Floor Statements

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. Michael Baird, from Valparaiso, Indiana. On January 21, 2010, Mike was honored by 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 the Avalon Manor in Merrillville, Indiana.

Mike Baird's professional and academic career led him to become a prominent leader in the banking industry for thirty-seven years. In 1970, Mike earned a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from Indiana University. Prior to graduate school, he worked as a representative for Hallmark Cards and also served in the United States Naval Reserve. In 1975, Mike went on to earn his Master's of Business Administration degree in Finance from Indiana University. Mike then began his career managing a middle-market lending division for Continental Bank in Chicago, covering both the Michigan and Indiana markets. In 1988, Mike joined Mercantile Bank as Senior Vice President, Chief Lending Officer, a position he held until 2004 when he assumed the position of Chief Credit Officer. In addition, Mike also served on the board of directors at Mercantile Bank from 1999 to 2004. In December 2004, Harris Bank completed the acquisition of the Hammond, Indiana-based Mercantile Bancorp Incorporated. On January 1, 2005, Mike joined Harris Bank as Senior Vice President and Chief Credit Officer for the Northwest Indiana region. Mike continued to advance in the company and on January 1, 2008, he became the Northwest Indiana Region President for Harris Bank. After many years of devotion to the banking industry, Mike retired from his remarkable career in January 2010.

In addition to his impressive professional career, Mike passionately serves the people of Northwest Indiana through his involvement in many community organizations. Among his many contributions to the community, Mike currently serves as Chairman of the Board of the Northwest Indiana Forum, Vice Chairman of the Board for the Center for Workforce Innovations, Board Member for the Valparaiso Economic Development Corporation, Board Member for the Boys & Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana, Advisory Board Member for the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center, and Advisory Board Member for the Porter County Vocational Career Center.

Mike's dedication to his community is exceeded only by his devotion to his wonderful family. He has been married to his loving wife, Jeanne, for almost 29 years. They have one son, Eric, who is married to Tricia, and three beloved grandchildren: Nick, Russ, and Molly Baird.

Madam Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me

in commending Mr. Michael Baird as he is honored for his lifetime of service and dedication to the Northwest Indiana community. Mike 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 great admiration and tremendous respect that I stand to recognize the Montford Point Marine Association and to join them in honoring the brave individuals who, by enlisting in the United States Marine Corps, became the first African American Marines. In doing so, these Marines made one of the most significant strides in our Nation's fine military history. For their courage and for their willingness to serve their country, these American heroes were honored at an event in Hammond, Indiana, on Sunday, February 21, 2010.

On June 25, 1941, President Franklin D. Roosevelt issued Executive Order 8802, which prohibited discrimination in the defense industry. This historical order was followed in 1942 by a directive that gave African Americans the opportunity to join the United States Marine Corps, a directive that would become one of America's most important advances, not only in terms of our military, but in society as a whole.

Between 1942 and 1949, approximately twenty-thousand African Americans from across the United States were recruited into the Marine Corps. Instead of being sent to traditional Marine training locations, such as San Diego, California, and Parris Island, South Carolina, they were segregated and sent for basic training to Montford Point Camp at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. Montford Point remained active until 1949, following President Harry S. Truman's issuance of Executive Order 9981, which ended the practice of segregation in the United States Military.

As the war progressed, the military could no longer deny that these dedicated and skilled Marines were equally as capable of performing their duties and serving their country as any other members of the military. The Marines of Montford Point sought to serve the United States through their military service, and in doing so, their impact spanned far beyond the military and into American society.

While many of the Marines were recognized for their military achievements, one of the highest honors was bestowed on April 19, 1974, when Montford Point Camp was renamed in honor of one of the most outstanding Marines of the camp, Sergeant Major Gilbert H. ``Hashmark'' Johnson. One of the first African American enlistees to join the Marine Corps, Johnson was a distinguished drill instructor and a veteran of both World War II and the Korean War. To date, Camp Johnson remains the only Marine Corps installation named in honor of an African American.

Madam Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring these fine individuals. Let us never forget their service and the sacrifices they made in defense of the United States of America.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure and honor that I congratulate Ms. Dharathula H. ``Dolly'' Millender on a momentous milestone, her 90th birthday, which will be on February 4, 2010. Dolly will be celebrating this milestone with family and friends on Thursday, February 4, 2010, at The Stadium Restaurant in Gary, Indiana. For 50 years, Dolly's complete dedication and endless enthusiasm put forth toward her community has allowed her the opportunity to enrich the lives of countless people.

