Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today I call the attention of the House of Representatives to Monsignor Donald McAndrews, who celebrated the 50th Anniversary of his ordination with a Mass at St. Aloysius Church in Wilkes-Barre followed by a banquet that was held on Sunday, where he was joined by hundreds of friends and parishioners.

Monsignor McAndrews has served as a priest, social worker, teacher and community leader throughout the past 50 years. He received his bachelor of arts degree in honors philosophy in 1950 from the University of Western Ontario, London, Ontario, Canada. He pursued his theological studies at St. Peter's Seminary in London in 1954.

Monsignor McAndrews was ordained into the priesthood on June 5, 1954 in St. Peter's Cathedral in Scranton by the late Auxiliary Bishop of Scranton the Most Reverend Henry T. Klonowski.

Monsignor McAndrews then received his master's degree in social work at Catholic University in Washington, D.C. in 1960.

I have known Monsignor McAndrews for many years, and I was particularly impressed with his dedication as a member of the Flood Recovery Task Force for the Wyoming Valley. I admired Monsignor's unrelenting commitment to helping the thousands of people affected by the horrible tragedy of the Agnes Flood. The Task Force provided programs of assistance in the form of cash grants, food, clothing, furniture and medicine.

Monsignor's first assignment in the Diocese of Scranton was as assistant pastor of St. Ann's Church in Shohola. After four years there, he was assigned as assistant pastor of St. Patrick's Church in Milford. Monsignor served as assistant pastor of Immaculate Conception Church in West Pittston.

Monsignor served as chaplain and lecturer in the Sociology Department of College Misericordia in Dallas, Pennsylvania, for 10 years. He was then appointed executive director of Catholic Social Services of Wyoming Valley, as well as executive director of Catholic Social Services of Hazleton.

Monsignor McAndrews was pastor of St. Mark's Church in Inkerrman, Pennsylvania and subsequently became pastor of St. Aloysius Church in Wilkes-Barre, a position in which he has served since 1982.

Monsignor McAndrews had many great accomplishments while he served the Diocese of Scranton, including the founding of the St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen, which serves meals to 400 people every day. He later established a medical clinic there in conjunction with the Rural Health Corporation.

Monsignor McAndrews developed several social programs during his 50- year career, including the Court Advocate Program for the treatment of drug and alcohol addiction and the Prison Counseling Program at the Luzerne County Correctional Facility.

In 1983, Pope John Paul II named him Prelate of Honor.

Monsignor McAndrews developed the Big Brothers/Big Sisters program in our area. He also started Helping Experienced Adults Develop, a program that now serves nearly 5,000 senior citizens. In 1984, Monsignor McAndrews opened the Gabriel House in Pittston to provide safe and low- cost housing for single women.

Mr. Speaker, it is truly a privilege to represent a man who has devoted his life to his faith. I ask you and my fellow Members of Congress to join me in congratulating Monsignor Donald McAndrews on the joyous 50th anniversary of his ordination in the Catholic Diocese of Scranton.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my good friend Bob Lindner, who is retiring from the Baltimore District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Over our nearly twenty year working relationship, there were a few times that he may not have realized that I considered him a friend, but I am proud to state for the record that I do.

Bob Lindner is a model example of the dedicated but unsung civil servants who make our government work. Those of us who are elected or appointed to policy level positions like to think we are running things, but the truth is that policy is only as good as it is implemented. Bob is a master of understanding the underlying policy and applying it in a practical way to achieve the desired outcome.

Bob, who will turn 62 next week, is retiring after 39 years of civil service. He most recently served as the Chief of the Planning Division for the Baltimore District for the past five years. He is responsible for a staff of 75 engineers and scientists. He has led a strong Civil Works Program that includes the geographic area of our Nation's Capital and portions of six States, and includes projects in the planning, design and construction phases.

Bob's career has been highlighted by numerous accomplishments, including the Scranton and Olyphant Local Flood Protection Projects, Lock Haven Flood Protection Project and numerous projects solving flood control, navigation and erosion problems. It has been through the Wyoming Valley Levee Raising Project that I came to work most closely with Bob. In fact, it took me some time to forgive him for retiring before the project is completed; however, I have come to recognize that he has devoted much of his time in the Corps to training the next generation of managers to follow in his footsteps.

