Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the men and women of Alabama's Air National Guard.

The men and women of Alabama's Air National Guard are most deserving of our commendation. In the hours following the terror attacks of September 11th, members of Alabama's Air National Guard mobilized to patrol the skies above major southern U.S. cities. For the next year, these brave men and women vigilantly maintained a watchful presence in the skies.

Shortly after responding to that call of duty, Alabama's Air National Guard was again called up to active duty in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Alabama's Air National Guard has taken a leading role in Iraq, with units completing up to three tours of duty. This high deployment level is a testament to the bravery and professional preparedness of the men and women of Alabama's Air National Guard, and confirms that Alabama's Air National Guard units are equipped with the necessary skills to meet the United States military's mission requirements in Iraq. This deployment also marked a significant first for Alabama's Air National Guard and the U.S. military; it was the first unit to ever use the GBU-38, commonly referred to as the ``Smart Bomb,'' in combat. This very effective weapon, which minimizes collateral damage, was effectively employed by Alabama's Air National Guard in the Battle of Fallujah.

Currently, members of Alabama's Air National Guard are deployed to Arizona and New Mexico as part of increased efforts to secure America's southern border. The highest levels of the U.S. military leadership have recognized and honored the service of Alabama's Air National Guard. The Guard has received numerous Flight Safety awards from the Air Force Air Combat Command and the Air National Guard for its safety record, and it has also been recognized by Air Combat Command and the 9th Air Force Inspector General for excellence during Operational Readiness Inspections and Unit Compliance Inspections over the last two decades.

The dedication of the men and women of Alabama's Air National Guard, as well as the vision and leadership of the officers in charge, has brought honor to the Guard, their fellow Alabamians, and fellow Americans. They and their families have sacrificed a great deal.

It is an honor for me to rise today and recognize the brave men and women of America's armed forces, and in particular, the brave men and women of Alabama's Air National Guard. May their dedication to the cause of freedom be an example to their families, friends, neighbors, and citizens throughout Alabama and across the United States of America.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of a good man, a proud American, and a fine member of the south Alabama community, Mr. Thomas Stephen Gleason, Sr., who passed away last month.

An excellent businessman and a true community leader, Mr. Gleason was loved by his family and friends and respected by his peers. South Alabama is truly a better place because of the life of Tommy.

A resident of Mobile since childhood, Mr. Gleason made many important contributions, professionally as well as personally, to the advancement of south Alabama. After graduating from McGill Institute and Spring Hill College, Mr. Gleason began what was an almost 50 year real estate career. At one time, he was even the youngest licensed realtor in the State of Alabama. In 1975, Tommy founded Gleason and Associates, which has been instrumental in transforming commercial real estate development in south Alabama. Gleason and Associates has been responsible for bringing many companies to south Alabama, including several of the district's leading employers.

Along with his significant professional success, Tommy led a highly involved civic life as well. Mr. Gleason was a member of the Jaycees, the Board of the Museum of Mobile, as well as St. Ignatius Parish. He was loved by many, and he loved life, particularly time spent golfing at the Country Club of Mobile, and fishing with the Mobile Big Game Fishing Club, where he served as board member.

Madam Speaker, Thomas Stephen Gleason, Sr., is survived by his wife of 45 years, Frances; a son, Thomas Stephen Gleason, Jr.; a daughter, Mary Gleason Geil; and 3 grandchildren. May his family know that they are in the thoughts and prayers of so many in South Alabama.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness that I rise today to honor the memory of former Georgia Congressman Charlie Norwood and his lifetime of dedication to the people of Georgia and the United States. I was deeply saddened to learn our colleague passed away earlier this week. We have not only lost a wonderful friend, but an individual who during his lifetime made countless contributions toward the betterment of our Nation.

Charlie, a native of Valdosta, Georgia, began his career of service by volunteering for the U.S. Army, serving as captain in the Dental Corps. He served in Vietnam, where he distinguished himself under combat conditions, and he was awarded the Combat Medical Badge and two Bronze Stars. Immediately after his discharge, Charlie opened his dental practice in Augusta. He was highly involved in many professional organizations, serving as president of both the Eastern District Dental Society and the Georgia Dental Association.

In 1994, Charlie was elected to represent the 10th District of Georgia in the United States House of Representatives. Throughout his six terms, Charlie was a champion of patients' rights, introducing his Patient's Bill of Rights. He also fought for health care reform for military retirees and veterans. Charlie also served with distinction as a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee and the Education and the Workforce Committee.

