Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I was proud to introduce House Resolution 1228, Honoring the Veterans of Helicopter Attack Light Squadron Three and Their Families, to recognize the veterans' sacrifices in service to America during the Vietnam War.

I would especially like to mention Frank Hiles who currently lives in Ozark, Arkansas who served with HAL-3. Originally from Cleveland, Ohio, Frank served in the United States Navy for 20 years as aircrewman on many different types of aircraft. After retiring he moved to Arkansas to start a business and raise his three children as a single parent. Frank continued his service to his country as an intern in the Fort Smith Congressional office last year as he worked toward his bachelor's degree.

I want to thank Frank and all of our veterans who served with the HAL-3 Seawolves.

Despite the controversy surrounding the Vietnam War, most of the officers and enlisted men who served in HAL-3 were volunteers. Most of the pilots were fresh out of flight training in Pensacola and most of the juniors enlisted were recent graduates of Navy boot camp and technical training schools. Their leaders were also new to combat, coming mostly from ship-based helicopter squadrons normally assigned to track submarines and haul supplies.

HAL-3 fought from 1967 to 1972. In that time, they earned the respect of Army and Navy units throughout the Mekong Delta for their courage under fire and their dedication to supporting their comrades on the ground and in small boats patrolling the canals and rivers. They supported Army troop insertions and extractions. Navy SEALS counted on their support in tight situations.

Wounded sailors and soldiers benefitted from battlefield medivacs. In short, the Seawolves mastered every form of combat helicopter operations.

Here are some statistics from the Resolution:

The nine detachments and home guard of HAL-3 flew 130,000 flight hours in 5 years, they performed 1530 medical evacuations, inflicted thousands of casualties on enemy forces, transported 37,000 passengers and hauled a million pounds of cargo.

In accomplishing those milestones with a fleet of cast-off gunships and a few slicks, the veterans of HAL-3 were awarded 156 Purple Hearts, 5 Navy Crosses, 31 Silver Stars, 219 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 101 Bronze Stars, 142 Vietnam Gallantry Crosses, 16,000 Air Medals, and numerous other awards including six Presidential Unit Citations, the highest recognition given to military units.

Like any combat operation, there was a cost. Forty-four Seawolves lost their lives and are among the 58,000 immortalized on the Vietnam Memorial. Today, the children and grandchildren of those brave souls can be justifiably proud of the heritage of courage and sacrifice of their fathers and grandfathers.

It has been my honor to bring this resolution honoring the HAL-3 Seawolves to the House and I strongly urge my colleagues to add their names to the roster of those recognizing these American sailors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor one of America's bravest, Private First Class Clay McGarrah, who sacrificed his life in Afghanistan on our Nation's birthday in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Private First Class McGarrah, also a specialist in the United States Army, was a lifelong resident of Arkansas' Third District, where he attended Harrison High School. His loved ones describe McGarrah as a hardworking hero before he ever made his free choice to join the United States Army.

In addition to being described as a joy who brought happiness to the loved ones around him, McGarrah was also extremely patriotic and sacrificed himself for his life's passion for the military and our great Nation. Specialist McGarrah was assigned to C Company, 2nd Battalion, 508th Parachute Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. He deployed to Afghanistan in June.

Private First Class Clay McGarrah made the ultimate sacrifice for his country at the young age of 20. He is a true America hero. I ask my colleagues to keep his family and friends in their thoughts and prayers during this very difficult time, and I humbly offer my appreciation and gratitude to this American hero for his selfless service to the security and well-being of our country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Cockrum family of Crawford County Arkansas. The Cockrum's have devoted their lives to the service of Crawford County and the State of Arkansas through the service and hard labors of cattle farming. It is because of their devotion and hard labors that they were named Crawford County's 2010 Farm Family of the Year.

For 63 years, 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 Cockrum's have worked diligently to contribute to the protection of the environment and the conservation of soil, water, and energy. Mr. Cockrum's journey began at the age of seventeen when he rented 32 acres of land and purchased his first twelve cows. Today, through hard work and determination, the Cockrum's now own more than 300 acres of land and two businesses.

I congratulate Randy, his wife Anjie, and their children Shelby, Tyler, and Siera 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 of Arkansas agriculture.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Swinney family, for the honor and recognition of being named the Benton County Family Farm of the Year.

For more than 60 years 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.

Kent Swinney, with the help of his wife Carol and their three children Troy, Dwayne and Brandon, run a soybean, green bean, cattle, and Bermuda hay farm in Gentry, Arkansas.

Mr. Swinney has devoted his life to farming, spending his childhood on the farm with his father and grandfather and I am pleased to see he is passing along his passion to future generations of Arkansas farmers.

