Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I rise today in observance of Women's History Month and its 2019 theme--Visionary Women: Champions of Peace and Nonviolence. Each year, the National Women's History Project selects a unifying theme to recognize and promote Women's History Month. This year's theme features the stories of women from diverse backgrounds and fields who have advocated for peace and human rights throughout the world.

In the United States, women of every race, class, and ethnic background have played a critical role in advocating for unity and peace. For generations, women have contributed to resolving conflicts and have worked to promote nonviolence in the workplace, schools, homes, communities, and government. Women have insisted upon and continue to fight for respect, justice, and peace for all of humanity.

Strong pioneers such as Graciela Sanchez, Dr. E. Faye Williams, and Dorothy Cotton built their lives upon fighting for equal rights and eliminating racism and sexism. Leaders including Deborah Tucker advocated for improvements of laws and policies worldwide. Ms. Tucker helped write and pass the Violence Against Women Act of 1994. Sister Alice Zachmann was also a trailblazer who dedicated her life to ending war and violence, giving much of her time and efforts to organizations that supported the end of the Vietnam War. In 1982, Sister Zachmann founded the Guatemala Human Rights Commission USA and served as its director for twenty years. For their leadership and outstanding dedication to women's rights, unity, and peace, they are well deserving of our respect and admiration. I commend these fine women and the many others who have fought alongside them for securing rights for all women of every creed, class, and ethnic background. These fearless and strong women serve as remarkable role models who reflect the 2019 theme, Visionary Women: Champions of Peace and Nonviolence.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to join in celebrating Women's History Month and to recognize that after decades of dedication, perseverance, contributions, and advances, great American women from all cultures and classes are being celebrated. To illustrate the numerous brave women of our nation's history, we remember and recount the tales of our ancestors' talents, sacrifices, and commitments that serve as an inspiration to today's generation. I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in celebrating these brave women who have improved American society and whose stories are woven into the fabric of our nation.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinguished pleasure to recognize the Beta Rho Chapter of Tri Kappa Incorporated, as the organization celebrates its 100th anniversary. A century of outstanding dedication to the community through philanthropic service and support is certainly an amazing accomplishment. In honor of this momentous milestone, a 100th anniversary banquet will take place on Sunday, February 24, 2019, at Innsbrook Country Club in Merrillville, Indiana.

Tri Kappa Incorporated was organized on February 22, 1901, in Indianapolis. Throughout the state of Indiana, there are 146 chapters, 110 associate chapters, and approximately 9,000 members. The organization's mission is to promote charity, culture, and education by supporting philanthropic establishments and projects within its local communities. Each year, the members of Tri Kappa give over 300,000 hours of service to their mission and raise over $1.5 million for college students, charities, and cultural organizations.

The Beta Rho Chapter of Tri Kappa was established in Gary, Indiana, on February 21, 1919. The organization is truly thankful and indebted to the strong women who founded the Beta Rho Chapter. The charter officers are Rose Dorman, president, Anita Bailey, vice president, Minnie Milteer, recording secretary, Esther McCauley, corresponding secretary, and Anne Gibson, treasurer. Additional founding members include Ione Hodge, Geraldine Newman, Marcelle Miller, May Hake, Genevieve Michally, Marcia Lamb, Maude Norris, Marjory Hutton, and Edna Emley. These women laid the foundation for the successful organization it is today.

Each year, the members and leaders of the Gary Chapter give passionately and selflessly of their time, energy, and support to numerous deserving organizations throughout the region, including the Northwest Indiana Symphony, Sojourner Truth House, Meals on Wheels, Food Bank of Northwest Indiana, South Shore Arts Northwest Indiana, and Lakeshore Public Television, to name a few. In addition, academic scholarships are given to commendable students each year. For their significant contributions to the community of Northwest Indiana and beyond, the members and leaders of the Beta Rho Chapter of Tri Kappa Incorporated are truly worthy of the highest praise.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating the Beta Rho Chapter of Tri Kappa Incorporated as the organization celebrates its 100th anniversary. The members of this outstanding organization have dedicated themselves to serving others and continue to improve the quality of life for the people of Northwest Indiana; they serve as an inspiration to us all.

