Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Patricia Gray for her unwavering dedication and service as Clerk of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court in Nevada.

Patricia has recently retired from the U.S. Bankruptcy Court after dutifully serving it for over 36 years. Patricia came to Las Vegas in 1968, moving with her family from her birthplace of Carlsbad, New Mexico. She graduated from Las Vegas High School in 1969.

In September of 1970, Patricia was appointed as a deputy clerk for the U.S. Bankruptcy Court. Her immense talents and indomitable work ethic were recognized and she rose quickly through the ranks, becoming the Chief Deputy Clerk in 1974. In 1979, Patricia was appointed as the Clerk of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court under the Bankruptcy Code for the District of Nevada.

During her 36 years with the court system, Patricia has actively served the judicial branch, serving on many committees in both the 9th Circuit and Administrative Office of U.S. Courts. She has served on the Local Rules Subcommittee for Bankruptcy Rules and as Chair of the 9th Circuit Bankruptcy Liaison Committee. Patricia is also a notable member of the Las Vegas community for her service as a member of the Board of Directors for the Clark County Chapter of the American Red Cross.

Patricia's enduring legacy is recognized by her peers in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court, where they describe her as being a great leader who has shown dedication and compassion for both the members of the court and for the public. Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Patricia Gray. I wish her the greatest happiness in her retirement and I offer my sincere thanks for her many years of service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Brent Eugene Tyler for a lifetime of community and business service in Nevada.

Brent was born in 1928 in Thatcher, Arizona. After graduating from high school, he went on to serve his country in the U.S. Navy from 1946 to 1948. Brent moved to Nevada in 1950 with his wife, Anne. He graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno in 1953 with a degree in Business Accounting. Brent and Anne had three children, Joe, Brent, and Stephanie.

Brent found his professional calling in the blossoming neon sign business in Reno. He spent more than two decades as the top local salesman for the Young Electric Sign Company, becoming a respected businessman with many friends in Nevada that he maintained throughout his life.

In 1967, Brent made a bid for Reno City Council; while he did not win the office, it did not diminish his contribution to public service, as he went on to assist countless northern Nevadans achieve local and state offices.

Mr. Tyler was admired by his community for his strong dedication to volunteerism. For several years he served as a full time VISTA volunteer with the Washoe County Senior Law Project, and he served as the volunteer chairman of the state sanctioned Renter's Hotline. Brent also worked with the National Association for the Mentally Ill of Northern Nevada along with his son, Joe. He spearheaded the effort to establish Yori Park because of his concerns for low income families not having a safe place to play. Additionally, with the help of his son Bret, he helped to create a low income, non-profit mobile home park in Lockwood.

Brent's lifelong commitment to the business and volunteer communities in Nevada serves as an inspiration to us all. Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Brent Eugene Tyler for a lifetime of public service. The legacy he leaves behind will long be remembered by his community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Richard Bunker. Mr. Bunker has served the Colorado River Commission for fourteen years, and has served as Chairman for ten years.

During his time at the Colorado River Commission, Mr. Bunker served Nevada's interests on a negotiating team with six other representatives from Colorado River Basin states and the Bureau of Reclamation, in order to establish programs allowing interstate banking in the Lower Colorado River Basin. His innovative work has allowed the state of Nevada to take a more aggressive role in the procurement of electrical power. In 1996, the Commission partnered with the Southern Nevada Water Authority to build the Newport Substation which provides electrical power for the regional water system. The time and energy that Mr. Bunker has given to the Colorado River Commission is admirable.

Richard Bunker's achievements extend beyond that of Chairman of the Colorado River Commission. Richard has received many prestigious awards such as the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Nevada Gaming Attorneys and the Clark County Bar Association in recognition of his contributions to the gaming industry as a gaming regulator, chief executive of gaming resorts, and president of the nation's leading gaming industry association. He was also the recipient of the National Jewish Medical and Research Center's Humanitarian Award in recognition of his work to foster human welfare and champion social reform.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Richard Bunker. His service to Nevada in his years with the Colorado River Commission, as well as his work with other organizations is something to be admired and commended. I wish him well in his retirement and heartily thank him for his service to Nevada.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Roger Bryan. Mr. Bryan served the Clark County School District as an educator and administrator for over 35 years, and this year he will be celebrating the 10th anniversary of an elementary school being named in his honor.

