Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor SGT Ron Portillo for his leadership and dedication to the Henderson community and for his service with the Nevada Army National Guard.

SGT Ron Portillo joined the United States Marines immediately after high school where he volunteered for an extremely demanding reconnaissance unit. He completed 3 years with the Marines. After a short break from the Marines, Ron joined the United States Army, where he was selected for the Special Forces and served in the Persian Gulf War, working with small teams on high-risk missions.

Following the Gulf War, Ron moved his wife and six children from Fort Bragg, NC to Henderson, NV where he became a successful small business owner. After a few years, his oldest son decided to join the military, and after talking to recruiters, Ron himself decided to re-enlist. Three months later, he was sent to Iraq as an active duty Special Forces soldier. After a month into his deployment, Ron was reassigned to a Special Forces team in Fallujah. In March 2007, Ron suffered serious injuries when his vehicle struck an IED while en route to provide support to Marines that were pinned down in a firefight.

While recovering at a hospital in Germany, Ron befriended a therapy dog, who visited him daily and assisted him with the healing process. Ron was then transferred to the Brookes Army Medical Center in San Antonio, TX, and was subsequently released in June 2007. Following his release Ron spent countless hours trying to find ways to partner therapy dogs with wounded warriors. Ron has since dedicated his efforts to developing a Web site dedicated to providing information on service- dog programs for those wounded in combat.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the service and dedication of SGT Ron Portillo for his service in the Armed Forces, and his leadership throughout the Henderson community. He is a remarkable individual, and I applaud his efforts for serving our Nation and fellow comrades throughout the Armed Forces.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the accomplishments and civic contributions of my friend, Kim Dotts, whose commitment to her community and to the students of the Clark County School District is an inspiration.

Kim graduated with honors from Penn State University in 1988 with a degree in music education. While at school, she performed with the Penn State Singers, the Concert Choir, and the University Choir. After graduating from Penn State University, Kim began teaching music in the Catskills region of New York. During this time she was introduced to the method of motivating students through musical studies. Kim then relocated to Las Vegas and began a musical program for elementary school students in the Clark County School District.

At William Lummis Elementary School, Kim holds extracurricular guitar classes, Honor Choir, and Percussion Ensemble classes in the mornings before the start of the regular school day. These free lessons are an opportunity for the students to expand upon their normal schedules and learn something new and to develop an appreciation for the musical arts. She encourages students to express themselves creatively through the arts.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Kim Dotts, an inspirational teacher and motivator. Her dedication to the Clark County School District is commendable, and I wish her and her students continued success in their music lessons.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of my friend, Lee Tillman, who passed away on December 15, 2007.

Lee Tillman moved to Boulder City, NV, at the age of 18, in 1931, and worked as a ball mill operator for the Hoover Dam during its construction. Mr. Tillman also worked as a truck driver and an electrician during the construction of the Hoover Dam. He and his late wife, Norma, settled in Boulder City in 1939, where they raised their family and subsequently retired. He was the last known local Hoover Dam construction worker to reside in the area at the time of his death. He was 94 years old.

Lee's friends and family considered him to be a man of integrity, who enjoyed recounting stories about his life and his many experiences that he encountered as a resident of southern Nevada. He was revered as a walking historian because of his ability to recount significant facts and details about the construction of Hoover Dam. He told his accounts as a dam worker for countless documentaries. He enjoyed sharing those experiences with his friends and family alike. I also had the distinct pleasure of serving on the Boulder City Council with Lee's son, Tim, and I greatly appreciated the wealth of knowledge that Lee willingly shared.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life and legacy of my friend Lee Tillman for his integral work on the Hoover Dam, and his years of community service throughout the Boulder City and the southern Nevada community. Mr. Tillman was a historical force throughout the community and he will be profoundly missed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my good friend, Edmundo ``Eddie'' Escobedo, Sr., who is being honored by the Clark County School District with the naming of the Edmundo ``Eddie'' Escobedo, Sr. Middle School.

Mr. Escobedo was born in Torreon, Coahuila, Mexico before coming to the United States. He enlisted and served in the United States Air Force, where upon completion of his military duties he settled in Las Vegas. In 1970, Mr. Escobedo began promoting live Mexican dances and popular musical groups. In 1972, he opened the only Spanish movie theater within the Las Vegas community, called the ``El Rancho''. He also served several terms as the president of the National Spanish Pictures Exhibitors Association. For more than 20 years, Mr. Escobedo published ``El Mundo'', a Spanish-language weekly newspaper serving Nevada's large and rapidly-growing Hispanic population. He currently serves as Chairman of the Board of KDOX 1280 AM, a Spanish-language local radio station.

