Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to extend a heartfelt congratulations to the students, staff and supporters of the Job Corps as they celebrate 50 remarkable years of educating and training at-risk youth. The Turner Jobs Corps Center in Albany, Georgia celebrated this milestone with a citywide Birthday Bash held on Wednesday, August 20, 2014 at 9:15 a.m. on the campus at 2000 Schilling Avenue in Albany, Georgia.

Job Corps is a no-cost education and training program that helps young people train for a career, earn a high school diploma or GED, and find and keep a good job. For eligible young people at least 16 years of age that qualify as low-income, Job Corps gives them the opportunity to learn skilled trades and provides them with the all-around tools needed to succeed in life.

Job Corps is authorized by Title I-C of the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 and is administered by the U.S. Department of Labor. There are 125 Job Corps center campuses located throughout the United States and Puerto Rico.

For the past 50 years, the Job Corps program has had an enormous impact on millions of young people throughout the nation. As the national economy continues to recover, it is important that young people have the training and education they need to find and maintain stable jobs. I am grateful for the Job Corps program and its mission to give at-risk youth a second chance, equipping them with the resources they need to succeed now and into the future.

I would like to especially recognize the Turner Job Corps Center in Georgia's Second Congressional District. I have worked closely with the Turner Job Corps Center and I have seen some of the best and most hard- working young adults in Georgia and across the country emerge from its doors.

I commend the Job Corps program and its dedicated staff for all the wonderful work they have done and will continue to do. I am so glad to have the Turner Job Corps Center in my District and I look forward to continuing to collaborate with the Center in working for our young people and our communities.

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I ask that my colleagues join me and the more than 700,000 residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District in expressing our collective and profound gratitude to the students, staff and supporters for their work to educate and train at-risk youth so that they have the opportunity to pursue good careers and lead successful lives.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a distinguished public servant, devoted educator and dear friend to my wife, Vivian and me, Dr. Eunice S. Thomas. Sadly, Dr. Thomas passed away on Sunday, August 17, 2014. Her life will be celebrated at a funeral service on Friday, August 29, 2014 at 12:00 p.m. at First African Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia.

Dr. Thomas worked for four cabinet level secretaries in the U.S. Department of Transportation, the U.S. Department of Labor, and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) during two consecutive United States Presidents' Administrations. At HHS, she worked as Acting Assistant Secretary for the Family Support Administration, managing a staff of more than 1,049 and a budget in excess of $14 billion. She administered federal programs focused on strengthening families and increasing their self-sufficiency, including Aid to Families with Dependent Children, Child Support Enforcement, Refugee Resettlement, and the Community Services programs. She directed the Implementation of Welfare reform as was embodied in the Family Support Act in 1988.

Dr. Thomas retired from HHS as Director of the Office of Community Services Administration for Children and Families where she oversaw the Community Services Block Grant, Social Services Block Grant, the Low Income Home Energy Assistance, the Family Violence Program, Demonstration Partnership Programs, and the Community Discretionary programs while managing a budget in excess of $5.9 billion.

Dr. Thomas loved her community and loved her sorority and found a way to give her all to both when she became the 19th International Grand Basileus of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. in July 1986 at the 66th Anniversary Boule. Her service led to one of Zeta's finest administrations, restructuring the organization and creating programs that reflected strong and effective leadership with integrity, compassion, and a sense of social responsibility. Programs were instated to address issues such as substance abuse, AIDS Awareness, lack of after school and child care, the decline of black men in college, and the rise in teen pregnancy rates. For her efforts, Ebony magazine named Grand Basileus Thomas one of the 100 Influential Black Americans each year from 1987 to 1992 and in 1987, President George H.W. Bush selected Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. as one of the ``Thousand Points of Light.'' She was affectionately nicknamed the ``Real Grand'' because of the reverence so many Zetas had for her to the extent that the membership wanted to extend her term in office beyond the maximum six years, but she graciously declined. She was an active member of Epsilon Eta Zeta Chapter in Columbus, Georgia for over 45 years at the time of her death. She was instrumental in getting Kappa Epsilon Chapter chartered at Columbus State University (Columbus College) in 1974 while she was the Southeastern Regional Director.

In addition to her mentorship and guidance of Zetas of all ages, she touched and enriched the lives of countless young people during her time as an educator in the Muscogee County School System.

