Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to have this opportunity to express my gratitude to Mr. Arnold John Jacobs, of Forked River, NJ, for his dedicated and tireless service to the United States of America. For his heroism during WWII, Mr. Jacobs is rightfully being honored with the Philippine Republic Presidential Unit Citation Badge and the Philippine Liberation Medal on May 8, 2010.

Mr. Jacobs was born in Philadelphia in 1918 and enlisted in the United States Navy at the age of 17. For the next few years, he honorably served aboard the USS Nitro and the USS Davis (DD-395). In November 1942, he put the USS Phillip (DD-498) into commission and served throughout WWII until receiving an honorable discharge in November 1945. As an active member of Squadron #22, he participated in 23 offensive operations in 26 months during the war and helped in the Philippine liberation campaign.

We, as a nation, are indebted to Mr. Arnold John Jacobs for his honorable service and for the sacrifices he made in protecting our country. I am proud to honor him today and hope my colleagues in the House of Representatives will join me in congratulating this honorable man for his outstanding contributions to the United States of America.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Cadet Samuel A. Krakower and his outstanding performance in the Rancocas Valley Regional High School NJROTC unit. Mr. Krakower is a Naval Science 3 cadet and a junior at Rancocas Valley Regional High School.

Cadet Krakower has been a member of the NJROTC drill team for 2 years where he has earned the prestigious Blue and Gold drill cord. He has also represented his unit as a member of the Uniform Inspection Team, and has participated in, and completed the Junior Officer Leadership Training Program. Currently, Cadet Krakower holds the position of Public Affairs Department Head and is an editor of the unit's newspaper.

Throughout his academic career, Cadet Krakower has performed in the top of his class while remaining an integral and active participant in his local community through the Boy Scouts of America and as a volunteer with a local food pantry.

Cadet Krakower has received the American Legion Medal for Scholastic Excellence and the NJROTC Community Service Ribbon, with 3 stars. He has been selected to attend the Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Summer 2010 program for students for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM). He will be recognized at the Rancocas Valley High School NJROTC Awards Banquet on May 26, 2010.

In recognition of this young man's achievements, I ask that the House of Representatives and all Americans join me in congratulating this honorable young man on his achievements. I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedication and character to all his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to take a moment to remember the legacy of TSgt Thomas J. Vance, Sr., who passed away last year following a courageous battle with cancer. Sergeant Vance honorably served the people of our Nation and my home State of New Jersey in the United States for a combined 51 years of service with the Air Force.

Born in Philadelphia, PA, Technical Sergeant Vance attended Bartram High School. After he graduated he enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1947. Sergeant Vance fought both in the Korea and Vietnam Wars, and served at nine different bases including McGuire Air Force Base, which is located in New Jersey's Third Congressional District. During his 20 years of active duty in the service, he was awarded the Air Force Longevity Service Award, National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Outstanding Unit Award, Korean Service Medal and the U.N. Service Medal.

In 1978, Technical Sergeant Vance became an original member of the Retiree Affairs Office at McGuire Air Force Base, where he became an expert on an array of military family issues. During his 31 years of service in this role, he served countless hours assisting our military families.

Technical Sergeant Vance is survived by his beloved wife of 57 years, Elsie, whom he met while serving at Langley Air Base and his three children, Thomas Jr., Sandra, and Richard.

In recognition of his life and service to our Nation, I ask that the House of Representatives and all Americans join me to honor the legacy of TSgt Thomas J. Vance, Sr.

Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate the Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Leaders and Parents of Beachwood for receiving the 2010 Beachwood Citizen of the Year Award.

Through their excellence in giving back to the Beachwood community and committing to their personal development and aspirations, the Beachwood Girl and Boy Scouts have displayed dedication to the highest standards and best traditions of American citizenship. I am confident that they will continue to accomplish great things in the future and prove to be successful and productive members of society.

