Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the outstanding, dedicated service of Captain Steven D. Poulin, USGC, Commander of Coast Guard Sector Mobile, Alabama, from 2009 to 2010. Coast Guard Sector Mobile is one of the largest operations commands in the Coast Guard and is home to 750 personnel and 50 cutters and other vessels.

On July 9, 2010, Captain Poulin left the command of the USGC station in Mobile to assume sole duties as local incident commander for the Unified Command. In this capacity, Captain Poulin continues to marshal Coast Guard resources in the federal response to the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, which has been such an economic and environmental challenge to America's Gulf Coast since the explosion occurred on April 20.

Specifically, Captain Poulin has led the relief effort along coastal Alabama, Mississippi and the Florida panhandle.

During his command of Sector Mobile, Captain Poulin demonstrated a level of professionalism and dedication to duty in keeping with the finest traditions of the Coast Guard. He was not only the leader of an important local defense installation, but also a visible and respected member of our community.

In fact, Captain Poulin has been a welcome presence in South Alabama for many years. Prior to assuming the command of Sector Mobile, he served in Mobile during earlier assignments as Deputy Commander, from 2007 to 2009, and as Law Enforcement Officer and Assistant Operations Officer from 1986 to 1989.

Captain Poulin's extensive service record also includes assignments as Deputy Commander of the Coast Guard Group Galveston, Texas, from 1996 to 1999, and Special Adviser for Border and Transportation Security for Vice President Richard Cheney from 2005 to 2007. From 2003 to 2005, he was Coast Guard liaison to the State Department's Office of Oceans Affairs. He also served as Legal Counsel for the Coast Guard's Port Security Director from 2002 to 2003, and Legislative Counsel in the Coast Guard's Office of Congressional Affairs from 1999 to 2001.

A 1984 graduate of the U.S. Coast Guard Academy, Captain Poulin was awarded his Juris Doctor, magna cum laude, from the Miami School of Law in 1992.

Although he will soon be leaving the Mobile area for a new assignment, he will continue to use his tremendous skills and dedication to country as the Coast Guard's new director of Congressional Affairs in Washington.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of South Alabama, I wish to thank Captain Poulin for a job well done. Furthermore, I offer our heartfelt gratitude to his wonderful wife, Sherry, and their two children, Steven and Erin, for the sacrifices they have made as a family while their husband and father has admirably served his country with such distinction.

Madam Speaker, the past few months have been tremendously stressful on the people of America's Gulf Coast as our area has been overwhelmed with the worst-ever offshore oil-spill in U.S. history.

Not a day has passed since the April 20th explosion of the Deepwater Horizon oil rig--which left 11 dead and many others injured--that coastal residents in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida haven't had to deal with the economic, ecological and environmental-- fears associated with this tragedy.

For many, our way of life and everything we have known--and loved-- has been threatened. Even today, as news comes that the well has been permanently capped, there continues to be legitimate concerns about what the long-term scars will be in communities like Grand Isle, Pass Christian and Perdido Key.

Specifically, Alabama's coastal towns of Bayou La Batre, Dauphin Island, Gulf Shores and Orange Beach have been especially hard-hit, with direct impact on our fisheries community, seafood processors and commercial and recreational boaters, not to mention hundreds of small, family-owned businesses that dot the Alabama Gulf Coast like seashells that wash up with the morning tide.

While the concern no doubt continues and the challenges, in many ways, remain daunting, Gulf Coast residents were recently treated to a brief respite from the worry and stress that has been hovering over our area like a Category 5 storm out on the Gulf.

As such, it is with a heartfelt voice of pride and gratitude from Parrot Heads all over the country that I rise today to give thanks to musical legend--and native son--Jimmy Buffett for his uplifting, outstanding performance on the white, sugar sandy beaches of Gulf Shores, Alabama, where Jimmy and some of his friends entertained over 35,000 people with a free concert on July 11.

Everything that afternoon--from the clear blue skies to the emerald green waters (without oil, I might add) led to a truly festive and remarkably uplifting performance. Without a doubt, Jimmy and his friends provided some much needed tonic for an area that has been in bad need of a big boost!

Jimmy--it's kind of hard to call him ``Mr. Buffett'' when he often goes to work barefoot, wearing only shorts and a t-shirt--is truly a man of many talents.

As his fans around the country know, he was born in Pascagoula but grew up in Mobile, attending St. Ignatius as a little boy and graduating high school from McGill Institute. A few years later, he received a history degree from the University of Southern Mississippi but long before he left the Mobile City Limits, Jimmy was well on his way to making a name for himself as a musical talent.

