Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, Escambia 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. Hooper Matthews, Jr., known as ``Big Hoop'' to his children and grandchildren, was a devoted family man and dedicated community leader throughout his life.

Hooper was born in Nashville but made his way to Atmore, Alabama, in 1948. He was a graduate of the University of Georgia where he earned a degree in Forestry, which he used while managing his family timberlands as a registered forester. He also owned the Pepsi-Cola Bottling Co. of Atmore and South Alabama Vending Company. He was awarded the Atmore Area Chamber of Commerce's lifetime achievement award in 2005.

Hooper was a strong believer in the future of Atmore. His work as president of the A.C. Moore Elementary PTA as well as his work on the board of directors of Escambia Academy exemplified his vision for creating a strong foundation in the community's children.

He also supported programs such as Read America, the Huxford Elementary School Reading Initiative, scouting events, the YMCA, and drug and alcohol education, to name just a few of his many pet projects.

Not only did Hooper give back to Atmore through his work with children, but he contributed in more ways than most people might realize to Atmore's economic viability through his business ventures.

His work with the Atmore Chamber of Commerce, where he served as a past president, brought Masland Carpets to the area and raised funds for Atmore schools as well as The American Cancer Society, The American Heart Association, Williams Station Day, Mayfest, and the Poarch Band of Creek Indians.

Even with his numerous professional obligations, Hooper always found time to share his love for the land with anyone and everyone who was interested.

Many a child in south Alabama shot their first deer by his side, and on any given day, you could expect to see someone hunting with him. His kind generosity touched many people throughout the First District but was felt with the most warmth back at home. He always had an infectious smile on his face and a love for people that was real and genuine.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated community leader and friend to many throughout south Alabama. Hooper Matthews, Jr., 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 family and the countless friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to honor Alabama State Senator Harry E. ``Hap'' Myers for 12 years of leadership and service to the citizens of Mobile and the entire state of Alabama.

Hap is a distinguished member of the Mobile, Alabama, community and a tremendous advocate for all of south Alabama. During his career in the Alabama State Legislature, he worked tirelessly on behalf of south Alabama and served as chairperson of the Senate Agriculture Committee, Local Legislation Number Three, and the Senate Veterans Military Affairs Committee.

Hap has been a professional consulting engineer since 1961 and is presently vice president of Malcolm Pirnie, Inc., a national firm with over 50 offices, where he concentrates on municipal long range planning, finance, and operations.

Mr. Speaker, the faithful service of outstanding Americans like Hap Myers 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, Toni, his 3 children, his grandchildren and other family and many friends join with me in honoring his accomplishments and extending thanks for his many efforts on behalf of the people of Mobile and the entire state of Alabama.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a tremendous amount of pride--and personal pleasure--that I rise today to honor one of the most outstanding public servants south Alabama has ever known, the Honorable Otha Lee Biggs, on the occasion of his retirement after serving his beloved Monroe County for over three decades.

Mr. Speaker, it was just a few years ago that I stood on the House floor to recognize Judge Biggs for being honored by the Coosa-Alabama River Improvement Association as the recipient of the Dr. R.F. Henry Outstanding Service Award, the highest award this respected organization can give.

For over three decades, Judge Biggs has been the leading advocate on behalf of the critical river system that runs throughout southwest Alabama and for the continued funding of necessary maintenance and dredging along this important artery of commerce.

Without question--and I would suggest that perhaps without equal-- Judge Biggs deserves our eternal gratitude for a lifetime of public service. His dedication to the people of Monroe County is truly legendary.

In 1961, Judge Biggs got his first taste of public service when he served as Clerk of the Monroe County Commission following the death of Mr. L.L. Hendrix, who had served in that capacity for a number of years. He served on the commission for ten years. Even as a young man in high school, Judge Biggs worked in both the County Commission and Probate offices. No one will ever serve Monroe County in the future, in either of these two important positions, who came to the job better trained or more experienced than Judge Biggs.

