Rodney Alexander

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Vicky Johnson for being named the Louisiana National Association of Postmasters of the United States (NAPUS) Postmaster of the Year award on July 9, 2013 at the Louisiana NAPUS Convention in Lafayette.

Vicky began her career with the Postal Service in 1991 as a postmaster relief employee in Harrisonburg. After remaining there for 10 years, she applied for a position as a part-time flexible employee (PTF) in Winnsboro. Following a two year stint in this position, she attended a career conference in New Orleans and realized her dream of becoming a postmaster. On December 11, 2004, she achieved her goal and was sworn in as postmaster of Waterproof. Since then, she has served as postmaster as well as the officer in charge of multiple post offices throughout the Fifth Congressional District.

Vicky is currently the postmaster in Vidalia and considers her position a privilege. She always goes above and beyond to educate customers on all that the Postal Service has to offer and ensure they have positive experience in the Vidalia office. Additionally, for the past six years, she has served on the executive board of NAPUS.

Vicky has been married to Mike Johnson for 31 years. They are the proud parents of three daughters, Kirby, Kara, and Katie.

Regarding her time with NAPUS, Vicky loves the wonderful friends she has made from all over the state and says, ``Being a part of NAPUS has been like being a part of a big family that is always there to help.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in offering our warm congratulations to Vicky Johnson for earning such an esteemed award.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Glenda Stock on her retirement after years of hard work and dedication to Central Louisiana.

Glenda began her career with Delta Airlines where her final position was Regional Manager in Reservation Sales. In this capacity, she was responsible for over 6,000 employees located in six different cities. Though she had put in a lot of hours to promote herself during her 18 year career with Delta, Glenda wanted a simpler life. For her, this meant owning and operating the five Alexandria, La. McDonald's restaurants.

Her amazing work ethic did not disappoint. Glenda's leadership skills carried over into her business, where she worked side by side with her employees doing whatever job needed her attention, even if it included washing dishes. While she is kind and fair, Glenda's standards are high, and she expected no less than excellence from her employees.

Glenda is not just a business-minded woman, however. She has used her success and devotion to give back to her community. She has held numerous leadership roles, including Cabrini Foundation Board, Central Louisiana Community Foundation President, Chairperson of the CENLA American Red Cross, Vice President of the Economic Development Committee for the Chamber of Commerce, and board member of First Federal Bank. Her commitment to improving educational opportunities is also noteworthy. Glenda served on the LSUA Foundation Board while adopting multiple schools as their Partner in Education. She has received several awards for her selfless efforts, including a Louisiana Heroine Award, Service Above Self Award, Decades of Women Award, and Small Business Award.

For Glenda, her most rewarding accomplishment is what she was able to achieve with the help of her late husband David. Together, they successfully restored a historical building in Alexandria to house the Red Cross Operations.

As I mentioned previously, Glenda opted for an early retirement from Delta Airlines so that she could live a simpler life. It is my guess that, though Glenda is retiring from her position as owner and operator of her restaurants, she is not slowing down. Glenda Stock is a woman to be admired and respected by her peers for her motivated and philanthropic heart. With her retirement she leaves behind a remarkable legacy. Glenda has a message for all of her employees in new hire orientation, ``Handle every customer the same as you would if I were standing there watching you!'' Again, congratulations to Glenda Stock for a well deserved retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the St. Francis Medical Center in Monroe, LA. as it celebrates its 100th anniversary. The men and women of this center have dedicated countless hours to help those during times of need, and I am evermore grateful for all that they have done to serve the 5th Congressional District.

On opening day, July 22, 1913, the St. Francis Sanitarium and School of Nursing had four patients and by late September, 193 had been admitted. Named after St. Francis of Assisi, the patron saint of the Franciscan Sisters, its mission would be to extend the healing ministry of Jesus Christ to God's people, especially those most in need. A century later, this mission has remained constant.

From its modest beginning as a three-story red brick building with 75 patient beds, St. Francis Medical Center has grown to become Northeast Louisiana's largest healthcare provider with 550 licensed beds.

In addition to the remarkable progression of care St. Francis Medical Center provides to its patients and loved ones, it has turned into one of the largest employers in Ouachita Parish boasting over 2,200 employees and an annual payroll of $100 million.

As St. Francis Medical Center embarks on its second century of service to our community, I am confident the goal of providing excellent healthcare with love, compassion, humility and respect for all entrusted to them will continue.

It is with deep appreciation for the organization's many contributions to the 5th Congressional District that I rise today to recognize St. Francis Medical Center's 100th year. To say that this group is a source of strength within Northeast Louisiana is an understatement. Bringing comfort and hope to patients and their families is a priceless gift. They have made a real difference in the lives of many, and I commend each individual, past and present, for their admirable service and leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in applauding such an outstanding benchmark.