Over the years we faced many obstacles with the Wyoming Valley Levee Raising Project, including budget cuts, an audit, and conflicts among partners, but Bob always managed to keep the project moving forward. We had our battles when I thought the Corps should be more flexible, and he thought I was a bit too ambitious. However, I always knew he had the best interest of the country, the Corps, and the project at heart, and we grew to respect one another.

From 1992 to 1999, Bob was a manager in the Programs and Project Management Division. This included six years as Acting Assistant Chief of the Division. He helped oversee the development and execution of a $2 billion dollar planning, design and construction program dispersed over 27 military installations and civil works and environmental restoration projects in the Susquehanna and Potomac River Basins and Chesapeake Bay.

Prior to 1992, Bob served as Chief of the Project Development Branch in the Planning Division, where he was responsible for the study and plan formulation phase for Civil Works water resources projects. Many of the projects constructed or in construction today, started as studies under Bob's leadership--including those in Scranton, Olyphant, the Wyoming Valley and other projects that reflect highly on the Baltimore District today.

Bob is a trusted confidante. He is known throughout the Army Corps of Engineers Civil Works community for his practical solutions to complex issues.

Bob has been honored through numerous awards, including the Army Superior Civilian Service Award, the Army Commander's Award for Civilian Service, Outstanding Supervisor of the Year for the Baltimore District and Outstanding Supervisor of the Year for the Federal Executive Board for Baltimore Region.

While Bob is a hard worker, he is completely dedicated to his wife Doris and their two children, Nancy and David. They reside in Baldwin, Maryland.

I want to thank Bob for his service to the Nation through his Army and Corps of Engineers career. Bob's knowledge, skill, and abilities developed over a lifetime of dedicated service as an engineer and civil servant, his contribution to his profession and society, and his honesty and ethical standards make him deserving of our recognition today.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my esteemed colleagues in the House of Representative please join me in congratulating Bob Lindner and wish him all the best for a well-deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor United Cerebral Palsy of Northeastern Pennsylvania as it celebrates its 50th anniversary on Monday at Genetti's in Dickson City, Pennsylvania.

United Cerebral Palsy of Northeastern Pennsylvania is an agency that exists solely to serve people with disabilities.

UCP was founded in 1953 by a group of people, including parents of teenagers and young adults with cerebral palsy. For the first few years, the agency consisted of volunteers who developed recreational activities for those disabled by cerebral palsy. The organization received funding from the community contributions and special events conducted by various groups.

After becoming a member agency of the United Fund, the precursor to the United Way, and through several cooperative agreements with other local organizations, UCP began providing professional services. Government funding began in 1970, and made possible the extension of the area that the agency serves.

Government funding also expanded services and increased the eligibility for services of persons with disabilities other than cerebral palsy. In fact, while the agency specializes in serving children and adults who have cerebral palsy, more than 75 percent of its clients have other related disabilities.

The growth of the agency over these past five decades mirrors the changes that have come about in society for persons with disabilities. However, the commitment of this agency to people with disabilities is something that has not and will not change. There is no higher calling than being part of an organization that served those less fortunate, and I want to take this opportunity to thank Executive Director Sarah Drob, Director of Operations Timothy McHugh, Coordinator of Residential Services Karen Himchak, Coordinator of Children's Services Cheryl Astolfi, Coordinator of Adult Services Faith Smith, Accountant Ruta Labutis, Coordinator of Communications and Development Barbara Siarkievicz and Administrative Assistant Tessie Bauer.

Mr. Speaker, it is truly a privilege to represent this fine organization that has shown its commitment to the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania. Today I ask you and my fellow colleagues to join me in honoring United Cerebral Palsy of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Mr. Speaker, today I call the attention of the House of Representatives to Monsignor Constantine Siconolfi as he is honored by Amos Lodge No. 136 of B'nai B'rith with the 2004 Americanism Award at the 52nd annual awards dinner this Sunday at the Jewish Community Center in Scranton, Pennsylvania.

Monsignor Siconolfi has dedicated his life to ministry in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Ordained in 1959, he was an assistant pastor at St. Patrick's in Milford, St. Cecelia's in Exeter and Holy Family in Scranton. In 1970, he was appointed as the Diocese of Scranton's director of ecumenism and human affairs, director of Catholic cemeteries, rector of Villa St. Joseph in Dunmore and director of the Campaign for Human Development.