I am proud to have such hardworking constituents and I thank them for their dedication and tremendous service throughout the years. Madam Speaker, I hope you will join me in congratulating these exceptional Scouts, their leaders, and their parents for all the contributions as they are honored as ``Citizens of the Year.''

I rise in support of S. 1963, the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act.

The Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act is a comprehensive piece of legislation aimed at augmenting the support services available to family caregivers of wounded veterans, improving VA services to women veterans, preventing veteran homelessness, and increasing mental health care access to veterans.

This historic bill achieves so many necessary and important goals. First, it provides immediate support for veteran caregivers by creating a program to offer caregiver training, access to mental health counseling, and 24-hour respite care in the veteran's home. Family caregivers sacrifice so much of their own lives in order to care for our nation's heroes. It is so important that we give them every supportive service they need so they do not become overwhelmed by the daily realities of caring for a wounded veteran.

Second, this bill seeks to build a VA health care system respectful of the unique medical needs of women veterans. For the first time, VA will be authorized to provide health care for newborn infants of women veterans. Our women veterans deserve private health care that is respectful of their unique medical needs.

This bill also seeks to expand VA services that are designed to end veteran homelessness. It is unacceptable that the brave men and women who fought in service to our country would go without a place to rest their heads at night. I applaud these efforts to augment Secretary Shinseki's plan to end veteran homelessness in the next 5 years.

The Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act deserves our undivided support. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of S. 1963.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding South Jersey citizen, Mr. George R. Derr Jr. of Willingboro, NJ. One of the greatest pleasures of my service in the United States House of Representatives is the opportunity to call the Nation's attention to acts of extraordinary service and sacrifice by our citizens, and to record those acts as a part of our proud and uniquely American history of leadership by the People.

This year marks 50 years of service for Mr. Derr with the Willingboro Volunteer Fire Company #1. He has not only served our country when needed, he continues to serve our Nation, State, and community. Mr. Derr was a charter member of the Fire Company, which also celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. In his many years of service with the company, Mr. Derr served as the first corresponding secretary, and has also served as President and Chairman of the Board of Fire Commissioners.

In recognizing Mr. George R. Derr, for his extraordinary service, we recognize all firefighters. They represent and summon the best in us-- the best of the American character--and we are grateful to them all. Therefore Madam Speaker, I hope that you will join me in recognizing Mr. George R. Derr, for his many years of service with the Willingboro Volunteer Fire Department.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Martha Yusem of Cherry Hill, NJ on the occasion of her 89th birthday.

Mrs. Yusem has long been admired by her community. She was was born April 5, 1921 in Vienna, Austria. Martha and her family lived through Krystal Nacht on November 10th, 1938. While many in her community were sent to the Dachau concentration camp, her family was able to remain hidden and protected. On February 16, 1939, at the age of 17, she emigrated on to the United States aboard the Aquatania. The day after the ship departed for New York, the borders closed and war broke out in Europe. This would also be the very last voyage of the Aquatania as it was torpedoed and sunk by the Germans on its return to Europe.

In America, Martha quickly picked up the English language and went on to attend Temple University. She proudly became an American citizen in 1944 and married an American psychologist and WWII veteran, David Yusem, in December, 1952. Together, they raised two sons, Paul and Joseph. Martha has worked as a tax preparer, a real estate salesperson and most notably, a senior bank teller.

In 1997, she moved to Cherry Hill, NJ where she lives today. Martha has, on more than one occasion, spoken to groups about her experiences in Nazi-occupied Europe. In addition to an active social life, Martha remains very involved in politics. Martha Yusem's story is one of great courage and determination. Our country is proud to have such a remarkable woman. I hope that my colleagues will join me in wishing Mrs. Martha Yusem a very Happy 89th Birthday.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate this year's Ocean County Chamber of Commerce honorees, Mr. and Mrs. Stephan and Judi Leone and The J. Phillip Citta Regional Cancer Center at Community Medical Center.