Dolly Millender was born on February 4, 1920, in Terre Haute, Indiana, to Dolly and Orestes Hood, and became a third generation Hoosier. Dolly's grandfather, Nicholas Hood, settled in Indiana after becoming free. From her family, Dolly learned the importance of community. They taught her to work unselfishly for the people of the community because it is ``right'' and it should not be done for any other ambition. It was during these early years that Dolly was taught to strive to make a difference in the lives of others. In 1941, Dolly went on to graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Education with a minor in Music from Indiana State Teacher's College, which is now Indiana State University. It was during her college years that she met her late husband, Justyn Millender. In 1944, Dolly and Justyn were married and later had two children, Naomi and Justine.

The family moved to Gary in 1950, and it was here that Dolly became a librarian at Pulaski Junior High, where she was fondly known as the ``library lady.'' It was during this time that she became enthralled with the history of Gary and its roots. Dolly's passion for history and selfless devotion to her community began to take shape, and her lifelong career as a historian and advocate for the community of Gary continued to grow. In 1967, Dolly wrote and published the first of her five books, Yesterday in Gary, which has become a collector's item today. Continuing her education, in 1969, Dolly went on to graduate from Purdue University with a Master's degree in Educational Media. Dolly then began her active political career as a precinct committeeperson and later became the first elected Gary City Councilwoman-at-large. She has held many impressive political positions throughout her career which include: library trustee, school board trustee, and Chief Executive Officer of the Gary Historical and Cultural Society, an unpaid position she continues to hold today. Dolly's many friends and family members share a common respect for her commendable qualities. For her many years of service dedicated to making the community of Gary a better place, Dolly is to be commended. She is a role model for us all.

Madam Speaker, Dolly Millender has always given her time and efforts selflessly to the community of Gary throughout her illustrious

life. She has dedicated her time and effort to serving and inspiring her community and its people, and for this she is worthy of our deepest admiration. I respectfully ask you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in wishing Dolly a very happy 90th birthday.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I stand before you today to recognize the Hobart Chamber of Commerce award winners for 2009. These distinguished recipients will be honored during the Chamber's annual awards and installation banquet, which will take place on Thursday, February 4, 2010, at River Pointe Country Club in Hobart, Indiana.

The Hobart Chamber of Commerce utilizes members of the community in order to improve and develop business, industry, and the professions. Each year, the Chamber members and friends gather together to honor outstanding businesses and volunteers, and to commemorate specific accomplishments within the community. This year, the Chamber will honor the memory of Nancy Norris and Shirley Campbell, two remarkable individuals whose impact on the Hobart community will leave a lasting impression.

Continuing a tradition that dates back more than fifty years, the Chamber will honor its 2009 Outstanding Businesses. The first of the 2009 Outstanding Business award recipients is Alligator Construction. Alligator Construction first opened its doors nine years ago. Owners Dave and Maryann Ferner credit the support of their community for allowing them to grow from a window and siding company to a total remodeling company. Throughout Hobart and beyond, Alligator Construction's quality craftsmanship and commitment to meeting the customers' demands can be seen in the many successful projects they have undertaken. Regional Federal Credit Union, founded in 1961, is also being recognized as an Outstanding Business for 2009. Regional Federal Credit Union continues to flourish as a company committed to community involvement and volunteerism, as well as the promotion of financial education in the school system. The company has seen success and growth throughout Northwest Indiana by providing the community with excellent service in meeting the needs of their customers. The final Outstanding Business for 2009 is Strack and Van Til. What began in 1959 as a partnership between Nick Van Til and Ernie Strack, two local grocery store owners, has emerged as an organization now boasting an astonishing thirty supermarket locations throughout Indiana and Illinois. Priding itself on quality products and quality service, Strack and Van Til has been a leader not only in the grocery business but in the Northwest Indiana community as well. Each of these fine businesses is truly worthy of this tremendous honor.

During this year's banquet, the Hobart Chamber of Commerce will honor Ms. Virginia Curtis with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Ms. Curtis, a longtime resident of Hobart, has been a member of the Chamber for more than thirty years and currently serves on its board of directors. Ms. Curtis is credited as the driving force behind the city's Independence Day festivities and was even selected in 2009 as the Grand Marshal for the parade. Well known for her work as a staff writer for several local newspapers, Ms. Curtis also owned a local restaurant and now serves as the president of the Hobart Community Improvement Committee. For her selfless commitment to her community, I congratulate Ms. Virginia Curtis on this prestigious award.