Madam Speaker, it is with deep sadness but with fond memories that I take this time to remember one of Northwest Indiana's finest citizens, Mr. Robert Crossk, former Hobart City and Lake County Councilman. Bob's service to the people of Northwest Indiana is worthy of our deepest admiration. Mr. Crossk passed away at the age of 86 on Sunday, January 27, 2019, but the impact he has had on his community will live on for generations to come.

Robert Crossk epitomized what it means to be a civil servant, working tirelessly and without self-interest for all the residents of Lake County, Indiana. Mr. Crossk served on the Hobart City Council from 1979 to 1983 before his election to the Lake County Council. Councilman Crossk went on to represent the sixth district of Lake County from 1983 to 1998. Bob was a remarkable civic leader who was known for his hard work, dedication, and integrity. A union man by trade, Bob was a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 150 for much of his life. Mr. Crossk also devoted much of his energy to charitable organizations such as the Knights of Columbus and Veterans of Foreign Wars. For his passionate dedication to helping others throughout his lifetime, Bob Crossk is truly worthy of the highest praise.

Robert Crossk leaves to cherish his memory a loving family. He is survived by his wonderful wife, Gladys, and their four beloved daughters, two sons, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren, not to mention many other dear friends and family members whose lives have been enriched by having known him. Bob will also be forever remembered by a grateful community of Lake County residents who he selflessly served with distinction for so many years.

I especially want to note that I have known Bob for my entire life. For every one of those days, I have only known Mr. Crossk to be a gentleman, possessed an expansive and warm personality, and an unflagging generosity of spirit. My life has been enriched because Robert Crossk assisted me along the path of life.

Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Robert Crossk for his outstanding devotion to the community of Northwest Indiana and beyond. Bob's life of service is to be commended, and his unwavering commitment to making the region a better place will serve as an inspiration to us all.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure and sincerity that I take this time to congratulate thirty individuals who will take their oaths of citizenship on February 8, 2019. This memorable occasion will be held at the United States Courthouse and Federal Building in Hammond, Indiana.

America is a country founded by immigrants. From its beginning, settlers have come from countries around the world to the United States in search of better lives for their families. Oath ceremonies are a shining example of what is so great about the United States of America--that people from all over the world can come together and unite as members of a free, democratic nation. These individuals realize that nowhere else in the world offers a better opportunity for success than here in America.

On February 8, 2019, the following people, representing many nations throughout the world, will take their oaths of citizenship in Hammond, Indiana: Mahmooda Mohammed, Alice Nyambura Ngatia, Nicholas Ngugi Kiraki, Barbara Lucio, Riste Trajanovski, Janette Magallanes, Tehmina Talib, Birute Arnold, Chantal Mutabazi, Ainka Faustina de Coteau, Ian Frederick Griffiths, Huy N. Huynh, Brenda Berenice Avila Rosales, Rodrigo Garcia, Elisabeth Navarro, Ristana Lazaroska, Elva Lucero Madrigal, Audrey Corinne Kaucoud Behinan, Chulida O'Donnell, Jose Efrain Aguilar, Sohaib Aleem, Moshe Michael Abudraham, Pablo Ernesto Bernaschina, Mayra Mercado-Estrada, Mary Teresa Duffy, Norma Lizeth Cruz, Adriana Bell, Faustin Kagesera, Marisol Bosio, and Hugh Gong.

Although each individual has sought to become a citizen of the United States for his or her own reasons, be it for education, occupation, or to offer their loved ones better lives, each is inspired by the fact that the United States of America is, as Abraham Lincoln described it, a country ``. . . of the people, by the people, and for the people.'' They realize that the United States is truly a free nation. By seeking American citizenship, they have made the decision that they want to live in a place where, as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution, they can practice religion as they choose, speak their minds without fear of punishment, and assemble in peaceful protest should they choose to do so.

Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating these individuals who will become citizens of the United States of America on February 8, 2019. They, too, are American citizens, guaranteed the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We, as a free and democratic nation, congratulate them and welcome them.

Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and sincere admiration that I rise today to celebrate Black History Month and its 2019 theme--Black Migrations. This year's theme reflects on the mass movement of African Americans from the rural south to northern, western, and mid-western cities of the United States from approximately 1916 to 1970. This profound movement has played a critical role in changing the landscape of American society for the better and has helped to shape our wonderfully diverse and truly remarkable nation.

During World War I, the first large migrations took place, with over 400,000 African Americans moving from the south and inhabiting major northern cities such as Chicago, Detroit, and Pittsburgh. In the 1920s, another 800,000 people left the south, followed by another 400,000 in the 1930s. Between 1940 and 1960, over 3,300,000 African Americans had migrated from southern states to resettle in northern and western cities. While there were numerous reasons for this migration, many individuals and families were hoping to escape the economic oppression they were experiencing in the south, which left little room for economic growth. World War I created a demand for workers in the steel mills, factories, and railroads, and most people moved for higher paying jobs. When the migration began, a factory wage in the north was more than three times the amount an African American could expect to make working the land in the south. By World War II, African American people continued to move north but also settled west, in California, Oregon, and Washington.

Black migration influenced religion, music, literature, arts, social perspectives, tradition, and the history of our nation, and we are forever grateful for the impact it had on creating a rich, culturally diverse America. In addition, African Americans now had a new voice in shaping public policy through political activism. However, while the movement brought more opportunity and ideas, African Americans continued to fight with racism, prejudice, and injustice. During this time, there were numerous race riots in the north, including the Chicago Race Riot of 1919, which lasted thirteen days, leaving 38 people dead, 537 people injured, and 1,000 black families without homes. While our great country has made tremendous strides in the fight for equality and civil rights, there is much work to be done.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in celebrating Black History Month. This month and always, it is important that we honor and celebrate America's greatest advocates for equal rights and civil liberties. As we pay tribute to these heroes of American history, let us remember their profound perseverance, sacrifice, and struggle in the fight for freedom and equality, and the remarkable impact their contributions have had in shaping our great nation.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure and sincerity that I take this time to congratulate thirty individuals who will take their oaths of citizenship on January 25, 2019. This memorable occasion will be held at the United States Courthouse and Federal Building in Hammond, Indiana.

America is a country founded by immigrants. From its beginning, settlers have come from countries around the world to the United States in search of better lives for their families. Oath ceremonies are a shining example of what is so great about the United States of America--that people from all over the world can come together and unite as members of a free, democratic nation. These individuals realize that nowhere else in the world offers a better opportunity for success than here in America.

On January 25, 2019, the following people, representing many nations throughout the world, will take their oaths of citizenship in Hammond, Indiana: Julia Sui Nei Mawi, Balida McCraw, Song E. Paik, Bruno Frederic Penteado, Angel Chiang, Maricela Garcilazo, Luis Antonio Huerta, Carmen Navarro Lopez, Tatiana Madon, Jorge Martinez, Lucia Tiscornia, Karina Furlic, Viktoriya Trenkinshu, Ana M. Anguiano, Jose Arturo Jimenez, Nishi Wairimu Muna, Elyahu Harold Herszberg, Tianlin Wang Ford, Tsoelopele Quincy Mukwena, Haneen Abuhasan, Sofia Rebeca Cavazos; Belen Candelario, Ljubica Trajceski, Shing Vucich Chung, Jabrieh Mustafa Issa, Dijana Najdeski, Suthon Somjana, Elena Eshanova, Martin Paul Nowosadzki, and Selenne Serna.

Although each individual has sought to become a citizen of the United States for his or her own reasons, be it for education, occupation, or to offer their loved ones better lives, each is inspired by the fact that the United States of America is, as Abraham Lincoln described it, a country ``. . . of the people, by the people, and for the people.'' They realize that the United States is truly a free nation. By seeking American citizenship, they have made the decision that they want to live in a place where, as guaranteed by the First Amendment of the Constitution, they can practice religion as they choose, speak their minds without fear of punishment, and assemble in peaceful protest should they choose to do so.

Madam Speaker, I respectfully ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating these individuals who will become citizens of the United States of America on January 25, 2019. They, too, are American citizens, guaranteed the inalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. We, as a free and democratic nation, congratulate them and welcome them.

Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I take this time to honor Mr. Ronald Powell and to wish him well upon his retirement from his position as president of Local 881, United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) International Union, and as vice president of the UFCW International. Ron has devoted his life to the working men and women of the UFCW, and for his unwavering dedication, he is to be commended. Mr. Powell will be honored at a retirement celebration taking place at Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse in Oak Brook, Illinois, on Wednesday, January 23, 2019.

In 1961, Ronald Powell began his career for Local 881 when he was hired as a field representative. Due to his hard work and commitment, Ron was promoted to field staff supervisor in 1968 , and went on to become vice president/director of field operations in 1973. His career continued to thrive, and in 1983, Mr. Powell became president of Local 881. In addition, he served as vice president of the UFCW International. Currently, Ron serves as vice president of the Illinois AFL-CIO and is a trustee for the UFCW Midwest Pension and Benefits Fund. Throughout his successful career, Mr. Powell fought for the rights of union members and American workers. Under his direction, Local 881 has become a progressive leader on behalf of its members in the areas of work-site representation, membership services, benefits, communication and activities.

In addition to his successful career, Ron has dedicated much of his time and efforts to charitable endeavors for organizations including the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Jackson Park Hospital, Little City Foundation, and United Way of Illinois, to name a few. Mr. Powell's dedication to the community and his career is exceeded only by his devotion to his amazing family. Ron and his beloved late wife, Lois, have four amazing children, twelve grandchildren, and four great- grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending Mr. Ronald Powell for his outstanding contributions to Local 881, and to the United Food and Commercial Workers (UFCW) International Union. Throughout my career, Ron has been a tireless advocate for working people and an even better friend. For his lifetime of leadership and tireless dedication to his community, Ron is worthy of the highest praise, and I wish him well upon his retirement.

Madam Speaker, as we celebrate the birth of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and reflect on his life and work, we are reminded of the challenges that democracy poses to us and the delicate nature of liberty. Dr. King's life and, unfortunately, his untimely death, remind us that we must continually work to secure and protect our freedoms. In his courage to act, his willingness to meet challenges, and his ability to achieve, Dr. King embodied all that is good and true in the battle for liberty.

The spirit of Dr. King lives on in the citizens of communities throughout our nation. It lives on in the people whose actions reflect the spirit of resolve and achievement that will help move our country into the future. I am honored to rise today to recognize several individuals from Indiana's First Congressional District who will be recognized during the 40th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast on Saturday, January 19, 2019, at the Genesis Convention Center in Gary, Indiana. The Gary Frontiers Service Club, which was founded in 1952, sponsors this annual breakfast.

The Gary Frontiers Service Club will pay tribute to local individuals who have for decades selflessly contributed to improving the quality of life for the people of Gary. This year, Dr. Janet Seabrook, M.D., MBA, will be honored with the prestigious Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award. Additionally, Sharon Chambers, Wendell Clayton Harris, Sr., Nellie Moore, and Monroe Smith will be recognized as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Marchers at this year's breakfast.

Though very different in nature, the achievements of each of these individuals reflect many of the same attributes that Dr. King possessed, as well as the values he advocated. Like Dr. King, these individuals saw challenges and faced them with unwavering strength and determination. Each one of the honored guests' greatness has been found in their willingness to serve with ``a heart full of grace and a soul generated by love.'' They set goals and work selflessly to make them a reality.

Madam Speaker, I invite you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending these honorees, as well as the Gary Frontiers Service Club officers, President Oliver Gilliam, who also served as the MLK Breakfast Chairman, Vice President Charles Jackson, Secretary Linnal Ford, Financial Secretary Melvin Ward, and Treasurer Floyd Donaldson, and all members of the service club for their initiative, determination, and dedication to serving the people of Northwest Indiana

Mr. Speaker, on December 21, 2018, I was absent from the House and missed rollcall votes 474, 475, and 476.

Had I been present for rollcall 474, on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H. Res. 1063, Designating room H-226 of the United States Capitol as the ``Lincoln Room'', I would have voted ``Yes.''

