Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, on the legislative day of Tuesday, December 21, 2010, I cast a vote but it apparently was not recorded on rollcall vote 661. As a co-sponsor of this legislation, had my vote been properly recorded I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall vote 661.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Miriam and Bernie Yenkin who have tirelessly devoted their lives to supporting education, culture, history and opportunity within the Jewish community of central Ohio.

Miriam and Bernie are the 2010 recipients of the Columbus Jewish Federation Ben M. Mandelkorn Award of Distinguished Service in honor of their 50 years of leadership and dedication to the Columbus Jewish community.

The Yenkins' have received numerous awards and recognitions over the years for their service to the Jewish community here and around the world.

As officers and board members of several local organizations, they are involved in all facets of promoting and preserving Jewish culture and history in central Ohio. In addition to serving as President of the Federation, they have been involved with the Columbus Jewish Day School, Columbus Torah Academy, Agudas Achim, the Jewish Community Center, The Ohio State University Hillel, Soviet Jewry, the Jewish Education Service of North America, the Interdisciplinary Center in Herzilya, United Jewish Communities and the Columbus Jewish Historical Society.

Members of the Columbus Jewish community often credit their own volunteer involvement to Miriam and Bernie's guidance and encouragement.

I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me in honoring Miriam and Bernie Yenkin for their extraordinary service to the Jewish community of Columbus.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Charles Feeser for being selected as a winner of the first annual Excellence in Teaching Award. I applaud his extraordinary service to Benjamin Banneker High School, the District of Columbia, and to each and every student that has passed through his classroom.

Praise and accolades fall short when describing the difference an inspiring teacher makes in a young person's life. Mr. Feeser's effectiveness comes from his earnest love of education. His lessons radiate beyond the classroom, teaching students to aspire to and achieve at high levels throughout their high school and college coursework.

Mr. Feeser has his students use nametags that refer to themselves as ``Mr.'' and ``Ms.'' instead of their first names. The practice teaches students that there are rituals that transcend the classroom. That awareness gives students the tools they can use in the larger public sphere. Mr. Feeser creates a community within the classroom. He lectures less, opting to facilitate discussion among students instead. More than a teacher, he is a mentor and partner in the learning process. He takes his craft seriously, and expects the same from those who share the classroom with him. It comes as no surprise that his students consistently win awards, scholarships, and develop a lifelong appreciation for the arts of theater, painting, poetry and prose.

At Benjamin Banneker High School, where he teaches English, art history, and serves as

the English Department Chair, Mr. Feeser has dedicated his time beyond normal school hours. He is involved in afterschool activities, serving as the drama club sponsor and organizing an annual Poetry Out Loud competition that routinely sends students to prestigious national competitions. These connections enliven the school and Mr. Feeser's commitment to Banneker extends to all students, not just those enrolled in his classes.

Before coming to the District of Columbia Public Schools, Mr. Feeser taught humanities and history at Columbus Alternative High School in central Ohio. Teaching in two urban public schools, his ability to identify, develop, and encourage talent in his students has shattered the stereotypes about public education. Even though he has spent the last 10 years teaching in the District of Columbia, Mr. Feeser is still well remembered in my district by parents and students who took his courses at Columbus Alternative High School. It is with great pride that I rise to honor Charles Feeser for his excellence as an educator. I look forward to his continued success with the District of Columbia Schools.

I thank the chairman, and I thank the gentlelady, my colleague from Ohio, Congresswoman Kaptur, for bringing this bill forward.

You know, the hardest hit funds were put into place with the intention of assisting and helping people in States that have been hard hit by the foreclosure crisis that has enveloped this country, States like Ohio that have been hit for years over and over again with record foreclosures.

We have tried various ways to assist in this issue, and the President and the Treasury came up with and we approved the Hardest Hit Fund Program, H.R. 5510. That allows States to put together a plan for how they want to address the issue of foreclosures inside their own State. The States need to agree.