The Hobart Chamber of Commerce will also congratulate Saint Mary Medical Center for an astonishing 103 years of service to the Northwest Indiana community. The hospital continues to be a leader in the healthcare field and has maintained excellence in providing quality care to those in need. For its outstanding service, Saint Mary Medical Center has received countless awards, including the Distinguished Hospital for Patient Safety Award and the 2008 Hobart Chamber of Commerce Large Business of the Year award. For their many years of service and for the many lives its dedicated staff has improved, I commend the Saint Mary Medical Center.

Madam Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring the Hobart Chamber of Commerce 2009 award winners. For their dedication and commitment to the community of Hobart as well as Northwest Indiana, they are all worthy of the honors bestowed upon them.

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, reminds us that we must continually work to secure and protect our freedoms. Dr. King, in his courage to act, his willingness to meet challenges, and his ability to achieve, 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. In particular, several distinguished individuals from Indiana's First Congressional District will be recognized during the 31st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Breakfast on Saturday, January 16, 2010, at the Genesis Convention Center in Gary, Indiana. The Gary Frontiers Service Club, which was founded in 1952, sponsors this annual breakfast.

This year, the Gary Frontiers Service Club will pay tribute to several local individuals who have for decades unselfishly contributed to improving the quality of life for the people of Gary. Those individuals who will be recognized as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Marchers at this year's breakfast include: Ms. Ella Bush, Ph.D., Mr. Charles Deggans, Mr. Arthur Hoyle, Reverend R.T. Mitchell, and Mr. Linus Scott. Additionally, our distinguished State Senator Earline Rogers and Ms. Era C. Twyman will be honored with the prestigious Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award, an award given out annually to outstanding individuals of the Gary community, while Mr. Claude Powers will be recognized as the 2009 Frontier of the Year.

Though very different in nature, the achievement of all 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 urge you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending the Gary Frontiers Service Club officers: President Oliver J. Gilliam, Vice President James Piggee, Secretary Melvin Ward, Financial Secretary Sam Frazier, and Treasurer/Seventh District Director Floyd Donaldson, as well as Breakfast Chairman Clorius L. Lay, Videographer Otho Lyles, Master of Ceremony Alfred Hammonds, the honorees, and all other members of the service club for their initiative, determination, and dedication to serving the people of Northwest Indiana.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to support the Affordable Health Care for America Act, a bill that will significantly improve our healthcare system.

For too long, our healthcare system has allowed millions of Americans to go uninsured, tolerated egregious and abusive business practices by big insurance and pharmaceutical companies, and ignored skyrocketing costs. It has diminished our nation's collective health and drained our economy. The Affordable Health Care for America Act represents a significant effort to address the iniquities of our current healthcare system.

Specifically, the Affordable Health Care for America Act strengthens the healthcare market for all Americans. For those with insurance, the measure would establish benefits to be included in all health insurance options, including preventative care, mental health services, and dental and vision services for children. Additionally, the measure would establish annual and lifetime out-of-pocket spending caps to ensure that no family faces bankruptcy due to medical expenses. And the Affordable Health Care for America Act would eliminate the decades-long exemption of health insurance companies from federal anti-trust laws, enabling the regulation of abusive business practices.

For those without insurance, the Affordable Health Care for America Act would establish a public health insurance option to compete with-- not replace--private insurance plans. The public health insurance option would aim to provide more Americans with healthcare coverage and would be financed through its premiums. The measure would allow the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate physician and hospital rates for the public option and would prohibit insurance companies from denying coverage based on a pre-existing condition.

Importantly, the measure would repeal the prohibition on negotiating with pharmaceutical companies and would require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to negotiate the prices of prescription medications for Medicare beneficiaries. It is my sincere hope that these negotiations will ameliorate the high out-of-pocket costs for prescription medications faced by our seniors. Additionally, the Affordable Health Care for America Act would provide savings to the Medicare programs by improving payment accuracy to Medicare Advantage.

The Affordable Health Care for America Act would reduce the costs to small businesses, America's economic engine, by establishing a Health Insurance Exchange where these businesses will benefit from large group rates and a greater choice of insurance options for their employees. Further, the measure would provide tax credits to eligible small businesses for assistance with the costs of providing health insurance to their employees.

