish him a happy birthday and his entire family all the best for the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Pensacola's Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. This remarkable milestone is a testament to the years of great work by the church.

The year 2010 is a relatively small occurrence on the timeline of Orthodox Christianity, a faith that traces its beginnings all the way back to the apostles and dates many of its earliest traditions back to the days of St. John Chrysostom. 2010 also marks the 100th anniversary of Pensacola, Florida's oldest Orthodox congregation. The first Greeks to come to Pensacola were seamen who migrated during the 1860s. As the Greek community continued to grow, it was decided to build a church where Greek ideals and customs could be preserved as well as a place where spiritual needs could be met. Today, the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Pensacola is a place of worship for more than 150 families of various ethnic backgrounds.

In thinking about the tremendous occasion before us and the countless good deeds that have been carried out in the name of the Father by this body, I am reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul. Paul wrote to the church of Galatia, ``And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.'' On this 100th year anniversary of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Pensacola, I ask that they too heed the words of the Apostle Paul. After all these years, I encourage the church not to lose heart in doing what is good, but rather continue to serve the Lord and accomplish His work. I ask that they don't give up, but continue to show the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.

Madam Speaker, it is my great privilege to honor Pensacola's Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church on their centennial anniversary. These 100 years have been a testament to the compassion and good will that exists among mankind.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Colonel Frank Mann Jr., upon the occasion of his 90th birthday. Colonel Mann has spent a lifetime serving both country and community, and it is a privilege to recognize him on this special day. Throughout the span of his nine decades, Colonel Mann has lived as a shining example to show all what the virtues of patriotism and voluntarism truly mean. I know that as he continues to live out his days, the life of Colonel Mann will serve as a reflection for all to gaze upon to find the exact measure of a man.

Frank was born in Bayonne, New Jersey, on May 2, 1920. As a young pilot, Colonel Mann spent time in the service as an instructor pilot and in England as a B-24 and B-29 aircraft commander during World War II. After leaving the service, he returned to the University of Wyoming and earned a Bachelor of Science in Geology.

As war broke out in Korea, Colonel Mann was recalled to active duty and stationed at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming. After a few short months, Colonel Mann was assigned as the Chief of Combat Operations for the 19th Bombardment Group based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. During this time he flew B-29 bombing missions over Korea. By the time the war ended in 1953, the 19th had flown 645 missions, 5,950 sorties, and had dropped more than 52,000 tons of bombs on enemy targets. For their display of ability, the 19th was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation. They were also awarded the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation.

Colonel Mann spent the later portion of his illustrious career as an Air Force officer in numerous leadership and command positions throughout the world. Some of those posts include Commander of the 705th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, Director of Flight Operations at Wright-Patterson AFB and Commander of an Air Defense Command Radar Station at Mt. Laguna, California. In 1973, after 37 long years of selfless service, Colonel Mann retired. Through his distinguished and decorated career, Colonel Mann earned many awards including the Bronze Star, Air Medal and the Air Force and Army Commendation Medals.

Colonel Mann's record of military service alone is enough to merit a lifetime of achievement. However, after retiring from the military he did not quit his commitment to service. Instead, he continued to go above and beyond the call of duty and put his service-oriented lifestyle to work in the community. Colonel Mann helped co-found the local Lions Club in the 1980s. He also became a volunteer at the Chamber of Commerce where he remains active today. As a civilian, Colonel Mann worked with local retired military personnel and advocated on their behalf at the national level as a member of the Board of Directors and President of the Ft. Walton Beach Military Officers Association of America. In addition, Colonel Mann is a member of the Order of Daedalians. In this capacity, he worked to enroll high school youth in ROTC programs, and sponsored an annual scholarship for ROTC students. Frank is married to the former Margie Hatton of Malone, Florida. Together they have two daughters, Cindy and Karen.

It is with great honor, the highest respect and much personal pride, Madam Speaker, that I recognize the life and deeds of Colonel Frank W. Mann, Jr. on his 90th birthday. He has been a leader both on the battlefield and in northwest Florida. My wife Vicki and I wish him a happy birthday and his entire family all the best for the future.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure I rise to recognize the 50th anniversary the Red Knights of Training Squadron Three. Through times of war and through times of peace, the Red Knights have served our country with great distinction and valor. In their commitment and in their sacrifice, Training Squadron Three rightfully holds a place in the annals of Naval History as a squadron that took immense pride in preparing America's finest youth for the defense of our great nation and her ideals. For that reason, I am proud to recognize the Red Knights of Squadron Three for their exceptional training and excellent performance over the last 50 years.