Roger Bryan began his career as an educator before the age of 20. After only five years of teaching Roger was offered a principal position. In his 25 years in that capacity, he had the honor of opening three new schools and positively influencing innumerable young minds. He is an outstanding educator whose commitment to our community has made a profound difference to the students of Clark County. Roger was considered to be a ``hands-on'' administrator. It was not uncommon for him to stop by classes in order to teach a lesson in math or reading. Later on in his career, Roger went on to serve the Clark County School District as a school facilitator and as a member of the Elementary Division Administrative Team. In Roger's 35 years as a teacher, principal, and central office administrator, he never used a single sick day. Roger's commitment to education throughout his career is admirable.

Roger has not only served the Clark County School District, but he has also managed to coach basketball and be actively involved in the Boy Scouts of America. He has coached school and community basketball teams, many of which have gone to state and national championships. Being an Eagle Scout himself, Roger has continued to be involved in the organization by serving as a member of the Council Training Team and as an Explorer Unit leader.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Roger Bryan. His commitment to education as well as his involvement in the community should serve as an example to us all. I applaud his dedication and wish him the best.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Christine C. Schulze who passed away on July 19, 2007.

Christine was born May 14, 1915, in Ladysmith, Wisconsin. She was educated in southern Wisconsin and was employed by the U.S. Navel Training Station in Waukegan, Illinois during World War II. After the war she worked for Needham, Louis and Brorby Advertising Agency in Chicago. Christine then owned and operated a ladies' dress shop in Burbank, California before retiring with her husband, Werner in 1979 to Las Vegas, Nevada.

In addition to her professional endeavors, Christine also became interested in aviation. This interest evolved into a philanthropic project which provided an educational scholarship fund for students pursuing careers in aviation. In 2002, she established a scholarship fund for Rancho High School's Aviation Academy. Since its inception, the scholarship has provided over 500 student pilots with funding. In recognition of her philanthropic support to the students at Rancho High School, the school dedicated the Christine C. Schulze Aerospace Laboratory in her honor because of her generous donations to aviation and flight scholarships.

In a personal capacity, Christine was extremely active and dedicated to her community. She was a member of the Eastern Star, President of the Zonta Club, President of the Board of Retired Senior Volunteer Program, and established the Senior Auxiliary Board of the Retired Senior Volunteers of Henderson. She was active in the Republican Women of Henderson, Eta Chapter of Beta Sigma Phi, and Safe House of Henderson, to which she donated the first beds and linens for the facility. She also donated her time and efforts to St. Jude's Ranch for Children, in Boulder City, Nevada. Christine was a long-time Episcopalian and was a member of Christ Episcopal Church in Las Vegas and was influential in the development of the Christ Church Endowment Fund.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor the life and legacy of Christine C. Schulze. Her dedication to the community and philanthropic devotion to students should serve as an example to us all. I applaud all her efforts.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Fred C. Albrecht, who has honorably served the University of Nevada, Las Vegas for 38 years.

In his 38 years of service AT UNLV Fred Albrecht spent 18 years in the athletics department as the assistant men's basketball coach, men's tennis coach, Executive Director of Athletic Fundraising, and served as the interim Athletic Director twice. He has also served as the Vice President for University and Community Relations for the past ten years in conjunction with serving as the Executive Director of Alumni Relations for 35 years.

Since being hired in 1973 as the University's first Alumni Director, Fred has made numerous significant contributions to the UNLV community. As the alumni and government relations lobbyist he raised $3 million in 1989 to build the 23,000 square foot Richard Tam Alumni Center. He has also raised money to build the Alumni Park at the Sam Boyd Football Stadium, and the Alumni Amphitheater on campus.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Fred Albrecht for his many outstanding achievements and congratulate him and his wife, Connie. His 38 year dedication to UNLV has been commendable, and he has greatly enriched the lives of countless people in the UNLV community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor RADM Kenneth P. Moritsugu, who has served as the Acting Surgeon General since 2006, and congratulate him upon his retirement. Prior to this appointment, he served as Deputy Surgeon General, the principal assistant and advisor to the Surgeon General, which he was appointed on October 1, 1998. He had been a career officer in the Commissioned Corps of the U.S. Public Health Service since 1968 and began his service as an Assistant Surgeon General beginning in 1988.

