Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I want to join my colleagues in asking all of the House to support this resolution on behalf of a great American, a true Hoosier, and an outstanding public servant, that is, the former Indiana Congressman, Frank McCloskey. Frank devoted his life to serving people, whether it was in the military service of our country, whether it was as a mayor, whether it was as a Member of Congress, or subsequently as a private citizen. He was a man of great passion over those things that mattered to him and those things that mattered to people who could least defend and protect themselves.

Frank McCloskey was a noble man engaged in noble work, and he was a man of courage. The gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hill) mentioned he was courageous to the last breath that he took. He was always courageous in the words he spoke and in the actions he took in the House of Representatives. Frank did come to Congress in 1983, and he served his district with distinction for 12 years. He was passionate about helping working families, their children and their parents.

It is also said, and it is certainly true, that Frank was as much at home in the coal mines of southern Indiana as he was in the halls of Congress. Frank authored legislation for children to make sure that companies could not send free samples of drugs or cleaning products through the mail without child safety caps. In 1990, he authored other legislation against deceptive practices.

But subsequent to his public service in the United States Congress, he acted most nobly when he took great interest in humanitarian issues worldwide. He was one of the first U.S. public servants to visit Bosnia when it was embroiled in warfare and ethnic cleansing. He successfully brought the suffering to the attention of the American people, our government, and championed humanitarian intervention; and he continued that work throughout his life.

In 2002, Frank was named director of the Kosovo Programs for the National Democratic Institute for International Affairs, where he taught other leaders from around the globe how to govern democratically. I would close by again reflecting on Mr. McCloskey's courage, courage of his convictions, of his life, and of his commitment to everyone.

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct privilege and honor to recognize and congratulate five United States heroes. Mr. Raymond Fary, Mr. Donald Erwin, Mr. Albert Fehlberg, Mr. Adalbert Wszolek, and Mr. Ernest Latta are World War II Army and Army Air Force veterans who risked their lives for the freedom of our great country. These dedicated and brave men will be honored on Sunday, November 2, 2003 at the Salute 2003 Ceremony at Munster High School in Munster, Indiana.

Raymond Fary joined the United States Army at Fort Benjamin Harrison on March 23, 1943. Raymond quickly earned his glider badge and participated in the Rhineland, Central Europe, Normandy, and Ardennes campaigns as a Glider Trooper with the 82nd Airborne. He earned many prestigious honors throughout his career including the American Theater Ribbon, Holland and Belgium Fourragere, as well as the Victory Medal, just to name a few.

Donald Erwin entered into the United States Army on October 23, 1942 at Camp Atterbury in Indianapolis, Indiana. During his campaigns in New Guinea, Leyte, and the Philippines, Donald served with Company C of the 19th Infantry Division. During his time of service, Donald received the Purple Heart, the Asiatic Pacific Theater Ribbon with two Battle Stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with one Bronze Star, the Good Conduct Medal, as well as many other honorable medals.

Albert Fehlberg, on December 1, 1942 also joined the United States Army at Camp Atterbury in Indianapolis, Indiana. Albert's three major campaigns were in North Africa, Salerno-Cassino, and Rome, Italy. Due to his extensive understanding of the German language, he was advanced into the 143rd Infantry. He received the Purple Heart with Four Oak Leaf Clusters, after being wounded five different times during his 15 months in combat. Among his many prestigious awards for his service were the EAME Theater Ribbon and the Bronze Star Medal.

Adalbert Wszolek entered into active service on June 9, 1941 in Chicago, Illinois as the bottom ball turret gunner on a B-17 Bomber for the United States Army Air Force. While on his 4th mission in Germany, Adalbert was seriously wounded on June 21, 1944 but continued to fire upon the enemy. His valiant and selfless efforts inspired his crew to join together to return their damaged aircraft to safety. Adalbert received many awards for his bravery and courage including the Good Conduct Medal, Purple Heart Medal, Air Medal, Silver Star Medal, and countless others.