Had I been present for rollcall 475, on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 7318, To amend the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 to ensure that the Public Buildings Reform Board has adequate time to carry out the responsibilities of the Board, and for other purposes, I would have voted ``Yes.''

Had I been present for rollcall 476, on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 7319, To amend the Federal Assets Sale and Transfer Act of 2016 to provide flexibility with respect to the leaseback of certain Federal real property, and for other purposes, I would have voted ``Yes.''

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate Mrs. Evelyn Walker Robinson on a momentous milestone, her 100th birthday, which was on December 2, 2018. Evelyn will be celebrating with family and friends on Saturday, December 8, 2018, at First Baptist Church in Gary, Indiana.

Evelyn Walker Robinson was born on December 2, 1918, in Montgomery, Alabama, to Homer and India Walker. When Evelyn was only fifteen months old, she and her family relocated to Gary. Shortly after, in 1920, her family joined First Baptist Church, where Evelyn has remained a devoted and faithful parishioner ever since. She was married to her beloved husband, Wesley Ben (Bennie) Robinson, for many years until his passing in 1968.

Evelyn worked most of her life, holding various positions within state and local government agencies, including the Lake County Department of Public Welfare and what is now known as the Division of Family Resources. Mrs. Robinson also worked for twenty-eight years for the Lake County Economic Opportunity Council, during which time she served as the director of the Emergency Food and Medical Services Program and the Nutrition Program for the Elderly.

In addition to her career in the public sector, Mrs. Robinson has selflessly given of her time and efforts to charitable work, serving as a member of the Midtown Gary Neighborhood Naturally Occurring Retirement Community. Evelyn has also been a dedicated and hard-working parishioner of First Baptist Church throughout the years. She has supported and devoted her time to many of the community and church programs, including the Baptist Young Peoples Union, Sunday School, Girl Scouts of America, Daughters of Charity, Deaconess Board, Sadie Mack Mission Circle, and the Board of Christian Education. For her tireless commitment to the community of Gary and to First Baptist Church, Evelyn is worthy of the highest praise.

Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Evelyn Walker Robinson on her special day. Evelyn's selfless and lifelong dedication to serving those most in need throughout the community of Gary and beyond is remarkable, and she is truly an inspiration and role model for us all. Please join me in wishing Evelyn Walker Robinson a very happy 100th birthday.

Mr. Speaker, on November 14, 2018, I missed roll call 418.

Had I voted on roll call 418, providing for consideration of H.R. 6784, the Manage our Wolves Act; and providing for proceedings during the period from November 19, 2018, through November 26, 2018, I would have voted ``No.''

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect that I recognize the Gary Chamber of Commerce as the organization celebrates the 11th annual Lakeshore Classic basketball invitational. In observance of this special event, the Gary Chamber of Commerce will host a celebratory corporate luncheon at the Diamond Center in Gary, Indiana, on Tuesday, November 20, 2018, followed by the basketball invitational at West Side Leadership Academy on Friday, November 23, 2018, and Saturday, November 24, 2018.

The theme for this year's Lakeshore Classic, ``Step Up for Education,'' aims to support the importance of fostering education for the continued success of student athletes throughout the region. The Gary Chamber of Commerce has chosen Mr. LaTroy Hawkins, a Gary native and retired professional baseball player, as the keynote speaker for the luncheon. Born and raised in Gary, LaTroy graduated from West Side High School in 1991 and was drafted straight out of high school. In 1995, he made his Major League Baseball (MLB) debut, playing for the Minnesota Twins. Throughout his outstanding twenty-one-year big league career, LaTroy played for several teams and established an impressive resume. A testament to his preparation, determination, and talent, Mr. Hawkins became only the 13th pitcher in the history of the league to record a save against every team in baseball. He also ranks 10th on the all-time appearances list having pitched in 1,042 games, placing him in special company among baseball's greats. LaTroy Hawkins retired from baseball on October 25, 2015. For his truly impressive career, Mr. Hawkins was inducted into the Indiana Baseball Hall of Fame earlier this year.

