Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate two elementary students from Ouachita Parish who participated in a national art exhibit opening in Washington, D.C. Eight-year-old Jarred Rambo and 10-year-old Shelby Rambo, children of Judge and Mrs. Wilson and Christine Rambo of West Monroe, La., cut the ribbon on the U.S. Department of Education's Student Art Exhibit Program.

This wonderful program is now in its 10th year and strives to highlight student accomplishment in the arts. This year, the exhibit featured works from the 2012 national PTA winners. Jarred won the PTA Reflections Award of Excellence for literature in the primary division for pre-K through second grade and Shelby won the PTA Reflections Award of Merit for dance choreography in the intermediate division for third grade through fifth grade. Both students were honored in the U.S. Department of Education's ceremony along with other winners from around the country.

Jarred and Shelby should be commended for their hard work and remarkable artistic ability. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating their wonderful achievements.

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Azerbaijan Caucus, I rise today to congratulate our close friend and ally, Azerbaijan, on the occasion of the successful launch of their first satellite (Azerspace-1). Built in the United States, by Orbital Sciences Corporation, this historic event is yet another testament to the expanding relationship between our two countries and will provide important communications services to Azerbaijan, Central Asia, the Middle East, Europe and Africa. The launch of Azerspace-1 is the culmination of hard work and cooperation between the Government of Azerbaijan and the US private sector. Along with recent purchases of aircraft from Boeing, Azerbaijan has placed their confidence in the United States aeronautics and aerospace sectors to help foster greater economic development. I urge my fellow colleagues to join me in congratulating Azerbaijan on this historic event.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and commend the accomplished life of one of Louisiana's own, Roger Morris Carter. Born in Ferriday, La., to William Prentiss Carter, Jr. and Carolyn Rogers Carter, he attended Louisiana State University for both a B.S. in Agriculture (Entomology) in 1972 and M.S. in Plant Pathology in 1975. During this time, he married his wife, Lise' Anne Clower on December 21, 1972. Their union later produced one son, Anthony Bronson Carter, who with his wife, Jessica Boyette, has given Roger and Lise' five grandchildren.

With an impressive foundation of scientific knowledge, a natural aptitude for working the land and a political astuteness uncommon in a single person, Roger's work has been instrumental in revolutionizing farming in Louisiana and throughout the country. As a highly sought after agricultural consultant, Roger pioneered the use of precision agriculture in our area by using electrical conductivity (EC) to separate soil types and developing ``zones'', so that the fertilizer and lime needs of the soil could be addressed precisely in each zone.

Additionally, Roger is a prominent member of the National Alliance of Independent Crop Consultants (NAICC), having served as both president and treasurer over the years. NAICC is widely respected for its impartial and independent views on topics related to agriculture. It was very influential in assisting the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in creating the Worker Protection Standard regulations as well as Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and Conservation Stewardship Program with various conservation measures. While Roger was treasurer of NAICC, he began ``Dads in DC'' which later became ``Crawfish Boil on the Hill,'' an annual institution. Over 300 people attended this year, including six congressmen, and individuals from the House and Senate Ag Committee, EPA and United States Department of Agriculture staffers including those in NRCS and the Food Safety Administration.

Over his lifetime, Roger has been a member of scores of professional associations, and has received countless awards, while always maintaining his own farm and continuously giving back to his community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the life works of Roger Morris Carter and to wish him future success in all of his ventures.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Reverend Jimmie Pyles of Quitman, La. Reverend Pyles was a beacon of light to countless souls during his 60 years of Methodist ministry, and he will be sorely missed.

Born on May 20, 1935, Reverend Pyles grew up in Jonesboro, La. He received his degree in theological studies from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas, and married Dessie Hinton Pyles of Quitman. Their union produced Andy Pyles, who is now the

head football coach at Winnfield High School. Pyles's three grandchildren, Tyler, Dustin, and Kayla, were his pride and joy. Reverend Pyles was very much a family man who lived an honorable life, striving to lead by example and be the best he could be, personally and professionally.

Reverend Pyles's passion in life was serving God and people. He lived this passion every day through his work, while serving as a pastor of 10 different Methodist churches, on the board of the United Methodist Children's Home in Ruston, at the General Secretary of the United Christian Ashram, on the Executive Committee for the World Methodist Council, as Ruston District Supervisor, and in his daily life as a husband, parent, and grandparent, among many other posts he has occupied. He gave freely and generously of himself and his time, and the world is truly a better place for his efforts.

