Kenny C. Hulshof

Madam Speaker, consistent with the Republican leadership's policy on earmarks, I am requesting funding for Special Operations Forces Advanced Mission Planning Tools in fiscal year 2009, in H.R. 2638, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2008, Continuing Resolution, from account 31 0603003A Aviation Advanced Technology. The entity to receive funding for this project is the Westar Aerospace & Defense Group, Inc., 4 Research Park Drive, St. Charles, MO 63304-5685. The funding would be used for the continued development of enterprise-enabled, integrated aviation tools and provide this ability to all Army aviation systems. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project.

I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge this request (1) is not directed to an entity or program named or will be named after a sitting Member of Congress; (2) is not intended for a ``front'' or ``pass through'' entity; and (3) meets or exceeds all statutory requirements for matching funds where applicable. I further certify that should this request be included in the bill, I will place a statement in the Congressional Record describing how the funds will be spent and justifying the use of Federal taxpayer funds.

Madam Speaker, consistent with the Republican leadership's policy on earmarks, I am requesting funding for Chemical and Biological--Protective Hangars (CAB-PH) in fiscal year 2009, in H.R. 2638, Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act, 2008, Continuing Resolution, from account 27 0602786A: Warfighter Technology. The entity to receive funding for this project is Production Products Inc., located at 1285 Dunn Road, St. Louis, Missouri 63138. The funding would be used for the development of Chemical and Biological-- Protective Hangars, CAB-PH, for the Army helicopter fleet. I certify that neither I nor my spouse has any financial interest in this project.

I hereby certify that to the best of my knowledge this request (1) is not directed to an entity or program named or will be named after a sitting Member of Congress; (2) is not intended for a ``front'' or ``pass through'' entity; and (3) meets or exceeds all statutory requirements for matching funds where applicable. I further certify that should this request be included in the bill, I will place a statement in the Congressional Record describing how the funds will be spent and justifying the use of Federal taxpayer funds.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Marian Lonning, a special woman who has devoted her time, talents, and life to individuals with developmental disabilities. Mrs. Lonning, a proud parent, grandparent, and great-grandparent, will soon be recognized by Community Living for her tireless efforts to improve services for people with disabilities. I want to associate myself with the recognition provided by Community Living.

Community Living, a not-for-profit agency in St. Charles County providing life-enriching services for people with disabilities, will present the award to Mrs. Lonning on October 18, 2008, at the organization's annual Legacy Ball. The Legacy Award is presented to an individual whose outstanding service to people with disabilities and the community as a whole leaves a lasting legacy for generations to come.

Before coming to Missouri, Mrs. Lonning worked with people with developmental disabilities as a nurse and teacher. She and her husband, James, moved to St. Charles County in July 1968 from Kalamazoo, MI, and we are lucky to have her.

In February 1969, Mrs. Lonning opened a Day Activity Center for children with developmental disabilities in the basement of Boonslick Christian Church in St. Charles. She had been approached by Jane Crider about starting a day program for children with severe developmental disabilities who were unable to pass the test for Boonslick State School. With the help of an assistant, Mrs. Lonning ran the center 3 days per week, serving 8 to 10 children.

In 1974, the Day Activity Center transitioned to providing services for adults after Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 passed and children at the center were able to go to school. Additionally, Mrs. Lonning started the Day Activity Center Auxiliary, a support group for the parents of the center's participants, which still exists today.

Mrs. Lonning served on the Senate Bill 40 Committee to help approve a countrywide property tax to provide and fund services for people with development disabilities. In 1977, the committee's efforts proved successful when the tax passed. Because of the Senate Bill 40's passage, the Day Activity Center was able to expand and was later taken under the wings of Community Living, Inc., when it was incorporated in 1978.

The center eventually began providing service 5 days per week and hired more staff, including special education teachers. In 1980, a second center was opened in O'Fallon.

Mrs. Lonning served as Director of the Day Activity Centers, now known as Support Services for Adults (SSA), until her retirement in 1989.

In her retirement, Mrs. Lonning has remained active in championing those with disabilities, serving for 3 years on the Handicapped Facilities Board, now the Developmental Disabilities Resource Board, the entity that was created as a result of the Senate Bill 40 tax. She also served for three terms on Community Living's Board of Directors, serving as president, vice president, secretary, and as an executive committee member.

Today I want to shine a spotlight on not only Mrs. Lonning's great and many achievements, but also on the vital role that we all play in ensuring that all children and particularly those with disabilities receive the best education possible.

Mrs. Lonning believes firmly in providing quality services to people with disabilities throughout their lives, and today her vision has become a reality. Mrs. Lonning has said that she has always felt that God put her where he needed her to be. Furthermore, the motto from her alma mater, Pine Rest Nursing School, has guided her work throughout the years: ``It's only one life, it will soon be passed, only what's done for Christ will last.''

For these reasons, I am privileged to stand before this body and congratulate Mrs. Lonning on her receipt of this prestigious award.