Now, some States wanted to include legal services in their plans and were not able to do it. States like Ohio were not able to do it, even though the use of attorneys in the process can be a very cost effective and useful way of moving the cases forward, of coming to agreement, of helping people come up with a plan and helping the banks to agree with it. Sometimes they are needed because there are egregious abuses on the other side in the foreclosure process that need to be addressed. But sometimes, in counties like mine, Franklin County, Ohio, where, when I was a county commissioner, we set up a court mediation process for foreclosures, lawyers are needed and useful in, again, bringing the parties together and helping them resolve the issues with respect to their mortgages, their refinancing, and their ability to keep their home, which is a major investment in their life. And keeping people in their homes also helps our communities. It helps our neighborhoods, because every time we have a foreclosure, we see crime going up and we see the value of their neighbors' properties going down.

This fix to allow Treasury to approve plans submitted by States that want to use legal services will help this process move forward in an effective, just, and cost-effective way.

I thank the gentleman.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Hugh Dorrian as he is honored by the Greater Columbus Irish Cultural Foundation. He has been a man of honor in politics, something rare in these times. I cannot remember him ever running a negative ad or engaging in a personal attack on an opponent. He is recognized by the citizens of Columbus as someone who serves with great integrity and in whom they have placed their trust and confidence to safeguard public resources. In office, he does not play partisan politics. He may not give other officials the answer that they want to hear, but he can be counted on to give what he sees as the correct answer about public funds, the budget and spending.

Hugh Dorrian is a man of faith, a devoted husband and father, and his name is well-known in the Irish American community.

As Columbus City Auditor for over four decades, Hugh has seen many changes yet remained steadfast in his commitment to managing the City's fiscal resources. He was awarded the Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting from the Government Finance Officers Association for 30 consecutive years.

Hugh has received numerous accolades throughout the years including the St. Charles

Preparatory School Borromean Medal for Distinguished Alumni Achievement, the Ohio State University School of Public Policy Outstanding Local Public Service Award, the City of Columbus Equal Business Opportunity Department Minority/Female Business Advocate Award, the Ohio Government Finance Officers' Association Ethics in Government Award and Lifetime Achievement Award. He served on the Police and Firemen's Disability and Pension Fund of Ohio Board of Trustees, was a member of the Investment Committee from 1973 to 1992 and sat on the advisory board at St. Charles Preparatory High School for several years.

A Certified Public Accountant and alumnus of the Ohio State University, Hugh lectured at the Graduate School of Public Policy and Management teaching Governmental and Non-profit Accounting from 1984 to 2006 while simultaneously holding elective office. In 1991, he taught an accounting and auditing seminar in Russia at the request of the Leningrad-St. Petersburg City Council.

Also distinguished in service to his church, Hugh was awarded the Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice (For the Church and the Pope) medal by Pope John Paul II, the highest honor given to a member of the laity. Hugh's many honors and awards have made him the subject of feature articles in several local publications and he is beloved in our community.

I ask my colleagues to please join me in congratulating Hugh Dorrian as he is honored once more for his lifetime of public service and dedication to the people of Columbus, Ohio.

Madam Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart, at the loss of one of America's and Ohio's best, Sergeant Jesse Balthaser of Hilltop, of The United States Marine Corps, 1st Marine Division, 3rd Combat Engineer Battalion. Heroically, Sergeant Balthaser died when he stepped on an IED on September 4th during a fire fight in Helmand province, Afghanistan. This magnificent young man has done several tours in both Iraq and Afghanistan. He was getting ready to come home in November to witness the birth of his first child, already named Regan Michael, in December to Erin McSweeney his girl friend and future wife. Words can not ease their pain, and of that his parents Richard and Nancy Balthaser who have now lost their only child in service to our country. Our prayers and our thoughts go out to them in this time of such sorrow. Our nation owes a great debt to all the families and their loved ones of the Armed Forces, who teach us, That freedom, surely is not free. Bless them all.

So Brilliant, This

So . . .

So Brilliant This!

As is, as was Jesse's gift!

That Last Full Measure! That Oh So Such Golden Treasure!

As all in his short lifetime defined . . .

Of One's Life, As Is This . . . So Brilliant, in time . . .

While, all in the darkness of war . . .

While, all in a heart and soul . . . of such faith to insure

. . .

To insure our freedom, but, bought and paid for!

Yes Jesse, but with your most precious life!

Oh yes you Jesse, so shone with your most brilliant light . .

.

All in your magnificent shades of green . . .

As there you were, our son so bravely seen!

Oh yes, you United States Marine!