Ernie Latta joined the United States Army at Fort Benjamin Harrison in Indianapolis, Indiana on October 2, 1940. He was first stationed at Scoffield Barracks in Hawaii during the attack on Pearl Harbor. He was awarded the Silver Star for his brave rescue of one of his comrades as they were heavily under fire. Sergeant Latta received the Asian Pacific Theater Ribbon with three Bronze Stars, the American Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Ribbon, along with many other awards for his courage.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring and thanking these five brave men, as well as all the former and current members of the United States military for their courageous and selfless dedication to the American people. These men have put their own lives in danger to protect our way of life, and for that they should be applauded and revered.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased and honored to recognize the valuable services of Mrs. Margaret Willis, as she retires as a director of the Northeast-Midwest Institute. For the past 9 years, Margaret has provided commonsense leadership by arguing effectively for policies that protect the environment and provide valuable comfort and dignity for those who are less fortunate. She has also served as the Northwest- Midwest Institute's treasurer and has been very active on several committees of the organization.

Margaret Willis is from Chesterton, IN, and has formerly served as both a member of the Porter County Council, as well as a board member and officer of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District. While serving as a Democrat County Council member, Margaret was also a liaison to the Porter County Health Board. She has been a true leader within my Northwest Indiana community by serving as an editor of the Chesterton Tribune, as well as several other local community organizations.

Before her dedicated work in government service, Margaret was the founder of the Indiana Coalition Against Sexual Assault within her community, which was the first support group in Porter County. She has given her time and efforts selflessly through many generous avenues. She has also served on the Chesterton Adult Learning Center Advisory Board, the Porter County League of Women's Voters, as well as the Porter/LaPorte County AIDS Task Force and the Duneland Sierra Club.

Mr. Speaker, I have personally served as vice-chair of the Northeast- Midwest Congressional Coalition. The Institute and Coalition provide many valuable information resources to both Republicans and Democrats. They help to ensure that the region's lawmakers advance Great Lakes restoration, brownfield redevelopment, as well as many other very important environmental issues. I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join with me in congratulating and applauding Margaret Willis for her sincere dedication and guidance to not only the Northeast-Midwest Institute, but for her lifetime of hard work and leadership to all members of her community.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect and admiration that I wish to congratulate the members of the Crown Point Lions Club as they celebrate their 60th anniversary. To commemorate this special occasion, the Crown Point Lions Club will be having an anniversary banquet on October 18, 2003 at the St. Matthias Hall in Crown Point, Indiana.

The Crown Point Lions Club is a part of Lions International, which is the largest service organization in the world and includes over 1.4 million members throughout more than 193 countries. The mission of the Lions Club is ``We Serve,'' and the Crown Point Lions Club has selflessly given their support to the Northwest Indiana community, especially the people of Crown Point, in many ways. The Club has given financial support to 30 local organizations and schools, as well as contributed to seven state, national, and international programs. During Easter and Thanksgiving, the Lions donate food to those in need. They have provided sight and hearing testing machines to many local schools, helped the Crown Point Girls Softball Team get lighting for their field, as well as contributed to the good of the community by providing a Braille computer to a local student who is blind.

Throughout the past 60 years, the members of the Crown Point Lions Club have offered their dedication and support to their noble cause of serving their local community. Each year the Lions Club helps many local students obtain hearing aids and eyeglasses. Also each year they give a $1000.00 scholarship to a local student whose educational concentration is in hearing and sight related areas. This year, the Crown Point Lions Club is helping the community build a pavilion at the Lake County Fairgrounds.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating the members of the Crown Point Lions Club on the 60th anniversary of their noble organization. These giving and selfless individuals continue to dedicate their time and unrelenting efforts to serve their local community, as well as all of Northwest Indiana. It is their great desire for helping others that makes their organization and efforts such a motivating force in the First Congressional District, and I am proud to represent them in Washington,

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman for yielding me the time.

Mr. Speaker, I will vote for the final supplemental package. However, I do rise to express a number of concerns that I have.

This is the largest foreign aid package that any current Member of this Congress has voted for, and I do not believe that it should be left to our children and grandchildren to bear the burden of today's decision.

During the Committee on Appropriations markup of this aid package last week, I voted in favor of an amendment offered by the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey), the ranking minority member. The gentleman from Wisconsin's (Mr. Obey) amendment would have transferred $4.6 billion from the reconstruction of Iraq to the equipment needs of our brave men and women who are still in harm's way. I would again support this amendment if it were allowed to be offered in the House because I strongly believe that it is our duty and our responsibility to first ensure that every American soldier and military personnel in Iraq has the equipment they need to fight and defend themselves; secondly, that our generation should pay for it, not our children.