He has served as founder, vice president, and president of the National Association of Hispanic Publications from 1997 to 2000. In 2002, Mr. Escobedo was named ``Hispanic of the Year'' by the Latin Chamber or Commerce and was included as number 23 of the list of ``25 Most Influential Persons'' in the city by ``Las Vegas Life'' magazine. In January 2003, he also became a member of the Board of Directors of Sunrise Hospital.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to Edmundo ``Eddie'' Escobedo, Sr. I would like to congratulate Eddie and his family, including his wife of over 43 years, Maria, his four children, and his nine grandchildren. I applaud Eddie on his leadership and congratulate him on this much deserved recognition of having a middle school named in his honor by the Clark County School District.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Claude G. Perkins for his long and distinguished career in teaching, program development, and educational leadership, and commend him on having a school named after him within the Clark County School District in his honor.

Claude is a graduate of Mississippi Valley State University, where he received his bachelor of arts in political science. He also earned a master's degree in teaching economics from the Krannert School of Management at Purdue University and his Ph.D. in instructional supervision from the Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. In 1978, Claude was appointed to be the superintendent of the Clark County School District, where he served as the first African-American superintendent for 12 years.

During his time as superintendent, there was an increase in students' performance results with standardized testing; an increase in the percentage of women hired as administrators and department heads, and expansion of various vocational programs within the school district.

After his time spent as superintendent, Claude became a tenured professor at Clarion University of Pennsylvania and the founding director of the Center for Educational Leadership at Clarion University. Following his time at Clarion, Dr. Perkins came to Albany State University as a professor and dean of the College of Education in 1997. Three years later he was promoted to associate vice president for academic affairs, and dean of the Graduate School. During his time spent as the dean of the Graduate School, graduate enrollment reached its highest level, new graduate faculty criteria were implemented, and most graduate programs were nationally accredited. Faculty scholarships and research interest were supported, more on-line classes were developed, and the post-tenure review process became well established at the university. He also established five international partnership agreements to promote expanded international opportunity for students and faculty members.

Claude has been the recipient of many awards, including the Medal of Merit Award from the Ohio University in 1982, the City of Richmond, Virginia Resolution in Recognition of Educational Leadership in 1997, the James Herbert White Preeminence Award for Education and Academics in 2002, and the Nevada State Senate Resolution of Educational Achievement in 2005. He presently serves as a professor of educational leadership, chair of the College Education Committee on graduate education and is the team leader for the African Educational Research Network, USA.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the accomplishments of Claude G. Perkins as an experienced educator. I would also like to congratulate him on having an elementary school named in his honor by the Clark County School District.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Robert Forbuss, who is being honored by the Clark County School District in the naming of the Robert L. Forbuss Elementary School.

Robert is a native Nevadan who has served this community for nearly four decades as an educator, elected official, businessman, and community advocate. After earning his degrees in Political Science and Public Administration from Long Beach State University, Robert returned to Las Vegas and began his professional career as a teacher at Bishop Gorman High School from 1972-1979. He then served on the Clark County School Board of Trustees for eight years and was an influential advocate for education initiatives in Southern Nevada.

While working as a teacher, Robert became an Emergency Medical Technician and worked during his summer breaks for Mercy Medical Services, a company he would later own. Under Robert's leadership, Mercy became a model operation for paramedic services. In the business community, Mr. Forbuss has served as both a board member of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and as its Chairman. He is also the founder of Commercial Bank of Nevada now called Colonial Bank. Today, Robert is the President of Strategic Alliances, a consulting company working in the area of government relations, business development, strategic planning, and issues management.

Additionally, Mr. Forbuss was a Board Member of the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority for six years, a member of the Clark County Master Transportation Plan Funding Committee, the Mayor's Committee for a Better Community, Chairman of the Las Vegas Housing Authority and the Governor's 2007 Transition Team.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor my friend Mr. Robert L. Forbuss and I congratulate him on this well deserved distinction by the Clark County School District.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor 86 year old Willis Avery, a veteran of World War II, for his exemplary service in defense of freedom while serving in the United States Navy.

Willis served in the United States Navy in World War II as a Chief Pharmacist's Mate aboard the USS Solace, a hospital ship moored to the battleship USS Arizona. Willis was aboard the Arizona during the Japanese attack at Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941. He courageously ignored the flames and assisted the wounded and helped transfer them to the USS Solace and other ships nearby. The Officer of the Deck ordered Willis and his partner off the Arizona. He witnessed the explosions of the USS Arizona. The day after the attack, Willis was among the Naval personnel who retrieved the bodies of the dead and readied them for burial.

While in the service, he played the saxophone and clarinet in a dance band and put on comedy skits along with USO entertainer Joe E. Brown to entertain fellow troops. He was an escort to the First Lady, Eleanor Roosevelt when she visited New Zealand.

Today, Willis is one of the few remaining survivors of the attack at Pearl Harbor and he is truly part of the ``Greatest Generation.''

