Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Kathy L. Batterman who became one of the first crew members for ``Flight for Life'' and was the first certified flight nurse in the United States. Mrs. Batterman's life was tragically cut short in the line of duty when, on April 4, 1999, the ``Flight for Life'' helicopter crashed in Indian Springs Nevada during a bizarre snowstorm after transporting a patient to a Las Vegas hospital.

During her career Kathy flew over 3,000 rescue flights and is credited with saving thousands of lives. Kathy epitomized excellence in all aspects of nursing. Not only was she one of America's premiere flight nurses, she was a certified flight registered nurse, an advanced trauma specialist, and Nevada's first pre-hospital nurse practitioner. Kathy was a respected educator and a pioneer of EMS education in Nevada. Her contagious energetic spirit, encouraging smile, and enthusiasm inspired many others to do their best. Kathy was also instrumental in placing a second ``Flight for Life'' base in Pahrump, Nevada recognizing how crucial the response time is for those needing emergency care in the outlying rural communities around Las Vegas. Not only was she a magnificent flight nurse, she was also a caring and devoted wife and mother.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Kathy A. Batterman for her dedication to providing emergency medical service to the Las Vegas and outlying community. Her death is a profound loss to the community and the medical profession.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions of a special group of high school students in Henderson, NV, the members of Basic High School's Marine Corps JROTC

Basic's JROTC unit was activated in 1977 and is one of over 200 plus units sponsored by the United States Marine Corps. Basic's MCJROTC has been designated as a ``Naval Honor School'' 14 times and has received State and national recognition and honors. The senior marine instructor and marine instructors are retired marines with over 80 years of combined military service and 30 years at Basic High School.

The mission of the MCJROTC is to develop young leaders and responsible citizens with respect for constituted authority, to help individuals strengthen character and form habits of self-discipline, and to learn the importance of national security in a democratic society. Students that participate in the MCJROTC program at Basic learn self-discipline, self-confidence, personal responsibility and build their character.

Basic's MCJROTC students participated in the Western United States National Drill Meet on April 1, 2006 and were deemed the overall winner for the West Coast. Other awards earned included: first place in Armed Inspection, second place in Unarmed Inspection, first place in 4 Person Unarmed, fifth place for 4 Person Unarmed, third place in Unarmed Inspection, second place for Color Guard Regulation, first place for 4 Person Armed, first place in Unarmed Exhibition, second place in Color Guard Regulation, fourth place for 4 Person Armed, second place for Armed Inspection, third place for Unarmed Exhibition, fourth place for Color Guard Inspection, Outstanding Unarmed Commander Cadet.

Basic's MCJROTC students have won this prestigious championship twice in the last 4 years. Their commitment to this important program and devotion to excellence has helped them achieve these high honors, and I am proud to recognize them today for their accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I salute the MCJROTC students at Basic High School.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Carol C. Harter, who is retiring after serving as the president University of Nevada, Las Vegas for the past 11 years.

Dr. Harter has dedicated herself to enriching the academic experience of the students at UNLV and expanding programs and enrollment at the university. Since Dr. Harter's appointment in 1995, UNLV has created more than 100 new degree programs. During her tenure at UNLV, more than 17 new buildings have been added, including the Lied Library. In addition, under her leadership, UNLV created the William S. Boyd School of Law, the School of Architecture, and the School of Dental Medicine-- the first professional schools in

Nevada in these areas as well as professional programs in Physical Therapy and Public Health.

As president of UNLV, Dr. Harter has received numerous national awards including the Presidential Leadership Award by the National Collegiate Honors Council, the President's Award by the National Association of Student Affairs Professionals, and the College President's Award by the All American Football Foundation.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Dr. Carol C. Harter and her distinguished career in service to higher education. I wish her the best in her retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Patty Murphy, a volunteer from southern Nevada, who because of her time and efforts helping others, has earned the distinguished President's Volunteer Service Award.

Patty is a volunteer nurse with the Medical Reserve Corps of Clark County. In September 2005 after the destructive forces of Hurricane Katrina tore through the Gulf Coast, she was deployed to Mobile, Alabama. There she worked on the M.S. Holiday, a cruise ship that temporarily housed evacuees following the Katrina aftermath. For 2 weeks Patty worked with a team of heath care professionals to provide medical care for the evacuees.

