Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the public service and outstanding achievements of George H. Whitehurst upon his retirement as Mayor of the city of Crestview, Florida.

George Whitehurst moved to Crestview in 1954, where shortly after, he opened the Whitehurst Funeral Home. In 1961, he entered the political arena as Mayor for 12 years. His passion for leadership and continuing love for the community led Mr. Whitehurst to resume his political career as Mayor in 1995.

During his tenure as Mayor, George Whitehurst advocated for increased public safety and economic development. To promote safety and deter crime, Mr. Whitehurst was at the forefront of instituting 2 police substations and a police/fire sub-station. He lobbied for the acceleration of a high rise security lighting installation at Interstate 10 and State Road 85 and the development of an emergency transportation corridor, consisting of a three-mile segment of roadway to provide an alternate emergency evacuation route in times of natural disaster. Under his leadership, a cemetery was restored, a Veterans Memorial Park constructed, and the foundation for the Crestview Library and Community Center established. Mayor Whitehurst launched a downtown revitalization effort, including: new sidewalks, pedestrian crosswalks, shade trees, increased parking, period street lighting, and park benches. There is no doubt in my mind that Crestview is better off because of this man.

For 24 years, Mayor Whitehurst has proudly served Northwest Florida as Mayor of the Hub City with passion and determination. He is a dedicated and loving husband, father, and grandfather. With his wife Annelle by his side, he has earned the respect and support of those around him. This weekend we celebrate his retirement and tireless efforts of giving back to the community. The impact Mayor Whitehurst has made on the city will leave a lasting impression, and Crestview will be forever grateful for his service and truly honored to call him one of her own.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize the achievements of Mayor George H. Whitehurst and his exemplary service to the city of Crestview, Florida--``the gateway to the Emerald Coast.''

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the significant impact Garrett W. Walton has made on the communities of northwest Florida.

In 1977, Garrett Walton moved to Pensacola, Florida, where his law career commenced as an associate and then a principal with the law firm of Emmanuel, Sheppard, and Condon. After 17 years, Mr. Walton retired from law practice, but he has continued fulfilling his passion for serving the community through his widespread involvement.

Garrett Walton has participated in numerous charitable and civic organizations, which include: the Pensacola Area Chamber of Commerce, the Girl Scouts of Northwest Florida, the Sacred Heart Foundation, the United Way, and the Homebuilders Association of West Florida. He was a founding director/organizer of Northwest Florida Legal Services, Toy Soldiers, Sea Plane Foundation and the Armed Services Council for the Pensacola Area Chamber of Commerce.

To many Americans, September 16, 2004, is a date that has come and gone, but to those in northwest Florida and South Alabama, September 16, 2004, is a date that will never be forgotten. It was on that day that Hurricane Ivan washed up on the shores of Alabama and Florida and became the fourth-worst natural disaster in United States history. Not being one to sit on the sidelines and watch as others suffered, Mr. Walton founded Rebuild Northwest Florida in November 2004. Rebuild Northwest Florida, a not-for-profit disaster recovery organization that assists need-based hurricane victims, was founded on this man's vision and spirit during a time when it was needed most. Because of the optimism and efforts of Mr. Walton and the many volunteers of northwest Florida, coupled by the support of the entire community, including local homebuilders, contractors, and charitable organizations, Rebuild Northwest Florida has brought hope to many families whose lives were forever changed on that September morning.

Mr. Walton's local efforts now extend statewide. On February 6, 2007, Florida Governor Charlie Crist appointed Garrett Walton as chairman of the Windstorm Mitigation Study Committee, a statewide committee whose focus is to make recommendations on existing and proposed programs and initiatives for mitigating windstorm damage.

Garrett Walton has proudly served northwest Florida over the past 30 years through his leadership, optimism and dedication. But he is also a dedicated husband, a loving father, a mentor of young professionals, and a slightly above average goose hunter. Pensacola is truly honored to have him as one of her own.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize the achievements of Garrett W. Walton and his exemplary service to the communities of northwest Florida.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is with great honor that I rise today to extend my congratulations to Rev. Alvin R. Kolb for having served as the minister to the Assemblies of God for 40 years.

