Floor Statements

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.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I have the opportunity to recognize the remarkable career of Ms. Lavena Pace as an integral member of my staff. After 10 years of service in my Monroe District Office, my staff and I wish her the best on her retirement.

Ms. Pace's kind-hearted and Christian character made her a natural in assisting the constituents of the 5th Congressional District. During her tenure, Ms. Pace has helped countless individuals, earning the respect and admiration of everyone she has met along her journey.

Over the years, I have watched Ms. Pace give tirelessly to her work. Ms. Pace's dedication, positive attitude, and work ethic will be deeply missed.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ms. Lavena Pace on an exemplary career as she celebrates her retirement.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise today to commend Former Mayor Harry Mims, who has devoted 38 years of outstanding leadership to the Village of East Hodge in Louisiana. The East Hodge Town Hall will be dedicated in his name honoring his unwavering service. Also adding to the festivities, a celebration will be held to commemorate Mayor Mims' 99th birthday.

I ask my colleagues to join me in offering plentiful well wishes to Mayor Mims. His resolute commitment and compassionate service to the community deserve our gratitude.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise today to commemorate and congratulate Terry and Rosy Bromell on the occasion of their 50th

wedding anniversary, which they will celebrate with their loved ones on June 15. Mr. and Mrs. Bromell have led incredible lives, truly worthy of this distinction.

Terry and Rosy are the parents of four wonderful children: Alicia Lowther, Teena Doxley, Ty Bromell, and Rose Marie Dillon. They are also blessed with seven grandchildren: Ric Lowther, Jonah Doxey, Sarah Doxey, Erin Dillon, Ruth Dillon, Vivian Dillon, and Ellie Bromell.

Both graduates of Louisiana Tech University, Terry and Rosy are well-known and appreciated in the North Louisiana area. In 1983, the couple opened their family-owned and independently operated insurance agency, Bromell Agency, Inc. For the past 30 years, the Bromells have benefitted both Ruston and Shreveport families and businesses with their commitment to service, as well as their active involvement and leadership in the Chamber of Commerce, local bureaus, boards, and 4H programs, and various charitable organizations in the community.

As the Bromell family and friends prepare to join together to honor Terry and Rosy Bromell, this couple continues to exemplify admirable dedication to serving our region. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Terry and Rosy Bromell on this very special 50th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Thomas Milton Wilson, Jr. for a lifetime of courageous service to our nation as a pilot in the United States Air Force.

Wilson was born on April 12, 1919, following the First World War. As a young man, he entered the U.S. Army Air Corps to begin training to become a pilot, as it was becoming apparent to the world we would soon be at war again. He proudly earned his wings and began flying the first of countless combat missions from North Africa and Italy and into enemy territory in fortress Europe during World War II.

Following his valiant wartime service in the Air Force, Wilson decided to continue the mission of preserving the freedoms we hold so dear. He remained in the USAF Reserves for an additional 20 years and retired as a Colonel.

Our country and many more around the globe are the beneficiaries of his selflessness and vigilance. It is with great pride that I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Thomas Milton Wilson, Jr. and extending thanks from a grateful nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend Coach Doug Williams on his 25th anniversary as the first African American quarterback to start and also win a Super Bowl. During this historic game, Williams also received the recognition of the Most Valuable Player for his performance that led to the Washington Redskins victory over the

Denver Broncos in Super Bowl XXII. Currently, Williams serves as the head football coach at Grambling State University.

A 1978 graduate of Grambling, Williams enjoyed a stellar college career for the G-Men. Highlights from his four seasons as the team's starting quarterback include leading the Tigers to three Southern Athletic Conference championships and a compiled record of 35 wins to only five losses.

The 1977 season was especially outstanding for Williams. Along with leading the country in touchdown passes and yards, he was named All- American quarterback by the Associated Press and finished fourth in the Heisman Trophy voting. Overall, he was twice named the Black College Player of the Year and his career totals in passing yards, total offense yards, and touchdown passes were NCAA records.