The Medical Reserve Corps of Clark County is a committed and available reserve of practicing and retired health care professionals that can be rapidly mobilized to strengthen medical response capabilities during large-scale local emergencies. Although this organization was created by the local community for the local community, the leadership and experience provided by this group has proved to be a viable asset for a disaster on the opposite side of the country.

In 2002, President George W. Bush called on all Americans to make a difference in their communities through volunteer service. He created USA Freedom Corps, an Office of the White House, to strengthen and expand volunteer service. The President's Volunteer Service Award is presented to outstanding individuals who have displayed an outstanding example of service and who have accumulated over 100 hours of service.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Patty Murphy on the floor of the House today. Her example of service testifies to all of us that we can all do a little more to help our neighbor. I applaud her for her efforts.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Frank Scott, whose story of personal and professional success should serve as an inspiration for us all.

Mr. Scott built his business empire after returning to Las Vegas from World War II where he had served as a second lieutenant in the Army in Japan. In the 1950s and 60s, Scott opened a wholesale building material company, operated a fixed base aircraft operation and founded Stocks Ready-Mix Concrete. In the 1970s, as chairman of the First Western Savings Association, Scott was credited with saving the bank from near financial ruin. And in 1983 Mr. Scott was named co-Convention Man of the Year by the Hotel Sales Management Association's Las Vegas Chapter. Scott was also the founder of the Plaza Hotel and Casino.

Frank Scott was a bank chairman, director of Nevada Power and president of the Greater Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and the Nevada Resort Association. Additionally, Scott was a board member of the local Boy Scouts chapter, a UNLV trustee, a captain of the Sheriffs Mounted Police and a board member of the Nevada Museum of Fine Arts.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to honor Frank Scott and his extraordinary career and I appreciate his efforts on behalf of the community. His death is a profound loss for the community and he will be greatly missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions of a special group of American heroes, those that have received the Distinguished Flying Cross. I honor them today for their service and dedication to our great Nation.

The Distinguished Flying Cross was authorized by an act of Congress on July 2, 1926 and is awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the Armed Forces who has distinguished themselves during combat in support of operations by ``heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight.''

Since its creation the Distinguished Flying Cross has been awarded to some of America's greatest aviators and serves as a reminder of their heroic actions. This prestigious medal was first awarded to Charles A. Lindbergh, of the U.S. Army Corps Reserve, for his solo flight of 3,600 miles across the Atlantic in 1927. The first Distinguished Flying

Cross to be awarded to a naval aviator was awarded to Richard E. Byrd, of the U.S. Navy Air Corps, for his flight to the North Pole. The contributions of these great aviators and those that followed are honored by this prestigious award.

In 1994 the Distinguished Flying Cross Society was formed as a nonprofit organization whose members have been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. The society has established scholarships and benefits for organizations and individuals throughout the Nation that are seeking to make advances in aviation.

In February of this year the Distinguished Flying Cross Society officially recognized a new chapter, the Las Vegas Wings Chapter in Southern Nevada. The great State of Nevada is home to more than 260,000 veterans many of which have been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. As a Member of Congress and a Nevadan, I would like to extend a heartfelt welcome, to the Las Vegas Wings Chapter, of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and heartfelt gratitude that I salute these great American heroes and the Las Vegas Wings Chapter of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lou Emmert for her professional success and outstanding contributions to the community.

Lou Emmert is the vice president and general manager for Sprint of Nevada, the primary local telephone provider for Clark County. In this role, she directs the efforts of local and state governmental relations, regulatory relations, public relations and community involvement activities, and is the main point of contact for key business leaders.

Lou is also involved in many community organizations, including the Girl Scouts of Frontier Council, the Las Vegas Chamber Board of Trustees, the YMCA Board, the Nevada Development Authority Board, the Las Vegas Philharmonic Board of Directors, the Nevada International Women's Forum, the Clark County Public Education Foundation, the Clark County Department of Social Service Citizens Advisory Committee, the Henderson Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Desert Research Institute Foundation Board.

Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to honor Lou Emmert for her extraordinary record of professional and community service. I wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Armenian-American Cultural Society of Las Vegas on this, the 91st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. This organization was established in 1978, and since that time has grown in size and influence. They are now the largest non-political, non-denominational organization in Nevada. They have worked tirelessly to educate the general public about the atrocious acts committed against their people and also to help preserve the Armenian culture here in Las Vegas and America.

I am proud to represent a large and vibrant Armenian community in the Third Congressional District of Nevada and I consider it an honor to have been invited to participate in the ceremonies commemorating the 91st anniversary of the Armenian genocide. These ceremonies offer participants an opportunity to honor the survivors and their descendants, and to remind the world of the tragedy that befell Armenians of the Ottoman Empire.

It is estimated that one and a half million Armenians perished between 1915 and 1923 in a genocide planned and executed by the Turkish government against the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire. The great bulk of the Armenian population was removed from Armenia and Anatolia to Syria, where the vast majority was sent into the desert to die of thirst and hunger. Large numbers of Armenians were methodically massacred throughout the Ottoman Empire. The entire wealth of the Armenian people was expropriated. After only a little more than a year of calm at the end of WWI, the atrocities were renewed between 1920 and 1923, and the remaining Armenians were subjected to further massacres and expulsions.

While there are still many who deny that the Armenian Genocide ever took place, I am pleased to see more and more countries and states and even the media are now in the process of recognizing the genocide. It is critical that we reflect on this human tragedy and on the lessons of history and work to avoid the horrors faced by the Armenian people in 1915.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of former Congressman Dan Schaefer, who succumbed to cancer on Tuesday, April 18, 2006.

Former Republican Representative Dan Schaefer served as the Congressman from

the 6th District of Colorado for 14 years until he retired in 1998. Congressman Schaefer served on the House Commerce Committee, while he was Chairman of the Energy and Power Subcommittee, and was the senior member of the Colorado congressional delegation when he retired. His long and distinguished political career began when he was elected to the state House of Representatives in 1977, then the state Senate in 1979 before running for Congress in 1983.

Among the many causes he championed were mass-transit projects and the southwest light-rail line, and while in the Colorado State Legislature Schaefer sponsored several child protection laws. In Congress, he also helped found the House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus and for his efforts the main building at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, was named in his honor. Schaefer was a major proponent of plans to deregulate the electric power, industry and to open it to competition. He fought for the cleanup of the decommissioned nuclear weapons plant at Rocky Flats, pushed for spending cuts, and worked on telecommunications issues.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the life and legacy of former Congressman Dan Schaefer who served in the House of Representatives with honor and integrity. His death is a profound loss to the community and to the causes he most admirably championed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions of a special group of high school students in Henderson, Nevada, the members of Basic High School's Marine Corps JROTC.

Basic's JROTC unit was activated in 1977 and is one of over 200 plus units sponsored by the United States Marine Corps. Basic's MCJROTC has been designed as a ``Naval Honor School'' 14 times and has received state and national recognition and honors. The Senior Marine Instructor and Marine Instructors are retired Marines with over 80 years of combined military service and 30 years at Basic High School.

The mission of the MCJROTC is to develop young leaders and responsible citizens with respect for constituted authority, to help individuals strengthen character and form habits of self discipline, and to learn the importance of national security in a democratic society. Students that participate in the MCJROTC program at Basic learn self-discipline, self confidence, personal responsibility and build their character.

Basic's MCJROTC students participated in the Western United States National Drill Meet on April 1, 2006 and were deemed the overall winner for the West Coast. Other awards earned included: 1st place in Armed Inspection; 2nd place in Unarmed Inspection; 1st place in 4 Person Unarmed; 5th place for 4 Person Unarmed; 3rd place in Unarmed Inspection; 2nd place for Color Guard Regulation; 1st place for 4 Person Armed; 1st place in Unarmed Exhibition; 2nd place in Color Guard Regulation; 4th place for 4 Person Armed; 2nd place for Armed Inspection; 3rd place for Unarmed Exhibition; 4th place for Color Guard Inspection; Outstanding Unarmed Commander Cadet.

