Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I pay tribute to one of the most caring, dedicated, and selfless citizens of Indiana's First Congressional District, Ms. Phyllis Reeder, longtime employee of the Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District (LCSWCD), and current LCSWCD Administrative Treasurer. After serving the community of Lake County, Indiana in this capacity for the past twenty-five years, Phyllis will be retiring at the end of this month. In honor of Phyllis, a retirement open house will be held by the LCSWCD on Friday, May 28, 2010 at the Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District office in Crown Point, Indiana.

Phyllis Reeder is a lifelong resident of Northwest Indiana who is extremely proud of her Hoosier heritage. In 1944, Phyllis was born in LaPorte County, Indiana. Her family later moved to Schererville where Phyllis attended Saint Michael's Elementary School. She went on to graduate from Dyer Central High School in 1963. She then attended and graduated from Keypunch School in Hammond. Phyllis then began to work in the data processing department at Simmons Mattress Company in Munster. Later that year, on November 22, 1963, Phyllis married her beloved husband, Charles ``Chuck'' Reeder. They started a family and raised four girls: Theresa, Debbie, Donna, and Diana, and one boy, Charles. Phyllis was an active parent and also continued to work at Simmons until July 1980 when the company closed its doors. In 1977, Phyllis and her family moved to a ten-acre mini-farm in Cedar Creek Township. It was during this time that Phyllis's passion for environmental conservation began to grow. On the farm, they have a large garden which, at the time, provided their large family with fruit, vegetables, and herbs. The farm also has a windbreak on the property, which helps to prevent wind erosion and also saves energy. In addition, Phyllis's five children participated in many 4-H projects, which included such topics as water conservation, wetlands, foods, basketry, and food preservation.

In 1985, Phyllis's passion for conservation led to her career at the Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District. Phyllis currently serves as Administrative Treasurer for the LCSWCD, where she is known for her friendly demeanor and positive attitude. She consistently goes out of her way to assist co-workers and customers with their needs. Included in her many achievements at the LCSWCD, she expanded the LCSWCD's educational program and trained as a facilitator for Project Wild and Aquatic, Project Learning Tree, and Project WET. These workshops are offered throughout the county to local schools and are facilitated by Phyllis. Because of her strong belief in conservation, her efforts extend well beyond her working hours at the LCSWCD. Phyllis is actively involved in numerous volunteer organizations and has served on many boards throughout the community. For her unwavering commitment to environmental conservation efforts and to Northwest Indiana, she is worthy of the highest praise.

Phyllis's dedication to the community and her career is exceeded only by her devotion to her wonderful family. Phyllis and Chuck have been married for 47 years and they enjoy spending much of their time with their beloved children and grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending Phyllis Reeder for her lifetime of leadership, service and dedication to the community of Lake County, Indiana. She has touched the lives of numerous people through her efforts at the Lake County Soil and Water Conservation District and through her extensive volunteer work. While she will be missed by the people with whom she worked, Phyllis's service and selfless dedication will forever be remembered, and I ask that you join me in wishing her well in her retirement.

Mr. Chair, it is with great appreciation that I rise in support of provisions contained within H.R. 5136, the Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2011, relating to the procurement of steel armor plate and the definition of the term ``produced.''

Recently, the Department of Defense has implemented a regulation that allows the use of steel armor plate that is melted in foreign countries to be used in various defense applications, and I want to thank Chairman Skelton and Ranking Member McKeon for including language that specifies that this type of steel must be melted in the United States.

I was informed of the urgency of this issue during a Steel Caucus hearing in March of this year, when we discussed that a Department of Defense regulation now merely requires the finishing processes of armor plate manufacturing to take place domestically, which is contrary to over thirty-five years of precedent requiring melting processes to occur in the United States. After this hearing, Rep. Tim Murphy and I spearheaded a Steel Caucus letter to Secretary of Defense Gates, with 35 other Members of the Caucus signing the letter, which urged him to fully examine the implications of this regulation.

Steel armor plate plays a vital role in the protection of our troops and the defense of our nation, and the Specialty Metals Amendment, as originally included under the Berry Amendment in 1973, aims to ensure that American steel is used to protect our troops. The regulation amends the definition of produced under the Specialty Metals Amendment, and I am thoroughly concerned that this threatens the safety of our troops and the defense of our nation. Steel armor plate is used in Mine Resistant Ambush Protected (MRAP) vehicles and MRAP All-Terrain Vehicles, and we must do everything possible to ensure that American made material is used in the production of these vehicles.

