Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize Paige Stinnett, of the Carroll Senior High School choir, for being selected for the Texas Music Educators Association's All-State Women's Choir.

Every year 60,000 high school musicians in Texas compete for the opportunity to be among the 1,500 chosen for various All-State ensembles. Choir singers first audition before judges in one of twenty- eight Regions, and the highest ranked musicians from each Region then participate in one of seven Area competitions. The best among the Area singers then go on to the annual clinic and convention hosted by the Texas Music Educators Association, TMEA. The clinical consists of three days of rehearsal with prestigious musical experts and culminates in a grand All-State performance.

Being selected for one of the three All-State choirs (Men's, Women's, or Mixed) is indeed a high honor for any high school choir member and is a testament to their hard work, talent, and dedication. That makes it all the more impressive that Paige Stinnett, who is a soprano, not only made it to the 2012 Women's Choir, but also achieved the same honor in 2011. Her success is truly remarkable. I would also like to recognize the valuable contributions made by Chris Hutchinson, the Carroll Senior High School choir director, whose commitment to his school's musical program has shown brilliantly through his students.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating Paige Stinnett on being chosen for the TMEA All-State Women's Choir.

Mr. Speaker, it is with exceptional pride that I recognize Brian Bourcy, Colin Kantor, Patrick Liu, Conner O. Mitchell, Lauren Rutherford, Christian Shannon and Hannah Walcek, each of whom is a National Merit Scholar Finalist from Carroll Senior High School.

Every year, approximately 1.5 million high school students take the Preliminary SAT, which doubles as the National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test. The test is a preview to the SAT and covers reading, writing, and math. Students who do exceptionally well become competitive in the National Merit Scholarship Program. To be a National Merit Scholar semifinalist is a well-recognized achievement that tends to open many doors in a student's academic life. To become a finalist requires another level of application and assessment, and only 15,000 students nationwide (1% of the total entrants) reach this prestigious level.

I am so pleased to convey that seven students from Carroll Senior High have earned their way to become National Merit Scholar Finalists. Their accomplishment is truly a rare one and is a testament to their brilliance and hard work.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating Brian Bourcy, Colin Kantor, Patrick Liu, Conner O. Mitchell, Lauren Rutherford, Christian Shannon and Hannah Walcek on their becoming National Merit Scholar Finalists.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize Colin Kantor, a member of the Latin Club at Carroll Senior High School, for his taking first place in the Classical Geography and Monuments competition (Level IV) at the Texas State Junior Classical league convention.

As part of the Junior Classical League, Kantor is among 50,000 students in this worldwide organization. Twenty-two students from the Carroll Senior High Latin Club travelled to participate in the convention held by the Texas chapter in San Antonio in March. The convention hosts a variety of competitions, both academic and cultural, that relate to the ancient Greek and Roman civilizations.

A fourth year student of Latin, Colin entered two Level IV competitions at the convention, one in Roman History and another in Classical Geography and Monuments. He demonstrated excellence and studiousness and took home first place in the Geography category. We are very proud of Colin and thankful to Terra Windham for so ably sponsoring him and leading the Latin Club. I am told that the Latin Club at Carroll Senior High is growing in popularity as a result of its successes, and it impresses me that these young people are taking such an astute interest in a language and culture that has such a venerable heritage.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating Colin Kantor on his earning a state title at the Texas State Junior Classical League convention.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize the members of the Carroll Senior High School winterguard for winning first place in the Scholastic Triple-A Purple Division on March 30 in Forney, Texas.

In Texas when the members of the colorguard finish their duties with the high school football season, their own season is just beginning as they transition to winterguard competition. From November through March the winterguard practices most days of the week, often hours per day, perfecting the team's choreography. This year, their centerpiece dance and performance was set to Eva Cassidy's cover of ``Bridge Over Troubled Waters''.

