Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor one of Florida's finest, Mr. Stephen Townley, upon his retirement from the public service system. May 9, 2007 marked Townley's 30th year of duty under the United States Judicial Branch.

After graduation from the University of South Carolina in 1973, Townley began his career as a probation officer in Milton, Florida. Advancing rapidly, Townley was appointed a United States Probation Officer in 1977 then was promoted 8 years later to United States

Probation Officer in the Northern District of Florida.

At the request of District Judge William Wilkins, the first Chairman of the U.S. Sentencing Commission, Townley aided the development of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. In this position, Townley worked to guide fair criminal sentencing, ensuring just punishment and the safety of his community. Later, Townley served on the Probation Officers Advisory Group to the U.S. Sentencing Commission.

In 1990, Townley was named Supervising U.S. Probation Officer and was promoted 2 years later becoming the Northern District's first Deputy Chief Probation Officer. During his last 8 years of service, Townley held the position of Chief Probation Officer of the Northern District of Florida. To his community, he embodies the epitome of loyalty, as he strove daily to keep danger away from the public.

Madam Speaker, I would like to offer my sincere and heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Stephen Townley on his 30th anniversary in serving the public. For the past 30 years, he has dedicated himself towards helping the residents of Northwest Florida and for that we will be forever grateful. I wish him the best in his retirement.

Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to recognize the passing of former Milton City Councilwoman Hilda McDonald. Following a battle with cancer, Hilda left us Thursday, May 17, at the age of 83.

A native Floridian, Hilda pursued a degree in research biology from Florida State's College for Women. However, she gave up her studies during World War II to teach under an emergency teaching certificate. This kind of selfless behavior was prominent throughout Hilda's life.

In 1984, Hilda began serving on the City Council for the city of Milton and remained on the board for 16 years. During these years Hilda founded Blackwater Baptist Church and the Benevolent Association of Santa Rosa County. She also became the first President of the Women's Advisory Council for Santa Rosa Hospital and led as Chair for the restoration of Milton's City Hall. Mayor Guy Thompson who knew Hilda for 30 years explained, ``She had a heart for helping people, and that reflected in the life she led.''

It is certain the people of Milton are mourning the loss of Hilda, who played an important role in over 15 community organizations. However, her legacy is sure to continue through the generations of her family she nurtured and guided. My thoughts and prayers remain with her 9 children, 13 grandchildren, 2 great-grandchildren and her brother.

Hilda's daughter, Mary Golden, has said of her mother ``the one thing I would like my mother to be known for was that she was a giver. She gave to others constantly throughout her life. And she was such a good mother, a wonderful Christian mother.''

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is with no small amount of sorrow that I tell of the passing of Hilda McDonald from this world. Hilda will be remembered as a leader, a giver, and an adamant philanthropist. May God rest her soul and continue to bless her family.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to recognize and remember an inspirational leader in our community, Reverend Joe Bamberg. Brother Joe left us Monday morning, May 21, at the age of 91. Brother Joe was a selfless leader who will sorely be missed by his family, congregation and community. Our thoughts and prayers remain with Mary, his wife of 63 years, as well as his three children, one grandchild, two great-grandchildren, and his sister.

In his early years, Brother Joe served as a pastor in his native Alabama hometown and as an Army chaplain during World War II. However, beginning in 1947, Brother Joe became the pastor of First Baptist Church of Milton, where he served for 60 faithful years. Reverend David Spencer, who is the current pastor of First Baptist Church, credits Brother Joe for the constant growth of the congregation, saying ``He was such a worker, a tireless person. He got out and found people, won people for the Lord, and built up this church.''

Brother Joe not only worked to strengthen his own congregation, but also reached out and led efforts to begin five other churches in the community. The purpose of his ministry was simply to lead others to Christianity, regardless of whom they were and which church they attended.

Brother Joe's humility was one of his greatest qualities. As a pastor, he intentionally put others before himself. To account for his character, his wife, Mary said her husband made sure to stand at the same level as his congregation during the service. No matter the circumstance, ``Joe never took a day off and he refused many pay raise offers.''

In 1980, Brother Joe graciously stepped down from the pulpit; however, he continued to serve as pastor emeritus. Persistent in his work, he continued to assist his community through visiting and preaching at local hospitals and nursing homes.

Brother Joe was truly a servant to the Milton community. Reverend Spencer most accurately describes the great significance of

Brother Joe's life, saying, ``He was a fixture in this county; I cannot overstate the impact he had on this community and on this church.'' It is certain that the world has lost a great man. May God rest his soul and continue to bless his family.