I understand that the House Armed Services Committee has closely followed this situation and has included report language in the past cautioning the Department of Defense on the implications of this regulation, and I applaud your continued efforts today on remedying this situation and protecting our national security and the American industrial base.

Madam Speaker, it is with great sincerity and respect that I offer congratulations to several of Northwest Indiana's most talented, dedicated, and hardworking individuals. On Friday, June 4, 2010, the Plumbers Local Union 210 will honor the graduating class of 2010 at the Annual Apprentice Graduation Banquet, which will be held at Tiebel's Restaurant in Schererville, Indiana.

At this year's banquet, the Plumbers Local Union 210 will recognize and honor the 2010 Apprentice Graduates. The individuals who have completed their apprentice training in 2010 are: Jonathan Banaszak, Matthew Czarnecki, Bernard Jewett, Kevin Kuzma, Bryan Lain, William Linebaugh, Roy Swearengin, Jeremy VanHoose, and Dustin Weber.

Northwest Indiana has a rich history of excellence in its craftsmanship and loyalty by its tradesmen. These graduates are outstanding examples of each. They have mastered their trade and have demonstrated their loyalty to both the union and the community through their hard work and selfless dedication.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating these dedicated and hardworking individuals. Along with the other men and women of Northwest Indiana's unions, these individuals have committed themselves to making a significant contribution to the growth and development of the economy of the First Congressional District, and I am very proud to represent them in Washington, DC.

Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to pay tribute to the exceptional achievements of the 2009 Crown Point Bulldogs 8 and Under Girls Softball Team. This truly remarkable softball team accomplished extraordinary feats during their undefeated season. For their great ability and skill, as well as their tremendous dedication and hard work, these outstanding young athletes are to be congratulated.

On July 12, 2009, the Crown Point Bulldogs 8 and Under Girls Softball team won the National Softball Association's Indiana State Championship. They went undefeated with a record of 4-0 in the tournament. The team then went on to win the National Softball Association World Series, with a record of 5-1. This victory marked the first World Series Championship in Crown Point history.

The people of Crown Point as well as the community of Northwest Indiana can be proud of this successful and talented softball team. The team consists of: Maggie Ballentine, Kari Bauner, Hannah Bond, Madelyn Elish, Gracie Frazier, Skylar Hekkel, Hailey Herbert, Brooke Manhatton, Mallory McMahon, Caitlyn Phillips, Emma Van Prooyen, and Megan Van Prooyen.

Madam Speaker, I would like to once again extend my most heartfelt congratulations to the members of the 2009 Crown Point Bulldogs 8 and Under Girls Softball Team, as well as head coach Kevin Frazier, assistant coaches Mike Manhatton, Shawn Ballentine, and Matt McMahon, and all of the community, including parents and caregivers, who have instilled in this team the desire to succeed, as well as the great value and discipline found in sports activities. I look forward to watching their future athletic achievements as they continue to rise to the top.

Madam Speaker, it is with great sincerity and admiration that I offer congratulations to several of Northwest Indiana's construction businesses, corporations, and contractors. On Friday, May 14, 2010, the Northwest Indiana Business Roundtable and the Construction Advancement Foundation will honor these entities and individuals at the Construction Awards Banquet, which will be held at the Avalon Manor Banquet Hall in Merrillville, Indiana.

The Northwest Indiana Business Roundtable (NWIBRT) is an independent non-profit council of local firms who are dedicated to the progress and development of construction and maintenance projects in Northwest Indiana. The NWIBRTs main goal is to promote safety, quality, and cost effectiveness by all construction business affiliates. The NWIBRT will be presenting the Safety Awards to many of these hard working local businesses. The recipient of the Safety Contractor of the Year Award is Solid Platforms, Inc. The Safety Excellence Award recipients are as follows: Total Safety US, Inc., Culver Roofing, Inc., The Pangere Corporation, Atlantic Plant Services, Interstate Insulation Corporation, Interstate Environmental Services, Inc., Correct Construction, Inc., Solid Platforms, Inc., The American Group of Constructors, Graycor Industrial Constructors, Inc., ATC Associates, Inc., Ambitech Engineering Corporation, and Orbital Engineering, Inc. The recipients of the Safety Achievement Award are: M&O Environmental Company, Stevens Engineers & Constructors, Security Industries, Inc., Stevenson Crane Service, Inc., Falk-Pli, Middough, Inc., R.J. Mycka, Inc., and Superior Construction Company, Inc. The Safety Recognition Award recipients are as follows: Manta Industrial, Inc., EMCOR Hyre Electric Company of Indiana, Inc., Central Rent-a Crane, Inc., Mersino Dewatering, Inc., M&O Insulation Company, AMS Mechanical Systems, Regional Contractors Alliance, KM Plant Services, Inc., Meade Electric Company, Cornerstone Electrical Consultants, Inc., CET Inc., Tranco Industrial Services, Inc., and BMW Constructors, Inc. The Safety Progress Award recipients are Urban Elevator and Van's Industrial. The recipient of the Safety Innovation Award is Manta Industrial. This year's Roger Walters Memorial Safety Award recipient is Mr. Doug Patton, Project Safety Manager, BMW Constructors.