Since 1967, Reverend Kolb has led the spiritual growth of so many people looking to him for guidance in their faith. At the age of 15, he held his first cottage prayer meeting, and soon after, he began organizing church revivals. It was at one of his revivals that he met his wife, Maralyn Enfinger Kolb. They married in 1971, raised 5 children, and are the proud grandparents of 11 grandchildren.

Reverend Kolb pastored his first church in 1973; the Harold Assembly of God began with a congregation of just five widowed women. From there his ministry grew and he went on to pastor the Assemblies of God at Cedar Springs, Calvary Full Gospel, Bay Springs, Whitfield, Bradley, and East Milton. So many have come to know and love the Lord through Reverend Kolb, and his ministry has prompted others to become pastors and ministers themselves, such as his youngest son, Robert.

For the past 10 years, Reverend Kolb has served as the pastor of the East Milton Assembly of God. Both his family and the members of his congregation value his committent to the church and are grateful that he will continue to serve as the leader in their thriving place of worship for years to come.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to a man who has served as a role model to us all. A deep sense of personal service to congregations for 40 years is something to truly be admired and I am thankful for his dedication to the East Milton Assembly of God.

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

Mr. Speaker, let me take this opportunity first to thank the chairman of the Subcommittee on Health, Mr. Michaud; as well as the chairman of the full committee, Mr. Filner; and Ranking Member Mr. Buyer for their leadership in bringing this legislation timely to the floor.

The heavy burden of some of our servicemembers that they bear in coping with the aftermath of combat is tragically evident in the death of Army Specialist Joshua Lee Omvig. Specialist Omvig was a member of the U.S. Army Reserve 339th Military Police Company from Davenport, Iowa. He took his life in 2005 after returning from a deployment to Iraq. H.R. 327 is aptly named to remember this brave young man.

VA must be vigilant with a proactive mental health strategy to help our veterans and returning servicemembers readjust to stateside duty after their exposure to combat. H.R. 327 would require VA to implement a comprehensive program to reduce the incidence of suicide among our veterans. Specific steps included in this bill are: a campaign to reduce stigma surrounding seeking help or training for VA staff in suicide prevention and education; the creation of peer counselors to understand risk factors and to assist families during the readjustment process; and a 24-hour counseling line so that veterans, especially those in rural areas, could seek help whenever they need it.

VA is already fulfilling many of the requirements of H.R. 327. The Secretary of VA developed and has started to implement a similar suicide prevention strategy that is based on public health and clinical models with activities both in VA facilities and within local communities. For example, VA is fulfilling requirements of H.R. 327 by providing training for both clinical and nonclinical staff on how to assess and respond to patients that they may come in contact with that are at risk for suicide. And by April 1, the Department plans to have in place a Suicide Prevention Coordinator within each VA medical center.

The VA's Serious Mental Illness Treatment Research and Evaluation Center will be designated to guide prevention strategies and maintain data on suicide rates and risk factors. VA is also currently working to create a suicide prevention hotline by the end of this calendar year.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 327. This legislation does put the full force of legal authority behind a comprehensive program to ensure that VA is taking all appropriate measures to prevent suicide among our Nation's veterans.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I would like to yield 3 minutes to a valiant supporter of our veterans, a retired Marine colonel and a member of the Armed Services Committee, Mr. Kline.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Ramstad), a strong supporter of veterans issues.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Tim Murphy).

May I inquire as to the time left on both sides.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I would inquire of the chairman if he needs additional time.

I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Salazar).

I would urge all of my colleagues to support

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

I rise in strong support of H.R. 797, as amended, the Dr. James Allen Veteran Vision Equity Act. I thank my colleagues, Mr. Hall of New York, the chairman of the Disability Assistance and Memorial Affairs Subcommittee, and Mr. Lamborn of Colorado, the ranking member of that subcommittee.