Capping off a season of commendable dedication and hard work, the Carroll winterguard took home first place in the Scholastic Triple-A Purple Division, with a competition in Forney, Texas, where they earned 71.7 points. The students who carried on their school's strong tradition this year were Captain Nicole Elledge, Lieutenant Captain Mikaela Heming, Lieutenant Captain Mallory Wyatt, Gabrielle Allen, Nick Conard, Ann Dahl, Gabrielle Earley, Maher Gill, Caitlin Gillum, Emma Harding, Kim Hardy, Savahna Hensley, Morgan Howell, Haley Hurlburt, Olivia Jolley, Paige Lepp, and Amy Rasmussen. They were led by director Pam Randall and assisted by Amy Keller.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in honoring the young people of the Carroll Senior High varsity winterguard on their accomplishments in Scholastic Triple-A Purple Division competition.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the National MPS Society for their 37 years of supporting families while searching for cures for this genetic disease. Mucopolysaccharidosis or MPS is a group of genetically determined lysosomal storage diseases that render the human body incapable of producing certain enzymes needed to break down complex carbohydrates. The damage caused by MPS on a cellular level adversely affects the body and damages the heart, respiratory system, bones, internal organs, and central nervous system. MPS often results in intellectual disabilities, short stature, corneal damage, joint stiffness, loss of mobility, speech and hearing impairment, heart disease, hyperactivity, chronic respiratory problems, and, most importantly, a drastically shortened life span. Symptoms of MPS are usually not apparent at birth and without treatment; the life expectancy of an individual affected begins to decrease at a very early stage in their life. Research towards combating MPS has resulted in the development of limited treatments for some of the MPS diseases.

I ask my colleagues and their staff to join me in recognizing May 15, 2012 as National MPS Awareness Day. This is an important time during which the MPS disease community will help increase the awareness of this devastating disease, as well as supporting research to improve treatments, find cures and receive early diagnosis. The MPS families are encouraged to reflect and support each other and to reach out to those families who have lost loved ones to MPS. By wearing their purple ribbons and sharing these ribbons within their community, they are increasing public awareness about this disease. This date is also the start of the National MPS Run/Walk season along with other local community activities to raise awareness along with money for research and for family assistance programs. I commend the National MPS Society and their many volunteers for an unwavering commitment to bring about awareness of this disease and to continue to advocate for federal legislation to streamline the regulatory processes and to speed effective treatments and cures for their loved ones. More must be done to find cures and effective treatments, but let us reflect on the importance of this day. I ask that all of my colleagues join me in commemorating National MPS Awareness Day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share with you remarks I made earlier this week at home in North Texas in recognition of National Police Week. I was honored to be present with many constituents of the 24th District of Texas alongside the Addison, Carrollton, Coppell and Farmers Branch, Texas police departments remembering those brave men and women who gave the ultimate sacrifice in protecting our communities and neighborhoods. It was my honor to speak to this group and it is my privilege to express again my gratitude to the men and women who serve as peace officers and protect us each day.

Address Given at Memorial Ceremony, May 15, 2012, Liberty Plaza,

Farmers Branch, Texas

Friends, it is with both pride and sadness that I am here

before you today to recognize National Police Week. We come

together today to recognize and honor those men and women

nationwide who gave the ultimate sacrifice as officers of the

peace. We must give thanks to them and the entire law

enforcement family for their selfless actions in keeping our

communities safe.

National Police Week is a time for all of us to come

together to understand the important role these officers play

in protecting the rights and freedoms of our community. It is

a time for citizens to reflect and understand the duties,

responsibilities, and sacrifices of our law enforcement

officers. These men and women provide a vital public service,

risking their lives on a daily basis to protect our own.

Today, May 15th, 2012, marks the 20 year anniversary of the

first National Peace Officers' Memorial Day Service. That

first service was held in Washington, D.C., on Capitol Hill

to commemorate the peace officers who had fallen nationally.

In 1989, the first annual candlelight vigil was held at

Judiciary Square in Washington, D.C. to honor the men and

women who sacrificed their lives.