Dr. Moritsugu was born and raised in Honolulu, HI. He received his baccalaureate degree with honors in classical languages from the University of Hawaii in 1967, an M.D. from the George Washington University School of Medicine in 1971, and an M.P.H. in health administration and planning from the University of California, Berkeley, in 1975. Having completed residencies in internal medicine and in preventive medicine, Dr. Moritsugu is Board Certified in preventive medicine. He holds Fellowships in the American College of Preventive Medicine, the Royal Society of Health, and the Royal Society of Medicine. He is also a Certified Correctional Health Professional.

Throughout his career, Admiral Moritsugu has served in many diverse assignments including: Medical Officer on the U.S. Coast Guard cutter Taney; Chief of International Medical Education Programs; Director of the National Health Service Corps; and Medical Director of the U.S. Department of Justice's Federal Bureau of Prisons. Admiral Moritsugu has been the Federal representative to numerous national health care agencies and has been consultant to several international organizations and governments and served as the official U.S. representative to the 75th anniversary of the Pan American Health Board in Havana, Cuba.

Dr. Moritsugu has received numerous honors and awards, including the Surgeon General's Medallion, the Army Achievement Medal, and the Coast Guard Arctic Service Medal, among many others. He was deemed an Honorary Deputy United States Marshal by the U.S. Marshals Service, and received the Director's Special Achievement Award from the Federal Bureau of Investigation. In 2003, Rear Admiral Moritsugu was named Health Leader of the Year by the Commissioned Officers Association of the U.S. Public Health Service. He was awarded with the first William B. Miller Award from the American Association of Colleges of Osteopathic Medicine, a recipient of the John D. Chase Award from the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States and a Special Achievement Award from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care.

Admiral Moritsugu has received honorary doctor of science degrees from the University of New England, Midwestern University of Chicago, and the University of North Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine. In 1997, the American Academy of Physician Assistants deemed him an honorary Lifetime Member; additionally, in 2002, he has been granted honorary doctorates of humane letters from Alliant International University and from Western University of Health Sciences. As an educator, he is an adjunct professor at the George Washington University School, and an adjunct associate professor at the Uniformed Services University of Health Sciences. He has spoken and written extensively in many diverse areas, including health professions education, international health, HIV, and most recently bioterrorism.

In his official capacity, Admiral Moritsugu has been a dedicated advocate for organ and tissue donation and transportation. He has been an active participant in the Donor Family Recognition Programs in Washington, DC, as a key speaker at numerous local and national programs. In his private capacity, he has been a member of several boards of directors, including the Washington Regional Transplant

Consortium; several boards of trustees, including the National Kidney Foundation; and on the National Advisory Board for MOTTEP. As an additional service to his community he is an active volunteer of the Transplant Recipients International Organization.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor RADM Kenneth P. Moritsugu for his dedication and commitment to his profession, and commend him upon his retirement from serving as Acting Surgeon General. I applaud all of his hard work and wish him the best.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the accomplishments of Dana Bennett and congratulate her on her most recent work in authoring A Century of Enthusiasm: Midas, Nevada 1907-2007.

Dana Bennett is currently a PhD student of public history at Arizona State University and a Policy Analyst for the Morrison Institute at ASU. Although Dana attends school in Arizona, she remains highly connected to the state of Nevada. She recently authored, A Century of Enthusiasm: Midas, Nevada 1907-2007 which is a follow up to her earlier book Forward with Enthusiasm: Midas 1907-1995. Dana Bennett is a former principal research analyst with the Nevada Legislature, a former professor in the College of Education at the University of Nevada, Reno, and has served on the Advisory Council for the National Education for Women (NEW) Leadership Nevada at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas.