Where Strength In Honor, So Convenes!

As so gallantly, you so ventured forth . . .

All out upon death's course . . .

As for us, you walked through The Valley of Death . . .

With a heart of courage full, and clenched fist!

As America's Son! As on high, as your courage crested!

As all for God and Country, your most courageous heart could

not so be stilled!

And your United States Marines, Ohio's Best as you moved

onward still!

As our nation with your sacred sacrifice, all of ours lives

have so blessed!

As a Mother and a Father cries, as their only son has died .

. .

As for them, we now so weep . . . deep down in hearts, so

very deep!

As a future wife's, great love has been

lost . . .

And their new child to be born out of love, will bare the

cost . . .

But, hush little baby don't you cry!

Because, one day up in Heaven you will look into your fine

Father's eyes!

And Jesse, on this night as your loved ones lay their heads

down to sleep . . .

Out across Columbus, but comes a gentle rain . . . that which

so weeps . . .

So Weeps, Our Lords tears . . . falling down from Heaven so

very deep . . .

All in his love for you, and your most brilliant gift . . .

And for your heartbroken family so very deep!

To ease their pain . . .

And in the comings years, we will see you . . . all in our

tears . . .

All in your beautiful child of love, most beautiful face . .

. so very dear!

So Brilliant, This!

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Keith Goldhardt for his unwavering commitment to his family, country and neighborhood. Mr. Goldhardt passed away on September 22, 2010, but left a lasting legacy for the many people whose lives he touched. Mr. Goldhardt's lifelong dedication to serving others is evidenced by his participation in numerous community organizations, his tenure in the U.S. Coast Guard, and his loving family. Mr. Goldhardt was a stellar example of what every American should strive to be, an active and enthusiastic member of the community.

Mr. Goldhardt spent his entire life in Ohio. He was born in Columbus and graduated from Pleasant View High School and Southern Ohio College. Growing up in a tight knit community instilled in Mr. Goldhardt the values of self-sacrifice and generosity, values which manifested themselves at an early age when Mr. Goldhardt joined the United States Coast Guard. Mr. Goldhardt spent six years patrolling America's water and ensuring the safety and security of our citizens.

Mr. Goldhardt's time in the Coast Guard signaled the beginning of his life-long commitment to public service. Mr. Goldhardt was a member of various organizations, including the Masonic Lodge, the Columbus Garden Railway Society, Men's Auxiliary V.F.W., the American Legion, the Franklin County Board of Zoning Appeals, and the Ohio Township Association in addition to putting in 22 years as a faithful employee at National City Bank and James Lang LaSalle. Mr. Goldhardt also served four terms as a Pleasant Hill township trustee during which he more than doubled the township's Fire Department and fought hard to protect Darbydale citizens from the environmental and health threats posed by untreated raw sewage in the area.

Mr. Goldhardt's stellar reputation also bespeaks of putting himself before others and untiring community activism. Mr. Goldhardt truly cared about the town he grew up in and the people he had known all of his life. He regularly volunteered at the Georgesville Fish Fry and Harrisburg Homecoming. His passion for Ohio State Football was legendary, as was his ``Buckeye Porch,'' where he would sit to watch the games every Saturday in the fall. Anyone in Pleasant View knew they could call Mr. Goldhardt at any time of day or night and he would be ready and willing to solve the caller's problem.

Most importantly, Mr. Goldhardt was a devoted family man. He left behind a loving wife, Patty, two sons, Scott and Martin, and a daughter, Mendy, as well as three grandchildren, Samantha, Scott and Nathan. I am proud to join his family members in remembering and honoring Mr. Goldhardt, who was an inspiration and a beloved family member.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3421) to exclude from consumer credit reports medical debt that has been in collection and has been fully paid or settled, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I thank the chair of the Financial Services Committee, Chairman Barney Frank, and the subcommittee chair, Luis Gutierrez; as well as my cosponsors, including my Republican cosponsors, Mr. Manzullo, Mr. Burgess and Mr. Bilbray, for their support of H.R. 3421, the Medical Debt Relief Act of 2010.

This bill would protect hardworking Americans who play by the rules, pay or settle their medical debts, and yet find their economic well- being and credit scores adversely affected for years to come due to medical debt, large or small, that has gone to collection. Specifically, this legislation would prohibit credit reporting agencies from including in an individual's credit report fully paid off or settled medical debt collection.

