Floor Statements

Mr. 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 and, if necessary, fight 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 Gary Frontiers Service Club, founded in 1952, sponsors this annual memorial breakfast. This year the Gary Frontiers Service Club will pay tribute to four local individuals who have unselfishly contributed to improving the human condition of others in the City of Gary for decades. Those individuals, who will be named Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Marchers at this year's breakfast, include Dr. Clarence W. Boone, Sr. MD, Richard Comer, Dharathula (Dolly) Millender, and Sgt. Louis Stewart. Mr. Johnathan Comer will be honored with the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Drum Major Award. Mr. Comer has dedicated his life to fighting for civil rights. These distinguished individuals from Indiana's First Congressional District will be recognized during the 26th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Breakfast on Monday, January 17, 2005, at the Genesis Convention Center in Gary, Indiana. The invited guest speaker will be The Honorable Mitch Daniels, Governor of the State of Indiana.

This year the Gary Frontiers Club also will honor Richard Grey, the Post Tribune's North Lake editor and columnist for his outstanding service to the Gary Frontiers Service Club, Inc. in publicizing the Martin Luther King Jr. Marchers and Drum Major Awards. Richard passed away on November 25, 2004 at the age of 53. Mrs. Audrey Grey will accept his award. Ms. Sydney Eastern, a senior at Wirt High School in Gary, Indiana will be honored for receiving first place among all participants in the State of Indiana in the 2005 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Essay Contest. Ms. Gloria Griffin is Sydney's teacher. Though very different in nature, the achievement of these individuals reflects many of the same attributes that Dr. King possessed, as well as the values he advocated. Like Dr. King, these individuals saw challenges and rose to the occasion. 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 worked to achieve them.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending the Gary Frontiers Service Club President, Mr. Floyd Donaldson, Oliver Gilliam, Melvin Ward, Clorius L. Lay, and all other members of the service club for their initiative, determination and dedication to making Northwest Indiana a better place for all who live and work there.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and enthusiasm that I congratulate St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church as they join together in the celebration of their 75th anniversary. The festivities will begin on Saturday, January 8, 2005. The parish community of St. Francis will also host a variety of activities throughout the entire year of 2005.

In 1882 there were two churches, Catholic and Methodist that existed in Lake Station, Indiana. The first Catholic Church was located at a Way Station on the Stage Line that operated between Michigan and Joliet. It stood on the identical spot which the present church now occupies. The Way Station was listed on railroad bulletins as Lake Station. The Michigan Central Railroad was built from Detroit to Chicago in 1852, and at this time the structure was not known as a parish church but as a chapel. This building was in existence before the railroad. The original bell from the structure was stored when the building was razed and is now still in use at the present church.

Father Francis Xavier Guerre was the pastor of St. Mary of the Lake in Miller, Indiana. He was persuaded to start a mission parish in East Gary. Father Guerre founded the mission parish of St. Francis Xavier in 1930, and Bishop John F. Noll dedicated the church in 1931. The name St. Francis Xavier was in honor of Father Guerre's patron saint. The parish continued as a mission until 1941, when Bishop appointed Father Francis Quinn as its resident pastor.

In 1950 Father Koors planned for the enlargement of the existing church and the erection of a Parochial School. However, Father Koors needed a written guarantee that nuns would be available to teach in the school. Six orders of nuns were contacted before a written guarantee was received from Mother Emily of the Poor Sisters of St. Francis of Seraph. Mother Emily persuaded her Council to give the necessary written guarantee for the Sisters to teach at St. Francis Xavier. On September 5, 1956, the St. Francis Xavier School was officially opened for classes. The School was dedicated and blessed on November 11, 1956 by Bishop Pursley.

In 1984, Father Robert Evers became the Pastor of the St. Francis. Father Evers reopened the ``Center'' and procured the help of the Jesuits to service the Spanish community with week-end and daily masses. When the Jesuits left, liturgies were again celebrated in the main church. Father Evers retired in June 2004 after serving the parish for 20 years. The proud parishioners are thankful for the spiritual and emotional leadership he and the previous pastors have provided during the years.