Mr. and Mrs. Leone have rightfully earned this year's ``Distinguished Citizens of the Year'' award. Mr. Stephan Leone co-founded the Toms River law firm Carluccio, Leone, Dimon, Doyle, and Sacks and was recently included in New Jersey Magazine's list of Super Lawyers. He serves as a member of the Ocean County College Board of trustees, is Director of the Toms River Business Improvement District, and has served on the Nature Conservancy of New Jersey. Mrs. Judith Leone serves as the vice Chair of the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and serves as a trustee for several organizations including the Garden State Philharmonic, Ocean's Harbor House Foundation, and the Shelter, Inc. She has earned several awards for her work with various community organizations, and was named Ocean County College's Humanitarian of the Year along with her husband.

Earning the honor of this year's ``Organization of the Year'' award is The J. Phillip Citta Regional Cancer Center at Community Medical Center. As the leading provider of cancer services in the region, they have provided the people of Ocean County with high quality care and innovative programs in all areas of cancer prevention, detection, and treatment.

The honorees will be recognized at the Ocean County Chamber of Commerce's 47th annual gala on April 29, 2010 in Lakewood, NJ. In recognition of their outstanding contributions and service to the community, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. and Mrs. Leone and the J. Phillip Citta Regional Cancer Center at Community Medical Center.

Madam Speaker, in my State of New Jersey, we have a rich heritage of local fire companies and emergency responders serving our communities, a tradition of neighbors helping neighbors.

I rise today to honor the Willingboro Volunteer Fire Company and the Willingboro Emergency Squad, two separate organizations, which will be jointly celebrating their 50th anniversary of service in 2010.

Originally founded in January 1960, the Willingboro Fire Company began as a local VFW group recognized the need for a Fire Company in the growing town. Throughout the past 50 years, the Fire Company has grown substantially and become a vital institution serving the Willingboro community. As the integration of Willingboro was taking place in 1969, their Constitution was changed to reflect that race, color, or creed would not affect the member's application to join the Fire Company. They received their first minority fire fighter, Lt. Ray Holden in 1970. Ever since, they began to receive regular applications from minority residents who were fully integrated into the Company. As the Willingboro community continued to grow, so did the Willingboro Fire Company. As of 2005, there were 16 members of the Career Staff, 12 fire fighters, three captains, and a Chief.

The Willingboro Emergency Squad started as the Levittown Emergency Squad in April 1960, after Mr. Charles Van Kirk, who recognized the need for an ambulance service in the growing town, put an ad in the paper for people interested in starting a local service. By 1975, they had grown to more than 100 members strong to serve what had become one of the largest suburban communities in South Jersey. Throughout the years, the Willingboro Squad has been considered an innovator at the forefront of changes in medical services in Burlington County. They were one of the first squads in the area to embrace females and minorities, not only as members, but as leaders as well. The Willingboro Emergency Services squad continues to serve the community with the high-quality, compassionate care that was established in 1960.

It is my privilege to share some of the history and hopefully some of the spirit of the Willingboro Fire Company and Willingboro Emergency Squad with my colleagues and with our fellow citizens today. We honor their 50th anniversary, and the extraordinary commitment and service they represent. Congratulations to all the officers, members and friends of the Willingboro Fire Company and Willingboro Emergency Squad again, with great respect and with thanks.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate this year's Burlington County Chamber of Commerce Voice of Business award recipients for their outstanding contributions to the Burlington County business community. Having strong, local business communities is vital to the well-being of our nation and I commend these individuals and companies who have demonstrated excellence in commitment to South Jersey through extraordinary efforts. I would also like to thank the Chamber, which itself is such an integral part of this community, for taking the opportunity to draw attention to the outstanding contributions of these individuals and organizations.

Mr. John C. Hall has rightfully earned this year's ``Voice of Business'' award. For more than 34 years, Mr. Hall has been a vital component to the economic development in Burlington County. He helped co-found the ``Committee of 50,'' a local organization focused on the economic development of Burlington County. He was President of Mt. Holly State Bank for more than 17 years and currently serves as the Vice President of Government Banking at Beneficial Bank.

