Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, the city of Mobile and indeed the entire State of Alabama recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor her and pay tribute to the memory of Jean O'Connor-Snyder.

A long-time resident of Tuscaloosa, Jean devoted much of her business and civic career to her beloved alma mater, which honored her

with the establishment of 2 endowed scholarships in her name: the Jean O'Connor Leadership Scholarship and the Jean O'Connor-Snyder Endowed Scholarship.

She served as director of events and protocol and assistant director of development for the University of Alabama for over 9 years. She also served as director of community relations, employee development and special events for Bromberg Jewelers, assistant vice president of SouthTrust Bank, and executive director of the Alabama Jewelers Association. In 1993, she moved to Montgomery to be the executive assistant to the First Lady, mansion administrator, and chief of protocol for the Alabama Governor's office. In 1995, she returned to her private consulting business where she specialized in events management, public relations, and professional development training.

Jean was a president of the Tuscaloosa chapter of the University of Alabama National Alumni Association, and the National Alumni Association awarded her with the Distinguished Alumna Award in 1997. She was the volunteer coordinator with the University of Alabama Visual Program and former president of the Life Learning Initiative at Shelton State Community College. She served as the consultant who coordinated the first two Alabama Stage and Screen Hall of Fame Galas for Shelton State Community College.

Her dedication did not stop there. Jean served as a deacon and Stephen Minister at First Presbyterian Church of Tuscaloosa, president of Tuscaloosa International Friends, board member to Tuscaloosa Family Resource Center, and the Chi Omega/House Corporation. She was a member of Rotary International Tuscaloosa Chapter, 2007 Leadership Scholarship Capstone Council, and received the Alabama Alumni Association's Award of Achievement.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated community leader and friend to many throughout Alabama. Jean will be missed by her family--her 6 children, Frances O'Connor Morgan, William F. O'Connor, Jr., John Talty O'Connor, Julia Bradford O'Connor, Michael Brady O'Connor, and Patrick Shepherd O'Connor; her stepdaughter, Sharon Pilsch; nine grandchildren, Rosalyn Morgan Devine, Katherine Elizabeth O'Connor Heath, Anna Bradford O'Connor Norris, John Franklin Morgan III, Elizabeth Brady Morgan, Kelsey Cooper O'Connor, Kerri Cathleen O'Connor, Rosalind Brady O'Connor, and Victor Bradford O'Connor; 2 step-grandchildren, Erin Pilsch and Turner Pilsch; and several great-grandchildren--as well as the many countless friends she leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart to announce to the House that a friend to many in this chamber--and throughout this city--Mayer Mitchell of Mobile--passed away yesterday morning at home with his family by his side.

In recent weeks, it became apparent that Mayer was involved in a battle unlike any he had ever faced. And yet, knowing that Mayer had that `never-say-quit' spirit, it would not have surprised any of us had he been able to scale just one more mountain along life's journey.

Sadly, however, that was simply not meant to be, and Mayer's passing leaves a void that will be felt throughout our community, state and nation.

No tribute to Mayer could begin without offering our heartfelt sympathies to his wonderful family. Above all else, Mayer was truly a family man . . . he loved his family and included them in almost all that he did and all for which he stood.

To his loving wife of 54 years, Arlene, their four children, Richard, Melinda, Joy and Lisa, their eight grandchildren, and to his brother, Abe, the people of south Alabama offer our deepest sympathies to you over your loss. At the same time, we offer our profound gratitude to you for sharing your wonderful husband, father, grandfather and brother with all of us.

Mayer Mitchell had a truly wonderful and amazing life, a life filled with exemplary philanthropic service that is unrivaled in the city of Mobile and perhaps the state of Alabama, but also, in a very real way, he was a man who enriched the lives of all who came in contact with him over the years.

Mayer, known to his close friends and family as ``Bubba,'' was truly many things to many people.

As a businessman, Mayer was the consummate professional, always driven by a desire to be successful in whatever opportunity was presented. He often defined success as being centered on respect, trust and mutual understanding.

He was motivated by a personal philosophy of ``the harder you work, the luckier you get,'' and that's just what Mayer did. Along with his brother Abe, they founded The Mitchell Company, a residential and commercial real estate development firm in 1958. Their company built single family homes and apartments as well as shopping centers. Not surprisingly, the firm grew rapidly and soon became one of the largest in the southeast.