The present church's beautiful interior features sculptured statues of the Virgin Mary, St. Joseph, the Infant of Prague, and St. Theresa. The beautiful, dimly-lit interior is illuminated by sunlight through the stained-glass window and dozens of votive candles flicker through ruby and sapphire tinted globes. The present pastor, Reverend J. Anthony Valtierra and his congregation continue to serve the needs of the citizens of Northwest Indiana. By offering service and guidance to others, the members of St. Francis Xavier Church have proven their sincere dedication and motivation for assisting others in need.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring and congratulating St. Francis Xavier Church on their 75th anniversary. They have provided support and guidance for all those in the community. Their constant dedication and commitment is worthy of the highest commendation.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and enthusiasm that I congratulate St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Cathedral as they join together in the celebration of their 40th anniversary. They will be celebrating this very momentous and special occasion on Saturday, November 20, 2004.

The Serbian Orthodox Cathedral of St. Elijah the Prophet is comprised of faithful descendants who came from many parts of the world such as Hercegovina, Bosnia, Lika, Banat, Dalmatia, and Serbia. Some also came from sections of America and Canada. The thriving steel mills offered ready employment. For many descendants, their relatives, friends, and acquaintances were already located in Northwest Indiana. Each soul believed that Eastern Orthodoxy and the Serbian Orthodox Church, as well as the continuance of their Patronal Feast ``Krsna Slava,'' was a priceless inheritance and worthy of great sacrifice. They gathered together under the banner and intercessions of St. Elijah the Prophet, with faith in God Almighty in Trinity to found a church-school congregation in Merrillville, Indiana.

St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Cathedral is led in its faith by the Very Reverend Archpriest Lazar Kostur. In 1986, Protopresbyter Stavrofor George Lazich, retired, and the St. Elijah Cathedral Church Congregation elected Father Lazar to the status of permanent parish priest. On November 5, 1989 he was elevated to the dignity of an Archpriest by Bishop Mitrophan. Father Lazar, along with his wife, Protinica Mira and their beautiful children has served the Serbian Orthodox Church faithfully. The proud parishioners are thankful for the spiritual and emotional leadership he has provided during the years since his ordination.

His Eminence Metropolitan Christopher, His Grace Bishop Longin, His Grace Bishop Mitrophan, and His Grace Bishop Peter have all been invited along with clergy of the Gracanica Diocese and Midwestern Metropolitanate. St. Elijah Cathedral Choir will sing the responses in the church. Hieromonk Irinej Dobrijevic of Belgrade, Serbia, and consultant to the Holy Assembly of Bishops will be the featured speaker. The celebration will include performances by the St. Elijah ``Frula'' Folklore Group, St. Elijah Cathedral Choir and the Czar Lazar Men's Choir of Pittsburgh. A dance with live music from Mladost and Drina will begin after Vespers.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring and congratulating St. Elijah Serbian Orthodox Cathedral on their 40th anniversary. The members of St. Elijah 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.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and enthusiasm that I congratulate the members of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana as they celebrate their 90th anniversary. The festivities will begin on Sunday, November 14, 2004 with a special service, followed by a banquet to celebrate this momentous occasion.

Beckoning visitors who are traveling on Interstate 65, the golden domes of St. Sava offer an amazing spectacle. However, it is the interior of the church that the parishioners hold sacred. Built from Indiana limestone in a five-year construction project, the present sanctuary located at 9191 Mississippi Street in Merrillville replaced the original St. Sava Church, built in 1914 in Gary, Indiana, after that church was destroyed by fire. The dedicated members of the church came together to worship at the St. Sava ``small hall'' in Hobart, Indiana while plans were made for their new sanctuary. Undeterred by the loss of their church building, the congregation demonstrated their commitment to each other and to their faith by carrying on with their services at the ``small hall'' for 13 years.

Mr. Speaker, St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church is led in its faith by the Very Reverend Jovan Todorovich. He has been the priest at the church for 35 of its 90 years, and the proud parishioners are thankful for the spiritual and emotional leadership he has provided during that time. Church President Michael Gallich has attended St. Sava since 1946 and is proud that the church has been able to maintain the Serbian traditions and customs that make their church unique. Father Todorovich believes the anniversary can be used to connect the new generation of the church with its past. Because the congregation has been blessed with tremendous leadership and good fortune throughout its history, it is appropriate that the celebration of the church's anniversary will be held near the Thanksgiving holiday.