On January 18, 1971, Judge Biggs took the oath of office as Probate Judge and Chairman of the County Commission for the first of what would turn out to be many consecutive six year terms. Immediately following his election to office in 1970, Judge Biggs, along with members of the County Commission, secured commitments from several large-scale corporations and businesses to build, relocate, and expand existing facilities in Monroe County, including Alabama River Pulp, FDR Plastics, Stayfast, Inc., Vanity Fair Intimates, and B & B Cabinet Doors, LLC.

At the time--and as a direct result of his tireless work and tremendous leadership as well as the support from everyone else involved in the county's economic development programs--Monroe County led the entire state of Alabama in new job creation.

In addition to Monroe County's economic life, Judge Biggs has also been instrumental in helping the area preserve and promote its strong literary and historic heritage.

As the birthplace and home of such internationally known writers as Nelle Harper Lee, Truman Capote and Mark Childress, Monroe County has been firmly established as the ``Literary Capital of Alabama.''

For his part, Judge Biggs has done yeoman's work to ensure this reputation extends beyond county and state lines to reach an international audience. Recent publicity has brought a significant increase in the number of tourists to the area.

Judge Biggs was also instrumental in the creation of annual performances of the stage adaptation of Miss Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird. His work on behalf of the county museum and theater troupe has resulted in the production securing permission to perform on stage at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. and at festivals in Great Britain and Israel, as well as a host of other U.S. cities.

Mr. Speaker, to list all of Judge Biggs' many accomplishments would take literally an entire volume of the Congressional Record unto itself. That said, no list of ``accomplishments'' would be complete without mentioning three key projects for which Judge Biggs deserves special commendation.

First, he has played a lead role in developing the Monroe County Airport into a 6,000 foot runway which gives it the capability of landing almost any size corporate jet. More recently, he has advocated working with the FAA in formulating a long-range plan for airport growth and development.

Second, Judge Biggs deserves considerable recognition for his efforts at saving the Old Monroe County Courthouse. Working with a committee established in the late 1980s, Judge Biggs oversaw the efforts to obtain state, federal, and private funds to restore this Alabama landmark to its new-found glory and home to a permanent exhibit of celebrated Monroe County authors.

And third, no one in southwest Alabama has been more persistent--or more deserving of credit--for the four-laning of US. Highway 84 from 1- 65 westward to the Mississippi line than Judge Biggs. While Senator Sessions and I, along with Governor Bob Riley, have been pleased to play a small role in getting the initial funding to begin this massive project, the person who has worked over the past several decades to keep this a regional and state priority is none other than Judge Biggs.

Judge Biggs served for many years on the board of trustees for the University of South Alabama and fought tirelessly for the interests of thousands of students, faculty members, and staff who have been involved in the life of that institution since its founding in the early

1960s. In addition, he has been an active member of the Monroeville Civitan Club, the Monroe County Cattleman's Association and the Monroe County Conservation Club, to name just a few of the other groups that have benefited from his leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I have met few public servants as committed and dedicated to the well-being of their community as Judge Otha Lee Biggs.

His tenacity and work ethic are matched only by his kindness and generosity. It goes without saying but I am proud and deeply honored to have developed a strong friendship with him, as did my predecessors, Congressman Jack Edwards and Sonny Callahan.

Monroe County and, indeed, all of south Alabama have benefited greatly from his experience and wisdom. He is a true friend to many people, and it is a pleasure for me to ask my colleagues to join me in praising Judge Otha Lee Biggs for his accomplishments 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.

Mr. Speaker, Mobile 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.

William N. Yeager, Jr., known simply as ``Bill'' to his many friends and family, was a devoted family man and dedicated community leader throughout his entire life. At the time of his death, he was the president of Timbes and Yeager, Inc., one of the most respected names in advertising in the entire State of Alabama.

Bill's company, although small in size, was both experienced and highly successful in all areas of advertising, public relations and marketing. Using his 50-plus years in the industry, Bill Yeager was one of those rare masters of his trade who, as the old saying goes, could truly sell ice to an Eskimo. And in so doing, Bill quickly earned the reputation as the ``go to'' man both in the world of business and the world of politics, especially throughout southwest Alabama.

To know Bill Yeager was to like Bill and to like him was to respect him, even if, on occasion, you found yourself on the opposite side of his talent and genius.

