Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the members of the Silver Ridge Park Westerly Memorial Post No. 8352 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars in Toms River, New Jersey as they celebrate the 25th Anniversary of the Post's founding.

The VFW's support for our Nation's Armed Forces has been exemplary throughout its history, but it is their with our Nation's veterans that has been most impressive. VFW Post No. 8352 is an active community organization and has served as a local institution in the Toms River community for more than 25 years.

Upon this Memorial Day, we as Americans, should never forget the men and women who served our Nation with such dedication and patriotism. Our Nation owes a debt of gratitude and support for all the achievements performed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars and for the 25 years of service that the Silver Ridge Post No. 8352 has provided to the Toms River community.

That is why, Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me on this 25th anniversary in saluting Silver Ridge Park Westerly Memorial Post No. 8352 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and all of its members for all they do for our veterans and for all they've done for America.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Linda Frank, a volunteer for the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), a program that has matched volunteers with Burlington County non-profit organizations since 1971.

Throughout her 20 years with RSVP, Ms. Frank has given more than twenty hours a month performing specific duties and functions at Lourdes Medical Center in Willingboro, New Jersey, by working together with the hospital personnel to increase the effectiveness of the hospital's human and physical resources and providing quality care and services that benefit patients and visitors. She performs her volunteer duties at the Information Desk, in the Thrift Shop and in the maternity department.

Madam Speaker, today I invite you to join me to honor Ms. Frank on her twenty years of dedicated, community service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. John Kerrigan, a volunteer for the Retired & Senior Volunteer Program (RSVP), a program that has matched volunteers with Burlington County non-profit organizations since 1971.

Mr. Kerrigan has volunteered for twenty-five years at Catholic Charities, Emergency and Community Services in Delanco, New Jersey. As a dedicated volunteer in their food pantry, he spends his time shelving and packing donated food items for families in need in Burlington County.

Thanks to John's steady, behind-the-scenes efforts, six to seven hundred families receive emergency food assistance from Emergency and Community Services each month. John's work is seen by only a few but appreciated by so many.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you please join me in congratulating John for his outstanding and dedicated service to the less fortunate in our South Jersey communities.

Madam Speaker, I wish to honor our fallen veterans this Memorial Day on May 31, 2010. On Memorial Day, we pay homage to the thousands and thousands of individual acts of bravery and sacrifice that stretch back to the battlefields of our revolution and to those taking place today in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan.

Today we honor and remember four brave soldiers from Moorestown, NJ who lost their lives in combat. Mr. Walter Seel Jr., Mr. Howard Mayer, Mr. George Yohnson, and Mr. Roger Ross were all killed in action during the Vietnam War. They are our Nation's heroes who fought so bravely and made the ultimate sacrifice to defend the American Dream.

I will never stop fighting to ensure we do right by the men and women who serve our Nation and defend our freedom. As we observe Memorial Day this year, I ask all of my colleagues and fellow Americans to pause and reflect on the centuries of sacrifice by the many men and women that this day represents. And let us make sure that all who served with honor are honored in return.

Madam Speaker, I wish to honor our fallen veterans this Memorial Day on May 31, 2010. On Memorial Day, we pay homage to the thousands and thousands of individual acts of bravery and sacrifice that stretch back to the battlefields of our revolution and to those taking place today in the deserts of Iraq and the mountains of Afghanistan.

Today we honor and remember four brave soldiers from Moorestown, NJ who lost their lives in combat. Mr. Walter Seel Jr., Mr. Howard Mayer, Mr. George Yohnson, and Mr. Roger Ross were all killed in action during the Vietnam War. They are our Nation's heroes who fought so bravely and made the ultimate sacrifice to defend the American Dream.

I will never stop fighting to ensure we do right by the men and women who serve our Nation and defend our freedom. As we observe Memorial Day this year, I ask all of my colleagues and fellow Americans to pause and reflect on the centuries of sacrifice by the many men and women that this day represents. And let us make sure that all who served with honor are honored in return.