The gentleman from Wisconsin's (Mr. Obey) amendment would have added additional funds for repairing and replacing equipment used in operations. It would have included funds to allow the Army to increase its number of active-duty troops from the current level of 480,000 to 500,000. These additional troops, enough for one full Army division, after 1 year would help relieve pressure on an already overdeployed active-duty force, but most importantly, the entire $87 billion package would be paid for by canceling the top tax cut rate of 1 percent. The amendment restores the top tax rate to pre-2001 levels of 39.6 percent. It would have placed us in a position of not borrowing money to fight a war today that our children would have to pay for tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and admiration that I offer congratulations to many of Northwest Indiana's most talented, dedicated, and hardworking individuals. On Saturday, October 11, 2003, Sheet Metal Workers Local Union No. 20, formerly also Local No. 303, will honor distinguished members at their 100th Anniversary Open House and Awards Banquet at the Local Gary Area Training Facility in Portage, Indiana. These individuals will be recognized for their many years of dedication and service to Northwest Indiana with 25-year and 40-year pins. The 2003 Sheet Metal Workers Apprentice Graduates will also be honored at this special event.

The Sheet Metal Workers will celebrate tenures ranging from 25 years to 40 years of service. The member being honored for 40 years of commited service is Mr. Walter Biser. Members being honored for 25 years of service include: Mr. Larry Alumbaugh, Mr. Lon Baczkowski, Mr. John Camplan, Mr. Elmer Dellenbach, Jr., Mr. Frank Duffy, Mr. Phillip Felling, Mr. Jeffrey Fitzgerald, Mr. Mark Fusak, Mr. Wyleania Gaither, Mr. Donald Hammond, Mr. Robert Hostinsky, Mr. Mark Katona, Mr. Ronald Kersey, Mr. Jay Kimmel, Sr., Mr. Philip Lukasik, Mr. Steven Nelson, Mr. David Nolbertowicz, Mr. Bruce Pollock, Mr. Mark Remlinger, Mr. Jack Rizzo, Mr. Dalia Salina, Mr. James Salmi, Mr. David Thomas, Mr. Timothy Weaver, and Mr. Walton Woodard.

The Sheet Metal Workers will also be recognizing and honoring the 2003 Apprentice Graduates. These individuals are Mr. Robert Alvarez, III, Mr. Jared Benavides, Mr. Richard Blackmon, Mr. Sam Bodish, Mr. Aaron Burkhart, Mr. Steve Claussen, Mr. Dave Finnerty, Mr. Jeff Fryar, Mr. Terence Henney, Jr., Mr. Shaun Janis, Mr. Jason Johnson, Mr. Mike King, Mr. Richard Kvarta, Mr. Brian Meeks, Mr. Jeff Myres, Mr. Dave Polen, Mr. Jason Reis, Mr. Todd Ribar, Mr. Jesse Rippe, Mr. Mark Robbins, Mr. Josh Skalba, Mr. Art Stahl, Mr. Eric Sczcudlak, Mr. Chris Truman, Mr. Tim Vandermeer, Mr. Robert Vigland, and Mr. John Worline.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating these hardworking and honorable members of the Sheet Metal Workers Local Union No. 20. These individuals, along with all the other men and women of Northwest Indiana's unions, have contributed to the growth and development to the economy of the First Congressional District, and I am very proud to fight for and honor them in Washington, D.C.

Mr. Speaker, It is with great remorse that I rise today to pay tribute to Porter County Commissioner Larry Sheets, a special friend, a mentor and a very decent man. Larry passed away late Saturday evening at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago from a pulmonary infection acquired after undergoing a stem cell replacement to prevent the return of his leukemia. I knew Larry Sheets for many years and considered him a close personal friend. He was a good man with a good heart.

Larry was a man of true and outstanding character who loved his family, was loyal to his friends and was dedicated to making the lives of people he had never met better through politics. In all my years of association with him, I never once saw him do something that was mean or petty. He was a conciliator and a man of political courage. I always saw

him place the public good before anything else when a decision had to be made. During an age of cynicism about those in public life, this alone is truly remarkable.

This has been a heartbreaking moment for all of us in Northwest Indiana, as Larry served Porter County very ably as a public official for 17 years. He was a fine public servant, a man who sincerely cared about his constituents, his fellow citizens and his civic responsibilities. Larry retired in 1999 after 34 years as a steel worker at Bethlehem Steel's Burns Harbor Plant and in 1982 won his first election as a Porter County Commissioner.

