Paul E. Gillmor

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct privilege to pay tribute to a special community in Ohio's Fifth Congressional District. On August 10 and 11, 2007, the Village of Pandora, Ohio will begin celebrating a truly monumental event--its 175th anniversary.

Madam Speaker, The Village of Pandora is one of a number of wonderful communities in Northwest, Ohio. As early as 1832, with the completion of the surveying of the rich and fertile woodlands of the Black Swamp region, numerous settlers, including many from Switzerland, seeking religious freedom and rich farm land chose to make their home along Riley Creek. Then in 1835, with the construction of a gristmill by pioneer John Stout, an industrious village was born. Throughout its long and tradition-filled history, Pandora has established itself as a model community.

We in Ohio's Fifth Congressional district are blessed to have such warm towns and villages like Pandora. The individuals who live in these towns and villages are truly wonderful people. They are good friends and neighbors, colleagues and coworkers, and together they form a close knit family, all sharing a common-bond centered on their dedication to their community.

Over the many years that I have served in elected office, I have had numerous opportunities to travel to Pandora. Each time I visit, I am greeted by friendly people who truly know how to make one feel at home.

Madam Speaker, the individuality of the American culture and the freedom of the American spirit are embodied in small towns and villages like Pandora, Ohio. For 175 years, the Village of Pandora has served as a model by which other communities can pattern themselves. As we begin this 175th Anniversary celebration, I urge my colleagues to stand and join me in this special tribute to Pandora, Ohio.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to pay tribute to a special facility in the great State of Ohio. This year, The Crew's Nest in Put-in-Bay, Ohio celebrates thirty-five years of dedicated service.

Madam Speaker, the Crew's Nest in Put-in-Bay, Ohio, is one of the finest destinations on the Great Lakes. Located in Put-in-Bay, Ohio, on South Bass Island, the Crews Nest is part of the rich and historic past of Lake Erie.

Dating back to the War of 1812, Put-in-Bay and South Bass Island served our great Nation as the key base of operations for Commodore Oliver H. Perry. Through this port-of-call, Commodore Perry was able to ensure our independence and our place among nations. Even today, we acknowledge the heroic actions of Commodore Perry with a granite memorial that towers some 352 feet above the island.

And, it is in this very harbor, with Perry's Victory and International Peace Memorial as a backdrop, that you will find one of the Great Lake's finest private boating clubs. From the time of its inception in 1968, the Crew's Nest has continued to provide vacationers with the finest accommodations on Lake Erie. Today, the Crew's Nest provides members and non-members alike with a safe and enjoyable stay on this historic island.

Madam Speaker, the real success of the Crew's Nest facility comes not only from its first class accommodations, but its employees. I have visited this facility many times with my family and can tell you first- hand what makes the Crew's Nest in Put-in-Bay, Ohio, so special are its employees. The staff's attention to service and boundless enthusiasm continue to make the Crew's Nest a required visit for guests to Put-in- Bay.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to the employees and the legacy of the Crew's Nest in Put-in- Bay, Ohio. As all who benefit from this fine establishment gather to celebrate its 35th anniversary of service, I am confident that the excellent employees will continue the success of The Crew's Nest into the future.

Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to pay special tribute to Mr. Jim ``Bo'' Bowman--a good friend to me and to many of our colleagues--who is retiring after nearly 50 years in various capacities at the United States Air Force Academy.

Jim Bowman's career and the history of the Air Force Academy athletics, in many ways, is one and the same. He has witnessed 49 graduating classes. During his tenure at the Air Force Academy, he has worked with 16 Superintendents, 22 Commandants of Cadets, 8 Deans of the Faculty, 8 Directors of Intercollegiate Athletics, 10 Directors of Admissions, and hundreds of coaches and assistant coaches.

Jim's contributions to our great country and to the preeminent Air Force in the world will be felt for decades to come, through the future accomplishments of more than 14,000 cadet student athletes who received appointments to the Academy with his assistance.

Service academy life is as difficult as it is rewarding. Four years of stringent academic work intertwined with the demands of intercollegiate athletic competition, followed by a 5 year service commitment can be an ominous choice for a high school student. Jim Bowman's mentorship began at first contact with these candidates. His honesty and integrity would not permit him to sugar-coat the challenge he offered to these young men and women.

As physical education instructor, as coach and as Associate Athletic Director, Jim Bowman used the discipline and competitive spirit of athletics to inspire character in the face of adversity, personal development, and ultimately, lives dedicated to national service.

Jim Bowman's positive impact on the lives of those who are privileged to know him cannot be overstated. His life's work is the embodiment of the Air Force core values of: Integrity first, Service before self, and Excellence in all we do.

Madam Speaker, few people can claim the title of ``legend.'' Jim Bowman's work in identifying, mentoring and encouraging the past, present and future leaders of the United States Air Force has earned him that title for as long as Air Force Academy cadets engage in intercollegiate athletic competition.

I ask each of my colleagues to join me in wishing Jim and his wonderful wife, Mae, many years of good health and much happiness as they begin this exciting new chapter in the their lives together.