Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to applaud Greg Gormanous for his exceptional service to the Alexandria community on the occasion of his retirement. His staunch support of both the citizens of Alexandria and his students at Louisiana State University-Alexandria is admirable and deserving of appreciation.

Upon his retirement, Greg was the longest serving administrator in the history of LSU-Alexandria, where he served as Behavioral and Social Sciences Chair and the Liberal Arts Division Head and was an avid backer of four-year degree programs. Among his many accomplishments at the university, Greg helped establish three endowed student scholarships as well as initiate theatre and travel courses and the lecture series.

In addition to his work in academia, Greg is a strong advocate for the betterment of Alexandria by serving the public as a government liaison. He continues to be a driving force in the community for his committed leadership on various business, civic, educational and governmental boards and committees, such as the Rotary Club of Alexandria, the Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Mardi Gras Association, the Rapides Primary Health Care Center, and the March of Dimes to name a few. He is also a licensed psychologist and his extensive research has been published in numerous publications.

Through his endeavors, both professional and volunteer, Greg has earned the respect and regard of all those with whom he has served and the gratitude of the people that have come to know him.

Please join me in extending best wishes to Greg upon his retirement and wishing him future success in all his efforts.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a brave young boy in my district, Christian Shrewsbury.

At just one year old, Christian is battling Spinal Muscular Atrophy II, a motor neuron disease, which affects the voluntary muscles that are used for activities such as crawling, walking, head and neck control and swallowing. It is a relatively common ``rare disorder'': approximately one in 6,000 babies born are affected, and about one in 40 people are genetic carriers.

Though there is currently no cure or treatment for SMA, I am profoundly inspired by the courage exhibited by Christian and his family each day.

On behalf of the U.S. House of Representatives, I extend our sincerest gratitude to Christian, for his spirit and the encouragement he provides to other young children and for the joy he brings to all around him.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember U.S. Marine Cpl. Joe Wrightsman for his selfless and valiant service to our nation.

On July 18, 2010, our country lost a Marine, and Jackson Parish lost a native son. However, as long as the American flag continues to fly over the sands of Afghanistan and the piney hills of Jackson Parish, Wrightsman's contributions to protecting the freedoms we hold so dear will never be forgotten.

A 2005 graduate of Jonesboro Hodge High School, Wrightsman was serving his third tour overseas--an exemplary achievement of a young man of 23 years old. In a generation where so many men and women have answered freedom's call to duty, his example of heroism and devotion embody what has truly made America a great nation for over two centuries.

Today, our words seem futile in comparison to Wrightman'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. Marine Cpl. Joe Wrightsman and extending thanks on behalf of a grateful nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of K-9 Sergeant Thomas ``Tommy'' Alexander, a brave and dedicated Rayville police officer, who was fatally shot in the line of duty on September 11, 2010 at the age of 57.

Alexander was a devoted husband and father of two as well as a faithful community advocate. In addition to his duties as an officer, he shared his talent of cooking to help local churches raise money and lent his time to the local high school by taking tickets at games and making travel arrangements for the football team. A lifelong friend said it best as he described Alexander as a ``selfless man, who had God in his heart.''

I extend my deepest condolences to those he leaves behind. Words cannot express the depth of the loss felt by his family, friends and community he loved to serve.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize the service and sacrifice of Tommy Alexander. He was a remarkable example to us all, and today, I salute him.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise today to commemorate Mr. Rawleigh ``Mike'' Thompson on the occasion of his 90th birthday.

On September 12, 1920, Mr. Thompson was born in Hineston, Louisiana. He is the only son of four siblings.

Oakhill High School recognizes Mr. Thompson as the first person to receive a diploma from their school and he proudly cites his position as Valedictorian. To attain this achievement, he overcame many obstacles, one of which was to walk and ride two different buses totaling 46 miles round trip each school day.

Mr. Thompson married Bessie Lee Jones and they were blessed with seven children. Further blessings now include nine grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

He joined the U.S. Army in 1942 serving in World War II. Upon his departure from the military he worked at a sawmill and then began his career at the VA Medical Center in Pineville, Louisiana. Mr. Thompson was employed at the VA for 29 years and remarkably never missed a day of work.

As his family and friends prepare to join together to honor Mr. Thompson, he continues to exemplify a strong character of dedication, compassion and devotion.

I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Thompson on this truly significant birthday.

Madam Speaker, Northrop Grumman recently announced that they would consolidate and close Avondale Shipyard by 2013. In the midst of economic downturn, the gulf oil spill, the drilling moratorium, layoffs from the NASA shuttle program, the decision to close Avondale will very well have a devastating effect on the State of Louisiana.

We must find a solution to help those 5,000 employees that would be affected. Article I, section 9 of the Constitution states that ``no preference shall be given by any regulation of commerce or revenue to the ports of one State over those of another.''