Arkansas is proud of the Swinney family for their commitment to farming and their commitment to farming as a family. This honor reflects the family's dedication to farming and the importance of farming as Arkansas's number one industry. I wish them continued success in their future endeavors and look forward to the contributions they will offer in the future of Arkansas agriculture.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the John Robert Hart family for earning the 2010 Farm Family of the Year award for Washington County, Arkansas.

Working for generations on the farm, the Hart family has a history rooted in Arkansas agriculture. John grew up on his farm and continues to run it today with his wife, Carolyn.

Today the Harts have a 250 acre farm where they produce dairy and poultry products, as well as three different varieties of hay. The family is dedicated to agriculture and plans to continue running the farm for generations to come.

Because of this lifelong commitment, their hard work and dedication the Hart Family is most deserving of the Washington County Farm Family of the Year Award. 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.

Arkansans are blessed to have such outstanding farm families like the Harts who are dedicated to providing agriculture services to their community and country. I ask my colleagues today to join with me in congratulating the Harts on their achievements and wish them continued success in farming.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Jones family for its excellence in operating a thriving family farm and the honor of being named the Sebastian County Farm Family of the Year.

Cody and Angela Jones, along with their daughter Hallie, operate a successful farm consisting of three poultry houses, and twenty-four head of cattle located on one-hundred and sixty acres. Through inventive ideas such as automating many of their farm processes and utilizing LED lighting in their poultry houses, the Jones family is expanding the business at a time when many companies are scaling back.

The Jones' also share their knowledge of the industry with other farmers in the community. Cody serves as a board member of both the Sebastian County Farm Bureau and the University of Arkansas Extension Service and Angela serves as Chairperson for the Sebastian County Farm Bureau Women's Committee.

There is no doubt that the Jones' hard work and sharing of expertise benefits not just their farm but also farms and families within their community, the state and throughout America. I ask my colleagues today to join with me in congratulating the Jones family successes in the farming industry and the honor of being named Sebastian County Farm Family of the Year.

I want to thank Ranking Member Buyer for yielding, and then also I want to thank the chairman, Mr. Filner, and Ranking Member Buyer for allowing us to bring this resolution forward.

Madam Speaker, I was proud to introduce House Resolution 1228, honoring the veterans of Helicopter Attack Light Squadron Three and their families to recognize the veterans' sacrifices and service to America during the Vietnam War.

Despite the controversy surrounding the Vietnam War, most of the officers and enlisted men who served in the HAL-3 were volunteers. Most of the pilots were fresh out of flight training in Pensacola and most of the junior enlisted were recent graduates of Navy boot camp and technical training schools. Their leaders were also new to combat, coming mostly from shipped-based helicopter squadrons normally assigned to track submarines and haul supplies.

HAL-3 fought from 1967 to 1972. In that time, they earned the respect of Army and Navy units throughout the Mekong Delta for their courage under fire and their dedication to supporting their comrades on the ground and in small boats patrolling the canals and rivers. They supported Army troop insertions and extractions. Navy SEALs counted on their support in tight situations. Wounded sailors and soldiers benefited from battlefield medivacs. In short, the Seawolves mastered every form of combat helicopter operations.

Here are some of the statistics from the resolution: the nine detachments and home guard of HAL-3 flew 130,000 flight hours in 5 years. They performed 1,530 medical evacuations, inflicted thousands of casualties on enemy forces, transported 37,000 passengers, and hauled a million pounds of cargo. In accomplishing those milestones with a fleet of castoff gun ships and a few slicks, the veterans of HAL-3 were awarded 156 Purple Hearts, five Navy Crosses, 31 Silver Stars, 219 Distinguished Flying Crosses, 101 Bronze Stars, 142 Vietnam Gallantry Crosses, 16,000 Air Medals, and numerous other awards, including six Presidential Unit Citations, the highest recognition given to military units.

Like any combat operation, there was a cost; 44 Seawolves lost their lives and are among the 58,000 immortalized on the Vietnam Memorial. Today, the children and grandchildren of those brave souls can be justifiably proud of the heritage of courage and sacrifice of their fathers and grandfathers.

Madam Speaker, I would especially like to mention citizens of Arkansas who served with HAL-3: George Blackwell, Frank W. Butler, Wayne Campbell, Johnny P. Cruse, James L. Keyes, Terry A. McMellon, William J. Mulcahy, Charles Osborne, James N. Prater, and Mack Thomas. It's been an honor to bring this resolution honoring the HAL-3 Seawolves to the House, and I strongly urge my colleagues to add their names to the roster of those recognizing these American sailors.

Mr. Speaker, as the ranking member on the Subcommittee on Water Resources, I rise today to thank Colonel Ed Jackson, Commander of the Little Rock District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, for his service, especially his last 3 years in Little Rock.