Today, Jimmy Buffett is known around the world for hits such as ``Margaritaville'' and ``Cheeseburger in Paradise.'' Over the years, his 30 albums have earned 8 Gold Albums and 9 Platinum or Multi Platinum Albums. And in 2003, Jimmy was awarded the Country Music Award for his hit single with Alan Jackson, ``It's Five O'clock Somewhere.''

But not only is Jimmy a great singer and performer, he is also a highly successful songwriter, author, businessman, and movie producer. He owns or licenses two famous restaurants named after two of his very popular songs, ``Margaritaville'' and ``Cheeseburger in Paradise.''

Outside of his busy work life, Jimmy manages to go above and beyond with his charity efforts. In 1981, Jimmy and Bob Graham, former governor and senator from Florida, founded the Save the Manatee Club, a strong-willed group that is leading the world in preservation efforts of the West Indian Manatee.

In addition, he generously funded The ``Singing for Change'' foundation from his 1995 concert tour which provided grants to local charities concerning children and family, the environment and also disenfranchised groups.

Madam Speaker, when the chips were down and spirits were mighty low, it was our very own ``Son of a Son of a Sailor'' who came home to South Alabama to help remind his friends, his family and all who watched the concert live on CMT that the Gulf Coast will weather this storm--as we have so many others--if we'll just keep the faith and stick together.

And it is on behalf of a grateful Gulf Coast community that I would like to offer my deepest appreciation to Jimmy Buffett for what he did on the afternoon of July 11th to remind us all of what it will again be like ``When the Coast is Clear.'' Thanks, Jimmy.

Madam Speaker, I rise in solemn tribute to the memory of a patriotic young man from South Alabama who recently passed away while honorably serving our Nation.

On July 5, 2010, U.S. Army Spc. 1st Class Damon Shontell, age 22 of Grand Bay, Alabama, died at Fort Jackson, South Carolina.

A graduate of Alma Bryant High School in Irvington, Alabama, Spc. Shontell joined the Army after receiving his diploma. He was known for his deep and abiding patriotism and his determination to serve his country. He planned to pursue a degree in engineering upon completion of his military service.

After entering the Army, Damon attended Military Police Training at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri in June 2006. After completion of his training, he was transferred to Fort Hood, Texas, where he was stationed with the 64th Military Police Company. In May 2007, Spc. Shontell deployed with the 64th MP Company to Iraq where he bravely defended his comrades in gun battles with the enemy. In July 2008, he returned to Fort Hood for another 12 months before transferring to the 17th Military Police Detachment at Fort Jackson in July 2009. He continued to serve at Fort Jackson as a Military Policeman, and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal (1 OLC), Army Achievement Medal, Overseas Service Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and the Iraq Campaign Medal.

He was a devoted soldier who witnessed the hardship and sacrifice of war, but he never faltered in his dedication to duty.

Madam Speaker, we owe so much to those who wear the uniform of our country and put themselves in harm's way to ensure our safety and security.

Even more than the loss of a hero, there is no greater loss than the loss of a child. Spc. Damon Shontell's father, David, personally wrote me a touching letter about the tremendous void that has been created in his life through the passing of his only child, who was also his best friend.

Mr. Shontell also asked me to express his gratitude to those personnel at Fort Jackson who treated him with ``love, respect, trust and brotherhood'' and who so honored his son. In keeping with his request, I bring to the attention of the U.S. House those officers who deserve special recognition for their compassion: Sgt. Terry Horn, Sgt. Kevin Lasonde, Sgt. William Crews, Sgt. David Beaton, Sgt. Stacy Case, Cpt. Tara Mahoney, Col. James Love, Sgt. Ken Lucas; and, at Fort Rucker, Alabama, Sgt. Michelle Flores.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of the people of Alabama, I wish to extend my heartfelt condolences to Spc. 1st Class Shontell's father, David, and his family and friends for their profound personal loss. We all mourn the passing of this very special young man who was taken away from all of us in the prime of his youth. Damon Shontell loved his father, his country, and his God. He will never be forgotten. May he rest in peace.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of a much beloved Mobile

businessman and friend, Mr. Marion Strickler Adams Jr., who passed away at age 78 on July 26, 2010, after a courageous battle against lung cancer.

Ma'on, as he was known by his family and many friends, exemplified honor and leadership throughout his endless accomplishments and in everyday life.

While studying at Vanderbilt University, his future leadership skills became apparent with his role as commander of ``A'' Company in the Naval Reserve.

