Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Pierre and Pam Omidyar for their innovative philanthropic work.

Pierre Omidyar graduated from Tufts University in 1988, with a degree in Computer Science. After graduating college, Pierre began working as a software engineer for Claris, a subsidiary of the Apple Computer Company. He co-founded Ink Development Corp. which was later acquired by Microsoft. Shortly thereafter, at just 28 years old, Pierre created the website that would become eBay.

Pam Omidyar graduated from Tufts University in 1988, with a degree in Biology. She earned a Masters in Molecular Biology at the University of California, Santa Cruz and much of her early career was spent in laboratory research. Throughout her life, Pam has been devoted to bettering the world around her. She has committed herself to several causes, but is most passionate about helping alleviate chronic illness in children. She is the founder of HopeLab, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting scientific research that will help improve the quality of life for those who suffer from chronic illnesses.

The intense financial success with eBay prompted Pierre and his wife Pam to find ways to give back to society. After moving to Henderson, Nevada, Pierre and Pam Omidyar converted their family foundation to the Omidyar Network. The Omidyar Network takes a very novel approach to charitable giving. Unlike most organizations of its kind, the Omidyar Network is founded on the principles of microfinance and has the ability to fund nonprofit, for-profit and public policy efforts. The mission of the Omidyar Network is to ``enable individual self- empowerment on a global scale,'' and ``to employ business as a tool for social good.'' As a result of this outstanding network, countless people and organizations have received the tools necessary to cultivate economic growth, self-sufficiency and community enrichment.

Pierre and Pam Omidyar remain actively involved with their

alma mater, Tufts University, as well as several other

organizations that strive to benefit society. To further

accomplish the goals of the Omidyar Network, the Omidyar's

recently donated 100 million dollars to Tufts University to

launch the Omidyar-Tufts Microfinance Fund.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Pierre and Pam Omidyar for

their compassion and sincere desire to improve the world

around them. Their innovative approach has made a difference

in many lives and I wish them well in their continued

endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Nevada Highway Patrol Officer Bobby Kintzel, whose story of perseverance and discipline should serve as an example to us all.

On April 21, 2001, Bobby Kintzel, a Gulf War U.S. Marine veteran, was laying a tire strip on U.S. Highway 95 to puncture the tires of a stolen sports utility vehicle. The driver avoided the strip and purposely targeted Bobby, leaving him maimed and tragically killing a woman. Bobby suffered numerous injuries and was immediately air-lifted to University Medical Center. He stayed in the hospital for a year and underwent various surgeries. The weekly rehabilitation exercises became a personal test for Bobby, and all the while he kept in mind three words: adapt, improvise, overcome, a personal motto Bobby learned while in the Marine Corp. After he was released from the hospital, he lived in a rehabilitation facility and underwent occupational therapy and learned computer software. These days, the 35-year-old is still battling to recover, but he has come a long way.

Still employed by the Nevada Highway Patrol, he works in an office, using the skills he learned during his occupational therapy. He also gives back to the community that gave him an outpouring of support immediately following his injuries. Bobby has spoken at high school assemblies, at Nellis Air Force Base, at a juvenile detention center and, on every third Wednesday of the month at the Clark County Library, to those who have DUI convictions. Bobby also mentors a Las Vegas hockey team made up of 15- to 18-year-olds.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Nevada Highway Patrol Officer Bobby Kintzel. His long and challenging recovery is truly a story of discipline and determination. I wish him the best with his continuing recovery.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the students, faculty and administrators of Nevada State College's School of Nursing in Henderson, Nevada, for their tremendous achievements with their accelerated nursing program. Their achievements are a reflection of their commitment to our community. Dr. Fred Maryanski, President of Nevada State College, has been instrumental in Nevada State College's early success as Nevada's newest institution of public higher education. His leadership, commitment, and vision serves as a testimonial to the success of the college's nursing program.