But make no mistake, Bill was also a teacher in every sense of the word and those who worked with him learned much. Moreover, the more you were around Bill the more you found him to be a kind, generous person who, while strong in his personal views and convictions,

was also willing to make room for other thoughts and ideas that were not his own.

Those who worked with Bill, as I had the pleasure of doing for more than 22 years, came to know him as a man who wore many different hats. He had his hand in everything, and he was constantly in motion because he simply didn't have time to slow down; he had too many things yet to accomplish, too many friends yet to help.

And help he did.

Over the years, Bill served as president of Sales and Marketing Executives of Mobile, Junior Achievement, and Mobile Toastmaster Club. He was also a past board member and senior member of the Mobile Kiwanis Club.

But perhaps few things in life meant more to Bill Yeager than his beloved University of Alabama. Without a doubt, Bill was crimson and white through and through. He was one of the real leaders in the Red Elephant Club, as well as serving as president of the Mobile Chapter and district vice president of the University's National Alumni Association. Bill was also a member of the President's Cabinet.

This past football season was the first time in memory that Bill was not up in the stands of Bryant-Denny Stadium, pulling the Crimson Tide through to another victory.

Ralph Waldo Emerson once said, ``The greatest gift is a portion of thyself.''

Well, Bill Yeager was constantly giving . . . giving of his energy, his ideas and his talents to the people--and the things--that he loved.

First and foremost, Bill loved his work. He loved the people with whom he worked in his trade, and he considered both his clients, and the associates with whom he came in contact every day, a part of his extended family.

And Bill worked his heart out--every day he was at his office--trying to think of some new way, some better way he could help his friends succeed.

Fortunately, for those of us who knew Bill professionally, we also knew he was a master of his art, the best of the best. Without question, Bill Yeager was truly an institution, the likes of which we may never see again. And make no mistake, Bill's legacy of success--and goodness--will most certainly stand the test of time.

Bill Yeager loved Mobile; he loved Alabama; and he loved his Country. He was as patriotic a man as I ever knew and he was never ashamed to tear up when Old Glory was presented or the Star Spangled Banner was played.

Finally, there is not a person who ever sought public office in south Alabama not one--whether they were the beneficiary of Bill's brilliant mind or on the ``receiving end'' of his considerable talents--who loved Mobile--or was willing to do more to help Mobile and south Alabama move forward--more than Bill Yeager. That list includes congressmen, senators, mayors, governors and practically every other elected position on the ballot.

In life, there are always the givers and the takers.

Well, without a doubt, Bill Yeager was a giver.

But not only was he generous in spirit and good to the core, he had an unmistakable quality that is, sadly, becoming more and more rare with each passing day.

You see, Bill treated each and every person equally--with the same degree of courtesy and respect--from the people who sweep the floors, to the president of the company.

Moreover, he made everyone feel that their contribution--be it large or small had value and worth.

Finally, Bill Yeager loved his friends, his church and his family, and not necessarily in that order.

He was grounded in the faith of his salvation, and he had a twinkle in his eye whenever he talked about his beloved Betty and their children and grandchildren.

That, Mr. Speaker, is what made Bill Yeager so special and it is why I am using this opportunity to honor him today. In the end, he was a great teacher, a man with an endless amount of energy, one who had an amazing mind and an awesome spirit and finally, a man who was the epitome of a true friend.

Mr. Speaker, one of Bill's many admirers, Chip Drago, a longtime writer with the Press-Register and currently the editor of the Mobile Bay Times, penned the following tribute to Bill shortly after his death. With your permission, I would like to add Chip's piece to the Congressional Record.

Bill Yeager, R.I.P.

(By Chip Drago)

``Many, many times at one political gathering or another,

the scene was identical. Bill Yeager was easy to spot. Tall,

thin guy. Dark suit. Red tie. Eyeglasses. Every hair in

place. Standing on the fringe of the crowd. Right arm

across his chest, hand tucked under the armpit, other hand

against his left cheek, Jack Benny-like.

`Where's Rochester?', I'd say.

It got to be a standing joke. For a quarter of a century,

half my life, a third of his.

Yeager positioned himself on the periphery purposely,

usually on the highest ground available. To see, not to be

seen. He perched like a bird of prey surveying a field or a

river. He wanted to see it all while his client/candidate was

being seen. His production, not his performance.