Mayer and Abe sold their interest in the company in 1986 at which time the firm was responsible for 25,000 single family homes, 20,000 apartments and 175 shopping centers. Even today, The Mitchell Company remains the largest private firm in Mobile and among the top 40 in the state of Alabama. After selling the family business, Mayer spent the second half of his business life managing his investments through his company, MBI, L.L.C. Rather than retire at the young age of 53 simply to live on his successes, Mayer put his heart and soul in support of his family, his faith and his community. He followed the example set by his parents' commitment to philanthropy explained by one of his favorite Jewish proverbs, ``Give when you're living, and it's gold. When you give when you're dead, it's lead.''

A lifelong proponent of education, Mayer served more than 32 years on the University of South Alabama Board of Trustees, including a term as chairman. He was particularly supportive of USA's medical, business and sports programs, but to say his giving touched every aspect of the University would be a considerable understatement.

At the time of his death, Mayer and his family had given more than $36 million to the University of South Alabama. As a result of his leadership, several key landmarks on campus today proudly bear the Mitchell name, including USA's Mitchell College of Business and the Mitchell Center sports arena, the finest facility of its kind in the state of Alabama.

Mayer and Abe also gave generously to create the University's business learning resource center, named in honor of their parents, Joseph and Rebecca Mitchell.

But as committed to education as he was, Mayer was also a tireless advocate for quality

health care and, not surprisingly, he left his indelible mark in this arena as well.

Madam Speaker, at the age of 36, Mayer was diagnosed with Hodgkin's lymphoma. After seeking successful experimental cancer treatments in New York, Mayer vowed that Mobile would one day have its own world- class cancer center.

And today, because of Mayer's vision and generosity--and that of the entire Mitchell family--the University of South Alabama, in alliance with the Mobile Infirmary Medical Center, is now home to a state of- the-art cancer research institute, appropriately named the Mitchell Cancer Institute.

All in all, the Mitchell family holds the distinction of having given more to a single public university than any other family in the history of the state of Alabama.

Without a doubt, Mayer's philanthropy and leadership was legendary and recognized around the country and across the globe. When Mayer's name was on an invitation, a project or a cause, you knew with it came his own personal ``Good Housekeeping Seal of Approval.'' And if Mayer was on your side, you never, ever had to go back to him and ask if he was truly committed. Mayer's word was golden.

Mayer Mitchell was awarded the University of South Alabama National Alumni Associations' Distinguished Service Award in 2006. Other honors included: Outstanding Young Men of America; Jewish Welfare Fund Man of the Year; Prichard Honorary Citizen of the Year; Mobile County Realtor of the Year; and high honors from the Boy's Club of Mobile, Bishop State Community College; University of Rochester, New Orleans Chapter of Hadassah, Alabama Institute for the Deaf and Blind, Mobile Kiwanis Club and the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association. In 2006, The University of Alabama inducted Mayer into the Alabama Business Hall of Fame.

Clearly, Mayer's involvement was not just at the local and state level, but at the national level as well. He was a longtime political activist and a passionate supporter for Israel. He served on the national board of directors of the American Israel Public Affairs Committee, AIPAC, for over two decades, serving as president of the board from 1990--1992 and as chairman of the board from 1992--1996. He devoted much time to Camp Ramah Darom, a summer camp for Jewish youth in northeast Georgia, and Jewish Theological Seminary in New York, which awarded him an honorary doctorate.

A graduate from Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Finance in 1953, Mayer also served in the Army as a first lieutenant in the Korean War, where he earned a commendation ribbon with medal pendant for meritorious service.

Madam Speaker, Psalms 24:2 calls to question, ``Who will ascend the mountain of the Lord and who will stand in his place of sanctity? One with clean hands and a pure heart.''

Let there be no doubt, Mayer Mitchell's manner and goodness truly lived up to that expectation. And for all who truly knew Mayer--and appreciated him for all he was and all he did--we can all take some comfort in knowing that in life, Mayer definitely made a difference. Even in death, his legacy will last for generations.

More than 60 years ago, a young girl wrote a diary that opened the world's eyes to the horrors of evil and hatred. Even today, Anne Frank remains an inspiration for her simple eloquence and powerful choice of words.

One of my favorite Anne Frank quotes seems to be a fitting epithet for my dear friend, Mayer. She wrote, ``How wonderful it is that nobody needs to wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.''

Madam Speaker, Mayer Mitchell did just that. He waited for no one to tell him what needed to be done; he simply went out, in his own special way, and sewed seeds of hope one good deed at a time.