Mr. Hawkins and his beloved family consistently devote much of their time to charitable efforts throughout the community of Northwest Indiana and beyond by feeding the homeless, helping students attend college, assisting victims of domestic violence, and supplying uniforms and equipment to the athletic program at LaTroy's high school alma mater, West Side High School. LaTroy Hawkins has improved the lives of the youth in our communities, and his legacy will continue to have an unforgettable impact for generations to come.

At this time, I would like to recognize the schools participating in the Lakeshore Classic basketball tournament. These schools are dedicated to positively impacting Northwest Indiana through academic excellence and sportsmanship, and they are successful in their efforts. The participating schools include West Side Leadership Academy, John Marshall Metropolitan High School, Thea Bowman Leadership Academy, George Washington High School, Theodore Roosevelt College and Career Academy, Calumet New Tech High School, and Michigan City Marquette Catholic High School.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in recognizing the Gary Chamber of Commerce, the organizers and sponsors of the 11th annual Lakeshore Classic, and the devoted volunteers who make this event possible. Their influence, passion, and dedication to our youth in Northwest Indiana are truly commendable.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I take this time to recognize Colonel Robert A. Clifford, a fellow Gary, Indiana native, who has been selected for induction into the Indiana Military Veterans Hall of Fame, Class of 2018. Robert's remarkable military career and his outstanding service to our country is truly admirable and worthy of the highest praise. Colonel Clifford will be honored at an induction ceremony taking place on Friday, November 9,

2018, at the National Guard Armory in Indianapolis.

Robert Clifford was born and raised in Gary, Indiana. His military training began at Pennsylvania Military College. With each passing year, the Colonel proved himself to be a leader among his peers, which resulted in him being commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the United States Army. Colonel Clifford's career was both outstanding and extensive, and throughout his time in the service, he was recognized by his commanding officers. In 1967, Robert was ordered to Vietnam as Infantry Platoon Leader, 1st Brigade of the 101st Airborne Division. During his time in Vietnam, he spent 324 consecutive days in combat operations. For his service, he was awarded the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, and the Combat Infantryman's Badge.

The Colonel worked in the Indiana National Guard armory as a traditional weekend soldier before he returned to active status to work with the Indiana National Guard. Entrusted with many responsibilities, he served in many capacities including Commander, 13th Engineer Battalion; Commander, 138th Signal Battalion; Commander of the State Maintenance Program; and 38th Infantry Division General Staff (G3) Training and Operations Officer, a role in which he was responsible for approximately 12,500 soldiers. During his career, Robert was assigned as the Indiana National Guard Engineer and Environmental Officer, overseeing all National Guard facilities for maintenance and repair. In addition, Colonel Clifford was able to help build five new armories, two maintenance shops, the first ammunition supply center, and numerous support facilities. At one point in his career, he was one of three officers assigned by the Pentagon to start a military to military relationship with the newly created country of Slovakia. The successful partnership of these two groups is now in its 24th year. Colonel Clifford also served as the State of Indiana Public Health and Preparedness Director and was tasked with creating a comprehensive plan, involving all necessary state organizations, to provide an immediate response to weapons of mass destruction. This plan was not only implemented; it was made an example of by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention as a strategy that states should incorporate.

Throughout the years, Colonel Clifford was bestowed numerous awards for his service. He has received the prestigious Legion of Merit Award for his truly exceptional efforts and devotion to the Indiana National Guard. He was awarded the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash and was named ``A Hoosier Hero.'' In addition, the Colonel was designated a Distinguished Member of the Second Battalion of the 502nd Infantry Regiment of the 101st Airborne Division. He was among the first five ever to receive this honor from his Battalion.

Robert Clifford's commitment to his career is exceeded only by his devotion to his amazing family. Robert and his wonderful wife, Karen, have been married for 48 years. They have two sons, Rob (Jill) and Scott (Heather), and four beloved grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring Robert Clifford for his lifetime of service to the United States military and to the State of Indiana. For his truly noteworthy career and his outstanding dedication to serving others, Colonel Robert Clifford is worthy of the honors bestowed upon him, and we are grateful for all of his many contributions.