Dr. Thomas was more than a civil servant, she was a servant to all humankind. She gave herself to so many causes and organizations that are too numerous to mention. Dr. Maya Angelou once said that, ``I've learned that you shouldn't go through life with a catcher's mitt on both hands; you need to be able to throw something back.'' Dr. Thomas threw a prodigious amount of love and service back to the Columbus, Georgia community and our nation that she loved so dearly.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me, my wife, Vivian, and the more than 700,000 residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District in paying tribute to Dr. Eunice S. Thomas for her

outstanding contributions to her sorority, her community, and our nation. We extend our deepest sympathies to her family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time and we pray that they will be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding actor, producer, humanitarian, activist and motivational speaker, Mr. Danny Glover. Mr. Glover was featured at a Health and Wellness Benefit on Friday, August 15, 2014 at 7:00 p.m. at the Occasion Event Center in Columbus, Georgia.

Mr. Glover was born in San Francisco, California on July 22, 1946. He trained at the Black Actors' Workshop of the American Conservatory Theatre. His Broadway debut in Athol Fugard's Master Harold . . . and the Boys earned him national recognition and led director Robert Benton to cast him in his first leading role in 1984's Academy Award-nominated Best Picture, Places in the Heart. Mr. Glover then starred in two more Best Picture-nominated films, Peter Weir's Witness and Steven Spielberg's The Color Purple. In 1987, Mr. Glover partnered with Mel Gibson in the first Lethal Weapon film and went on to star in three hugely successful Lethal Weapon sequels. Throughout his career, he has starred in a multitude of films, including in The Royal Tenenbaums; Saw; Shooter; Death at a Funeral; 2012; and the critically-acclaimed Dreamgirls.

Mr. Glover has also invested his talents in more personal projects including the award-winning To Sleep With Anger, which he executive produced and for which he won an Independent Spirit Award for Best Actor; as well as Bopha!; Manderlay; Missing in America; and the film version of Fugard's play Boseman and Lena. In 2005, Mr. Glover co- founded New-York based Louverture Films, a company dedicated to the development and production of films of historical relevance, social purpose, commercial value and artistic integrity.

Not one to rest on his laurels, Mr. Glover dedicates much of his time to community activism and philanthropic efforts, concentrating on advocacy for economic justice and access to health care and education programs in the United States and Africa. He served as a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations Development Program from 1998-2004, focusing on issues of poverty, disease and economic development in Africa, Latin America, and the Caribbean. He currently serves as a UNICEF Ambassador.

Among his many recognitions and accolades, Mr. Glover was the recipient of a 2006 Director's Guild Award; 2011 ``Pioneer Award'' from the National Civil Rights Museum; and several NAACP Image Awards and CableACE Awards. He earned an Emmy nomination for his performance in the title role of the HBO Movie Mandela.

Mr. Glover has not only been a commanding presence on screen, stage, and television but also a driving force on the international stage for humanitarianism. Nelson Mandela once said, ``For to be free is not merely to cast off one's chains, but to live in a way that respects and enhances the freedom of others.'' Mr. Glover embodies this statement thoroughly, for in light of his enormous personal success, he continues to fight hard for the rights and freedoms of others.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife Vivian, and the more than 700,000 residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District in recognizing Mr. Danny Glover for his remarkable accomplishments as an actor and for his unwavering courage, strong values, and an avid pursuit of equality and justice as a humanitarian.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the World War II Merrill's Marauders unit for their accomplishments in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations. The 70th anniversary of the disbandment of this courageous and noble unit is on August 10, 2014.

In 1943, almost 3,000 U.S. Army volunteers from the jungles of Panama and Trinidad, Guadalcanal, New Guinea, New Georgia and the United States, landed in Bombay, India on October 31, 1943. On January 1, 1944, the unit was officially designated as the 5307th Composite Unit Provisional, code-named ``Galahad,'' and later nicknamed Merrill's Marauders by the press after their commander, Gen. Frank D. Merrill. They were the first American ground troops to fight the Japanese in Asia.

Merrill's Marauders trained with Britain's Major General Orde Wingate's Chindits before beginning their history-making march in the China-Burma-India Theater, the ``forgotten'' WWII Theater. With only what they could carry on their backs or pack on mules, Merrill's Marauders walked farther, almost 1,000 miles, than any other WWII fighting force.