The Construction Advancement Foundation, CAF, was created in 1967 and represents Northwest Indiana union contractors. The CAF continues to be a major force in the growth and improvement of the union construction industry in Northwest Indiana. The CAF will also be presenting project and contractor of the year awards. This year's Public Works Project of the Year Award recipient is: Hasse Construction Company, Inc. for the Lost Marsh Clubhouse and the Hammond Port Authority. The recipient of the Commercial Project of the Year Award are Tonn & Blank Construction for the Valparaiso Family YMCA. The Industrial Project of the Year Award recipient is BMW Constructors, Inc., for the C8 Coal Conveyor Replacement/NIPSCO. The recipient of the Commercial Contractor of the Year Award is Berglund Construction, while the recipient of the Highway Contractor of the Year Award is Walsh &Kelly, Inc. The Industrial Contractor of the Year Award recipient is The Ross Group, Inc., and the Professional & Engineering Services Contractor of the Year recipient is ACMS Group. Finally, the recipient of this year's Sub-Contractor of the Year Award is Thatcher Foundations, Inc.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating these hard working individuals, businesses, and contractors for their dedication to the construction industry and to Northwest Indiana. They have contributed in many ways to the growth and development of the economy in Indiana's First Congressional District, and I am very proud to represent them in Washington, D.C.

Madam Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to pay tribute to the outstanding achievements of an exceptional group of students from Munster High School, located in Indiana's First Congressional district. Competing against a class from every state in the country, one team from Munster High School accomplished the extraordinary feat of finishing in eighth place in the national competition of the We the People: The Citizen and the Constitution program held in Washington, DC, from April 24-26, 2010. For their remarkable knowledge and understanding of American government, these exceptional young people are to be commended.

The We the People program, administered by the Center for Civic Education, is a program that reaches over 30 million elementary, middle, and high school students. The goal of the program is to provide students with an understanding of the fundamentals of the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. The national finals competition imitates a Congressional hearing in which high school students testify as constitutional experts before a panel of judges.

The people of Munster, as well as the community of Northwest Indiana, can be proud of this truly noteworthy class of students. The team consists of: Stacey Avtgis, Chandani Bhatt, John Bochnowski, Cristina Bonini, Thomas Burgwald, Sumanth Chintamani, Georgenna Chioros, Nicholas Estes, Michael Jerge, Kamryn Klawitter, Neil Kondamuri, Christina Lee, Melissa Lee, Aesha Maniar, Brianna Meyer, Tara Mojtahed, Santhosh Narayan, Spencer Newell, Katherine Palmer, Alexander Parobek, Aaditya Shah, Niral Shah, Matthew Skiba, Adam Stepanovic, Shawn Tuttle, Ines Tzolov, and Elizabeth Wadas.

Madam Speaker, I would like to once again extend my most heartfelt congratulations to the members of Munster High School's We the People program, as well as their coach, Mr. Michael Gordon, and all of the community and faculty members who have instilled in these students the desire to succeed. The values exhibited by these young people and their interest in the history and fundamentals of our great nation serve to inspire us all. I am proud to represent these fine individuals in Congress, and I am proud to have been given this opportunity to recognize these future leaders. I look forward to watching their achievements as they continue to rise to the top.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct honor to commend seven exceptional teachers from Northwest Indiana who have been recognized as outstanding educators by their peers for the 2009-2010 school year. These individuals are: Jan Lowery, John Gorball, Brenda Richardson, Kerry Zajicek, Jeff Graves, Glennda Sanders, Shannon Anderson, and Betty O'Neill. For their outstanding efforts, these honorees will be presented with the Crystal Bell Award at a reception sponsored by the Indiana State Teachers Association. This prestigious event will take place at the Andorra Restaurant and Banquets in Schererville, Indiana, on Thursday, May 6, 2010.