In 1991, President George H. Bush dedicated a National

Memorial for these fallen men and women, honoring them for

eternity. This Memorial honors federal, state and local law

enforcement officers who have made the ultimate sacrifice for

the safety and protection of our nation and its people.

On the walls of this memorial are the names of more than

19,000 officers who have given their lives in the line of

duty throughout U.S. history. Today we celebrate the lives of

all these brave public servants.

Each spring since that first fateful day in 1982, we have

gathered nationwide to celebrate and venerate these men and

women for their bravery. I ask that you join me today in

commemorating and remembering law enforcement officers past

and present. These are diligent and loyal men and women. They

are devoted to their responsibilities and are dedicated in

their service to their communities. Their reputation for

preserving the rights and security of all citizens should be

honored along with their sacrifice today.

Many officers have come from a home where their mother,

father, brother or sister served their community in the same

capacity. Family members often serve as an inspiration for

their siblings, children and peers to serve as an officer.

These inspired few that have the desire to protect and

safeguard our communities are truly remarkable. It is that

inspiration to protect and dedicate oneself to a community

that brings us here today.

These men and women who serve with one another are a

family. This is a family that I am very proud to support.

They have a deep partnership with their community and each

other. When a fellow officer falls in the line of duty, they

do not lose a colleague, but a brother or sister. These

brothers and sisters may have different badges or different

oaths, but their valor in the line of duty is what binds them

together. This partnership and this family are being

remembered nationwide today.

Every day, officers put themselves in harm's way to protect

the citizens and families they serve. These men and women are

the continuous barrier between lawlessness and peace.

As a former city councilman, mayor, state representative

and now Member of Congress, I have had the privilege of

working with our community law enforcement for quite some

time. I have the honor of calling countless police officers

my friends. I will continue to be proud of their deeds and

accomplishments in protecting North Texas, my family and my

friends in all of you.

The honor these officers receive must be derived not only

from their personal deeds, but the countless acts of violence

and crime they have prevented. Today and every day we should

remember that with courage, these fallen officers that we

call to mind have made the ultimate sacrifice in service to

their community.

It is with a heavy heart that we celebrate the lives of

these men and women today. Let us not forgot the service and

duty they have done for us. And let us pay respect to the

survivors of our fallen heroes, and we humbly thank their

friends and loved ones for their sacrifice.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to call attention to an important milestone in American constitutional history. This month, May 2012, marks the 20th anniversary of the unusual ratification of the 27th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which provides quite simply that any change in the level of compensation which Members of Congress receive from the United States Treasury must take effect until an election of Representatives shall have intervened.

This particular constitutional amendment (sometimes referred to as the ``Madison Amendment'') underwent the most unorthodox path to ratification of any amendment ever successfully incorporated into the Federal Constitution thus far in our Nation's history. This amendment was originally proposed by Congress on September 25, 1798 but, despite the obvious wisdom of the amendment's purpose, it was not fully approved by enough State legislatures until 202 years later. When lawmakers in more than the required 38 states provided their approvals in May 1992, the 27th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was finally ratified.

Altering the United States Constitution was never meant to be an easy task. The Founding Fathers wisely composed Article V of the Constitution--which sets forth the process for amending it--in such a manner as to make changes in the document difficult to accomplish without a clear consensus. However, so strong was the common-sense appeal of what we know today as the 27th Amendment that State legislators of diverse political philosophy were able to agree in a bipartisan fashion that such a provision correctly belonged in the U.S. Constitution. As a former member of the Texas House of Representatives back in the late 1980s, I was privileged to have played a direct role myself in the 27th Amendment's idiosyncratic route to ratification. On May 25, 1989, I proudly cast a final ``aye'' vote on House Joint Resolution No. 6 by which the 71st Texas Legislature endorsed this sound and prudent one-sentence addition to America's highest legal document.