After graduating Cum Laude, he was commissioned in the United States Navy as an Ensign and served on active duty for two years. He continued as an active member of the Naval Reserve for several years following his discharge, attaining the rank of full lieutenant, along with being a member of the Mobile Council of the Navy League.

Ma'on joined his father's family owned business, Mobile Glass Company, where he served as president until his retirement.

An active member of the community, he was a Rotary Club Paul Harris Fellow and a member of numerous civic and mystic societies.

As a lifelong, faithful member of Government Street Presbyterian Church, Ma'on served in numerous leadership roles on both local church levels and in Presbytery and General Assembly capacities. His faith was the foundation of his life.

His love for family and the outdoors was nurtured during countless summers at Point Clear, and later on at his beloved Mount Pleasant where he enjoyed fishing, hunting, and being surrounded by his adoring children and grandchildren.

A friend to everyone and a devoted family man, he brought great joy to his loved ones.

Ma'on was deeply loved by his wife of 50 years, Ann Greer Adams, his three children, Marion S. Adams III, Sumner Greer Adams, and Monnie Adams Caine, as well as his eight loving grandchildren, Strickler IV, Glenn, Robin, Sumner, Laura, Winston, Marion, and Elliott. He also leaves behind a sister, many nieces and nephews and 17 first cousins who continue to congregate at the Adam's home place in Beersheba Springs, Tennessee, along with countless numbers of friends all over Alabama.

On behalf of everyone who knew and loved Ma'on, I offer my deepest condolences to his family. Marion Adams lived a truly remarkable life and will always be remembered.

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay homage to the memory of a much beloved servant of the Lord--and good friend to many in South Alabama--who recently passed away at the age of 93.

For some, a career of nearly two decades working for the phone company would be the foundation of their life, yet for Harold Blackburn, a native of Citronelle, Alabama, it was just a warm-up. He was destined for a higher calling.

After 19 years at South Central Bell, Mr. Blackburn traded his business clothes for the cloth, becoming a minister of the Lord.

For the next 36 years, Reverend Blackburn--or Brother Harold as he was affectionately known--embarked upon a grand journey that took him from the pulpit to the field, first serving as pastor for a number of Southern Baptist churches all across Alabama.

From the church sanctuary, Reverend Blackburn turned his message to outreach, becoming Director of Missions, serving churches in Clarke and Chambers counties for 23 years, and then leading Baldwin County church missions programs for another 13 years.

Reverend Blackburn loved nature and was also an avid hunter. In his retirement years in Silverhill, Alabama, he was well known for his interest in taxidermy.

Without question, this man of incredible faith lived a long and remarkable life with a legacy of dear friends that literally stretches from one end of the state to the other.

In this time of deep personal loss, I offer my condolences to his wife and childhood sweetheart, Miriam, their two daughters, Carol Ann and Deborah Kay, their six grandchildren, and 19 great grandchildren.

Make no mistake: he loved his family, his friends, his country and his God, and not necessarily in that order.

Rev. Blackburn's life was an inspiration to everyone he met and his memory will long linger in our hearts. May he rest in peace.

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

I rise today in support of House Concurrent Resolution 226, supporting the observance of Spirit of '45 Day.

Madam Speaker, August 14, 2010, marks the 65th anniversary of the end of World War II. It was on this day in 1945 that the Japanese informed the United States that they had agreed to the terms of the surrender agreement, and after some six horrific years, the Second World War was over.

The Allied victory marked the culmination of an unparalleled national effort that defeated the Axis Powers, liberated oppressed nations, and ended the horrors of the Holocaust. The victory was achieved by the collective service and individual sacrifice of the people of the United States, both those who served on the front lines overseas, as well as those who supported them here at home.

Japan's surrender came some 3 years and 8 months after the bombings at Pearl Harbor, and marked the beginning of an unprecedented era of global rebuilding. The United States was the leader in this effort to not only rebuild the war-ravaged nations of our allies, but of our enemies as well.

Madam Speaker, during World War II, more than 400,000 Americans lost their lives in the ultimate act of sacrifice to our great Nation. The men and

women who were fortunate enough to survive and served so bravely, both on the home front and overseas, make up a generation that many Americans consider the ``Greatest Generation,'' a generation that has and continues to dedicate themselves to service and sacrifice to their communities and to our great country. This generation has promoted civic engagement and created numerous organizations and institutions in the post-war years that have truly made America and the world a better place.