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Willis Avery for his heroic service in the United States Navy. His dedication to this country in the theater of war and his devotion to his fellow troops' morale are truly commendable. I laud the sacrifices he has made to protect our freedoms and I am pleased to have the opportunity to recognize his service.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor the life and memory of my friend Dayna Lynn Ahern, whose passion for life was an inspiration.

Dayna was a native of Las Vegas who was a student of fashion merchandising at the Fashion Institute in Las Vegas, Nevada. Prior to enrolling in the Fashion Institute, Dayna had earned an Associates Degree from the prestigious Le Cordon Blue College of Culinary Arts in Las Vegas.

Among Dayna's many passions was traveling and music. These dual talents provided her with a number of unique opportunities, such as performing for the Pope at the Vatican and traveling with her high school choir to perform at various locals in Europe. Dayna was also an active member of her Church, and had a strong sense of spirituality.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life and legacy of my friend Dayna. On March 30, 2006, Dayna passed away but her enthusiasm and passion for life will serve as an inspiration for all who knew her. She will be greatly missed, but her legacy as a caring and motivated individual will live on.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my longtime friend Claudine Williams, Chairman of Community Affairs at Harrah's Las Vegas and congratulate her for being honored by the American Heart Association for her contributions and support of promoting heart health for women.

Ms. Claudine Williams has been an exemplary citizen and businesswoman since she and her husband Shelby moved to Nevada in 1964. Claudine serves on countless boards of directors in Las Vegas and the State of Nevada including the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and Nevada State Commission on Tourism. For her service and generosity to the community, Claudine was inducted into the Nevada Business Hall of Fame at the University of Nevada Las Vegas in 2004.

In addition to her many professional successes, Claudine has earned numerous accolades from her peers and other notable organizations. Among those many awards and honors, Claudine has been named Humanitarian of the Year by the Muscular Dystrophy Association (1998), Educator of the Year by the Nevada Hospitality Foundation (2002), and Woman of the Year by the Nevada Dance Theater (1996). Claudine has also established endowment scholarships for education at the William F. Harrah School of Hotel Administration at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

She was honored by the university in 1990 with the dedication of the Claudine Williams Residence Hall.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize my good friend Claudine. Her hard work and efforts on behalf of the community should be emulated. I applaud Claudine Williams on her success and I wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Pender Rhynes, a retired Chief Master Sergeant for the United States Air Force.

Pender Rhynes was born on June 23, 1945 in Campbellton, Florida. After graduating high school in 1963, Pender joined the United States Air Force, where he served twenty-six and a half years before retiring. He served five different stateside tours and three overseas tours, including the Vietnam War. During the Vietnam War, Pender was a team leader and he was responsible for making major repairs on many F-105 Fighter-Bomber aircraft. He also worked with F-117A Stealth Fighters at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. When Pender retired from the United States Air Force, he had earned the Rank of Chief Master Sergeant, which is the highest attainable enlisted rank in the U.S. Air Force.

Since his retirement, Pender has worked for the State of Nevada Unemployment Insurance Claims Office in Las Vegas. He has worked there as a Career Enhancement Program Representative and has since been appointed manager. He has achieved some of the highest production ever, helping thousands of Nevadans receive the training they need to attain successful employment. Pender is married to Gloria Olds and they have two sons, Anthony and Phillip. Pender also is the proud grandfather of seven wonderful grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Pender Rhynes. I would like to thank him for his service to our country and our community. I wish him the very best in his current successes and his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. James E. Hansen, the Director of the NASA Goddard Institute for Space Studies, as this year's recipient of the Desert Research Institute's 21st Annual Nevada Medal. This award is Nevada's highest achievement in the area of scientific study and research.

The Nevada Medal was first given out in 1988 and has been bestowed annually upon a scientist whose work has great impact on the field of science and engineering. Dr. Hansen joins an esteemed list of recipients.

Dr. Hansen earned all of his degrees from the University of Iowa which includes a Bachelor of Arts in Physics and Mathematics, a Masters of Science in Astronomy, and a Ph.D. in Physics. In addition to his numerous publications, research and his work with NASA, Dr. Hansen is also a professor at Columbia University.

He has studied the effects of greenhouse gases throughout his career and has developed and applied various models to note the effects these gases have on climate change and other areas. Dr. Hansen has been a consistent speaker warning about the possible effects of greenhouse gas emissions and the possible benefits of decreasing these gases being emitted.

I wish to also congratulate the Desert Research Institute on another year of service and their continued success in the areas of quality of the air, the water, and the land that surrounds us. The effects of their tireless work and research are felt throughout Nevada and across the globe.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Mr. James E. Hansen for being selected as this

year's recipient of the Nevada Medal presented by the Desert Research Institute.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor United States Army Staff Sergeant Robert Congdon, for his heroic efforts in saving five lives while under heavy enemy gunfire on January 18, 2008 in Iraq.