So many of us have had issues with trying to figure out what insurance companies are paying and what they were responsible for or maybe had to fight with a health insurance company to get them to honor their obligation to pay a health care bill or maybe they had a high deductible policy to save money and took a little bit extra time to pay off their bill. But pay they did. And yet they find that their credit is adversely affected for years to come.

This is a serious problem that can affect millions of people. In fact, according to the Commonwealth Fund, medical bill problems or accrued medical debt affects roughly 72 million working-age adults in America. In 2007, 28 million working-age American adults were contacted by a collection agency for an unpaid medical bill. Furthermore, a 2003 report in the Federal Reserve Bulletin found that medical debt collections are more likely to be in dispute, inconsistently reported, and of questionable value in predicting future credit payments or credit performance because medical debt is atypical and non-predictive. In the same 2003 report, it was found that 85 percent of medical collections were for less than $500.

This issue is further compounded by the fact that medical billing errors are common among third-party insurers. According to the Quicken Health Group, nearly 40 percent of Americans do not understand their medical bills or are confused about the amounts owed and if those amounts are correct. Finally, the enactment of H.R. 3421 would result in more accurate credit scores, allowing businesses to better price risk.

This legislation has broad-based support, including from the National Association of Home Builders, the Mortgage Bankers Association, Americans for Financial Reform, the National Credit Reporting Agency, Consumers Union, the National Consumer Law Center on behalf of its low- income clients, the National Association of Consumer Advocates, Consumer Action, Families USA, UNITE HERE, the National MS Society, the Corporation of Enterprise Development, the NAACP, the National Council of La Raza, the Consumer Federation of America, U.S. PIRG, and Community Catalyst.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Alabama talks about robust reporting and about making sure that credit is more accurately reported. This is what this bill would do.

There is so much confusion and error surrounding the issue of medical debt, and medical debt is not an accurate predictor of someone's creditworthiness. Somebody might get a sudden illness or might get hit by a car. It's not like a person is going out and buying a house full of televisions or is going on a lot of vacations or out to dinner every night. They are people who are playing by the rules and who are paying off that debt.

To the contrary, I think that this bill, rather than undermining the availability of credit, would actually encourage the availability of credit by having more accurate credit scores and by allowing people to obtain more reasonable rates on credit because of having more accurate credit scores. Particularly now when people are also using credit reporting with regard to employment decisions, it is all the more important. I think it is fairer to

hardworking Americans. It will help the economy. It will help make a more accurate credit reporting score.

I reserve the balance of my time.

This is a bill that will help millions of Americans, and I ask my colleagues for their support.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Merion Village Association for twenty five years of fostering goodwill in its historic community. Merion Village was home to some of the first settlers of Columbus and has proved to be a resilient, vibrant community that is still very active today.

Two hundred years ago, Nathaniel Merion arrived in central Ohio to establish the town that would eventually bear his name. His intuitive business sense and the hard work and determination of the people of Merion launched the town into a hub of activity and industry. By the early 20th century, Merion had become a prime manufacturing center and the home of two large steel plants. Today Merion is a melting pot of different cultures, a vibrant town rooted in the past but looking toward the future.

The Merion Village Association cultivates a small-town feel in an increasingly global age. The Association seeks to preserve the values instilled by early settlers while incorporating the many cultures that have since come to the area. Merion Village is now a rich tapestry of new and old residents, an interesting blend of German, Irish, Italian, and Hungarian. The Association brings together Merion's many diverse residents to discuss hard issues facing their community and provides social outlets for residents to meet one another and forge new friendships.

Merion Village was the land of opportunity for many people, a place where they could realize their dreams. For the past 25 years, the Association has provided the residents of Merion with the social support needed to achieve their goals. Residents of Merion may learn about and discuss the issues facing their community through one of the monthly meetings the Association hosts. Additionally, residents who normally may not have had contact with one another have the opportunity to mix and mingle at one of the Association's many events.

As Merion Village continues to grow and strive, the Merion Village Association will continue to play an important and vital role in the community. On October 16, 2010, the Merion Village Association will celebrate its 25th anniversary. I am proud to recognize and honor the Merion Village Association for its efforts, past and future, in making Merion Village what it is today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Francine Ryan for her almost 50 years of service to the City of Columbus.

