Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay homage to the memory of a much-beloved

member of South Alabama's business community, Mr. Wendell L. Sawyer, Sr., of Mobile.

Mr. Sawyer passed away on August 29, 2010, at the age of 73 after a battle with leukemia.

America is made great through the contributions of local community leaders, either in business or in public service, who give more than their share to better the lives of their fellow man. Wendell Sawyer was just such a person.

Born in Monroeville, Alabama in 1937, Wendell moved with his parents to Chickasaw in Mobile County where he grew up, graduating from Vigor High School.

A hardworking businessman with a friendly manner and generous spirit, Wendell labored in the retail furniture business for nearly 55 years. He began his career with Sokol Furniture in Pritchard, Alabama. When the business closed in 1970, he established his own store, Sawyer Furniture, which became an icon in the community and the flagship for a chain of five locations in the Mobile area.

Sadly, his Pritchard furniture store was lost to a fire earlier this year. But local residents and customers remembered Wendell as a special kind of businessman; a person who always treated others as best friends. He also helped those in need, returning the kindness that his community had bestowed upon him and his family for more than a half century.

Madam Speaker, Wendell Sawyer was a pillar of our community and his loss will be sorely felt. On behalf of the people of south Alabama, I offer condolences to his children, Wendell ``Del'' Sawyer, Jr., Dawn Sawyer Cooper, John H. Sawyer, and his grandchildren, Jaclyn Sawyer, Wendell ``Trey'' L. Sawyer, III, Jacob Cooper, Zachary Sawyer, Cameron Cooper, Rachel Sawyer, Rebecca Sawyer, Kristen Sawyer and Joshua Sawyer, as well as his brothers and sisters, Elaine S. Sanford, Terrill Sawyer, Norville Sawyer, Malcolm Sawyer, and Emily S. Blount. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to bring to the attention of the House the work of a remarkable American and constituent of mine, Mr. Ron Hayes, of Fairhope, Alabama.

As blessed as we are to be living in America, we would do well to remember that our society continues to be enhanced through the noble efforts of those who tirelessly and passionately pursue a better quality of life for us all. These often unsung heroes seek only the reward of knowing they have transformed our laws and our land for the better.

I rise today to honor one such individual who has spent nearly two decades advocating for the safety of all Americans in the workplace and to provide timely moral support to the accident victims and their families. His efforts have made a difference.

Ron Hayes began his journey to improve workplace safety in 1993 when he lost his beloved 19-year-old son, Patrick, to a grain silo accident in Florida. Facing tremendous emotional pain, Ron and his wife, Dot, sought details of their son's death as well as survivor's benefits from local, state and federal agencies, only to be met with delays and few answers. After two years of navigating the bureaucracy, they resolved to learn everything they could about workplace safety standards and sought ways to both improve job safety rules and enforcement.

Ron Hayes' dedication resulted in the revision of the Occupational Safety and Health Administration's, OSHA, grain handling standards. But this was only the beginning.. Ron and his wife founded the Families In Grief Hold Together Project, a non-profit group devoted to assisting families and workers cope with the consequences of workplace accidents and deaths.

Some 10,000 people lose their lives while working each year. Ron Hayes worked with OSHA to create a policy which the agency often uses in communicating with family members after a workplace accident.

Since its founding, the FIGHT Project has reached out to nearly 800 families, providing valuable help in the grieving process, negotiating the red tape and finally, in healing.

Ron Hayes could have stopped there, but his dedication to improving worker safety has motivated him to speak to almost 50,000 workers and taken him to some of the largest companies in the world. He has testified before Congress on numerous occasions and has served as a special advisor to the Senate Labor Committee.

Ron Hayes has been awarded many awards for humanitarian efforts.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of this entire House, I commend Ron Hayes' selfless dedication to worker safety while providing comfort and valuable counsel to families.