Williams was selected in the first round in the 1978 NFL draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. In the next four years the Buccaneers made the playoffs three times, and in 1979 Williams led the franchise, who had never won a postseason game before his arrival, to the NFC Championship game.

Williams signed with the Washington Redskins in 1986, and in Super Bowl XXII made history. He led his team to a 42-10 defeat of the Denver Broncos, where Williams threw for four touchdowns and collected post- game MVP honors.

Williams returned to Grambling in 1997, but this time as the head football coach. He left for a brief time to rejoin the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as a personell executive and director of professional scouting. His combined stints as head coach at Grambling have facilitated three Southwestern Athletic Conference championships--the most recent coming in 2011.

He and his wife, Raunda, are the proud parents of eight children: Ashley, Adrian, Doug Jr., Jasmine, Laura, Temessia, Carmeleta, and Lee.

Williams' career has brought honor and pride to his family, friends, community, and the state of Louisiana. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating him on all of his successes.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebrating ``Little Walter'' and the inaugural Little Walter Music Festival which will strike a chord in Alexandria, LA, on Saturday, May 4, 2013. Additionally, I would like to call attention to this much-anticipated festival for enhancing economic development and quality of life by unifying and celebrating Louisiana's interests.

The festival, honoring Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, Blues sideman and bandleader Little Walter, will take place on the Red River. Headlining the event is the ``Louisiana Music Hall of Fame, LMHOF, Little Walter Legends.'' Multiple Louisiana Blues harp artists, LMHOF member Henry Gray, who played with Little Walter in Chicago, and a cast of Louisiana Blues All Stars will help usher ``Little Walter'' into The Louisiana Music Hall of Fame with a presentation from LMHOF President Mike Shepherd. Closing the event is a jam session featuring Lady Liz Neville, former lead vocalist in the Hotel Bentley's Mirror Room, along with the LMHFO ``Legends'' band on Little Walter's classic hits, ``Juke'' and ``My Babe.''

Little Walter, born Marion Walter Jacobs near what is now Spring Bayou Road in the small town of Marksville, LA, revolutionized the sound of the Blues harmonica through amplification just by clasping a microphone to the harmonica as he played. He spent several years in Alexandria before making his way to Chicago to eventually become a member of Muddy Waters band, where he began recording his unique style of Blues. According to his 2008 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame induction, Little Walter ``could make a harmonica moan and roar like a full horn section or produce an unearthly, haunting wail.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in wishing the Little Walter Music Festival the best of luck, and for its part in retaining the charm and spirit of our region. Lastly, I rise in celebration of Little Walter and his accomplishments making the Blues sound what it is today.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Louisiana State University--Shreveport (LSUS) Debate team for finishing its season with a combined total of nine International Public Debate Associations (IPDA) National Championship titles after four days of competition at the 2013 IPDA's National Championship Tournament hosted by the University of Arkansas at Monticello.

Under the great leadership of Coach Trey Gibson, the LSUS team won nearly 60 percent of their preliminary rounds earning 14 spots in the elimination rounds. As a program, the team earned four national tournament titles, including the National Tournament Overall Championship title, the Scholastic Championship, and Founders title. Finance majors Cody King and Christian Juneau each made it to the final round in their respective divisions. King lost in the professional division final on a 2-1 decision. Things were different for Juneau as he defeated his opponent and took the Novice National Tournament Championship title.

Before the tournament began, the team had already earned five national championship titles for competition throughout the season. The LSUS team was the top ranked program in the Nation in the Varsity, Professional and Scholastic division season rankings. Success in those categories contributed to the Founders' Cup title making LSUS the top ranked program in the Nation for the 2012-2013 competitive season. Individually, senior Psychology major Chelsea Anthony won the season ranking title in the Varsity division.

The Season Ranking National title is the fifth in a row for LSU Shreveport. The National Tournament title is the team's second in a row and third in the last five years.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in offering congratulations to the LSUS Debate Team, Coach Trey Gibson, and to each member for all of their wonderful successes.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and legacy of Marine Master Sergeant Patrick T. Quirk, who passed away on March 23, 2013.