While it is true that the good works of Mayer Mitchell could fill an entire volume in the Congressional Record, on this day when his family and friends mourn his death, I simply ask my colleagues to join with me in remembering a good and decent man, Mayer Mitchell. May he rest in peace.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and personal pleasure that I rise today to honor Bruce Baughman for his years of leadership and service to the state of Alabama as director of the Alabama Emergency Management Agency (AEMA).

Bruce's tenure has endured devastating natural disasters across Alabama, including Hurricanes Ivan and Katrina as well as a deadly tornado that killed 10 people at Enterprise High School. In each of these circumstances, Bruce's experience and guidance proved crucial to the entire region. In the wake of Hurricane Katrina, the recovery in south Alabama was much better than expected, and as a result of Bruce's steady hand, AEMA's response to Hurricane Katrina in 2005 received national praise.

His list of accomplishments is long enough to fill an entire volume of the Congressional Record. Among the highlights, Bruce was the Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) director of operations for response efforts at both the World Trade Center and the Pentagon in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Bruce also served as director of FEMA's Office of National Preparedness, a department created at the request of the president and charged with planning and coordinating the agency's domestic terrorism preparedness.

Bruce has served as director of FEMA's Planning and Readiness Division, coordinating the development and implementation of FEMA policies and procedures for use during presidentially declared emergencies. Prior to joining FEMA, Bruce served on the Mississippi EMA staff. Bruce is also a veteran, having served his country as an artillery officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, seeing service in Asia, Europe, and the Caribbean.

Bruce's lifetime of service has certainly not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous awards including FEMA's Distinguished Service Award and four FEMA Meritorious Service Awards.

Madam Speaker, the faithful service of outstanding Americans like Bruce Baughman has contributed in an immeasurable way to the wellbeing of our state and our Nation. I would like to offer my congratulations to Bruce for his many personal and professional achievements and offer a heartfelt ``thank you'' for a job well done.

I know his family and many friends join with me in honoring his accomplishments and extending thanks for his many efforts on behalf of the people of Alabama and our great Nation.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to honor T. Michael Goodrich on the occasion of his induction into the Alabama Academy of Honor.

Michael's years of leadership and service to the State of Alabama as chief executive officer and chairman of the board of BE&K, Inc. have added in an immeasurable way to the wellbeing of our State and Nation.

His lifetime of service has certainly not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous awards including the NOVA Award from the Construction Innovation Forum and the Excellence in Construction Cornerstone Award from the Associated Builders and Contractors.

Created in 1965, the Alabama Academy of Honor was created to recognize living Alabamians for their accomplishments and service that greatly benefits or reflects credit on the State of Alabama. Ten members may be elected annually by the Academy of Honor with no greater than 100 living members at a time.

Madam Speaker, the following tribute was presented to T. Michael Goodrich at his ceremony of induction into the Academy in 2007. With your permission, I would like to add this tribute to the Congressional Record.

T. Michael Goodrich

T. Michael Goodrich is the chief executive officer and

chairman of the board of BE&K, Inc., providing engineering,

construction, and maintenance services throughout the world.

BE&K was recognized by author Robert Levering and by Fortune

magazine as ``One of the 100 Best Companies to Work for in

America. ''

Thomas Michael Goodrich was born in Milan, Tennessee, and

moved to Birmingham in 1948. He graduated from Indian Springs

School, earned a civil engineering degree from Tulane

University, and a Juris Doctorate from the University of

Alabama School of Law. He served as a captain in the U.S.

Army Corps of Engineers and as Alabama Chief Justice Howell

Heflin's first law clerk and later his administrative

assistant.

Goodrich began his career at BE&K in 1972 as legal counsel.

His responsibility grew along with the company, and he became

vice president and general counsel. In 1989, he was named

president, in 1995, CEO, and in 2003, chairman. BE&K

companies have built such diverse projects as Fulton County

Stadium, Ericsson Stadium, Discovery Cove for Sea World,

NASCAR Hall of Fame, and numerous industrial and

telecommunications projects. In addition to work in the

United States, BE&K operates an industrial construction

company in Poland and Russia and a biotech-engineering firm

in Helsinki, Finland.