Today, the sacrifice, courage and dedication of those who served during World War II still inspires those who wear the uniform and defend our Nation each and every day. The men and women in our Armed Forces who fight for our freedoms every day in Iraq, Afghanistan and all over the world are the children and grandchildren of those who gave so much in World War II. Undoubtedly, today's soldiers have been influenced and motivated by those who served during the great World War.

Madam Speaker, as we move further away from this historic anniversary, and with many of this generation passing away on a daily basis, it is so easy to forget both the sacrifices that this generation made during the war, and what they did after the war. America's victory catapulted our Nation to become the predominant world superpower, and allowed the children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren of this generation to grow up in a more prosperous and safe country.

Like my colleagues and all Americans, I am truly thankful for the sacrifices endured by so many during the war and after August 14, 1945. And on the second Sunday in August, the proposed Spirit of '45 Day, I urge each and every American to reflect on the importance of this day and what it means to our country.

Madam Speaker, I strongly support this resolution and urge all Members to join me in supporting H. Con. Res. 226.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers. I urge all Members to support passage.

I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, I thank my colleague from the District of Columbia for her assistance today as well, as we bring this American classic to the floor of the House of Representatives.

On behalf of my colleagues in the Alabama delegation, Mr. Aderholt, Mr. Bachus, Mr. Bright, Mr. Davis, Dr. Griffith, and Mr. Rogers--as well as our two United States Senators from Alabama, Senator Shelby and Senator Sessions--I am extremely proud to rise today in support of House Resolution 1525, honoring the 50th anniversary of the publication of a truly great American novel, ``To Kill a Mockingbird.''

It was 50 years ago this month when Nelle Harper Lee of Monroeville penned what is today considered one of the most beloved American stories of all time.

Before I speak further about Ms. Lee and her masterpiece, however, I'd like to take just a minute to thank Chairman Towns and Ranking Member Issa of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee and their staffs for working with my staff and me to get this resolution brought to the House floor before Congress breaks for the August district work period. If approved, I hope to present a copy of this resolution to the people of Monroe County when I return home later this week.

I would also like to thank the Speaker of the House, the majority leader, and the majority whip, Mr. Hoyer and Mr. Clyburn, as well as the minority leader, Mr. Boehner, and minority whip, Mr. Cantor, not to mention all of the other Members of Congress who have cosponsored this resolution, for their encouragement and support in finding an appropriate way to honor Ms. Lee, her family, as well as the wonderful people of Monroeville, Alabama, a town of approximately 7,000 people, which I am proud to say I represent in Alabama's First Congressional District.

Without a doubt, the people of Monroeville and Monroe County all join with me and this body as we will celebrate this proud moment. For as people all across America know, Monroeville provided the real-life setting for the fictional town of Maycomb, where the story of ``To Kill a Mockingbird'' comes to life.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to offer this resolution, which also honors the remarkable achievements of a Pulitzer Prize-winning south Alabama author, whose words have not only inspired generations, but in a very real way have helped to change our Nation and the world for the better.

Born on April 28, 1926, to A.C. and Frances Finch Lee, Nelle Harper completed her first and only novel in 1960. In fact, it appeared for the very first time on July 11 of that year. Upon its publication, Nelle, as she is affectionately known to her family and close friends, reportedly remarked that she hoped that her book would win some encouragement for what was a budding writing career. Fifty years later, it is safe to say that her hopes have been more than realized.

In many ways, Harper Lee could not have foreseen that her brilliantly worded prose would one day become a literary beacon for equality and justice, not to mention an inspiration for the advancement of civil rights all across our land. Not only would ``To Kill a Mockingbird'' become one of the great books of the 20th century, but the 1962 movie version, starring Gregory Peck, has been immortalized in celluloid. In

fact, the courtroom interior shown in the movie is the exact replica of the interior of the Old Monroe County Courthouse, which people can visit today, and is part of the Monroe County Heritage Museum.

For her efforts, Ms. Lee's book won the Pulitzer Prize for fiction in 1961. Today, as the gentlelady from the District of Columbia pointed out, ``Mockingbird'' has sold more than 30 million copies and has been published in more than 40 different languages.

In survey after survey asking which one book civilized people should read, ``To Kill a Mockingbird'' routinely finishes second only to the Holy Bible. And the movie, which premiered in 1962, won three Oscars, including best actor for Mr. Peck, who brought the character of Atticus Finch to life.

We know the characters as though they lived just down the street from us. There is Scout, Ms. Lee's 6-year-old narrator, as well as her father, Atticus, who held every one of us with each word as he paced the courtroom floor while delivering his impassioned argument in defense of Tom Robinson. How many young lawyers today credit Atticus Finch with inspiring them to go into law? There is Scout's older brother, Jem; their housekeeper, Calpurnia; their neighbor Dill; and, of course, Tom Robinson, the black man who was wrongly accused of rape.