Madam Speaker, I rise today for the purpose of honoring the Rancocas Valley Regional High School's NJROTC program, which has been honored as a distinguished unit by the United States Navy. The program, which was established at the school in 1975, has been recognized for the seventh straight year for its academic, leadership and professional development.

The Rancocas Valley Regional High School's Navy Junior ROTC program, led by Bert DeJong, a retired lieutenant commander from the Coast Guard, and Dave Aupperle, a retired Navy chief petty officer, includes more than 100 students. The cadets learn about various naval topics and participate in such activities as drill competitions, community service and physical fitness training. Throughout their history, the Rancocas Valley unit has won many awards, including a state championship in drills and a first-runner up in the Northeast regional drills competition.

Additionally, the unit performs a great deal of community service, including parades, a walk to benefit children with Down syndrome, a cleanup day in Eastampton, NJ, veterans and senior citizens dinners, recycling efforts, work with the local Elks lodge, and assisting families of military personnel serving abroad.

I am extremely proud of the unit for their continuous example of leadership and community service. Madam Speaker, I hope that you will join me in commending the Rancocas Valley Regional High School's Navy Junior ROTC program.

Madam Speaker, as a representative of the nearly 66,000 veterans in my district, I rise today to recognize the men and women who have selflessly sacrificed their lives to serve our country. On May 28, 2010, the Ocean County Veterans Memorial Association will conduct a wreath laying ceremony to honor all deceased veterans.

I would further like to recognize the host of the memorial service, Mr. Timothy E. Ryan, for the extraordinary contributions that he has done for the local veterans of Ocean County.

Mr. Ryan is a charter member of the Ocean County Deceased Veterans Memorial Association and a longtime sponsor of the annual wreath laying memorial service. He has been named `Outstanding Citizen of the Year' by local VFW groups, and has been awarded several high honors by the Jersey Shore Council of the Boy Scouts of America. He serves as Director of Timothy E. Ryan Home for Funerals, the largest family-owned firm in New Jersey.

The 14th Annual Veterans Wreath Laying Ceremony and Memorial Service honoring the deceased veterans of Ocean County will occur on May 28, 2010 at the Ocean County Library. In recognition of his outstanding contributions and service to our veteran community, I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Timothy E. Ryan.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for winning the Prosecutor's Unit Excellence Award. This award is given to a unit or group functioning within the criminal justice system in recognition of outstanding performance. They will be recognized at the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office 22nd Annual PROCOPS Award Banquet. PROCOPS, or Prosecutor's Recognition of Citizens or Public Servants, recognizes members of law enforcement and civilians whose significant actions, bravery and concern for the well being of society have made Burlington County, NJ a safer place to live.

The Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force (ICAC) was created to aid law enforcement agencies in their investigations of offenders who use the Internet, online communication systems, or other computer technology to sexually exploit children. This group is important because it helps keep our children safe while they are surfing the internet.

Madam Speaker, I hope you will join me in recognizing the New Jersey State Police Internet Crimes Against Children Task Force for their outstanding performance.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate several South Jersey citizens as they are being honored with this year's `Prosecutor's Citizen Hero Award.' This award is given to an individual who is not a member of the law enforcement profession, yet has performed in a manner above and beyond any level expected of the general citizenry. For their outstanding efforts, they will be recognized at the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office 22nd Annual PROCOPS Award Banquet. PROCOPS, or Prosecutor's Recognition of Citizens or Public Servants, recognizes members of law enforcement and civilians whose significant actions, bravery and concern for the well being of society have made Burlington County, NJ a safer place to live.

Mr. Muzafer Yilmaz, Ms. Jacqueline Alomar, and Ms. Alesha Bennett are being honored for their involvement in the identification of a bank robbery suspect. Jayden Bolli, a courageous three year old who contacted 9-1-1 after his grandmother had fallen unconscious, will also be honored this year. Jayden had recently been taught by his grandmother how to use the 9-1-1 system in case of an emergency.