Among her list of professional accomplishments, Dana also discovered a mistake with the Nevada State Flag that stood uncorrected in Nevada for over 60 years. In 1926, Nevada Lieutenant Governor Maurice Sullivan determined that the reason for low circulation of the Nevada State flag was due to the high production cost. The flag design was changed and circulated yet never adopted by the Nevada Legislature. In 1989, Dana Bennett uncovered this mistake, which was confirmed by State Archives and Records Administrator Guy Rocha. In 1991, the 66th session of the Nevada Legislature finally corrected this mistake.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Dana Bennett. Her dedication to recording Nevada history is commendable and I wish her every continued success.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor my good friend Bruce Woodbury.

Bruce Woodbury, a native of Las Vegas, graduated from Las Vegas High School and attended the University of Utah, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude. He then attended Stanford School of Law, where he earned his J.D. and was a member of the Board of Editors of the Stanford Law Review. Bruce was appointed in 1981 to Clark County Commission District A, and was subsequently elected to his first full term the following year. He has been re-elected every four years since, and has served as the commission chairman twice.

Bruce is being honored as the 2007 Education Hero Award Recipient from the Public Education Foundation of Clark County for his dedicated work for our community. As a Clark County Commissioner, Bruce serves on the Las Vegas Valley Water District Board of Directors, the University Medical Center Board of Trustees, the Clark County Liquor and Gaming Licensing Board, the Clark County Water Reclamation District, the Henderson Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Las Vegas Springs Preserve, and the Las Vegas Centennial Celebration Executive Committee. In addition to his public service, Bruce currently serves as the Chairman of the Regional Transportation Commission, Chairman of the Big Bend Water District Board of Trustees, Vice Chairman of the Kyle Canyon Water District, and is a member of the Regional Flood Control District.

Bruce is a distinguished public servant who has tirelessly served our community. His efforts have helped make Clark County a better place to live. Bruce has been recognized by many as a pillar of the community and received numerous accolades for his leadership in the community. He truly represents everything that is good about public service.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Commissioner Bruce Woodbury. I would like to personally thank him for his dedicated service to our community, as well as his continued friendship and support. I certainly wish him the

best as he continues to improve the lives around him through his dynamic leadership.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Vida Chan Lin for her tireless efforts on behalf of the Las Vegas community.

Vida Chan Lin has been an outstanding member of the Asian Community in Nevada for more than ten years. She currently serves as the vice- president for both the Las Vegas Asian Chamber of Commerce and the Las Vegas Organization of Chinese Americans. In addition to these prestigious roles Vida also has the honor of being a founding member of the Nevada Asian American/Pacific Islander Leadership Council, and in 2002 she worked on the fundraising committee of the Japanese American Citizens League national convention. She has also served on the Clark County Business Development Advisory Council, and was a member of the Clark County Library District Asian Pacific American Heritage Month Advisory Committee.

Vida's positive attitude and passion for service in the Asian American community has made her a well respected leader and role model for younger generations. Members of her chapter of the Organization of Chinese Americans have characterized her as the ``Queen Bee'' of their growing family and state that without her, they would not be where they are today. Vida's efforts and accomplishments provide an atmosphere for others to learn and benefit from her exceptional leadership.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Vida Chan Lin. I would like to personally thank her for her dedicated service to our community, as well as for her support of the Asian Pacific Islander community in Las Vegas.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Diane Whitaker for greatly enriching the community of Southern Nevada by serving as an exemplary role model and businesswoman.

A resident of Las Vegas since 1976, Diane personifies the value of hard work. Coming from humble beginnings as a stay at home mother struggling to support her five children with her disabled husband, Diane re-entered the work force as a part time typist at the Ensign Federal Credit Union. Her determination and strong work ethic soon propelled her into a full time position at the company. Her ambition and talent was recognized and she worked her way up the corporate ladder as a teller, bookkeeper, marketing manager, human resource manager, and chief operations officer to eventually become the CEO of Ensign Federal Credit Union in 1998, a position which she has held ever since.