Jan Lowery, this year's recipient of the Crystal Bell Award from the Crown Point School Corporation, is fondly known as the ``geometry queen'' of Crown Point High School. Jan is an outstanding educator and has a positive impact on her students and colleagues. Jan understands the importance of teaching each student according to their abilities and has developed a variety of teaching

methods in order to reach out to each individual student. Because of her careful attention to each student's individual needs, she is an exceptional educator.

John Gorball has had an outstanding teaching career spanning forty- one years and is this year's recipient of the Crystal Bell Award from the Hanover Community School Corporation. John has taught at Hanover Central for forty years and has served in many capacities during his tenure. He is the well-known band director at the school, and his passion for music has been a remarkable asset to the music education program. For many years, John also served as a basketball coach, which was another way for him to relate to his students. John understands that leading by example is imperative for a teacher, and he continues to be a positive role model for his students.

This year's recipient of the Crystal Bell Award from the School Town of Highland is Brenda Richardson. Brenda has taught family and consumer science at Highland High School since 1989. Throughout her tenure, Brenda has brought many new and innovative programs to Highland High School. Brenda spearheaded the Exploratory Teacher Program, which allows high school students to assist elementary teachers in working with reading and math groups. She also started the Random Acts of Kindness Club, which teaches students the importance and value of compassion by surprising others with a kind gesture. Through her positive outlook and strong belief in the development of character, Brenda is an outstanding role model for the students at Highland High School.

Kerry Zajicek is this year's recipient of the Crystal Bell Award from the Lake Central School Corporation. Kerry has been a teacher for thirty years and is currently teaching geometry and pre-calculus at Lake Central High School. Kerry continues to be a tremendous asset to Lake Central High School and is involved in numerous endeavors outside the classroom. He has volunteered much of his time to the Lake Central Theater Guild, providing support to the students and performing in many plays himself. He has also selflessly given much of his time to the Lake Central Teachers Association. Kerry is always ready to lend a helping hand, and for his constant, selfless, volunteerism within the Lake Central School Corporation, he is worthy of the highest praise.

Jeff Graves, this year's recipient of the Crystal Bell Award from the School Town of Munster, ``lives and breathes chemistry.'' He has taught chemistry and AP chemistry at Munster High School for forty years. Jeff's success in teaching chemistry stems from his brilliant effort to develop methods that help students comprehend difficult concepts. His ability to maintain the interest of the students is to be commended. Additionally, Jeff put much time and effort into the initiation of the Chess Club and Bowling Club. Throughout his tenure, Jeff has been able to positively influence many students at Munster High School.

This year's recipient of the Crystal Bell Award from the North Newton School Corporation is Glennda Sanders, who has been a teacher with the corporation for fourteen years. Glennda is widely known for her energetic nature and her ability to create activities that fit the specific needs of each individual student in her classroom. In addition, she has played an instrumental role in the planning and presenting of the Morocco Elementary School talent show and science fair. Glennda's positive outlook and enthusiasm allows her to continue to touch the lives of countless students within the North Newton School Corporation.

Shannon Anderson, a second grade teacher at Monnett Elementary School, is this year's recipient of the Crystal Bell Award from the Rensselear School Corporation. Shannon has been an extraordinary educator for the past fifteen years. She continues to go above and beyond to meet the needs of her students. For example, Shannon learned Spanish and Sign Language in order to meet the needs of certain students. She has also initiated many innovative programs including: Spanish Camp, Club Invention, Read-a-Thon, Math-a-Thon, the Eddie Eagle, and the Gun Safety Program, to name a few. For her unwavering dedication to her students she is truly an inspiration.

This year's recipient of the Crystal Bell Award from the Tri-Creek School Corporation is Betty O'Neill. Betty has been nurturing young minds for twenty years and is currently a fourth grade teacher at Oak Hill Elementary School. Betty continues to incorporate and educate her students about the community of Lowell. For example, Betty initiated a walking tour of the town for the students, and directed the writing and performance of a play about the town's history. Additionally, Betty has been a leading force behind the Response to Intervention Initiative in the Tri-Creek School Corporation and has worked diligently with students who are most in need. Because of her innovative teaching skills and her willingness to provide support to the Tri-Creek School Corporation, she is an extraordinary educator.

Madam Speaker, I ask you and my distinguished colleagues to join me in commending these outstanding educators on being named 2010 Crystal Bell Award winners. Their years of hard work have played a major role in shaping the minds and futures of Northwest Indiana's young people, and each recipient is truly an inspiration to us all.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to stand before you today to recognize and commend the members of the Gary, Indiana, branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). On Saturday, April 24, 2010, the Gary NAACP will hold its 45th Annual Life Membership Banquet at the Genesis Convention Center in downtown Gary, Indiana.