Trudging behind enemy lines up the foothills of the Himalayas and into the jungles of northern Burma, Merrill's Marauders succeeded in capturing the only all-weather airstrip at Myitkyina on May 17, 1944. This feat obliterated Japan's control of the sky and enabled the Allies to begin flying supplies into Burma so the Ledo and Burma roads could be connected to open up a crucial pathway into China. Although vastly outnumbered, Merrill's Marauders then went on to defeat the Japanese 18th Imperial Division in five major battles and thirty minor engagements.

The volunteers of this short-lived mission were considered ``expendable'' since a plan existed to get them into, but not out of, Burma. The unit was expected to have a casualty rate of more than 85 percent. Jungle diseases ravaged their numbers so only about 300 of the approximately 1,300 remaining Merrill's Marauders were still fit for combat when they reached their objective. They later went on to join replacements who continued to fight in Burma as the 475th Infantry, which became part of the Mars Task Force.

For their accomplishments in the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations, the Merrill's Marauders unit was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation. They also have the extremely rare distinction of every member of the unit receiving the Bronze Star Medal. There were also six Distinguished Service Crosses, four Legions of Merit and fourty-four Silver Star Medals awarded. Twenty-five Merrill's Marauders have been inducted into the Army Ranger Hall of Fame.

The legacy of the Merrill's Marauders continues to be honored today by members of the 75th Ranger Regiment, headquartered at Fort Benning, Georgia, who wear the Marauder patch as their crest. Camp Frank D. Merrill, where the mountain phase of today's vigorous Army Ranger training takes place in north Georgia, is named in honor of the unit's commanding general.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in paying tribute to the Merrill's Marauders for their steadfast courage and commitment to serving our country during World War II. The Merrill's Marauders made significant contributions in safeguarding our liberties as Americans seventy years ago and we honor their outstanding valor and patriotic service that helped make America the great nation it is today.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to extend my sincere congratulations to the congregation of Wynnton Hill Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia as the church's membership and leadership celebrates a remarkable 153 years. The congregation of Wynnton Hill Baptist Church will celebrate this noteworthy anniversary on Sunday, August 24, 2014 at 3:00 p.m. at the Wynnton Hill Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia.

Tracing its roots back to the Civil War era, the church was the first of any denomination to be built in the Wynnton area of Columbus. In 1961, during a meeting at the home of Mr. Willis and Mrs. Sarah James, the first members of the church, the plans were established to build a sanctuary.

The first pastor, Reverend Phillip Owens, assisted in building the foundation of the church. Land was purchased from the James family to build a bush arbor which was covered by fresh bushes from a wooded area every Saturday before the Sunday service. After some time, a wooden structure was built. Rev. Owens served the church devotedly for 47 years.

In 1911, Reverend James H. Carter was called to lead Wynnton Hill Baptist Church and he continued to build from Rev. Owens' foundation. Under Rev. Carter's leadership, the church expanded and the structure changed from wooden to brick. The first public school in the area was taught in the basement of the church. Mrs. Selena Cody and Miss Johnnie Hutchins were the teachers.

One of the most significant moments in the church's history occurred after a city ordinance was enforced in 1928. The church was condemned and torn down. However, a sanctuary was erected in 1930 and the church began to flourish. Throughout the coming decades, an education wing was installed. In addition, the church was incorporated in 1979. Unfortunately, turmoil was on the rise again. In 1989, a firebomb destroyed the education wing, but that did not prevail against the spirit of the members. The following year, the education wing was remodeled and rededicated. The construction of the present sanctuary was completed in 1999 and the loan was paid off in 2003.

During these progressions, Wynnton Hill Baptist Church had eleven dedicated spiritual leaders that shepherded the flock and led them to a state of prosperity. Today the church continues to grow and give back to the community it has served for over 150 years.

The story of Wynnton Hill Baptist Church, which began as a small group of people worshipping in a bush arbor church 153 years ago and has grown into an expansive and successful church, is truly an inspiring one of the dedication and perseverance of a faithful congregation of people who put all their love and trust in the Lord.

Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Wynnton Hill Baptist Church in Columbus, Georgia for their long history of coming together through the good and difficult times to praise and worship our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, there is no Federal agency more deserving of our attention than the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA has served generations of heroes who have sacrificed on behalf of our country and we have an obligation to take care of them when they come home.