With World War II raging in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters the demand for trained pilots was at its zenith, and the first squadron to bear the name Training Squadron Three was created. Throughout the costly struggle with the Axis Alliance that claimed many young pilots, Training Squadron Three continued to train pilots for day-to-day operations and for the units needed to carry out the final campaigns against the Japanese mainland. After the terms of surrender were signed by the Japanese, there was little need for multiple training squadrons to train an enormous invasion force and Training Squadron Three was decommissioned.

The current Red Knights of Training Squadron Three picked up the torch lit by their predecessors on May 1, 1960, and continued the legacy of ``Training the Best for America's Defense.'' On that day, Training Squadron Three was commissioned with the task of utilizing the T-28 Trojan to prepare a younger generation of student naval aviators in radio instruments, formation flying and air-to-air gunnery. In 1968, at the height of the Vietnam War, Training Squadron Three was at its peak size; consisting of 174 instructors, 494 students, 649 enlisted and 162 T-28 aircraft. During 1968, Training Squadron Three had flown almost 110,000 instructional hours and trained 902 students. These impressive figures set the record for any training squadron in the history of Naval Air Training command.

In 1980, Training Squadron Three became the only primary fixed wing training squadron to be alternately commanded by a Navy and Marine Corps officer. The Red Knights were honored once again in 1994 when they became the Navy's first and only joint service primary flight training squadron. In 1997, the squadron was selected as the first Navy squadron to transition to and fly the T-6 Texan II.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize the Red Knights for going above and beyond the call of duty on their 50th anniversary. To this day, the Red Knights of Squadron Three continue to provide the highest quality training to student aviators from the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force and several Allied nations. As they remain resolute and steadfast to do their part defending our nation, we must do our part to remember their unwavering commitment with our hearts and minds.

Madam Speaker, it is with both great honor and humility that I rise to recognize the life of Mr. Earl Durden. After 18 years, Earl succumbed to his battle with cancer and now rests in peace. Throughout his 78 years, Mr. Durden spent his days working as a community leader, and I am proud to honor his lifetime as a compassionate giver and visionary.

Mr. Durden came from humble beginnings. He was born the son of a farmer outside of Dothan, Alabama, but became a powerful leader in the transportation industry. While he was a well known railroad magnate throughout Florida, Mr. Durden was perhaps best known as a local philanthropist and for his quiet charity. Earl Durden was a friend to many and was respected by even more. He was a man who always gave generously and has good deeds that will forever go unknown. Even during his fight with cancer, he never forgot what was important and what was worth living for.

Earl Durden was a self-made man. He believed in being honest, working hard and making the most of life. His impressive list of accomplishments includes being named chairman of the state transportation commission under Governor Jeb Bush, CEO and Director of Rail Management Corporation and owner of Magic Broadcasting Company. At age 68, Durden was honored by being named one of the most influential people in Florida.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize and honor the life of Earl Durden. The size of Mr. Durden's heart was only matched by his love for family. My wife Vicki and I express the deepest sympathies to his loving wife Karen and their three sons.

Madam Speaker, I missed roll call Vote Nos. 204-211 on April 15, 2010. Had I been present, I would have voted:

Roll Call Vote No. 204, Providing for consideration of the bill H.R. 4715, ``nay.''

Roll Call Vote No. 205, Recognizing the Coast Guard Group Astoria's more than 60 years of service to the Pacific Northwest, ``aye.''

Roll Call Vote No. 206, On Motion to Refer the Resolution, ``aye.''

Roll Call Vote No. 207, On Agreeing to the Amendment to H.R. 4715, ``nay.''

Roll Call Vote No. 208, On Motion to Recommit H.R. 4715 with Instructions, ``aye.''

Roll Call Vote No. 209, Final passage of H.R. 4715, the Clean Estuaries Act of 2010, ``nay.''

Roll Call Vote No. 210, Congratulating the Duke University men's basketball team for winning the 2010 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship, ``aye.''

Roll Call Vote No. 211, On Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 4851, ``nay.''