His Grace Bishop Longin, along with the Very Reverend Todorovich, will serve the Holy Hierarchical Liturgy the morning of November 14, which will be followed by a memorial service to be conducted by representatives of a local American Legion at the adjacent Memorial Park to commemorate the fallen soldiers of all wars. The celebration banquet will conclude the festivities, which will feature St. Sava's folklore group and choir, as well as tamburitza orchestras and kolo bands.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating the congregation of St. Sava Serbian Orthodox Church as they celebrate the 90th anniversary of their parish. Blessed with outstanding leadership and unwavering faith, the congregation of St. Sava has enriched Northwest Indiana by bringing the proud and historic Serbian traditions to our community. May God continue to bless the parishioners and the church leaders for many years to come.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and pleasure that I stand before you today to recognize the many accomplishments of the Girl Scouts of the Calumet Council throughout its 50 years of service to the Northwest Indiana community. The special black tie gala celebration and fundraiser will be held on Saturday, November 13, 2004 at the Ville Cesare in Schererville, Indiana.

The Girl Scouts is an informal educational organization of more than three million girls. The organization was founded in the United States by Juliette Gordon Low in 1912. The Girl Scouts of the Calumet Council is one of 319 councils nationwide whose sole mission is to help all girls reach their fullest potential. This group emphasizes the values of fairness, self-respect, community service, high standards of conduct, and appreciation for diversity, which contribute to the girls becoming successful citizens and future leaders in their communities. Through a value based informal education and recreation program, the Girl Scouts of the Calumet Council also teaches girls how to set and reach goals, improve decision making skills, become leaders, develop values, and contribute to society.

The Calumet Council currently serves over 4,800 girls with an additional 1,700 adult volunteers in Dyer, East Chicago, Griffith, Hammond, Highland, Munster, St. John, Schererville, and Whiting, Indiana and Burnham, Calumet City, Lansing, and Lynwood, Illinois. With the help of the many adult volunteers, girls in the Calumet Council participate in a variety of activities and programs. Over the last 50 years, Girl Scouts of the Calumet Council has helped mold thousands of young women in Indiana's First Congressional District into responsible, dynamic, and successful leaders in the community. The Girl Scouts of the Calumet Council has achieved success in inspiring and enabling young females to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring and congratulating the Girl Scouts of the Calumet Council, as well as its staff and community leaders, on their 50th anniversary. Their many accomplishments and service to Lake County, Indiana will forever be cherished and commended.

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to announce that the Asian-American Medical Association will be hosting the 28th Annual Asian-American Charity Ball on Saturday, November 13, 2004, at the Avalon Manor in Hobart, Indiana. Each year, the Asian-American Medical Association honors prominent, extraordinary citizens for their contributions to the community. In recognition of their tremendous efforts, they are honored at a banquet and awarded the prestigious Crystal Globe Award.

The Asian-American Medical Association is a great asset to Northwest Indiana. This organization has dedicated itself to providing quality service to the residents of Indiana's First

Congressional District in the medical community and has demonstrated exemplary service in its cultural, scholastic, and charitable endeavors.

At this year's annual charity gala, the Asian-American Medical Association will present Mr. Feisal Istrabadi with the Crystal Globe award. Feisal is a resident of Valparaiso, Indiana. He was born in Iraq and he has spent almost 16 years as an Attorney in Valparaiso. Feisal was recently chosen as Iraq's interim ambassador to the United Nations. He was nominated in January 2004 by the President of the Iraqi Governing Council. In June 2004 he was re-nominated, and he was then appointed by the President of Iraq. Feisal returned to Iraq within the past two years at the request of the government, to help rebuild the country. He helped write the interim constitution that is now in place and he also helped author the interim bill of rights. I am honored to commend Feisal for his commitment and dedication to the well being of those who seek his knowledge and leadership. His efforts and hard work are worthy of the highest recognition.

Although Feisal's career consumes much of his time, Feisal has never limited the time he gives to his most important interest, his family. He and his wife, Juliet have two daughters.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending the Asian-American Medical Society and Feisal Istrabadi for their outstanding contributions. Their commitment to improving the quality of life for the people of Northwest Indiana and throughout the world is truly inspirational and should be recognized and commended.

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to commend a few dedicated individuals who have made significant contributions to Northwest Indiana. Richard Malis, David White, and Toni's Dance Academy, will be recognized by the Greater Portage Chamber of Commerce at the Annual Fall Dinner/Dance and Recognition Ceremony awards, on Saturday, November 20, 2004.

These loyal and dedicated individuals will share this prestigious honor. Each one of these individuals has played a key role in enriching the quality of life in Northwest Indiana. These individuals are being honored for their tireless efforts and dedication to the Portage community.