Yeager could be forceful and he could dominate a scene but

rarely in public. He had enthusiasm, confidence and energy

which were the byproducts of his success over more than 50

years in advertising and political consulting. As a

consequence, he held strong opinions about campaign strategy.

Most candidates gladly followed his advice. Others gradually

adopted it. Some resisted. Yeager strove mightily to win them

over to his view, not because his ego required him to be the

boss but because he wanted the candidate to win. He wanted it

for the candidate, for his family, for his friends and

supporters and, yes, for himself. Sometimes, not often, the

candidate could not be persuaded and Yeager accepted it,

reluctantly because he knew he was right but also willingly

because he never forgot that it was the candidate's campaign,

not the consultant's.

He lost some. He won most.

Yeager was probably as or more competitive than any

candidate he ever represented. And that list is truly

breathtaking. From U.S. Rep. Jack Edwards in the 1960s to

City Councilman Ben Brooks' state Senate District 35 campaign

this fall. What fell in between and Yeager touched in one way

or another represents the history of politics and government

in the Mobile area since the closing of Brookley Field.

Yeager had one quality that some thought endearing and

others found amusing. He could have a dubious view of one

elected official or another, particularly if the person was

causing problems for another official who was a Yeager

client. But let time pass and the suspect official become a

Yeager client, well, the transformation was remarkable. What

was once tawdry and dull suddenly shone.

As seriously as he took the needs of his clients, Yeager

could laugh at himself a little bit, especially as he got

older. But make no mistake; if you were a media person,

Yeager was all about advancing the best interests of his

clients. He believed that what he saw and what he heard

filtered through the knowledge gained over the years was

ultimately what gave weight to whatever he might say or

recommend. Two eyes, two ears, one mouth. Use them in that

proportion, in that order.

So there he is on the edge of the crowd, arm across his

chest, hand captured under the armpit, other hand pressed to

his cheek, eyes intent on the flow of folks in and out, here

and there, who's with whom, sometimes leaning in to the

person standing next to him, half listening, his eyes not

leaving the crowd. But say something worth hearing and there

were subtle changes. His neck craned in a little closer. His

eyes left the crowd and focused on the speaker. His lower lip

jutted out. You had his attention.

Time will pass. Candidates will come and candidates will

go. Campaigns will be run. There will be fundraisers,

receptions, kickoff announcements, press conferences and

election nights. It is hard to imagine that Yeager won't be

there just outside the frame taking it all in.

``Where's Rochester?''

Mr. Speaker, William N. Yeager, Jr. is survived by his

wonderful wife, Betty; three daughters, Sherry Yeager, Susan

Coffey and Cynthia Hilburn; one brother, Dr. Charles Yeager;

six grandchildren and countless other relatives and friends.

Our thoughts and prayers are with them all during this

difficult time.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise today to recognize Alabama State Senator Gary Tanner for his dedicated, faithful public service to the citizens of Mobile County.

Senator Tanner is a distinguished member of the Mobile, Alabama, community and a tremendous advocate for all of south Alabama. He began his public service career as a Mobile County Commissioner in 1992 and was elected to the Alabama State Senate in 2002.

During his career in the Alabama State Legislature, Senator Tanner worked tirelessly on behalf of south Alabama and served as chairperson of the Energy and Natural Resources Committee.

Of particular significance, Gary was awarded the Tillman's Corner Citizen of the Year award in 1980 by the Tillman's Corner Area Chamber of Commerce. In 1989, he was selected as Business Associate of the Year by the Mobile Bay Chapter of the American Business Women's Association. He has also received the Able Helmsman Award in 2000 by the Mobile Labor Council, the State Employee's Rusty Hook Award in 2002, and the Mobile Democratic Executive Committee's Award of Distinction in 2004.

Mr. Speaker, the faithful service of outstanding Americans like Gary Tanner 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 daughters, Bonita Tanner and Dawn Tanner-Smith; his grandchildren, Benjamin, Sarah, Will, and Drew; and his other family and many friends join with me in honoring his accomplishments and extending thanks for his many efforts on behalf of the people of Mobile and the entire State of Alabama.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a good friend and a great Alabamian, M. Hollis Curl, in recognition of his lifetime of achievement and service to the profession of journalism and the people of Alabama.