Diane's accomplishments as a professional are bolstered by her contributions to the Las Vegas community. She serves as a member of the local Boy Scouts of America Roundtable, and has sponsored local music festivals through Ensign Federal Credit Union.

Diane's ability to overcome the obstacles women face in the workplace while rising to the position of CEO, along with her community efforts and commitment to her family, make her an example of the realization of the American dream, coming from humble beginnings to achieve great things.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Diane Whitaker. Her contributions to our rapidly growing economy will continue to benefit our community. I wish her continued success in her career and future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Shalimar Cabrera for her tireless efforts on behalf of the homeless veterans in the Las Vegas community.

Shalimar is a native of the Philippines who immigrated to Las Vegas at the age of thirteen months. Raised in Las Vegas, Shalimar began her active role in community service while attending Bishop Gorman High School and continued through her college years. She volunteered with groups such as the North Las Vegas Housing Authority's Casa Rosa Youth Program, Shade Tree, Ronald McDonald House, Clinic on Wheels, and assisting on the Sunrise Hospital pediatric floor.

Inspired by the emotional rewards of community service, Shalimar co- founded a service group at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas while working on a degree in biology. The group gave students the resources to become active in their community through various service projects and volunteer opportunities.

As a devoted advocate of community-based work, Shalimar continued to follow her passion by becoming an Outreach Specialist for the United States Veterans Initiative in Las Vegas (U.S. VETS--LAS VEGAS). Since 2003 she has worked closely with homeless veterans, addressing their needs and providing assistance and inspiration to help them abandon life on the streets. Her eagerness to go above and beyond in her service to veterans was recognized and she soon became the Las Vegas AmeriCorps Program Director for the U.S. VETS program.

Motivated by her experience working with the U.S. VETS, Shalimar applied to the Masters Program in Social Work at UNLV, which she began in 2003. In 2006 Shalimar earned her Master's in Social Work Administration and was promptly promoted to National AmeriCorps Director for the U.S. VETS program. Shalimar now oversees ten U.S. VETS AmeriCorps programs across the country which serve more than 10,000 homeless veterans each year.

Shalimar's lifelong commitment to community service endears her to the people of Las Vegas and serves as an inspiration to us all. Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Shalimar Cabrera. On behalf of U.S. veterans, I would like to personally thank her for work serving those who have served the United States. I wish her continued success as she helps out those who need it most.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Nicholas Captain, 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.

Nicholas served in the United States Army, 148th Ordnance Motor Vehicle Armament Company in Normandy, Northern France and in Rhineland. For his heroism and valor, Nicholas received the European African- Middle Eastern Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal and Victory Medal.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Nicholas Captain for his heroic service in the United States Military. 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 Nicholas Captain for his successes and I wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Joseph Crovatt Titus, a 20-year resident of Southern Nevada.

Joseph ``Joe'' Crovatt Titus was born December 5, 1930 in Thomasville, Georgia. He served several years in the U.S. Air Force, including time at Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, Nevada. After settling in Trifton, Georgia he served as the director of the Tift County Building Department and ran a number of businesses. He came to the Las Vegas Valley in March of 1986 and became the director of the Department of Building and Safety for the city of Henderson, Nevada. Being a member of the International Conference of Building Officials, Joe helped to guide the enormous growth of Henderson. Known for his stories about the South and human nature, Joe himself enjoyed cooking and was zealous in his beliefs as well as generous with his possessions.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Joseph Crovatt Titus. His dedication on behalf of the local community is admirable and I applaud his efforts.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Harold ``Harry'' Hirsch, 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.

Harry served as a Seaman in the United States Coast Guard Reserve. On June 6, 1944, he landed on Omaha Beach as part of the Normandy invasion and spent 4 hours attending to the wounded by bringing them on board the U.S.S. Bayfield which was serving as an acting hospital ship. For his heroism and valor, Harry was awarded the American Campaign Medal, Freedom Medal, European African-Middle Eastern Service Medal, and the American Combat Ribbon.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Harold Hirsch for his heroic service in the United States Coast Guard Reserve. 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 Harold Hirsch for his successes and I wish him the best in his future endeavors.