Mr. Speaker, it is with sincere admiration that I recognize the Asian American Medical Association, which will host its 42nd Annual Gala on Saturday, November 10, 2018, at Avalon Manor in Merrillville, Indiana. Each year, the Asian American Medical Association pays tribute to prominent, outstanding citizens and organizations for their contributions to the community. In recognition of their efforts, these honorees are awarded the prestigious Crystal Globe Award.

The Asian American Medical Association has been a tremendous asset to Northwest Indiana. Its members have dedicated themselves to providing quality medical services to the residents of Northwest Indiana and have served their communities through many cultural, scholastic, and charitable endeavors.

At this year's Annual Gala, the Asian American Medical Association will present the Crystal Globe Award to one of Northwest Indiana's finest citizens, Ms. Janice Ryba, JD, MJ, MHA. Janice has worked for over thirty years in the healthcare field in Northwest Indiana, primarily within the Community Healthcare System. In 2007, her extensive experience and exemplary leadership led to her being named Chief Executive Officer of Saint Mary Medical Center in Hobart, Indiana. Under Ms. Ryba's direction, Saint Mary Medical Center has seen immense success and been recognized for its innovation. Recently, Saint Mary's incorporated a brand new surgical pavilion, intensive care unit, and a six-story patient tower that features private patient rooms with the most up-to-date technology. Additionally, Saint Mary's has expanded services in Porter County with the new Valparaiso Health Center. Under Ms. Ryba's leadership, providing compassionate care with the finest technology is the goal of the organization, and she and the talented staff at Saint Mary's continue to go above and beyond. For her lifetime of service, she is truly worthy of the prestigious honor bestowed upon her.

Ms. Ryba has also given much of her time and efforts to numerous organizations in Northwest Indiana and throughout the state including the Quality of Life Council, American Red Cross of Northwest Indiana, and the Indiana Hospital Association Council on Hospital Governance, to name a few.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending the members of the Asian American Medical Association as well as this year's Crystal Globe Award recipient, Ms. Janice Ryba. For her dedication to her outstanding career in the medical field and her remarkable service to the community of Northwest Indiana, Janice Ryba is worthy of the highest praise

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I take this time to recognize the recipient of the 2018 Distinguished Citizen Award, presented annually by the Boy Scouts of America Calumet Council. To commemorate this special occasion, the organization will host a celebratory event on Wednesday, November 7, 2018, at the Center for Visual and Performing Arts in Munster, Indiana.

For 26 years, the Boy Scouts of America Calumet Council has presented the Distinguished Citizen Award to individuals whose selfless efforts have tremendously impacted their communities in Northwest Indiana and across the state. This year, the Boy Scouts of America Calumet Council will honor Mr. Jeff Strack.

In May of 2016, Jeff Strack was appointed President and Chief Executive Officer of Indiana Grocery Group/Strack & Van Til. As a third-generation head of the company, Jeffs legacy began with his fondest memories of shadowing his father as he worked tirelessly to keep Strack & Van Til successful. After eighth grade, Jeff was officially hired into the company, eventually working his way through every department within the store before leaving for college. After obtaining his master's degree, Jeff embarked on a journey with Strack & Van Til that helped him learn every aspect of the business, rightfully earning his way to leading the company.

Almost a year after Jeff's appointment as President and Chief Executive Officer, he was faced with challenges that to many would have seemed insurmountable. In 2017, after its parent company, Central Grocers, filed for bankruptcy, Strack & Van Til was forced to shut down numerous stores. However, Jeff was determined to save the family business that has served as an economic driver in Northwest Indiana for almost six decades. After he and a group of investors formed Indiana Grocery Group and successfully purchased back Strack & Van Til, Mr. Strack vowed to keep it a family-owned business. Jeff fought for the business and for the jobs of many individuals by securing twenty locations in communities throughout Northwest Indiana. In addition, Mr. Strack's many contributions to the community have supported local schools, military, first responders, and families in need.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending the steadfast leadership and dedication of Mr. Jeff Strack. Mr. Strack's family business continues to serve as a cornerstone of Northwest Indiana, and their continued charitable efforts and service in our local communities are to be admired. Jeff is undeniably deserving of the 2018 Distinguished Citizen Award. His exceptional leadership and commitment to Northwest Indiana will have a positive impact on generations to come.