Madam Speaker, this month as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of ``To Kill a Mockingbird,'' we also use this fitting occasion to honor the remarkable life of its author, Harper Lee.

The people of Monroeville have warmly embraced Miss Lee's legacy by staging annual public performances of her famous book to the delight of audiences in Monroeville and throughout the south, as well as at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.--not to mention standing-room only crowds in England and Israel.

In fact, just a few weeks ago, Monroeville hosted a special 50th anniversary tribute to Ms. Lee and her famous novel, attracting admiring fans from all across the country. A half century after the ink has dried on this first edition of ``To Kill a Mockingbird,'' its pages still call to our better instincts of decency and fairness to our fellow man, while reminding us that prejudice, though too common, must continue to be confronted.

On a personal note, I was honored to attend the 2007 White House ceremony during which Nelle Harper Lee was presented the Presidential Medal of Freedom--America's highest civilian honor--by President George W. Bush. In presenting this award to Ms. Lee, the President noted ``To Kill a Mockingbird'' has influenced the character of our country for the better. It's been a gift to the entire world. As a model of good writing and humane sensibility, this book will be read and studied forever. After the medal ceremony in the East Room and after a brief reception in the State Dining Room, I was truly touched as people stood literally the length of the White House--including some of the other recipients of the award ceremony that day--just for the opportunity to thank Ms. Lee for her gift to mankind.

And in a moment that I will truly never forget, I remember as the ceremony was winding down standing next to Ms. Lee in the foyer of the White House while the conductor of the President's own, the United States Marine Band, led the orchestra in the musical score from the opening credits of the movie, ``To Kill a Mockingbird,'' by Elmer Bernstein.

There were few dry eyes in the White House that afternoon, and it was a fitting close to a spectacular day.

Madam Speaker, here on the 50th anniversary of ``To Kill a Mockingbird,'' the people of Monroeville, Monroe County, and all the people across Alabama could not be more proud of our favorite daughter and her lasting legacy.

To Miss Nelle, her sister Miss Alice, and the many others who helped inspire this story, America offers our warmest congratulations and love on this special occasion. And no doubt for the generation to come that will also be touched and inspired by this timeless story, we have a special word of thanks for the gift that has never stopped giving.

Madam Speaker, I urge all of the Members to support H. Res. 1525.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

I rise today in support of H.R. 1320, the Federal Advisory Committee Act Amendments of 2010.

The Federal Advisory Committee Act, first signed into law in 1972, is an important safeguard of the public's right to know. Congress originally passed FACA to formally establish Federal advisory committees and set guidelines for their creation and management in response to beliefs by many citizens and Members of Congress that such committees were duplicative, inefficient, and lacked adequate control or oversight. FACA required formal reporting and oversight procedures, balanced membership, open meetings, and ensured the advice provided by committees be objective and accessible to the public.

Federal advisory committees bring together private and governmental experts to examine issues and recommend statutory, regulatory, or other actions. There are over 900 active committees with nearly 64,000 total members that provide advice and recommendations to 50 Federal agencies. These committees make key decisions affecting every American on vital issues such as health care, civil rights, and national security.

Congress intended FACA to shed some light into how agencies make decisions based upon advice and recommendations from individuals outside of government. It also ensures that the benefits received from such committees are justified to taxpayers.

As originally introduced and reported, H.R. 1320 enhanced the advisory committee selection process and expanded the disclosure of conflicts of interest of committee members. The introduced and reported version of H.R. 1320 was essentially the same bill that many of my colleagues supported last Congress when it passed by a voice vote. However, Madam Speaker, over the past year the bill that many of our colleagues supported in the last Congress was watered down by the majority; and until recent changes, Madam Speaker, we would have been asked to support a bill that was promoting less transparency. Following talks with the administration, the majority proposed a revised version of H.R. 1320 this spring that reduced transparency, limited disclosure, and weakened the prohibition on conflicts of interest. This came as a shock to many of my Republican colleagues on the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, as a 2004 GAO investigation found that agencies were using advisory committees to avoid disclosing conflicts of interest.

Thankfully, at the urging of Republican members on the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Democrat and Republican members of that committee were able to work together and have given this body today a bill that increases transparency and accountability of both the committees and the agencies that they advise. H.R. 1320 provides strong protections against conflicts of interest and robust transparency into the workings of these committees. The bill also closes a loophole that many agencies were using to get around financial disclosure requirements and ethics requirements for members of those committees.