We are privileged to have known and worked with such a passionate and loyal individual. Charlie will be greatly missed and always remembered. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated statesman. Dr. Norwood will be deeply missed by his family-- his wife, Gloria Wilkinson Norwood, and his sons, Charles Norwood and Carlton Norwood--as well as the countless friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, as my colleagues and certainly the people from my home in south Alabama know, I do not often come to this floor, either to hear my own voice or to offer some prophetic words of wisdom on whatever the topic of the day happens to be.

My father often taught me that you learn a lot more from listening than you do from talking. So in many ways, that is what I have been doing the past few days, listening to my colleagues and thinking about the consequences of the words that we are debating.

After a lot of listening to a lot of words, however, I find myself compelled to come and say in the most direct way I know that I am opposed to this nonbinding resolution. Let me say that again for that is, after all, what we are talking about. This is a nonbinding resolution. It is nothing more than a few words on a piece of paper, and yet they are powerful words that have the potential of being demoralizing and possibly even destructive.

Make no mistake that the resolution we are debating today does not have the force of law behind it. So for those of you who are watching at home, let us be clear. At a time when the President recognizes that the situation in Iraq is unacceptable and it is clear that we need to change our strategy, this resolution will not stop the deployment of a single soldier or marine to Iraq, nor will it bring a single soldier or marine home to their families or loved ones.

More importantly, this resolution does not offer any alternative strategy. Nothing. Zip. It is silent with regard to our country's ongoing efforts in fighting the global war on terror. Instead, it is simply and unfortunately a method by which the House Democratic majority is seeking to send a message to the President of the United States.

But let us not kid ourselves. The words spoken in this Chamber this week will travel much farther than the distance between this building, the Capitol, and where the President lives, the White House. In reality, these words will travel far beyond our shores, across the globe to the 140,000 men and women who are currently deployed in Iraq and engaged in but one part, admittedly an important part, of the global war on terror and the Islamic militant extremists we are fighting.

I know we have heard Democrat after Democrat and a few Republicans, to be fair, come to this floor and say, we support our troops and we support this resolution; but with all due respect, I find it totally inconsistent to say you support our troops and at the same time you support this resolution.

How can we really expect our soldiers to have the will to succeed when this body as a whole does not have the resolve to stand by them and their mission? Do we think our troops do not listen to what is being said here in Washington and around the country? During my visits to Iraq, I found just the opposite to be the case.

So while the underlying message of this resolution is intended for the President, it is only logical to ask who else might be listening. What about the families of these soldiers who are anxiously awaiting their safe return home. Make no mistake, they will hear this message loud and clear.

And then there is the very real chance that the families of the thousands of Alabama National Guard members who have been deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan, as well as the families of all active and Reserve forces, will read the glaring subtext of this resolution and hear the people's House signaling that we will not be able to prevail in Iraq, the cause is lost, and their loved one's sacrifice is for naught.

Unfortunately, the words of this resolution will also travel to the ears of our enemies. And what could be better news for our enemies than that America is divided, an America that does not have the will to succeed.

On this topic, let's look to the man who knows the enemy in Iraq better than anyone, General David Petraeus. You remember General Petraeus; he just received an overwhelming vote of confidence when he was unanimously confirmed by the United States Senate to command our forces in Iraq. At his confirmation hearing, General Petraeus was asked if a congressional resolution disapproving the deployment of additional troops would encourage the enemy. His response was direct and unequivocal. ``That is correct, sir.''

Let me say that again. General Petraeus, our commander in the ground on Iraq, believes that a resolution disapproving the deployment of additional troops, which is what we are debating today, will encourage our enemy.

He went on to say that this is a test of wills, and at the end of the day a commander in such an endeavor would obviously like the enemy to feel that there is no hope. But instead of saying there is no hope to the enemy, we are saying there is no hope to the American soldier and the American people.

Let's not forget that our words as well as our actions do have consequences. Vote ``no'' on this resolution.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to the men and women of Alabama's Army National Guard.

Alabama has distinguished itself by having sent more Army National Guard troops to Iraq and Afghanistan than any other State except Texas since September 11, 2001. As of December 2006, a total of 7,068 men and women have been deployed to these two fronts: 6,281 Alabama Army National Guard troops to Iraq and 787 to Afghanistan.