I also thank the chairman, Mr. Filner, and the ranking member, Mr. Buyer, for bringing this important legislation to the floor; and the prime sponsor, Ms. Baldwin.

This bill would, in fact, allow veterans who receive a disability compensation for impairment in the vision of one eye to be eligible to receive additional disability compensation for impairment of vision in the eye that is not service connected.

This eligibility includes situations where the impairment in each eye is to a visual acuity of 20/200 or less, or a peripheral field loss of 20 degrees or less. This is the same definition of ``legal blindness'' adopted by all 50 States and the Social Security Administration.

The New Hires Act would save the government money by allowing the Secretary of the VA to consult with the Secretary of Health and Human Services regarding unemployment compensation data in order to determine the eligibility for VA needs-based pension benefits.

Also, CBO estimates that this section of H.R. 797, as amended, would save the taxpayers $15 million over 10 years. Also included in H.R. 797, as amended, is a provision that extends the types of work study jobs found in section 3485(a)(4) for 5 years through June 30 of 2012.

Current law allows work study recipients to perform a variety of duties throughout VA, as well as veteran-related paperwork at their schools.

We also extend the provision for 6 months in Public Law 109-461 to prevent canceling benefits in the middle of a school year. I am pleased we are able to extend this provision even further in this bill.

The last provision of this bill provides families with the option of choosing a bronze ``V'' denoting veteran status, in lieu of a VA headstone by graves already marked by a private marker. Many private cemeteries do not allow a second marker on a grave because it complicates routine maintenance. Therefore, that bronze ``V'' would identify a veteran's grave in a manner that is universally acceptable, and meet the family's desire to honor the deceased veteran.

The bronze ``V'' would also be readily identifiable to anybody visiting the cemetery, and a standard way to identify veterans who choose not to use a VA-provided headstone.

Once again, I express my strong support for H.R. 797, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Boozman), the ranking member of the Economic Opportunity Subcommittee.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the prime sponsor again of the piece of legislation she has. As my colleague Mr. Boozman said earlier, she worked many long hours to bring this piece of legislation to the floor. I wish we could have done it sooner. I am glad to see it is moving forward at this time.

With that, I would like to recognize a new member to our committee. I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Lamborn).

(Mr. LAMBORN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, we have no further requests for time, and we yield back the balance of our time.

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

I would like to yield just a minute for a question to the chairman, if he might. By your comments, am I to take it that the majority does now have the votes necessary to pass the supplemental later this week?

I yield to the gentleman from California.

I thank the chairman.

I do rise in strong support also of this piece of legislation, thanking my colleagues, the new chairman of the subcommittee which I chaired last year, Mr. Hall, and also Mr. Lamborn, the new ranking member; also, again, thanking Chairman Filner and Ranking Member Buyer for helping move this important legislation to the floor as quickly as it has.

In this piece of legislation we increased, effective as of December 1 of this year, the rates of compensation for veterans with service- connected disabilities, the rates of dependency and indemnity compensation for the survivors of certain disabled veterans. Also, the COLA adjustment includes wartime disability compensation, additional compensation for dependents, clothing allowance, dependency and indemnity compensation to a surviving spouse, dependency and indemnity compensation for children.

Mr. Speaker, this is an important annual authorization bill which provides much-needed assistance to our Nation's veterans. I encourage and expect all of my colleagues to support this piece of legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure now to yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Washington, who although not on the VA Committee, is an active participant in much of the legislation that comes to that committee, and an Air Force veteran, Mr. Reichert.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Dent).

Mr. Speaker, we yield back the balance of our time.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is with great honor that I rise today to recognize Ronnie and Janis Bond for their retirement from Booker T. Washington High School in Pensacola, Florida.