Nevada State College first welcomed students in August of 2002. It has been charged with the mission to meet the needs of students who are interested in bachelor degrees in our state's much-needed fields such as nursing and education, as well as in other disciplines in the arts and sciences. Since that time, Nevada State College has committed resources, professors, and vision to ensure that their mission statement becomes a reality. For faculty and students, that dream has been achieved. On Saturday, August 26, 2006, twenty-nine students graduated from the college's Accelerated Nursing Program, a success which reflects the college's commitment to providing their students with the necessary resources to achieve their dreams. I would like to commend the following students on their graduation from Nevada State College's Accelerated Nursing Program: Nancy Andruk, Joyce Arce, Royal Bradley, Tatiana Brandon, Katherine Busby, Diandra Castenada, Perla Cisco, Themis De Guzman, Tobyn Derby-Talbot, Andi Del Gatto, Catherine Dullano, Crisandra Eastmond, Raul Ellazar, Desiree Espinoza, Diane Graham, Kathryn Havey, Lynda Hubeny, Marianne Jackson, Brigitte Lacombe, Jeanette Long, Eudora Mordi, Eleanor Mox, Milagros Navarro, Bette-Ann Pierce, Sayma Salman, Dawn Scott, Nicole Thomas, Chantal Whittenberg, Bethany Williams, and Samantha Zomar.

As a result of Dr. Maryanski's tremendous leadership, his faculty's commitment to their goals, and his students' determination to succeed, Nevada State College has become an important component of Nevada's educational system. Dr. Maryanski assumed the presidency of the college in 2005, after a long and distinguished career at one of our country's leading public universities, the University of Connecticut. Since his arrival, President Maryanski has been working in partnership with the Nevada System of Higher Education to triple the number of nursing graduates by 2013.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Dr. Fred Maryanski, President of Nevada State College

and the students of the Accelerated Nursing Program. Nevada State is making a tremendous difference throughout Southern Nevada, and the Nursing Program is helping to provide skilled workers to the health services across the state. I applaud Nevada State College's efforts and wish them the best in their future endeavors.

Speaker, I rise today to honor Robert A. Gerye for his tireless work to enhance the educational experience of the children of Clark County.

Bob Gerye has been an educator for nearly 30 years. He received his bachelors degree in English education from Washburn University in Topeka, Kansas, and his graduate and post-graduate degrees from the University of Kansas. He taught English on the college level for several years in Kansas before becoming a secondary education administrator.

Mr. Gerye moved to Las Vegas in 1992. He was the founding principal of the Las Vegas Academy of International Studies, Performing and Visual Arts, which opened in 1993. The Las Vegas Academy was the first academic, dedicated magnet school in the Clark County School District. Mr. Gerye developed and implemented an innovative curriculum which offered students the opportunity to select a major area of study from one of the academy's seven programs and take classes in a college-style block format. During Mr. Gerye's tenure as principal, the Las Vegas Academy was recognized on several occasions at both the State and the national level. In November 2000, the U.S. Department of Education honored the academy as a ``New American High School,'' recognizing it as one of the top high schools in the United States. In October 2002, the academy was again honored by the U.S. Department of Education when it was named a ``Blue Ribbon School.'' In March 2003, the Las Vegas Academy received the Governor's Arts Awards in Education from the State of Nevada in recognition of its outstanding arts education programs.

As a result of his many successes as an educator, Bob has received numerous accolades. In 1998, Bob received the Community Achievement Award in Education from the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce for his work at the Las Vegas Academy. In 2000, the Clark County School District inducted Bob into the Excellence in Education Hall of Fame. In 2004, he was named the Nevada High School Principal of the Year by the National Association of Secondary Schools Principals and was a finalist for the National Principal of the Year Award. Mr. Gerye has also received the Jeffrey Lawrence Lifetime Achievement Award for Arts Education, and the Washburn University Alumni Fellows Award for Lifetime Achievement in Education.

In 2003, Bob was selected by the Clark County School District to plan and implement the first Smaller Learning Communities/Career Academy comprehensive high school in the District. As a result of Bob Gerye's strong leadership and his commitment to excellence in education, Spring Valley High School has demonstrated overwhelming success in overcoming many of the challenges faced by a brand new school with a brand new educational structure.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Robert A. Gerye for his contributions to education. He has dedicated his career to improving the quality and the availability of education. His enthusiastic and innovative approach has helped his students reach heights of achievement. Bob Gerye has made a profound difference in our community and we are most fortunate to have such a gifted educator and administrator in the Clark County School District. I applaud his many successes and I wish him the very best as he continues to serve the cause of education.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the students, faculty and administrators of Spring Valley High School in Las Vegas, Nevada, for their tremendous achievements in educational progress.

