Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today in recognition of Mike Anderson for his extraordinary contributions as mayor to the city of Fort Walton Beach, FL.

On November 9, 2007, Mayor Mike Anderson was selected as the 2007 Florida League of Cities Mayor of the Year. He was recognized for his ``outstanding commitment and public outreach, as well as his initiative in developing innovative programs.''

Mayor Anderson holds degrees from the University of Southern California, the University of Texas, and the University of West Florida. Upon graduating from USC, he joined the Air Force, which brought him to northwest Florida, where he retired in 1984. He worked with Civil Service at Eglin from 1985 to 2005 and it was during this stage in his career that he became active in the community.

He served as a city councilman for 4 years, where he served on the Okaloosa-Walton Transportation Planning Organization (TPO) and the Northwest Florida Regional TPO. In 2005, he was elected mayor of the city of Fort Walton Beach.

Mayor Anderson is also known throughout the community for his leadership roles throughout much of northwest Florida. He is currently a member of the Florida League of Cities Home Rule Council, President of the Okaloosa County League of Cities, Government Affairs Committee of the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, the Board of Directors of the Emerald Coast Marine Institute, the Okaloosa School Foundation, and many other civic organizations.

While Mayor Anderson works diligently to improve the quality of life for the members of his community, he also makes time to greet airmen as they return from service overseas, visit area businesses to show gratitude for their community support, and even congratulate residents for their award winning lawns.

His service does not stop there; he also focuses much of his attention on another passion: the youth of the community. His commitment to helping shape the children of Fort Walton Beach into well-rounded young people has inspired Mayor Anderson to introduce several youth programs. These include the Summer Youth at Work Program, the Student Award for Civic Excellence, and a Youth Committee Program. For his dedication to students in the Take Stock in Children initiative, he was presented with the Award of Excellence in Mentoring--Local Government Mentor of the Year in the spring of 2007 by the Florida Mentoring Program.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to honor Mayor Mike Anderson for his achievements and thank him for his dedicated service. His recognition by various organizations confirms his commitment to excellence and the continuous advancement of the city of Fort Walton Beach. May God continue to bless him and I wish him continued success in his career.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of SGT Daniel McCall, United States Army. Sergeant McCall gave his life in defense of our Nation and was killed in action on October 30, 2007 in Salmen Pak, Iraq. Sergeant McCall was serving with the 1st Battalion, 15th Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade Combat Team, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Georgia.

Daniel was a 2001 Pace High School honor graduate and a star athlete. He held numerous track records, many of which still stand. In June 2004, he enlisted in the United States Army, following in his grandfather ``Duke's'' footsteps. Daniel excelled as an infantryman as he graduated from airborne school and was selected for Special Forces training. It was at Fort Bragg, NC that Daniel met the love of his life, Brittnay, whom he married in April 2006. He and Brittnay transferred back to Fort Benning and Daniel deployed to Iraq in March 2007. Sergeant McCall's accomplishments while serving his country include: Special Forces training, sniper school, combat life saver training, and the warrior leaders course. He received the Bronze Star Medal, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Army Commendation Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Medal, just to name a few.

Daniel's grandfather, Duke, said ``Daniel was loved by all who met him, and his smile would brighten up the room.'' His uncle, Dr. Robin McCall said of Daniel, ``He set higher goals, and he set higher standards for others to follow. He didn't accept average. He was a shining example to all.''

Daniel was buried with full military honors on November 8, 2007 at Barrancas National Cemetery, Pensacola Naval Air Station. Several hundred people attended the funeral to remember this patriot--this fine soldier. While his earthly remains will be enshrined forever in Pensacola, Daniel's memory and example of selfless service will live on in the hearts of all of us in northwest Florida. I am always reminded of the greatness of our country when I meet military families like the McCalls, who supported Daniel as he volunteered to defend America.

The people of Pace have reason to be proud of Sergeant McCall, and I am humbled to be able to represent those people. Vicki and I will keep Daniel's entire family, especially his wife, Brittnay, his mother, Petra, and his grandparents, Duke and Liane McCall, in our thoughts and prayers. I hope all the people of northwest Florida and our Nation do the same. May God bless SGT Daniel McCall and all of those who serve in our Armed Forces and defend our Nation around the globe.

Madam Speaker, I would like to offer the reason I missed rollcall vote Nos. 1059 through 1072 on November 7 through 8, 2007. I was down in my district attending the funeral of Sgt. Daniel L. McCall.