Richard Malis will be honored with the Humanitarian of the Year Award. Richard actively promotes and provides humanitarian services to the Portage community without regard to monetary gain. His outstanding service and donation of time represents the epitome of what a dedicated public servant should be.

David White will be honored with the Outstanding Public Citizen Award. David is recognized for his commitment to the Portage community. He is a well respected individual who volunteers his time and abilities to improve the quality of life for the residents in Portage. David has given his time and efforts selflessly to his community to enhance the image of Portage.

Further, Toni's Dance Academy will be recognized with the Putting Portage on the Map Award. This award recognizes those individuals, teams, or organizations whose achievements bring state or national recognition to the Portage community. Toni's Dance Academy has achieved success in inspiring and enabling individuals to realize their full potential as productive, responsible, and caring citizens.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending these individuals for their outstanding contributions to Indiana's First Congressional District. Their commitment to improving the quality of life for the people of Northwest Indiana is truly inspirational and should be recognized and commended.

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to commend five dedicated individuals who have made significant contributions to Northwest Indiana. These loyal and dedicated individuals, Rosa Vega, Valeta Brannon, John Bakota, Daniel Lowery, and Leonard Tomaszewski, will be honored for their dedication to justice and to the people of Northwest Indiana by the Calumet Project at an awards luncheon at the Social Hall of Our Lady of Perpetual Help Parish in Hammond, Indiana on Friday, November 19, 2004.

The Calumet Community Hero Award is being presented to three individuals for their tireless efforts in promoting justice in Northwest Indiana. This year's first honoree is Rosa Vega, a graduate of Gary West Side High School. She has been a member of the executive board of SEIU Local 73 Division 208 since 1979 and has been employed by the Gary School Corporation since 1971. Rosa is also very active in the Cub Scouts and is a past recipient of the George Meany Scouting Award.

Also receiving a Calumet Community Hero Award is the youngest of this year's award recipients, Valetta Brannon. Valetta is a 1999 graduate of Bishop Noll Institute, where she organized the Black History Club, and a 2004 graduate of Purdue University Calumet, where she earned her B.A. in Psychology. She is employed by the Family & Youth Services Bureau as a Residential Counselor and with Porter-Starke Children Services as a Behavioral Specialist. Her future plans include pursuing an MSW and continuing to fight for social justice for the people of Northwest Indiana.

The third Calumet Community Hero Award is being presented to John Bakota. John is a graduate of East Chicago Roosevelt High School and is a veteran of the United States Army. John spent 38 years as a millwright at LTV Steel, and he has always been extremely active in promoting the enrichment of his community. John is a compassionate activist with the Coalition for a Clean Environment, and he is being honored for his ongoing quest to see to it that justice prevails.

This year's Unity Award is being presented to Daniel Lowery, Ph.D. Dr. Lowery is a graduate of Valparaiso University, holds a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Indiana University Northwest, and received a Ph.D. in Public Administration from the University of Illinois at Chicago in 2001. He is currently Executive Director of the Northwest Indiana Quality of Life Council and has received numerous awards for his outstanding performance throughout his career.

The final award, the Lifetime Achievement Award, is being presented to Leonard Tomaszewski for his outstanding service to the Northwest Indiana Community. Leonard is a graduate of Emerson High School and a veteran of the Korean War. Prior to his retirement in 1996, Leonard was employed by U.S. Steel and Gary Works Sheet and Tin for over 46 years. Since his retirement, Leonard has been an active member of the Steelworkers Organization Active Retirees (SOAR). He has led the fight on behalf of retirees for healthcare, prescription drugs, social security, and other issues of concern to retirees. Leonard's lifetime of service continues as he is a member of the Board of Directors of the Northwest Indiana Community Action Corporation, whose mission is to change lives and build communities. For his lifetime of commitment to fairness and justice, Leonard Tomaszewski is being commended with this prestigious award.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending these individuals for their outstanding contributions to Indiana's First Congressional District. Their commitment to improving the quality of life for the people of Northwest Indiana is truly inspirational and should be recognized and commended.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and pleasure that I stand before you today to recognize the many accomplishments of Mr. Lowell E. Enslen. I can truly say that Lowell is a dedicated, distinguished and committed citizen. I have known him since 1973, and besides the practice of law he has been one of the most caring people involved in his community. Lowell has practiced law in Hammond and has served the community for over 50 years, including dedicated service to many charitable and civic organizations. His career as a lawyer has allowed him the opportunity to touch the lives of numerous people. For many years Lowell has helped with the induction of new citizens in cooperation with the Federal District Court of Hammond, Indiana on the Fourth of July. Mayor Thomas McDermott showed his appreciation and gratitude for the lifetime of service of Colonel Lowell E. Enslen by proclaiming July 4, 2004 as Colonel Lowell E. Enslen Day.