Monsignor Siconolfi also served as the Bishop's Representative to the Pennsylvania Conference on Inter-Church Cooperation and to the Community Action Department of the Pennsylvania Catholic Conference. In 1985, Monsignor was named pastor of Holy Family Church in Scranton.

Monsignor Siconolfi founded and continues to serve as executive director of St. Francis of Assisi Kitchen, which has served free daily meals to the needy of our area since 1978. Monsignor Siconolfi has been involved in a variety of other community and civic activities. He founded the Scranton-Lackawanna Labor Management Committee and the Marion Center for Women. He has served as director of the Scranton- Lackawanna Human Development Agency, Scranton Neighbors Inc., the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Council and Meals on Wheels of Lackawanna County. He continues to serve on the boards of the Mayor's Human Relations Commission, UNICO, the Columbus Day Association and La Festa Italiana.

It is an honor and a privilege for me to represent this remarkable gentleman who gives of himself so freely. Mr. Speaker, today I ask you and my esteemed colleagues to join me in congratulating Monsignor Siconolfi on receiving this great honor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. and Mrs. Almon J. Long of Larksville, Pennsylvania, as the happy couple celebrates the joyous occasion of their 50th Wedding Anniversary today.

My good friend Al Long is a retired grocery business owner who served in the Army. As a veteran, he has long been a strong advocate of veterans' rights. When I need to know what is important to our veterans, it comforts me to know that I can always count on Al to air the concerns of Northeastern Pennsylvania's veterans. When the Wilkes- Barre VA Medical Center was in danger of being closed, Al headed up the local effort to save the facility, including helping to round up more than 30,000 signatures that I personally delivered to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs.

Al has held several offices within the Pennsylvania Department of Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States, including State Commander for the organization. Al currently serves as the State Legislative Chairman.

Cora Long is a retired garment worker who remains active in the VFW Post 283 in Kingston.

The couple has three children, Linda Colianni of Larksville; Lori Schmidt of Wapwallopen; and Allan Long of Ashley. The couple also enjoys their three wonderful grandchildren, Vinny, Michael and Courtney. They also enjoy time with their pug, Rudy.

The Longs were married in the First Evangelical United Brethren Church with the Rev. Warren Loesch officiating. Cora's attendants included the late Joyce Shewan, Marilyn Valent Duda, the late Mrs. Ronald Williams and Patricia Swiderski. Al's groomsmen were William Rehn Jr., the late Edwards Shewan, the late Michael Figler, Arthur Rehn, the late John Lockman and William Young.

Cora Long is the daughter of the late William and Ruth Rehn of Wilkes-Barre. Al is the son of the late Mary Gregory of Larksville.

The couple will be honored at a party on Saturday, May 15, 2004, at Saint Ignatius Church in Kingston.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor and privilege to stand here today and pay tribute to the Longs, a loving couple who has played such a vital role in ensuring veterans' rights and who stand as pillars of their community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address an issue about which many of my constituents are increasingly concerned: namely, the effects of immigration and foreign labor on our domestic job markets.

It is no secret that the American economy has lost 2.6 million jobs since President Bush first took office in 2001. My home state of Pennsylvania has been one of the hardest hit in this area, losing over 135,000 manufacturing jobs in the last three years.

This destructive trend has also begun to expand into other sectors of our economy as companies seeking to cut costs have started shifting engineering, technology, and other service-related jobs to places such as China, India, and the Philippines. Moreover, my constituents are increasingly troubled by the decisions of many American employers to bring foreign workers to the United States in record numbers. As a result of these developments, many Americans are either losing their jobs to cheap foreign labor, both at home and abroad, or are accepting lower wages due to the huge influx of domestic foreign workers, both legal and illegal.

In these matters, I am very concerned about the failure to enforce effectively our immigration policies and prevent illegal immigration. In addition to the millions of legal immigrants already residing in the United States, experts now estimate that ten to fifteen million additional illegal immigrants now live here with roughly another 500,000 added yearly. The huge increase of foreign workers moving to the U.S. in recent decades has occurred because of our weak and short- sighted immigration policies.