Goodrich has served as board member and officer with

numerous industry and civic organizations, including

Associated Builders and Contractors of Alabama; Birmingham

Construction Industry Authority; Construction Industry

Institute; National Building Museum; Birmingham Civil Rights

Institute; Lakeshore Hospital; Leadership Council, University

of Alabama at Birmingham; University of Alabama Health

System; Eisenhower Exchange Fellow; Board of Governors of

Indian Springs School; Leadership Alabama; Leadership

Birmingham; South Highland Presbyterian Church; and state and

national Boy Scouts of America. His awards and honors include

the NOVA Award from the Construction Innovation Forum; the

Excellence in Construction Cornerstone Award from the

Associated Builders and Contractors; the President's Medal

from UAB; and the Silver Antelope and Distinguished Eagle

Scout awards from the Boys Scouts of America. He was inducted

into the National Academy of Construction in 2002 and the

State of Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame in 2004.

Mike and Gillian Goodrich have four children and two

grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I would like to offer my congratulations to Michael for his many personal and professional achievements and offer a heartfelt ``thank you'' for a job well done. I know his wife, Gillian, his family, and many friends join with me in praising his accomplishments and extending thanks for his many efforts over the years for the State of Alabama.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Donald Crumpton Mosley, Sr., former dean of the business college of the University of South Alabama. A consummate educator who brought out the best in his students and colleagues, Dr. Mosley devoted his life to education.

Don Mosley spent 10 years at the University of South Alabama as its business college's second dean, achieving accreditation from the Association of Advance Collegiate Schools of Business before the school was even 10 years old. He left the school in 1982 to pursue teaching and consulting opportunities and returned in 1999 as the Emeritus Professor of Management. The University of South Alabama's National Alumni Association honored Dean Mosley as an outstanding professor, a sentiment echoed by his former students.

Dean Mosley brought the Alabama Banking School to the University of South Alabama, establishing a week-long program that brings together banking officials from across the state. In addition to serving as dean of the USA business school, Don served as dean of Leadership Alabama and Leadership Mississippi.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated community member and friend to many throughout south Alabama. Don Mosley will be deeply missed by those who knew him. He is survived by his wife, Susan Young Mosley of Mobile; his son, Donald C. Mosley of Mobile; his brother, Joe Thomas Mosley of Starkville; and two granddaughters. He will be remembered in the thoughts and prayers of all those whose lives he touched and whose minds he lit with the spark of learning.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Samuel Carlman Burton. As the first principal of Mattie T. Blount High School in Prichard, Alabama, Mr. Burton worked tirelessly for the growth and development of his students and of his school.

Mr. Burton served Prichard as the principal of Mattie T. Blount High School from 1957 to 1979, and before that was an employee of the Mobile County Public School System for eight years. He also served as principal of Mount Vernon Elementary School.

Fond of quoting from ``The Bridge Builder'' by Will Allen Dromgoole, Sam Burton often talked about the legacy teachers and educators leave for future generations. The poem's last lines read: ``He, too, must cross in the twilight dim; Good friend, I am building the bridge for him.''

Mr. Burton is survived by his daughter Sallie Johnson of Mobile; his brother Frederick Burton of Atlanta; his granddaughter Carlee Johnson of Mobile; and two great-granddaughters, Adrian Johnson and Emily Johnson of Mobile. I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering Samuel Carlman Burton, a principal who spent his life building bridges.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to honor Henry L. Aaron on the occasion of his induction into the Alabama Academy of Honor.

Henry Aaron, who is better known to his fans throughout the world as ``Hank,'' set more major league batting records than any player in the game's history and held Major League Baseball's record for home runs until just last month. The Mobile native was inducted into the baseball Hall of Fame in 1982, and played for the Milwaukee Braves, the Atlanta Braves, and the Milwaukee Brewers.

Created in 1965, the Alabama Academy of Honor was created to recognize living Alabamians for their accomplishments and service that greatly benefits or reflects credit on the state of Alabama. Ten members may be elected annually by the Academy of Honor with no greater than 100 living members at a time.

Madam Speaker, the following tribute was presented to Hank Aaron at his ceremony of induction into the Academy in 2007. With your permission, I would like to add this tribute to the Congressional Record.

Henry L. Aaron

Henry L. Aaron rewrote the hitting records book during a

stellar career in major league baseball. Today he is senior

vice president of Atlanta National League Baseball Club,

Inc.--the Atlanta Braves--and is a successful businessman and

civic leader.

