Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the exceptional career and legacy of B.R. ``Pete'' Kennemer.

Kennemer served as CEO and president of the Western Arkansas Counseling and Guidance Center for more than 37 years. Under his leadership which began at the infancy of Community Behavioral Health Centers, he opened the old Sparks Nursing School with the help of a Federal Staffing Grant. Since that time the center has expanded to include clinics in Fort Smith, Van Buren, Ozark, Paris, Boonville, Waldron and Mena along with a number of programs and facilities in Western Arkansas.

Pete served twice as a member of the Mental Health Council (MHCA) of Arkansas where he was dedicated to improving mental health treatment not only in western Arkansas but throughout the state. Additionally he served as a member of The National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare (NCCBH) and made frequent trips to Washington for the Council National Hill day in order to advocate for people with mental illness and addictive disorders.

I am honored to recognize Pete who leaves an important legacy that has helped countless Arkansans and has greatly improved their quality of life through his tireless dedication to improved mental health care. Pete was beloved by his staff. His leadership and dedication will be thoroughly missed. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a brave American soldier who sacrificed his life in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, U.S. Army Specialist Bryn Todd Raver.

Bryn joined the Army in December of 2007, following in the steps of his grandfather, a Korean War veteran. Bryn was assigned to the 1st Brigade Special Troops Battalion, 101st Airborne Division at Fort Campbell, Kentucky. He served as a military policeman and deployed to Afghanistan in April of 2010. Commanding officers noted that Specialist Raver was the first to prepare for a mission and the last to leave.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Samuel Tabler for his service, sacrifice and commitment to establishing stability and

security in Iraq. Tabler taught Iraqis the agriculture lessons he learned from his own experiences working for the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency's Agricultural Research Service.

Tabler served in the Babil Province region of Iraq from 2009 to 2010. While in Iraq, he worked with the Babil Beekeepers Association and oversaw the construction of a honey processing and breeding facility. Tabler also worked to develop and introduce new technologies to area farmers that increased agricultural productivity.

By empowering Iraqis with knowledge and best practices to improve their agriculture industry Tabler has helped create opportunities for development and long-term economic viability in Iraq. Tabler's devotion to helping others in need is a great example of selfless Arkansas values. I am so proud of his accomplishments and the opportunities he helped create for Iraqi citizens.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Fred Woehl for his service, sacrifice and commitment to establishing stability and security in Iraq. Woehl taught Iraqis the agriculture lessons he learned as a farmer and as a farm loan manager for the United States Department of Agriculture Farm Service Agency for 33 years.

Woehl served on the Mosul PRT in Ninewa, Iraq from 2008 to 2009. While in Iraq, he helped to revitalize interest in the Al Jerzera Irrigation project, the largest system in Iraq and developed cooperation between Ministry of Agriculture and Extension for agricultural training. His expertise and knowledge in the agriculture field helped him create a mentoring program that is ongoing; working with Iraqi citizens building greenhouses for growing tomatoes, cucumbers and melons and establishing the first all female farmer association in Iraq. He also received the Meritorious Honor award from Ambassador Chris Hill.

By empowering Iraqis with knowledge and best practices to improve their agriculture industry Woehl has helped create opportunities for development and long-term economic viability in Iraq. Fred's devotion to helping others in need is a great example of selfless Arkansas values. I am so proud of his accomplishments and the opportunities he helped create for Iraqi citizens. He's continuing to use his skills to help others around the globe. Today, Woehl is serving in Jordan to help teach people how to increase productivity on the farm, develop functioning markets, improve availability of agricultural credit, and enhance infrastructure along the supply chain.

Woehl's devotion to serving his country and helping others find better ways to use their land and provide for themselves, their families and their country is a great example of the American spirit.

Madam Speaker I rise today to congratulate the Cooper Family who was earned the honor of being named the Boone County 2010 Farm Family of the Year.

The Arkansas Farm Family of the Year Program has honored farm families all across the state for their outstanding work both on their farms and in their communities. Recognition from the program is a reflection of the contribution to agriculture at the community and state level and its implications for improved farm practices and management.