Ronnie and Janis Bond have dedicated their professional careers to Booker T. Washington High School. Ronnie has been teaching at Washington for 38 years, and Janis retired in 2002 after 32 years of teaching. They worked everyday to challenge their students both in and out of the classroom. Ronnie served as an assistant coach for the football program for twenty-seven years, and Janis coached cross- country for five years. Together they have coached track and field for sixteen years and girl's basketball for the past thirty-two years.

When the State of Florida officially recognized girl's basketball as a high school sport in 1975, Ronnie and Janis truly made a home for themselves and began to develop what has become the best girl's basketball program in the state. They have devoted themselves to the players, and in return, the talented student athletes have made many tremendous achievements over the years. Under the leadership of Ronnie and Janis, the Washington

girl's basketball teams have won twenty-four district championships, four state championships, and were runner-up finishers for the state championship four additional times.

Reaching 700 career wins was a milestone in itself, so it was with even more excitement that Ronnie and Janis reached their 722nd career win on January 20, 2007. This victory carried a unique significance as the Bond's entered the Florida record books as having the most wins of any high school girl's basketball coaches in the State of Florida.

Their winning basketball program has been founded on solid principles of love, family, honor, and commitment. They have taught many young people about teamwork, the power of a shared vision, and one way to achieve success is to expect excellence.

It will be difficult to find two people more committed to helping students than Ronnie and Janis Bond. They have set a high standard in their dedication to their work and devotion to their students. A benchmark has been established for all other high school coaches. Teachers and coaches serve as role models for students, and the Bond's have without a doubt been a great role model for those who have played for them. They are sure to remain in the Florida record books for years to come.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to congratulate Ronnie and Janis Bond for their efforts in reaching out and touching the lives of thousands of our nation's young people.

Madam Speaker, I missed rollcall Votes No. 136-138 on March 12, 2007 and rollcall votes No 139-141 on March 13, 2007. It was six suspension votes H.R. 85, the Energy Technology Transfer Act, H. Res. 136, Commending the Girl Scouts of the United States of America on the occasion of their 95th anniversary, and H. Res. 89, Expressing the sense of the House that a day should be established as Dutch-American Friendship Day, H. Res. 64, Expressing the sense of the House that the Government of Bangladesh should immediately drop all pending charges against Bangladeshi journalist Salah Uddin Shoaib Choudhury, H. Res. 228, Recognizing the 186th anniversary of the independence of Greece and celebrating Greek and American Democracy, and H. Res. 222, Expressing the support of the House for the Good Friday Agreement as a blueprint for lasting peace in Northern Ireland, respectively. I was detained and could not make it to the floor for this vote.

If present, I would have voted rollcall Vote No. 136, ``yea,'' roll call Vote No. 137, ``yea,'' rollcall Vote No. 138, ``yea,'' Vote No. 139, ``yea,'' rollcall Vote No. 140, ``yea,'' and rollcall Vote No. 141, ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the fourth grade class at Redeemer Lutheran School in Pensacola, Florida, for their letters of appreciation to our nation's past and present servicemen and women.

Last week when I visited the school, the fourth grade class shared with me a letter project that they have been working on since the start of the school year. Their letters of thanks and admiration are sent to our men and women serving proudly overseas. I would like to take the time and share with you their heartfelt letter.

You Are Our Heroes

You are the men and women we honor today.

Our heroes are all of you--and we give you our thanks.

United we stand together!

Always on duty in protection of us.

Remembering the bravery of those who have served.

Everyone salutes and thanks you.

Our freedom is because of your sacrifices.

United States of America--you represent our best.

Respect and appreciation is what we have for you.

Helping us to live in a safer world.

Excellence, respect, and discipline is what you are.

Racing around the world to protect our freedom.

Overcoming fear, challenges, and being far from home.

Experiencing hardships to keep our country free.

Supporting you is our duty, and we offer our prayers for your

safety.