Hollis, a native of Red Bay, Alabama, is the long-time editor and publisher of The Wilcox Progressive Era in my hometown of Camden, Alabama.

He began his career in--as he calls it--``newspapering,'' by selling copies of The Red Bay News from his shoeshine stand outside the hotel in Red Bay.

During World War II, his family moved to Oak Ridge, Tennessee, which did not have a newspaper at the time. However, Hollis was able to get a paper route carrying the Knoxville News Sentinel. He has often recounted the day the WWII ended, and his customers crowded around his ``drop spot'' so they could get their papers without waiting for him to walk his route to their house.

It was also in Tennessee that a young Hollis Curl began his career in journalism. He started his own neighborhood publication--in the form of a single sheet--which he sold for five cents a copy.

In the late 1940s, Oak Ridge began its own newspaper, and Hollis became one of the first with a paper route for The Oak Ridger. As he became older, he was given various jobs at the paper, but in 1949, Hollis took a break from ``newspapering'' to serve as a congressional page for the late Congressman Albert Gore, D-Tennessee.

Hollis attended Ole Miss and while there, he worked at the student newspaper. Following college, he returned to The Oak Ridger, and in 1958, he became the advertising manager for the Clinton Courier-News in Clinton, Tennessee.

He returned to Alabama in 1960 to work in the advertising department at The Dothan Eagle. From there, he moved to Butler, where he served as publisher for The Choctaw Advocate and quickly began winning awards from the Alabama Press Association (APA) in various categories. He purchased The Choctaw Advocate in 1968, and later, he and John Jones purchased The Demopolis Times.

In 1969, he and his wife, Glenda, bought The Wilcox Progressive Era in Camden, which is where they reside to this day. Hollis and Glenda recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary.

Throughout the years, Hollis Curl has owned newspapers in Butler, Demopolis, Montevallo and Marion, but today his sole paper is the award-winning Progressive Era.

Of particular significance, Hollis gained national recognition in 1997 when he was selected by Sigma Delta Chi as recipient of the Ethics in Journalism Award. He was the first weekly newspaper editor to receive the award presented at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. In addition, the Alabama Press Association awarded Hollis with their first Lifetime Achievement Award--in addition to awarding him virtually every other award APA gives.

He has also won the Troy State University's Hector Award four times and served from 1975-1976 as the Hall School of Journalism's Grover C. Hall Fellow and Editor-in-Residence teaching editorial writing and press law.

Mr. Speaker, Hollis Curl is a very special person to many of us throughout the State of Alabama, and I rise today to honor and publicly thank him for his many years of service, loyalty, and dedication to the people of Camden and Wilcox County.

As a young boy growing up in Camden, I spent many an afternoon after school in ``Mr. Hollis's'' house. At the time, I was hoping my elementary school crush on his daughter, Julie, might lead to our being family one day. Such was not meant to be. Regardless, he was then--and has certainly remained--always interested in the wellbeing of the young people of Wilcox County.

While he has taken more than a few politicians to task on his editorial page and in his award-winning, weekly column, ``For What It's Worth,'' he has always been more than fair to me and to those people in the political arena with whom I have been associated.

And when I first became a candidate for the position I am so honored to hold today, it was my dear friend, ``Mr. Hollis,'' who penned the very first editorial endorsement for my candidacy, even though I was running as a Republican in a congressional district different from his.

Several years ago, ``Mr. Hollis'' began featuring someone from our community who had made a positive difference in the lives of others. One week, he chose my father's twin brother, Uncle James, to be in the spotlight.

Some months later, when Uncle James had passed away, I wrote ``Mr. Hollis'' a letter and thanked him for taking the time to recognize someone who had long since been out of the limelight but who so appreciated the attention and recognition that came from the pages of his newspaper.

And that, Mr. Speaker, is the real reason I rise today--to pause and pay tribute to a man who has spent almost all of his adult life writing about others, telling of their joys and sorrows--good times and bad-- and for once, I want him to realize how truly special he is to all of us.