The men and women of Alabama's Army National Guard should not simply be commended for their bravery, but for their dedication and commitment to the cause of freedom. Alabama's Army National Guard continues to distinguish itself through brave and honorable service, which is evident from the numerous awards and decorations conferred upon many units of Alabama's Army National Guard. These high deployment levels confirm that Alabama's Army National Guard units are equipped with the necessary skills to meet the United States military's mission requirements in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The dedication of the men and women of Alabama's Army National Guard, as well as the vision and leadership of the officers in charge, has brought honor to the Guard, their fellow Alabamians, and fellow Americans. They and their families have sacrificed much, while some have paid the ultimate price ensuring our freedom. The diversity of units sent to Iraq and Afghanistan includes medical, engineering, water purification, military police, special forces transportation, and communication units. Currently, seven of Alabama's Army National Guard units are serving in Iraq, comprised of approximately 1,100 troops, and others around the State are on alert awaiting possible deployment.

It is an honor for me to rise today and recognize the brave men and women of America's armed forces, and in particular, the brave men and women of Alabama's Army National Guard. May their dedication to the cause of freedom be an example to their families, friends, neighbors and citizens throughout Alabama and across the United States of America.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to honor Mrs. Shirley Sisco Vaughn on the occasion of her retirement from teaching after serving the people of Mobile County and Alabama's First District for 44 years.

During her distinguished teaching career in Mobile, Mrs. Vaughn served as a teacher for Mobile County Public Schools, Mobile Christian School, and Faulkner University. She also taught in the National Guard's extended education program. Many years of her personal sacrifice and dedication have benefited our community and our service members in the military.

Mrs. Vaughn has also been a devoted mother to her two sons, John and Robert Bogle. Mrs. Vaughn has humbly guided thousands of lives throughout her career, and it is with great honor that I rise today to recognize her service.

Madam Speaker, there are few individuals more important to the development of our young men and women in this country than those who commit themselves to educating children. Mrs. Shirley Vaughn is an outstanding example of the quality individuals who have devoted their lives to the field of education, and I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating a dedicated teacher and friend to many throughout south Alabama. I know Mrs. Vaughn's colleagues, her family, and her many friends and former students join with me in praising her accomplishments and extending thanks for her many efforts over the past four decades on behalf of Mobile County and the First Congressional District.

Madam Speaker, the city of Tuscaloosa and indeed the entire State of Alabama recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor him and pay tribute to his memory.

Former State Senator Ryan deGraffenried, Jr., was a devoted family man and dedicated community leader throughout his entire life.

A graduate of the University of Alabama and the Cumberland School of Law at Samford University, Ryan represented the Tuscaloosa area in the Alabama Senate for 16 years, 7 of which he served in the Senate's highest position, president pro tempore.

The last year and a half of his term, he became the Senate's presiding officer when Lt. Governor Jim Folsom, Jr., ascended to the governor's office.

Ryan's legacy in Alabama will certainly be his hard work and dedication, as well as the fact that his word was his bond.

Make no mistake, the University of Alabama couldn't have had a better friend in the legislature than Ryan deGraffenried and the entire State watched with awe as he played a lead role in establishing the first auto assembly plant in Alabama, the Mercedes-Benz plant in nearby Vance.

Ryan's political savvy, combined with his many friendships in the legislature, enabled him to ensure the economic incentives necessary to make the Mercedes deal a reality passed the legislature, and in so doing, he deserves the lion's share of credit for helping to create what is today Alabama's booming auto industry.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated community leader and friend to many throughout Alabama. Ryan deGraffenried, Jr., will be deeply missed by his family--his wife, Sandra Sims-deGraffenried and his children, William Ryan deGraffenried III and Frances Margaret deGraffenried--as well as the countless friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Mr. Nathaniel Blue of Camden, Alabama, on the occasion of reaching an almost unprecedented level of achievement in the trucking community-logging 4 million consecutive miles with Boyd Brothers Transportation.

Nathaniel has not only worked for the same trucking company for almost 30 years, but during this span, he has never had an accident, negative incident, or ticket; an accomplishment so rare in the trucking industry.

One would think that after logging so many miles, a person would want to retire, but Nathaniel is an exception. He says that he does not want to retire to his hometown of Camden until he reaches 5 million safe miles, and I have every confidence he will achieve this goal.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in congratulating him on this remarkable achievement. I know his colleagues, his wife of 29 years, Amanda, their five children and three grandchildren, along with Boyd Brothers Transportation, join me in praising Mr. Blue for these accomplishments and extending thanks for his many efforts over the years on behalf of the citizens of the state of Alabama.