If Avondale were making cruise ships, then this wouldn't be a Federal jurisdiction. However, as Northrop Grumman Shipbuilding has built over 70 percent of the Navy's fleet, I believe this is the time to exercise some intervention into this consolidation process. We must assist the State in finding alternative issues for Avondale Shipyard in Louisiana.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mayor Gerard C. Moreau, Jr., for his many years of service and dedication to the Bunkie, La. community.

A man of many dimensions, Moreau's career includes 30 years in the banking business as well as a volunteer fireman. Over the past few decades, he has been heavily involved in citizenship activities and community organizations. Among his many civic accomplishments, Moreau was elected to the Bunkie City Council in 1990, where he served until October of 1999. That same year, Moreau was elected mayor of the City of Bunkie, and he continues to serve in this capacity today.

Additionally, Moreau was the past president and member of the Bunkie Chamber of Commerce and the Bunkie Lions Club. He is currently the senior vice president of Sabine State Bank in Bunkie.

Beyond his professional career, Moreau is the devoted husband of Carla. They are the proud parents of three beautiful daughters and two lovely grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mayor Gerard C, Moreau, Jr., a truly faithful public servant. His commitment, compassion and leadership warrant this laudable recognition.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to commend Mayor Richard Roy Michel, who has devoted over 28 years to serving Marksville, La.

Michel was Marksville High School's valedictorian in 1950. He received his B.S. degree in 1953 from Louisiana State University (LSU) of Baton Rouge, and continued his education at LSU Medical School in New Orleans graduating in 1957.

After marrying the former Margaret Bennett in 1956, Michel served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1958 to 1960. He was a captain and head of the OB GYN medical division at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. He also worked as the Assistant Hospital Administrator.

In 1960, Michel returned to his hometown to practice medicine at Marksville Hospital where he continues to work today.

For nearly three decades, Michel has been a businessman, politician, cattleman, and the Marksville Mayor. He is credited with turning Marksville from a town to a city by his notable undertakings. He was instrumental in encouraging the expansion of the Super Wal-Mart and assisting the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe in establishing the Paragon Casino. In addition, the Marksville City Hall, Police Station, Fire Station, City Courtroom and Marksville Water System buildings were constructed under his leadership as mayor.

Among his impressive list of endeavors, Michel served as a charter member of the American Academy of Family Practice, board member of the Council on Aging, Cottonport Bank, Airport Authority and Marksville Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he was the first president of the Avoyelles Mayor's Association and the first chief of staff at Avoyelles Hospital.

Beyond his professional career, Michel and his wife have two daughters, Margaret Suzone Alfred and Donna Renee Lemoine, two granddaughters, one grandson and one great-granddaughter.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mayor Richard Roy Michel. His unwavering commitment and compassionate service to the Marksville community deserve our gratitude.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember Charles Craddock, a World War II Veteran and Prisoner of War. I offer most heartfelt thanks to Mr. Craddock for his selfless and heroic service to our nation and dedication to preserving our freedoms. It is with great appreciation that I share his story in hopes of inspiring today's generation of young men and women to live with the same sense of duty and purpose.

In April of 1943, Mr. Craddock was drafted and sent to Ft. Sill, Okla., then to Fort Polk, La., for basic training. From there, he was transferred into the Air Force Cadet program and took basic training and classification at Sheppard Field, Texas. After completing basic training, he was sent to pre-flight training at Butler University in Indianapolis, Ind. He was then sent to Fort Bragg, N.C., for combat training in the infantry, then to Fort Meade, Md., and Fort Dix, N.J., for further training.

After D-Day, Mr. Craddock traveled to Omaha Beach and joined units of the 3rd Army near Nancy, France. Mr. Craddock was assigned to the 137th D Infantry Regiment of the 35th Division. The first two weeks his unit spent in a defensive position, and then began a drive to the German border.

After two months, his group made it to the border at Sarrguimens. They crossed the Bliss River at night to take some high ground. Five of the soldiers, including Mr. Craddock, in the company were picked to go on patrol to see what lay ahead. They were captured behind the German lines during this patrol.

It was hard getting to the POW camp near Stuttgart, as the Air Force was all around. Most of the distance was covered by walking at night. After spending about a month in Stuttgart, the American forces were driving into this area from southern France, so the prisoners were led into box cars for a miserable trip to the next POW camp at Luckenwald. This train trip lasted about four days and nights for the train would not move during the day for fear of the American Air Force.

During this trip, they never let the POWs out of the box cars and gave them very little food or water. After spending about two months in Luckenwald, the prisoners were broken up in small groups and marched for two days to a camp known as Altengrabow. Once again, in two months, they were told they had to move, and walked through the city of Berlin, which was in ruins from the American and British Air Force bombings.

The group was sent to a small camp west of Berlin, where every night they watched the bombings of the city. They were given no news, but sensed the war was coming to an end.

One morning, near the end of April 1945, they were told to move again. They marched about a day and then spent the night in a barn. During the night, the German guards left. A Russian patrol came by the next day, and escorted them to the American lines on the Elbe River. That was on May 8, 1945, almost six months after being captured.