Beneficial Bank and Pro Computer Service have earned this year's ``Business Excellence'' award for their commitment to the economic development of Burlington County through increasing local employment opportunities, leadership in the community, and entrepreneurial spirit.

This year's ``Economic Development'' award is given to the Maple Shade Business Association, an organization of more than 100 active entrepreneurs. The MSBA is an integral part of the local community, helping to foster local job creation and strengthen the small business community.

Earning this year's ``New Voice'' award is SNJ Business People, a monthly business publication that focuses on local business leaders and their work throughout South Jersey.

The ``Community Enrichment'' award will go to Crossroads Programs, Inc, a non-profit that has provided residential and community based services to the region's most vulnerable youth for more than 31 years.

The Honorable William Haines Jr. is the recipient of this year's ``Public Voice'' award. Mr. Haines, a former Burlington County freeholder, was an aggressive advocate of land preservation whose legacy has been the preservation of thousands of acres of farmland and open space in Burlington County. His efforts led to the creation of the county parks department in 1999 and the recognition by the Victorian Society in America for the county's restoration efforts at historic Smithville Park in Eastampton.

Earning this year's ``Chairman's Award of Excellence'' is Mr. Mark Morgan who serves as President of the Moorestown Business Association and Director of the Moorestown Theatre Company. Under his leadership, both groups have thrived and become integral community organizations.

The honorees will be recognized at Burlington County's Chamber of Commerce Voice of Business dinner on April 19, 2010. I applaud these outstanding individuals and businesses who have worked hard to achieve the American dream of free enterprise and serve our community by ensuring small businesses remain the job engine of America.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Adath Emanu-El in Mt. Laurel, New Jersey on their 50th anniversary.

The local synagogue has been providing residents with a sense of community since 1960, when five families gathered together to form the first Jewish Reform Congregation in Burlington County. In 1997, Adath Emanu-El moved its residence from Willingboro, NJ to Mt. Laurel where the synagogue had its first service with more than 400 people to celebrate the establishment of a new house of prayer.

The traditions of Adath Emanu-El, a family growing, learning, worshipping, and working together, are still upheld today. These valuable practices are due to the wonderful leadership by Rabbi Andrew I. Bossov, Rabbi Emeritus Richard A. Levine, teachers, and most importantly, dedicated members to the synagogue.

In recognition to the many years of dedicated religious practice and service to the community, I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Adath Emanu-El on its 50th anniversary.

Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart and deep sense of gratitude to honor the life of a brave young man from Cherry Hill, New Jersey. Lance Corporal Jeremy M. Kane, 22 years old, was killed in Afghanistan on January 23, 2010 when a suicide bomber attacked his unit in the Helmand Province. Jeremy joined the Marines with his entire life before him. He chose to risk everything to fight for the values Americans hold close to our hearts, in a land halfway around the world. Today, I join Jeremy's family, his friends, and the entire Cherry Hill community in mourning his death. While we struggle to bear our sorrow over his death, we can also take pride in the example he set, bravely fighting to make the world a safer place. It is this courage and strength of character that people will remember when they think of Jeremy.

After graduating from Cherry Hill High School East in 2006, Jeremy attended Rutgers University to study criminal justice. He joined the Marine Corps on September 11, 2006, during his freshman year at Rutgers University and served as a reservist. His father, Bruce, had served as a major in the Army and passed away in June 2008 while Jeremy was undergoing Marine Corps training. His mother, Melinda, said Jeremy believed it was ``his duty to serve his country.'' Jeremy also leaves behind his two brothers, Benjamin and Daniel.

In recognition of this selfless individual and brave patriot who gave his life to protect this nation, I ask that the House of Representatives and all Americans join me to honor the legacy of Lance Corporal Jeremy M. Kane.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to report that the tradition of soccer excellence continues at a high school in the Third District of New Jersey. For the third year in a row, the Lenape High School Girls Varsity Soccer team has captured the NJSIAA State Group 4 Championship. I am also pleased to note that Lenape finished their season with an outstanding record of 23-1, capturing an American Division title and the South Jersey Coaches Invitational Tournament crown along the way. In their six playoff games, Lenape amassed 15 goals, by 10 different players, just one of many achievements that have made them the first team from South Jersey to ever win three straight Group 4 crowns.