Madam Speaker, I commend these young folks for their thoughtfulness and patriotism. I hope they continue to be shining examples and wish them all best.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to congratulate COL Christopher E. Holzworth IV on a successful tour as the Commanding Officer of MATSG-21 in Pensacola, Florida. He assumed command in July of 2005, and will be relieved in August of this year.

During his tour I had the pleasure of interacting with the Colonel on numerous occasions. ``Caveman,'' as he prefers to be called, was kind enough to invite me to lunch at his command and educate me on the training of our young Marines. These young men and women are preparing for combat against our Nation's enemies and Caveman does not let them forget it.

I was especially impressed with his initiative to have the MATSG students drive Humvees on Naval Air Station Pensacola so they could better prepare for their follow-on assignments in Iraq. Caveman's performance as the senior Marine onboard the Air Station during President Bush's November 2006 visit was nothing short of remarkable, and his work with the White House staff and my staff resulted in a flawless visit.

Although Caveman is not originally from Pensacola, our residents will gladly claim him as one of their own. He was raised in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida and after graduating from the University of Virginia, he attended Marine Corps Officer Candidate School, OCS, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in April 1983. Upon completing The Basic School, he reported to Naval Air Training Command, Pensacola, FL, and was designated a Naval Aviator in 1985.

He had served in numerous operational and staff positions, including: a November 1990 deployment for ``Operations Desert Shield/Storm,'' as well as counterinsurgency operations in Southwest Asia, and an August 1994 deployment for ``Operations Uphold Democracy/Support Democracy'' in Cape Haitian, Haiti.

Colonel Holzworth received his Master's in National Security and Strategic Studies in November of 2003, and from November of 2003 to June of 2005, he served as Expeditionary Policy Branch Head, Operations Division, for the Plans, Policies and Operations Department of Headquarters Marine Corps.

Colonel Holzworth was selected for command of MATSG-2l in summer 2004 and was promoted to his present rank in January 2005.

His personal decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 2 gold stars, Air Medal with numeral ``1,'' Navy/Marine Corps Commendation Medal with gold star, and the Navy/Marine Corps Achievement Medal.

Caveman has served the United States Marine Corps and his country well since his commissioning in 1983, and he has made the Northwest Florida community proud. Vicki and I wish him the best of luck in his future assignment. On behalf of the United States Congress and the residents of Pensacola, I wish

to thank Colonel Holzworth for his service and lastly, ``Semper Fidelis.''

Madam Speaker, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the retirement of Wayne Peacock. Over the last three decades, Mr. Peacock dedicated his work to local government in my district in northwest Florida.

After growing up in Pensacola and graduating from Pensacola High School, Wayne joined the United States Marine Corps. This devotion to country and desire to serve and help others would be a resonating theme throughout the rest of his life. After 4 years in the corps, he went back to college and received a bachelor of science degree at the University of West Florida.

Mr. Peacock's first job out of college was a teacher, which helped fine tune his ability to guide and inspire other people. Over the next 3 years, he worked as a counselor with several different programs under the Community Action Program. These programs were set up to help people of different ages who were unemployed or disadvantaged to join the workforce and set employment goals.

Over the next several years, Wayne continued his dedicated service to the community. He moved up within the Community Action Program becoming responsible for its overall curriculum, as well as serving as liaison to local educational institutions, ensuring compliance with Federal regulations, and maintaining the program's success.

By 1977, Wayne Peacock had already made a tremendous impact on thousands of lives as he helped people get back on their feet and join the American workforce. With his energy still full as ever and as others recognized his knowledge of community-based programs, he became an interagency coordinator for all of Escambia County--a position which coordinated all social service programs involving local, State, and Federal agencies. Wayne

handled this increased responsibility with ease and soon he became the director of the Community Services Department. During his 3 years time in this position, he saw the department's budget increase by nearly 20 percent and successfully supervised eight divisions within the department, administering programs to not only help the unemployed but also veterans and families.