Mr. Speaker, our immigrant heritage, in my view, has helped to make the United States the greatest nation in the world. It is, however, at least equally, if not more important, that we do all we can to protect American workers, citizens, and taxpayers from the costs and potential security risks associated with illegal immigration. The President's recent proposal on immigration unfortunately falls considerably short of achieving real reform. Consequently, the Congress needs to rethink our immigration policies and develop a long-term, workable plan for addressing these important matters.

While I support keeping an appropriate level of legal immigration, we must put an immediate halt to our tacit approval of those who flaunt our laws and come here illegally. We must also ensure that a sufficient number of temporary work visas are available in selected areas, such as nursing, agriculture, and tourism, but only where an adequate supply of domestic workers is not available. Finally, we must ensure that current American workers are not losing their jobs or being forced to survive on depressed wages because we are voluntarily importing far more foreign workers than we need through legal and illegal immigration.

In sum, Mr. Speaker, we need to restore the balance between protecting American workers and promoting effective immigration policy. We must also correct our flawed immigration policies in order to protect national security and promote economic growth at home for the benefit of both current U.S. workers and future generations of Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor teacher Chris Mazzino as he is awarded the Milken Family Foundation's National Educator Award.

I ask that my colleagues pay tribute to this English teacher from West Scranton High School as he receives this tremendous recognition from the Milken Foundation during Teacher Appreciation Week.

Teachers are our nation's unsung heroes. The number of young lives touched by teachers is countless, and Mr. Mazzino exemplifies the best in his profession by encouraging his students to achieve far beyond the reach of what they thought possible. Mr. Mazzino's creative writing class published a book entitled ``26 Odd: Creative Works by Creative Writers.''

In addition, Mr. Mazzino diligently works with students throughout the entire school to help increase their scores on Pennsylvania's state accountability test. As a result of Mr. Mazzino's efforts, West Scranton High School's reading and writing test scores have improved significantly.

Mr. Mazzino also demonstrated his dedication by revamping the entire summer reading program at the West Scranton. I am proud to recognize the fact that Mr. Mazzino is the 37th teacher from our state to receive this award.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor and a privilege to represent a teacher who has dedicated his life to today's young people, who will indeed have a brighter future because of Mr. Mazzino.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today and ask you to join me in congratulating the Borough of Hughestown in Luzerne County, PA on its 125th anniversary. The community will celebrate on Saturday evening with an anniversary celebration at Convention Hall in Pittston Township.

Hughestown was organized as a Borough on April 8, 1879. The Borough became well-known throughout the Commonwealth as part of the Pennsylvania Coal Company's famous #9 Mines and Breaker, which employed most of the Borough's residents.

Hughestown residents suffered several major tragedies in and around the mines. The Borough also lost its firehouse, elementary school and high school to fire.

Despite the adversity, the Borough flourished. The past 125 years have brought many changes to the Borough community, and today Hughestown is home to about 30 small businesses and is looking forward to the development of new townhouses.

In addition, Hughestown is proud to have its native son State Rep. Thomas N. Tigue residing in the Borough.

Avoca, Dupont, Duryea, Pittston and Pittston Township border Hughestown. The Borough's geographic size--four square miles--makes it one of the smallest municipalities in the county. The population of the Borough is now 1,560. The Borough definitely represents the old adage that ``Good things come in small packages.''

I would like to congratulate the leadership of the Borough, including Mayor Paul Hindmarsh and Council Members Jerry Chilipko, Barbara Gatto, Vince Mammarella, Paul Murphy, Wayne Quick Jr., Sam Sanguedolce and Ed Strubeck. I would also like to recognize Police Chief Steve Golya, Fire Chief Jamie Merlino and Leonard Copp and Chris Ribaudo of the Street Department.

I would also take this opportunity to pay tribute to the leadership of the very first Borough Officers: Jacob B. Shmaltz, Charles Matthewson, John W. Williams, John B. Clark, George Gill, Cuthbert Snowden, Thomas Snowden, D.D. Moser, John Tishler, Aaron Oliver, John M. Mosier, Ernest Shmaltz and James Delaney.