Spring Valley High School opened in August 2004 as the first Smaller Learning Communities/Career Academy High School in the State of Nevada. Robert Gerye, principal of Spring Valley High School, developed a unique curriculum and educational design intended to prepare students for higher education while providing opportunities to explore possible career paths. The curriculum design provides an environment in which students can interact more effectively with teachers and administrators. Each grade level is housed in its own wing of the school and assigned an administrator and a counselor who will be with those students throughout their high school years. To further foster educational growth and individualized student attention, every staff member at Spring Valley High School is assigned approximately 20 students to mentor as they advance from 9th to 12th grade. The format establishes a greater level of coordination between teachers in each grade level, increased collaboration with the local post-secondary institutions and rigorous academic standards intended to help students graduate with the preparation necessary to excel in college and in their chosen careers.

Although Spring Valley High School is worthy of recognition for many reasons, I wish to recognize Spring Valley High School today for its tremendous improvement under the standards set by the No Child Left Behind Act. As a brand-new school in the 2004-2005 school-year, Spring Valley High School faced many challenges. It was classified on the 2004-2005 Accountability Report as a school which did not demonstrate Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP). As a result of Mr. Gerye's tremendous leadership, his faculty's commitment to their goals, and his students' determination to succeed, Spring Valley High School not only met the Adequate Yearly Progress criteria this year, it has been classified in the 2005-2006 Accountability Report as a High Achieving--Growth institution.

The administration, faculty and staff at Spring Valley High School have approached their goals with discipline and determination and, as a result, they have enhanced both the academic experience and performance of its students. For the incredible contribution they have made to the success of Spring Valley High School, I would like to commend the following individuals: Walt Acra, Larry Adams, Sheila AIi, Lisa Ancona, Carlose Arellano, Rica Arenas, Jennifer Ashford, Joyce Bakkedahl, Teresa Barajas, Phanom Baravong, Ana Barnes, Bianca Bautista, Elaine Beller, Bibi Belloto, Louise Belviso, Christopher Bires, Robert Bloom, Donald Bohm, Christina Bolin, Liana Bolton, Marilee Botos, Shawn Boyle, Charles Branich, Susan Brewer, David Brooks, Elizabeth Brown, Valerie Bugni, Dawn Burns, Antonio Caiati, Paul Campbell, Heather Carroll, Daniel Casel, Charlotte Chapman, Bernard Chase, Holly Chidester, Douglas Clarke, Kathy Clemens, Vaunette Coache, Paulette Coleman, Ann Collum, George Comadena, Melissa Conley, Geraldine Conte, Laurie Daly, Eric DeAnda, Ann Deleuil, Patricia Delfs, Amy DeVaul, Paula Digerolami- Macon, Suzanne Dompierre, Melody Dubois, Anna Eapen, Sindy Eisen, Ann Elandt, Jeanette Engelhart, Diane Epstein, Sarah Federspiel, Karen Florence-Hopkins, LaVanda Ford, William Fouts, Victoria Franklin- Dillon, Thomas Fraiser, Rhonda Fritch, Jennifer Gallegos, Wanda Gambino, Anthony Gamboa, Richardo Garcia, Gail Garrett, Dean Gentuso, Michelle Gex, Robert Gillingham, Mamie Glorioso, Michael Gomez, Dennis Goode, Gayane Gulyan, William Hamilton, Sarah Hanes, Yuki Harada-Hart, Christopher Hendley, Edward Henry, Kevin Henry, Connie Hines, Caprice Houston-Bey, Rebecca Hutchings, Linda Idemoto, Lori Jackson, Rebecca Jackson, Tanya Jackson, Steven Jacobson, Jill Jaeger, Charles Janette, Margaret Jeffrey, Susan Jennings, Andrew Jennings, Emily Jensen, Brett Jeross, Shirley Jimenez, Bessie Lee Johnson, Deborah Johnston, Harlan Johnston, Karen Jolivette, Emily Jones, Yvette Kagan, Ethel Keck, Lisa Keith, Heather Kennedy, Lezlie Koepp, Joel Krautstrunkm, Morgan Krista!, Susan Kuehl, Denise Lauriano, Monica Lavelle, Wende Lestelle, Robert Leytham, Enrico Litterini, Peter Locatelli, Johnny Macon, Rosette Mare, Kyle Martin, Gary Mayers, Phillip McAlister, Brianne McElroy, Melinda McGill, John McLavy, Jr., Jackson Meeker, Frederick Meyer, Michelle Minggia, Kimberly Moody, Dawn Moore, Robert Murphy, Elonda Murray, Amy Murray, Rachelle Nearn, Jane Newton, Richard Niemczewski, Amy Nugent, Michael O'Brien, Michael Oliver, Serene Oppenheim, Rebecca Pappas, Chrissy Paradiso, Iretta Pearson, Joe Peck, Evan Politi, Debbie Pope, Shannon Powell, Jeffrey Pynter, Dennis Pumphrey, Louis Reale, Efrain Rene, Shirley Reuben, Susan Rheinwald, Tyra Riefler, Roberto Rodriguez, Jeffrey Rubin, Ian Salzman, Adam Sampson, Angelica Sanchez, Elizabeth Sandelin, Daniel Schantol, Christina Schenauer, Nikki Semmelroth, Nicholas Sevano, Paul Shapiro, Susie Shepley, Donald Shumaker, Debbie Simons, Brant Smith, Marion Smith, Jr., Mitchell Sperling, Gregory Stack, John Staples, Heather Stringham, Jen Strobel, Robert Stropky, Jr., Cindy Taylor, Marcus Teal, Jeanine Tegano, Jennifer Tichon, James Tippett, Bonnie Toth, Justin Truitt, Leota Tucker, Travis Underwood, Becky Utchel, Nayelee Villanueva, Clara Virga, Lynn Wentland, Stacey White, Yvette White, Deborah Whitt, Michael Williams, Sabrina Woodruft: Dave Yacubovich, Kenneth Young, Suzanne Ziegler, Emily Zierse, and Lee Zigan.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Robert Gerye and his extraordinary staff at Spring Valley High School for the exceptional progress they have made this year. Their tireless efforts to exceed the achievement standards set by the No Child Left Behind Act have made a profound difference for the students who attend Spring Valley High School. I applaud this outstanding achievement and I look forward to seeing Spring Valley High School and its students continue to excel in our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the students, faculty and administrators of Nevada State College's School of Nursing in Henderson, Nevada, for their tremendous achievements with their accelerated nursing program. Their achievements are a reflection of their commitment to our community. Dr. Connie Carpenter, Dean of the School of Nursing, has been instrumental in Nevada State College's early success as Nevada's newest institution of public higher education. Her leadership, commitment, and vision serve as a testimonial to the success of the college's nursing program.