Madam Speaker, I hope that you will join me in thanking these citizens for their invaluable assistance in times of need.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mr. Matt Skahill and Ms. Rosemary Clark, as they are honored with the `Prosecutor's Special Recognition Award' for providing significant assistance to law enforcement in Burlington County, NJ. For their outstanding efforts, they will be recognized at the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office 22nd Annual PROCOPS Award Banquet. PROCOPS, or Prosecutor's Recognition of Citizens or Public Servants, recognizes members of law enforcement and civilians whose significant actions, bravery and concern for the well being of society have made Burlington County, NJ a safer place to live.

I would like to extend my sincere congratulations and thanks to Mr. Matt Skahill, Assistant U.S. Attorney, for his efforts in successfully prosecuting major drug traffickers in the South Jersey region. Thanks to his efforts,

men intent on distributing illegal narcotics are now off our streets. I would also like to recognize Ms. Rosemary Clark of Willingboro, NJ for providing compassion, strength, and support as a foster parent to two children who were witnesses in a case against their own father.

Madam Speaker, I ask you to join me in thanking these individuals for their assistance to law enforcement in Burlington County, NJ. I am proud to represent such exemplary citizens, and I hope others follow their example by helping those in need.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Captain Gerald B. Valenta of the Willingboro Police Department. Captain Valenta has been awarded the Career Recognition Award for his distinguished career in law enforcement. He will be recognized at the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office 22nd Annual PROCOPS Award Banquet. PROCOPS, or Prosecutor's Recognition of Citizens or Public Servants, recognizes members of law enforcement and civilians whose significant actions, bravery and concern for the well being of society have made Burlington County, NJ a safer place to live.

Captain Valenta has been a dedicated and loyal law enforcement officer for 32 years, proudly serving the citizens of Willingboro, NJ. The Willingboro Police Department expresses deep gratitude for his continued contributions to the Burlington County Law Enforcement Community.

As a nation, we owe an enormous debt of gratitude to Captain Valenta and to the men and women of the law enforcement community. Each day, these selfless individuals start their shifts with one goal in mind: to serve and to protect the citizens of their communities. The one constant they face is the uncertainty of what each day will bring, knowing all too well that in any situation, there is the potential for danger. Still, these everyday heroes honor the commitment they have made to the people they serve.

Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Captain Valenta for his honorable service to the Willingboro Police Department.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate several New Jersey law enforcement officers who are to be commended for performing above and beyond the call of duty. Our law enforcement officers are held to the highest standards, and it is a great honor to recognize them for their outstanding efforts. These officers will be recognized at the Burlington County Prosecutor's Office 22nd Annual PROCOPS Award Banquet. PROCOPS, or Prosecutor's Recognition of Citizens or Public Servants, recognizes members of law enforcement and civilians whose significant actions, bravery and concern for the well being of society have made Burlington County, NJ a safer place to live.

I would like to commend the following officers: Detective Richard Naff of the Moorestown Twp. Police Department for his outstanding investigative work that led to the dismantling of a residential burglary ring; Officers Duane Grazioli & Dean Potts of the Burlington County Sheriff's Office for crawling under a burning tractor trailer and pulling the driver to safety; Ptl. Nicholas Czepiel of the Florence Township Police Department for administering medical assistance to a fellow officer following a serious collision; Det. Robert Bennett of the Maple Shade Police Department for his sustained involvement in the life of a troubled juvenile who came to him for help; Patrolmen Brandon Conard and Paul Barnes of the Riverside Police Department for their tenacious search that led to the discovery of an injured and disoriented citizen; Detectives Linda Chieffalo, Irene Angelaccio, Patrolman Thomas Polite of the Westampton Police Department for skilled police work that led to the identification and arrest of an armed gas station robber; and Patrolmen Shaun Welthy & Ryan Bieri also of the Westampton Police Department for administering life-saving CPR.

Madam Speaker, I hope you will join me in extending congratulations and thanks to these exemplary law-enforcement officers.

Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate Mr. Bernie Epworth upon the highly successful completion of his term as the Department Commander for the State of New Jersey Jewish War Veterans. He was appointed to this position in June 2009 and throughout his term, has been extremely dedicated to New Jersey's veterans community.