Lowell E. Enslen was born in Gary, Indiana in 1927. He attended Hobart public schools and Valparaiso University. Lowell was admitted to the American Bar Association in 1952. He was National President of Sigma Delta Kappa from 1963-1964, Town Attorney of Dyer, Indiana from 1957-1960, 1962, and 1964-1972 and of Cedar Lake, Indiana, from 1976- 1980. Lowell has accomplished many visionary goals throughout his career. Before and during his service to the Hammond Community, Lowell served America honorably as a soldier and an officer in the United States Marine Corps, rising to the rank of Colonel. He is a member of Enslen, Enslen & Matthews Law Firm, which was established in 1960. Enslen, Enslen, & Matthews Law Firm provides general civil, criminal and appellate practice in all State and Federal courts, family/domestic relations, probate and estate planning, insurance, real estate and labor relations law.

Not only has Lowell Enslen had many accomplishments throughout his career as a lawyer, he has also actively contributed to his community through participation in various programs designed at improving opportunities for the people of Northwest Indiana. Lowell was President of Members Hammond from 1965-1966 and is currently affiliated with Lake County, Indiana State, and American Bar Associations, the American Judicature Society, the Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, the Association of Trial Lawyers of America, and the Fellow Indiana Bar Foundation. Along with his many other accomplishments, Lowell has received numerous certificates and awards.

Lowell has demonstrated his faithfulness by his extraordinary service to Enslen, Enslen, & Matthews and his community through his hard work and self-sacrifice. Although Lowell has served on numerous committees and has dedicated his time to Enslen, Enslen, & Matthews, he has never neglected to provide support and love to his family.

Mr. Speaker, Lowell E. Enslen has given his time and efforts selflessly to the people of Northwest Indiana throughout his years of

service. I am proud to commend him for his lifetime of service and dedication.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and enthusiasm that I congratulate St. George Greek Orthodox Church as they join together in celebration of their 75th anniversary. They will be celebrating this very momentous and special occasion October 14-17, 2004.

From their modest beginnings, St. George's has emerged as a cornerstone of the community. St. George was founded by Greek immigrants in October, 1929 in East Chicago, Indiana. In 1982, the parish moved to Schererville and held church services in a chapel. In March 1992, the parish celebrated a ``new beginning'' when a brand new building was constructed and the first services were held in the new church. A community which first started with 25 members has grown to over 500 members. The church stewards reside all across Lake County and the country.

The spiritual Father Reverend Constantine Aliferakis has been St. Georges's leader for the past 16 years. Under Father Aliferakis's guidance, St. George continues to thrive, both in terms of spiritual growth as well as practical improvements. An integral part of the community is the St. George Ladies Philoptochos Society, which spearheads charitable works in and around the community.

The celebration weekend begins on Thursday, October 14, 2004 with church services and the veneration of an actual relic of the body of St. George. On Friday, October 15, 2004 the church will hold a reunion basketball game and homecoming dance at Grimmer Middle School. Saturday, October 16 there will be an Anniversary golf outing at Scherwood Golf Center followed by the Anniversary Gala at the Grand Hall of St. George Greek Orthodox church. The celebration banquet will conclude the festivities on Sunday, October 17, when the church welcomes His Eminence Metropolitan Iakovos, leader of the Greek Orthodox Church of Chicago, for a Hierarchical Service followed by an Anniversary luncheon.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring and congratulating St. George Greek Orthodox Church on their 75th anniversary. Throughout many hardships and trials, the members of St. George have dedicated themselves to providing a spiritual and guiding light through the protection of the Greek Orthodox faith and traditions for all of Northwest Indiana. Their constant dedication and commitment is worthy of the highest commendation.

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to recognize and commend the members of the Gary, Indiana branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). On Friday, October 15, 2004, the Gary NAACP will hold its 44th Annual Mary White Ovington Awards Banquet at St. Timothy Community Church's Fellowship Hall in Gary, Indiana.