This annual event is a major fundraiser for the Gary NAACP. The funds generated through this event directly support the organization's many outstanding programs and advocacy efforts. Through its membership and the support of the community, the Gary NAACP is able to serve the people of Northwest Indiana and continue the mission started by the national organization in 1909, working diligently to combat injustice, discrimination, and unfair treatment for all people in today's society. In addition, the banquet serves to update and keep the community aware of the NAACP's activities and to formally honor its new life members.

The keynote speaker at this year's event will be Mr. Herman Boone, a retired high school teacher and coach, who is most well-known for coaching integrated football teams at T.C. Williams High School, in Alexandria, Virginia. Many will recall Denzel Washington's memorable portrayal of Coach Boone in the movie

Remember the Titans. I join the Gary NAACP in welcoming Mr. Boone to Northwest Indiana.

This year, the Gary NAACP will honor six outstanding individuals from Northwest Indiana, who will join the hundreds of other outstanding civil, community, and religious leaders who have previously been recognized as life members. For 2010, the distinguished individuals who will be inducted as life members of the Gary NAACP are: Vanessa Allen, Anna Connor, Geneva Osawe Gonzales, Dr. Danita Johnson Hughes, Hattie McCune, and Cheron Reed.

Madam Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the newest life members of the Gary NAACP, as well as Attorney Karen Pulliam, the current Gary NAACP president, and all members of the organization for their extraordinary efforts and tremendous leadership. These outstanding men and women have worked tirelessly to improve the quality of life for all residents of Indiana's First Congressional District, and for that they are to be commended.

Madam Speaker, it is with great honor and pleasure that I stand before you today to recognize the Sikh Religious Society of Indiana and its Board of Directors as they celebrate one of their most significant religious and historical events, Vaisakhi. The day will be commemorated on Sunday, April 18, 2010, at the Sikh Temple in Crown Point, Indiana.

The Sikh Religious Society is a non-profit religious and social organization that has served the Sikh community of Northwest Indiana since 1994. Each year the Sikh people celebrate Vaisakhi, a festival that commemorates the establishment of the ``Order of the Kahlsa'' or ``Pure Servants of God.'' In 1699, Sahib-E-Kamaal, Guru Gobind Singh Ji, the tenth guru, initiated the process of the conversion of the people of India into a morally receptive and disciplined army of the pure and courageous, whose main purpose was to overcome religious oppression and considerable human rights violations that were occurring in India at that time. He empowered the people of India by giving them a choice to control their own destiny, teaching them to stand unyielding to confront the forces of intolerance that had been placed upon them by the bigoted and cruel leaders of the time. Guru Gobind Singh Ji, in his courage to act, willingness to meet challenges, and ability to achieve, embodied all that is good and true in the battle for liberty. On Vaisakhi day, Guru Gobind Singh Ji assigned a specific code of conduct to the Sikh followers--belief in one God, brotherhood of mankind, equality among all human beings, justice, peace, and truth. Sikh followers are encouraged to work hard, earn an honest living, and live a life of service to people in need. Today, the Sikh community holds high the beliefs that were brought forth on that day. The true meaning of Vaisakhi lives on in the Sikh people as they continue to pass on their peaceful beliefs and messages of equality through their unwavering strength and determination.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in honoring the Sikh Religious Society of Indiana, its Board of Directors, and congregation, as well as Sikh followers throughout the world, as they celebrate and observe the religious and historic event of Vaisakhi. Through their words and teachings, these honorable individuals and organizations remind us all of the struggles and accomplishments of the Sikh people throughout the world.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I take this time to honor one of Northwest Indiana's most respected business and community leaders, Mr. Rick Mazer, from Saint John, Indiana. On April 8, 2010, Rick was honored by Horseshoe Casino and the Northwest Indiana Forum in appreciation for his many years of service as a dedicated executive and for his numerous contributions to the community of Northwest Indiana. The celebration took place at Gamba Ristorante in Merrillville, Indiana.