Master Sergeant Quirk was a 20 year veteran of the United States Marine Corps, having served his country in Vietnam. Among some of the awards highlighting his valiant service to his nation are the National Defense Service Medal, the Combat Action Ribbon, and the Republic of Vietnam Cross of Gallantry, awarded to soldiers who accomplished deeds of valor and displayed heroic conduct.

After leaving active duty, Master Sergeant Quirk continued to serve his country and this nation's youth as a JROTC instructor for over 20 additional years, highlighted by his 18 year tenure at Ouachita Parish High School.

Master Sergeant Quirk will be remembered by those he taught for his leadership, wisdom, and compassion, and his legacy will live on in the countless students who he helped usher into adulthood with the lessons he instilled in them.

So today, I ask that you please join me in remembering Master Sergeant Patrick Quirk. It is my hope that his service to our nation and his fellow man continue to inspire future generations to follow in his footsteps.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the achievements and the unwavering commitment to public service of Francis B. Gibbs.

It seems like yesterday that Francis came to Washington to work for his hometown congressman, Ander Crenshaw. He went on to be a trusted aide and friend to U.S. Rep. Connie Mack. Francis spent over five years by Congressman Mack's side, and his fingerprints could be found on legislative matters concerning government expansion, protection of our Constitution and the principles of federalism.

Francis is a man rooted in principle. From his work on the Patriot Act to defending freedom for people in Venezuela and around the Western Hemisphere, Francis served as a tireless advocate for making this government a ``more perfect Union'' by protecting people's individual rights and liberty.

After his son Couper was born, Francis and his wife LeAnne--who worked for Congressman Mike Pence--decided to leave Washington to raise their new family in the Sunshine State. Francis took his drive and passion back to the Florida Department of Transportation, where he serves as the chief of staff, leveraging his experience in Washington with his knack for building consensus to get the right things done for the right reasons.

Mr. Speaker, we know all too well that the political arena can be viewed as a cold and cynical process. Francis's approach has always been different. He builds bridges and more importantly, he creates enduring friendships that remind us that there is a way to serve honorably.

Francis is now facing a fight with colon cancer. He has fought this with the same tenacity he exuded during his congressional days when he battled legislative threats to the Constitution--with passion and grace.

LeAnne, has been a constant source of strength, compassion and grace. Ernest Hemingway had somebody like LeAnne in mind when he wrote ``courage is grace under fire.'' Their anchors are two beautiful children, Couper and Riley.

Francis has a long-term view of what America can and should be. He believes that ultimately America promises a better life for the next generation. He embodies everything that this promise stands for, and his children will live out this American Dream that their dad shaped. Over the years, legislative achievements are forgotten by the public and often become footnotes in a textbook. However, the difference that Francis made--the issues he worked on--will carry on. More importantly, the way he treated people will not be forgotten by those of us fortunate enough to spend time in these hallowed halls.

Mr. Speaker, let us today celebrate Francis Gibbs, honor his wife LeAnne, and tell his children that America will be a better place for them because of the work, love and devotion of their parents.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of Dr. Horace Perry Jones, a legendary figure in the history of the University of Louisiana at Monroe (ULM). Dr. Jones taught history at ULM for nearly five decades, from 1965 until his retirement in May of last year. During that span, he touched the lives of tens of thousands of students, each of whom walked away from his class with much more than just lessons in history. Dr. Jones passed away on Tuesday, March 19, 2013, at the age of 83.

Dr. Jones's passion for life was evident to all who encountered him and who knew his remarkable story. A native of North Carolina, Dr. Jones served in the U.S. Marine Corps and fought in the Korean War under the revered general, Lewis ``Chesty'' Puller. His adventures did not end after leaving the Marines, and he carried his ``Semper Fi'' spirit with him for the rest of his life. In addition to vigorously pursuing his extensive education in history, Dr. Jones hitchhiked across the globe, traveling through Europe, the Middle East, Southwest Asia, India, the Far East, and through the Panama Canal. He taught at the American School in London before eventually returning to the U.S. After earning his Ph.D. from the University of Mississippi, in 1965 he accepted a position with Northeast Louisiana State College--today known as the University of Louisiana at Monroe, a school Dr. Jones came to love as much as it loved him.