Fran began her career as a reporter for the Columbus Citizen working full time while in college. She started as the editor for that newspaper's teen page. In 1956 she married her husband Dick Ryan and they went on to have 5 children--Rick, Terry, Ted, Mary Kay and Tom-- and now they have 11 grandchildren.

In 1970 Mrs. Ryan ran for, and won, a position on the Columbus City Council. During her two terms on the council, Fran helped to lay the foundations for Columbus' many community councils and area commissions and worked to start up food pantries; one of them eventually became the Mid-Ohio Food Bank. She left city council when President Jimmy Carter named her administrator for a 6-state region in the Department of Labor.

After the Carter administration, Mrs. Ryan returned to Columbus and became city clerk. She held that position until being named to the Franklin County Board of Commissioners in 1984 by Governor Richard Celeste. After this appointment expired, she returned to her previous city clerk position.

In 1987 Fran Ryan was named chairman of the Franklin County Democratic Party, becoming the first woman in Ohio to hold that position for either party in any of Ohio's major urban centers. She held that position until 1996. Recently, Columbus Mayor Michael Coleman named Mrs. Ryan to be his advisor on senior issues.

During her retirement, Fran has helped found and is acting chairman of the Senior Services Roundtable, a community organization of more than 200 member groups and businesses dedicated to serving our elderly. Fran Ryan is being presented with the Heritage Award for Caring by Heritage Day Health Centers on September 22.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Willie Watson who is a great community member, a proud father, and a patriot. In our country's time of need, Mr. Watson bravely and fearlessly enlisted to serve in the military and became a member of one of the most inspiring and decorated Air Force squadrons of our time, the Tuskegee Airmen. Despite racism and bigotry in the country, Mr. Watson and his fellow airmen selflessly devoted themselves to fight for our nation.

Mr. Watson served as a Service Master for over twenty years. During WWII, Mr. Watson was sent into battle for one of the most harrowing and brave missions: to life-flight wounded soldiers off the battlefield. He performed these duties faithfully and honorably and after 20 years of work, retired from service.

As a young man, Mr. Watson and his fellow airmen became America's first African-American military airmen. These brave young men enlisted or joined from all over the country and trained to become fighter pilots, mechanics, engineers, intelligence analysts, and parachute riggers, among many other specialties. From 1941 to 1946, nearly 1,000 pilots graduated from the Tuskegee Air Force School, and four hundred fifty of them served overseas. These fighters had many accomplishments including flying over 15,000 sorties into enemy territory, accomplishing a nearly perfect record for not losing U.S. bombers, and destroying 112 German airplanes.

These men not only faced a war abroad, but also challenges at home because of segregation and racism. Their struggle eventually contributed to the desegregation of American society and their patriotism was rewarded with several honors, most notably on March 27, 2007, when the Tuskegee Airmen received the Congressional Medal of Honor.

On September 23, 2010, a ceremony will be held to honor Mr. Watson's incredible life. His dedication and service inspired a generation, and I am proud to recognize Willie Watson, whose service to our country in its time of need will never be forgotten.

Madam Speaker, on the legislative day of Tuesday, September 14, 2010, I was unable to cast votes on rollcall votes 519 and 520. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall votes 519 and 520.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1522, which expresses support for the designation of National Hereditary Breast and Ovarian Cancer Week and National Previvor Day. I'm proud to be a cosponsor of this resolution which will raise critical awareness about hereditary cancers and increase knowledge about genetic predispositions which may put some individuals at particular risk.

And just as an aside, I just want to take note that when we passed our health care bill, we made it much more likely that people will get the information to find out about whether they have a genetic predisposition. Without that health care bill which would prohibit discrimination on the basis of an existing condition, many women and men would be afraid to learn more about their genetic histories. But this is critically important information about how you would be able to address certain signs and symptoms and heighten awareness about your particular situation.

We all know someone who has been diagnosed with cancer, and we understand the devastating impact that the diagnosis can have on patients and loved ones. I have been through it with my family, with a very close person in my family with respect to ovarian cancer, and my husband's young cousin is struggling with breast cancer right now. One in two men and one in three women will develop cancer in their lifetime, and in 2010 alone, nearly 1.5 million Americans will be diagnosed with cancer.