In our society it is possible for one person, or in this case a husband and wife, to make a difference that will positively impact the lives of millions. Ron Hayes has shown us that a lone voice for good can not only be heard, but can change society for the better.

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Mr. Jack Friend, a respected Mobile businessman, historian and author who recently passed away at the age of 81.

A consummate scholar, a lover of military traditions and the foremost authority on the Civil War history of Mobile Bay, Jack Friend was passionate about Mobile and its past.

A native of Mobile, Jack Friend was a graduate of McGill Institute, the Virginia Military Institute, and the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College.

Jack proudly served in the U.S. Army as a 1st Lieutenant and tank company commander in Korea. His deep reverence for military service and his country were an important part of Jack's life.

After his military service, he founded a market research company in Mobile which he headed for some 25 years.

Jack made his mark as a local military historian. In 2004, he wrote the definitive work on the Civil War history of Mobile Bay--``West Wind, Flood Tide: The Battle of Mobile Bay.''

Jack was also a lover of the outdoors, sports fishing and local wildlife and was a member of many civic and historic organizations in Baldwin and Mobile counties.

I wish to extend my condolences to Jack's family for their loss: his wife, Venetia Friend; his sons, John Friend and Danner Friend; and his sister, Emily Bayle; and five grandchildren. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the memory of a beloved citizen of Mobile, Alabama and denizen of the arts who passed away October 15, 2010.

Wilbur Pillman was a graduate of McGill Institute and served with the U.S. Navy, Pacific Theatre, during World War II. He was a talented artist, dancer and director, appearing in many musical productions of the Mobile Catholic Theatre Guild later the Mobile Theatre Guild. He was president of the First Theatre of the Deep South in Prichard, took part in Mobile Optimist Club's annual minstrel, and served in many church, civic and social organizations as performer and director.

Wilbur formed and directed the Phi Gamma Chi High School Sorority annual ``Follies'' for many years, and directed and performed in the Alpha Delta Kappa Sorority's annual ``Minstrel''. He directed and performed in the American Business Women's yearly ``Riverboat Follies'' as well as the Insurance Women's annual show for ``Boss Wright'' He co- directed and performed in the annual Epsilon Chapter, and the Phi Delta Kappa Business Men's Fraternity show for the March of Dimes.

Wilbur also served as guest artist, director and performer for many local conventions, the Convent of Mercy's annual ``Soiree'', as well as the Shriner's annual charity benefit shows. Mr. Pillman had the lead in three local productions of ``The Music Man'' as well as starring as ``George M''.

He also lent his talents to many of Mobile's Mardi Gras Mystic Societies where he designed costumes, wrote tableaus, narrated the balls, choreographed the skits, and often performed to open some of the balls. Through the University of South Alabama he spoke for many years to the visiting ``Snowbirds'' on the history and background of Mardi Gras and its activities, often appearing in a colorful costume. He was a regular volunteer at the Mobile Carnival Museum as a docent from its beginning.

As a member of his beloved Mystic Stripers Society since 1955, he was knighted into the Royal Order of Stripers in 2000, being the third recipient of this honor. In 2008, upon the celebration of his 50th year as the society's official Court Jester, Wilbur was honored by the Stripers when the theme of their annual parade and ball was based around the Court Jester, and he also served as Grand Marshall for two of Mobile's women's Mystic Organizations parades.

Wilbur was an icon of the Mobile area performing arts and especially Mardi Gras, and his absence will be deeply felt across our community.

On behalf of the people of Mobile, I offer my condolences to his sister, Miss Alilee Pillman; his grandchildren, Elizabeth, Michael, Joseph, Mary Grace, Sarah and Emma Rose Kennedy, Christina, Jennifer, and Theresa Cranford, Claire, Sophie, and Dane Arden, and Aubrey River Gewehr and his many many friends. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the outstanding record of outgoing Austal USA Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Bob

Browning. During his tenure, Mr. Browning helped to transform the face of Mobile's industrial waterfront and secure the long-term return of Navy shipbuilding to Alabama's port city.