Robert is a native of the Las Vegas community. He is a graduate of Bonanza High School. He was a former local lifeguard, paramedic, and is currently an active member of the United States Army. Robert is currently stationed in Georgia, where his wife Bonnie and two year old daughter Samantha reside. Robert's parents, Margaret and Gary Congdon reside in Las Vegas, Nevada along with his sister, Crystal Hill. His younger brother Michael is also in the United States Army and he is stationed in Sparks, Nevada.

Robert is currently on his second tour in Iraq. His first was with the 101st Airborne Division. On January 18, 2008, Robert was caught dodging bullets from a sniper while trying to rescue five soldiers wounded from a roadside blast on a Stryker armored vehicle. He found himself close enough to the blast to race toward his wounded comrades, and was able to avoid any other improvised explosive devices that might be nearby. Robert successfully rescued three of the wounded, and on his way back for the two remaining wounded soldiers, a sniper opened fire. He alerted other military personnel in the vicinity about the situation at hand, but he knew that he had to help his two remaining comrades to safety because of the severity of their wounds. Robert and medical personnel assisted in dragging the two men nearly the distance of a football field and bringing them to safety.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor United States Army Staff Sergeant Robert Congdon for his dedication to the United States Army, and dedication to his comrades. His leadership is a true testament of his honor and devotion to our nation. I am proud to represent this hero and the many others from the great state of Nevada.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Irving Joseph Schwartz for his service to the United States Military, and his admirable accomplishments and contributions to our country.

Mr. Schwartz was assigned to the 82nd airborne, where he parachuted into Normandy in 1944 six days before the invasion. Due to his great efforts in this battle, he was awarded with the Silver Star for Gallantry in Action, the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantry Badge, and Parachute Badge with two Bronze Stars for his combat jumps. He also received the European Campaign Badges, along with the Pacific Campaign ribbons.

Today, Mr. Schwartz dedicates countless hours assisting Jewish War Veterans that are down on their luck, as well as homeless veterans. He is a past National Service Officer for the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and is currently involved with the Purple Heart group throughout the Las Vegas Valley. Mr. Schwartz will be 90 on April 19, 2008.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the accomplishments of Irving Joseph Schwartz, and commend his dedication to the veterans throughout the Las Vegas Valley. I wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend Jim Cavalieri, who is retiring after twenty years of service in the Henderson Fire Department.

Mr. Cavalieri was raised in Henderson, NV where he has resided for fifty-four years. Jim is an alumnus of Basic Elementary School and also attended Basic High School, where he met his wife, Lorna, of thirty- five years. Jim joined the department in 1987 as a firefighter. He would later serve as a paramedic, captain, and deputy fire chief. Jim was selected as Henderson's Fire Chief in May 2001 after thirteen years of service within that department. As fire chief, Jim provided knowledge, experience, and leadership to the department. He led the Henderson Fire Department to receive its accreditation from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI) in 2004.

Mr. Cavalieri is a member of several professional organizations, including Southern Nevada Fire Chiefs Association, Nevada Fire Chiefs Association, and the International Association of Fire Chiefs. Jim is active in his church as well as in community service where he has served as a leader in the Boy Scouts of America.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor my friend Jim Cavalieri. His efforts in helping assist the residents of Henderson, Nevada are commendable. I congratulate him on this prestigious award and wish him the best of luck in his much deserved retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Raymond Landry for his 35 years of distinguished service to Pardee Homes and to the Southern Nevada community.

Mr. Landry has been a resident of Southern Nevada since 1968, where he has lived with his wife Marge Landry, President/Broker of Landry & Associates, Inc. Mr. Landry began his successful career with Pardee Homes in 1972 and in 1980 he began leading the local sales force in Las Vegas. As Assistant Vice President of Sales, he is well regarded for his commitment to service and professionalism. Over the course of his tenure with Pardee Homes, Mr. Landry has earned countless honors, including the Nevada PTA Community Partner of the Year, the Greater Las Vegas Association of Realtors Builder of the Year, and the Shade Tree Builder of the Year.

Mr. Landry used his expertise and passion in other areas of the housing industry. His founding of and working with various organizations exemplifies such leadership. He was appointed to the Nevada Real Estate Commission by then Governor Bob Miller in 1997. He served for two 3-year terms as the President of the Commission. He is also a founding member of the Southern Nevada Sales and Marketing Council. Furthermore, he is a member of the Southern Nevada Home Builders Association and the Association of the Real Estate License Law officials. Former Nevada Governor Kenny Guinn proclaimed a day in his honor in 2001 describing Mr. Landry as, ``an industry leader with the highest professional and ethical standards''.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Mr. Raymond Landry for his commitment to Pardee Homes, as well as his efforts throughout the Southern Nevada community. I praise his accomplishments and wish him the best of luck in the future.