Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Mary-Ellen McMullen who has been bestowed the honor of Nevada Alumni Association Alumna of the Year from the University of Nevada, Reno.

Mrs. McMullen has a history as a longtime Nevadan, moving to Reno at the age of 13 with her family. She was immediately exposed to the University of Nevada as her father began his tenure as the dean of the College of Education.

Mary-Ellen was a student in the College of Education majoring in English with a minor in

Journalism. Mrs. McMullen became a model student of student life and involved herself in many activities in order to improve the campus. During her time at UNR, she was active in Student Government and was elected to the Student Senate and then the Activities Board. She met her husband, Sam McMullen during her time on the Senate and Activities Board, while he was serving as Student Body Vice President. Upon graduation the young couple decided to head to our nation's capitol, where Mary-Ellen worked for Senator Howard Cannon and Senator Alan Bible. She worked with the Senators while attending George Washington University to earn a Master's Degree in Women's Studies.

Mary-Ellen was ecstatic to return to the University of Nevada, Reno upon her graduation from Georgetown, to teach alongside Dr. Ann Howard. She has served the university in many diverse facets including acting Assistant Dean of Students, Special School Recruitment Coordinator, and Director of Annual Giving for the University of Nevada, Reno Foundation and Publications/Public Relations Coordinator for the Nevada System of Higher Education. As a volunteer for the university, her activities have included the Alumni Council, where she held the position of first vice president, as well as chairperson of several committees. Today, she continues to serve in her second six-year term as a Trustee of the University of Nevada, Reno Foundation.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Mrs. Mary-Ellen McMullen and acknowledge her award as the Nevada Alumni Association Alumna of the Year. Her self-dedication to the university and commitment in bringing quality education to the people of Nevada should be applauded by all. I would like to congratulate her for her award and look forward in seeing her future accomplishments.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 770, which recognizes the goals and ideals of National Veterans History Project Week.

This resolution will help highlight the ongoing efforts of the American Folklife Center in the Library of Congress to collect and to document the personal histories of our Nation's greatest heroes, our Nation's veterans. I can't imagine a better way to recognize these heroes. They are amongst us. They are in our families. They are in our neighborhoods. They need some encouragement, but I can't think of a better way.

National Veterans History Project Week will focus the Nation's attention on the importance of veterans' history. The goal is to honor veterans and to ensure that their stories are available for future generations. We owe every freedom we have to the service and, of course, the sacrifice of America's veterans and their families. Their experience teaches us about the power of the human spirit and the realities of war. It is incumbent upon us to ensure that their history is honored and preserved.

This resolution calls upon the people of the U.S. to interview at least one veteran from their families or their communities, following the guidelines set forth by the Veterans History Project, encourages local, State and national organizations, along with the Federal, State and local government institutions to document, to preserve and honor the service of American wartime veterans.

I only wish my father, who passed away in 1995 and was a World War II veteran, had the opportunity to share his history and the past experiences that he had. As a matter of fact, my father was very cautious in even talking about his experiences in the war until the final weeks of his life. I truly only wish that he had had this opportunity to share with his grandchildren.

The Veterans History Project relies on the efforts of volunteer interviewers from the veterans service organizations, libraries, historical societies, museums, retirement communities, professional associations, governmental agencies, universities, high school students, boy scouts, girl scouts, and families to contribute to its collection which currently has more than 50,000 individuals.

Yes, veterans need some encouragement. They want to be asked. I and a number of individuals that we have interviewed and we have placed their history into the Congressional Record, many of them served our Nation's wars from World War II, Jack Mates, Martin Schlesinger, and Jack Watson. From the Korean War, Johnnie Phillips, from Vietnam, Johnny Kinder, Chuck Baker, and Stephen Long. From the Cold War, Al O'Donnell from Las Vegas. And from Iraq and Afghanistan, Henry Lujan.