Madam Speaker, it is an honor for me to rise today and recognize the retirement of Linda K. Bowman. Over the last three decades, Mrs. Bowman has dedicated her work to improving the quality of life in my district of northwest Florida.

Throughout her entire career, Linda has been unquestionably devoted to serving her community. She earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in Home Economics Education from Florida State University. In 1973, she joined the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences (UF/IFAS) as a faculty member with the Escambia County Extension Service. Here she began a career with Family and Consumer Sciences that would extend over 30 years.

In an effort to further her education and better serve her community, Linda became a Registered Dietician in 1980 and soon relocated to the Santa Rosa County Extension Service, where she has been for the last 16 years of her career.

Since college, Linda has maintained active membership in numerous professional organizations. These include the Extension Honorary Society, Epsilon Sigma Phi; the Florida Extension Association; the American Dietetic Association; and she is a graduate of the Santa Rosa Chamber of Commerce's Leadership Class.

She dedicated her energy toward making northwest Florida the best place to live and she is well known for the efforts she put forth toward that goal. Throughout her career, Linda has been blessed with the support from her husband Chuck, and their three loving children: Kevin, Heather, and Amy. She has spent her entire career sharing her insights with others and looking at ways to better aid and care for her community.

There is no question that Linda is a leader for northwest Florida and has set the bar high for all those who will follow. Her leadership and knowledge helped to create a better place, and her service to those in this community will, be missed. I remain confident that Linda's input will still play a great role in continuing the efforts to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is with great admiration that I recognize Mrs. Linda K. Bowman, our community has benefited greatly from her service, and I wish her well in her retirement.

Madam Speaker, it is a great honor for me to rise today to recognize a living legend in northwest Florida. After nearly 15 years, Mr. Luke McCoy is stepping down as the host of the long-running ``Pensacola Speaks'' talk radio show in my district.

Luke's viewpoints were as well-known as his distinctive voice as he took to the airwaves in the afternoon. However, he let all callers and guests offer their own opinions and insights and never hesitated to broach a tough political issue. The topics covered both national and local levels, and the callers always numerous and well-informed no matter the issue. Luke was well-known as the ``Common Man's Intellectual'' as he brought these issues into a forum where all felt comfortable discussing them and offering their views.

It was not just the topics brought up on Luke McCoy's show that made it great, but also the way Luke presented them--sometimes with humor, sometimes with a touch of irreverence, and when appropriate with well- deserved dignity. However, his respect for differing viewpoints was always constant, and northwest Florida will miss having his familiar presence on the airwaves in the afternoons. Fortunately, listeners will still get to hear Luke on the local morning show, and I know his unique personality will be a breath of fresh air.

Luke McCoy is more than a radio personality, though, Madam Speaker. More than anything, he is a patriot, having served his country in combat and being wounded in action in Vietnam. He served with both the Army's 82nd Airborne Division as well as the Marine Corps as he recognized the greatness of this Nation and answered a call to duty. Those that listen to Luke and meet him know this patriotism is still strong today. He recognizes the different opinions and people that have come together to make America what it is today, but his support goes to what he sees as keeping this the greatest Nation in the world.

Madam Speaker, I know many share my sadness with Luke's departure from ``Pensacola Speaks.'' His name is a fixture in the community, and I know many will seek his advice for years to come. His passion to contribute to this country is endless, and I know as he rides his Harley through northwest Florida and elsewhere that he will always maintain his support and love for the United States of America.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today in recognition of the life and dedicated service of Robert W. ``Bob'' Gates.

Robert Gates served this country for 31 years in the United States Air Force. Across three wars he flew in hostile skies from D-Day over France to the jungles of Vietnam. Colonel Gates was decorated with two Legions of Merit, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Silver Star, the French Croix-de-Guerre, eight Air Medals and a Presidential Citation from President Roosevelt. He was the first Commander of the 1st Special Operations Wing, Hurlburt Field, FL. He commanded Project ``Ice Skate,'' and successfully built a permanent base with a 5000-foot runway on a floating island (called T-3) near the North Pole. Additionally, Colonel Gates commanded Task Force HIRAN, which established the SHORAN radar tracking stations on the Greenland ice cap.