Madam Speaker, Mobile County and, indeed, the entire state of Alabama, recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor him and pay tribute to his memory.

Mr. Benjamin Morgan Radcliff, Sr. was an outstanding American, a devoted family man, and a dedicated community leader throughout his life.

He was a veteran of the United States Army and spent much of his own life making sure generations to follow would be safe. He represented loyalty and dedication in his everyday life, and I salute him, at this difficult time for his family and friends, for his upstanding morals and his outstanding character.

Mr. Radcliff was a native and lifelong resident of Mobile. He spent his entire life working to make Mobile and south Alabama a better place to live and work.

As founder and chairman of the board of Ben M. Radcliff Contractor Inc., a multi-million dollar company he built from the ground up, Mr. Radcliff literally helped to build Mobile from a small, sleepy southern city to a major port of commerce in the heart of the central Gulf Coast. His outgoing nature coupled with his hard work, strong work ethic, and determination are just some of the reasons why he accomplished so much during his life.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in remembering a dedicated community leader and friend to many throughout south Alabama.

``Mr. Ben,'' as he was affectionately known around town, loved life and lived it to the fullest. It is safe to say that when spring turkey season rolls around this year, there will be a giant void in the piney woods and gently rolling hills of south Alabama. Suffice it to say, his passing marks a tremendous loss for all of us.

``Mr. Ben,'' will be deeply missed by many but most especially his beloved wife, Jean Faulk Radcliff; his three daughters, Carolyn Akers, Elizabeth Latham, and Julia Menge; his son, Benjamin Morgan Radcliff, Jr.; 12 grandchildren; and the countless friends that he leaves behind.

Our thoughts and prayers are with them all during this difficult time.

Madam Speaker, Mobile County and indeed the entire State of Alabama recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor him and pay tribute to his memory. Mr. Petro James Roussos, known as ``Pete'' to his many friends and family, was a devoted family man and dedicated community leader throughout his life.

Although he was originally from Seminole, OK, Pete spent the majority of his life in Mobile. He attended Murphy High School, where he played football and was elected to the All-City Squad. He received about a dozen scholarship offers before choosing to attend Auburn University, where he went on to play football on the 1954 and 1955 teams. He also was a member of the Theta Chi fraternity at Auburn. He finished school in 1958 graduating from Troy State University.

Not long after graduation, Pete began what was eventually to become a long and storied career in the restaurant business. In 1963, he opened Pete Roussos' Bonanza Lounge on U.S. 90 near the Skyline Shopping Center. In 1965, he moved from Mobile to Alexandria, LA, where he opened McDonald's Restaurant franchises in Pineville and Lafayette, LA. After returning to Mobile in 1982, he owned and operated, with his uncle, the popular Pier 4 restaurant on the causeway for a period of time. His other businesses included Crabby Pete's in Gulf Shores and Pete Roussos' Restaurant on Azalea Road.

Pete Roussos was the kind of man who would give you the shirt right off his own back. He spent his lifetime working hard and making a name for himself and his family. It is a name not soon to be forgotten in the First District, much less any other place he ever lived. He had the type of personality that would make any restaurant successful. His aura permeated throughout the room and left customers feeling at home and comfortable whenever he was near.

Besides his love for the restaurant business, Pete was also an avid sportsman. He was affiliated with the Coastal Conservation Association of Alabama and was a big supporter of the Alabama Wildlife Foundation. He was an original member of the Mobile Big Game Fishing Club, a supporter of Ducks Unlimited in Mobile, and a major supporter of the Ducks Unlimited Organization in Alexandria during the late 1970s and early 1980s. He was also a member of the American Kennel Club-Mobile Retriever Club from 1962 to 1980.

Madam Speaker, I rise today and ask my colleagues to join with me in remembering a dedicated community leader and friend to many throughout south Alabama. Pete Roussos loved life and lived it to the fullest, and his passing marks a tremendous loss for all of south Alabama. He will be deeply missed by many, most especially his wife, Sandra Mitchell Roussos; his two sons, Petro James Roussos, Jr., and Nicholas James Roussos; his daughter, Alexa Kyriaki Roussos; as well as countless friends and loyal employees that he leaves behind.

Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to honor Mr. Chris Browning for his dedicated service as the Fairhope chief of police and to offer congratulations on the occasion of his appointment to chief investigator for the Alabama Attorney General.