For his truly brave and fearless service, Mr. Craddock received the following decorations: Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, European Theater with two Battle Stars, and Good Conduct.

Our country and many more around the world are the beneficiaries of his courage and vigilance. On May 16, 2010, America lost a hero with the passing of Mr. Craddock. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Charles Craddock and extending thanks from a grateful nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today with tremendous pride and pleasure to pay tribute to the achievements of the West Monroe High School Choral program.

Through the years, they have held numerous concerts at Carnegie Hall, performed Mozart's Coronation Mass in Salzburg and Vienna, Austria, and sang the mass at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy. The many recognitions they have received are the result of long hours of practice, and dedication to excellence by the students, faculty and their families.

The West Monroe High School Choir has once again been honored as they have been asked to represent Louisiana at the 2010 American Celebration of Music in France and Great Britain. This tour will provide an once- in-a-lifetime opportunity for our young students to perform at various venues throughout Europe. The trip's highlights include performances at The Jesuit Church in Lucerne, Switzerland, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, The American Cemetery in Normandy Beach, France, and St. Paul's Cathedral in London, England.

The European concert tour will take place from May 30, 2010 to June 10, 2010, and will include 82 singers and 40 chaperones. Under the leadership of Greg A. Oden, Director, and Vickie Freeman, Assistant Director, the students have passionately worked through the entire year to raise the necessary funds to achieve this aspiration.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the wonderful achievements of the West Monroe High School Choir. The many honors they have received are the result of long hours of practice, and dedication to excellence by the students, faculty and their families. They have truly made me and their community proud.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 125th anniversary of Ollie Grove Baptist Church in Choudrant, La.

The church, which will celebrate this landmark anniversary on June 20, 2010, began in 1885 when a small group of men and women joined forces. These pioneers initially held services in a brush arbor until the first box-like frame building was constructed a year later. While the church building has changed many times over the past century, the church has continued to provide spiritual guidance to the Jackson Parish community since its inception.

Today, Ollie Grove Baptist Church is led by a dynamic young Pastor named Derric Chatman where he performs missionary outreach and works to increase the number of young men and women believing in the Holy Father and living a life in accordance to his word.

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

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

All along the gulf coast, there are many communities hundreds of miles from the edge of the water, communities that are filled with families that, for generation after generation, have produced the workers that are required to produce gas and oil in the gulf region. Some of those workers leave home for periods of 7 days, 14 days, perhaps 21 days before coming home. Sadly, some never return home. Families can't be prepared for losing those loved ones, and for that, our hearts and prayers go out in this resolution.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to congratulate Linda Grant for being named the 2010 Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Year for Louisiana. The American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) recently honored Linda with this wonderful recognition.

As a DSP, Linda works to support people with disabilities through community-based services that promote independence and inclusion for individuals with intellectual, behavior and other disabilities. This award is testament that Linda is a true leader for her work assisting those with disabilities to live meaningful and productive lives.

She is an example of how one person can change the lives of many, and I commend Linda for her hard work and dedication to making a positive difference in the community. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Linda Grant for this significant achievement.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Cleco Corporation for ringing The Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Friday, April 16. Cleco used this event to officially kick off its 75th anniversary celebration with more revelry scheduled to follow.

Based in Pineville, La., Cleco is a regional energy company which began operations on January 2, 1935. Today, it serves about 277,000 retail customers across Louisiana. Moreover, Cleco is the only publicly traded company on the NYSE headquartered in Central Louisiana, and the seventh largest NYSE-traded company based in the state.

Cleco has a remarkable track record of success, and I am confident it will continue to provide great opportunities for the residents of this area.

It is with deep appreciation for this company's many contributions to the 5th Congressional District that I commend Cleco and its dedicated employees.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 75th anniversary of Cleco. I offer my deepest congratulations to the devoted individuals who helped Cleco reach this significant milestone.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Angela Bruscato for 35 years of volunteer service to St. Francis Medical Center. Angie has continually demonstrated the mission of St. Francis Medical Center through her commitment to reaching out to others in their time of need. She has brought comfort and hope to patients and their families with her sincere concern for their welfare.

Angie joined the St. Francis Medical Center volunteer program in May of 1975, and as of March 17, 2010, she has volunteered 19,696 hours of service. With her many talents, Angie has held many positions as a volunteer and on the Auxiliary Executive Board, and has helped raise $450,000 to benefit the health care facility.

Angie is a shining example of how one person can change the world for many. Justly, Angie has been recognized for her caring service over the years. In 1990, she was awarded the Auxilian of the Year. In 1993, St. Francis Medical Center awarded her a Certificate of Merit for Dedicated Auxiliary Service. In 2004, she received the Volunteer of the Year award.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Angela Bruscato. This truly amazing and selfless individual has continued to bring joy to the patients and employees of the St. Francis Medical Center for 35 years.