If present, I would have voted:

Rollcall vote No. 1059, H. Res. 801--Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3688) to implement the United States-Peru Trade Promotion Agreement ``aye'';

Rollcall vote No. 1060, final passage on H.R. 3688--United States- Peru Trade Promotion Agreement ``aye'';

Rollcall vote No. 1061, H. Res. 806--Providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany H.R. 3222, making appropriations for the Department of Defense ``nay'';

Rollcall vote No. 1062, Ordering the Previous Questions on H. Res 806 ``nay'';

Rollcall vote No. 1063, H. Res. 806--Rule for Department of Defense Conference ``nay'';

Rollcall vote No. 1064, final passage on H.R. 3222--Department of Defense Appropriations for FY 2008 ``aye'';

Rollcall vote No. 1065, Ordering the Previous Questions ``nay'';

Rollcall vote No. 1066, providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3355) to ensure the availability and affordability of homeowners' insurance coverage for catastrophic events ``nay'';

Rollcall vote No. 1067, On Motion to Instruct Conferees to H.R. 3074 ``aye'';

Rollcall vote No. 1068, Klein Amdt. to H.R. 3355 ``aye'';

Rollcall vote No. 1069, Roskam Amdt. to H.R. 3355 ``nay'';

Rollcall vote No. 1070, Roskam Amdt. to H.R. 3355, ``nay'';

Rollcall vote No. 1071, Manzullo Amdt. to H.R. 3355, ``nay'';

Rollcall vote No. 1072, Shays Amdt. to H.R. 3355, ``nay''.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the U.S. Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize Charlene Mauro Fearon, this year's recipient of the Outstanding High School Science Teacher Award from the Florida Association of Science Teachers.

Ms. Fearon currently teaches marine-science at Navarre High School in Navarre, Florida. She has been an educator for over 9 years, and prior to teaching, she worked as a marine science instructor and animal care specialist at Sea World in Orlando.

With thousands of teachers in the State, the Florida Association of Science Teachers critically examines the character and performance of each nominee. Teachers are evaluated on their ability to identify and address their students' educational needs and the impact they have on the students' learning. Only teachers with great enthusiasm for the subject matter and committed devotion to their pupils are considered.

This is not the first time Ms. Fearon has been recognized for her exceptional teaching skills. In 2005, she was named the Santa Rosa County Teacher of the Year, and in 2004 she was a recipient of the John Beakley Marine Science Educator of the Year Award. Students and faculty alike praise her for the passion she devotes to her work. Her enthusiasm for the subject matter combined with her expertise of the material has sparked an overwhelmingly positive response from her students.

Through her hard work and dedication in the field of education, the impact she has had on her students and the difference she has made in their lives have proven her to be among the great teachers of the Nation. We are honored and proud to have her as one of our own.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the U.S. Congress, I am proud to recognize Charlene Mauro Fearon on this outstanding achievement for her exemplary contribution to the education of our children.

Madam Speaker, it is an honor for me to rise today and recognize the retirement of Terry Neustaedter, a great educator.

For over 33 years, Terry has served as the principal of Berryhill Elementary School in Milton, FL, and under his leadership the school's size, facilities, and reputation have flourished. When he took the helm at Berryhill in 1974, the school served 350 students with a faculty and staff of only 35 people, and when he retires at the end of this year the student body will have more than doubled to 850 students and a faculty and staff of 115.

When the State of Florida implemented the Florida Comprehensive Assessment Test, FCAT to determine how well schools were meeting the standards set by the No Child Left Behind Act, every school principal was faced with a new challenge of making sure the schools under their charge lived up to its highest potential. Within 2 years, Terry Neustaedter had Berryhill Elementary School earning an ``A'' grade, and it has remained that way ever since. In addition, the Florida Department of Education recently awarded Berryhill with a Certificate of Achievement for having exceeded the standard for annual progress, and the school is 1 of only 12 schools out of 1,400 to receive such distinction.

Terry's leadership of Berryhill Elementary was not limited to just within the school walls. The school has received numerous awards on both the State and local level for community involvement, especially in the area of volunteering in the surrounding community. These volunteer efforts have included helping raise money for the American Heart Association and the American Cancer Association, and for many years Berryhill has received the Department of Veteran Affairs ``Outstanding Service'' award recognizing its outstanding service to our nation's veterans through the Voluntary Service Program. In addition, he has brought programs into the school that teach the importance of civic participation through activities such as voting, reinforcing the importance of being involved with one's community.