In the early 1980s, while working for the late Congressman Adam Benjamin, Jr., I had the privilege of first meeting Larry Sheets. Later, during my first bid for Congress in 1983, Larry was the first and one of only a few public officials to endorse me. At the time I was ``nobody.'' Larry made me ``somebody.'' Our friendship was extended to a shared passion. Along with my father, Larry, Bill Wallace and I would spend many fall Saturdays together in South Bend, Indiana, watching the Fighting Irish play football.

Although his work with the community put extraordinary demands on his time, Larry never limited the time he gave to his most important interest, his family. He and his gracious wife, Paula, have two terrific children: Amber and Larry Jr.

Mr. Speaker and my other distinguished colleagues, Larry Sheets was a wonderful man. We are going to miss him in Northwest Indiana. He represented the epitome of what a dedicated public servant should be, but seldom is, and for that he will always be remembered.

Mr. Speaker, it is with the greatest honor and pride that I congratulate the St. Joseph's Carmelite Home for Girls in East Chicago, Indiana as they celebrate their 90th anniversary. On September 27, 2003, the women of St. Joseph's and other community members will gather together for a reunion of gratitude and friendship during their 90th Jubilee Celebration.

In 1913, the vision of St. Joseph's Carmelite Home for Girls became a reality when Mother Mary Theresa of St. Joseph was granted permission from Bishop Herman Alerding to actively work with the poor children of Lake County. It was the generous donation of two small frame houses by Mr. Walter Riley, chairman of the First National Bank in East Chicago that brought the home to life. The two small houses became homes to some seventy children and at the time both boys and girls lived in the homes.

St. Joseph's Carmelite Home for Girls began as an orphanage, grew to a group home, and today provides residential treatment to many Northwest Indiana girls. It was in 2001 that the doors of the Holy Innocents Center and Emergency Shelter opened to newborns, infants, toddlers, as well as young children in need.

Sister Maria Giuseppe, the home's administrator, along with six nuns, four postulants, and 45 lay people, give support, guidance, and comfort to over 50 young girls who are now in residence at the home. Their selfless dedication to the girls in the home, as well as all the citizens of East Chicago, is an outstanding model for all Americans.

With my father Mr. John Visclosky as a former member of the Carmelite Home's board of directors, I know firsthand the importance of St. Joseph's Carmelite Home for Girls to the Northwest Indiana community. The generosity and love that the St. Joseph Carmelite Home provides for its residents is remarkably selfless and giving and deserves the highest recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring and congratulating St. Joseph's Carmelite Home for Girls as they celebrate their 90th anniversary. Their sincere commitment to the children of East Chicago and all of Northwest Indiana is worthy of the highest gratitude and admiration. I am truly honored to represent such exceptional and giving citizens in Congress.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and enthusiasm that I congratulate St. John the Baptist Church in Gary, Indiana, as they celebrate their 85th anniversary. They will be celebrating this special event on September 28, 2003, with a morning mass, a candlelight service in the afternoon, followed by a dinner in the evening honoring long time members with awards and recognition.

St. John the Baptist Church was first organized on July 10, 1918, by Reverend J. R. Butler. Over the many years of St. John's history, there have been many influential pastors that have led the congregation in faith and spiritual growth. Some of these inspirational pastors were Reverend A. J. Allen, Reverend T. L. Ballou, Reverend Leon Davis, Reverend Ivor Moore, Reverend Julius James, and the current pastor, Reverend Raymond McDonald, II.

It was during the 38th year of St. John's service to the Northwest Indiana community, and under the pastorate of Reverend Julius James, that Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. made his first visit to Gary, Indiana. It was also during this time that St. John's began its 144 unit non- for-profit housing development, St. John Homes, which supported fair employment and housing in Gary. Pastor James is most remembered and revered for his implementation of the Ecumenical Celebration, which honors the lifetime legacy and goodwill of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and Reverend McDonald has continued this celebration and legacy.

Reverend McDonald, along with his parishioners, has given selflessly to the citizens of Gary by actively pursuing the church's mission of ``Serving People Between Sundays'' through a variety of community outreach programs. Some of these programs include weekly feeding programs where thousands of people are given nourishment, the Community Anchor's Program which helps form future leaders through after school programs, and the Golden Eagles Seniors' Program which fosters community involvement by senior citizens of Northwest Indiana.