The Coopers raise more than 700 cattle on 450 acres and are planning to expand. Since 1985 they have maintained a commitment to agriculture and have worked diligently to improve the health of their cattle and to protect the environment.

I.congratulate Tim, his wife Debra Sue, and their family Caleb, Ethan and Amy Lippe for their outstanding achievements in agriculture and ask my fellow colleagues to join me in honoring them for this accomplishment. I wish them continued success in their future endeavors and look forward to the contributions they will offer in the future to Arkansas agriculture.

Madam Speaker, I recognize the accomplishments of Mr. Denny Flynn, a rodeo legend from Charleston, Arkansas who was recently inducted into the ProRodeo Hall of Fame in Colorado Springs, Colorado, for lifetime achievement.

Flynn, a three-time National Finals Rodeo bull riding champion, began his professional career in 1974 after getting his start riding horses and bulls when he was a teenager.

He qualified for the National Finals Rodeo 10 times and set a record for most bull riding average titles won at the NFR.

Hall of Fame inductees are selected by a committee of former contestants, Professional Rodeo Cowboys association officials and rodeo experts. His induction is undoubtedly an added honor to his professional career.

I congratulate Mr. Flynn for his induction and wish him continued success.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize the Swisher family, who have been named Arkansas Family of the Year by the state Knights of Columbus council.

Brian and Gail Swisher have persevered and sacrificed to allow their son Michael the opportunity to accomplish his dreams and goals, specifically gaining Eagle Scout status, despite his cerebral palsy, which he was diagnosed with at birth. The Swisher family truly deserves recognition for being the Knights of Columbus Family of the Year because of their resiliency and passion in teaching their son that no matter what physical condition he is in, he can still accomplish whatever he tries at, even though he has been confined to a wheelchair since he was a little boy.

Michael Swisher is an inspiration to all of us with his determination to overcome his ailment and complete the tasks necessary to become an Eagle Scout. Michael Swisher and the entire Swisher family are an inspiration and a heartfelt story that should be commemorated throughout the nation for their passion, commitment and desire. They truly are deserving of the recognition Arkansas Family of the Year.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Evan Langston, for his act of heroism. His call to action in an emergency situation saved the lives of his fellow citizens in Franklin County, Arkansas.

Mr. Langston was the first to arrive at an accident on highway 309 in April and helped the passengers get out of the burning car. He successfully helped a mother and her children get out of dangers way. By doing so, he saved their lives and I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Langston with the honor he deserves.

By acting as a good samaritan, he prevented a great tragedy within his community, and for that I wish to honor him with my appreciation. Mr. Langston's selfless actions have not gone unnoticed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Rogers- Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce for receiving a five-star accreditation from the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. There are 66 chambers in the country to hold this honor and it is the only chamber in Arkansas to earn this recognition, the U.S. Chamber's highest accreditation.

The chamber goes through accreditation every five years. This measures achievement and shows how to reach and maintain industry standards. Accreditation also provides a path to building effective chambers and helps chambers effectively fight for business. The chamber received a perfect score on five of the nine sections of the review.

The Rogers-Lowell chamber received this award five years ago and is a great example for the state and the country. This honor truly reflects the chamber's enthusiasm and dedication to working on behalf of the Arkansas business community.

This is an honor in which few receive. I am very proud of the Rogers- Lowell Area Chamber for this accomplishment. I am confident the good work will continue and I look forward to celebrating and recognizing its future successes.

Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate State Police Captain Mike Foster for his recent promotion by the Arkansas State Police Commission.

Captain Foster is a 19-year veteran of the department, faithfully serving the State of Arkansas and working to protect its citizens since 1991. Having served most recently as acting assistant commander and acting commander of Troop I based out of Harrison, Arkansas, he is now officially taking over as commander of Highway Patrol, Troop I. Captain Foster will lead highway patrol troopers in Baxter, Boone, Fulton, Izard, Marion, Newton, Searcy and Stone counties.

Captain Foster is to be commended for his many years of service and sacrifice for the people of Arkansas. He is well deserving of this recommendation and I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing these accomplishments and congratulate Arkansas State Police Captain Mike Foster and wish him future success in his career.

Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate Arkansas State Police Major J.R. Hankins for his promotion to the rank of major by the Arkansas State Police Commission.

Having served in several capacities for the Arkansas State Police, in areas all over the state for more than 30 years, Major Hankins has dedicated and sacrificed his life to make Arkansas safer.

Most recently, Major Hankins served as commander of Troop J headquartered in Clarksville. Earning the promotion of major earlier this year, he has taken on new duties as commander of the Highway Patrol Division for the eastern region of Arkansas. This region includes cities such as Little Rock, Jonesboro, Newport, Forrest City, Pine Bluff and Warren.

Major Hankins is to be commended for his many years of faithful service. He is well deserving of this commendation and I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Major J.R. Hankins and wish him future success in his career.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor U.S. Marshal Richard J. O'Connell for his outstanding service to this country.

In June of 2003, President Bush appointed Dick the U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Arkansas and for the last 5\1/2\ years he has worked to uphold justice and initiate programs to make our streets safer.

Dick was instrumental in establishing a Sex Offender Task Force, a multi-jurisdictional group of law enforcement officers working to keep our kids safe. In the first 14 months, task force officers arrested 1,047 people.

In 2006, the city of Fort Smith aggressively campaigned to be the home of the U.S. Marshals Museum and Dick served as steering committee cochairman. Under his leadership, the city was chosen to be the site of the U.S. Marshals Museum.

I have had the privilege to work with Dick during his time serving as U.S. Marshal. I appreciate his friendship and example. I am honored to have had the opportunity to have worked with such a great man, and thank him for his service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and celebrate the life of Mr. Nick Bacon for his lifetime of dedicated service to America and Arkansas and to recognize his heroism as a veteran of the United States Army.

He served in the U.S. Army from 1963 to 1984. President Nixon awarded him the Medal of Honor for his heroism west of Tam Ky in the Republic of Vietnam. He was also awarded the Distinguished Service Cross, Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars, and a Purple Heart over the course of his military service.

He was a hero not only on the battlefield but by the way he lived his life serving others. As the director of the Arkansas Department of Veterans Affairs for more than a decade, Mr. Bacon was incredibly influential in improving services and foundations for veterans and their families, including the Fayetteville VA Long-Term Care Facility and Arkansas State Veterans Cemetery in North Little Rock.

Mr. Bacon's lifetime of dedication to our country and American veterans is worthy of the many awards and recognitions he received throughout his life. A humble man who loved people and people loved to be around, Nick always had the veteran at heart. He will be greatly missed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Northwest Arkansas Council for its vision and leadership in addressing regional challenges and providing solutions, making Northwest Arkansas enticing for families to live and businesses to thrive.

For 20 years, the Northwest Arkansas Council has met the growing demands of a quickly developing area. With its support, the Northwest Arkansas Regional Airport was designed and built, creating a universal hub for a rapidly growing area. Additional regional projects, like Interstate 540, the establishment of a water and utilities commission and the creation of the Northwest Arkansas Regional Mobility Authority helped provide infrastructure upgrades crucial to meeting the needs of the region.

I commend the leaders of the Northwest Arkansas Council as well as business and community leaders for their actions and insight to helping shape the region. Twenty years of service is a great accomplishment, and I look forward to its continued efforts and support of Northwest Arkansas.

Madam Speaker, I would like to recognize Siloam Springs High School for its national recognition for outstanding achievement in school improvement.

Siloam Springs High School is one of only 30 schools to be named a Pacesetter School by the Southern Regional Education Board, an honor given to schools that exemplify the progress they can make when leaders embrace change and support improvement efforts.

Siloam Springs Hill School earned this recognition two years ago and continues to advance its curriculum and instruction to create an environment that encourages high achievement of its students.

School leaders attribute this success to block scheduling that allows teachers to work with a fewer number of students during longer class periods and provide students with more individual assistance as well as an increase in the number of Advanced Placement courses offered.

I am very proud to honor and congratulate the students and staff at Siloam Springs High School as well as the school district and the community for this innovative approach to education. I look forward to the academic excellence that will come from Siloam Springs High School in the years to come.