Mr. Epworth was born in Brooklyn, New York. He is a graduate of New York University and served as a First Lieutenant in the Armored Calvary and in the New York National Guard. While serving as Vice President with Temple Beth Sholom in Fair Lawn, NJ, Mr. Epworth earned several awards, including the Centennial Award of Honor from the Jewish Theological Seminary and the Jewish Community Relations Council's `Community Relations Award.'

Mr. Epworth has achieved many great things throughout the past year in his position of Department Commander for the State of New Jersey Jewish War Veterans. Some highlights of his administration have been organizing the sending of packages to overseas troops through the JWV- SOS Program, helping organize the NJ Coalition of Veterans Organizations, working on the consolidation of inactive posts, and incorporating programs and outside speakers on topics of interest for DCA meetings.

Additionally, he helped to organize this year's `March on the Hill,' Co-chaired the Veteran's Concert, a fundraiser, and set up a Thanksgiving Dinner for the troops. He lobbied for and accomplished free package shipping to troops via military transport, and assisted in the inauguration of Operation Slam Dunk, which is a project that provides veterans and troops to participate together at Philadelphia 76ers games.

His Commander's Project this year was the furnishing of a Day Room at the Wounded Warrior Building at Fort Dix. This is currently a work in progress and is to be dedicated as the ``NJ-Jewish War Veterans Day Room'' in June 2010.

Mr. Epworth has given so much of his time and effort for the Jewish War Veterans of New Jersey and I am very proud to have him as a constituent. Madam Speaker, I hope you will join me in congratulating this honorable man for his contributions to his community and to our Nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor ``Servicios Latinos de Burlington County'' as they commemorate their 10th anniversary.

The people of our great nation share a common spirit and heritage. We believe in the American dream, and the promise that through our labors we can achieve educational and economic success. Throughout the past decade, Servicios Latinos has helped more than 2,500 Burlington County families in achieving this dream.

Servicios Latinos is a social services agency that provides those in need with the resources they need to become informed, educated, and independently able to utilize vital services to become productive and healthy citizens.

In addition to providing critical services in the areas of health, education, housing, and employment, they have also sponsored the bilingual health and higher education fairs and a Hispanic heritage festival. For the organization's inspiring work in the community, they have been honored by several national and state institutions and community partners.

During their 10th anniversary celebration, Servicios Latinos will acknowledge and honor Dr. Robert C. Messina, Jr., President of Burlington County College, and State Senator Diane Allen, with the ``Champion of Diversity Award'' for being cornerstones in the Servicios Latinos' establishment.

I would also like to commend Ms. Angela Mateo Gonzalez, the Founder and Executive Director of Servicios Latinos for her commendable work with Servicios Latinos, which has made a dramatic, positive impact on the lives of thousands of South Jersey families. I thank her for her dedication and commitment to the community.

Madam Speaker, I hope that you will join me in commending Ms. Gonzalez and the Servicios Latinos de Burlington County for helping so many in our community fulfill the American dream throughout the past ten years.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the Kidney Dialysis Seminars annual `KDS Kick-Off' taking place on May 6, 2010. KDS is a non-profit organization that provides quality motivational education events for patients on dialysis throughout South Jersey.

I would particularly like to honor KDS for their efforts coordinating this event, and for their tremendous commitment to educating the community about Chronic Kidney Disease and renal disease. The proceeds from the event will support its valuable programs, such as motivational education seminars and cooking demonstrations to encourage patients to adhere to their treatment regimens and enhance their quality of life.

More than 20 million Americans have chronic kidney disease, which if left untreated can lead to End Stage Renal Disease. Complications associated with kidney disease are common, but can be reduced if appropriate education is provided prior to the onset of renal failure. KDS helps people with a number of steps chronic kidney disease patients can take to reduce renal failure and better prepare themselves for dialysis, including making lifestyle changes, learning about renal replacement options, and seeking a compatible kidney donor.

Kidney disease cannot be reversed, but, with appropriate education, its effects can be slowed, improving the quality of life for renal patients. Madam Speaker, please join me in applauding the efforts of the Kidney Dialysis Seminars organization. I am confident that this event will do much to increase support and funding for those whose lives are intimately affected by chronic kidney disease.