Mr. Speaker, today I ask you and my esteemed colleagues to please join me in congratulating the Borough on their very special anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mrs. Tracy Doherty, native of Scranton, in Lackawanna County, in my district, who is being named Woman of the Year by the Lackawanna County Federation of Democratic Women.

I ask that my colleagues pay tribute to her achievements as she is honored at a brunch this Saturday at Patsel's in Glenburn, Pennsylvania.

Mrs. Doherty is a true patriot who loves our country. She has been involved in the Democratic Party for more than 20 years. She has spent countless hours volunteering for the Democratic Party in Scranton, in Lackawanna County, and throughout the entire Commonwealth.

Mrs. Doherty was particularly active in the successful elections of her brother-in-law Scranton Mayor Chris Doherty, Lackawanna County Commissioners Randy Castellani and Joe Corcoran, Clerk of Judicial Records Mary Rinaldi and many others.

Mrs. Doherty currently serves as second vice president of the Lackawanna County Federation of Democratic Women.

A graduate of Scranton Preparatory High School, the young Tracy Diskin went on to attend the University of Pittsburgh, where she earned degrees in journalism and political science. She then went on to receive her law degree at Widener School of Law.

She married Tom Doherty nearly seven years ago. The couple have three beautiful children, 4-year-old Tommy. 2-year-old Lucy and 1-year-old Frances. The couple is now expecting their fourth child.

Mrs. Doherty worked in the Lackawanna County's public defenders' office for four years. Now a full-time mom, she finds time to maintain a fine balance between her family and her desire to volunteer.

Mrs. Doherty founded the Society of Irish Women six years ago. She is a member of the Board of Governors of her alma mater, Scranton Prep.

Mrs. Doherty also feels strongly about the fight against cancer and has been a long-time volunteer for the American Cancer Society.

Mrs. Doherty is the Auxiliary Membership Chair of St. Joseph's Center. She volunteers her time to work with handicapped children at the facility.

Mr. Speaker, it is an honor and a privilege to represent a woman who has taken such a leadership role in the community. I ask you to please join me in congratulating Mrs. Doherty for her volunteer work, service and dedication.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend and colleague, Mr. Stephen Barrouk, native of Wilkes-Barre, in Luzerne County, in my district, who is being honored by the Boy Scout Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

I ask that my colleagues pay tribute to him as he is awarded the Distinguished Citizens Award at a dinner tonight at Genetti's in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

Steve has served as President and CEO of the Wilkes-Barre Chamber of Business and Industry since 1989. In this capacity, he manages three organizations including the Chamber of Commerce, Committee for Economic Growth and the Greater Wilkes-Barre Industrial Fund, Inc.

Steve attended E.L. Meyers High School in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Upon graduation, he went on to the University of Pittsburgh, where he received his bachelor of arts degree in urban studies and economics and his master's degree in public administration.

Prior to his appointment in Wilkes-Barre, Steve worked in the Pittsburgh Department of City Development in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He later worked as Deputy Director of the Allegheny County Department of Development and Executive Director of the Allegheny County Industrial, Hospital and Higher Education Authorities. On behalf of all of Northeastern Pennsylvania, I offer my gratitude to our colleagues in the western part of the state for educating Steve on economic development. At our first opportunity, we stole him back.

Steve is a current Board member and past Chairman of the Pennsylvania Economic Development Association. He serves on the Boards of the Northeastern Pennsylvania Alliance, the United Way of the Wyoming Valley, the Ethics Institute and Blue Cross of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

I am especially proud of the leadership Steve has shown as an original member of the Board of the Earth Conservancy; non-profit, charitable organization that I helped to establish to restore, preserve, and develop more than 17,000 acres of land throughout Luzerne County previously owned by a bankrupt coal company. We worked very closely together on this project, which I believe will have a profound impact on present and future generations of Northeastern Pennsylvanians. Especially in the earliest days of the organization, we endured a great deal of criticism and controversy.

Like the Earth Conservancy, the Luzerne County Convention Center Authority generated a great deal of controversy in its early days and has since been recognized as an overwhelming success for the entire region. Steve Barrouk served as chairman of this authority and continues to serve on the board. It is for his willingness to step forward and lead efforts that may be controversial but serve the long- term interests of the community that Steve deserves the greatest commendations.