On May 18 2007, Colonel Gates will add to his lengthy roll of accolades the Spirit of Hope Award. In 1942, during Mr. Hope's first USO tour, then Lieutenant Gates was assigned to fly Mr. Hope and his troupe around the Alaskan and Pacific theaters. Multiple times during his career, he piloted Mr. Hope and other USO entertainers. Over these years, Colonel Gates and Bob Hope formed a life-long personal friendship. Mr. Hope nicknamed Bob Gates ``Growing Pains,'' and often referred to him as his son. Bob Hope so inspired the young officer that Colonel Gates decided to dedicate his entire life, energy, and compassion to helping the spouses and family members of fallen comrades, as well as others less fortunate in the Fort Walton Beach, Florida area.

Colonel Gates was instrumental in organizing twelve USO tours to raise money for the purchase of 79 acres from nearby Eglin Air Force Base to build two world-class assisted living facilities, ``Bob Hope's Enlisted Widows Village'' and ``Theresa Village.'' Bob Hope's Village includes 256 one, and two-bedroom apartments, gardening plots, a gift shop, swimming pool, nature trails, and a community center that seats over 400 people. Theresa Village has 123 units with similar facilities. In 2003, the Bob and Dolores Hope Foundation donated $1 million to build a one-of-a-kind welcome center in honor of Bob Gates' many years of support, dedication, and selfless contributions. Colonel Gates is often consulted on future facility construction plans, such as building future nursing care facilities on the Bob Hope Village complex. Additionally, Colonel Gates is an avid contributor and supporter of the Fort Walton Beach Children's Society Golf Toumament and auction that helps raise funds to support local children's agencies.

On behalf of a grateful nation, I extend my deep appreciation to Robert W. Gates for his service to Florida and our country. As he is one of Fort Walton Beach's favorite sons, we are proud to see Bob receive the Spirit of Hope Award this year.

Madam Speaker, I missed rollcall vote Nos. 345 through 349 on May 15, 2007. I was down in my district attending the funeral of SSG Timothy P. Padgett.

I would have voted: rollcall vote No. 345, final passage on H.R. 634--American Veterans Disabled for Life Commemorative Coin Act, ``aye''; rollcall vote No. 346, final passage on H.R. 692--Army Specialist Joseph P. Micks Federal Flag Code Amendment Act, ``aye''; rollcall vote No. 347, final passage on H.R. 916--John R. Justice Prosecutors and Defenders Incentive Act, ``nay''; rollcall vote No. 348, final passage on H.R. 1700--COPS Improvement Act of 2007, ``aye''; rollcall vote No. 349, final passage on H.R. 1773--Safe American Roads Act, ``aye''.

Madam Speaker, I missed rollcall vote Nos. 350 through 366 on May 16, 2007. I was down in my district attending the funeral of Staff Sgt. Timothy P. Padgett.

I would have voted:

Rollcall vote No. 350, Motion to Adjourn, ``aye''; rollcall vote No. 351, Previous Question on Rule for H.R. 1585--National Defense Authorization Act for FY '08, ``nay''; rollcall vote No. 352, Rule providing for H.R. 1585--National Defense Authorization Act for FY '08, ``nay''; rollcall vote No. 353, Motion to Adjourn, ``aye''; rollcall vote No. 354, Quorum Call, ``present''; rollcall vote No. 355, Motion to Rise, ``aye''; rollcall vote No. 356, Quorum Call, ``present''; rollcall vote No. 357, Motion to Rise, ``aye''; rollcall vote No. 358, Quorum Call, ``present''; rollcall vote No. 359, Motion to Rise, ``aye''; rollcall vote No. 360, Quorum Call, ``present''; rollcall vote No. 361, Motion to Rise, ``aye''; rollcall vote No. 362, Quorum Call, ``present''; rollcall vote No. 363, Motion to Rise, ``aye''; rollcall vote No. 364, Andrews Amendment to Defense Authorization to prevent funds authorized in the bill for the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan from being obligated or expended to plan a contingency operation in Iran, ``nay''; rollcall vote No. 365, DeFazio Amendment to Defense Authorization to clarify that no previously enacted law authorizes military action against Iran, ``nay''; rollcall vote No. 366, Woolsey Amendment to Defense Authorization to require the Secretary of Defense to issue a report on the continued use, need, relevance, and cost of weapons systems designed to fight the Cold War and the former Soviet Union, ``nay''.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to offer a personal explanation of the reason I missed rollcall Nos. 367 through 374 on May 17, 2007. I was down in my district attending the funeral of Staff Sgt. Timothy P. Padgett.