In the letter of Saint Paul the Apostle to Timothy, (2 Timothy 2:8- 13), Paul says ``If we have died with him, we shall also live with him; if we persevere, we shall also reign with him.'' As we remember Reverend Pyles, there can be no doubt that he lived and died in his faith. Reverend Pyles's life is an example to all of us.

To say that he left his fingerprint on the world would be an understatement. Reverend Pyles brought peace, joy, and spiritual life to so many, and he will live in our hearts forever.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in gratitude to honor the career of a man who has given his whole professional life to serving the people of the United States.

Charlie D. Davis, a Shreveport, Louisiana, native was so bright he graduated from high school at the young age of 16. In 1974, he made the decision to join the U.S. Army that would shape the rest of his career. Davis was in the Army until 1977, and he then enlisted in the Navy from 1982 to 1985. He spent the next 11 years with the Department of Defense in New Orleans, and then transferred to the Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration in Monroe, La. in 1996. He has been serving in this capacity ever since.

Charlie D. Davis is an exemplary public servant, and on the occasion of his retirement, I ask my colleagues to join me and the people of Louisiana in extending our thanks and recognition for the many years of hard work he gave to keep our State and Nation strong and secure.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the long life of Mr. Roscoe A. Bolton, who passed away on Wednesday, September 26, 2012, at the age of 99. He was a deep-rooted Alexandria, La. businessman and one we shall never forget.

Mr. Bolton was born in March of 1913, before the First World War. A home-grown son of Alexandria, he attended West End Grammar School, Bolton High School, Culver Military Academy and Louisiana College. Additionally, he studied at the University of Pennsylvania Wharton School of Business during the Great Depression, but returned home to work alongside his father in the insurance business. The only leave he took from this venture was in 1942, when he volunteered for the U.S. Navy after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Mr. Bolton served in the Pacific Theater as a Lt. Commander and later as a Commanding Officer of the U.S. Naval Section Base in Burwood, La.

As well as his selfless service to our country, Mr. Bolton loyally served the people of his beloved community. Among the world's 1.2 million Rotarian members, he was recently honored as the longest- serving as he marked his 77th year. Moreover, he was a member of the Board of Directors of the Louisiana-based Rapides Bank & Trust Company and Oliver Lodge No. 874 F&A.M, past-president of the First Charter Commission of the City of Alexandria, Director of the Industrial Development Board, and a Trustee of the Central Cities Development Corporation. It is plain to see that as we reflect on Mr. Bolton's fulfilling life, we see an overriding theme of true altruism.

A lifelong member of Emmanuel Baptist Church, Mr. Bolton was also a faithful servant to his church and to his family. A devoted husband and father, he will be dearly missed by his wife, Sue, two children and step-child, eight grandchildren, and 10 great-grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring the life of Roscoe A. Bolton. To say that Mr. Bolton left his fingerprint on the world would be an understatement. He was a leader, teacher, parent, husband, friend, and example to all of us. Countless lives have been changed for the better by his efforts, and he will remain in our hearts forever.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. Victor Cascio, Sr. His warmhearted connection with those who were fortunate to know him and his steadfast involvement in the Monroe, La. community will always be remembered.

Throughout his lifetime, Victor was a vibrant presence in the area. He won the hearts of many as a child star on KNOE-TV's ``Happiness Exchange,'' and his family has graced Monroe with their superb ability as restaurateurs since World War II. The family venture began with his late mother Josephine's ``Spaghetti Garden'' and culminating with The Chateau, a Louisville Avenue institution, where Victor hosted such celebrities as Liberace, Elvis, Donna Douglas of Elly May Clampett fame, Danny Thomas, and every Louisiana Governor from Big John McKeithen to Bobby Jindal.

Much of Victor's life was spent in the public eye as a phenomenal host, friend, and role model for all, and when he finally closed the doors of The Chateau amid an outpouring of support in March of this year, it was with the goal of savoring a private life with his wife of 50 years, Marie.

Undeniably, the mark he made on our community will never fade. He had a gift for putting people at ease and creating an atmosphere that is not easily duplicated. In the letter of Saint Paul the Apostle to Timothy, (2 Timothy 2:8-13), Paul says ``If we have died with him, we shall also live with him; if we persevere, we shall also reign with him.'' As we fondly remember the life and accomplishments of Victor, he lived in the faith in which he believed.

To say that he left his fingerprint on the world would be an understatement. Victor Cascio brought joy to so many, and he will live in our hearts forever.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to congratulate Annette Stassi for being selected Queen Evangeline of the International Acadian Festival in Iberville Parish. Annette is a 17-year-old senior at St. John High School in Plaquemine, La.