On November 16, Bob Browning officially stepped down as CEO for Austal USA shipbuilding in Mobile to pursue a new business opportunity. He has held Austal USA's top position for the last 2 years after joining the company in 2007.

Bob arrived at Austal as it was establishing itself as a force to be reckoned with in building quality, high-speed ships. For the last decade Austal has been expanding its footprint along the Mobile River and Bob played a significant role in making Mobile home to the largest aluminum shipyard in the world.

Bob guided the growth of Austal's high-speed military shipbuilding program by preparing it to successfully compete in major military contracts. In 2008, Austal secured a coveted $1.6 billion contract to build joint high-speed vessels, JHSV, for the U.S. Army and Navy. The program is continuing with Austal on track to build the fourth and fifth vessels.

Bob has also well positioned Austal to successfully compete for a $5 billion U.S. Navy contract to produce ten littoral combat ships. Austal and partner General Dynamics were awarded a contract in 2005 to construct their first LCS, the USS Independence, which was commissioned in January 2010.

Under Bob's leadership, Austal has since become the leader in the contract to build the full 10-ship Navy LCS fleet. The Navy is expected to make a decision by the end of the year. The award would mean a doubling of Austal's local workforce of 1,800 employees.

As Bob and his family transition to new challenges, I wish to convey the appreciation of Alabama's coastal community for a job well done. His leadership and his dedication to our local workforce have made our region stronger.

Madam Speaker, it is with sadness that I rise to inform the House of the passing of long-time South Alabama State Representative F.P. ``Skippy'' White. Representative White died on October 21, 2010, after an extended illness at age 69.

Skippy was the epitome of a public servant. He served with distinction in the Alabama House of Representatives for three decades, proudly representing the people of Baldwin and Escambia counties from 1982 to 2006.

He began his career in public service as a firefighter and later councilman for his beloved hometown of Pollard, Alabama where he held office for seven years. In 1982, he was elected as a Democrat to the Alabama House of Representatives and served in that capacity for 24 years. In fact, he was the longest serving legislator from Escambia County.

During his career in the Alabama State Legislature, Representative White worked tirelessly on behalf of south Alabama. He was distinguished as an outstanding legislator and served on the House Rules Committee and the Joint Transportation Committee. He is credited with improving the roads and bridges in his district where he took a great personal interest.

On behalf of the people of south Alabama, I extend deepest sympathy to his lovely wife, Clara; their wonderful children, Todd, Hugh, and Sarah Anne; and his family and many friends.

Representative Skippy White was much loved and respected by his constituents for his tireless dedication to Baldwin and Escambia counties. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

Madam Speaker, it is a real pleasure to rise today to pay tribute to the outstanding achievements of Dr. Susan Ivester Rees, who was recently recognized for her efforts to protect our Gulf Coast from the devastating impact of future hurricanes.

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina--a storm which dealt an unprecedented amount of destruction and loss of life to the Gulf Coast--Congress authorized the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to undertake comprehensive planning to help strengthen the region's ability to withstand the assault of future natural disasters.

One of the studies authorized by Congress was the Mississippi Coastal Improvement Program (MsCIP), undertaken by the Army Corps of Engineers' Mobile District.

Dr. Susan Rees' leadership and active involvement in the project as Program Manager--working with coastal residents and marshalling the best ideas from across government agencies--was instrumental in shaping the final plan which won her praise from the Corps of Engineers, as well as other Federal, State and local leaders for its comprehensive nature.

Dr. Rees' extensive public involvement was pivotal in the formation-- and approval--of 15 major construction projects, including the opening of canals to improve water flow, beach reconstruction, and rebuilding the Bay St. Louis seawall.

In recognition of her tremendous efforts and considerable leadership in the Mississippi Coastal Improvement Program, Dr. Rees was presented with the Lt. Gen. John W. Morris 2010 Civilian of the Year Award at the 2010 USACE Summer Leaders Conference in Seattle, Washington on August 2, 2010.