Now, two decades after its ratification was duly achieved, it is appropriate to reflect upon the lesson which the 27th Amendment has taught America, not only about the constitutional amendment process itself, but also about citizen action in influencing the law-making process. To that end, I respectfully request that a June 1, 1992 article from People magazine be included in the record at the conclusion of my remarks. The focus of this article is a gentleman named Gregory Watson, whom I had the pleasure to know during my tenure at the State Capitol in Austin while he was employed by a few of my colleagues in the Texas Legislature.

Mr. Speaker, we in the Congress debate every now and then about various proposed additions that some of us advocate to the Federal Constitution. The extraordinary ratification of its 27th Amendment furnishes to us ample evidence that, while perhaps rather time- consuming, it remains worthy of our attention, and merits utilization of our resources, to continue discussion about needed refinements to our Nation's great charter.

[From People magazine, June 1, 1992]

The Man Who Would Not Quit

A tenacious Texan wins his 10-year fight for a new constitutional

amendment

No law, varying the compensation for the services of the

Senators and Representatives, shall take effect, until an

election of Representatives shall have intervened.

It only took 202 years, but last week United States

Archivist Don Wilson officially certified that the U.S.

Constitution has a new amendment. Given the current hostility

to Congress, the new measure captured the mood of a fed-up

electorate. It prevents Congress from giving itself pay

raises retroactively or in mid-term, which it has done from

time to time. Despite the new amendment's popularity, it

would probably never have become law if 30-year-old Gregory

Watson, an obscure administrative assistant to a Texas state

legislator, had been a less persistent man. Ten years ago,

while a student at the University of Texas-Austin, he began a

one-man campaign to enact the Twenty-seventh Amendment. His

reason? He got a C on a term paper.

The paper, for a government class, argued that the

amendment could--and should--be passed. At the time, the

proposal, originally drafted by James Madison in 1789, had

been ratified by only eight states, six of them during the

18th century. Watson says his professor felt the amendment

was a legal dead letter, even though it had no time limit,

and gave him the low mark. ``I was very disgusted,'' he says

``but undaunted.''

He ran his campaign the old-fashioned way--by mail, writing

to legislators in states that had yet to pass the amendment.

He spent $6,000--all of it his own money. He refused all

outside help. ``I wanted to do it by myself,'' he says. ``I

wanted to prove that one person could do it alone.''

Prove it, he did. On May 7, Michigan became the 38th--and

deciding--state to OK the amendment, which had to be ratified

by three-quarters of the states in order to take effect.

Later that same day New Jersey voted its approval, and on May

12, Illinois joined in. Watson, who is single, was jubilant.

``I wanted to show the American people what can be done if

they just put forth a little elbow grease,'' he says. ``You

can wield a great deal of power, and one person can still

make a difference in this country.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a leader and constituent for his extraordinary service in the United States Coast Guard. Rear Admiral (RADM) Thomas F. Atkin served his country for 34 years in the Coast Guard and on July 1st, RADM Atkin will retire as the Assistant Commandant for Intelligence and Criminal Operations at Coast Guard Headquarters. We all owe him a debt of gratitude for his extraordinary commitment to service and to our country.

RADM Atkin distinguished himself throughout his career in the fields of law enforcement, tactical border security operations and intelligence. As a Coast Guard Flag Officer, he served in multiple key leadership positions where he was responsible for directing homeland security and homeland defense policy. RADM Atkin's positions included serving as Chief of both the Maritime Homeland Security and Defense Policy in the Office of the Secretary of Defense, and the Counterterrorism Division in the Chief of Naval Operations Office. Additionally, RADM Atkin played extremely large roles in overseeing a number of significant operations. While serving as the first Commander of the Coast Guard's Deployable Operations Group, RADM Atkin was the driving force behind the development of the 3,000 member Deployable Specialized Forces, which provided some of the most advanced law enforcement, disaster response, and anti-terrorism and counter- terrorism capabilities to the Coast Guard and the Nation. He also served with distinction as the Deputy Principle Federal Official in the aftermath of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita, where he guided life-saving response and relief efforts. RADM Atkin's efforts after these massive disasters were critical in recovery, not only for the Gulf Region, but also for the Nation as a whole. His other Flag Officer assignments included Assistant Commandant for Operational Planning and Policy and acting Assistant Commandant for Maritime Safety, Security and Stewardship.