Nevada State College first welcomed students in August of 2002, it has been charged with the mission to meet the needs of students who are interested in bachelor's degrees in our state's much-needed fields such as nursing and education, as well as in other disciplines in the arts and sciences. Since that time, Nevada State College has committed resources, professors, and vision to ensure that their mission statement becomes a reality. For faculty and students, that dream has been achieved. On Saturday, August 26, 2006, twenty nine students graduated from the college's Accelerated Nursing Program, a success which reflects the college's commitment

to providing their students with the necessary resources to achieve their dreams. I would like to commend the following students on their graduation from Nevada State College's Accelerated Nursing Program: Nancy Andruk, Joyce Arce, Royal Bradley, Tatiana Brandon, Katherine Busby, Diandra Castenada, Perla Cisco, Themis De Guzman, Tobyn Derby- Talbot, Andi Del Gatto, Catherine Dullano, Crisandra Eastmond, Raul Ellazar, Desiree Espinoza, Diane Graham, Kathryn Havey, Lynda Hubeny, Marianne Jackson, Brigitte Lacombe, Jeanette Long, Eudora Mordi, Eleanor Mox, Milagros Navarro, Bette-Ann Pierce, Sayma Salman, Dawn Scott, Nicole Thomas, Chantal Whittenberg, Bethany Williams, and Samantha Zomar.

Dr. Carpenter brings a wealth of experience in nursing, nursing education, educational administration and in delivering quality online instructional programs to the Nursing program. She has been a leading advocate in expanding the nursing program at Nevada State College; she is a pioneer in developing distance learning programs. She is very dedicated to providing effective and accessible education. I have full faith that with Dr. Carpenter's leadership, Nevada State College will continue to exceed every possible expectation.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Dr. Connie Carpenter, Dean of the School of Nursing, and the students of the Accelerated Nursing Program. Nevada State is making a tremendous difference throughout Southern Nevada, and the Nursing Program is helping to provide skilled workers to the health services across the state. I applaud Nevada State College's efforts and wish them the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Kelly Purcell, the former Director of Federal Government Affairs for the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues. She passed away on Tuesday, August 1, 2006.