Dr. Rees is also a member of the scientific advisory board of the Alabama Center for Estuarine Studies at the University of South Alabama; a member of the executive committee of the Mobile Bay Estuary Program; and a member of the advisory council for the Mississippi- Alabama Sea Grant Consortium.

I wish to congratulate Dr. Rees--as well as her husband, Fred, who, himself, has dedicated many years in government service, for their exemplary efforts to protect and enhance the quality of life along America's Gulf Coast. Susan is to be commended for her dedication to preserving our environment and making our coastal communities safer.

Madam Speaker, I join my colleagues in wishing Dr. Rees much success in her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the upcoming birthday of an important institution in my Congressional district that has provided a virtual lifeline for generations of Mobilians and others from throughout Southwest Alabama. On October 21, the Mobile Infirmary Medical Center will celebrate its 100th Birthday.

When the Mobile Infirmary first opened its doors in 1910, it served the public with 32 hospital beds and four operating rooms. Its facilities have evolved with time, relocating and growing to 258 beds in the early 1950s.

Today, the Mobile Infirmary Medical Center is the largest non- governmental, not-for-profit hospital in Alabama.

With more than 700 beds and 30 operating rooms, the Mobile Infirmary Medical Center is the region's health care leader, respected statewide for its specialty care and ``patient-first'' approach.

The Mobile Infirmary Medical Center enjoys an expert reputation for the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of patients with cardiovascular disease. The facility performs more than 4,000 procedures in its heart catheterization lab and more than 700 open heart surgeries a year, making it one of Alabama's busiest cardiac care hospitals.

The Mobile Infirmary Medical Center also offers the latest cancer therapies and treatments available and its research program provides treatment options not found anywhere else on the Gulf Coast.

In celebration of its 100th birthday, the facility plans several events next month, including a public viewing of its remodeled atrium and a reunion of everyone born at the Mobile Infirmary Medical Center.

One hundred years ago, the Mobile Infirmary was a vital part of our community--delivering babies, saving lives and comforting the suffering. Today, it continues to fulfill that important role for Mobile and all of Southwest Alabama and, indeed, the central Gulf Coast.

Madam Speaker, on this 100th anniversary, I offer my heartfelt congratulations for its exemplary service to our community and I am confident that the legacy of the Infirmary as a leading health care center will long endure. Happy Birthday, Mobile Infirmary. And special thanks to the thousands of men and women who, over the years, have helped fulfill your core mission of health care excellence.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize the incredible contributions of one of America's top economic development recruiters, Mr. Neal Wade, who will soon leave his home State of Alabama after accumulating a most impressive record of accomplishments.

Faced with many of the same economic challenges as other states, including the rapid decline of the textile industry, Alabama has spent much of the last decade recreating its image and reaching out to new industries.

And even when you include the impact of the global recession, which has spared few, the results have been nothing less than impressive.

Our State has made significant gains in landing a variety of top tier projects, including German steel manufacturer ThyssenKrupp Steel and Austal USA in my congressional district, as well as expansions in Alabama's automakers--Mercedes, Honda, Hyundai, and Toyota. We have also been at the forefront of developing our aerospace presence in ways once thought impossible with the commitment by EADS and Airbus to grow their U.S. footprint in the State of Alabama. Without question, the man at the helm of Alabama's economic development efforts during this productive period has been Neal Wade.

Mr. Wade, a Sanford University graduate, spent the 1990's leading the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama. As president and CEO of the partnership of the State's leading businesses aligned to promote economic development, he demonstrated his unrivaled leadership capabilities and caught the eye of Governor Bob Riley who appointed him director of the Alabama Development Office in 2003.

In this new capacity, Mr. Wade wasted little time courting major new industry, including ThyssenKrupp, National Railcar, and more recently, Hyundai Heavy Industries. His efforts did not go unnoticed outside of the State. Twice during his stewardship, the Alabama Development Office was named the top economic development agency in the United States.