This annual event is a major fundraiser for the Gary branch of the NAACP. The funds generated through this activity, and others like it, go directly to the organization's needed programs and advocacy efforts. In addition, the dinner serves to update and keep the community aware of the activities, accomplishments, and accolades of the local and national chapters of the NAACP on an annual basis.

The featured speaker at this gala event will be Dr. Mary Steele. Dr. Steele is the Superintendent of the Gary Community School Corporation. This is a celebration of the 50th Anniversary of the Brown vs. Board of Education, the 75th Birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the 39th Anniversary of the Voting Rights Act. This year's theme is ``The Race Is On. The Time Is Now.'' The NAACP Gary Branch will honor members of the community that have contributed to the cause of civil rights, labor and industry, the community, and its organization.

On February 12, 1909, the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People was founded by a multiracial group of activists, and their goal among many was to secure the political, economic, and social rights of all African Americans. For more than 95 years, the NAACP built and grew on the collective courage of thousands of people. As the Nation's oldest and largest civil rights organization, the NAACP has worked successfully with allies of all races who believe in and stand for the principles on which the organization was founded. Throughout its history, some of America's greatest minds have worked to effect change.

The Gary NAACP was organized by a group of residents that felt there was a need for an organization that would monitor and defend the rights of African Americans in Northwest Indiana. The national organization, of which the Gary branch is a member, focuses on providing better and more positive ways of addressing the important issues facing minorities in social and job-related settings. Like the national organization, the Gary branch of the NAACP serves its community by combating injustice, discrimination, and unfair treatment in our society.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the members of the Gary NAACP for the efforts, activities, and leadership that these outstanding men and women have championed to improve the quality of life for all residents of Indiana's First Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and respect that I wish to commend Army Reserve Private First Class Nathan Stahl for his bravery in the field of battle and his willingness to fight for his country. In January 2004 Private Stahl was assigned to the 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment from

Fort Lewis, Washington. Private First Class Stahl lost his life on Tuesday, September 21, 2004 in central Iraq when his vehicle was struck by an explosive device. His sacrifice will be remembered at funeral services on Friday, October 1, 2004 by a community that has been struck hard by the devastating loss of one of its own.

A native of Highland, Indiana, Private Nathan E. Stahl graduated from Highland High School. Private Stahl loved documentary-style war movies and dreamed of becoming a United States Army Ranger. As a teen, he joined the Civil Air Patrol Air Force Academy. Private Stahl enlisted in the army before his high school graduation, and the experience he gained from the Civil Air Patrol immediately earned him the rank of Private First Class out of basic training.

It came as no surprise to those who knew Private Stahl that he would serve his country. A true patriot, his love for his country was evident from the time that he was a child. He wanted to help make a difference in the world. At the age of 13 he insisted he and his mother talk with Army recruiters. He left for basic training at 19. Private Stahl wanted to be a hero. Despite the danger, Private Stahl's mother signed her son's release papers because she knew it was what he wanted. He was initially sent to the airborne infantry for training but they found an opening for him in the United States Army Rangers and he was ecstatic. Private Stahl felt tremendous pride for his country, and he was willing to endanger his own life to protect the lives of his fellow citizens. His courage and heroism will always be remembered, and his sacrifice will forever live in the hearts and minds of those for whom he battled. He gave his life so that the freedoms and values that he treasured could be enjoyed by those around the world.

Although he loved his unit and his country, Private Stahl treasured his family above all else. He is survived by his mother and stepfather, Towina and Rodney Nightingale, his father and stepmother, Max and Virginia Stahl, and two sisters, Nicole and Abigail. Private Stahl will also be deeply missed by his fiancee Tiffany Metzler, who is currently serving in the United States Army. These individuals were the heroes to a man that we will forever call a hero, and we should honor them in this tumultuous moment as well.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring a fallen hero, United States Army Reserve Private First Class Nathan E. Stahl. He will forever remain a hero in the eyes of his family, his community, and his country. Let us never forget the sacrifice he made to preserve the ideals of freedom and democracy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R 4768, the Veterans' Medical Facilities Management Act of 2004. I thank Congressman Simmons for introducing this important piece of legislation and the Veterans' Affairs Committee for giving it the immediate attention that it deserves. In keeping with our commitment to high- quality veterans' medical care, this measure authorizes $850,000 in funds for the Adam Benjamin Jr. VA outpatient medical facility in Crown Point, Indiana.