Wayne's vast contribution to Escambia County and his ability to administer so many programs at once eventually resulted in being hired as the Assistant County Administrator. His supervision of nearly 800 employees was instrumental in the continued growth of a number of county programs--programs ranging from transportation to agriculture and healthcare to industrial services. It was only natural for him to become the County Administrator for the next 3 years. In this capacity, he reported directly to the Board of County Commissioners and also served as the Director of Emergency Management. Escambia County was in good hands with Wayne in this position--he knew the county inside and out. Even after 1991, as he became the Trial Court Administrator for the First Judicial Circuit of Florida, a position he holds to this day, Wayne's work for this area has not stopped.

There is no question that Wayne was a civic leader for northwest Florida who set the bar high for those who followed. His leadership and knowledge has left Escambia County a better place, and his service to those in his community will be missed. I remain confident that Wayne's input will still play a great role for local leaders.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is with great admiration that I recognize the retirement of Mr. Wayne Peacock. May his years ahead be filled with joy, and may they shine with good health and happiness.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is with great honor that I rise today to recognize the community contributions of Charles and Jeannette Henderson to Northwest Florida.

Nearly 20 years ago, Mr. and Mrs. Henderson began researching their family genealogy, and published two books, ``The Track of the Jackson'' and ``The Trail of the Griffith.'' Their passion for collecting and preserving their own history later prompted the founding of the North Okaloosa Historical Association in 1992. With grants and fundraising, this body purchased the old General Store in Baker, Florida, and transformed the 1908 landmark into the Baker Block Museum.

Mr. and Mrs. Henderson have been the devoted caretakers of this museum since its inception. They have been instrumental in creating one of the largest genealogical libraries in Okaloosa County and continue to oversee the restoration and preservation of historical artifacts.

To honor the Henderson's inspiration and dedication to their community, the Okaloosa Board of County Commissioners passed a resolution to proclaim a local park to be named ``The Jeanette and Charles Henderson Heritage Park.'' The Henderson's dedication and vision will forever be appreciated and treasured for generations to come.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to honor Charles and Jeanette Henderson for their contributions to the preservation of their community heritage.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 80th birthday of F. Willard Vickery and his impact on the scouting community and Northwest Florida.

Mr. Vick, as he is known, began his journey in scouting in 1939, obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout 5 years later. Ever since his 12th birthday in 1939, he has held the Boy Scouts of America in the highest regard. Because of this pivotal time in our nation's history, Mr. Vick served as the Scoutmaster when adult leaders were sent off for military service. Soon he would follow his former Scoutmasters' paths by joining the United States Navy upon graduating from high school, and served in the medical corps in Tennessee. He remained in Tennessee after the War's end and attended college there. It was during this time that he became involved once again with scouting at a local camp, and also met Annie, his wife of nearly 59 years.

After graduating college, he became a full-time employee of the Boy Scouts of America in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This was the first of several scouting camps that Mr. Vick would be instrumental in having built throughout the South. Throughout the next decade, his career led him to Georgia and then Arkansas. As his professional experience grew, so did his reputation as a great scout leader. Mr. Vick became known as a leader who put passion into the development of professional young men through the Boy Scouts. In fact, the governor of Arkansas at the time was so impressed that he specifically tasked his son with learning from Mr. Vick.

In the early 1960s, Mr. Vick brought his family to Pensacola, Florida. Soon after, he was named the Executive Scout for the Gulf Coast Council. During his time in this position Mr. Vick made a very notable hire. Roy Williams, who was hired to be the Finance Director, later went on to become the Chief Executive of the Boy Scouts of America. There is no doubt in my mind that the leadership and mentoring provided by Mr. Vick played an instrumental role in shaping Roy into the scout leader he is today.

Roy also worked with many outside the scouting community, including members of First Baptist Church and Rotary International. Mr. Vick was a host for several foreign exchange students and also served on the Community Task Force addressing the problem of violence in public schools. Other educational work included serving as a volunteer drumming teacher to elementary and middle school students.