I am proud to be an original sponsor of this bipartisan resolution. While this issue is not and shall not be forgotten, we need to continue reminding our veterans that we need and we appreciate who they are and what they have done. I believe that preserving the histories of our Nation's veterans is of the utmost importance for us as Americans. This is an appropriate way to honor our veterans and the volunteers to seek and collect those wonderful stories of heroism.

I would also like to thank my friend and colleague, Mr. Kind from Wisconsin, for his strong support.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Claude ``Blackie'' Evans, who passed away on September 28, 2007.

Claude ``Blackie'' Evans was born on November 11, 1935 in Joplin, Missouri. He moved to Nevada with his wife in 1953. Initially, Blackie worked as a laborer and lathe operator at Titanium Metal Corporation. He then went on to work as a shop steward with the United Steelworkers of America #4856. There he was elected as the president of his local union and the youngest person to ever be elected to that position. After years of involvement and dedication, Blackie became the Executive Secretary-Treasurer of the Nevada State AFL-CIO. He served as liaison to the National AFL-CIO, National Labor Relations Board, and 150 affiliated local unions. In 1998, Blackie reached the pinnacle of his career serving as a member of the General Executive Board of the National AFL-CIO.

Over the years, Blackie was an integral part of our community. His commitment to his community extended beyond his experience with the AFL-CIO. He was a member of the State Mine Safety Advisory Board in 1969, and the State Job Training Board from 1979 to 1982. Additionally, he served on the state of Nevada's Vocation Education Training Board from 1980 to 1983, the State Industrial Insurance System Board of Directors from 1979 to 1993, and the Federal Solar Energy Education Board in 1994.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Blackie Evans. His dedication to his community should serve as an example to us all. I send my deepest sympathies to his family and friends. His passing is a tremendous loss to Nevada.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor William Laub, Sr. who passed away on October 14, 2007.

William Laub, Sr. was born on July 20, 1924, and went on to live a legacy of service at Southwest Gas and in his community. William's father Harold, along with three other partners began Southwest Gas during the Depression. In 1964, William succeeded his father as Southwest Gas' chief executive officer. He retired in 1988 after serving as CEO for 24 years, and as an employee for 40 years.

In William's time as CEO, Southwest Gas became a major tri-state utility and financial services operation. Southwest Gas began as a small company with no more than three thousand customers in southeastern California and now provides retail natural gas service to more than one million customers in California, Arizona, and Nevada. William's leadership and love of the company his father began was the formula for continued success at Southwest Gas.

William Laub, Sr. was not only passionate about Southwest Gas, but he also was passionate in his love of the community. In the 1960's he founded the Laub Foundation, and as a tribute to his father he established the Harold G. Laub Scholarship Program for children of Southwest Gas employees. He was also instrumental in getting the board of directors to approve a 10-year grant of $250,000 to the College of Arts and Letters for the Visual and Performing Arts at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. Additionally William served as the President of the Boulder Dam Area Council of Boy Scouts, Chairman of the Clark County Republican Central Committee, Republican National Committeeman, Chairman of the Nevada Equal Rights Commission, and a member of the Board of Trustees at KNPR Public Radio among other things. William was also a Director Emeritus from the Claremont School of Theology from 1977-2004, and a Trustee Emeritus of KNPR from 1996-2003.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor William Laub, Sr. Throughout his lifetime he was relentlessly committed to the advancement of Southwest Gas and the community. He was a wonderful asset to Nevada and I send out my deepest sympathies to his family and friends.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce. The Boulder City Chamber of Commerce has been dedicated to serving the community of Boulder City since its founding in 1932. The Boulder City Chamber of Commerce meets the specific needs of its community members in acting as a tourism bureau, a convention bureau and a business promoter.

The Boulder City Chamber of Commerce is the voice of small business for the Boulder City establishments. The Chamber consists of 408 dues paying members. The logistical operations of the Chamber are run by only two employees and a vast team of active volunteers and ambassadors who contribute their time and energy to serve their community. The Chamber is governed by a Board of Directors who work in and with the community in order to better anticipate its needs.