Madam Speaker, Terry's leadership and friendly positive demeanor will be missed by past and current students of Berryhill Elementary School. I am confident that those following in his footsteps will aspire to achieve the same great results for our Nation's youth as Terry has achieved, and I know he will continue to be looked up to as a great educator.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize Nancy Berry for being named to the USA Today's 2007 All-USA Teacher Team.

Nancy Berry is a first grade teacher at Liza Jackson Preparatory School, a charter school in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. She has been an educator for 34 years, which includes five years as a principal.

As the USA Today panel sifted through hundreds of nominations, they judged the teachers on how well they identify and address their students' needs and the impact they have on students and learning. A parent of a former student, Dawn Fisher, was so impressed with Mrs. Berry that she nominated her for this prestigious distinction. Only 20 teachers nationwide were chosen.

Each year Mrs. Berry welcomes her students to ``Berryland USA: A Place Where Children Love to Learn.'' She is known for her gentle encouragement, individualized attention and a plastic, heat-reactive fish to make learning a ``self-fulfilling prophecy'' for her first- graders. On the first day of class she brings out the fish and tells the children that if the fish curls up in their hand then they are smart, worthy and good. ``Children have to have concrete ways of seeing that they are smart or are able to be successful,'' she says.

Through her hard work and dedication in the field of education, the impact she has had on her students and the difference she has made in their lives has proven her to be among the great teachers of the nation. We are honored and proud to have her as one of our own.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize Nancy Berry on this outstanding achievement for her exemplary contribution to the education of our children.

Madam Speaker, I would like to offer a personal explanation of the reason I missed rollcall vote Nos. 983 through 985 on October 22, 2007. I was in my district attending a family funeral.

If present, I would have voted: rollcall vote No. 983, H.R. 189, establishing the Paterson Great Falls National Park in the state of New Jersey, ``nay''; rollcall vote No. 984, H.R. 523, requiring the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain public land located wholly or partially within the boundaries of the Wells Hydroelectric Project of Public Utility District No. 1 of Douglas County, Washington, to the utility district, ``aye''; rollcall vote No. 985, H. Res. 762, supporting the goals of National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week, ``aye.''

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is with great honor that I rise today in recognition of Helen Spencer, who for the last 40 years has engaged in committed, dutiful service to the City of Fort Walton Beach, FL, as the City Clerk.

Helen Spencer's dedication to the City began in 1967 when she became a secretary in the Fort Walton Beach Police Department. In 1970, she was promoted to stenographer. In 1974 and for the next 7 years she was a high level secretary, and on April 29, 1981, she was promoted to Executive Secretary for the Fort Walton Beach Police Department. When the position of City Clerk of Fort Walton Beach was vacated she was quickly chosen to fill the spot as interim city clerk. After only a few months of service to the City, the City Council asked her to fill the position permanently.

As the city clerk, Mrs. Spencer manages a multitude of functions. She oversees the official City records, prepares City elections, manages the city's leases and deeds, and prepares countless minutes and agenda packages for the City Council. However, Mrs. Spencer's dedication to the community ranges beyond her occupation. She participates on the Local Issues Committee, the Greater Fort Walton Beach Chamber of Commerce, and serves as vice president of the Sugar Beach Sertoma Club.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize Helen Spencer on her 40th anniversary with the City of Fort Walton Beach, FL. Mrs. Spencer truly possesses an extraordinary understanding and a unique perspective of the City's history. She is a committed, innovative, and loyal resident of Fort Walton Beach, and we are forever grateful for her service.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the U.S. Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today in recognition of the Gerald Brooks family for being selected the 2007 Okaloosa County Farm Family of the Year and for their contributions to the agricultural development of Baker, a city in my district in northwest Florida.

For over 35 years, Gerald and his wife Mary have been actively involved in farming in northwest Florida. Gerald was born and raised on the farm and while being one of nine children, he was the only child who stayed in farming. The family business began around 1930, when Gerald's grandparents relocated from Evergreen, Alabama to Okaloosa County. They moved to the farm's present location in 1940. Sharecropping corn with his grandfather during his last year of high school helped to groom young Gerald for one day taking over the family farm.

After serving in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971, Gerald began farming full time. He demonstrated his tremendous work ethic in all aspects of farming. He has worked tirelessly to improve the agricultural and farming practices for his community by serving on the Farm Bureau of Directors and the Okaloosa County Extension Advisory Committee for several years. Gerald continues to assist the local Extension office by offering his land for on-farm demonstrations, which includes a current project with a soybean Asian rust plot.