Born in 1934 in Mobile, Aaron was a star student athlete in

football and baseball, playing semi-pro in the latter sport

while still in high school. He was later signed by the

Indianapolis Clowns and helped lead that team to win the 1952

Negro League World Series. That same year he was signed by

the Boston (later Milwaukee, then Atlanta) Braves. He

dominated both Braves farm teams he was on, and by 1954 was

in the major leagues, homering in his first spring

training game in a Milwaukee uniform. That was just the

beginning.

Over the next twenty-three years, he set more major league

batting records than any player in the game's history,

including most home runs, lifetime, 755; most years with 30

or more home runs, 15; most extra-base hits, 1,477; most

total bases, 6,856; and most runs batted in, lifetime,

2,297. On May 17, 1970, Aaron became the first player to

achieve both 3,000 career hits and more than 500 homers.

He was also an outstanding fielder, winning three Gold

Gloves, and he was elected to a record 24 All-Star teams.

He was inducted into the Hall of Fame at Cooperstown, New

York, on August 1, 1982. His autobiography, I Had a

Hammer, was published in 1990, and in 1997, a new minor

league baseball stadium in his hometown was named in his

honor.

Since retiring from playing, he has been an eloquent

ambassador for baseball and sports in general, and has been

an outspoken leader on the issue of minority hiring in

baseball executive jobs. In the business world, Aaron

developed a number of auto dealerships and still owns Hank

Aaron Toyota. He is a long-time Church's and Popeye's

restaurant franchisee and also operates Krispy Kreme

franchises in Atlanta and Columbus, Georgia.

Aaron sits on the board of Retail Ventures, Inc., Medallion

Financial Corporation, Atlanta Technical Institute, the

Atlanta Braves, and Atlanta Falcons. He is a member of the

Board of Governors for Boys and Girls Clubs of America and is

a member of the Board of Councilors of the Carter Center.

With his wife Billye, he is the founder of the Hank Aaron

Chasing the Dream Foundation. Aaron has received numerous

civic awards, including the Medal of Freedom, awarded by

President George W. Bush, and the Presidential Citizens

Medal, awarded by President Bill Clinton.

Throughout his life, Hank Aaron has been an outstanding role model for both children and adults alike. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in congratulating him on this remarkable achievement and extending thanks for his many efforts over the years on behalf of the citizens of the First Congressional District and the state of Alabama.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to honor Leah Rawls Atkins on the occasion of her induction into the Alabama Academy of Honor.

A student of history, Mrs. Atkins has cemented her own place in the history books of the great State of Alabama. A woman of firsts--she was the first woman inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and the first recipient of a Ph.D. awarded by Auburn University.

Created in 1965, the Alabama Academy of Honor was created to recognize living Alabamians for their accomplishments and service that greatly benefits or reflects credit on the State of Alabama. Ten members may be elected annually by the Academy of Honor with no greater than 100 living members at a time.

Madam Speaker, the following tribute was presented to Leah Rawls Atkins at her ceremony of induction into the Academy in 2007. With your permission, I would like to add this tribute to the Congressional Record.

Leah Rawls Atkins

Leah Rawls Atkins has spent her life teaching and writing

about American and

Alabama history. She was born in Birmingham, growing up in a

family compound of four houses that included the homes of her

grandparents and great-grandparents near Oak Hill Cemetery.

World War II was the formative event of her childhood and

kindled her love of history, her country, and her state.

In high school and college, she was a competitive water

skier. In 1953 she won both the U.S. Women's Overall National

Championship and the Women's Overall World Championship. She

was the first woman senior judge of the American Water Ski

Association, and the first woman AWSA board member. In 1976,

she was the first woman inducted into the Alabama Sports Hall

of Fame.

Atkins holds three degrees from Auburn University,

receiving her doctorate in history in 1974, the first time a

Ph.D. in history was awarded at AU. She taught history at

Auburn, briefly at the University of Alabama at Birmingham,

and at Samford University, where in 1984 she became the

founding director of the Samford London Study Centre. The

next year she became the founding director of the Auburn

University Center for the Arts and Humanities (now the

Caroline Marshall Draughon Center), which she directed for

a decade, bringing university scholars and citizens

together to explore the ideas and experiences that inform

the human condition, connecting the local to the

universal, and providing an opportunity for learning and

dialogue.

Atkins is a longtime member, former president, and for 15

years served as secretary of the Alabama Historical

Association.

