Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Bonnie Schofield for her dedication to the community and families she served.

Bonnie has been serving 22 families in Hiko, NV, as a postmaster relief since 1973, 6

hours a day, 6 days a week. Last year, she became postmaster. Bonnie's families picked their mail up at the post office in front of her house in an old-fashioned way. Instead of using the modern-day post office boxes, the mail was sorted into old-fashioned sacks Bonnie handmade herself and then hung onto pegs. Families would then pick up their mail while the traditions of past generations stayed intact.

For the 30 years prior to her appointment as postmaster, Bonnie's mother-in-law held the position. Her daughter also continues the family tradition for she was named postmaster for 2004 in Alamo, NV. Bonnie also has served the National Association of Postmasters of the U.S., NAPUS, as state president, on its state council, and representing Nevada in Washington, DC.

On December 1, 2006, Bonnie retired from her position as postmaster and, with her, lay to rest the traditions of Hiko's community. What she will miss the most is the customer interaction and personalized service. Now that she is retired, she plans on nurturing her garden and traveling with her husband of 49 years. Bonnie also plans on spending more time with her 4 children, 18 grandchildren, and 8 great- grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize the gracious efforts of Mrs. Bonnie Schofield. Her diligence and dedication are to be admired. I wish her luck with all her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Phil Welland for his endless kindness to those members of our community who are less fortunate.

Phil spent hours dedicating his life to providing various items to charity organizations to help those in need. He sewed blankets, handbags, smocks for kindergarten students for finger painting, and even some graduation gowns for grade school students.

Phil was born on March 27, 1913 and worked for 40 years as a lithographer for National Can in Maspeth, NY, where he worked as supervisor. Under his direction, the company honored a contract to make bomb shells and other can items during World War II. In 1988, he and his family moved to Las Vegas, Nevada.

When he was a young man, Phil learned to sew and, from that, his passion grew, reaching the lives of hundreds of less fortunate people through various charity organizations. After he retired and his wife passed away, Phil moved in with his daughter and her family where he purchased two separate sewing machines to accomplish his work. He began making bags and smocks for young people for Paragon Pools, his son-in- law, Joe Vassallo's company, which was doing charity work for Street Teens at the time. Over the years, he donated at least 500 bags to Street Teens. Other charity organizations that he donated his handiwork included Child Focus, the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, St. Jude's Ranch for Children, CCSD Title 1 HOPE education resource organization for homeless students, NECHN Partial Care--a New Jersey hospital servicing the mentally challenged--and New Jersey's St. Thomas preschool/kindergarten.

What made Phil's work unique, though, was the tag he placed inside each finished product. Each little tag read, ``Made Especially for You by Phil Welland.'' He always thought ahead and, even though he recently passed away, his final donation of bags and blankets will be this Christmas to Child Focus.

Mr. Speaker, I gladly rise today to honor a selfless citizen who dedicated his life to helping others. His warmhearted acts of kindness will truly be missed by those he touched.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments and service contributions of Larry Williams, Veterans Services Coordinator for U.S. VETS-Las Vegas.

Mr. Williams has risen above the challenges of life and has triumphed over adversity to become a leader in the ranks of the U.S. VETS and as a 2005 AmeriCorps alum. AmeriCorps is the only national service collaboration serving homeless veterans. Before his service with AmeriCorps, Larry was a recipient of their charity. On July 29, 2003, an AmeriCorps member reached out to him, providing guidance and service. Larry attributes this simple act of compassion from Ron Bass as his turning point from hopelessness to a renewed life and future.

Just 3 months later, in October 2003, Larry was able to begin his journey of recovery upon entering the U.S. VETS-Los Angeles program. It was here over a 10-month period that he started to regain his independence and embark upon his own service within the Compensated Work Therapy Program. During this time he began to dream of helping other people in the way he had been helped by becoming an AmeriCorps member himself. Within a year, after being reunited with his wife and children in Las Vegas, Nevada, that dream of helping others came true.