Rick Mazer's professional and academic career led him to become a prominent leader in the gaming industry for nearly thirty years. In 1976, Rick earned a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from Boston University. His lifelong career in the gaming industry began in 1979, in Atlantic City, where he held various positions at Caesar's Entertainment and Resorts International. In 1991, Rick's career led him to Peoria, Illinois where he played an instrumental role in the grand opening of Par-A-Dice Riverboat Casino, where he served as Vice President of Marketing. In late 1995, Mr. Mazer became the Director of Marketing and Advertising at the Empress Casino in Joliet, Illinois. He joined the team at Horseshoe Casino nearly fifteen years ago and successfully maintained a leadership role through three ownerships. In 2007, due to his outstanding management skills and superior business strategies, Rick was subsequently promoted to oversee the two Harrah's Entertainment casinos that book-end the state, picking up responsibilities for what was known as Caesars Indiana, now Horseshoe Southern Indiana. Mr. Mazer led the transformation from one great brand to another. The ``mother of all boats'', or MOAB, is the moniker fondly used internally to reference the $500 million casino that Rick spearheaded. The design, construction, and opening of one of the most stunning casinos in America could have only happened under his guidance. For his efforts, Mr. Mazer has been presented with the Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce Business Person of the Year award. After years of service in the Indiana market, Rick was given an opportunity to oversee multiple casinos in America's gaming capital, Las Vegas. Staying within the Harrah's Entertainment family has made the transition very smooth.

Rick Mazer exemplifies what it means to be a true leader. His outstanding leadership skills are reflected by staff members, who have been quoted as saying, ``Rick actively engages members of his team, constantly challenging them to expand their expertise while fostering their talent and growth. Rick understands that with a truly engaged team, anything is possible.''

In addition to his impressive professional career, Rick passionately serves the people of Northwest Indiana through his involvement in many community organizations. Among his many contributions, Rick is actively involved with the Northwest Indiana Forum, Tradewinds Rehabilitative Services, Northwest Indiana Symphony Orchestra, Casino Association of Indiana, Lake Area United Way, Crisis Center, Haven House, American Cancer Society, Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, Lake County Convention and Visitor's Bureau Hospitality Committee, and the Indiana Black Expo. For his many charitable efforts, Rick was awarded the prestigious Raoul Wallenberg Humanitarian Award. For his continuous, selfless devotion to the community of Northwest Indiana, Mr. Mazer is to be highly commended.

Rick's dedication to his community is exceeded only by his devotion to his amazing family. This coming May, he and his wonderful wife, Aria, will celebrate 30 years of marriage. They have two beloved daughters, Ericka and Racquel.

Madam Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending Mr. Rick Mazer as he is honored for his lifetime of service and dedication to the Northwest Indiana community. Rick continues to touch the lives of countless people,

and for his unselfish, lifelong commitment, he is worthy of the highest praise.

Madam Speaker, it is with deep respect and admiration that I recognize Opportunity Enterprises Incorporated, which hosted its Celebration of Achievement Award Ceremony on Thursday, April 8, 2010, at Strongbow Inn in Valparaiso, Indiana. Opportunity Enterprises honored the accomplishments of members of its noteworthy staff, clients, volunteers and community partners. Opportunity Enterprises also paid special tribute to President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gary Mitchell, who will be retiring in June of this year. For his outstanding leadership and his lifelong commitment to those in need, he is worthy of our respect and admiration.

Opportunity Enterprises is a non-profit organization that serves to create opportunities for individuals with unique challenges and abilities. Because of many dedicated, loyal, and passionate people who believe in the organization and its goals, Opportunity Enterprises is able to provide day and enrichment services, residential and children's programs, and vocational opportunities for individuals of all ages whether they have physical, emotional or developmental disabilities.

This year, Opportunity Enterprises honored individuals and organizations who have played a major role in their success. The Spirit of Opportunity Enterprises award recipient is Jake Wagner. Jake has been a board member for many years and has played an instrumental role in terms of property acquisition, identifying lead donors, and seeking grant funding. The Community Employer of the Year award recipient is Strack and Van Til. The company hires many clients through the organization's JobSource Community Employment Program and passionately assists these individuals in developing their skills. The Business of the Year award recipient is Framing Concepts Gallery, which gives tremendous support to the organization's Art Enrichment Program. The Jeanne Baird Volunteer of the Year award recipient is Cheryl Kozrowski. Cheryl continuously and selflessly gives her time to Opportunity Enterprises and its many programs. The JobSource Client of the Year award recipient is Mike Biggs. Mike has been employed through the JobSource Program for eighteen years. Despite being hearing impaired, Mike maintains an outstanding positive attitude and is beloved by everyone who works with him. The Amazing Client of the Year award recipients are: Samuel Collins, Paula Norfleet, and Derek Rogers. Samuel, who receives respite services, has made remarkable progress since becoming an Opportunity Enterprises client. Paula is employed through the Supported Employment Program and the Community Employment Program. Although she has limited use of her hands and legs, Paula is constantly helping and supporting other clients. Derek is involved in the Supported Living Department and has made extraordinary improvement since joining the team at Opportunity Enterprises. For their dedication and commitment to Opportunity Enterprises and the community of Northwest Indiana, the 2010 Achievement Award recipients are to be commended.