She was a founding board member of the Friends of the

Alabama Archives, the editor of the Friends' first

newsletter, and is on the board of the Alabama Archives and

History Foundation. She has published many articles and books

on Alabama history, including a study of the admission of

women to Auburn University and the University of Alabama, a

history of Birmingham and Jefferson County, and a biography

of builder John M. Harbert III. She is also author of a

corporate history of Brasfield & Gorrie and, most recently,

of a history of Alabama Power Company which won the 2007

James Sulzby Book Award for the best book on Alabama history.

She is a co-author of the Pulitzer Prize-nominated Alabama:

History of a Deep South State, which also won the Sulzby

Award.

She and her husband, George, have been married for 54 years

and have four children and 13 grandchildren.

Leah Atkins is an outstanding example of the quality individuals who have devoted their lives to education. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in congratulating her on this remarkable achievement. I know her husband, George, her family, and many friends join with me in praising her accomplishments and extending thanks for her many efforts over the years on behalf of the State of Alabama.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to honor James I. Harrison Jr., on the occasion of his induction into the Alabama Academy of Honor.

Jimmy Harrison is one of the most influential men in the drug store business not only in Alabama but throughout the United States. He was a star on both the basketball court and on the baseball field at the University of Alabama, but he is an even better businessman and pharmacist. His success in the board room is only exceeded by his generosity and charitable spirit. His lifetime of service to his community and support of education have added in an immeasurable way to the well-being of our state.

Created in 1965, the Alabama Academy of Honor was created to recognize living Alabamians for their accomplishments and service that greatly benefits or reflects credit on the state of Alabama. Ten members may be elected annually by the Academy of Honor with no greater than 100 living members at a time.

Madam Speaker, the following tribute was presented to James I. Harrison at his ceremony of induction into the Academy in 2007. With your permission, I would like to add this tribute to the Congressional Record.

James I. Harrison Jr.

James I. Harrison, Jr., was born in Tuscaloosa on July 11,

1932. He attended St. John's Parochial School in Tuscaloosa

and was one of the four graduates of the school's last

class in 1949. After a post-graduate year at Chattanooga's

Baylor School, he entered the University of Alabama where he

played basketball and baseball. After two years, he

transferred to Howard College (now Samford University) and

graduated with honors from the School of Pharmacy.

His parents had purchased Central Drug Store in downtown

Tuscaloosa and turned it into a success. When Harrison

graduated from college, his father purchased another

struggling drug store near the University of Alabama. Druid

Drug became successful and famous as the favorite coffee

hangout of Coach Bear Bryant and his staff. Three more

Tuscaloosa stores were added over the next several years. In

1967, Harco, Inc., was founded. Harco, Inc., would

eventually operate 153 Harco Drug stores, 55 Carport Auto

Parts stores, and 7 Harco Totalcare (home healthcare)

stores. The company was sold in 1997 to Rite Aid.

During Harrison's years as CEO of Harco, he served as

chairman of the National Association of Chain Drug Stores,

Affiliated Drug Stores, and the Southern Drug Store

Association. Harco and Harrison received many national

business and pharmacy industry honors and awards.

Harrison's charitable spirit and support of education have

dynamically impacted his community and state. He established

the James I. Harrison School of Pharmacy, Auburn University;

the Harrison Center for Academic Excellence, Judson College;

the James I. Harrison Family Endowed Teaching Excellence

Faculty Fellow, University of Alabama; and the Caritas

Community Service Award, University of Alabama. Harrison is a

member and past chairman of the UA President's Cabinet. He is

a founding member of Success by Six Educational Initiative in

Tuscaloosa County; a founding member and first president of

the Alexis de Tocqueville Society chapter supporting United

Way of West Alabama; and a member of the Mayor's Pre-K

Advisory Board, Tuscaloosa. He is a patron to Children's

Hands-on Museum and to the UA Rural Infant Stimulation

Environmental Center.

He holds honorary doctorates from the University of Alabama

and Judson College, is in several business and civic halls of

fame, and serves on many corporate and civic boards. Harrison

and his wife, Peggy, have five children and fifteen

grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I would like to offer my congratulations to James I. Harrison, Jr. for his many personal and professional achievements and offer a heartfelt ``thank you'' for a job well done. I know his wife, Peggy, his family, and many friends join with me in praising his accomplishments and extending thanks for his many efforts over the years for the State of Alabama.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to one of Mobile's finest sons, James F. Drake, a survivor of the Bataan Death March, who spent 42 months as a prisoner of the Japanese during World War II.