Throughout the years, the Brooks family farm has produced cotton, peanuts, soybeans, wheat, and the largest selection of fresh vegetables in the area. Gerald personally plans, plants, and manages all growing of the crops in addition to other day-to-day operations on the farm, while his sister, Kathy, oversees the harvesting and marketing of the crops.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the U.S. Congress, I would like to offer my sincere commendation to a family that is a role model for all of us. A deep sense of civic contribution and values has been instilled through all the generations of the Gerald Brooks family. It is my hope that this family tradition continues for many more generations.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today in recognition of William John Nathey for his contributions to the settlement of Niceville, a City in my district in Northwest Florida.

William Nathey, born in England in 1820, traveled to the United States on a timber ship. After settling in the community of Boggy, he built a large gristmill in 1857. He traveled as far as Mobile, AL, to retrieve gristmill stones, which he brought back by oxen. The stones from the Nathey Gristmill have been preserved and are now located at the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida.

The Nathey legacy extends much further than the gristmill stones. When he settled in Northwest Florida, he met and married a woman from North Carolina. Their first child, William John, born in 1846, carried on the Nathey family legacy and went on to be a key figure in the establishment of the City of Niceville.

William John followed in his father's footsteps and set up his homestead in Northwest Florida. While his father had worked the land to support his family, William John sold carpentry shingles and often traveled to neighboring cities to support his family.

Strong family values and a solid Christian foundation also carried on from generation to generation in the Nathey family. William John and his wife, Mary Jane, were two of the founding members of the First United Methodist Church in Niceville. The Nathey family tree continued to grow with their children and grandchildren and carries on today. Many of William Nathey's descendents still reside in Northwest Florida.

To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Nathey Gristmill, Governor Charlie Crist recently approved the designation of the William Nathey Bridge, which is to be celebrated with a dedication ceremony on November 12, 2007. Appropriately, the William Nathey Bridge crosses Boggy Bayou, which was the southern border to William John's original homestead.

I would like to offer my sincere gratitude to a man and a family who have served as an inspiration to us all. Such a unique family history stretching back so many years is something to truly be admired and honored.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to honor the life and legacy of William Nathey, and as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the construction of the Nathey Gristmill, our community reflects upon how this family has helped to create a home for so many. May God continue to bless them.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of renaming the Cantonment Post Office in Cantonment, FL, the Charles H. Hendrix Post Office. It is fitting that we rename this post office after Mr. Hendrix as he retired from the U.S. Postal Service as Postmaster of the Cantonment Post Office with 37 years of service.

Charles Harold Hendrix was a man of service. He dedicated his life to the Lord, his family, and his community. Born and reared in Molino, FL, where he met his wife of 55 years, Barbara; they had three children: Chuck, Rusty, and Cheryl.

He was a member of Highland Baptist Church, where he served as the church treasurer, chairman of the board of deacons, and as a Sunday school superintendent. Charles Barton, the current Sunday school superintendent, said that Mr. Hendrix ``had moral

values that were exceptionally great, and that he was always willing to help everybody anytime, any way that he could.'' This sentiment was not only found around Highland Baptist Church.

Charles Hendrix was a charter member of the Molino Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as fire chief, assistant fire chief, and secretary of the department's board of directors. Former fire chief Harry Nowlin was inspired by Charles: ``I've never met a finer gentleman in all my life.''

Mr. Hendrix was also a member of the Cantonment Rotary Club for 44 years. He served one term as president and was an active member of the Club Service Committee. He was presented the prestigious Paul Harris Award, and in 2003, he received the club's ``Gator Estes Service Above Self Award.''

Mr. Hendrix went to be with the Lord last October at the early age of 75. Madam Speaker, I, along with the residents of Northwest Florida, can think of no better way to honor this highly respected, admirable man than to dedicate the Cantonment Post Office in his name.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the nonprofit organization, Sew Much Comfort, which coordinates the efforts of volunteer seamstresses to adapt clothing for wounded servicemembers.

This all-volunteer initiative formed in December 2004 as a 501(c)3 public charity and is the only organization that provides specially designed adaptive clothing to military hospitals. Ginger Dosedel founded the organization nearly 4 years ago when her husband was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base. Their son underwent treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center for muscular cancer and suggested to his mother that she may be able to help the many wounded soldiers they met while in Washington, DC.