The Boulder City Chamber of Commerce has always provided extensive services to its members as well as the entire city of Boulder City. They act as the voice of the community on both a statewide and national level. The Chamber also hosts several significant annual events which include Spring Jam and Hometown Christmas. These events are looked forward to yearly and happen because of the tireless and dependable efforts of the members of the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce. I would personally like to thank Jill Lagan and Goldie Begley for taking time out of their lives in order to come to Washington, D.C. Meeting with members of Congress and participating in the ``Las Vegas Chamber Goes to Washington'' event strengthens their status as pillars of the community. The dedication and service of the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce should set an example for all businesses and members of the community alike. I applaud all their efforts and look forward to watching their future accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel Terry S. Robinson and congratulate him upon his retirement. Colonel Robinson has committed his life to serving others. He served over 26 years in the Air Force and has held numerous positions at the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Program in Las Vegas over the past 12 years.

Colonel Terry Robinson was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. He remained in Ohio to continue his formal education and received his Bachelor's and Masters Degrees in Psychology. Upon graduation from college, Mr. Robinson joined the U.S. Air Force to fulfill his military obligation. Determined and dedicated to achievement while serving his country, he stayed in until he earned the rank of full colonel. Upon retirement from the United States Air Force, Colonel Robinson began working at the Nevada Power Company supervising their security forces as the Chief of Security and acting as a consultant to ensure a safe working environment for all employees and customers.

Colonel Robinson began serving specialized needs of the citizens of Nevada when he began with the Salvation Army Rehabilitation

Program as a Certified Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor. He advanced to Clinical Supervisor and he worked his way up to his current position of Clinical Program Director from which he is retiring.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Colonel Terry S. Robinson who has served the citizens of the State of Nevada diligently. His commitment to his work in facilitating and supervising the assistance of the people in Nevada is valued and should be applauded by all. I would like to thank him for his military and civilian service and wish him well upon his retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Rob Wigton, the incoming President of the Nevada Association of REALTORS.

Mr. Wigton's career as a realtor started in 1995 when he began working at CENTURY 21 Clark Properties. In his first three years, he became one of the company's top producing agents. Then in 1998, he was offered an opportunity to purchase an interest with the company. In 2000, he joined Patty Clark and Shele Pandl and built an 18,000 square foot ``Real Estate Mall'' which housed many necessary services in real estate such as sales and property management, mortgage brokerage, and homeowner's insurance. This innovative idea has become a model in the real estate industry and remains one of the most ground-breaking ideas in Nevada real estate today.

Mr. Wigton has been actively involved in his local realtor board, serving as the chair of multiple committees and as the president of the board. He has also been actively involved in the Sierra Nevada Association of REALTORS and the Nevada Association of REALTORS.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Rob Wigton. His hard work and dedication to the Nevada REALTORS Association is to be admired, and I wish him well in his upcoming term as President.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Michael Graham of Henderson, Nevada who passed away on September 23, 2007.

Michael was born in McMinnville, Oregon, on October 23, 1946. After he earned his bachelors degree from San Francisco State University and fulfilled his graduate studies in the areas of finance and management, he became involved with private and non-profit finance and management careers. His career reached its culmination when he was named Deputy State Director of the Nevada Small Business Development Center in 2000. In this role, he directed the activities of the Business Environmental Program in Nevada as well as five Nevada Small Business Development Centers in Southern Nevada. He managed nearly 50 staff around the State providing business advice, resources and training.

Prior to taking the Deputy Director position in Henderson, Michael lived and served the community of Reno, Nevada, as an owner of several small businesses and eventually became the Director of Development for the University of Nevada, Reno College of Business Administration. He was awarded for his dedication to the community as the recipient of the prestigious ``Philanthropic Executive of the Year'' Award for northern Nevada in 2000.