In April 1942, James Drake was a young mess sergeant with the Army Air Corps' 27th Bomb Group when he was captured along with the nearly 75,000 Filipino and American soldiers by the Japanese. The captives were forced to march to a prison camp more than 60 miles away without food or water. Thousands of the prisoners died during the week-long march that became known as the Bataan Death March. During the 42 months Mr. Drake was held prisoner at Camp O'Donnell, he survived on small helpings of rice. Upon his release, he weighed a mere 89 pounds.

In the 65 years that followed, Mr. Drake dedicated his life to caring for others. Due to the injuries he received as a prisoner of war, Mr. Drake had to have one of his legs amputated; however, he was known for driving fellow veterans to VA facilities for medical treatment in Biloxi, Montgomery, and Pensacola.

Mr. Drake was inducted into the Alabama Military Hall of Honor in 2000 and named a Mobile Veteran of the Year in 2005. He truly was the embodiment of service to country.

Madam Speaker, the life and actions of James Drake personified the very best of America. I feel certain his many friends and family, while mourning the loss of this courageous man, are also taking this opportunity to remember his many accomplishments and to recall the fine gift they each received simply from knowing him and having him as an integral part of their lives. I urge my colleagues to take a moment and pay tribute to James Drake and his selfless devotion to our country and the freedom we enjoy.

Make no mistake; James Drake was a true American hero.

Madam Speaker, the City of Chickasaw and indeed the entire State of Alabama lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor him and pay tribute to his memory. Robert L. Mott was a successful businessman and restaurateur whose kindness and willingness to help others had a strong impact on the lives of so many throughout south Alabama.

Known to his community as ``Papa Bear,'' Robert started his own restaurant, Papa Bear's Seafood, 12 years ago. He also owned Mott- White's Fixtures, a restaurant equipment business in downtown Mobile. Robert's colleagues remember him as a fair businessman who was a pleasure to conduct business with.

Prior to his career in the restaurant business, Robert worked in the engineering division of the Alabama State Highway Department, in addition to serving in the Army National Guard. He was active in his community, often helping to set up local church facilities.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated community member and friend to many throughout south Alabama. He will be deeply missed by those who knew him. Robert Lee Mott is survived by his wife of 46 years, Darothy Mott; 3 daughters, Robbin Stevens of Gulfcrest, Sandra Ivy of Chickasaw, and Kimberly Tait of Fort Morgan; his mother, Christine Mott of Tibbie; 2 brothers, Roger Mott of Mobile and Coyette Mott of Sarasota, Florida; and 7 grandchildren. May his family know that they are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Madm Speaker, the city of Mobile and indeed the entire state of Alabama lost a dear friend and educator, and I rise today to honor her and pay tribute to her memory. Eveleen G. Lathan was a devoted teacher and dedicated school administrator whose diligence and guidance greatly impacted the lives of countless students in the Mobile area.

In 1960, Mrs. Lathan began her career in the Mobile County public school system, a dedicated legacy of service that would span over thirty-five years. Mrs. Lathan was a devoted elementary school teacher for over nine years before being named principal at Dauphin Island Elementary. Later, she also served as the head administrator at E.R. Dickson Elementary.

Perhaps her greatest commitment to the education of the children of Mobile, though, is evident in her twenty-five-year service as the principal at Nan Gray Davis Elementary School. While principal there, she improved the standard of education and instruction tremendously, as well as setting an excellent example for administrators and teachers alike.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated educator and friend to many throughout south Alabama. She will be deeply missed by those who knew her. Mrs. Lathan, whose husband Delvin Lathan preceded her in death, is survived by her three sons, Jerry Lathan, Charles T. Lathan, and Joseph M. Lathan; four grandchildren, Brittany Lathan, Adam Lathan, Charles D. Lathan, and Zachary Lathan; and nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

May her family know that they are in the thoughts and prayers of all who loved and appreciated Mrs. Lathan and her many contributions to our community.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to honor the long and distinguished career of Al Heffernan, on the occasion of his retirement from Ciba Specialty Chemicals Corporation in McIntosh, AL.

During his 20-year tenure at Ciba, Al served as plant manager and executive director of the McIntosh site, the largest manufacturing site globally within Ciba. He also served as director of environment health and safety and director of engineering.

Al began his career in 1973 at the Ethyl Corporation as an engineer and project manager. After 8 years, he moved on to Barnard and Burk Engineers and Constructors, where he worked for 5 years as a division head and chief engineer. In 1986, he accepted his job with Ciba and started as a project engineering superintendent at the St. Gabriel, LA, site. Over the next 20 years, he served as manager of project engineering at the McIntosh site and head of engineering in Europe before returning to McIntosh in 1995.