The coaches who have led the state championship team to victory are Kevin Meder, Tony Guerrera, Mike Foley, and Dave New. These talented young athletes include the following Lenape High School students: Kelsy Evancho, Lizzie Duffey, Katie Rigby, Rachel Johnson, Nicolette Stoner, Becca Meyers, Allison Johnson, Caroline Rigby, Alexus Cooper, Carley Carmody, Marissa Slimm, Chelsea Cannon, Caroline Huelster, Courtney Kovac, Kelly Vanak, Nicole Curry, Carly Walters, Advia Campbell, Jill Hampton, Carolyn Wiley, Maggie Micinski, Jamie Kinkler, Morgan McDivitt, Francesca Roller, Devon Betsch, Tori Prager, Emmy Duffey. I commend the Lenape High School Girls Soccer team on their 2009 State Championship and hope you will join me in wishing each of its members great success.

Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate Lt. Colonel Anthony Greski, who has earned this year's Lifetime Achievement Award for his service with the United States Air Force. Mr. Greski is a member of my Military Academy Nomination Board and a worthy recipient of this distinguished honor.

Lt. Col. Greski officially joined the Liaison Officer Program in 1970 as an additional duty per the 913th AFRES, Willow Grove ARF Reserve Order 77. Even when he later became a special agent with the Air Force Office of Special Investigations, he continued assisting the Liaison Officer Program. He was the first Liaison Officer Commander for Southern New Jersey, earning several honors and accolades for his work including ``Outstanding LOC'' for Region 1 in 1991.-

He retired from the Air Force Reserve in 1996; though he has continued serving as an Admissions Liaison Officer through the present. Lt. Col. Greski's LOC area was composed of nine counties, containing over 150 schools. He has continued the area's tradition of holding an annual Falcon Festival honoring new USAFA appointees and AFROTC scholarship winners.

Lt. Col. Greski is now a member of my Academy Nomination Board and serves his community in various ways, such as organizing an overseas delivery of greeting cards made by students at a local elementary school. 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 am pleased to report that the tradition of soccer excellence continues at a high school in the Third District of New Jersey. For the fourth time in six years, the Delran Boys Varsity Soccer Team has captured the NJSIAA State Group 2 Championship. I am also pleased to note that Delran finished their season with an outstanding record of 21-2-2, ranking them as the fifth best team in the state by the New Jersey Star Ledger. Three members of the team, Garrett Erny, Dominic Nocito, and Ali Gocmez were named to the Star Ledger's South Jersey All Star Team.

The coaches who have led the state championship team to victory are head coach Mike Otto and assistant coaches Joe Griffith, Joe Chaccio, Kevin Romanik, and Mati Reinfeldt. They were aided by managers Stephanie Schmidt, Allyson Arroyo, Alyssa Kelly, and Athletic Director Andrew Estrada. These talented young athletes include the following Delran High school students: Captain Garrett Erny, Captain Brad Schmidt, Captain Dominic Nocito, Vincent Carollo, Ali Gocmez, Joseph Hackimer, Donald Irons, Michael Perreira, R.J. Ruff, Steven Smith, Cem Yilmaz, Mark Denny, Justin Dobrin, Richard Evans, Machado Jackson, Kevin Meldrum, Daniel Pak, Michael Reyes, Jared Ruff, Douglas Rocha, Laris Brkic, John Hansberry, Bryan Lodge, Dante Nocito, Bret Sanson, Kevin Sousa, Tyler Wiseman, Dylan Kitley, and Jordan Gale.

I commend the Delran High School Boys Varsity Soccer team on their 2009 State Championship and hope you will join me in wishing each of its members great success.