Finally, the Affordable Health Care for America Act is not only fully paid for, but according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office it would reduce the deficit by $104 billion over the next ten years and would continue to reduce the deficit in the following decade.

Through these provisions and others I believe that the Affordable Health Care for America Act will accomplish my goals for healthcare reform, namely to give more security and stability to those who have health insurance, to provide affordable, quality options to those who do not have health insurance, and to lower the cost of healthcare for families, businesses, and society.

Although this bill may not be perfect, it will improve our healthcare system. It is the result of a lengthy, transparent process that has helped the bill evolve and improve at each step of the way. I will continue to closely monitor the legislation's progress.

Voting for comprehensive healthcare reform at long last was a gratifying experience. I believe that a generation from now people will ask the question, what took us so long?

Madam Speaker, it is with sincere admiration that I recognize the Asian American Medical Association, which will be hosting its 33rd Annual Gala on Saturday, November 7, 2009, at the 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 each year at this annual banquet.

The Asian American Medical Association has always been a great asset to Northwest Indiana. Its members have selflessly dedicated themselves to providing quality medical service to the residents of Indiana's First Congressional District, and they have always demonstrated exemplary service through their many cultural, scholastic, and charitable endeavors.

At this year's charity ball, the Asian American Medical Association will present the Crystal Globe Award to one of Northwest Indiana's finest citizens, Mr. Gary Mitchell, President and CEO of Opportunity Enterprises, Inc., a non-profit organization that serves to create opportunities for individuals with unique challenges and abilities. From the beginning, social work was not only a career choice for Gary but a way of life. Focused on his calling, Gary graduated from Ball State University with a bachelor's degree in social work and went on to receive his master's degree in social work from Indiana University. After college, Gary held many positions in the social service field, and he also has years of experience in business and industry.

In 1986, Gary joined the team at Opportunity Enterprises as the Chief Executive Officer. Opportunity Enterprises has enjoyed unprecedented success under Gary's leadership. The company has continued to grow and expand. In 1986, the organization served 263 individuals with disabilities on a daily basis. Since then, Opportunity Enterprises has shown immense growth and now serves over 1,000 individuals. Gary has made it his goal to provide day services, residential programs, and vocational opportunities for individuals of all ages, whether they have physical, emotional, or developmental disabilities. For the past 15 years, Opportunity Enterprises has received the three-year accreditation for the Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF), a not-for-profit organization that establishes standards of quality for service to people with disabilities. In addition, for his efforts on behalf of his community, Gary has received numerous honors, including the President's Award in 1992 and the Sagamore of the Wabash in 1993 from then-Governor of Indiana, Evan Bayh. For his selfless and passionate support for helping individuals to re-establish their roles in community life, Gary is to be commended and admired. He is truly an inspiration.

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 42 years. They have three children and seven grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending the Asian American Medical Association, as well as this year's Crystal Globe Award recipient, Mr. Gary Mitchell, for their outstanding contributions to their communities and beyond. Their unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for the people of Northwest Indiana and throughout the United States is truly inspirational. For these reasons, the Asian American Medical Association, its members, and Mr. Mitchell are to be recognized, and I am proud to serve as their representative in Washington, D.C.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I pay tribute to one of Northwest Indiana's most dedicated and selfless citizens, Mr. Ronald Good, of Lake Station, Indiana. After serving the people of Lake Station as a firefighter for 52 years, the last 16 of which he served as the department's Fire Chief, Ron retired from service at the end of 2007. In recognition of Mr. Good's service to his community, not only as a firefighter but also for his commitment to serving his community in many other capacities, a party will be held in his honor on Sunday, November 8, 2009, at the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9323 in Lake Station, Indiana.

Following a 3-year enlistment in the United States Marine Corps, Ron returned to his hometown and joined the fire department in 1956 at the age of 21. He credits his grandfather, Captain Solomon Hursey, a charter member of the fire department, which was then the East Gary Fire Department, with peaking his interest in his chosen career path. Mr. Good, as a child, would often go on fire calls and was immediately drawn to the idea of following in his grandfather's footsteps. Later on in his life, it must have made Ron quite proud to see two of his sons keep the family tradition alive through their service as Lake Station firefighters.