I commend Mr. Clay, Chairman Towns, Ranking Member Issa, and other distinguished members of the committee for their hard work and desire to make the Federal Government more transparent and open and accountable to the American people.

I urge all Members to support H.R. 1320.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I am happy to encourage our Members to support passage of this bill.

I yield back the balance of my time.

General Leave

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Madam Speaker, I rise to offer tribute to a remarkable businessman and leader in Alabama, Mr. Joseph M. Farley, who passed away on May 24 at the age of 82.

Joe Farley guided Alabama Power Company for 2 decades, serving as president from 1969 to 1989.

He is credited with--and admired for--his steady and wise leadership, successfully guiding Alabama Power during some very difficult times for the energy industry in America.

From the beginning, it appeared as though Joe Farley was both educated and trained for the task of running a major energy company. He held a mechanical engineering degree from Princeton University, attended the University of Alabama's College of Commerce

and Business Administration, and earned a law degree from Harvard University. At every level Joe excelled and even as a young man, he was always the one person that others looked up to as a leader.

After serving 2 decades at the helm of Alabama Power, Mr. Farley took over the nuclear energy division of the Southern Company--Alabama Power's parent company.

His advocacy of nuclear energy could not have come at a more important time for the nuclear industry and he instantly became known around the country as one of the preeminent experts on the subject. He was responsible for the construction of the nuclear power facility near Dothan, Alabama which bears his name. Even today, the Farley Nuclear Plant remains an example of how productive and efficient nuclear power can be used in generating electricity.

A former president of the Birmingham Area Chamber of Commerce and the Alabama Chamber of Commerce, Mr. Farley was also inducted in the Alabama Business Hall of Fame.

A highly regarded family man and member of the board of the Alabama Children's Hospital Foundation, Joe Farley was truly a credit to our state and his loss will be deeply felt by all who knew him.

Madam Speaker, our sincere condolences and prayers go out to his family and friends during this difficult time.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize and commend the exemplary public service of Cheryl A. Thompson, who recently retired as vice president of the Mobile Division of Alabama Power.

As each of us has personally realized during times of stormy weather, there are few things that we depend upon more than electricity. For more than a decade, the person who was saddled with the immense responsibility of keeping the power on for more than 200,000 households and businesses in southwest Alabama has been Cheryl Thompson.

Madam Speaker, the Gulf Coast is no stranger to bad weather and we've had our

share of hurricanes and tropical storms since 1998, the year that Cheryl took the reins of the Mobile Division of Alabama Power. As the head of a team of over 400 personnel, she has ensured that we don't remain in the dark even when Mother Nature is at her worst.

Equally important, however, Cheryl has brought much more to our community than just her role as the head of the Mobile Division for Alabama Power. She is an active supporter of many local organizations that enrich our lives and promote jobs.

Cheryl is past chair and a member of the board of the Industrial Development Board of Mobile. She also serves on the boards of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf of Mexico, the executive council of the Mitchell College of Business at the University of South Alabama, the Mobile Symphony, and is past chairman of Leadership Alabama.

A native of Alexander City, Alabama, Cheryl holds degrees from Auburn University and the University of Alabama. She has completed the Advanced Management Program at Templeton University, Oxford, England, and the Women in Power Program at Harvard University.

After joining Alabama Power in 1972, Cheryl worked for more than 2 decades in the Eastern and Birmingham Divisions in corporate marketing. She was named southeast region manager at Georgia Power in 1996, and took over Alabama Power's Mobile operations 2 years later.

Cheryl has been a tremendously positive force in our community and on behalf of the many people in South Alabama who have benefited from her considerable talents, I join in wishing Cheryl and her wonderful husband, Jerry, a well-deserved happy, healthy and prosperous future.

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate my friend and, coincidentally, my next door neighbor, Coach Jim Tate, whose tremendous talents as a high school track and field coach in Mobile, Alabama have once again earned him national recognition.

On June 28, Coach Tate was named 2010 National High School Coach of the Year for Girls Track and Field for the outstanding record he has amassed while coaching at Mobile's St. Paul's School.

Perhaps more than any other man to coach the sport, Jim Tate has now garnered not one but two national coaching awards, the first being in 1999 as the Girls Cross Country Coach of the Year by the National Federation of State High School Associations.

Without a doubt, Jim Tate is a legend in Mobile and throughout the State of Alabama. He has been involved with the St. Paul's track and field program for the past 32 years, guiding his teams to a total of 56 titles--17 in girls cross country, 17 in girls track and field, 13 in boys track and field, and nine in boys cross country.