In addition to his remarkable operational achievements, RADM Atkin also devoted himself to the Coast Guard leaders of the future through his commitment as a mentor, football and lacrosse coach, and mathematics instructor at the Coast Guard Academy. These extraordinary accomplishments reflect just a small portion of RADM Atkin's distinguished 34-year career in the service of his country.

The son of Nancy and Lawrence Atkin (CAPT, U.S. Navy, retired) and native of Duncanville, Texas, RADM Atkin is a graduate of the United States Coast Guard Academy, where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematical sciences. He also earned a Master of Science degree in management science from the University of Miami. He has two sons, Levi and Joseph.

RADM Atkin's other operational assignments included Commanding Officer, Tactical Law Enforcement Team (TACLET) North in Chesapeake, VA; Commanding Officer, TACLET Gulf in New Orleans, LA; Operations Officer, TACLET Seven in Miami, FL; Navigator, Coast Guard Cutter ALERT in Cape May, NJ; Deputy Group Commander in New Orleans, LA; and Coast Guard Liaison to Joint Task Force One Six Zero at the U.S. Naval Base in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. His staff assignments included Chief, Office of Law Enforcement and Intelligence for the Eighth Coast Guard District, New Orleans, LA and Fisheries Enforcement Officer for the Eighth Coast Guard District, New Orleans, LA. His personal military awards include multiple awards of the Coast Guard Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Meritorious Service Medal and the Coast Guard Commendation Medal.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in recognizing the incredible career of Rear Admiral Thomas F. Atkin. We must always honor those who devoted their lives to serving our country. I am extremely proud to have him as a constituent, and I cannot thank him enough for everything he has done to protect our freedom.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize our Nation's teachers, and particularly those of Texas' 24th Congressional District. Yesterday marked the beginning of National Teacher Appreciation Week, and today, May 8, 2012, is Teacher Appreciation Day. This annual week celebrates the encouragement, support and discipline selflessly provided by America's educators. Teaching is a difficult job that requires significant talent. Most, if not all, of America's educators devote their careers to enriching the lives of our children. Almost everyone holds dear the memory of at least one teacher in particular who made a significant impact on their life. We can never fully thank our teachers for their hard work and dedication.

We rely on teachers to shape the minds of America's next generation. Nearly 5 million students in Texas depend on our State's educators to provide them with the vital knowledge needed to succeed in life. This is a massive job that comes with an even greater responsibility. Teachers accept this responsibility with great pride. I am extremely honored to recognize the amazing work of our teachers. I cannot thank them enough for their commitment to the children in Texas and across the country.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in recognizing the selfless work of America's educators. We must always recognize those who dedicate their careers to enriching the lives of our children.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize Lieutenant Commander Billy Dixon, U.S. Navy (Retired), for his long life of public service. LCDR Dixon proudly served his country for 26 years as a Navy pilot, and later worked 30 years for the Federal Aviation Administration, FAA.

LCDR Dixon was the epitome of a patriot, selflessly serving his country for over two decades as a fighter pilot and dive bomber. He fought in World War II, Korea and Vietnam, and later flew thousands of hours during the Cold War. In addition to his hours spent flying in combat, LCDR Dixon flew as a test pilot, global transport pilot and an instructor and inspector pilot in large jet aircraft.

After retiring from the Navy, LCDR Dixon began working for the Federal Aviation Administration. His 30 year tenure at the FAA included working as a check pilot where he participated in the certification of thousands of civilian and military pilots and flight engineers.