Larry's service in AmeriCorps Outreach allowed him to meet with homeless veterans and non-veterans alike on the streets of Las Vegas, in shelters and in desert camps. It is estimated by the Veterans Administration that there are 4,300 homeless veterans in Las Vegas alone. With one in every three adult homeless males being classified as a military veteran, Larry's personal journey has made the time and attention he renders a priceless contribution in helping to alleviate these unfortunate statistics. As Veterans Service Coordinator for U.S. VETS in Las Vegas, he provides clinical support services to approximately 450 veterans in a given year while also providing the support needed to help them plan for successful and stable living. Larry also provides residential and moral support for formerly homeless Veterans living at U.S. VETS.

Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to honor Larry Williams for his shining example of hope and service. He truly is a success story that deserves to be told. I applaud his service and dedication and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor MSG Kevin M. Davis for his courageous valor in Operation Enduring Freedom, OEF, and Operation Iraqi Freedom, OIF, and his continued voluntary service in support of the mission.

Master Sergeant Davis is the first sergeant assigned to the Joint Air Ground Operations Group at Nellis Air Force Base, NV. He is a qualified joint terminal attack controller and a tactical air controller/ instructor as well as a qualified military freefall jumpmaster, static line jumpmaster, Army pathfinder, and Army air assault. He has been deployed four times in support of OEF and OIF, where he has always been the first to volunteer to serve his country. For his combat heroism, Master Sergeant Davis received the Bronze Star with Valor.

In addition to the Bronze Star, Master Sergeant Davis has received numerous awards and decorations, including the Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, and the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary and Service Medals.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize MSG Kevin M. Davis for his admirable service in defense of democracy and freedom. He is truly an American hero. I wish him luck with all his future deeds.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ed Guthrie for his exemplary work with Opportunity Village, a laudable organization that provides vocational training and advocacy for the disabled.

Under Ed's leadership, Opportunity Village has improved the lives of hundreds of people with severe disabilities and their families. Opportunity Village has grown to become one of the top 5 custodial firms in southern Nevada. Opportunity Village serves 500,000 meals each year to the servicemen at Nellis AFB and owns the 2nd largest document destruction firm in Las Vegas. Ed has also developed a number of leading edge rehabilitation programs during the last 10 years, including the Job Discovery program, the P.R.I.D.E. program and a down payment assistance program to assist people with disabilities to purchase their own homes.

In addition to his work with Opportunity Village, Ed also serves as the Chairman of the Board of Directors for the National Industries for the Severely Handicapped (NISH). Prior to joining NISH, Ed was the Western Region representative of the National Council of Work Centers and represented the 100+ community rehabilitation programs in Nevada, California, Hawaii, Arizona, and Utah for 6 years. Ed has also served the State of Nevada on the Nevada Governor's Council for Rehabilitation and Employment of People with Disabilities and served as Chair of the Nevada Rates Task Force.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Ed Guthrie. His hard work on behalf of Nevada's disabled population and their families is commendable. I applaud his efforts and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Linda Smith for her tireless efforts as a fundraising specialist for Opportunity Village, a laudable organization that provides vocational training and advocacy for the disabled.

Linda has been a major force at Opportunity Village in planning and developing fundraising strategies, most notably the privately-funded, multi-million dollar capital campaigns to build the Opportunity Village campuses and training centers that have served thousands of disabled people. Linda oversees the Opportunity Village Resource Development Department, which generates millions of dollars annually for programs for people with profound disabilities through special events and annual giving programs she has largely pioneered.

Her tenacity and dedication have resulted in the involvement of vocalist Celine Dion in the Opportunity Village mission, culminating a performance at a benefit concert on the Las Vegas Strip in honor of Opportunity Village's 50th birthday. Linda has also initiated capital campaigns totaling more than $48 million including the Leid Opportunity Campus on West Oakey Blvd., the Walters Family Campus in Henderson, the Culinary Training Center on the Opportunity Village main campus and the Southwest campus at Buffalo and Patrick.

For her efforts, Linda has received numerous accolades, including: being named the ``Fundraising Executive of the Year'' by the National Society of Fundraising Executives, receiving the Woman of Achievement Award from the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, being named an honorary member of the Rotary and Kiwanis Clubs, and being named ``Nevada Woman of the Year'' in 1994.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Linda Smith. Her hard work has allowed Opportunity Village to grow exponentially and enrich countless lives. I applaud her efforts and wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Airman First Class Brandon Byers for his courage and dedication to his comrades and his country by serving in Iraq.