Although we have made great strides in recent years in finding new treatments, we must support efforts to find the genetic mutations that increase the likelihood that some people will develop cancer in their lifetimes. We need to work on cures. We need to work on treatments. But finding causes is critically important as well.

We also must encourage everyone to know as much as they can about their own family histories so they can work with their physicians and get the necessary and timely screenings as early as possible. Hereditary cancer can strike at a younger age.

I appreciate this opportunity, and thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Charles Russell for his inspiring work to help rebuild the Iraqi agricultural sector. As a civilian volunteer, Mr. Russell not only helped those directly affected by his service, but also contributed to the overall rebuilding of the Iraqi community.

Along with our men and women in uniform, volunteers such as Charles Russell are an integral part of our mission in Iraq and Afghanistan. Born in Boston, Massachusetts, Mr. Russell grew up in Cleveland, Ohio and became an agricultural statistician and expert in the United States Department of Agriculture's National Agricultural Statistics Service in Reynoldsburg, Ohio.

Selflessly leaving his family and home, Mr. Russell volunteered to serve 16 months helping people he had never met. Mr. Russell served as a USDA Provincial Reconstruction Team (PRT) agricultural expert on both the embedded PRT-Baghdad 4 and the embedded PRT-Baghdad South in Baghdad Province. He was one of the only civilians in these groups.

Mr. Russell tirelessly worked to create the Mahmudiyah Higher Agricultural Association (MHAA), a non-governmental organization dedicated to helping Iraqi farmers get access to new technologies, equipment, and low-cost credit. Additionally, Mr. Russell helped the Iraqi people strengthen their communities, improve management of natural resources, and rebuild agricultural markets. For his work he received the U.S. Department of State's meritorious honor award for his sustained, dedicated, and successful efforts. As John D. Brewer, the Foreign Agricultural Service administrator, said, ``the efforts of people like Charles are crucial for helping to create stable, democratic, and economically viable societies in countries like Iraq.''

I commend Mr. Russell for his undeniable dedication, outstanding personal character, and unwavering commitment to those less fortunate than himself. On September 8, 2010, the United States Department of Agriculture honored Mr. Russell at its Service Recognition Ceremony for USDA employees that have completed deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq. I am proud to recognize and honor Charles Russell for his efforts and patriotism.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Darren Baldwin for his bravery, patriotism, and courage while serving in Task Force Falcon and Operation Iraqi Freedom. Major Baldwin is a true testament to the remarkable and courageous service that our soldiers provide our nation.

Major Darren R. Baldwin grew up in Worthington, Ohio. After graduating from high school, Major Baldwin attended West Point and dedicated his life to the service of his country. His first assignment was as a Field Artillery Officer to Giessen, Germany during which he was sent into combat in Kosovo as part of Task Force Falcon. Returning from his deployment, Major Baldwin continued his military training in the Special Forces Officer Qualification School in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His next tour of duty took him to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Over the next two years, he served three tours of duty.

Major Baldwin continues the tradition of excellence and service exhibited by the Green Berets and other special service members. Major Baldwin is not only a great soldier, but also a great son, husband, brother, friend, and community member. His heroic efforts to help fight the war on terror have helped to keep his country and community safe.

During his tour in Iraq on March 9 and 18, 2005, Major Baldwin was wounded by two improvised explosive devices, and suffered a traumatic brain injury. Currently, Major Baldwin is on medical convalescent leave receiving physical and neurological therapeutic treatment. The service he performed for his country, at great personal cost, has been recognized with a Purple Heart, three Bronze Stars, a Meritorious Service Medal, as well as being commended by the Ohio Secretary of State.

Major Baldwin and other wounded soldiers are our country's greatest heroes. On September 11, 2010, the Green Beret Foundation honored Major Darren R. Baldwin at Purple Heart Commemorative Event for his courageous service in Iraq. In addition to recognizing Major Baldwin, this event in Worthington, Ohio honored all of our dedicated American soldiers and wounded warriors by raising money for the Green Beret foundation. I commend Major Baldwin on his courage, bravery, and unwavering commitment to his country and I am proud to recognize him for his service and patriotism.