When LCDR Dixon's life-long career as a pilot finally came to a close, he would leave having flown over 19,000 hours in 26 different aircraft. With his passing on March 30, 2012, the Coppell community loses an incredible man who, throughout his life, worked tirelessly to better his country. I cannot thank LCDR Dixon enough.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in honoring the life of Lieutenant Commander Billie Dixon, U.S. Navy (Retired). We must always remember those who devoted their lives to protecting our freedom. Old pilots never die, they just fly away.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a strong spirit of solidarity that I recognize the 64th anniversary of the independence of the State of Israel. On May 14, 1948, as the world was working toward a brighter and less war-torn future, the Israeli people declared their independence from the British Mandate. The United States recognized the new State of Israel minutes after its birth and, ever since, our two nations have remained strong allies and profound friends.

During its 64 year history, the State of Israel has weathered persistent threats with a remarkable resolve. The nation has not only survived, but has prospered. While ensuring the security of her people, Israel has maintained a firm commitment to democracy. We in the United States are fortunate to have Israel as an unshakeable ally in the Middle East. On this anniversary of independence, we should reflect upon the endurance of that alliance and renew its promises for future generations.

I further recognize the importance of fostering our alliance with mutual cooperation. The second ten-year Memorandum of Understanding between the United States and Israel, which was signed in 2007, has established a fruitful security agreement that has served both of our nations well. A later Memorandum in 2009 further strengthened our joint commitment to counter-terrorism by pledging our mutual assistance to stop the supply of arms to terrorist organizations. It is strategic landmarks like these that help support the lasting bond that we have established with the Israeli state and people.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all of my distinguished colleagues to join me in recognizing and celebrating the 64th anniversary of the State of Israel. I am proud of the historic relationship that the United States has with Israel and look forward to the future of our friendship.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the consolidation of the Grapevine and Colleyville school communities into Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District (GCISD). This outstanding school district has excelled in educating thousands of students and has prepared them with the necessary skills to live a successful, happy, and meaningful life.

GCISD is a K 12 public school system located in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. The 54.1-square mile district consists of 17 traditional schools and two alternative campuses serving approximately 13,400 students and 1,750 employees.

GCISD has been rated a Recognized school district for 2010 under the Texas accountability system. In addition, nine GCISD schools achieved the State's highest rating of Exemplary. For the ninth consecutive year, GCISD received a rating of ``Superior Achievement'' under Texas' Schools FIRST (Financial Integrity Rating System of Texas) financial accountability rating system. The Superior Achievement rating is the State's highest, demonstrating the quality of the District's financial management and reporting system.

As of today, the average GCISD population of 13,400 students annually accomplishes a 95% graduation rate with 80% of those students enrolling in post-secondary studies. The students' success is credited to the outstanding and experienced teachers and administration staff as well as an involved and supportive community.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District on its 50th Anniversary. I am extremely proud to represent the cities of Grapevine and Colleyville, and I am grateful for the school district's exceptional and enduring commitment to educating our youth.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize Battalion Chief Gary Thompson for his 34 years of public service with the City of Euless. He served 32 years of his tenure with the Euless Fire Department.

Thompson began his service in 1976 in the Euless Public Works Department. In 1977, Thompson left public service and attended Tarrant County College where in 1979 he earned more than 50 hours toward an Associate's Degree in Fire Technology. After studying in college, Thompson rejoined the Euless Public Works Department in 1979 and then left that department to join the Euless Fire Department in 1980.

After only a month as a firefighter in 1980, Thompson was promoted to Second Driver. Thompson's talents were often recognized by his superiors, and from 1980 to 1996, he was continuously promoted up the ranks. During his tenure, Thompson was promoted to Driver Engineer (1981), Lieutenant (1983), Captain (1986), Captain-Paramedic (1989), Battalion Chief (1995), and finally Battalion Chief-Paramedic (1996).