In some ways, I guess, I looked at this like when George Bailey, played by Jimmy Stewart in the 1946 hit, It's a Wonderful Life, realized that with the help of an angel named Clarence, it had been a wonderful life after all.

I know an entire community of friends and admirers join me in saluting M. Hollis Curl and wishing him many more years of editorials and commentaries. And to his wonderful wife, Glenda, their children, Mark and Julie, and their grandchildren--thank you for sharing this extraordinary person with us for all these years. May God continue to bless them all with good health and happiness.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and personal pleasure that I rise today to honor Mayor Tim Russell for his many years of leadership and service to the City of Foley, not to mention all he has done to promote and advance the entire First Congressional District of Alabama.

Mayor Russell has been a vital member of the Foley community his entire life. He was born and reared in Foley and is a graduate of

Foley High School, as well as The University of Alabama. As a young boy in high school and as a young man in college, he was constantly looking for ways to serve those around him. This has been a characteristic and quality that he has carried with him all his life; not a day has passed since he became Mayor of Foley that he wasn't working to make his hometown a better place to live.

Mayor Russell is also a veteran, having served his country in the Vietnam War where he was awarded the U.S. Army Commendation Medal. Mr. Speaker, I know of no one who is more patriotic or loves his country more than Tim Russell.

Tim and his lovely wife, Sandy, are the proud parents of two outstanding sons, Kevin and Kenton, a beautiful daughter, Karen, and a very handsome new grandson, Timothy. Not only has he been a wonderful father and husband, but Tim Russell is a great role model and someone we all respect.

Throughout his illustrious 12 years as mayor, Tim has been a dedicated, faithful public servant. In fact, if you were to look up the definition of a ``servant leader'' in Webster's Dictionary, you would very likely see Tim Russell's picture.

His list of accomplishments is long enough to fill an entire volume of the Congressional Record. Among the highlights, he was the person most responsible for developing the main hurricane evacuation route away from South Alabama's beaches during a time of emergency. Today, this heavily-traveled highway is known around the state and throughout the Southeast as the ``Foley Beach Express.''

He also provided crucial leadership to the people of Foley in the immediate aftermath of Hurricane Ivan. Tim's experience and guidance proved crucial to the entire region, especially during the rebuilding process that followed this devastating storm. Because of his steady hand, the recovery in South Baldwin County was much better than expected.

Mayor Russell also played a lead role in helping to develop what is now known as the Tanger Outlet Mall in Foley. This retail center is one of the largest attractions in the entire state of Alabama. In addition to being one of the area's largest employers, the Tanger Outlet Mall in Foley provides one of the largest streams of revenue to the entire state.

Last month, Mayor Russell chose to resign from the office of mayor-- an office he so dearly loved--in order to better serve the people of South Alabama in the wake of an insurance crisis following three major hurricane seasons throughout the central Gulf Coast. Tim returns to his position as president of Baldwin Mutual Insurance Company, where he is fast becoming one of the leading experts in the nation on affordable and accessible insurance coverage. He resigned the office of mayor so as to not even suggest at a possible conflict of interest; that is simply the kind of man he is.

Tim's lifetime of service has certainly not gone unnoticed. He has been recognized by Who's Who in the South and Southwest, Outstanding Young Men of America, Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities, the 1991 Free Enterprise Person of the Year, Who's Who in the World, and the Sam Walton Leadership Award. He has also been commended by the U.S. Senate and received the NAMIC Service Award.

Mr. Speaker, the faithful service of outstanding Americans like Mayor Tim Russell has aided in an immeasurable way to the wellbeing of our community. I would like to offer my congratulations to Tim 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 Foley and the entire State of Alabama.

Mr. Speaker, Baldwin County and indeed the entire state of Alabama recently lost a dear friend and I rise today to honor him and pay tribute to the memory of Mr. R.C. Craft, a devoted family man and dedicated community leader.

A veteran of World War II, R.C. moved to Gulf Shores from Fort Myers, Florida in 1954, where he parlayed 16 years in the nursery flower business with the H. L. Hobbs Co. into his own business growing gladioli.

After 10 years, R.C. and his only child, Robert, went into the sod business, which continues to this day. By the late 1980s, the company diversified into championship golf courses. They opened Cotton Creek, designed by golfing great Arnold Palmer, as well as Cypress Bend and The Woodlands course.