Colonel Jackson has provided forward-thinking and visionary leadership for an organization with a complex mission. This mission includes the planning and management of civil works projects ranging from navigation, flood control, and hydroelectric power to recreation, water supply, environmental protection, and fish and wildlife mitigation.

Most importantly, during Colonel Jackson's time at Little Rock, his team members have provided vital support to our warfighters deployed on the front lines in Afghanistan and Iraq. Colonel Jackson has firsthand experience with the dangers confronted by our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines, because he commanded the 54th Engineer Battalion during a year-long deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Colonel Jackson's time at Little Rock has included several serious challenges. The district has worked to reduce flood damage and repair public infrastructure affected by serious natural disasters and the effects of age. The district has strengthened its partnership with the Tulsa District in the management and improvement of the Arkansas River Navigation System, a vital transportation corridor of national economic significance.

Finally, the district is carrying out an aggressive plan to ensure that numerous projects to provide jobs and encourage economic development are carried out as quickly as possible in partnership with State and local sponsors. All of this is thanks to the steadfast and reliable leadership of Colonel Jackson.

The colonel has also made improved communication with the public a high priority, reflecting his understanding that we must be helpful and available to citizens as well as elected leaders, including State and local officials. Following floods in early 2008, the colonel recognized that the district needed to improve communication and coordination with local first responders, and the colonel implemented regularly scheduled meetings to ensure disaster preparedness will be a higher priority moving forward.

As Colonel Jackson leaves the Little Rock District, he leaves behind a united civilian leadership team, high morale among the district team leaders, a legacy focusing on and responding to the concerns of citizens and stakeholders alike. For the many successes which his team have accomplished, they can be very, very proud.

As Colonel Jackson moves on to his next assignment, I am confident that he will continue to render honorable and exemplary service to our country.

Madam Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Jacob Costello from Wesley, Arkansas for achieving the Congressional Award Gold Medal. This prestigious award is the highest honor given to America's youth by the U.S. Congress.

The Congressional Award Program recognizes excellence and service among young Americans who are challenged to set goals and carry through in public service, personal development and physical fitness and expedition or exploration.

Jacob had the motivation and resolve to achieve this major accomplishment; completing 400 hours of voluntary public service, 200 hours of personal development activities, 200 hours of physical fitness and 4 consecutive days and nights of an exploration or expedition.

Reflecting on his efforts and the time it took to accomplish this award, Jacob said that he ``realized that personal growth can go hand- in-hand with service to others.'' It is refreshing to see that young Americans in my district and all across the country are working so hard to improve themselves and their communities.

I want to congratulate Jacob for his determination and dedication and encourage him to continue working towards his goals.

Mr. Speaker, when hardworking Arkansans receive their paychecks, they are forced to make difficult decisions about their finances and how to spend their money. Arkansas families are forced to tighten their belts in this economic climate and change their spending habits, and they expect Washington to do the same.

It is the job of Congress to be responsible stewards of taxpayer money, but not passing a budget is far from responsible. It is a failure by the majority to govern at its most basic level.

The level of discretionary spending increases and spending in the past year has become unsustainable. Failing to produce a budget only places future burdens on our children, grandchildren, and great- grandchildren.

We need fiscal discipline and a balanced budget that controls the national debt, does not raise taxes, and achieves lower deficits. Not passing a budget for the first time in modern history demonstrates how out of touch Speaker Pelosi and Majority Leader Hoyer are with the American people. We owe it to the American people to do better.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Harrison Fire Chief, John Neal, who has devoted his life to the citizens of Harrison, Arkansas, and is now retiring from duty after 21 years of service.

During his time as chief, John has exhibited his ability to lay the groundwork to ensure the people of Harrison's safety by instituting more pre-fire planning, better building inspections and construction plan reviews, along with assisting in better public education of fire safety. He went above and beyond and worked with all of the fire departments in Boone County, making the county a much safer place to live.

Chief Neal is an outstanding leader. John has been married to Mary Lu for 30 years, has five children, and he looks forward to spending more time with his grandchildren.

I wish him continued success in his future activities. And today I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Chief John Neal, who will be missed, but I'm confident will continue his dedication to his community and his State.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise in support of this measure and would like to thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel), a distinguished veteran of the Korean War for introducing it. We truly do appreciate your service to our country.

Next week, on June 25, represents the 60th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War. The lesson of Korea is the need for constant vigilance in the face of external aggression.

Many link Kim Il Sung's decision to suddenly and deliberately attack the Republic of Korea in the early morning hours of a rainy Sunday morning to mixed signals coming from Washington, for then-Secretary of State Dean Acheson had declared only a few months before that South Korea lay outside the defense perimeter of the United States.