In 1976 Michael joined the National Society of Fund Raising Executives, and was the president of two different chapters. Mr. Graham was also an active member of several boards and committees including the UCCSN's Division of Continuing Education's Non-Profit Management Board, President of Arizona Consulting Group, and is a proud member of the Prospectors Club. Moreover, he served on the city of Reno's Redevelopment Advisory Board and its Financial Board. Michael has also taught Business Management, Finance and Fund Raising on various college campuses.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of Michael Graham who was and remains well known and respected community member. His dedication and service to the community should be applauded and admired by all. He was a pillar of the community and will be greatly missed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce has been serving the Las Vegas community as the ultimate business resource in Clark County since its inception in 1911. Their mission to strengthen, enhance and protect businesses, alongside their values of leadership, excellence, integrity, and innovation work together to convey their vision to be an advocate for the State of Nevada.

The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce is the largest, most influential business organization in the state of Nevada and the third-largest local Chamber of Commerce in the United States. Its membership exceeds 6,700 members. 85 percent of these are small business owners with 25 or fewer employees.

The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce is an organization of business leaders who work to improve their community and the area's business climate. They are governed by a volunteer board of trustees, and the chamber thrives off of the support and involvement of its members which is open to all businesses. The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce provides for its members vast benefits such as networking opportunities, political advocacy, and heightened credibility to name a few. The Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce works diligently for its members by promoting a strong local community, providing opportunities for their businesses to grow, and enhancing commerce through community stewardship.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. I would personally like to thank all of those participating for taking time out of their lives in order to come to Washington, DC and meet with Congressional Leadership. The dedication and service of the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce should set an example for all businesses, and members of the community alike. I applaud all of their efforts and look forward to watching their future accomplishments.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Boulder City Fire Chief Dean Molburg and congratulate him upon his retirement. Chief Molburg dutifully served the city of Boulder City as a dedicated member and leader of the department for almost 17 years.

Chief Molburg and his wife of 31 years, Elizabeth have been residents of Boulder City for 25 years since moving to Nevada in 1982 from Illinois. Chief Molburg has been a member of the Boulder City Fire Department since 1985. Prior to his appointment as Fire Chief, he served as Deputy Fire Chief and Emergency Management Coordinator for the City of Boulder City. He earned a degree in Fire Service Management and is a graduate of the National Fire Academy's Executive Fire Officer Program.

During his tenure as Fire Chief, the department achieved numerous accomplishments and accolades under his direction and leadership. The increase in the level of emergency medical care with the implementation of a Paramedic Program is one of his most significant accomplishments. Chief Molburg also oversaw two building additions to the existing fire station, the purchase of two new fire engines, new ambulances and rescue units. Under the leadership of Chief Molburg, the Boulder City Fire Department achieved an ISO 2 rating, one of the few ISO 2 rated departments in the country.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Chief Molburg for his dedication and service to the City of Boulder City. He has served the citizens of Boulder City for so many years with dedication, vision, and valor. I am proud of his accomplishments with the Boulder City Fire Department and thank him for his service to his community. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of my dear friend Phillip Thornwell Henry.

Throughout his life, Phil was dedicated to enriching the lives of those around him. Phil was born in Roanoke County, Virginia and attended Cave Spring High School and subsequently earned a degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University in civil engineering. As a civil engineer, Phil sought to improve the quality of life of others and began his long and illustrious career by working for the Corps of Engineers in West Virginia. After the birth of his two sons, Phil and his young family moved to Martinsville, Virginia where he worked as the City Engineer and Superintendent of Water Resources for 11 years.