It is imperative that we support our Nation's veterans and ensure that their medical care is among our highest priorities. We owe a great debt of gratitude for those who have sacrificed on behalf of all Americans. That is why I strongly support this measure which provides for the consistent supply of quality health care to our veterans.

I urge passage of H.R 4768, an essential step in keeping our commitment to maintaining a strong VA health care service network. I want to recognize the important efforts of all of those who work at the Crown Point VA outpatient clinic, taking up the noble daily effort of caring for our Nation's veterans. And I am proud to honor the veterans of Northwest Indiana who have served our country with courage and distinction. I ask that you and my other colleagues join me in thanking these brave men and women, as well as our other former and current members of the United States military, for their bravery and valor in the face of danger. These men and women risked their lives in order to protect the freedoms that we enjoy each day, and they deserve all of our honor and respect. I am proud to represent them in Indiana's First Congressional District.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation so that our brave veterans may continue to receive the health care they so deserve.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and pleasure that I stand before you today to recognize the many accomplishments of Mr. Lowell E. Enslen during 52 years of service in the Northwest Indiana community. Lowell has spent nearly five decades representing his community. His career as a lawyer has allowed him the opportunity to touch the lives of numerous people.

Lowell E. Enslen was born in Gary, Indiana in 1927. He attended Hobart public schools and Valparaiso University. Lowell was admitted to the American Bar Association in 1952. He was National President of Sigma Delta Kappa from 1963-1964, Town Attorney of Dyer, Indiana from 1957-1960, 1962, and 1964-1972 and of Cedar Lake, Indiana, from 1976- 1980. Lowell has accomplished many visionary goals throughout his career. He is a member of Enslen, Enslen & Matthews Law Firm, which was established in 1960. Enslen, Enslen, & Matthews Law Firm provides general civil, criminal and appellate practice in all State and Federal courts, family/domestic relations, probate and estate planning, insurance, real estate and labor relations law.

Not only has Lowell Enslen had many constructive accomplishments throughout his career as a lawyer, he has also actively contributed to his community through participation in various programs designed at improving opportunities for the people of Northwest Indiana. Lowell was President of Members Hammond from 1965-1966 and is currently affiliated with Lake County, Indiana State, and American Bar Associations, American Judicature Society, Indiana Trial Lawyers Association, The Association of Trial Lawyers of America, and Fellow Indiana Bar Foundation. Along with his many other accomplishments, Lowell has received numerous certificates and awards.

Lowell has demonstrated his faithfulness by his extraordinary service to Enslen, Enslen, & Matthews and his community through his hard work and self-sacrifice. Although Lowell has served on numerous committees and has dedicated his time to Enslen, Enslen, & Matthews, he has never neglected to provide support and love to his family.

Mr. Speaker, Lowell E. Enslen has given his time and efforts selflessly to the people of Northwest Indiana throughout his years of service. He has taught every member of Enslen, Enslen, & Matthews the true meaning of service to all members of the Northwest Indiana community. I respectfully ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Mr. Lowell E. Enslen for his outstanding contributions to Indiana's First Congressional District. I am proud to commend him for his lifetime of service and devotion.

Mr. 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 97th Anniversary and Golden Member banquet on Sunday, October 3, 2004.

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 that have attained fifty years of membership include: Mary Badovinac, Betty Balanoff, Mary Lou Brown, Matthew Guglielmetti, George Kepcher, Margaret Knack, Anastasia Kresich, Charles Lacko, Beverly Perko, Mary Plesha, Theresa Anne Young, and Mary Ann Zorich.

These loyal and dedicated individuals share this prestigious honor with approximately 429 additional Lodge members who have previously attained this important designation.

This memorable day will begin with a morning mass at Saint Joseph the Worker Catholic Church in Gary, Indiana, with the Reverend Father Stephen Loncar officiating. The festivities will be culturally enriched by the performance of several Croatian musical groups. The Croatian Glee Club, ``Preradovic,'' and the Hoosier Hrvarti Adult Tamburitza Orchestra, will both perform at this gala event. The Croatian Strings Tamburitzans and Junior Dancers directed by Dennis Barunica will provide additional entertainment for those in attendance. A formal dinner banquet at 3:30 in the afternoon will end the day's festivities.

Mr. Speaker, I urge you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Lodge president Betty Morgavan, and all the other 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.