Rahm Emanuel

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the long and distinguished career of my friend, Mr. William ``Spike'' O'Dell, radio host of the morning show ``Spike Radio.'' After over 20 years at WGN-AM Radio, Mr. O'Dell will retire in December 2008, and you can count me as one of the listeners from all over Chicagoland who will miss hearing him on WGN.

Over the years, Spike O'Dell has interviewed U.S. Congressmen and Senators, reporters stationed in war-zones, comedians, and Olympic athletes. His favorite sayings of ``Nothing is worth your health or happiness'' and ``Life is too serious to take things too seriously'' influenced the acerbic but entertaining atmosphere in which he took calls from his listeners.

Spike's listeners have come to rely on his thoughtful and extensive coverage of current U.S. and world news, traffic, and weather. Appropriately, Spike O'Dell's hard work and insightful reporting over the years have been recognized with the honor of an Achievement in Radio, AIR, Award in 1999 from the Chicagoland AIR Awards Board of Governors.

While I am sure Spike's family will be glad to enjoy more time with him, the rest of us will miss his hard-hitting news reporting, weekly current events quizzes, and engaging discussions and interviews, not to mention his eternal faith in the Chicago Cubs and ``Spike's Emergency BBQ Sauce'' give-a-ways.

Madam Speaker, I wish Spike and his family the best of luck during his retirement and throughout his future endeavors. Morning talk radio in Chicago will not be the same without Spike O'Dell.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of a constituent who gave his life in service to our country. Staff Sergeant Jason Anthony Vazquez, a member of the 2nd Battalion 122nd Field Artillery, died in support of Operation Enduring Freedom in Gerdia Seria, Afghanistan on September 17, 2008.

Jason was taken from us too soon, but although he was only 24 years old, he had a profound effect on members of his family, community, and workplace.

Jason was engaged to Genevieve Gonzalez, who remembers with joy the time they shared and the future they planned together. While her future will not be as she thought, she gains strength from the relationship they built and the values he imparted. To honor Jason, Genevieve has helped raise money to provide care packages and cards to the troops serving in Jason's unit.

As an officer with Cook County's Department of Corrections, Jason always left an impression with his optimism, energy and cheerfulness. To honor his memory, the Department has created the Jason A. Vazquez Leadership Award to be given to the most deserving Training Academy graduate each year.

Jason's many aunts, uncles and cousins gained strength from the joy he shared with each of them. His grandparents, Francisco and Leonor Vazquez, cherish the time Jason spent playing catch in the front yard as a young boy, helping with errands as he grew stronger, and sharing stories and wisdom as he grew into a man. His brother and sister, Jose Jr. and Janice, take comfort in the memory of his love of music, his passion for basketball, and his place in the center of any party or gathering. His parents, Jose and Lisa, take pride in the son who grew from a popular and fun-loving Schurz High School '02 classmate to the dedicated young man who wore the uniform of this country, and made the ultimate sacrifice for us.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to this young man, and I am humbled by his service and his sacrifice. I ask that we remember Jason and his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers, and that we honor him and the rest of the men and women who have given their lives in service to our country.

Madam Speaker, this month I proudly join the thousands of Polish Americans living in Chicago in a celebration of Polish history, culture, and pride during Polish American Heritage Month.

This year, Polish Americans celebrate the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the first Poles to America's first settlement in Jamestown, Virginia. The first five Polish settlers traveled to Jamestown aboard the English ship, the Mary and Margaret, at the invitation of Captain John Smith and the London Company. They arrived on October 1, 1608 and distinguished themselves as America's first tradesmen. Poles, alongside other ethnic groups, were among the pioneers who helped to establish this country as the land of hope and opportunity. Their work ethic helped create the foundations of modern America.

The celebration of this milestone coincides with another important historical landmark: the 90th anniversary of the reinstatement of Polish independence. In 1918, after 123 years of occupation and generations of struggle by the Polish people, Poland reappeared on the map of Europe after World War I.

The United States is grateful to Poland for its friendship and commitment to the democratic ideals of liberty and human rights. Poland is a strong ally of the United States, and I am dedicated to continuing the strong record of cultural and economic ties between our two nations.

My hometown of Chicago has a thriving and active Polish American community. Madam Speaker, I am honored to join the citizens of my district, as well as those of Polish descent around the country in recognizing, remembering, and celebrating Polish American Heritage Month.