On November 6th, 2006, Brandon returned home from serving at Camp Bucca, Iraq, as a Combat Convoy .50 Cal Gunner for ASO Missions and Commonly Remote Operated Weapons System (CROWS). He was greeted at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada by his unit, the 99th Security Forces Squadron with his wife and 5-year-old daughter by his side and his wounds healing.

On October 16th, 2006 Brandon experienced a terrifying ordeal that nearly cost him his life. While on active duty, Brandon's Humvee was hit with a bomb detonated by Iraqi insurgents. The improvised explosive device wounded him and two of his comrades while they were returning to camp in Southern Iraq from a mounted patrol mission. Brandon was manning a .50-caliber machine gun in the Humvee's turret when the bomb went off. Shrapnel peppered his body and two large pieces struck him-- one in the right wrist and another in the upper left thigh.

Following the attack, Brandon was airlifted to a military trauma center in Kuwait to undergo extensive emergency surgery to remove the shrapnel and stabilize his injuries. Colonel Paul Curlett, commander of the 386th Air Expeditionary Wing, presented Brandon with a Purple Heart medal before his return to the U.S. to receive additional treatment at Wilford Hall Medical Center at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio.

In addition to his Purple Heart, Brandon has received a number of other awards and decorations, which include the National Defense Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and the Air Force Small Arms Expert Ribbon with cluster award.

After his wounds heal and his rehabilitation complete, Brandon will have to go before a medical review board to determine his eligibility to return to duty. Otherwise, he plans to return to his previous post as an Installation Patrolman and Security Response Team Leader for the 99th Security Force Squadron. Brandon feels as if he has let down his ``brothers and sisters down range'' because he cannot be with them, fighting in the fields.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize Airman First Class Brandon Byers for his undaunted demeanor and courageous conduct in defense of democracy. He is a true patriot who serves the United States with valor and courage; I commend him for his service and I wish him luck with all his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the MGM Mirage for its laudable treatment of its Reserve and National Guard employees.

Under the leadership of Terri Lanni, Chairman and Chief Executive of the MGM Mirage, employees who are also serving in the armed forces as either Reservists or in the National Guard receive their full pay and benefits when they are deployed. This program has been in effect since 2003, and has so far covered 113 employees. Recently, the MGM Mirage, Nevada's largest casino operator, was honored by the Department of Defense with its Employee Support Freedom Award, the highest award that the military can bestow on employers.

In a time when many Reservists and National Guard troops are getting deployed and having to leave their primary sources of income, this program shows an acute awareness of the needs of those individuals and their families. When asked how much this program costs the company, Mr. Lanni responded, ``I literally don't care . . . it was the right thing to do, its just that simple.''

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the MGM Mirage and its Chairman, Terri Lanni. The program they instituted truly shows a dedication to the well-being of employees of the MGM Mirage and their families. I applaud them for their dedication and congratulate them on their recent honors by the Department of Defense.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Opportunity Village for over 50 years of service to Nevada's disabled population.

Since its founding in 1954, Opportunity Village has greatly improved the lives of countless disabled persons and their families. Through vocational training, community job placement, advocacy, and social recreation programs, Opportunity Village serves more than 3,000 people with intellectual disabilities annually.

Opportunity Village does far more than serve those with disabilities; this organization has a profound impact on the entire Southern Nevada community. Opportunity Village operates two work center campuses and one thrift store. It also operates a vehicle donation program, trains and places hundreds of disabled adults in jobs throughout the community, and hosts some of the most popular special events in all of Las Vegas, including the annual Magical Forest.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Opportunity Village. Their tireless advocacy on behalf of those with intellectual disabilities has enriched countless lives. I applaud Opportunity Village for their mission of encouraging its clients to follow their dreams, and I wish them the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor longtime philanthropists and community supporters, Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson for their generous contributions to the Las Vegas community with the endowment of the Adelson School.

The Adelson School is the first and only Jewish High School in the Las Vegas area. The Adelson School will provide these students the opportunity to further their educational ambitions by combining rigorous academic standards with a strong foundation in morality and ethics. Opening during the 2007-08 school year, the Adelson School will provide students with state-of-the-art classrooms with integrated technology, a performing arts center, full-service dining facilities, and a full physical education facility. The physical education facility will include the only indoor, competitive-size swimming pool in Las Vegas. Dr.

Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson donated a charitable $25 million gift to establish this institution.

Sheldon is the Chairman of the Board and principal owner of Las Vegas Sands Corporation which is the parent company of The Venetian Resort- Hotel-Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada, and the Venetian Macao Limited in Macao, China. Throughout his career as a financial consultant, Sheldon has created and developed over 50 different companies, including COMDEX, a tradeshow he developed for the computer industry. In 1989, Sheldon purchased the Sands Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas and then imploded it in 1991 to develop and build the Venetian Resort-Hotel- Casino, which has become known as one of the finest hotels in the world. Throughout the years, Sheldon has received numerous honorary degrees and other illustrious awards in recognition of his business and philanthropy achievements and success.

Born in Tel Aviv, Israel, Dr. Miriam Adelson has devoted her life to the medical profession and helping others in need. Miriam specializes in internal and emergency medicine, specifically chemical dependency and drug addiction. She heads both the Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson Clinics in Tel Aviv, Israel and Las Vegas, Nevada, which have successfully treated thousands of individuals suffering from heroin and cocaine drug addictions. She has authored several scientific papers about the effects of drug addiction on the human immune system and she continues to serve on the faculty of Rockefeller University as a guest researcher. I applaud her commitment to providing access to quality healthcare and education to the residents of Southern Nevada.

In addition to education and healthcare, Dr. and Mr. Adelson are dedicated supporters of Yad Vashem and other causes in Israel and Jewish communities abroad. As a result of their generous support, the Museum of Holocaust Art at Yad Vashem was established in memory of members of the Zamelson and Farbstein families as well as Dr. Adelson's parents, all of whom perished in the Holocaust.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson for their unwavering kindness and generous donations to the communities they strive to improve. They are dedicated to improving the quality and the availability of education. The Adelson's enthusiastic commitment to education will help students reach new heights of achievement with the opening of the Adelson School. Dr. Miriam and Sheldon G. Adelson have made a profound difference in our community and we are most fortunate to have such wonderful and caring supporters of education and health care. Their heartfelt dedication is commendable and I wish them luck in all their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Denise Ashbaugh in commemoration of the National Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Denise is a 17-year survivor of breast cancer who has dedicated herself to the fight to eradicate breast cancer.

Denise has exhibited unparalleled commitment to the push for breast cancer awareness in Southern Nevada. She has served both as the vice president and president of the Las Vegas, Nevada, Chapter of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. She has organized volunteers to conduct fundraising events, educational events, support groups and early detection programs. Denise also participated in establishing the MammoVan, a state-wide program to provide mammography to underserved and uninsured women, and a local news station's buddy check program.

At the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation's National Headquarters, Denise was the National Spokeswoman for the Cure. She also served as Special Program Director of Board Breaks for the Cure, a national fundraising and breast cancer awareness program that she conceived and developed. She represented the Foundation on national talk shows, ad campaigns, speaking engagements, and local news networks. Denise's dedication and commitment to this cause has not only increased awareness in her own community, but nationwide.

Currently, Denise is involved with breast care specialists and other experts in developing a breast prosthetic device that can be worn immediately after mastectomies. She is personally working to provide these devices free to underserved breast cancer patients. As a result of her activism, Denise has been designated as a Lifetime Honorary Mrs. United States and has received numerous other awards including the Governor's Certificate of Commendation.

Throughout her years of extensive commitment to the fight against breast cancer, Denise has maintained a balanced family life. She is a loving wife and mother of two outstanding children. Through her example, she has instilled in her children the importance of community service, civic involvement and positive activism.

Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to honor Denise Ashbaugh on the floor of the House today. Denise has not only made a difference in our community through her commitment to breast cancer education and fundraising, but she has been a beacon of hope for countless women and families who have confronted the challenges of breast cancer. Her tireless dedication and unwavering optimism, despite her own health challenges, is truly admirable. I commend Denise for her leadership in the fight against breast cancer and I thank her for her incredible commitment to this most important cause.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my good friend Larry ``Doc'' Moses for his service to his country and his community.

Larry was born and raised in Des Moines, Iowa and is a product of the Des Moines School System. After studying at Tarkio College in Tarkio, Missouri and Drake University in Des Moines, Larry decided to serve his country by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps. Following his tour of duty in the Marine Corps, Larry obtained his Bachelor's and Master's degrees in History and Education from Utah State University in Logan, Utah.