Coach Tate's girls' teams have won five straight Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 5A state titles, and his teams set a national high school record from 1982 through 1998 by winning 16 straight state titles.

Madam Speaker, as you might imagine, Coach Tate has been awarded countless honors for his exemplary coaching ability within the community including induction into the 2008 Mobile Sports Hall of Fame, as well as Coach of the Year honors by the Mobile Press Register more times than one can count. Recently, St. Paul's decided to honor Coach Tate by naming their new field house that is under construction in his honor.

On behalf of the people of South Alabama and especially on behalf of the St. Paul's School family, I extend my heartfelt congratulations to a man who has touched thousands of young lives and who, at all times, has been an exemplary role model as both an athlete and a human being, Coach Jim Tate.

I know Jim's family is exceedingly proud of their father and husband for his wonderful example and his tireless dedication to turning our young people into winners, not just on the athletic field, but in the game of life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and the patriotic service of U.S. Air Force SSgt. David Smith, age 26, a dedicated defender of American liberty, who lost his life while coming to the aid of wounded warriors in Afghanistan.

Staff Sergeant Smith, a graduate of Satsuma High School and a resident of Eight Mile, Alabama, was devoted to his mission of rescuing his comrades on the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan. During his years of wearing the uniform of his country, he proudly participated in more than 130 combat missions, literally saving the lives of hundreds of military personnel.

A member of the 66th Rescue Squadron from Ellis Air Force Base in Nevada, Staff Sergeant Smith was assigned to the 563rd Rescue Group. While conducting a medical evacuation mission in Afghanistan's Helmand province, his HH-60G Pave Hawk helicopter was shot down by Taliban insurgents on June 9, 2010.

Speaking about the loss of Staff Sergeant Smith, as well as three of his comrades and those injured aboard their rescue helicopter, U.S. Air Force Chief of Staff General Norman Schwartz noted, ``Faithful to the rescue motto 'That others may live,' these airmen were courageously and selflessly flying in support of their joint coalition teammates. We grieve for our warriors and our thoughts and prayers are with their families, as well as with the airmen still recovering.''

At the time of his death, Staff Sergeant Smith was just 5 days from completing his combat duty. He was awarded the Purple Heart, Air Force Combat Award Medal, and the Alabama Distinguished Service Medal.

During this time of sorrow, my heart and prayers go out to Staff Sergeant Smith's mother, Mildred Hardee, his fiancee, Meggan Eckersley, brothers, Randall Dunn and Todd Smith, sisters, Tracy Smith and Jamie Smith, and his extended family.

On behalf of the people of Alabama, I wish to extend our deepest condolences to the family of Staff Sergeant Smith for the loss of their beloved son, brother and finance. He is truly an American Hero and we will always cherish his service to his country and its people.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the remarkable service of a true public servant from my home State of Alabama. A native of Andalusia, Seth Hammett is retiring this year as Speaker of the Alabama House of Representatives and Representative for the 92nd House District serving Covington and Escambia counties.

Speaker Hammett, a pilot in the United States Air Force and founder and president of

the First National Bank of Andalusia, was first elected to the Alabama State House of Representatives in 1978.

Since that time, the speaker has been regarded as truly one of the most effective leaders ever to serve in the Alabama House of Representatives. Not only has he earned bipartisan respect from his colleagues in the Alabama House, but organizations such as the Business Council of Alabama and the Alabama Rural Electric Cooperatives, to name just a few, have time and again called upon Seth for his calm leadership and sound judgment.

During his time in office, Speaker Hammett has become a fierce proponent of higher education. For over a decade, he served Lurleen B. Wallace Community College as its president. Additionally, his efforts have earned him many awards, including the Courage of Conviction Award given by the Higher Education Partnership, The Legislative Leadership Award given by the Council for Leaders in Alabama Schools and the Legislative Award given by the Alabama Association of School Boards.

Due to his strong convictions and commitment to serving the State of Alabama, Speaker Hammett has also been the recipient of the Children's Hero Award given by the Alabama Department of Human Resources and the Meritorious Service Award given by the Montgomery Advertiser. In addition to these honors, Seth was named Citizen of the Year for the city of Andalusia and a Guardian of Small Business by the National Federation of Independent Businesses.

Speaker Hammett also had the honor of serving as chairman of the 16- State Southern Legislative Conference as well as president of the National Speakers Conference. He is currently a member of the Executive Committee for both conferences.