If present, I would have voted: rollcall vote No. 367, Tierney Amendment on Defense Authorization to reduce the $8.1 billion specified for Missile Defense Agency activities by $1.084 billion from specified programs, ``no''; rollcall vote No. 368, Franks Amendment on Defense Authorization to increase by $764 million the amount authorized for ballistic missile defense, ``aye''; rollcall vote No. 369, King Amendment on Defense Authorization to clarify that neither the bill nor any other provision of law shall prevent the U.S. government from establishing temporary military installations or bases by entering into a basing rights agreement with the government of Iraq, ``aye''; rollcall vote No. 370, Moran Amendment on Defense Authorization to require the Secretary of Defense to submit a report that contains a plan for the transfer of every enemy combatant at Naval Station, Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, ``no''; rollcall vote No. 371, Holt Amendment on Defense Authorization to require the videotaping of interrogations and other pertinent interactions between military personnel and/or contractors and detainees, ``no''.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor SGT Timothy Padgett, United States Army. Sergeant Padgett, known as Timmy, gave his life in defense of our Nation while serving in Tarin Kwot, Afghanistan, on May 8, 2007. Sergeant Padgett was serving as a Green Beret with the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group based in Fort Bragg, North Carolina.

Timmy was raised in DeFuniak Springs, Florida, and graduated from Walton High School in 1997. A former firefighter paramedic with the South Walton Fire District, our local paper, the Northwest Florida Daily News, reported ``A lot of firefighters knew him well, and the close-knit group is taking the news of his death real hard, said Deputy Fire Chief Sean Hughes. `He was a great guy,' Hughes said. Most people knew Padgett by his big smile, which he almost always wore. His fellow firefighters often called him `smiling Tim,' Hughes said.''

Timmy's mother, Glenda Penton, resides in DeFuniak Springs and has been remarkably steady since her son's passing. I spoke with Glenda two days after the horrible news and she was gracious and proud of her son. I was so impressed and inspired by her. I don't know if I could have been the same way so soon after learning of the loss of a loved one.

I am always reminded of the greatness of our country due to the resiliency of people like Glenda Penton and the bravery of people like her son Timmy. We have an all volunteer military and continue to ask our sons and daughters to travel to faraway lands to fight for our freedom and these sons and daughters continue to answer the call.

The people of DeFuniak Springs have reason to be proud of Sergeant Padgett, and I am humbled to be able to represent those people, as well as the memory of Sergeant Padgett, for am I equally proud. Vicki and I will keep Timmy's entire family, especially his 8 year-old daughter, Summer Lynn, in our

thoughts and prayers. I hope all the people of Northwest Florida and our Nation do the same.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize Jim Castleman for his 38 years of faithful service teaching in the public school system.

Jim Castleman began teaching at Plew Elementary in 1969 upon receiving his Bachelor's degree from the University of West Florida and later went on to earn his Master's degree in 1972. While teaching fifth grade at Plew Elementary, Mr. Castleman has become a prominent member of the community well-known for his dedication and generosity. His contributions to excellence in education were recognized when he was honored by the Okaloosa County School Board as Teacher of the Year in 1985.

Mr. Castleman's involvement both in and out of the classroom proves his dedication and passion for teaching. In 1991, Mr. Castleman began coaching the school's tremendously successful Academic Team. The Academic Team competes in three state competitions each year and over the course of his seventeen years as coach they have earned numerous awards including eleven 1st place awards, nineteen 2nd place awards, and three 3rd place awards. For Mr. Castleman's final year as coach, the team not only earned 1st place in the state, but also 1st place in the entire Southeast Region.

He has spent much of his time becoming personally involved in the students' lives in his efforts to make learning an enjoyable adventure. Mr. Castleman could often be found on the playground engaging in a friendly game of kickball with his students. Since 1972, he has been building and launching rockets with his students, and in 1991 he developed the popular educational club, Young Astronauts. The program concludes each year with a trip to space camp in Huntsville, Alabama. Mr. Castleman is also credited with organizing the school's Safety Patrol which teaches his students the importance of service and safety for others.

As a member of the local 1960's rock band, the Thunderbeats, Jim performed gigs throughout Florida and later utilized his talent and love for percussion to teach drum lessons for 35 years. He plans to continue conducting drum lessons after his retirement from the public school system.

Out of his passion for teaching and his love for children, Jim sets high standards for all of his students and works with them to achieve their individual goals and the desired results of the overall academic performance of the class. He is the positive force behind each student's growth of mind, by giving them the confidence, knowledge, and inspiration needed to succeed.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize Jim Castleman on his exemplary service in the Okaloosa County School District and wish him continued success during his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I missed rollcall vote No. 301 on May 3, 2007. It was a vote on H.R. 1868, the Technology Innovation and Manufacturing Stimulation Act.