The International Acadian Festival is sponsored by the Knights of Columbus, Council #970 of Plaquemine, which is the third oldest Council in Louisiana.

It is always outstanding to see the diligence with which the young students of Louisiana work to give back and better their communities. I have the highest confidence that Annette will succeed in whatever endeavors she pursues.

I ask my colleagues to join me in passing good wishes to Annette Stassi, her family, and the entire International Acadian Festival. Annette is truly deserving of this recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of Mr. Saul Mintz, whose ardent presence as a family man, business man, and philanthropist in Monroe, La., will be sorely missed.

Mr. Mintz was brilliant in business, opening the very successful Strauss Interests with his wife, Jean, many years ago, but he will be remembered more for his community philanthropy than his genius for the market. A family man and mentor by nature, many of his crowning philanthropic works bettered the lives of children in 12 parishes in our area.

The Children's Coalition for Northeast Louisiana received their first donation 15 years ago from the Mintz family, and Mr. Mintz was with the Coalition every step of the way thereafter, lending not only financial, but also social and philosophical support. Similarly, he and his wife were steadfast supporters of the Strauss Theatre and were integral to the establishment of a children's theatre, among many other institutions.

In reflecting on his life, Mr. Mintz said ``I don't think too many people have been submitted to so many opportunities as I. So, it would be irresponsible if I didn't take advantage of what God [has] given me to try to leave a better future for others.'' His grateful spirit and humble generosity have won him a spot in the hearts of everyone who knew him, and he serves as a reminder of the responsibility that we all have to give what we can and take care of one another in our families and communities.

When we look back on Mr. Mintz's life, we see a life of giving. Not only did he personally do everything he could to better our community, he also preached about the joy of giving generously and helping others to anyone who would listen. For his three children, 10 grandchildren, one great grandchild, and for all of us, the way in which Mr. Mintz led his life should be emulated. We are all grateful to have known him and will never forget what a beautiful and civic-minded person he was.

To say Mr. Mintz left his fingerprint on the world would be an understatement. Countless lives have been changed for the better by his efforts, and he will stay in the hearts of Louisianians forever.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Mr. James Floyd Cleveland, who passed away on July 31 at the age of 88.

Mr. Cleveland was a truly wonderful example of a man who lived the American dream. Born on December 17, 1923, he was a cultivator of corn, cotton, soybeans, hogs and cattle on his family farm for over 60 years. He was widely known to have the best okra and mustard greens in town. Moreover, many deemed him the ``Historian'' for his long life and incredible ability to bring oral history to life.

Having accepted Christ at an early age, Mr. Cleveland was baptized in 1939 and dedicated much of his time to good works, notably as an active member of St. Matthew Benevolent Society and Secretary of the Lily Lodge number 5911 in Rapides Station, Louisiana.

Mr. Cleveland enjoyed 57 years of married life with Bernice Jones. Mrs. Cleveland preceded him in death on January 6, 2011, but not a day went by that he didn't speak lovingly of seeing her again. Their union produced a daughter, Sheila Joyce Bryant, who married Arthur R. Bryant. His two granddaughters, Rachel Joyce and Bathsheba Felice were the joys of his life.

As a leader in his community, he strived to make life better for others. He rose to the occasion after the 1965 United States Voting Rights Act and was instrumental in ensuring African-Americans registered and cast their votes for the first time. He was appointed to the Rapides Parish Election process and served as Key Custodian from 1991 to 2006, always going above and beyond in his civic duty.

We all have much to learn from the life and legacy of Mr. Cleveland, who lived a quiet and honorable life as one of the farmers who feeds America. To say that Mr. Cleveland left his fingerprint on the world is an understatement. He was a friend to many and an example for all who had the good fortune to know him.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to the late Mr. James Floyd Cleveland.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to congratulate Grambling State University (GSU) on its 111th anniversary. This milestone is a testament that GSU is a true leader in education.

Opening on November 1, 1901, GSU was organized by a group of African American farmers who wanted to organize and operate a school for African Americans in north Louisiana. What began as an industrial school, Grambling State shifted its focus to rural teacher education in the late 1930s. GSU transformed in the early 1950s into an institution that offered students education in the areas of science, liberal arts, and business. The university now offers 68 degree programs to its students.

In recent years, Grambling has incorporated new academic programs and has added new facilities including a business and computer science building and school of nursing. Throughout the university's 111-year history, the value of each individual student has always been emphasized. GSU continues to be an institution ``where everybody is somebody.''

I commend Grambling State University on this significant milestone, and its dedication to positively influencing the lives of its students. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Grambling State University for this momentous occasion.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise today to commemorate Mr. Carl Addison on the occasion of his 95th birthday, which he and his loved ones will celebrate on August 8. Mr. Addison has led an incredible life, truly worthy of this distinction.