Without a doubt, the American people expect and veterans deserve the best service possible and I firmly believe that it is a duty of all of us in Congress to ensure that no one betrays the sacred trust owed to our Veterans.

The failure and mismanagement of care for our veterans that has come to light through the IG's investigation over the past two months must never be repeated, and I trust that this bill will go far to help reverse the failures, and ensure better future treatment of veterans at the VA.

I think this conference report contains provisions that will help provide timely care to veterans, hold the management of the Department of Veterans Affairs accountable, uphold the integrity of the department, and improve education benefits for veterans and their dependants--representing a major step in the right direction in meeting those obligations.

Specific measures to do so include; providing $5 billion to the VA to hire additional physicians and other medical staff, authorizing a system for the VA to fire or demote management level employees for poor performance or misconduct, and increasing access to non-VA care for those veterans in dire need.

Yesterday, we were greeted with the good news of the Senate confirmation of the new VA Secretary, Robert McDonald. While the Senate acted swiftly on the confirmation of McDonald, I was disappointed to see that the Senate Appropriations Committee Chairwoman was unable to bring the FY 2015 MilCon/VA Appropriations bill to floor due to objections from the Senate Minority. If we truly wanted to get the ball rolling to make the VA better the Senate Minority should allow the bill to come to the floor.

Nevertheless, I also have full expectation that with the passage of this conference report it is going to be important that this Congress hold Secretary McDonald and his subordinates fully accountable moving forward.

Many in Congress are concerned about the cost of this bill. One way to help pay the cost of improved health care for veterans would be to improve third party collections.

Section 201 of the bill authorizes an independent assessment of a number of VA activities. Among other provisions, the assessment would report on ways to increase funds owed to the VA by third parties.

Over the past dozen years, the GAO and the VA/OIG have issued more than a dozen reports outlining the problems with third party reimbursement. I hope that the assessment team will not reinvent the wheel.

We already know that the VA has increased its billings for these services, but its collection rate has decreased or has remained stagnant. As a result, in FY13 alone, the VA failed to collect more than $3 billion in billings. Between FY07 and FY13, the VA left nearly $23 billion on the table.

The assessment should include specific directives for the improvement of the entire billings and collections process--from initial billing to denied claims to appeals of denied claims. The private sector seeks to maximize reimbursement. The VA should do no less.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Lieutenant General (LtGen) Frank E. Petersen, Jr., the first African- American to serve as a three-star general officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. At the time of his retirement after 38 years, LtGen Petersen was the senior ranking aviator in the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy with the respective titles of ``Silver Hawk'' and ``Grey Eagle''. He will be honored on July 28, 2014 for his selfless acts and lifetime of dedication to the Marine Corps and his country.

A Topeka, Kansas native, LtGen Petersen enlisted in the United States Navy in 1950 as a Seaman Apprentice where he served as an Electronics Technician. One year later, he entered the Naval Aviation Cadet Program, earning his commission and the rank of Second Lieutenant with the U.S. Marine Corps upon the completion of flight school in 1952. LtGen Petersen served during the Korean War, where his first tactical assignment was with Marine Fighter Squadron 212. After flying over 64 combat missions, he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for his combat leadership and bravery on June 15, 1953. He also flew 250 combat missions during the Vietnam conflict, receiving the Purple Heart after enemy anti-aircraft fire brought down his F-4B over the demilitarized zone. In addition, the Marine Corps Aviation Association honored his Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 (VMFA-314) with the inaugural Robert M. Hanson Award for best fighter attack squadron during the Vietnam conflict.

LtGen Petersen was the first African-American to command a Marine Fighter Squadron, a Marine Air Group, a Marine Aircraft Wing, and a major Marine base. On February 23, 1979, he was promoted to Brigadier General, becoming the first African-American general of the Marine Corps. Prior to his retirement, he served as the Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff and Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command in Quantico, Virginia.

Upon his retirement from the Marine Corps on August 1, 1988, LtGen Petersen concluded a military career of remarkable ``firsts''. He commanded at every level of command and stood as a trailblazer for all Marines. His autobiography, ``Into the Tiger's Jaw'', is known as the story of the modern U.S. Marine Corps, providing vital insight into the history of Marine aviation as well as the racial integration of the Marine Corps. Throughout the book's narrative, LtGen Petersen reflects on key moments that defined his life's sacrifices, triumphs, and key personal moments in addition to unequivocally chronicling the racial integration of the Marine Corps.