Following the completion of his Master's program, Larry obtained a teaching position in Idaho Falls, Idaho. After one year, Larry moved to Las Vegas where he pursued and earned his Doctorate in Education from UNLV in 1983, and entered educational administration. His first educational administration post was as a principal in Yerington, Nevada, followed by a vice-principalship in Moapa Valley, other assistant principal positions in Las Vegas, and culminating in the principal's position at Moapa Valley High School, where he opened the new school in 1993.

Larry retired in 1997 and immediately became involved in the historical restoration business. His perseverance and determination led to the restoration of the Old Logandale School, the old Overton Gymnasium, and the old Overton Hospital--all of which are now being (re)used as valuable community resources. Larry has also been an active member of Rotary Club and serves on the Overton Power District Board of Trustees and is a perennial part of the annual Clark County Fair operations.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor my good friend Larry ``Doc'' Moses. His years of service to his nation and community are admirable. I applaud his efforts and with him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my good friend Paul C. Fisher, who passed away on Friday, October 20, 2006.

Paul was a genius and a dreamer, an advocate of the scientific technique in social sciences and a philosopher. Paul is most well known for his invention of the ``space pen'', which was first used by NASA on Apollo 7 in 1968. Paul was the recipient of the Governor's Distinguished Nevada Business Award in 1989. As a result of his marketing and manufacturing efforts, Paul was presented with the Governor's Industrial Appreciation Award as Exporter of the Year in 1996 by Nevada's Governor Bob Miller.

Paul was also a public servant. He was an outstanding example of a civic and community minded person that I had the privilege of knowing and interacting with during his many years as a resident of southern Nevada. Throughout the years, Paul demonstrated his passion and pride for both his community and country. Having twice run for the President of the United States, he was a strong advocate of economic and tax reforms to better the lives of our Nation's poor. Paul also ran for U.S. Congress in Nevada in 1986 and in Illinois in 1954.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of my good friend Paul C. Fisher. He dedicated his life to the pursuit of ideas that would help improve conditions for mankind. I applaud all his efforts; he was truly a distinguished humanitarian and will be profoundly missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of E. Steven Smith, who passed away on Monday, October 16, 2006.

Dr. Smith, a leader in forensic dentistry, was the founding dean of the UNLV School of Dental Medicine, the first dental school in the State of Nevada. He oversaw the school's founding from 1999 until 2002, when the first students entered the school.

When he moved to Las Vegas to lead the dental school, Dr. Smith began volunteering his time and expertise with the Clark County coroner's office in examining dental records. His efforts often provided closure for family members who may otherwise not have know the fate of a missing loved one.

Dr. Smith was also the founder of the Crackdown on Cancer Initiative. This body would travel to schools throughout Nevada to warn students about the effects of tobacco on the mouth, providing an invaluable public service.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of E. Steven Smith. Under his leadership, Nevada now has a world class institution for Dental Medicine education. His amalgamation of professional success and community activism is exemplary. He will be greatly missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Melanie Teemant for her outstanding achievements as a seventh-grade teacher.

On October 18, 2006, Melanie was named 2007 Nevada Teacher of the Year for hard work and dedication to her young students at Bob Miller Middle School in Henderson, Nevada. The award was presented by the Department of Education and it is also part of a nationwide program from the Council of Chief State School Officers.

As part of the award, Melanie was given a key to the city of Henderson and she is entered in the nationwide competition for teacher of the year. She is given a trip to the Nation's capital in April, during which she'll have the opportunity to meet President Bush. Melanie was also awarded a trip to Huntsville, Alabama, this summer where she will be visiting a NASA space program.

Once a year, Melanie holds a performance entitled Dancing Through the Decades, where she gives her students a chance to share some of what they learned in her reading class. She heads the school's teacher mentor program, which is designed to help new teachers acclimate to the school as well as helps them develop lesson plans and reviews classroom management skills. Melanie is active in afterschool activities, such as student council, guitar club, and the scrapbook club.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Ms. Melanie Teemant for her commendable devotion to improving the lives of her students. Her perseverance and dedication is an admirable trait. I applaud her efforts and I wish her luck in all her future endeavors.