Mr. Wade recently announced that he is leaving his post at the ADO to become the senior vice president for economic development at the St. Joe Company. It is an understatement to say that Alabama will greatly miss the steady hand and wise counsel of Neal Wade. However, we wish him and his wife, Mary Ann, the very best in their future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, Alabama is a different State--and a much better place to call home--because of the tremendous team of Governor Bob Riley and ADO Director Neal Wade. While we will miss this dynamic duo next year, the seeds of the new investment that Neal has helped plant over the past several years will no doubt bear fruit for generations to come.

Madam Speaker, I wish to submit for the Record an editorial published in the September 16th edition of the Monroe Journal in my congressional district, calling for the renewal of the Bush tax cuts of 2001 and 2003.

Congress Must Renew Bush's Tax Breaks

In this economic environment it would be ludicrous to even

consider not renewing the ``Bush tax breaks'' for everyone,

especially so for middle class Americans.

President Barack Obama has said he supports renewing the

federal income tax breaks for middle class workers, but he

does not support renewing the tax breaks for persons making

$250,000 or more annually.

Unfortunately, the problem with not renewing the tax breaks

for those who make $250,000 or more is that many of those

individuals are small business owners.

We all know that the majority of jobs in America are

created by small businesses.

If the tax breaks are not continued for middle class

workers, they would see an average increase of $1,500 per

individual in their annual federal income tax. And, if the

tax breaks are not continued for small business owners, many

of those middle class workers could find themselves on the

unemployment lines in 2011.

Why not amend the tax law to continue the tax breaks for

everyone, who makes less than $250,000 annually and for small

business owners, who make no more than $500,000 annually?

This would help middle class workers continue to make ends

meet and help small businesses with minimum operating capital

stay afloat in this shaky economy that is still in a rebound

stage.

Madam Speaker, oftentimes the best ideas come from real America, not just those generated here inside the Washington Beltway. I hope my colleagues will take to heart this urgent plea from the editors and publisher of the Monroe Journal.

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to the memory of a highly respected entrepreneur and philanthropist from my district who recently passed away at the age of 68.

On August 10, Mobile lost a dear friend with the death of Mr. Julien E. Marx. Mr, Marx was the epitome of a model citizen--a veteran, a successful businessman, a civic leader, a compassionate humanitarian and lover of animals, and a devoted benefactor of higher education.

Mr. Marx was a graduate of Murphy High School and the University of Alabama, where he was business manager of the Crimson White. Upon graduation, he joined the Army, serving as a second lieutenant during the Vietnam War.

Returning to Mobile, Mr. Marx became active in developing small businesses and joint venture projects. He was best known for his ownership of local real estate and his Julien E. Marx Realtors.

While many would be content with tending to their business interests, Mr. Marx used his passion and energy to better the lives of others. He was an active booster and board member of the Boy Scouts of America, as well as MARC, which improves the lives of intellectually and physically-challenged adults in the Mobile area.

Mr. Marx endowed a number of University of South Alabama scholarships, including the promotion of art education among minority students. He was a lover of photography, having donated his family's extensive collection of Mobile historical photographs to the University of South Alabama.

Mr. Marx also used his time and resources to back many inventions, from medical research to consumer products. Ironically, he will never be known for all the good that he did because he often chose to give to others anonymously.

Madam Speaker, there simply isn't space in this tribute to fully capture Julien Marx's contributions to our community. He was uniquely American--a dreamer, a doer, a giver, a lover of life. In short, he was a community treasure.

I join so many in South Alabama in mourning Julien Marx's passing and also in extending condolences to his wife of 18 years, Linda, and extended family and friends. You are all in our prayers.

Madam Speaker, it is with profound sadness that I note the untimely passing of one of Alabama's most dedicated and talented boosters of economic development, not to mention a dear personal friend to me and countless others, Mr. Ralph Stacy.