Opportunity Enterprises also honored and congratulated President and Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Gary Mitchell, who will be retiring this year. In 1986, Gary joined the team at Opportunity Enterprises as the Chief Executive Officer. Opportunity Enterprises has enjoyed unprecedented growth and success under Gary's leadership. In 1986, the organization served 263 individuals with disabilities on a daily basis. Since then, Opportunity Enterprises has constantly expanded and now serves over 1,000 individuals within Porter County and throughout Northwest Indiana. For the past 15 years, Opportunity Enterprises has received accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), a not-for-profit organization that establishes standards of quality for service to people with disabilities. For his efforts over the years on behalf of his community, Gary has received numerous honors, including the Indiana Association of Rehabilitation Facilities (INARF) President's Award in 1992 and the Sagamore of the Wabash in 1993 from then-Governor Evan Bayh. For his selfless and passionate support for helping individuals to re-establish their roles in community life, Mr. Mitchell is to be commended and admired.

Gary's dedication to the people he serves is matched only by his devotion to his family. Gary has been married to his wife, Paula, for an astonishing 44 years. They have three children and seven grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring the Opportunity Enterprises 2010 Achievement Award winners, as well as Mr. Gary Mitchell, for their outstanding contributions. Their unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for countless individuals in Northwest Indiana is truly inspirational, and they are worthy of the highest praise.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 1246 to pay tribute to Polish President Lech Kaczynski, First Lady Maria Kaczynska, and the other Polish officials who were lost in the catastrophic plane crash on April 10, 2010. I would like to express my deepest and most heartfelt condolences to the people and government of Poland, the families of those who perished, and Polish Americans, especially those who call Northwest Indiana home, in the wake of this tragedy. This is a devastating loss for Poland, the United States, and the world.

Poland is a very dear friend to the United States, and President Kaczynski was one of America's valued and trusted allies. President Kaczynski played a key role in the Solidarity movement, and was widely admired in the United States as a champion for democracy and an advocate for freedom and human rights in Poland, and around the world.

There is a significant sense of sadness throughout Indiana's First Congressional District, where Polish communities have gathered together to honor and mourn those lost. I share the sadness, and join the Polish people, in Northwest Indiana and around the world, in mourning.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I stand before you to recognize one of Northwest Indiana's most generous and valued organizations, Brothers' Keeper, Incorporated. Brothers' Keeper, a non-profit organization located in Gary, Indiana, celebrates its twenty-fourth anniversary this month. In honor of its anniversary, a celebratory banquet, which will also help raise funds for the continued operation of Brothers' Keeper, will take place on Thursday, March 25, 2010, at the Genesis Convention Center in Gary, Indiana.

The anniversary banquet will feature a keynote speech by Harry Porterfield, who is well known in Chicago media and is the creator and host of ``People You Should Know.'' The banquet will also feature the inspirational music of The Winslett Family Singers.

Founded by the late Reverend James Anderson of Washington Street Church of God on March 16, 1986, Brothers' Keeper is the oldest and only full service men's homeless shelter in Northwest Indiana. Throughout the years, thousands of lives have been improved through the many services and programs offered by Brothers' Keeper. Brothers' Keeper offers not only food, clothing, and shelter to the men it serves, but also counseling services, information and referral services, job placement assistance, and weekly motivational sessions, as well as a new computer room for members of the community to utilize.

While many people have benefited from these services and from the generosity of the Brothers' Keeper staff, the organization has also made extraordinary efforts to reach out to the surrounding community. In addition to the services offered at the shelter, Brothers' Keeper also operates a soup kitchen, food pantry, clothing bank, recycling program, community service work site, and a senior aid work site.

Madam Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in recognizing the tireless efforts of Brothers' Keeper's Executive Director, Mary Edwards, and the many staff members and volunteers whose generosity and selflessness have touched thousands of lives throughout the last twenty-four years. Their efforts are to be commended, and they are to be honored for their unwavering commitment to their community.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

I would like to take a bit different tack because I met Chairman Murtha for the first time in 1977 when I was an associate staff on Appropriations. My Member and my mentor, Adam Benjamin, Jr., was a member of the Appropriations Committee that year. Mr. Murtha, Mr. Carney, Mr. Benjamin and others were instrumental in that year, not only in that appropriations process, but in also establishing the Steel Caucus, because they were very concerned about people who worked in their district.