If present, I would have voted rollcall vote No. 301, ``aye.''

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize Carrie Bagnell as Santa Rosa County's Rookie Teacher of the Year.

Carrie Bagnell joined the Santa Rosa School District in 2006, with a background in Elementary Education from Indiana University. Ms. Bagnell is currently in her first year of teaching, where she teaches kindergarten at West Navarre Primary School in Navarre, FL.

Throughout her inaugural year of teaching, Carrie Bagnell has gained experience and training in phonics, literacy block, classroom organization and management, grants, and education of students with exceptionalities, ESE. Above all, she has earned the heart and respect of her students and the school community. Out of her passion for teaching and her love for children, Carrie Bagnell is the positive force behind each student's growth of mind, by giving them the confidence, knowledge, and inspiration needed to succeed.

The Rookie Teacher of the Year recognizes one teacher in his or her third year or less of teaching, and to be honored as Rookie of the Year places Carrie Bagnell among the great teachers in northwest Florida. Santa Rosa County is honored to have her as one of its own.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize Carrie Bagnell on this outstanding achievement and her exemplary service in the Santa Rosa County School District.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the U.S. Congress, it is with great honor that I rise today to recognize Pastor Paul Hiram Welch for his lifelong service and dedication to the First Pentecostal Church in Pensacola, FL.

Pastor Welch discovered his calling at the early age of three when he was introduced to the ministry by his father, D.L. Welch, upon his establishment of First Pentecostal Church of Pensacola. Pastor Welch's love for the ministry only continued to strengthen. He followed in his father's footsteps and chose to lead the spiritual growth of the community. At the age of 16, Pastor Welch preached his first revival and began his own evangelical ministry upon graduating from high school.

He returned to Pensacola in 1956 to serve as Associate Pastor and 3 years later, he married Shirley Ann Lane of Montgomery, AL. Members of the congregation came to know them as Brother Paul and Sister Shirley. In the mid-70s, Brother Paul was named Pastor of First Pentecostal Church in Pensacola. The impact Pastor Welch has had on the community is immeasurable; so many have come to know and love the Lord through his service to God.

The selfless contributions of this man are not limited to just one church. Pastor Welch has served as a member of the Florida District Board of the United Pentecostal Church International for more than 32 years and now

serves as an honorary board member. He also serves on the board of Lighthouse Ranch for Boys in Hammond, LA.

Through his leadership and dedication, Pastor Paul Welch has honorably and spiritually served the church and the northwest Florida community. But he is also a loving husband and father, and Pensacola is truly blessed to have him as one of her own.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the U.S. Congress, I would like to offer my sincere gratitude to a man who has served as an inspiration to us all. A deep sense of personal service to his faith for so many years is something to truly be admired and honored.

Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to recognize the life and accomplishments of Lieutenant Commander Kevin Davis, United States Navy. LCDR Davis passed away over the weekend in service to our Nation in Beaufort, South Carolina. He was flying Blue Angel Number 6, known as the ``opposing solo'' position.

A qualified F-14 and F/A-18 pilot, a veteran of Operation Enduring Freedom with more than 2,500 flight hours and 200 carrier arrested landings, LCDR Davis joined the Blue Angels in 2005 and was well-liked and respected by the entire Blue Angels team. He joined a long line of distinguished Navy and Marine Corps Aviators with his selection to the elite performing squad. His dedication to the Navy during his operational tours and his time with the Blue Angels is something I hope all naval aviators look to as a fine example and a goal to pursue.

Formed in 1946, the Blue Angels have awed and inspired hundreds of millions of Americans and certainly led young men and women into the naval service. Since the creation of the team, 26 of our brave Blue Angels have given their lives. While we mourn all of these losses, I am reminded of how selfless the service is from the members of our military and am confident Kevin was no exception.

I am privileged to serve the people of the First District of Florida and boast to my colleagues that I represent the home of the Blue Angels. This is not lip service. My constituents and I take justifiable pride in knowing we are friends and neighbors with people who represent so much of what is good with our country. I have met many of the ``Blues'' and unfortunately, I did not get the chance to meet Kevin. I know if I had, he would have impressed me, and I would have been better having known him.

In this time of deep sadness in Pensacola and on our beloved Naval Air Station, Vicki and I will keep LCDR Davis, his family, and our military in our thoughts and prayers.