Throughout his career, LtGen Petersen confronted racism inside and outside the Marine Corps. Nevertheless, as he reflects in his book, the Marine Corps ethos enabled Marines to ultimately triumph over racism. Indeed, his life's commands illustrate the Marine Corps' triumph. In 1970, as deteriorating race relations threatened to rend the nation asunder, LtGen Petersen became the Special Assistant for Minority Affairs to the Commandant of the Marine Corps. His guidance to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Secretary of Defense served the Marine Corps and the country well during this challenging period.

LtGen Petersen spent his civilian years as vice president of corporate aviation for DuPont DeNemours, Inc. He was also appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Education to serve as a Board Member of the Educational Credit Management Corporation.

LtGen Petersen's personal awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal; Legion of Merit with Combat ``V''; Distinguished Flying Cross; Purple Heart; Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal; Navy Commendation Medal with Combat ``V''; Air Force Commendation Medal; Robert M. Hanson Award for the Most Outstanding Fighter

Squadron while assigned in Vietnam, 1968; Man of the Year, NAACP, 1979; Honorary Doctorate, Virginia Union University, 1987; and the Gray Eagle Trophy, August 21, 1987-June 15, 1988.

LtGen Petersen has certainly accomplished many things in his life but none of this would have been possible without the love and support of his wife of 39 years, Alicia, and his children; Frank III, Gayle, Dana, Lindsey, and Monique.

Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me, the United States Marine Corps, and all Americans, in extending our sincerest appreciation to Lieutenant General Frank E. Petersen, Jr., an pioneering leader who, in addition to achieving the distinction of a number of ``firsts'' for African-Americans, has the respect, admiration, and affection of his fellow Marines and leaves behind an outstanding legacy of service and leadership in the Marine Corps of the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Lieutenant General (LtGen) Frank E. Petersen Jr., the first African- American to serve as a three-star general officer in the U.S. Marine Corps. At the time of his retirement after 38 years, LtGen Petersen was the senior ranking aviator in the U.S. Marine Corps and the U.S. Navy with the respective titles of ``Silver Hawk'' and ``Gray Eagle''. He will be honored on July 28, 2014 for his selfless acts and lifetime of dedication to the Marine Corps and his country.

A Topeka, Kansas native, LtGen Petersen enlisted in the United States Navy in 1950 as a Seaman Apprentice where he served as an Electronics Technician. One year later, he entered the Naval Aviation Cadet Program, earning his commission and the rank of Second Lieutenant with the U.S. Marine Corps upon the completion of flight school in 1952. LtGen Petersen served during the Korean War, where his first tactical assignment was with Marine Fighter Squadron 212. After flying over 64 combat missions, he earned the Distinguished Flying Cross for his combat leadership and bravery on June 15, 1953. He also flew 250 combat missions during the Vietnam conflict, receiving the Purple Heart after enemy anti-aircraft fire brought down his F-4B over the demilitarized zone. In addition, the Marine Corps Aviation Association honored his Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314 (VMFA-314) with the inaugural Robert M. Hanson Award for best fighter attack squadron during the Vietnam conflict.

LtGen Petersen was the first African-American to command a Marine Fighter Squadron, a Marine Air Group, a Marine Aircraft Wing, and a major Marine base. On February 23, 1979, he was promoted to Brigadier General, becoming the first African-American general of the Marine Corps. Prior to his retirement, he served as the Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff and Commanding General, Marine Corps Combat Development Command in Quantico, Virginia.

Upon his retirement from the Marine Corps on August 1, 1988, LtGen Petersen concluded a military career of remarkable ``firsts''. He commanded at every level of command and stood as a trailblazer for all Marines. His autobiography, ``Into the Tiger's Jaw'', is known as the story of the modern U.S. Marine Corps, providing vital insight into the history of Marine aviation as well as the racial integration of the Marine Corps. Throughout the book's narrative, LtGen Petersen reflects on key moments that defined his life's sacrifices, triumphs, and key personal moments in addition to unequivocally chronicling the racial integration of the Marine Corps.