What I took away as a staffer from that relationship with Mr. Murtha is the fact that he always treated me and every other staff he came into contact with with respect. He always heard what I had to say and what other staff had to say, whether, as Mr. Obey implied, he always agreed with you or not, and he always treated you very professionally.

I had no conception during those 6 years working as a staff member that the time would come that I would serve as a colleague on the committee with Mr. Murtha, would serve on the subcommittee, and would be blessed enough to call him a friend. He was a friend to every person he encountered. He was a good friend to the people he represented, because he was most concerned with those who worked hard, who needed a job or who needed a hand up.

Our country is much richer because of that attitude that Mr. Murtha carried with him every day, and the world is certainly a much better place than it would have been had he not walked among us.

The fact is, as far as his activities on the Defense subcommittee, and my Member was a former marine as well, I was always struck that while some people are very focused on weapons systems, Mr. Murtha, while never losing sight of the big picture, was most concerned about that individual man or woman who was in the field, who was risking their life and who was serving our country. As he would suggest, operation and maintenance, how you train, how you provide for their safety, how you equip that person and their family and those children was the most important thing for him.

He taught me many valuable life lessons. I am a better person, and we are all better people because of Mr. Murtha. He will be greatly missed, and I deeply appreciate the gentleman from Pennsylvania for this opportunity.

Madam Speaker, it is with great respect and sincere admiration that I rise to celebrate Black History Month and its 2010 theme--The History of Black Economic Empowerment. With the current economic struggles facing our nation, it is fitting that this year's theme focuses on honoring those individuals and organizations that have had an immense impact on society during our most difficult times. Throughout our nation's history, time and time again, African American communities have found strength and purpose in coming together to rise above unfortunate circumstances, and I rise today to pay tribute to those who have demonstrated such remarkable leadership.

The theme for this year's Black History Month, The History of Black Economic Empowerment, is a reminder that in striving for a greater society, we must examine the past. Few organizations can match the impact that the National Urban League has had on promoting economic empowerment in our nation's urban communities. The National Urban League has been a cornerstone of communities across America in carrying out its mission, to enable African Americans to secure economic self- reliance, parity, power and civil rights. As the National Urban League celebrates a remarkable milestone, its 100th anniversary, we take this time to remember the outstanding contributions of those visionaries who sought to bring about hope during the bleakest of times and to recognize those who have carried on their work.

As the Representative for the First Congressional District of Indiana, I have had the pleasure of representing the Urban League of Northwest Indiana and the honor of knowing one of the organization's most influential members, Ms. Eloise Gentry. Ms. Gentry passed away on August 20, 2009, after leading the Urban League of Northwest Indiana for more than thirty years. While Ms. Gentry is missed by all of Northwest Indiana, the impact she has had on her community, not only as the president and chief executive officer of the Urban League but also as an educator in the Gary Community School Corporation and in her many other community service undertakings, will continue to resonate for generations to come. As an educator, activist, and community leader, Ms. Gentry has touched thousands of lives.

As her obituary read, ``First and foremost, Eloise Gentry was an EDUCATOR.'' I cannot think of a more fitting one-word description. From those she taught in the classroom to those she worked closely with at the Urban League to those whose lives she improved through her work, everyone who had the pleasure of knowing Ms. Gentry learned from her, if not by her words then by her example.

While we have lost a pillar of our community, Eloise Gentry's lasting impression and the efforts of the Urban League of Northwest Indiana continue on today. Under the leadership of newly appointed president and chief executive officer, Vanessa Allen, the Urban League of Northwest Indiana, along with the more than one hundred local affiliates across America, continues to strive to provide economic empowerment and educational opportunities for African Americans while seeking to ensure their civil rights.

It is the efforts of organizations like the National Urban League and its affiliates that allow us to reflect on what makes the United States of America so special. While the United States is made up of people from so many different racial, religious, social, and ideological

backgrounds, it is the vision and leadership of people like Eloise Gentry, who have sought to improve the quality of life for all Americans, that has made America what it is.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in recognizing the tireless dedication of the members of organizations such as the National Urban League, who continue their selfless work today, and I ask that you join me in remembering a true hero, Ms. Eloise Gentry, one of Northwest Indiana's finest citizens.