Basic's MCJROTC students have won this prestigious championship twice in the last 4 years. Their commitment to this important program and devotion to excellence has helped them achieve these high honors, and I am proud to recognize them today for their accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I salute the MCJROTC students at Basic High School.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Liliam Lujan Hickey who through her extensive and diversified experiences, has established herself as a successful small business owner, effective motivator, and professional, specifically in the Hispanic-American community. Through her ardent desire to serve others, she has been personally and extensively involved in promoting educational programs in Las Vegas, as well as the entire state of Nevada. She will be honored on April 19th, at the formal dedication of Liliam Lujan Hickey Elementary School, which was named in her honor.

In the business world, Liliam has truly made a name for herself. She is owner and chief executive officer of Lujan development, a property management firm. In 1980, she formed L H System International, a business consulting and sales company with customized training for professionals.

Although born in Havana, Cuba, Liliam has resided in Las Vegas, Nevada for over thirty-six years. As a resident of Nevada, her list of achievements and volunteer service is impressive. Liliam established Career Day for high school students, which has awarded over $300,000 in scholarships to hundreds of needy Hispanic students. She also served as cofounder and president of the Classroom on Wheels, a program which has facilitated educational, medical, and dental services to disadvantaged preschool children.

Liliam was director for the Congressional Award Council of Nevada and co-chaired the Southern Nevada BEST Coalition, a non-profit organization working towards a drug and alcohol-free lifestyle in Las Vegas schools and communities. She also served as chairperson of the Urban Emphasis Committee for the Boy Scouts of America.

She is co-founder, past president, and board member of the Latin Chamber of Commerce. She was one of only two professionals selected from Nevada to attend the White House Hispanic Leadership Reception held by

President and Mrs. Clinton. Hispanic leaders throughout the United States were invited to attend this reception.

The Governor of Nevada appointed Liliam to serve on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday commission. She also served on the Job Training Coordinating Council and the United States Governor's Workforce Development Board. She is an active member of the Las Vegas Latin Chamber of Commerce and the Clark County Fair Advisory Council.

Her efforts for the State of Nevada have been recognized through numerous awards. She received the Outstanding Hispanic Award from the Latin Chamber of Commerce. Liliam was named as one of the Women of Achievement in Government and Politics by the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. She was also identified by the Nevada 125th Anniversary Commission as one of the women who have played a significant role in making Nevada what it is today.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Liliam Lujan Hickey on the floor of the House today. She is an outstanding example of service and hard work not only to the Hispanic-American community but to all southern Nevadans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Nevada Cancer Institute and their team of dedicated professionals who are committed to advancing the frontiers of knowledge of cancer through research and providing world-class cancer services to Nevadans and people throughout the Southwest. The facility opened late summer 2005, and this month the new John Robert Murren Research Wing will be dedicated.

It is the overarching goal of the Nevada Cancer Institute to become a National Cancer Institute Designated Comprehensive Cancer Care Center. Facilities awarded this designation not only must perform first-rate research and exceptional patient care, but they must also demonstrate that the close integration of research and clinical efforts fosters an environment that stimulates new discoveries, and translates these discoveries quickly into better care to patients. Research in the area of cancer control and programs in community outreach and education are also essential for comprehensive status. With the opening of a new research wing and implementation of groundbreaking methods of prevention, detection and treatment of cancer, the Institute is well on its way to receiving this honor.

Designated by the State Legislature as the official Cancer Institute for the State of Nevada, the Nevada Cancer Institute is a collaborative, statewide effort involving concerned citizens, the oncology community, academic leaders, legislators, corporations, healthcare advocates, and cancer patients and their families. The Institute is wholly committed to offering the residents of Nevada a facility that offers the most current and most advanced cancer treatment options.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the Nevada Cancer Institute on the floor of the House today. I commend them for their efforts in fighting cancer and wish them the best with their new research wing.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true American hero, Lt. Col. George Sherman (Ret.) who will be celebrating his 80th birthday on April 17, 2006.

A distinguished member of the Las Vegas community, Lt. Col. George Sherman (Ret.) has dedicated his life to being a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, achieving a brilliant career in the United States Army Air Corp-Air Force, and serving as a respected leader in his community.