Aside from his incredible 52 years of service on the fire department, Ron's contributions to Northwest Indiana and beyond through his service on various firefighters' associations and service organizations have also touched the lives of many people. Mr. Good is a lifetime member of both the Indiana Volunteer Firefighters Association and the Indiana Firefighters Association, for which he has served on the Board of Directors. He is also a lifetime member of both Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9323 and American Legion Post 100, and he has been an active member of the Lake Station Lions Club for the past 30 years. Never one to shy away from taking a leadership role when it comes to service to his community, Mr. Good also served for several years as a representative on the Lake Station City Council.

Ron Good's commitment to his community has been matched only by his commitment to his family. A husband, father, grandfather, and great- grandfather, Ron and his adoring wife of an astonishing 54 years, Beverly, have 7 children, 15 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending Mr. Ronald Good for his lifetime of leadership, service, and dedication to the residents of Lake Station, Indiana. He has touched the lives of countless citizens, and his commitment to the safety of his community and to the improvement of the quality of life for the people of Lake Station is to be admired.

Madam Speaker, it is with great honor and enthusiasm that I congratulate Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Church as they join together in celebration of their 95th anniversary. The parishioners, along with Parish Priest, Father Marko Matic, and Parish President, Mr. Dennis Svilar, will be celebrating this very momentous occasion on Sunday, November 8, 2009. Festivities will begin with Divine Liturgy, followed by a banquet and program featuring Mr. Nicholas Chabraja as the guest speaker. This special event will take place at Saint Elijah Hall in Merrillville, Indiana.

Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Church, which was founded in Gary, Indiana, and is now located in Merrillville is one of the Midwest's oldest parishes. The tradition of Saint Sava's is well-known throughout Northwest Indiana because of the continued efforts of the clergy and parishioners over the past 95 years to perpetuate the Serbian Orthodox faith and traditions. In 1914, the founders proclaimed the mission of their new church before the Secretary of State in Indianapolis, Indiana. Their mission is as follows: ``The purpose of this parish is to preach the Word of God (the Lord Jesus) and take spiritual care of its members; to spread goodness, justice, brotherly love, and respect among its members.''

Named for Saint Sava, the first Archbishop of the Serbian church, Saint Sava's first formal church-school congregation was organized in 1914, followed by the first church in 1915. From there, the parishioners built the first church and school on 20th Avenue and Connecticut Street in Gary. Through difficult economic times, the parishioners at Saint Sava continued with their mission, and after the Great Depression, the parish built an even larger church, school, and parish hall on 13th Avenue and Connecticut in Gary in order to accommodate their rapidly growing membership. This building remained until a devastating fire consumed it in February of 1978, causing Saint Sava's to quickly relocate to a newly constructed chapel in a parish hall they had built years earlier. This hall, located in Hobart, Indiana, had been utilized as a place for summer meetings and family picnics.

From 1978 until 1991, Saint Sava's Liturgy continued to be performed in the Hobart chapel. However, it was during this time that longtime parish priest, Very Reverend Father Jovan Todorovich, and the church board

began to assemble ideas for the construction of a new church. With Father Todorovich's leadership and committed efforts, as well as the vast efforts of many parishioners, the people of Saint Sava were able to move into their current place of worship. In May of 1991, the parish celebrated a ``new beginning'' when a brand new building was constructed. This magnificent building opened in Merrillville, where relics which survived the fire were blessed and installed into the new church. Today, Saint Sava's members continue to gather there to worship and to celebrate, as well as to continue with the mission of their founding members.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring and congratulating Saint Sava Serbian Orthodox Church on their 95th anniversary. Throughout many hardships and trials, the members of Saint Sava have dedicated themselves to providing a spiritual and guiding light through the protection of the Serbian Orthodox faith and traditions for all of Northwest Indiana. Their constant dedication and commitment is worthy of the highest commendation.

Madam Speaker, Wednesday, November 11, 2009, marks the observance of Veterans Day, a day in which we, as a grateful nation, honor our veterans, who have pledged allegiance to their country through their service in the United States military. This day is set aside to recognize the boldness and bravery of those who have fought to uphold the standards of democracy and to defend the United States of America.

On Veterans Day, in cities and towns across America, proud citizens will pay tribute to our esteemed veterans with ceremonies, presentations, and programs to show their gratitude to those who have sacrificed so much. I would like to take this time to recognize one such event hosted by the Merrillville, Indiana, Rotary Club. On Veterans Day, the Merrillville branch of Rotary International will host an event at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville, celebrating the patriotism and pride of all veterans, while paying special tribute to 11 members of their club who served their country in the United States military and continue to serve their community as loyal Rotarians.