Throughout his career, Thompson has received numerous awards from the City of Euless for his outstanding service. The awards include Firefighter of the Year (1981), Supervisor of the Year (1986), Supervisor of the Year (1988), Paramedic of the Year (1992), Distinguished Service Award (1993), Supervisor of the Year (1995), EFD Employee of the Year (1998), Lifesaving Award (1999), Distinguished Unit Award (2004), Distinguished Unit Award (2006), and Distinguished Unit Award (2009).

Thompson grew up in Euless where he attended Oakwood Terrace Elementary, Euless Junior High, and Trinity High School. His father, Bill Thompson, also served the Euless community as a police officer for 25 years where he retired in 1989 as an Assistant Police Chief. Thompson is married to Delia, and their family includes three daughters and three grandsons.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in thanking Gary Thompson for his 34 years of public service.

Mr. Speaker, it is with both pride and sadness that I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the life of my father, Hobart Clay Marchant, who passed away on March 22nd at the age of 91. He leaves behind a great legacy seen in my mother, a woman he married 62 years ago, and in his family of five children, fifteen grandchildren, and six great grandchildren.

My father's life was dedicated to the service of those around him. This was seen at a young age when, after the attack on Pearl Harbor, he answered the call of duty and enlisted as a field radio operator for the U.S. Army. For three years, my father served in World War II on the hilltops of the Pacific Islands intercepting vital messages to protect his country and further the cause of freedom. His time overseas also included ground combat at Iwo Jima. It was just one year ago that my dad was reflecting on his time of service and told me how privileged and proud he was to live in the land of the free.

After returning home, my father married my mother, Frances Helen Jones, on August 18, 1950, in Grand Prairie, Texas. As the family grew, my parents moved us to the Carrollton-Farmers Branch area. There my father founded a barbershop he ran for 46 years. It was in that storefront where he taught me and my siblings the values of hard work and family as we polished shoes and greeted customers. My father went on to found a roofing and building development business he ran in partnership with my brothers and me until his retirement. That business, H.C. Marchant Custom Homes, still remains in our family today.

A devout Christian, my father was a charter member of the Carrollton Church of the Nazarene and an active member throughout his life. There he began decades of service caring for the community and his family. Psalm 112 says the righteous man is one who deals generously, who is marked with grace and mercy, and whose heart is firm in the Lord. This describes the life my father lived, and I rest fondly on the promise found in this same Psalm that the righteous man will be remembered forever.

Hobart Marchant was my lifelong hero and an inspiration for all his children. His service to his country is representative of his entire generation and the work ethic and patriotism they passed on to their children. My father always believed in America and her future, and was influential in my decision to enter public service. After every flight home from votes in Washington, he was always my first visit. I would not be the man I am today, nor had the success and grace of God throughout my life, had he not been a guiding force in my childhood, youth, and adulthood.

Mr. Speaker, my father was a great man in the community in which he lived and worked. His work ethic, values, and integrity have set an example for his entire family and those who knew him. I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating his life and honoring the many people whose lives are better for having known him.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I celebrate the life of Donald E. Hill. A lifelong Christian who leaves behind a wife he married 42 years ago, Donald was an upstanding member of both his professional and personal communities, and worked as an attorney for 36 years. In his career he specialized in employment law, business law and estate planning.

Donald's personal life made a great impact on the lives of those around him. He and his wife Carol--along with their two sons--attended First Evangelical Free Church for over 30 years, and he served as a deacon, elder, chairman and regular Sunday school teacher. He was also involved with the Wichita Prayer Breakfast, Rotary, the Christian Legal Society and the Wichita Art Museum, and prided himself on being politically involved.

Donald, who was laid to rest on March 3, 2012, was a truly rare individual who put God, family and friends before himself time and time again. Whether it was at work, home or church, Donald saw to it that those around him received the full benefit of the blessings he himself had been given. We are all grateful to have known this wonderful man.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to have been part of Donald Hill's family for many years, and I am greatly saddened by his passing. I ask all my distinguished colleagues to join me in celebrating his life.