At a much-too-young age of 53, Ralph Stacy passed away on September 14, 2010 in Montgomery, Alabama. At the time of his death, he was the Senior Vice President for Strategic Communications of the Business Council of Alabama (BCA) and Executive Director of The Partnership, a program which links the state's 120 local Chambers of Commerce with the

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize Honor Flight South Alabama and the World War II veterans this very special organization is bringing on its fourth flight to Washington, DC on September 22, 2010.

Founded by the South Alabama Veterans Council, Honor Flight South Alabama is an organization whose mission is to fly heroes from southwest Alabama to see their national memorial.

Over six decades have passed since the end of World War II and, regrettably, it took nearly this long to complete work on the memorial that honors the spirit and sacrifice of the 16 million who served in the U.S. Armed Forces and the more than 400,000 who died. Sadly, many veterans did not live long enough to hear their country say ``thank you,'' yet for those veterans still living, Honor Flight provides for many their first--and perhaps only--opportunity to see the National World War II Memorial, which honors their service and sacrifice.

This Honor Flight begins at dawn when the veterans will gather at historic Fort Whiting in Mobile and travel to Mobile Regional Airport to board a chartered flight to Washington. During their time in their Nation's capital, the veterans will visit the World War II Memorial, Arlington National Cemetery, and other memorials.

The veterans will return to Mobile Regional Airport that evening, where some 1,000 people are expected to greet them.

Madam Speaker, the September 22 journey of heroes from South Alabama is an appropriate time for us to pause and thank them--and all of the soldiers who fought in World War II--for they collectively--and literally--saved the world. They personify the very best America has to offer, and I urge my colleagues to take a moment to pay tribute to their selfless devotion to our country and the freedoms we enjoy.

I salute each of the veterans who made the trip to Washington. May we never forget their valiant deeds and tremendous sacrifices: Victor Adams, Edward Adler, William Barnes, James Botts, Shelby Brooks, Ollen Burnette, Jr., Marion Bush, Edward Case, Robert Chapman, William Chavis, John Coulter, Leon Davidson, Gerald Davidson, Henry Day, William Day, John Duncan, James Duncan, Jr., Joseph Duteil, Jr., Julius Eardley, James Early, Robert Engel, Claudie Feagin, Jr., Osburn Flener, Joseph Garner, John Garrard, Jr., Thomas Grace, Samuel Graham, Francis Gregory, Daniel Gunther, Joe Harper, Roy Harris, James Hathcock, Jr., William Heard, Jr., Robert Hensel, James Holloway, Charles Holloway, William Hooper, Vinson Huegele, William Isbell, Henry Jackson, Elystan Jeffreys, Jack Jones, Roy Le Drew, Lawrence Lockhart, John Loper, Reginald Loper, John Luker, Percy Maynord, James McDonough, Jr., T. McIntyre, George McPherson, John Medynski, Richard Meyers, William Morris, Charles Murphy, John Nichols, Dwayne Nickerson, Robert Nicks, Chester Noble, Orin Parker, Jr., Helen Pearson, Robert Philips, Walter Prodouz, Harry Read, Nelson Richardson, Thomas Robinson, Leonard Rose, John Rouse, Columbus Sanders, Jr., Robert P. Scott, Robert T. Scott, William Simpson, Jr., John Sims, Anthony Skivo, Jr., Norman Snyder, Cecil Sossaman, Sr., Thomas Southall, Floyd Stahl, Bernie Steele, Lloyd Stennett, Harold Stevens, Sr., William Summersgill, Cecil Tanner, Albert Thompson, Frank Tindall, Roger Turnquist, James VanDevender, Lambert Waltman, Orville Wenzel, Sr., Clarence Wheeler, David Whitten, Thomas Wilson, Robert Wilson, Sr., Harold Winger, and Keith Winkler.