R.C. was a very personable man who loved to tell stories, but he was also a firm believer in hard work and determination. He was the type of man who would look you in the eye and firmly shake your hand when the deal was done. That was how he did business, and a successful businessman he was.

In 2001, the Baldwin County Commission honored R.C.'s many contributions to the

county as a citizen and a businessman. In 2003, he received the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce Walton M. Vines Free Enterprise Award. Additionally, R.C. was a founding member of the Gulf Shores Golf Club and served as chairman of the Gulf Shores Utility Board. His contributions to Baldwin County and the state of Alabama will be long remembered.

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

R.C. Craft 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 of 56 years, Jane Wingo Craft; his son, Robert Craft; his sister, Janie Johnson; two grandchildren; as well as countless friends and admirers that he leaves behind.

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

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to honor Mr. J.W. Sales on 51 years of automobile sales and to recognize Sales Ford in Monroeville, Alabama, on the occasion of its 40th anniversary.

J.W. Sales has been a vital member of the Monroeville, Alabama, community all of his life. He began his career selling automobiles in Mobile in 1954. In 1966, he purchased the

Ford dealership in Monroeville, and he opened Sales Ford Lincoln Mercury in Grove Hill in 2002.

In addition to his professional successes, J.W. has long been an active supporter of numerous community organizations. He served as governor of the Alabama District of Kiwanis and was one of the seven trustees on the Kiwanis International Board of Directors.

He is also active in the Monroeville Chamber of Commerce and has served on the board of directors of the University of Mobile. J.W. has also been an active deacon of the First Baptist Church in Monroeville.

Mr. Speaker, I commend J.W. Sales for his long-standing commitment to the community and for his many professional achievements. I know his wife, Wendy, his family, and his many friends join with me in praising his accomplishments and in celebrating this latest milestone.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Shelton Beach Road Baptist Church on the occasion of its 47th year.

Shelton Beach Road Baptist Church has been a vital partner of the city of Saraland and the State of Alabama. The church was founded in 1959, and for the last 47 years, this congregation has been worshipping God and serving the people of south Alabama.

The congregation of Shelton Beach Road Baptist Church has used its resources and opportunities to provide hope, comfort, instruction, and inspiration to countless citizens in the north Mobile County area. Their outstretched arms have touched the hearts of many through their efforts in missionary projects throughout the world.

Shelton Beach Road Baptist Church has lovingly served the people of Saraland through its contributions to children and family throughout the community. The Shelton Beach Road Baptist kindergarten and day care center, and the beautifully constructed family life center, are among the inspirational services provided to the young people of north Mobile County. The World of Life Club, the Olympians Club, and Gopher Buddies are just a few of the many youth activities offered to help instill Christian values in the children of Saraland.

It is my sincere hope that the Shelton Beach Road Baptist Church will continue to be such a source of inspiration, hope, and comfort to the people of Saraland for another 47 years, and I rise today to salute this wonderful congregation and the many contributions they

have made toward the betterment of south Alabama.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Marine Lance Corporal Cleve Kinsey, who was wounded in Ramadi, Iraq, earlier this year.

Cleve, a native of Foley, Alabama, and a member of the Marines' 3rd Battalion, 8th Regiment, was injured on April 1, when an improvised explosive device was detonated next to the Humvee in which he was riding. Sustaining serious injuries to his left leg, Cleve faced the very real threat of losing his leg. After undergoing at least 12 surgeries, which included having muscle tissue transplanted from his back to his leg, his leg was saved.

A member of Foley High School's track and football teams, Cleve joined the Marines upon graduation. Throughout his career with the Marines, Cleve has 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.

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to note that Cleve returned home last month. I urge my colleagues to take a moment to pay tribute to Marine Lance Corporal Cleve Kinsey and his selfless devotion not only to our country and the freedom we enjoy, but to a people who are in the infant stages of a new life--a new freedom--in their own land.

I ask my colleagues to join with me in recognizing a true hero. I know Cleve's parents, Jimmy and Penny, his brothers, Matthew and Christopher, his sister April, and his many friends join with me in praising his accomplishments and extending heartfelt thanks for his selfless efforts on behalf of a grateful Nation.

Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, September 26, 2006, I was absent for a vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 476.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise today to recognize the outstanding service and leadership of Bay Haas upon the recent announcement of his plans to retire. For the past 33 years, Mr. Haas has served the Mobile community in a distinguished manner.

Following 9 years at IBM, Mr. Haas began his career in public service in 1972 when he was elected to serve on the Mobile County Commission, one of the youngest men at the time to serve in such an important post. He has since devoted his life to the well-being and development of south Alabama. In addition to his two terms on the Mobile County Commission, Bay Haas has served as executive director of the Mobile Airport Authority since 1983.

Following 24 years at the Mobile Airport Authority, Mr. Haas announced his plans to retire in June of next year. For nearly a quarter of a century at the Mobile Airport Authority, Bay has been committed to aiding Mobile's industrial growth. His efforts have been critical in recruiting what is now ST Mobile Aerospace Engineering for Brookley, Mobile's largest industrial employer, and more recently, EADS North America. Bay's distinguished work has helped gain Mobile greater recognition in the international aerospace field.

Not only has Bay served the Mobile community with his role at the Mobile Airport Authority, but he has various other leadership positions throughout the city. He currently serves as a member of the vestry at St. Paul's Episcopal Church, the Cruise Ship Task Force, the Chamber of Commerce Legislative Affairs Task Force, the Mobile Area Education Foundation, and as chairman of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, among many others.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in commending Bay Haas for his tireless service to Mobile. I know Bay's colleagues, his family, and his many friends join with me in praising his significant accomplishments and extending thanks for all his efforts over the years on behalf of the citizens of the First Congressional District and the state of Alabama.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Bob Ingram for his service to the state of Alabama as one of the most influential and respected political writers.

At a celebration of his 80th birthday earlier this summer, State Treasurer Kay Ivey described Bob as an ``Alabama Treasure.'' Throughout his career, he has used his skills as a journalist to make an important contribution toward building a better Alabama.

Born in Centre, Alabama, in 1926, Bob graduated from Cherokee County High School and served with distinction in World War II as a radio operator and gunner aboard the USS Panamint. He graduated from Auburn University in 1949 and soon began working for the Cherokee County Herald.

Bob has seen and reported on many of the most pivotal events in Alabama's history including the civil rights movement and the career of former Governor George C. Wallace. While noted for his legendary objectivity, Bob has never been afraid to speak his mind. Be it with praise or criticism, Mr. Ingram has served as a watchdog for the people of Alabama his entire career.

Bob Ingram has been a reporter, a magazine publisher, an author, a television commentator, and a speaker for the better part of a century. In 1968, he also served the people of Alabama as the finance director to Governor Albert Brewer.

Mr. Ingram's life is filled with achievement, and today I rise to honor yet another of these achievements--the 80th birthday of one of our state's most revered journalists and esteemed citizens. May he continue to inform and inspire the people of Alabama, and may his role in our State's history not soon be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Scott Tew on his hard work and service to the people of Washington County, Alabama, and to congratulate him on his recent appointment as global director of public affairs at American Standard Companies.

After receiving a bachelor of science degree and a master of arts degree at Livingston University in Livingston, Alabama, Scott joined the Ciba-Geigy Corporation in Mobile. He has devoted over 15 years to the Ciba-Geigy Corporation and to Washington County where his dedication and hard work helped the company and the community prosper. At Ciba, Scott served as the head of North American public affairs, the director of community and state relations, the global corporate communications manager, and the manager of public affairs and communications.

In the midst of his demanding professional schedule, Scott also dedicated his time to the community, including: the Gulf Coast Science Exploreum, the American Chemistry Council, Manufacture Alabama, Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, Business Council of Alabama, the Washington County Business Alliance, and the Alabama Environmental Initiatives Commission.

Mr. Speaker, all of us in south Alabama are sad to see Scott leave our community. I ask my colleagues to join with me in congratulating him on this achievement and new chapter in his life. I know Scott's colleagues, his wife Cindy, his daughters Dylan and Katherine, 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 the First Congressional District and the State of Alabama.