Certainly, scouting was the mainstay through most of his life, eventually earning him the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. His strong faith, along with that of his wife Annie, helped to guide and focus men and women of all ages to become better people through helping themselves and helping others.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to recognize F. Willard Vickery on the occasion of his 80th birthday. His leadership through faith and good deeds to this day leaves an everlasting impression on those who know him.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 80th birthday of F. Willard Vickery and his impact on the scouting community and Northwest Florida.

Mr. Vick, as he is known, began his journey in scouting in 1939, obtaining the rank of Eagle Scout five years later. Ever since his 12th birthday in 1939, he has held the Boy Scouts of America in the highest regard. Because of this pivotal time in our nation's history, Mr. Vick served as the Scoutmaster when adult leaders were sent off for military service. Soon he would follow his former Scoutmasters' paths by joining the United States Navy upon graduating from high school, and served in the medical corps in Tennessee. He remained in Tennessee after the War's end and attended college there. It was during this time that he became involved once again with scouting at a local camp, and also met Annie, his wife of nearly 59 years.

After graduating college, he became a full-time employee of the Boy Scouts of America in Chattanooga, Tennessee. This was the first of several scouting camps that Mr. Vick would be instrumental in having built throughout the South. Throughout the next decade, his career led him to Georgia and then Arkansas. As his professional experience grew, so did his reputation as a great scout leader. Mr. Vick became known as a leader who put passion into the development of professional young men through the Boy Scouts. In fact, the governor of Arkansas at the time was so impressed that he specifically tasked his son with learning from Mr. Vick.

In the early 1960s, Mr. Vick brought his family to Pensacola, Florida. Soon after, he was named the Executive Scout for the Gulf Coast Council. During his time in this position Mr. Vick made a very notable hire. Roy Williams, who was hired to be the Finance Director, later went on to become the Chief Executive of the Boy Scouts of America. There is no doubt in my mind that the leadership and mentoring provided by Mr. Vick played an instrumental role in shaping Roy into the scout leader he is today.

Mr. Vick also worked with many outside the scouting community, including members of First Baptist Church and Rotary International. He was a host for several foreign exchange students and also served on the Community Task Force addressing the problem of violence in public schools. Other educational work included serving as a volunteer drumming teacher to elementary and middle school students.

Certainly, scouting was the mainstay through most of his life, eventually earning him the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. His strong faith, along with that of his wife Annie, helped to guide and focus men and women of all ages to become better people through helping themselves and helping others.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to recognize F. Willard Vickery on the occasion of his 80th birthday. His leadership through faith and good deeds to this day leaves an everlasting impression on those who know him.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor our nation's veterans as we observe the National Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week.

Each year, during the month of February, our nation's hospitalized veterans are recognized for their brave service to this nation. However, each day I am thankful for their selfless service as they put their lives on the line to defend our freedom at home. Many gave the ultimate sacrifice, and many returned home injured. Over 98,000 veterans currently receive daily care in a Department of Veterans Affairs medical center, clinic, or nursing home. It is to these brave and women we extend our deepest gratitude.

The price of freedom can be high, but soldiers fighting for our country believe freedom is worth every bit of that price and more. They are the reason we can sleep at night here at home, knowing full well that when we wake up the next day liberty will still be the cornerstone upon which this nation stands. We, as a nation, owe them a debt of gratitude, and I hope that Americans all over the world will take a moment this week to remember what our soldiers put on the line for our liberty here at home.

The National Salute Chairman for this year is none other than famous singer and actor Jerry Reed. I have great confidence that Mr. Reed's memorable face, humor, and famous singing and songwriting will draw increased attention to Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week, and I applaud his dedication to such a noteworthy cause. His leadership will be vital to informing others about our hospitalized veterans.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is a great honor for me to personally salute those who have borne the battle while we recognize the 2007 Salute to Hospitalized Veterans Week.