Steve is also a member of the American Chamber of Commerce Executives, Northeast Economic Development Association and the International Research Council. He has also served on the Board of the Northeast Pennsylvania Philharmonic Society and was a member of the Osterhout Free Library Long-Term Planning Committee and Downtown Task Force.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to represent a man who has tirelessly served our community. Northeastern Pennsylvania is a stronger community because of the service of Steve Barrouk, and I can think of no higher compliment for a man. I am pleased to join the Boy Scouts in honoring this man who has worked so earnestly to improve the quality of life in Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my very good friend, the Democratic Leader of the Pennsylvania Senate, Bob Mellow, as he receives the Distinguished Citizens Award from the Boy Scout Council of Northeastern Pennsylvania.

I ask that my colleagues pay tribute to him as he is honored at a dinner tonight at Genetti's in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania. Sen. Mellow is a lifelong resident of Peckville, in Lackawanna County and he has dedicated more than two decades of his life to public service. Thanks to his fine leadership in the redistricting process, I am now proud to be Sen. Mellow's Congressman.

Sen. Mellow was first elected as senator from the 22nd district in 1970, and is now serving a district-record ninth term. He was twice elected as Senate president protempore, the third highest constitutional office in the Commonwealth.

Sen. Mellow attended Lackawanna Junior College, the University of Scranton and Bethel College in Tennessee, where he received his bachelor of science degree in accounting. He also attended graduate school at Marywood University and served in the Pennsylvania National Guard from 1962 to 1968.

One of Sen. Mellow's hallmark moves as Senate president protempore was opening the Senate to television coverage. This has become a permanent part of Senate proceedings and is an important mechanism that encourages public interest in our government.

Sen. Mellow was an early advocate of measures to protect the environment, an issue that he and I both hold close to our hearts. Sen. Mellow was instrumental in passage of the Hazardous Waste Act of 1980. When Northeastern and Central Pennsylvania fell victim to giardiasis in the water supply in 1984, Sen. Mellow introduced legislation to respond to the outbreak of the waterborne disease. Even as he worked on statewide legislation to improve the lives of all Pennsylvanians, he also dedicated himself to improving the environment of Northeastern Pennsylvania, including a park in Peckville named in his honor.

Sen. Mellow sponsored a bill that provided early retirement for public school and state employees in 1991. He co-sponsored workers' compensation legislation in 1993 that lowered insurance costs while eliminating abuses in the system and maintaining legitimate injury claims. Sen. Mellow and I have worked closely on a number of economic development issues important to Northeastern Pennsylvania.

Sen. Mellow is president of the Chic Feldman Foundation and a member of the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Association, the Greater Scranton Chamber of Commerce, the state and national societies of public accountants, Knights of Columbus and the Italian-American Democratic League.

Sen. Mellow serves on the board of directors of the Old Forge Bank, the Lourdesmont School and the advisory board of the Worthington- Scranton Campus of Penn State. He is also a steering committee member of the Colleen Giblin Endowment Fund for Child Neurology Research and was honored in 1999 as co-chairperson of the Lupus Foundation of America.

There is no finer or harder-working public servant in Pennsylvania than Bob Mellow. Prior to the most recent redistricting, I admired from afar his tremendous skill and political acumen he displayed in leading the Democrats of the Pennsylvania Senate. Now that our districts overlap and I have become more familiar with his activities in his home district, I am even more impressed by the degree to which he is devoted to the people of Northeastern Pennsylvania and the effort he exerts to improve the quality of their lives. He understands above all that government must be responsive to the needs of the people and he never loses sight of the very real needs of individual constituents.

In the Mellow household, public service is a family affair. I am sure that Bob would be the first to admit that much of his success can be attributed to the unwavering support of his lovely wife, Diane. She and their daughters Melissa and Tressa are often by Bob's side during public events, sometimes even accompanied by Tressa's daughter Hali. The entire Mellow family is an asset to Northeastern Pennsylvania, and I am proud to have them as constituents and friends.

Mr. Speaker, as elected officials, our time in public service is extremely limited. We can only hope to have an impact as lasting as the legacy Sen. Bob Mellow has already attained in Northeastern Pennsylvania and throughout the entire state.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to COL James Carruthers, native of Avoca, in my district, who will be honored with the W. Francis Swingle Award for service at the annual dinner of the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Lackawanna County, on March 17, 2004.