Their mission ``to design, create, and deliver customized clothing for these brave troops'' not only provides our heroes with a tangible symbol of our immeasurable support for them, but also helps to facilitate the healing process upon their return from military service.

The Emerald Coast Chapter of the American Sewing Guild recently sponsored an event where numerous volunteers gathered in Baker, a city in my district of Northwest Florida, to sew for this wonderful cause.

Over the past four years, thousands of volunteers have worked diligently to alter shirts, shorts, boxer shorts, and pants. All of which are shipped to a central distribution center in Ohio and then allocated to military hospitals throughout the United States, as well as Germany, Iraq, and Afghanistan

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize the remarkable philanthropic efforts of Sew Much Comfort and their volunteers for their generosity and commitment to service which has helped to create a better life for our brave servicemembers.

Madam Speaker, I rise today on the occasion of the 50th Wedding Anniversary of Reverend Fred and Jacquelyn Rogers. As the love between Fred and

Jackie grew throughout their fifty years of marriage, so did their love for the church and communities of Northwest Florida.

A native of Milton, Florida, Fred Rogers has devoutly served Northwest Florida as Pastor of Milton First Assembly of God since 1960. He is a member of the Kiwanis Club and a member of the Santa Rosa County Ministerial Association.

Out of her passion for teaching and love for children, Jackie Rogers has proudly served in the Santa Rosa County Florida school district, where she currently teaches Kindergarten and first grade Sunday school.

Fred and Jackie continue to demonstrate their strong family values and unwavering faith in God as loving parents and grandparents.

Through their leadership and dedication, Fred and Jackie honorably and spiritually served the church and the Northwest Florida community. Northwest Florida is truly blessed to have them as her own. Together, they have touched a number of lives, and the impact they have made on the community will leave a lasting impression.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is a great honor for me to recognize Reverend Fred and Jackie Rogers for their love and dedicated service to the communities of Northwest Florida. I would like to offer my sincere congratulations in celebration of their 50 years together and recognize that they serve as an inspiration to us all.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jimmy Dale Spooneybarger for 30 years of service in law enforcement. Through his dedication and selfless sacrifice, Jimmy has contributed much to the efforts of working to keep our country a safer place.

While born in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania in 1950, Jimmy Dale Spooneybarger spent the majority of his childhood in Niceville, Florida. Graduating from Niceville High School, Jimmy pursued a degree in Law Enforcement from the University of West Florida. Upon completion, he joined the local law enforcement community as a police officer in Pensacola, Florida. In 1977, Jimmy's career relocated to the West Coast, where he served as a U.S. Border Patrol Agent in San Diego.

Throughout his career in law enforcement, Jimmy's passion for music only grew. As a professional musician, Jimmy has served as the Bivocational Minister of Music in five churches, including the First Baptist Church of Gulf Breeze, where he continues to serve today.

Jimmy Dale Spooneybarger has proudly served the law enforcement and church community through his leadership and passion. But he is also a dedicated husband, loving father and grandfather. Northwest Florida is truly honored to have him as one of her own.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is a great honor for me to recognize Jimmy Dale Spooneybarger for his continued service to Northwest Florida and this great Nation.

Madam Speaker, It is a great honor for me to rise today to recognize the 40th anniversary of the University of West Florida.

The vision of the University is to distinguish itself as the best regional comprehensive university in America, and it has achieved that mission. Situated on 1,600 acres, UWF is the second largest main campus in the State of Florida University system and is now home to nearly ten thousand students.

UWF consists of 35 academic buildings, 21 student services facilities, 25 dormitories, 2 university village student apartment complexes and 20 plant support facilities.

The University's contributions to Northwest Florida have been numerous and extremely beneficial to understanding the area's past and helping it move into the future. The highly-regarded anthropology department has been involved in extensive archaeological research, including excavating the prehistoric archaeological site Bernath in Santa Rosa County. The department is also at the forefront of underwater archaeology, excavating shipwrecks from different centuries off the Gulf Coast.

The University's affiliations with other organizations such as the cutting-edge Institute for Human and Machine Cognition also help maintain UWF's presence as a leading institution for academic research. In addition, the Division of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies has partnered with the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office to offer higher education opportunities for law enforcement officers.

Over 100,000 students have passed through the University of West Florida, and more continue to do so each academic year. The last 40 years have established UWF as a regional leader, involving the community in its research and learning. I know the next 40 years will see further expansion of UWF's place as an outstanding academic institution. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize the 40th anniversary of the University of West Florida.