Founded in Chicago in 1905 as the Rotary Club of Chicago, Rotary International is the world's first service club. A global organization, Rotary now boasts more than 33,000 clubs in over 200 countries, with a membership of more than 1.2 million. At the core of Rotary International is a commitment to ``providing humanitarian service, encouraging high ethical standards in all vocations, and helping to build goodwill and peace in the world.'' The Merrillville Rotary Club, through its commitment to improving educational opportunities for students, as well as the active role its members have taken in creating youth-oriented programs, is a true source of pride in Northwest Indiana, so it is with great pride that I join them in honoring eleven members who have selflessly served their country to preserve our freedom.

Please join me in recognizing: Dean Sangalis--Major General, United States Marine Corps, Robert Andree--Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army, Al Kuchar--Major, United States Army, Tony Fileff--First Lieutenant, United States Marine Corps, Juan Arroyo--Sergeant, United States Air Force, Ray Bryant--Sergeant, United States Army, Jerry Bernstein--Sergeant, United States Army, James Keough--First Lieutenant, United States Army Corps of Engineers, Gary Maxwell--Petty Officer First Class, United States Navy, Ray Snemis--Petty Officer Second Class, United States Navy, and Ed Dernule--Petty Officer Third Class, United States Navy Reserve.

The great sacrifice made by these men and all those who have served our country has resulted in the freedom and prosperity of our country and of countries around the world. I commend these men and all veterans who have served this country for their bravery, courage, and undying commitment to patriotism and democracy. We will forever be indebted to our veterans and their families for the sacrifices they made so that we can enjoy our freedom.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other colleagues join me in thanking the Merrillville Rotary Club for taking this opportunity to honor their veterans and in saluting these 11 men, and all veterans, who have fought for our great country.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct honor to congratulate the Croatian Sons Lodge Number 170 of the Croatian Fraternal Union on the festive occasion of its 102nd anniversary and Golden Member banquet on Sunday, October 11, 2009.

This year, the Croatian Fraternal Union will hold this gala event at the Croatian Center in Merrillville, Indiana. Traditionally, the anniversary celebration entails a formal recognition of the Union's Golden Members, those who have achieved fifty years of membership. This year's honorees, who have attained fifty years of membership, include: John B. Belork, Richard J. Bundek, Victoria Ann Burson, Robert J. Erdelac, Michael Grasa, Richard F. Grcevich, Joanne James, Peter P. Jay, Mary Ellen Kaegebein, Mirjana M. Kirincic, Della Klobuchar, Lawrence Labash, Slavko Ladic, Miyo George Mrkonich, Joan Marie Pope, Frances Razumich, Rudolph J. Rubesha, Jr., Peter George Tarpo, and Valerie Trtan.

These loyal and dedicated individuals share this prestigious honor with approximately 489 additional Lodge members who have previously attained this important designation.

This memorable day will begin with a mass at Saint Joseph the Worker Croatian Catholic Church in Gary, Indiana, with the Reverend Father Stephen Loncar officiating. The banquet will begin at 1:00 p.m.

Madam Speaker, I urge you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Lodge President John Miksich, and all members of the Croatian Fraternal Union Lodge Number 170, for their loyalty and radiant display of passion for their ethnicity. The Croatian community has played a key role in enriching the quality of life and culture of Northwest Indiana. It is my hope that this year will bring renewed hope and prosperity for all members of the Croatian community and their families.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I take this moment to congratulate the city of Whiting, Indiana, in celebrating the 100th anniversary of Whiting Park. Throughout the years, Whiting Park has been an integral part of the community providing residents with a place to create lasting memories while preserving the history of the city. Whiting commemorated this extraordinary milestone on July 18, 2009, with a celebration in the park presented by the Whiting Park Festival Orchestra.