For the next 47 years he dazzled his students and community with a magical combination of history, humor, and unreserved passion for life. Outside the classroom, Dr. Jones was a local icon. He could easily be spotted driving his antique yellow Volkswagen on campus and across town. It was not an unusual sight to see Dr. Jones standing under a campus tree's canopy, beneath his mounted boar's head, reciting his poetry to a crowd of mesmerized students. On days of home football games, he was often spotted wandering the Grove among tailgaters, carrying a large can labeled with unmentionable motivational language. Even the Stubbs Hall office he occupied was celebrated--cramped with bizarre artifacts, classroom props, and hundreds of books he had read cover to cover.

But for all he was recognized for outside the classroom, most will remember Dr. Jones for his role inside the classroom. There he brought history to life, and brought life into perspective. He was well known to have a few students carry him into class in a coffin, only for him to suddenly jump out and surprise his perplexed audience. It was not unusual for him to show up to class wearing a weathered graduation cap and gown, or excessively baggy and faddish ``Jnco'' blue jeans, or a ``Rage Against the Machine'' T-shirt. In his classes he would leap off desks, swing yardsticks as swords, scream, cry, laugh, and teach the most passionate lessons of history imaginable.

As exciting as his classes could be, he was a very serious teacher. His lessons were strategically emphasized with props, chalkboard drawings, and his massive Cold War era fabric map, which he hauled from class to class for decades and draped across his classroom walls. His book reports and handwritten tests could be challenging, but not nearly as much as his notorious ``map tests,'' on which students were required to label each country and sea in the world.

Perhaps the most special moments of his classes were on the final class of each semester, when Dr. Jones would weave the poetry of Robert Frost's ``The Road Not Taken'' in with his incredible story of his trek across the planet. After that class, if a student had not already recognized it before, he realized that he was a fortunate soul to have had the unique privilege to study from this extraordinary man, who not only taught history, but lived it, and who not only lived, but redefined how life should be lived.

Dr. Jones will undoubtedly be missed by the many who knew and loved him. But though his life on Earth is now over, his spirit, legend, and legacy will live on in the hearts and minds of the untold thousands whose lives he touched.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Bryan Henderson for his selfless and valiant service to our nation. On March 11, 2013, our country lost a soldier and the 5th Congressional District lost a native son when his helicopter went down in southern Afghanistan.

As long as the Stars and Stripes continue to soar, Henderson's contributions to protecting the freedoms we hold so dear will never be forgotten. In a generation where so many men and women have answered the call to duty, his example of heroism and devotion embody what has truly made America the great nation it is today.

Today, our words seem futile in comparison to Henderson's service, but as written in 2 Corinthians 1:3, our prayer is ``that the God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our tribulations, may be able to comfort those in troubling times.''

I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Bryan Henderson and extending thanks on behalf of a grateful nation. Countless lives have been changed for the better by his efforts, and he will remain in the hearts of Louisianians forever.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the St. Francis's volunteers who have dedicated their time in service and assistance to the patients of the medical center. These men and women have devoted countless hours to help those during times of need and have made a tremendous impact on the Monroe community.

Specifically, I would like to recognize 10 volunteers for contributing over 25 years of service, some of whom have reached the 30 year milestone: Barbara Roberts (25 years), Mabel Sims (25 years), Mary Hart (28 years), Pat Ham (29 years), Lucille Calk (30 years), Saundra Franklin (30 years), Syble Leigh (30 years), Carolyn Roberts (30 years), Patsy Welch (30 years), and last but not least, Angie Bruscato (38 years).

I would also like to congratulate Ruth Beavers and Talma Turrentine for giving more than 10,000 service hours to St. Francis.

This group is certainly an inspiration to us all as they bring the gift of comfort and hope to countless patients and their families. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding each volunteer, past and present, for their admirable service and leadership.