Chris has served the city of Fairhope since he was 16 years old when he worked as a pay booth attendant at the city beach. His first position with the Fairhope Police Department was as a dispatcher; upon graduation from the police academy, Chris was promoted to patrol officer and later patrol shift supervisor. In 1999, he was promoted to investigator and quickly rose to chief investigator, earning the rank of sergeant. In 2001, Chris was promoted to lieutenant and became chief of police in 2002.

In the midst of his demanding professional schedule, Chris also finds time to serve on a number of regional, state, and local boards: the Baldwin County Drug Task Force, the Baldwin County Gang Task Force, the United States Custom Service Blue Lightning Strike Force, the Alabama Coalition against Domestic Violence, the Fairhope Rotary Boys and Girls Club ``Make a Difference'' Committee, the Fairhope ``Strengthening Our Communities'' Committee, the Beverly Healthcare Community Council, the Baldwin County Court Referral Program Steering Committee, J. Larry Newton School Executive Patron, the Lighthouse Domestic Violence Program Board of Directors, the Alabama Attorney General's Law Enforcement Advisory Committee, and the Baldwin County Emergency Medical Services Advisory Board.

Chris Browning is an outstanding example of the quality of individuals who have devoted their lives to the field of law enforcement. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in congratulating Chris on his new appointment. I know Chris's colleagues; his wife Renee; his three sons, Scott, Nick and Baxter; his family and many friends join with me in praising his accomplishments and extending thanks for his many efforts over the years on behalf of the citizens of Fairhope and the state of Alabama.

Mr. Speaker, Mobile County and indeed the entire State of Alabama recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor him and pay tribute to his memory. Mr. Bernard Sidney Dittman, known as ``Bernie'' to his many friends and family, was a devoted family man and dedicated community leader throughout his life.

Bernie purchased WABB-AM in Mobile, Alabama, in 1959. This station, previously owned by the Mobile Press-Register newspaper organization, first went on the air in 1948 with call letters that stand for ``Alabama's Best Broadcasters.''

One year later, Bernie moved to Mobile and completely changed the broadcast format of the station. His conversion of WABB from a country station to Top 40 propelled WABB to the position of the leading station in that format and one of the premiere stations anywhere along Alabama's Gulf Coast.

In 1973, Bernie took WABB in a new direction when the station added a new FM signal and began to broadcast a progressive rock format. At a time when most automobiles were not equipped with FM receivers, Bernie and his team ran an extensive series of on-air promotions encouraging the installation of low-cost FM receivers.

Under Bernie Dittman's leadership, WABB became one of the longest- running and most successful Top 40 radio stations in the United States.

The station has also spearheaded over the years the move to more equality in the hiring of on-air personalities and staff members. In fact, WABB was one of the first stations in south Alabama to hire both women and African-Americans for important announcer positions. WABB has also been a critical part of Mobile's emergency broadcast community and played a crucial role in providing information to listeners during Hurricane Frederic (1979) and Hurricane Ivan (2004). During Ivan, WABB was one of the few stations in the area able to transmit continuously during the storm without losing power. Following the end of the storm, the station also led the effort to collect and distribute relief material to neighboring States which had also been severely affected.

Aside from his professional obligations, Bernie ensured that WABB and its family of employees took an active role in the life of the Mobile community.

For the past 47 years, the station has operated the WABB Community Club Awards Program of Greater Mobile, which has provided over $250,000 in financial awards to local civic, religious, and cultural institutions. Additionally, the station has been a 40-year sponsor of the Greater Gulf State Fair, a 35-year sponsor of the Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo, and a long-time sponsor of both the Senior Bowl and GMAC Bowl college football games.

Additionally, the Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater Mobile, the United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots program, the Mobile Ronald McDonald House and numerous other organizations advocating area youth have benefited tremendously from Bernie's leadership and community involvement. In fact, the area Toys for Tots program holds the record for the single largest toy collection anywhere in the United States, with over 100,000 toys collected--due in no small part to the efforts of Bernie and his entire team.

Bernie was a longtime member of the Alabama Broadcasters' Association and the National Association of Broadcasters and in 2000 was the recipient of the Greater Mobile Advertising Federation Silver Medal Award.

Mr. Speaker, there have been few individuals more important to the broadcast profession in Alabama or to the life of their local community than Bernie Dittman.

He was an outstanding example of the quality individuals who have devoted their lives to the field of broadcasting, and I ask my colleagues to join with me in remembering a dedicated community leader and friend to many throughout south Alabama.