Colonel Carruthers is the president of the Millersburg Military Institute in Kentucky.

Colonel Carruthers became the 14th president of the Millersburg Military Institute, known as the Military School of Kentucky, in July. Colonel Carruthers began his career as a Marine in 1968 and saw action in Vietnam with the 1st Battalion 3rd Marines.

Colonel Carruthers served as a field artillery officer, officer-in- charge of the U.S. Marine Guard Force in London, commanding officer of the Marine Corps Recruiting Station in Long Island, NY, manpower plans and policy officer at Marine Corps headquarters in Washington, DC, and operations officer, Marine Corps Base, Quantico, VA.

After his extensive career in the Marines, Colonel Carruthers retired from the military and served as the human resources director for the Benton Foundry in Benton. Colonel Carruthers has also held various leadership positions with Citation Corp, which is headquartered in Alabama.

Prior to his current position, the retired colonel was vice president for enrollment at Marion Military Institute in Alabama.

Colonel Carruthers is married to the former Lanette Jenkins of Worden, IL. The couple has two children, Heather Ann Hall of Burke, VA, and Tyler, a student at Florida State University, and one grandchild, Aidan Patrick Hall.

The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick is a charitable and fraternal organization established on March 17, 1913. The Friendly Sons honors the historic ties between the United States and Ireland. Membership dues, contributions and fundraisers support the organization's scholarship program.

Mr. Speaker, I am happy to join the Friendly Sons today in congratulating Colonel Carruthers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant Frank Fuller, native of Avoca, in my district, who will be honored as the ``Man of the Year'' at the annual dinner of the Greater Pittston Friendly Sons of St. Patrick, Lackawanna County, on March 17, 2004.

Lieutenant Fuller is a Navy veteran who recently completed the highlighted assignment of his career as director of Presidential food services at the White House, serving under Presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush.

Lieutenant Fuller was responsible for executive dining services in the West Wing, Oval Office, Cabinet Room and senior staff dining rooms. He also directed worldwide food service security for the president.

Prior to his White House assignment, Lieutenant Fuller established the Mid-Atlantic Regional Food Service Office in Norfolk, VA. He directed the consolidation and operation of eight dining facilities and was responsible for 600 staff members who served 12,000 meals daily.

Lieutenant Fuller served as the food service director on a variety of naval ships and shore stations and led his teams to win the Navy's most prestigious awards for culinary service.

Lieutenant Fuller is married to the former Mary Teresa Poillon of Lancaster. They have two sons, Patrick and Brendan, and they reside in Alexandria, VA.

The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick is a charitable and fraternal organization established on March 17, 1913. The Friendly Sons honors the historic ties between the United States and Ireland. Membership dues, contributions and fundraisers support the organization's scholarship program.

Northeastern Pennsylvania is proud of the service of one of its own.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join the Friendly Sons today in congratulating Lieutenant Fuller.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my very good friend, Charles ``Rusty'' Flack, Jr., of Dallas, Pennsylvania, who received the Community Service Award from the Seligman J. Strauss Lodge No. 139 of the B'nai B'rith. Mr. Flack received the award on February 22, 2004 at the 58th annual Lincoln Day Dinner. I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating Mr. Flack for this well-deserved honor and expressing our appreciation for the positive contributions he has made to Northeastern Pennsylvania as both a businessman and as a member of the community.

For nearly a quarter of a century, Mr. Flack has served as Chairman and CEO of Diamond Manufacturing Company, a West Wyoming-based company that employs 250 individuals and has grown to become North America's largest supplier of perforated metals. In 1998, the Greater Wilkes- Barre Chamber of Business and Industry bestowed upon Diamond Manufacturing Company its Small Business of the Year Award, and in 2001, Diamond Manufacturing earned the distinction of being one of the Best Places to Work in Pennsylvania. These achievements are especially noteworthy because Rusty and his brother Hal inherited Diamond Manufacturing under tragic circumstances when their father died suddenly at an early age. Although only in their twenties when they took over the business, Rusty and Hal have led Diamond not only to survive, but to thrive.