Reverend McDonald and his congregation continue their vision for a new church building in the hope to even better serve the needs of the citizens of Gary and all of Northwest Indiana. By offering service and guidance to others, the members of St. John the Baptist 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. John the Baptist Church of Gary, Indiana on their 85h anniversary. They deserve the highest commendation for their devotion and commitment to all the citizens of the First Congressional District of Indiana.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great admiration and respect that I offer congratulations to some of Northwest Indiana's most dedicated and talented workers. On Friday, September 26, 2003, the Millwright Local 1043 of Burns Harbor, Indiana will honor special members at their Annual Retirement and Awards Banquet at the Avalon Manor in Hobart, Indiana. Devoted to their hard work and dedication, these individuals will be recognized for their many years of service to their union. Members who have served for 20 years or more will be honored, as well as the 2003 retirees. Millwright Apprentice Graduates will also be recognized at this gala event. Finally, the ceremony will include special recognition of members who have passed away in 2003.

Local 1043, led by President Bruce Wright, will celebrate tenures ranging from 20 years to 55 years of service. Those members being honored for 55 years of service include: Nick Christoff, Joseph Drasich, and Steve Kicho. Millwrights who will be honored for 50 years of service include: Whitney Duhon, Robert Erickson, and Alfred N. Salvesen. Members of Local 1043 who will be honored for 45 years of service include: John Cisarik, Archie Fisher, Joe Williams, and Paul D. Maness. Those who will be honored for 40 years of service include: James L. Geer, John Pegg, and Herbert E. Sprinkle. Millwrights honored for 35 years of service include: Dona Banks and Carl Dean Robinson. Those who will be honored for 30 years of service include: Randy Ames, Jerome Bielak, Gary Talcott, Dionisio Trinidad, Louis A. Vendramin, John Vintila, David B. Whitaker, and John Zavalydriga. Local 1043 members who will be honored for 25 years of service include: Michael Adams, Greg Allen, Terrill Crase, Steven J. Kime, Mark Liston, Monie Parker, Jon R. Smith, Houston L. Stevens, and John Wardell. Finally, those Millwrights being honored for 20 years of service include: Jay Beere, Jay Childress, Jeffery Ludvigson, John E. Naccarato, Paul Pasley, and John Williams.

Local 1043 will also be recognizing and honoring dedicated members who are 2003 retirees. These members include: Jerry Forcht, Fred Miller, Rick Pierce, Gerald Purevich, Sr., and Kenneth Rippe. The Apprentice Graduates of Millwright Local 1043 will be acknowledged for their hard work and dedication. These individuals are Ryan M. Davis, Frank A. Hines, Thomas J. Hoeckelberg, Rodney L. Hyatt, Jon P. St. Myer, Gary E. Torbeson, Jr., Mark A. Tuszynski, and Vanessa Vlach. There will also be special recognition in memory of members who have passed away in 2003. These members include: Frank Kark, Lawrence Ray, Donald Janisch, William Kollada, James Dowdy, Thomas Stewart, and Tony Vrbancic.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating these dedicated, hard-working, and honorable members of Millwrights Local 1043 in Burns Harbor, Indiana. They, along with all the other men and women of the Northwest Indian unions, represent the true backbone of our economic community. Their commitment and loyalty to the First Congressional District is worthy of the highest commendation and respect.

I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time.

Mr. Speaker, it is with genuine sadness and a very heavy heart that I rise today in support of the resolution in honor of Indiana Governor Frank O'Bannon. Governor O'Bannon, as was mentioned, tragically passed away this past Saturday. I also want to extend my deepest sympathy, prayers and offer of assistance to Governor O'Bannon's wife Judy and their children and family.

One of the finest opportunities my career in politics has given me is meeting, working with and becoming friends with Frank O'Bannon. Frank was one of the most gentle men, one of the most decent men and one of the kindest individuals I have ever, ever met in my life. He is a man who could have been successful at any pursuit in life. He chose a life of public service because it was a life he could give to others. Except for his love for Judy and their children and their family, nothing was more important to Governor O'Bannon. His commitment to the future in children was foremost as far as his administration. And because Frank O'Bannon always knew who he was, he allowed his quiet demeanor and gentle nature to mask his inherent strength and ability to make very hard and very tough decisions for the good of all of the citizens of Indiana.