Kelly earned a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and Social Behavior from the University of California, Irvine. In addition, she earned a Master's degree in Psychology from Pepperdine University, and another Master's in Political Management from George Washington University's Graduate School of Political Management. Kelly's academic achievements and experience were of great value as she advanced her career.

In October of 2003, Kelly became the Federal Legislative Affairs Manager for the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues. She was quickly promoted to serve as Acting Director of Federal Government Affairs in September of 2004, and became Director in February of 2005. In her position, she served California and Nevada credit unions by overseeing Congressional and regulatory advocacy programs.

Kelly attended the Credit Union National Association Government Affairs Conference in February of this year. At the event, she met with legislators on Capitol Hill to update them on important issues including the effects of the Rallies for Credit Unions, the importance of local union movements, and the progress of the Credit Union Regulatory Improvements Act.

Mr. Speaker, I am saddened by the unexpected loss of such a young and ambitious woman. Kelly's hard work brought passion and enthusiasm to the California and Nevada Credit Union Leagues through her advocacy efforts in Nevada, California, Washington, D.C., and nationwide. She will be deeply missed

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Terry and Lee Kistner of Overton, Nevada for their overwhelming commitment to serving others.

Terry and Lee moved to Overton nearly ten years ago. Shortly thereafter, they opened Valley Boot and Shoe Repair, a small business specializing in leather craftsmanship, including boots, saddles, tack and repairs. Despite the struggles of owning a small business in an economy dominated by large companies and manufacturers, Terry and Lee have managed to keep their doors open and their business running successfully for more than nine years. In order to do so, both Terry and Lee work full-time jobs and stagger their schedules so that each can tend to the needs of their business.

Although their extraordinary work ethic and commitment to their craft is part of what makes the Kistners an asset to the Moapa Valley Community, it is their remarkable compassion for others and their dedication to community service that is truly inspiring. Terry and Lee strive to help others in any way they can. They frequently contribute their expertise in leather craftsmanship to school and community groups. Whether it means donating leather and teaching special education students how to make their own belts, donating labor and craftsmanship to the Nevada High School Rodeo winners or donating custom-made boots to fulfill a young boy's dreams of owning real cowboy boots, the Kistners are happy to give their talents to a variety of worthy endeavors.

Terry and Lee are also committed citizens of the United States of America. They instilled in each of their four children a sense of pride in their country and a commitment to serving others. They currently have a son who is serving in the United States Army in Iraq. In addition to all they do to serve their local community, the Kistners also strive to support their son in his military service. The Kistners have purchased and donated a variety of needed equipment and supplies for their son's 17-member military unit.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Terry and Lee Kistner on the floor of the House for the extraordinary citizens that they are. I commend their patriotism and their inspiring commitment to serving others. I thank them for the sacrifices they have made to brighten the lives of those around them and I wish them the very best in all their future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of United States Army Specialist Ignacio Ramirez, who was killed on August 9, 2006, in Ramadi, Iraq while serving in Operation Iraqi Freedom.

Ignacio ``Nacho'' Ramirez was born in Los Angeles on August 23, 1983. He spent the majority of his youth in Henderson, Nevada. He was involved in athletics throughout his youth, playing youth baseball and high school football. He graduated from Basic High School in 2002, and joined the United States Army shortly after graduation.

Specialist Ramirez was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 37th Armored Regiment, 1st Armored Division of the United States Army based out of Friedberg, Germany. He lost his life when a roadside bomb exploded near his vehicle.

Specialist Ramirez was a hero whose desire to serve his country will forever make an impact on his family, his community and his country. He joined the Army to help the United States fight the Global War on Terror and he will not only be remembered for his sacrifice and willing service, but for the extraordinary person that he was.

Ignacio's warmth and optimism brightened the lives of his family and friends. He is survived by his loving parents, Marina and Robert Vance; and six siblings, Ofelia Espinoza, Sidney Jiminez, Ivan and Jasmine Ramirez, and James and Tia Vance.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of United States Army Specialist Ignacio Ramirez. Specialist Ramirez made the ultimate sacrifice for his country while defending democracy and freedom. He was a true patriot who served the United States of America with valor and courage. I am saddened by his loss and I extend my deepest sympathies to his family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Andre Agassi as he retires from a 20-year professional tennis career.