In his business life, he also serves the vice president of business development for PowerSouth Energy Cooperative and as president emeritus of Lurleen B. Wallace Community College.

Madam Speaker, in addition to his undying commitment to his community, Speaker Hammett is an equally devoted father and husband. He and his lovely wife, Nancy, have been blessed with a wonderful family that includes adult children and grandchildren. He is also an active member of the First United Methodist Church of Andalusia.

Speaker Hammett has been the epitome of a servant leader and has represented the great State of Alabama with unprecedented devotion. Over the years, he and I have had several occasions to work on economic development projects that have proven important to the State of Alabama and while it is with genuine sadness that I watch my good friend leave office, it is also with great gratitude that I thank him for his incredible life of service to our beloved Alabama.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of a longtime Mobile resident, and a very special friend, Charles King Pickett, who passed away at the age of 74 on March 4, 2010.

King, as he was affectionately known to his family and many friends, was loved by everyone who knew him. He never met a stranger and always had a kind word for others.

He served America with uncommon dedication as a paratrooper with the U.S. Army's 82nd Airborne Division and in the U.S. Air Force Reserve.

The founder of Pickett and Adams Insurance Agency in Mobile, King shepherded his very successful business for more than four decades before retiring in 2003.

An active member of the community, King Pickett helped launch the Port City Pacers and led by example, jogging over 30,000 miles during his lifetime.

Harkening back to his Army paratrooper days, he also enjoyed recreational skydiving, racking up 115 jumps, including one on his 70th birthday.

He was a strong supporter of Mobile's Mardi Gras and was an active member of both the Knights of Revelry and the Comic Cowboys. Additionally, King was very involved in the Cellular South 1st and 10 Club, Mobile's Senior Bowl football game and numerous other community events such as the American Cancer Society's Chili Cook-Off.

Madam Speaker, Joseph Kennedy once said ``The measure of a man's success in life is not the money he's made . . . it's the kind of family he has raised.''

King was deeply loved by his son, Dr. Taylor King Pickett, his daughter, Eliska Pickett Morgan, my deputy chief of staff and district director, as well as his wonderful grandsons, William Roe, Smith Pickett and Michael Morgan, as well as his lovely granddaughters, Riley Pickett, Taylor Roe, Hannah Pickett and Adalee Pickett. He also leaves behind hundreds of friends throughout South Alabama. In a very real way, we were all King's family.

As his longtime friend, C. Dennis McCann, recently observed in a letter published in the Mobile Press-Register, ``King always brought a contagious happiness to everyone he met.''

Without question, Mobile lost a great citizen and a dear friend this past March.

On behalf of all those who knew and loved King, I offer my deepest condolences to his family. King Pickett lived a truly remarkable life and his death leaves a void which is not possible to be filled.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to mark the passing of a giant personality in my home state's industrial recruitment efforts and an individual who was one of the most influential for transforming Alabama into the auto manufacturing hub of the South.

David Echols passed away on June 20, 2010. For most Alabamians, David Echols might not be a household name, but his legacy--both inside and outside our state--is monumental.

Back in the early 1990s, David Echols, a project manager with the Alabama Development Office, was tasked, nearly single-handedly, by state officials to go after a major unknown manufacturer. He had no idea at the time that Mercedes Benz was on the other end of his recruiter's fishing line, but he confidently cast his lure and after expert angling, reeled in what many believe to be Alabama's biggest- ever industrial recruitment prize.

Mercedes not only located in Vance, Alabama, but also expanded its operations, and with it, enabled Alabama to capture the eye of many other manufacturers.

For many, this would have been a success to crown one's career, but for David, it was just another day at the office. He continued to earn his reputation as a tireless advocate for Alabama, pressing ahead to help land Toyota's truck engine manufacturing plant in Huntsville, Honda's SUV auto manufacturing facility in Lincoln, and Hyundai's North American manufacturing base in Montgomery, Alabama.

Those who worked with David have observed that he possessed the skills and energy of a team of individuals and it will require more than one person to fill his enormous shoes. They also note that he relished in getting the job done, rather than standing in the spotlight--a role he left to others.

Echols' passage at the young age of 53 is a loss for his family and our entire state. I regret that his remarkable efforts on behalf of Alabama workers were not better known during his lifetime. He deserves to be remembered for contributions which certainly equal those of any of our elected officials.

To David's wife, Cynthia Nicholson Echols, and his daughters, Elizabeth Smith Melancon and Mary Katherine Echols, I extend my condolences and prayers in this time of loss. The entire state of Alabama has been made better by the unselfish service of your husband and father. May he rest in peace.