Mr. Speaker, a number of my colleagues have mentioned anecdotes and we all deal with individuals on a personal level, and I would add my two. Many years ago when Frank O'Bannon was first campaigning for Governor, I was at St. Mary's Orthodox Church hall in Gary, Indiana, at a political rally. Someone came in and said my father had fallen on the ice and snow outside. I go outside, Dad was perfectly fine, but there was Frank O'Bannon because

he was near my father. There was nothing more important to Frank at that moment in time and if it took all night he was going to make sure he was up, he was fine, he was cleaned off and he got in that hall, no matter what his other demands were.

The other continuing recollection I have is I tried not to impose upon the Governor's good nature or offices very often but whenever I called for assistance, he never said he would do it. He never said yes. He always said, ``I'll see what I can do.'' And invariably the problem was solved, someone was helped or the State of Indiana moved ahead because you knew he was always going to do his best.

Frank O'Bannon was a good, good man. We are all going to miss him not only in our State but in this great country.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate and recognize the Northwest Indiana Alliance Basketball Team on winning the national title for the 9th grade category at the United States Specialty Sports Association Nationals in Fort Wayne, Indiana on August 3, 2003. The tournament began on July 30, 2003 and ended with the Alliance's outstanding victory against the Illinois Wildcats on August 3rd.

The Northwest Indiana Alliance is made up of seven high school sophomores and two freshmen from across Northwest Indiana, along with their coach Mr. Jim Van Weelden. With their collaborated efforts, they achieved victories over other teams from Illinois, Michigan, Ohio. and other states across the nation. With an outstanding record throughout multiple tournaments, the Alliance completed their highly successful season with 34 victories and 17 losses, 16 of those by ten points or less.

Mr. Aric Van Weelden, a sophomore at Munster High School, has been a member of the Junior Varsity team for Munster since his freshman year. Two other Alliance members, Mr. Scott Rutkowski and Mr. Jeff Marinier, were also members of the Munster High School Junior Varsity Basketball Team as freshmen. Mr. Andrew Helmer, from Highland High School, plays three different sports for his high school including football, basketball, and baseball. All four of these great athletes from Northwest Indiana became leaders for the Alliance team by averaging 12 to 15 points each per game.

Mr. Nate Triezenberg, a resident of Highland, is a freshman at Illiana Christian High School, and is recognized by his teammates for his positive attitude and strong will. Mr. Nick Ullman just completed his freshman year at Andrean High School in Merrillville last spring, and is now a sophomore at Crown Point High School. Another Alliance member that plays many different sports at his high school is Mr. Derek Moser, who plays football, basketball, and baseball for Highland High School.

The remaining two members of the Northwest Indiana Alliance are Mr. Mike Bizoukas and Mr. Nick Stolarz from Munster High School. Mike recently completed his 8th grade year at Wilbur Wright Middle School, and is now a freshman at Munster High School. Nick, as a freshman, played on the Junior Varsity team, and is now a sophomore at Munster High School.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating the Northwest Indiana Alliance Basketball Team for their outstanding championship victory at the United States Specialty Sports Association Nationals. Their hard work and dedication is worthy of the highest commendation.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great honor and pleasure that I stand before you today to recognize the many accomplishments of the Hammond Public Library throughout its 100 years of service to the Northwest Indiana community. As the citizens of Hammond and all of Northwest Indiana celebrate the centennial of the Hammond Library, we are reminded of the dedication and valiant efforts that have been made to incorporate education and community leadership to the region.

It was in 1903 that the first library board of Hammond was appointed. This board included Dr. W.F. Howat as the first president, Mr. J.G. lbach as the vice president, as well as many other distinguished appointed members. In 1904, the first library was moved into its own room in the Chicago Telephone Building. Mr. Andrew Carnegie, who at the time was contributing to the funding of public libraries across the nation, donated $27,000 to construct a new building for the library. On July 8, 1905, the library dubbed "Old Main," was dedicated as the first fully constructed library building in the area and it served the community well for 62 years.

In 1910, the first branch office was established in a room above a fire station, and it was known as Branch No. 1. Three more branches were established in the next 12 years and the library deposited many collections of books in local department stores, the State Bank of Hammond, and also in private homes. Throughout the years, additional branches were opened to provide books and a community gathering space for the citizens of Hammond. The Hansen Branch was named after the first librarian of the Hammond Public Library, Ms. Marie Hansen. The branches continued to be named after influential leaders that helped make the dream of the library a reality.

