Joe Sestak

When I arrived off Afghanistan in charge of an aircraft carrier battle group, I knew as an admiral that a certain percentage of that carrier battle group in combat was gay. I always wondered how one could come home and say they don't deserve equal rights.

I respect the differing opinion. It was 5,000 sailors on that aircraft carrier that I commanded. Their average age is 19\1/2\, and they just don't care. I honestly believe that when those who you are supposed to be leading are actually ahead of the leaders, leaders lose credibility.

I joined up during Vietnam. We were having race riots on our aircraft carriers then. We worked through that. That night off Afghanistan when I first arrived, we had never had women pilots. I put up one woman with seven men. She was the one that disobeyed

my orders and dove without permission and saved four Special Forces.

My point is we don't do this just for equality. We do it because we want the best of all, whether it is race, whether it is gender, or sexual orientation. That is why I support the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Anthony Di Stefano, the 2010 recipient of the Distinguished Service Award from the Vision Care Section of the American Public Health Association. Dr. Di Stefano has dedicated his life to educating others, as is evident by his impressive academic resume and his professorship at Salus University in Elkins Park, Pennsylvania. Dr. Di Stefano recognized a need for vision care in rural and urban areas and addressed it by serving on the Helen Keller Worldwide Medical Advisory Board. Helen Keller once said, ``Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much.'' Dr. Di Stefano heeds Ms. Keller's advice and spends countless hours working for children not only in the United States, but all across the world though his participation in the development of international optometric educational programs. Now, because of Dr. Di Stefano, countless children have access to the vision care denied to them for so long.

Madam Speaker, I ask that we recognize and show our strong appreciation for Dr. Di Stefano and Salus University and his remarkable leadership and commitment to public health.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Pathways PA which this year celebrates 32 years of service to low-income women, children and families in the Greater Philadelphia area by helping them achieve economic independence and well-being. In these times of extraordinary economic hardship, this organization had stood tall to better equip disadvantaged families with the skills and tools needed to succeed in the workplace and create a safe and secure home.

This dedicated group also offers job skills program wherein participants receive career counseling, computer and job training, and job placement services. For those transitioning from temporary assistance programs to the workforce, Pathways PA's EARN Center offers free services and incentives to prospective employers and employees. In addition to offering General Adult Education and Adult GED classes, Pathways PA is also a founding member of Families That Work, an organization that offers adult literacy classes.

In addition to offering support and services, Pathways PA also publishes reports on issues important to Pennsylvanians such as Self- Sufficiency Standard for Pennsylvania, Ready to Compete? Pennsylvania's Community Colleges, and Elder Economic Security Initiative for Pennsylvania. These reports help raise awareness about issues that are imperative to the well-being and success of working families throughout the Greater Philadelphia region.

This superbly led organization provides invaluable services to more than 6,000 displaced and disadvantaged families in Southeastern Pennsylvania every year. They provide a prescription drug discount program, which offers discounts of up to 85%, to help people who don't have prescription drug coverage or who take prescription drugs not covered by their insurer.

The work that Pathways PA has dedicated 32 years to is absolutely vital and ensures that all Pennsylvanians have the opportunity to become self-sufficient. I speak for all residents of the Seventh Congressional District of Pennsylvania in thanking Carol Goertzel, President and CEO, and the remarkable staff of Pathways PA for their unyielding and compassionate dedication to helping working families in Southeastern Pennsylvania.