In the early 1900s the idea for Whiting Park began to take shape. Many activists in the area, at the time, could envision the potential for a magnificent park that would serve to bring the community closer together. In 1908, Frank Long, Chairman of the City Council Park Committee, along with Mayor Fred J. Smith, helped the city to acquire 22 acres of land bounded by Front and 117th Streets, the New York Central Railroad tracks and Lake Michigan. Whiting purchased the land from the Forsythe Estate for $75,000. Whiting Park continued to expand, and by the 1920s the park included a man-made lagoon, fountains, attractive walkways, a baseball diamond, trapshooting facility, tennis courts, a playground, and a pavilion used for ballroom dancing and different music venues. In addition, a bath house was built for the beach lakefront activities, which included two waterslides and a diving board. The winter months at the park were filled with ice skaters, sledding, and ice hockey games. Over the next two and a half decades, thousands of people would flock to Whiting Park for the amenities on the land and in the water, all year round making the park one of the most popular on the entire lakeshore.

The next 30 years proved to be a troublesome time for Whiting Park, and there were many factors that led to the downfall of the park's glorious days of the past. Whiting Park Beach was closed in the late 1940s due to a high bacteria count in the water. The war emergency, at the time, led to limited city and federal funding for the upkeep of the park and beach. While there were proposed solutions over the years to bring back the Whiting Park of the past, many of them fell through. People began to think that the once famous Whiting Park would never be restored.

Finally, in 1977, the Whiting Park and Recreation Board was established. Through the efforts of the Parks Department, the beach was reopened on August 23, 1981, and came to be known as Whihala Beach County Park. The name ``Whihala'' stands for Whiting, Hammond, and Lake County Parks Department. With the new beach open, the Whiting Parks Department began again to concentrate on restoring the beauty of Whiting Park. Over the years, volunteer groups spent much time planting new flowers, and restoring the main garden, pond and waterfall area near the entrance of the park, bringing the park back to life. Today, Whiting Park spans approximately 15 acres and includes playground equipment, walking paths, four tennis courts, one baseball diamond, picnic facilities, a concession area, a fishing pier, two sand volleyball courts, an in-line skate/hockey rink, and a fish pond including a waterfall.

As Whiting Park celebrates its 100th anniversary, there are also many innovative plans for the future, including working to become an integral part of the proposed Marquette Plan, a project that will better utilize Northwest Indiana's Lake Michigan shoreline.

Madam Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in honoring and congratulating the city of Whiting on their 100th anniversary of Whiting Park. Throughout the years, Whiting Park has been a historical reminder of a city whose people continue to push forward with enthusiasm and faith to return this park to one of the most prized recreational lakefronts in the region, just as it was at the turn of the century. Their constant dedication and commitment is worthy of our deepest admiration.

Madam Speaker, it is my distinct honor to rise today to honor one of America's finest organizations, the American Legion, and to recognize one if its local posts, Whiting American Legion Post 80, on its 90th anniversary. Post 80 came to be shortly after the founding of the national organization. In honor of this momentous occasion, the members of Post 80 will be celebrating with dinner and entertainment on Sunday, September 19, 2009, at the legion hall in Whiting, where they will host Robert Newman, Department of Indiana American Legion Commander, as their featured speaker.

Just yesterday, the United States House of Representatives joined the Senate in passing legislation supporting the goals and ideals of American Legion Day. For the past ninety years, Whiting Post 80 has been an extraordinary example of the ideals and mission of the American Legion. Overall, the American Legion boasts nearly 15,000 posts, and remarkably, consists of nearly three million members. In their communities, American Legion posts are a source of pride for their many contributions made to aid veterans and to better their communities.

Throughout the years, Whiting Post 80 has taken heed of the American Legion's mission. They have been well known in the Whiting-Robertsdale area for their many activities aimed at honoring veterans, which have included an honor guard and drum and bugle corps, but also for their many programs that serve the youth and families in their community.

From within the ranks of its membership, Whiting Post 80 has seen some of its members rise to great ranks within the American Legion organization. They have had two members, Donald Hynes and Richard Quattrin, serve as Department of Indiana Commanders. Quite impressively, Mr. Quattrin also served at the national level as the National Executive Committeeman for the Department of Indiana. Four of Post 80's members have also been honored with the American Legion's highest award, The Distinguished Service Award. These individuals are: Donald Hynes, who served as post adjutant for five years, Leo Mulva, who served as post adjutant for a remarkable forty-eight years, Richard Quattrin, who also served an impressive thirty years as post adjutant, and Bert Tiemersma.