Andre Agassi was born on April 29, 1970, in Las Vegas, NV, to Elizabeth and Emmanuel ``Mike'' Agassi. When he was an infant, Andre's father hung tennis balls above his crib in the hopes that he would some day become a tennis champion. From the time he could walk and hold a racquet effectively, Andre practiced his game, hitting up to 5,000 balls a day. By age 5, he was practicing with pros such as Jimmy Connors and Roscoe Tanner. At the age of 14, Andre's father sent him to train at Nick Bollettieri's Tennis Academy in Florida. Two years later, in 1986, he turned professional, winning his first top-level singles title in 1987 at the Sul America Open in Itaparica, Brazil.

Andre has won eight Grand Slam singles titles and has achieved a total of 60 career singles titles with one career doubles title. Andre is one of only five players to win all four Grand Slam events in his career: four Australian Open titles, one French Open, one Wimbledon, and two U.S. Opens. Furthermore, Andre won the men's singles gold medal at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta, and in 1999 was ranked the No. 1 player in the world.

In addition to his achievements on the court, Andre participates in many charity organizations and founded the Andre Agassi Charitable Association (AACA), whose mission statement is to provide educational and recreational institutions and activities for abandoned, abused, and at-risk kids. Every year, the AACA holds a concert benefit entitled Grand Slam for Children, featuring performances by artists such as Celine Dion, Robin Williams, and Sir Elton John. After its 11th year, the event has successfully raised over $50 million for the at-risk children of Las Vegas. In 1995, he won the ATP Arthur Ashe Humanitarian award in recognition of his efforts for helping disadvantaged youth in Las Vegas. In 1997, Andre opened the Boys & Girls Club to assist the youth of Las Vegas, which features a junior tennis team, Team Agassi, as well as a basketball program, the Agassi Stars. In 2001, Andre opened the Andre Agassi College Preparatory Academy in Las Vegas, NV, a K-12 public charter school founded on the principle that nothing can impact on a child's life more than the education they receive. Additionally, through the AACA, he supports Clark County's only residential facility for abused and neglected children called Child Haven, donating funds for a six-room classroom building now named the Agassi Center for Education. His foundation also provided $720,000 to assist in the building of the Andre Agassi Cottage for MedicaIly Fragile Children.

In addition to his professional success and his contributions to the community, Andre is a dedicated family man; he is the loving husband of former tennis champion Steffi Graf, and the devoted father to 4-year- old son Jaden Gil and 2-year-old daughter Jaz Elle.

The consummate sportsman, Andre praised his fans following his match on Sunday, September 3, 2006 at the U.S. Open. This match brought to a close one of the most impressive professional careers in all of sports. After walking off the court, Andre said ``The scoreboard said I lost today, but what the scoreboard doesn't say is what I've found. Over the last 21 years, I've found loyalty. You have pulled for me on the court and also in life. I have found inspiration. You have willed me to succeed sometimes in my lowest moments.'' He will always be No. 1 in the world, not only as an athlete, but also as a great humanitarian. Andre has willed our community and children to succeed at some of our lowest moments.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Mr. Andre Agassi. I would like to offer Andre my sincerest congratulations on an esteemed career, my warmest thanks for his ongoing contributions to the Las Vegas community, and wish him much luck in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate this opportunity to recognize a great Nevadan whose name is Andre Agassi for his 20 years of success as an athlete. His professional career goes from eight Grand Slam titles, 60 singles titles, Olympic gold medal and number one in the world in tennis.

But I am here to share with you that his success is far greater than that on the court. Off the court, Mr. Agassi has raised close to $50 million to help abused and neglected children in the State of Nevada, has created a Boys and Girls Club, a K-12 charter school, cottages for medically fragile children and is certainly a loving father and husband.

History will show that he is one of the greatest athletes in modern times, but I truly believe that his charitable, humanitarian approach to our community will overshadow his athletic success. He told his fans that he was inspired by his fans.

He truly has been an inspiration for our community in Nevada and for our country. I rise today recognizing Andre Agassi as a great American hero.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of former Nevada State Senator Lawrence ``Jake'' Jacobsen, who passed away on Wednesday, July 26, 2006.