Madam Speaker, I rise with a heavy heart to honor the memory of Army PFC Andrew Hand, one of South Alabama's finest, who recently lost his life while defending his country in war-torn Afghanistan.

On July 24, PFC Andrew Hand, age 25 of Enterprise, Alabama, gave his life in service to America. He and three of his comrades were killed when their military vehicle was struck by an improvised explosive device in Qalat, Afghanistan.

A member of the 5th Battalion, 3rd Field Artillery Regiment, 17th Fires Brigade, Private First Class Hand was serving his third deployment and preparing to return home in October when he was taken in the IED attack. He was a devoted soldier, father and son--loved by many and whose memory will never be forgotten.

A former resident of Birmingham, Andrew Hand moved to Enterprise with his family in 2001, where he was a star athlete on the Enterprise High School ``Wildcat'' football team. The Southeast Sun newspaper in Enterprise recognized him as the leading receiver and kick returner for the Wildcats. The paper quoted Wildcat coach Kevin Collins as saying Hand ``single-handedly'' beat rival Northview High School of Dothan.

PFC Andrew Hand was laid to rest on August 2, 2010 at the Alabama National Cemetery in Montevallo.

On behalf of the people of Alabama I wish to offer heartfelt condolences to the family of PFC Andrew Hand, including his wife, Amanda Kay Hand of Enterprise; two sons, Tristan and Gavin of Enterprise; mother, Phyllis Parris of Gulf Shores; father Kenneth Hand and stepmother Renne Hand of Birmingham; sister, Laura; and brother Robert, both of Birmingham.

You are all in our prayers.

Madam Speaker, it is with deep sadness that I join the people of Brewton and Escambia County, Alabama in mourning the loss of a beloved community leader whose life was suddenly taken during a tragic auto accident on August 11, 2010.

Donald Wayne Rotch, or ``Coach Rotch,'' as he was affectionately known to his former players and students and many in Brewton, was an institution in Escambia County. Originally from Lake Charles, Louisiana, Coach Rotch came to Brewton in 1974 from Jackson, Alabama, joining the T.R. Miller High School coaching staff.

Coach Rotch was a fixture in Tiger athletics for the better part of 18 years as the football offensive line coach while also coaching the baseball team.

T.R. Miller is a sports powerhouse in South Alabama and Coach Rotch was a major force behind the Tiger's success. As a coach, he helped the team attain two championships in 1984 and 1991, before transitioning to the role of high school administrator in 1992. He served as assistant principal and then principal at T.R. Miller for the next 20 years.

As a school administrator, Donnie Rotch also witnessed the Tigers achieve football championships in 1994, 2000 and 2002. Just one month after his death, his beloved Tiger football program scored their 600th victory--a milestone not matched by any other Alabama high school football team.

Coach Rotch was tragically taken from his family and his students in August when his vehicle was struck by another during a police chase. Ironically, the person driving the vehicle which took Rotch's life was a former T.R. Miller student. The police officer who was pursuing the other vehicle once played baseball under Coach Rotch. In a very real sense in this wonderful, small South Alabama town, this accident was a tragedy in every imaginable way.

Coach Rotch was the friendly face who greeted T.R. Miller students each morning as they arrived at school and he was the steady hand that guided his school through many decades of excellence--urging everyone from students, teachers and parents to ``do their best.''

It has been reported that Coach Rotch was planning to retire from his leadership post at T.R. Miller in the coming year. His untimely passing has left T.R. Miller and all of Brewton with deep and profound sadness. There was no bigger believer in his students and no bigger role model to his school than Coach Donnie Rotch.

Madam Speaker, I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family of Coach Rotch and to the people of Brewton and Escambia County who were all influenced by his remarkable presence. Our prayers especially go out to his wonderful wife, Jane; his daughter, Jayme; his son, Richard; his mother, Jean Rotch Bonneau; his three brothers, Greg, Ray and David; two sisters, Kathy and Connie, and other family. You are all in our prayers.