After a time of change in the community and lack of resources, some branches were forced to close. But because of the city's strong encouragement and need for the library, they renovated the main library, as well as other branches. No matter what challenges face the community, the Hammond Public Library continues to provide many important resources for the community including books, classes, summer reading programs for children, and many community outreach programs.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring and congratulating the Hammond Public Library as well as its staff and community leaders on their 100th anniversary. Their many great accomplishments and service to the Hammond community will forever be cherished and commended.

It is with great honor and enthusiasm that I congratulate the Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church in Gary, Indiana, as they celebrate their 24th anniversary. During the month of September, Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church will be celebrating their anniversary on three different occasions. The celebration will kick off on September 6 with a balloon release and a barbeque, followed by a banquet on September 12, and a culmination of the anniversary celebration on September 21.

The vision of Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church began on July 23,1979 at the home of Mr. and Mrs. James Ervin, along with Reverend Cato Brooks and many others. In August of 1979, the church was organized as the Tree of Life Mission and worship began with Reverend James Barnett, Jr., and Greater Harvest Missionary Baptist Church. Then in September of 1979, the Tree of Life Mission became the Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church and incorporated a council of various religious ministers from other local churches. When the doors opened to the new church, 28 parishioners came together in worship service, and shortly after Rev. Brooks was named Pastor.

Tree of Life quickly grew in numbers and began to reach out to the community by constructing an alcohol and drug addiction program through the Alcohol Center at St. Mary's Mercy Hospital. The church and Rev. Brooks were strong initiators for the New Beginning AA program in the community as well as the West 11th Avenue AA program. In June of 1984, Rev. Brooks appointed Rev. Hunter Griffin, III as the church's Jail and Outreach Minister, and he reached out to over 650 inmates through prayer services at the Lake County Jail in Crown Point, Indiana.

On February 5, 1991, the Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church received high commendation from the City of Gary for all of its efforts to serve, educate, and support the local community. In July of 1991, the Southern Baptist State Convention Home Mission Board awarded the Tree of Life with a certificate of outstanding performance in Christian Service.

After years of hard work and commitment to the community and church, Rev. and Mrs. Cato Brooks and the members of Tree of Life started the Tree of Life Community Development Corporation and Care Center. This center is a spiritual approach to healing and helping the residents of Gary and Northwest Indiana, which began through the establishment of their first two programs: the Rehabilitation of Housing under the Homeless Initiative and Transitional Housing. New programs were later added and include the 21st Century Parents Program, the Misguided Youth and First Offenders Program, and the Homeless Initiative Programs.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues, join me in honoring and congratulating Tree of Life Missionary Baptist Church on their 24th anniversary. They have given selflessly to the Gary community, as well as all of Northwest Indiana, and will continue to serve and support all members of the community through their gracious dedication and commitment.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I recognize and congratulate Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Merrillville, Indiana on their 90th anniversary. Throughout its 90 years, Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church has provided a welcoming worship and gathering space for all residents of Northwest Indiana.

SS Constantine and Helen and its forefathers began their foundation in Gary, Indiana in 1906 in the dream of preserving the Greek heritage and faith in America. The first steps to making this dream a reality began in the spring of 1911, when an initial meeting was held to discuss the need for a worship space

for the small handful of Greek families that settled in Northwest Indiana. The name was later chosen to signify the importance of Saint Constantine, the Roman Emperor who permitted the freedom of practicing Christianity in the Fourth Century, as well as Saint Helen, Saint Constantine's mother, in their fight for the preservation of their heritage and Greek culture.

In 1913, the first worship services were held in a rented store building, and SS Constantine and Helen became the first Greek Church in the City of Gary. Following two years of leadership by visiting priests from Chicago, Reverend Nicholas Mandilas became the first permanent pastor for the church. In 1919, after years of traveling around the Midwest searching for financial help, and worshiping in tents in the dead of winter, the congregation's valiant and dedicated efforts led them to the opening of their first church building on Easter Sunday. Approximately 50 years later, another church building was constructed in Merrillville, Indiana and the Cultural Center was opened to the residents of Northwest Indiana.

Being a member of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (AHEPA), Lodge 78, I am a strong advocate for the preservation and promotion of the ideals and morals of Hellenism throughout all of Northwest Indiana. Throughout its 90 years of service and dedication, Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church has offered the inspiration to be good citizens of the community, practice faith freely, and educate our youth so that the Greek heritage may never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in honoring and congratulating Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church as they celebrate their 90th anniversary. Their sincere dedication and devotion to the residents of Northwest Indiana deserves the highest commendation and recognition.