In the early 1940's, while serving in the Army Air Corp-Air Force, Lt. Col. George Sherman (Ret.) earned the distinct honor of becoming one of the famed Tuskegee Airmen. Throughout his 22 year service in the United States Military, Lt. Col. George Sherman (Ret.) served as Aircraft Commander, Launch and Control Training Officer, and Chief of Ordnance Safety. Furthermore, while serving, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from the University of Illinois; and after retiring from the military in 1971, Lt. Col. George Sherman (Ret.) received a Masters of Arts in Public Administration.

Over his distinguished life, Lt. Col. George Sherman (Ret.) has shown a passion for aviation and community service. He was awarded the Silver Beaver Award, the highest honor of the Boy Scouts of America; he was a member

of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, an organization that promotes minority brotherhood and leadership; he continues his connection to the Tuskegee Airmen Inc., represented on several occasions in the Las Vegas Sun and Review Journal newspapers; and has held memberships in Negro Aviation International (NAI), the Dadailians, and served on the Board of Directors of the Nevada Black Chamber of Commerce. Today, Lt. Col. George Sherman (Ret.) remains active in the pursuit of minority youth achievement in aviation, while maintaining his commitment of volunteer work within the Clark County community.

Mr. Speaker, It is an honor to recognize Lt. Col. George Sherman on the floor of the House today. I thank him for his services to this country and congratulate him on a wonderful eighty years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the St. Rose Hospital and their team of dedicated professionals who are committed to providing compassionate, high-quality, affordable health services. Moreover, St. Rose Hospital has a proud history of service to the communities of Nevada.

It is the principal goal of St. Rose Hospital to provide a health care ministry distinguished by excellent quality and committed to expanding access to medical care to deprived individuals. This mission is complemented by numerous community outreach programs, sponsored by the hospital, designed to assist those in need and improve the quality of life. Furthermore, St. Rose Hospital has a strong tradition of establishing programs to assist eligible uninsured patients gain access to government funded insurance programs, advancing their goal to help those individuals' access preventative and ongoing care beyond an emergency or acute health care need.

St. Rose Hospital is dedicated to promoting the wholeness of body, mind and spirit in the Dominican tradition of working with others to improve the health status of the community, and does so by providing premium health care services through team work and innovation. Their professional staff members reach out to patients, their families, and those in need outside of the hospitals, while their services focus on the healing concept of physical restoration of the body and the healing of the mind and soul.

Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize St. Rose Hospital on the floor of the House today. I commend them for their efforts to provide high- quality health care and improve the quality of life of the community, and I wish them the best in continuing their mission.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions of a special group of American heroes, those that have received the Distinguished Flying Cross. I honor them today for their service and dedication to our great Nation.

The Distinguished Flying Cross was authorized by an Act of Congress on July 2, 1926 and is awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the Armed Forces who has distinguished themselves during combat in support of operations by ``heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight.''

Since its creation the Distinguished Flying Cross has been awarded to some of America's greatest aviators and serves as a reminder of their heroic actions. This prestigious medal was first awarded to Charles A. Lindbergh, of the U.S. Army Corps Reserve, for his solo flight of 3,600 miles across the Atlantic in 1927. The first Distinguished Flying Cross to be awarded to a Naval Aviator was awarded to Richard E. Byrd, of the U.S. Navy

Air Corps, for his flight to the North Pole. The contributions of these great aviators and those that followed are honored by this prestigious award.

In 1994 the Distinguished Flying Cross Society was formed as a nonprofit organization whose members have been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. The Society has established scholarships and benefits for organizations and individuals throughout the Nation that are seeking to make advances in aviation.

In February of this year the Distinguished Flying Cross Society officially recognized a new chapter, the Las Vegas Wings Chapter in Southern Nevada. The great State of Nevada is home to more than 260,000 veterans many of which have been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. As a member of Congress and a Nevadan, I would like to extend a heartfelt welcome, to the Las Vegas Wings Chapter, of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and heartfelt gratitude that I salute these great American heroes and the Las Vegas Wings Chapter of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society.