In 1939, Mr. Addison joined the 6th Armored Cavalry Regiment in Oglethorpe, Georgia. The ``Fighting Sixth'' became an integral wing of Gen. George S. Patton's Third Army during World War II. Mr. Addison's group landed in France on June 8. This team served as a reconnaissance squad as they moved across Europe, and was there when Gen. Patton made his heroic run to Bastogne to rescue U.S. troops.

At Bastogne, Mr. Addison was wounded from a gunshot wound to the knee and was sent to England for medical treatment. Though scheduled to return to the United States for further treatment, he went back to France to rejoin his group. His superior officer ensured Mr. Addison could stay with the 6th Cavalry, where he remained until the allies claimed victory in Europe.

Mr. Addison returned home to Monroe, LA. in 1945 and married Bea Shamblin in the following year. They have one child together, Carl Addison, Jr.

As his family and friends prepare to join together to honor Mr. Addison, he continues to exemplify a strong character of leadership and dedication. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Addison on this truly significant birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the 175th anniversary of Mt. Vernon Baptist Church in West Monroe, La.

The church began when a small band of early settlers in southwest Ouachita Parish established a place of worship. These pioneers initially held services in homes, and it is believed the first building of the Mt. Vernon Baptist Church was a simple one-room log house. While the building has changed many times over the past century to accommodate the ever-growing membership, the church has continued to provide spiritual guidance to the Ouachita Parish community since its inception. Today, the sanctuary comfortably seats 600, and the average Sunday school attendance is over 400.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mt. Vernon Baptist Church for its dedication to providing a steadfast place of worship. Countless Sunday morning services, baptisms, and weddings have been held there, and I am confident it will be a strong source of Christian love, comfort and fellowship for well over the next 100 years.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I have the opportunity to recognize the remarkable 34-year career of Bonnie Lemoine, Procter & Gamble (P&G) External Relations Leader.

Bonnie was born and raised in Central Louisiana and has dedicated her career and life to the Pineville/Alexandria area. Throughout her career, Bonnie has worked tirelessly to make Louisiana an attractive place to do business and a great place to live.

In addition to her job at P&G, Bonnie served as chair and board member of the Central Louisiana Chamber of Commerce, Chair and executive board member of the Louisiana Association of Business and Industry, board member of Central Louisiana Economic Development Alliance and Tioga Historical Museum, member of North Rapides Business Alliance and Local Water Board Commissioner, and many others.

Throughout the years, Bonnie has received numerous awards, including: Lantern Award, Intercity Economic Development Award, Cypress Award, Better Business Award and P&G Recognition Shares.

I offer the following testament to Bonnie's kind-hearted and altruistic nature. After Hurricane Katrina, P&G's Folgers Coffee Manufacturing Plant, in New Orleans, was completely flooded as well as many of the employees' homes. Bonnie immediately went into action. She asked employees in the P&G Pineville, LA plant if they would open their homes to the P&G Folgers families displaced by the floods. Everyone needing a roof over their heads was accommodated. Once this was achieved, Bonnie started working to get the plant up and running again. Within weeks, there were 125 FEMA trailers on-site for employees to reside, and power had been restored to the site. The Folgers plant was one of the first manufacturing plants in the area to resume production. It even received a visit from President Bush as he personally recognized the incredible efforts to help employees and their families and get the plant up and running in record time.

Bonnie has earned the respect and admiration of everyone she has met along her journey. It is with great pride that I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Bonnie Lemoine on an exemplary career as she celebrates her retirement. I thank her for her service to our community and wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I have the opportunity to recognize deep-rooted Alexandria businessman, Roscoe Bolton, who was recently named the world's longest-serving Rotarian.

On March 7, Mr. Bolton celebrated his 99th birthday, and is currently serving his 77th year as a Rotarian. To celebrate the occasion, the local club dubbed him the longest-serving among the world's 1.2 million members.

Bolton is a true product of the Alexandria community, having being born here as well as attending Bolton High School and Louisiana College before graduating from the University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School of Finance. In 1933, he began work for the insurance agency Alexander & Bolton, where he continued to work into his 90s. During his tenure at the agency, Mr. Bolton served as chairman of the board and only took leave to serve his country in World War II.

A bona fide member of the Greatest Generation, Mr. Bolton has earned the respect and regard of everyone he's met along the way. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in commending Roscoe Bolton. His dedication and contributions to the Rotary Club and to the citizens of Alexandria warrant this laudable recognition.