North Korean dictator Kim Il Sung reportedly took that as a green light to move forward with his invasion plans. This invasion resulted in between 1 and 2 million Korean dead, and over 50,000 dead and more than 90,000 wounded members of the U.S. military.

The lesson of June 25 is clear: do not equivocate with aggressors, do not pander to dictators.

Harry Truman, in notifying the American people of his decision to deploy U.S. forces to Korea, stated that North Korea, in solidarity with its Communist allies ``has passed beyond the use of subversion to conquer independent nations.''

Sixty years later, as North Korea engages in further armed aggression by deliberately torpedoing a South Korean naval vessel and murdering 46 South Korean sailors, it is clear that the United States and its allies must act with firm resolve to prevent an escalation of violence in and around the Korean peninsula.

As we honor the valiant dead who fell in Korea, let us resolve to preserve that peace and prosperity for which they gave the last full measure of devotion. The events of the last six decades remind us all that the sacrifices of our soldiers and our United Nations allies were worthwhile.

One only has to compare the thriving, democratic vitality of the Republic of Korea with the impoverished and repressed hell that is North Korea to recognize the value and the purpose of that valiant sacrifice.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Coble), ranking member of the Judiciary Subcommittee on the Courts and a distinguished veteran of the Korean War.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson), ranking member of the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Social Security and a distinguished veteran of the Korean War.

Madam Speaker, again I want to thank Mr. Rangel for bringing this forward. He and Mr. Johnson, Mr. Coble being here, make it very, very special. We certainly appreciate all of your all service to our country; Mr. Rangel stating that he went off at age 20; Mr. Johnson, I think, at the same age, around 20; and then Howard, Mr. Coble, in his early twenties, going off to war.

It is so fitting that we take a little bit of time, that the House just pauses to remember the sacrifice that was incurred, again, for those that were so willing to go over for the rest of us. We look forward to the celebrations that are going to occur later in the year. And then again, at that time, the whole Nation will pause and remember the sacrifice that you all so willingly did for the rest of us.

With that, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Carolyn Mosley for her pervasive efforts in human rights and bettering the health of Americans and the honor she received, becoming an inductee as a Fellow in the National League for Nursing's Academy of Nursing Education.

Since beginning her service in the health sector Mosley has provided inspired leadership and dedication in health care education through her service as Dean of UA Fort Smith's College of Health Sciences and her work on numerous health and human advocacy boards and councils. Mosley's many honors include induction into the Hall of Fame of the Louisiana State Nurses Association for her tireless efforts in the field of nursing.

Dr. Mosley's service continues beyond her office, serving as a member on numerous boards and organizations in the community. Her commitment to Fort Smith, Sebastian County and the State of Arkansas is something we are very grateful for.

Arkansans are blessed to have such an outstanding public servant and scholar who is dedicated to improving the health and wellbeing of individuals throughout America. I ask my colleagues today to join with me in congratulating Mosley on her achievements in health care and her induction as an Academy Fellow.

Mr. Speaker, sales are suffering, the economy remains stagnant, and millions of hardworking Americans are looking for work. Arkansans believe that the recent Obama-Pelosi health care bill, cap- and-trade, and other job-killing tax increases will hurt, not help, our struggling economy.

We should take action to help businesses get on their feet by focusing on job creation as opposed to some of the misplaced priorities. New taxes and health care mandates are harming smaller firms and businesses. The so-called stimulus bill is not creating long- term jobs but is increasing the budget deficit and sending the bill, plus interest, to tomorrow's taxpayers.

Congress must stop growing the tax burden and creating job-killing policies. Tax relief and incentives for small businesses would help all Americans, especially the middle class, and get our economy back on track. The key to this will be fiscal discipline. Now is the time to put a cap on Washington spending and to focus on the economic issues that matter instead of further inflating the national debt.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tonya Woods, for her achievement of being named the Arkansas Elementary School Assistant Principal of the Year for her work at T.G. Smith Elementary School in Springdale.

Woods is a graduate of John Brown University and earned her master's from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. She is looking to continue her education, and is now interviewing for a Ph.D. program.

Woods has been committed to education as an administrator for the past 5 years at Smith Elementary. Her hard work and commitment to students serves as an inspiration to her coworkers.

Woods is constantly looking for creative ways to improve the lives of her students and that is why she received this honor. Her efforts have brought innovative resources to the school through promoting technology in the classroom, establishing a homework club that encourages children to excel in their studies and overseeing a program aimed at preparing students for the Arkansas Benchmark exams.

It is the efforts of educators like Tonya Woods that will enable our future generations to reach their full potential and I am proud of her commitment to education and her efforts to improve the lives of students in Arkansas.