Mr. Speaker, I do not rise today merely to extol the success Mr. Flack has had as a businessman, though those accomplishments should not be dismissed. Despite the responsibilities any small business demands from its owner, Rusty has always remained involved in numerous civic, religious and educational endeavors and organizations. In each instance, he has performed with a commitment worthy of the award he is about to receive. I have called upon him myself on numerous occasions to seek his counsel and request his assistance in mediating difficult situations. The respect with which he is held within the community helped enormously in bringing adverse parties together.

Among his many civic activities, Mr. Flack currently serves as Chairman of the Wyoming Valley Health Care System, the largest employer in Luzerne County; as the treasurer of the Wyoming Seminary, a prominent K-12 preparatory school in Northeastern Pennsylvania; and as a trustee for the College of Misericordia, a leading institution of higher learning. As an active member of the Prince of Peace Episcopal Church in Dallas, Pennsylvania, Mr. Flack has sung in the choir, taught religion to young churchgoers, and served in the vestry as a senior warden.

Mr. Speaker, earning the esteem of the B'nai B'rith deserves this body's recognition because it is a widely respected organization dedicated to the community it shares with people of all faiths. It is a privilege for me to stand before the House of Representatives to honor an individual like Charles ``Rusty'' Flack, Jr. I offer my deepest congratulations to him on his becoming a recipient of a Community Service Award, and I urge my colleagues to join Seligman J. Strauss Lodge No. 139 and me in extending our gratitude and admiration to a remarkable citizen who has distinguished himself as a businessman and a civic leader.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw the attention of my colleagues in the U.S. House of Representatives to the life of my very good friend, the late Charles ``Cugsy'' Adonizio. On Sunday, February 8, 2004, the Pittston Sunday Dispatch honored his life with the Joseph Saporito Award for Lifetime of Service to Greater Pittston. A loving husband to Helen for 57 years and the father of six children, Charles Adonizio, Jr. passed away last October at the age of 88 years old.

The editor of the Sunday Dispatch, Ed Ackerman, recently wrote an excellent story outlining the life of this community-spirited man

who inspired so many in the Greater Pittston area of Northeastern Pennsylvania. I would like to reprint that article below.

Joseph Saporito Lifetime of Service Award

If you knew ``Cugsy'' Adonizio you know he always cried

when he was happy. He'd tell a funny story and inevitably his

laughter turned to tears.

Such paradox tells the story of Cugsy's life. He was

successful, yet humble, strict yet compassionate, powerful

yet gentle.

In his later years, as he battled a heart condition, Cugsy

became weak yet strong. He needed the assistance of a cane,

but still walked a couple of miles every day. And while

walking was difficult for him, swinging a golf club was not.

He scored a hole-in-one at the age of 81.

And the paradox continues since his death on October 26 at

88 years old. ``In a funny way,'' his wife Helen says, ``he's

more alive than ever. I talk to him all the time and, in his

own way, I believe he answers me.''

Charles Adonizio Jr.--``Cugsy'' to most, just ``Cugs'' to

his wife of 57 years--is today honored posthumously with the

Joseph Saporito Award for Lifetime of Service to Greater

Pittston.

He received a similar honor in 1979 when he was named Man

of the Year by St. Michael's School for Boys. It was a

fitting tribute for a man who dedicated a good part of his

life to helping troubled youth.

As Chief Juvenile Probation Officer for Luzerne County from

1962 until his retirement in 1982, Cugsy earned a reputation

as a compassionate disciplinarian. He was more concerned with

rehabilitation than punishment. He saw a system that

needed fixing and he set about to fix it.

Cugsy graduated from Pittston High School (later returning

as school director) and Duquesne University, who since placed

his name on their Who's Who list.

He served in the U.S. Navy during World War II and was a

full lieutenant at the time of his discharge. He spent 33

months on active duty in the Pacific.

He organized the Wyoming Valley Naval Reserve and became

its first commanding officer. He retired in 1955 as a

Lieutenant Commander.

He was a Past Exalted Ruler of the Pittston Elks, Fourth

Degree and Life Member of the Knights of Columbus, Past

Commander of Fort Pittston Post V.F.W., and first President

of the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Holy Name Society.

He and Helen are parents of six children: Judy Yanchek,

Gloria Blandina, the late Mary Christine Thompson, Charles

III, Jane Adonizio Lukas, and Dr. Patrick.