Jake, who made his home in Minden, NV, retired from the legislature in 2002 as the longest-serving legislator in Nevada history, having served 16 years in the Assembly and 24 in the Senate. Over his long and distinguished career, Jake must have been proudest of his work on behalf of the state's veterans and the Department of Corrections honor camp system, and his fight for preservation of the Stewart Indian School and Marlette Lake. Jake was also a volunteer firefighter in Carson Valley for more than 50 years, and has fought several fires side-by-side with Forest Service personnel. As president of the Minden Engine Company for 25 years and a lawmaker for 40 years, Jake has supported firefighting and preserved funding for fire crews.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of former state Senator Lawrence ``Jake'' Jacobsen. In his long and distinguished career as a legislator in the State Senate he touched countless lives. He was a good friend, one whom I had the pleasure of serving with for 8 years. He will be greatly missed by all the citizens of Nevada.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Chad Christofferson, who has served my office--and more importantly, the American people--with distinction for the past 2 years.

Chad started in my office as a legislative correspondent in 2004. His organizational skills and ability to effectively respond to constituent concerns earned him a promotion the following year to the legislative staff of the U.S. House Subcommittee on the Federal Workforce and Agency Organization, which I chair.

In his current role, Chad has worked on many issues, but particularly of note, he has become one of our lead staffers on the Subcommittee's health initiatives. He has gained respect among leaders of the healthcare community by his quick grasp and thorough knowledge of complex health information technology matters that have gone into crafting the Federal Family Health Information Technology Act, a bill I introduced giving Federal employees electronic access to their own health records maintained under the Federal Employee Health Benefits Program. This legislation has a simple goal--to save lives by reducing medical errors.

Chad's work has been exemplary, and he is driven by personal devotion to integrity and public service. In fact, it is his commitment to improving the lives of others and his work on our health information technology legislation that led to his recent decision to pursue a career in medicine. And so, Chad is heading home to Utah, where this fall he will enroll in the school of pharmacology at Brigham Young University.

I have spoken of Chad's dedication and professionalism, which by themselves are deserving of thanks and recognition. He will continue to be a servant to others by fighting disease and illness, and, in so doing will reaffirm the values that make America the land of hope and opportunity to the world. I wish him Godspeed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Patricia Grow for her years of service as a high school teacher and Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America advisor.

Patricia earned a Bachelor's Degree in Homemaking Education from Utah State University, and then a Master's in Occupational Administration at Northern Arizona University. After graduating, she moved to Overton, Nevada, and began her teaching career as a substitute. She continued substitute teaching for eight years until she became the full-time Home Economics teacher at Moapa Valley High School.

For the past thirty years, Patricia has educated high school students and advised her chapter of the Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America, FCCLA. Patricia followed the growth of the community from the old high school to the new one, and, upon the expansion of the Home Economics program, she became the instructor for the Independent Living and Child Development and the Fashion and Quilting courses. Her hard work has been instrumental in bringing the program's courses to full enrollment.

Patricia has won a number of awards for her service to students, including Outstanding Service to Vocational Education in 1986, Outstanding Faculty for 1992-1993, the Nevada Vocational Association Award of Service in 1996, and Educator of the Year for 1999-2000. She is retiring this year after three decades of teaching.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Patricia Grow for her years of service as an educator in Nevada. Education is truly an admirable career, and I commend her dedication to Nevada's youth. I wish her all the best in her retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Scott Sullivan and Joelle Jarvis for their unparallel commitment to serving others. Sullivan and Jarvis founded the Corps of Compassion, a grass roots organization that is helping families in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The organization is founded on the belief of people helping people, and making a difference right now.

Scott and Joelle founded the Corps of Compassion after hurricanes Katrina and Rita devastated portions of the Gulf Coast. Their efforts to reach out and assist thousands of displaced Americans from these tragic events have inspired so many to help their fellow citizens. Since the hurricanes, the organization and its volunteers have provided numerous resources and services. For example, the Corps of Compassion has coordinated and sent one dozen tractor trailers to Louisiana. These trailers were filled with food, baby products, medical supplies, paper goods, clothing, water and furniture for the hurricane victims. The organization in conjunction with Feed the Relief helped and funded almost 10,000 hot meals for first responders in New Orleans.

This incredible organization has also raised close to $400,000 in monetary donations for emergency assistance and collected over $1,000,000 in goods and donated services for disaster victims. As a result of their ongoing efforts, the group was named by the Las Vegas Review Journal as the ``Best Community Organization of 2006''. In addition to donating goods to people, Corps of Compassion has helped many families through case management by connecting them with legal information, tax help and informing them of the aid for which they qualify.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Scott Sullivan and Joelle Jarvis. Their work with Corps of Compassion has enriched countless lives thrown into turmoil following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. I applaud them for their service and wish them the best with their continued mission.