In 1984, Phil and his family moved to Boulder City, Nevada where he became the City Engineer. Two years later, Phil moved back to his native Virginia, where he worked as the county engineer in Roanoke before returning to Boulder City in 1991. In 1995, Phil was promoted to Director of Public Works in Boulder City. During his tenure as Director, Phil oversaw many projects, such as the extension of Adams Boulevard, the creation of Memorial Park and Boulder Creek Golf Course and the expansion of the Boulder City Cemetery. In 2005, Phil retired from his life of public service in engineering and moved back to Roanoke. In addition to his numerous professional achievements, Phil was an active member of the community.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life and legacy of my friend, Phil Thornwell Henry. He greatly enriched countless lives in both Nevada and Virginia and he will be greatly missed by all whose lives he touched.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Specialist Travis M. Virgadamo, who died on August 30, 2007.

Specialist Virgadamo 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 United States Army to serve his country in the Global War on Terror. He will not only be remembered for his willing service, but for the extraordinary person that he was.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of Specialist Travis M. Virgadamo. Specialist Virgadamo's choice to serve his country speaks volumes of his patriotism and his strong desire to protect others.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor The University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. Founded in 1957, UNLV has become Nevada's largest doctoral-granting research institution, offering more than 220 degree programs, enrolling more than 28,000 students, and employing more than 3,000 faculty and staff. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching has placed UNLV in the prestigious category of Research Universities with High Research Activity.

Rising from its humble beginnings, offering college classes on an extension basis out of a spare room at Las Vegas High School, UNLV has become one of the Nation's top 45 public doctoral universities in terms of overall enrollment and is the home to nationally recognized programs in hotel management, business, economics, engineering, and computer sciences. It also reserves the distinct privilege of being Nevada's only accredited law school.

The university is connected in varied and significant ways to the community it serves, with branch campuses throughout the Las Vegas Valley that specialize in biotechnology, dental medicine, and research and technology. UNLV also opened its first international campus in Singapore in 2006, offering bachelor's degree programs in hotel administration and hospitality management.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the University of Nevada, Las Vegas. I congratulate the university on its successful 50 years and wish them success as they continue to grow and strive in our community and country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor David Ashley, President of the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

The University of Nevada, Las Vegas will be celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, and I would like to take this time to recognize the esteemed President of the University. David B. Ashley became the eighth president of UNLV, in July 2006. Prior to his time at UNLV, Dr. Ashley served as executive vice chancellor and provost at the University of California, Merced. He has also served as dean of engineering at The Ohio State University and has held civil engineering faculty positions at the University of California, Berkeley, the University of Texas at Austin, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

His work as an engineer has brought him recognition as a National Science Foundation Presidential Young Investigator. The American Society of Civil Engineers has honored him with the 2004 Peurifoy Construction Research Award and the 1992 Construction Management Award. In 2000, he received an honorary doctorate from the Chalmers University in Sweden for his academic contributions. Dr. Ashley has worked in many major projects around the world, including expansion of the Panama Canal and the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Dr. David B. Ashley, eighth President of UNLV. I congratulate him on his accomplishments and I am certain that he will have continued success leading UNLV. In honor of the 50th anniversary of the school, I thank Dr. Ashley for his dedication to education.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Arthur Monetti, a veteran of World War II, for his exemplary service in defense of freedom and award him with the Jubilee of Liberty Medal. On June 6, 1944 the United States and its allies embarked on the largest air, land, and sea invasion ever undertaken. This massive effort included 5,000 ships, 10,000 airplanes, and over 150,000 American, British, Canadian, Free French, and Polish Troops. During the 50th anniversary of this historic event, the French Government awarded the Jubilee of Liberty Medal to American servicemen for their participation in the Battle of Normandy.

Arthur served in the United States Army, Battery B 491st Anti- Aircraft Artillery Battalion. Arthur fought ground combat during the Battle of Normandy in Northern France, Rhineland. For his heroism and valor, Harry was awarded the American Service Medal, European African Middle Eastern Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Arthur Monetti for his heroic service in the United States Army. His dedication to this country in the theater of war is truly exemplary. I commend the sacrifices he has made to protect our freedoms and I am pleased to have the opportunity to recognize his service. I applaud Arthur Monetti for his successes and I wish him the best in his future endeavors.