Additionally, of the nearly one hundred World War II veterans who are members of Post 80, sixteen of them have over sixty years of service to the organization, including their longtime service officer, Nick Oprisko, who still serves in that capacity and is in his 66th year with the post.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in recognizing American Legion Post 80 and its members on its 90th anniversary. I also ask that you join me in honoring its membership for their service to their community, its veterans, and their commitment to the ideals of the American Legion. Their efforts have played a major role in elevating the quality life in their community.

Madam Speaker, it is with great respect that I rise to celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month and its 2009 theme-- Embracing the Fierce Urgency of Now! From September 15, 2009, through October 15, 2009, the people of the United States will once again celebrate the histories, cultures, and traditions of our Hispanic American brothers and sisters. Since its inception as National Hispanic Heritage Week in 1968, which later became National Hispanic Heritage Month in 1988, Americans have taken this time to not only honor the rich culture and traditions of Hispanic Americans, but also to reflect on the countless contributions they have made that have led to improvements in their communities, and in turn, a better America.

As we reflect on the importance of the contributions that have been made by Hispanic Americans, I would like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to one individual in particular from the First Congressional District who has represented the epitome of leadership and civil service within Northwest Indiana, the Honorable Lorenzo Arredondo, Lake County Circuit Court Judge. For over three decades, Judge Arredondo has presided over his courtroom, making him the longest serving elected State trial judge in the United States.

Raised in East Chicago, Indiana, Judge Arredondo has brought a very unique perspective to the courtroom. As a child in East Chicago, he grew up in a very diverse community, influenced by many ethnic groups, all living and working together. In East Chicago, a city centered around its steel mills, Judge Arredondo also learned the value of hard work, and of teamwork. This, no doubt, served him well in his later pursuits and has been a cornerstone of his remarkable career.

While serving on the bench for more than three decades is a truly amazing feat, it is Judge Arredondo's passion for and service to improving the justice system that makes his

tenure so impressive. His distinguished career includes service on the faculty of the National Judicial College and the Indiana Trial Advocacy College, on the board and executive committee of the American Judicature Society, as president of the Hispanic National Bar Association, and on the boards of the Indiana Judges Association and Judicial Conference. Not one to rest on his laurels, Judge Arredondo is currently vice-chair of the Indiana Supreme Court's Commission on Race and Gender Fairness, and he serves on the board of the Legacy Foundation. At home in Lake County, understanding the important role families play, Judge Arredondo has made great strides in improving opportunities for families, including the creation of the Family Division of the Lake County Court and the Domestic Relations Counseling Bureau, as well as the ``Children's Room,'' which aims to reduce stress on children whose parents are attending court.

While his knowledge and experience have crossed all cultural and racial divides, Judge Arredondo's contributions to issues vital to the Hispanic population are unmatched. It is for this reason that he has been summoned on numerous occasions to the White House to share his experience and his knowledge. For his contributions, Judge Arredondo is one of only five individuals in the thirty-nine year history of the National Hispanic Bar Association to receive the prestigious Lincoln- Juarez Award. Additionally, Judge Arredondo has been awarded the Indiana Judges Association Award for excellence in public information, the Indiana State Bar Association's prestigious Rabb Emison Award, and the Sherman Minton Award for Judicial Excellence.

Madam Speaker, as we celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month, let us pay tribute to leaders such as Judge Lorenzo Arredondo, who have contributed so much to the improvement of our communities and our nation. I respectfully ask that you and my other colleagues join me in commending Judge Arredondo for his lifetime of service to the First Congressional District. I am proud to serve as his representative in Washington, DC.

I appreciate the gentleman's yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1287, the Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center Lease Act. I am the proud sponsor of this legislation, and as I have in the previous Congress, I thank Mr. Donnelly for joining me as a cosponsor.

I also do want to thank Chairman Rahall, Ranking Member Hastings, Subcommittee Ranking Member Bishop, and especially Subcommittee Chairman Grijalva for all of their hard work in ensuring that this legislation is brought to the floor.

It has been explained and I will simply say that it is my sincere hope that this legislation will enable the continuance of our efforts to protect and to enhance the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore and to ensure that all Americans can benefit from the park. The Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, which was established in 1966, is relatively new, but as it continues to mature, the Dorothy Buell Memorial Visitor Center will be vital in helping to provide each lakeshore visitor a complete and rewarding experience.

Mr. Speaker, we should not delay the lakeshore's ability to mature, thus allowing more people to appreciate the natural beauty of northwest Indiana.

Again, I urge my colleagues, as they did in the last Congress, to support this measure.