Bernie Dittman loved life and lived it to the fullest, and his passing marks a tremendous loss for all of south Alabama. He will be deeply missed by many, most especially his wife, Judith S. Dittman; his 3 daughters, Betsy Dittman, Stephanie Teichmer, and Marsha Scimo; his sister Sylvia Scott; and 3 grandchildren; as well as countless friends and loyal employees that he leaves behind.

Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a young man from the First Congressional District of Alabama who recently made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of his country while helping to spread freedom abroad.

Army SPC Chris Mason, a longtime Mobilian, was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 505th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 3rd Brigade, of the 82nd Airborne Division based at Fort Bragg, NC.

Chris joined the Army 2 years ago and comes from a family with a long and highly respected history of military service--his father, who served two tours of duty with the Marine Corps in Vietnam and completed a career in the Army, retiring with the rank of first sergeant, and his brother, an Army officer currently studying to become a chaplain.

During his career in the Army, Specialist Mason set a standard of excellence and displayed the qualities of discipline, devotion, and dedication to country that are the hallmarks of men and women throughout the long and distinguished history of the American military.

Following his 1994 graduation from Baker High School in Mobile, Chris became a professional rodeo clown with the Professional Rodeo Cowboys' Association. He also taught a commercial drivers license qualification course at Bishop State Community College. No matter what the task, Chris Mason undertook every challenge with a determination to succeed.

Mr. Speaker, at this difficult time, it is only appropriate for us to pause and give thanks to God that there are still young men like Chris Mason.

Chris's life and actions personify the very best America has to offer. I feel certain his many friends and family, as well as his comrades in the United States Army, while mourning the loss of this fine young 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.

He was not only a physical presence in their lives but a spiritual leader in every sense of the word.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to take a moment and pay tribute to SPC Chris Mason and his selfless devotion to not only our country and the freedom we enjoy, but to a people who are in the demanding but important stages of a new life--a new freedom--in their own land.

Mr. Speaker, we should also remember his parents, Garland and Susie Mason, his brother, Garland Mason III, and his other relatives and many friends. Our prayer is that God will give them all the strength and courage that only He can provide to sustain them during the difficult days ahead.

It was Joseph Campbell who said, ``A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.''

Make no mistake, Chris Mason was not only a dedicated soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice serving in the uniform of his country, but he was also a true American hero. May he rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise today to recognize Alabama State Representative F.P. ``Skippy'' White for his dedicated, faithful public service to the citizens of Baldwin and Escambia Counties.

Representative White has been a tremendous advocate for all of south Alabama for over three decades. He began his public service career as a councilman for the city of Pollard, AL, and served for 7 years. In 1982, he was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives and served in that capacity for 24 years.

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.

Mr. Speaker, the faithful service of outstanding Americans like Skippy White has aided in an immeasurable way to the well being of our community. I would like to offer my congratulations for his many personal and professional achievements. I know his wife, Clara; his children, Todd, Hugh, and Sarah Anne; and his family and many friends join with me in praising his accomplishments and extending thanks for his many efforts on behalf of south Alabama.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Arkema Inc., Axis Plant on the completion of their 25th year.

For the past 25 years, the Axis plant has been an economically vital contributor to both the town of Axis and the State of Alabama. The plant began operations in 1981 as M&T Chemicals, producing inorganic and organic tin compounds. After numerous expansions over the years, the plant was purchased in 2004 by Arkema Inc., a global leader in the chemical production industry.

Since its inception, Arkema has earned a very respectable reputation as a world class chemicals producer. They have amassed nearly $7.3 billion in revenue and have over 18,400 employees in 40 different countries. With such immense size and diversity, Arkema Inc. brings countless opportunities to the people of the First Congressional District.

In particular, the Axis plant specializes in producing a wide variety of chemical additives, such as heat stabilizers and impact modifiers. Heat stabilizers are compounds added to PVC to slow color development during processing and extend the life of a product. Impact modifiers are added to PVC to make it less brittle and to increase its strength. These products are used in everyday items such as hair dryers, plastic piping, and vinyl siding.

Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize the administration and staff of the Arkema Inc., Axis Plant and their continuing leadership in the chemical production industry. It is my sincere hope that they will continue to set highly commendable examples for others in their industry, and I rise today to recognize and thank Arkema Inc., Axis Plant for its contributions to the local economy and to the quality of life enjoyed in the State of Alabama.