In addition to his dedication to Ciba, Al has devoted countless hours to civic and industrial activities. He chaired the steering committee and served as the first chairman of the board of Manufacture Alabama. He founded Washington County Economic Development Initiative and serves on the board. Al is past president of the board of directors for The Forum, as well as past chairman, executive committee member, and member of the board of directors for the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce. With an obvious desire to help others, Al serves on the board of WHIL FM91.3, a Mobile public radio station; Partners for Environmental Progress; McIntosh Industrial Park Association; McIntosh Area Betterment Association; and Alabama School of Mathematics and Science Foundation.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing a dedicated community leader and friend to many throughout south Alabama. I know his family, his wife, Vickie; their three children, John Mason Heffernan, Lee Ellen Heffernan, and Matthew Evan Heffernan; his many friends; and past and present Ciba employees join me in praising his accomplishments and extending thanks for his service over the years on behalf of the city of McIntosh and Alabama's First Congressional District.

Al will surely enjoy the well deserved time he now has to spend with family and loved ones. On behalf of a grateful community, I wish him the best of luck in all his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Samuel W. Downing, who passed away June 30, 2007, at the age of 45. Captain Downing, who served with distinction in the Mobile Fire-Rescue Department, was a pillar of the Mobile community and will be deeply missed.

Captain Downing, a native of Wilmer, Alabama, was a resident of Mobile County. He served with the department for more than 21 years and was a shift supervisor for Engine 15 and the Hazardous Material Response Team at Gus Rehm Fire Station. In 1995, Captain Downing received the Firefighter's Creed Award.

A colleague recalled Captain Downing's sincere passion for his job. He particularly enjoyed when school groups would tour the fire station. Rather than having them simply walk through the fire station to see the fire trucks and the sleeping quarters, Captain Downing did his best to entertain as well as educate the children. He would also let the kids try on the fire suits and even practice using the fire hose.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the life of Samuel W. Downing. He will be sorely missed by many but most by his beloved wife, Lisa; his three children Cody, Victoria, and Colton; and his brother Wayne. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all during this difficult time.

Madam Speaker, the city of Mobile and indeed the entire State of Alabama lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor him and pay tribute to his memory. Edward B. Baumhauer was a devoted family man and dedicated community leader throughout his life.

A graduate of the School of Architecture at the Alabama Polytechnic Institute, now Auburn University, Mr. Baumhauer was an award-winning architect. His works include many recognizable buildings in the Mobile community including the building for Little Sisters of the Poor, the contemporary glass Infirmary 65 building, and the renovation of the Government Street Hotel. Mr. Baumhauer won architectural awards for the Ryan-Welsh Stevedoring building and the Lyons, Pipes and Cook law firm office. The Capri Cinema, Mobile's first rocking chair theater, was also one of Mr. Baumhauer's creations. His designs, masterfully created, reflected his passion for his work which he found ``much more fascinating than [his original major] mechanical engineering.'' Throughout his career, Edward Baumhauer served as a principal of several architecture firms; he retired from Baumhauer-Hall Architects in 2002.

In addition to his architecture achievements, Mr. Baumhauer served the city of Mobile and state of Alabama in various other civic capacities. Son of long-time Mobile Mayor Charles A. Baumhauer, Edward Baumhauer was an all-city football player at Murphy High School. While attending Alabama Polytechnic Institute, he was elected the president of Phi Delta Theta fraternity. He was a member and chairman of the board of deacons at First Baptist Church and a member and president of the local and State chapters of the American Institute of Architects. Mr. Baumhauer was also a member of the Fairhope Yacht Club and several mystic organizations.

Mr. Baumhauer proudly served the United States Navy in World War II while stationed aboard a submarine chaser in the western Pacific theater of operations.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated community

leader and friend to many throughout south Alabama. He will be deeply missed by those who knew him. Mr. Baumhauer is survived by his wife, Bettye Clements Baumhauer of Mobile; three daughters, Uan Mejia, Lea McQueen, and Carey Golden; 4 step-children; 6 grandchildren; 12 step- grandchildren; 1 great-granddaughter; and his longtime caregiver, Adele Tate. May his family know that they are in the thoughts and prayers of all who loved and appreciated Mr. Baumhauer as they did.