Throughout his career, LtGen Petersen confronted racism inside and outside the Marine Corps. Nevertheless, as he reflects in his book, the Marine Corps ethos enabled Marines to ultimately triumph over racism. Indeed, his life's commands illustrate the Marine Corps' triumph. In 1970, as deteriorating race relations threatened to rend the nation asunder, LtGen Petersen became the Special Assistant for Minority Affairs to the Commandant of the Marine Corps. His guidance to the Commandant of the Marine Corps, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Secretary of Defense served the Marine Corps and the country well during this challenging period.

LtGen Petersen spent his civilian years as vice president of corporate aviation for du Pont de Nemours, Inc. He was also appointed by the U.S. Secretary of Education to serve as a Board Member of the Educational Credit Management Corporation.

LtGen Petersen's personal awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Service Medal; Legion of Merit with Combat ``V''; Distinguished Flying Cross; Purple Heart; Meritorious Service Medal; Air Medal; Navy Commendation Medal with Combat ``V''; Air Force Commendation Medal; Robert M. Hanson Award for the Most Outstanding Fighter Squadron while assigned in Vietnam, 1968; Man of the Year, NAACP, 1979; Honorary Doctorate, Virginia Union University, 1987; and the Gray Eagle Trophy, August 21, 1987-June 15, 1988.

LtGen Petersen has certainly accomplished many things in his life but none of this would have been possible without the love and support of his wife of 39 years, Alicia, and his children; Frank III, Gayle, Dana, and Lindsey.

Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me, the United States Marine Corps, and all Americans, in extending our sincerest appreciation to Lieutenant General Frank E. Petersen Jr., a pioneering leader who, in addition to achieving the distinction of a number of ``firsts'' for African-Americans, has the respect, admiration, and affection of his fellow Marines and leaves behind an outstanding legacy of service and leadership in the Marine Corps of the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to a great woman, legendary athlete, and outstanding public servant, Ms. Alice Coachman. Sadly, Alice passed away on Monday, July 14, 2014, at the age of 90 in Albany, Georgia. The memorial service is scheduled for this Friday, July 18.

Alice was born the fifth of ten children on November 9, 1923, to the late Fred and Evelyn Coachman in Albany, Georgia. From an early age, Alice spent much of her time running and was quite inventive, using ropes and sticks for improvised high jumps. Her hard work, dedication, and resourcefulness paid off as Alice qualified for the 1940, 1944, and 1948 Olympic Games, although the first two were cancelled due to World War II. At the 1948 Olympic Games in London however, Alice made history when she soared to a record-breaking height of 5 feet, 6 and 1/8 inches in the high jump finals, becoming the first African American woman to win an Olympic Gold Medal. Although the track and field star's career concluded with the London games, Alice's commitment to serving others never ceased.

Before and after her record-breaking victory, Alice dealt with challenges representative of the Deep South during the Jim Crow era. Because of such segregation, Alice was forbidden from using public training facilities. However, she continued to train to ensure her competiveness on the national and international scenes. Throughout her career, Alice won over 20 national track and field championships, and she was named to five All-American teams. It was her unwavering faith in herself and God that guided her along the way as she blazed the trail for countless other female African-American athletes.

In 1954, Alice once again set another record--this time as the first African American woman to endorse an international product when she agreed to serve as Coca-Cola's spokeswoman. The Olympic Champion was also inducted to the USA Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1975 and the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame in 2004. She was recognized as one of the top one hundred Olympic athletes of all time at the 1996 Olympic Games in Atlanta.

Alice's title as an Olympic Champion, however, serves as only a fragment of the powerful legacy she leaves behind for current and future generations. She followed her calling to be a teacher in the classroom after the 1948 games and also actively supported youth participation in track and field. In Alice's later years, she established the Alice Coachman Track and Field Foundation to offer assistance to young athletes and former Olympic competitors.

George Washington Carver once said, ``No individual has any right to come into the world and go out of it without leaving behind distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it.'' We are all so blessed that Ms. Alice Coachman passed our way and during her life's journey did so much for so many for so long. She leaves behind a great legacy of service to her beloved family and to all those whose lives she touched. She will truly be missed.

Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife, Vivian, and the nearly 700,000 residents in Georgia's Second Congressional District in paying tribute to Alice Coachman for her numerous outstanding achievements on and off the track. We extend our deepest sympathies to her family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time and we pray that they will be consoled and comforted by, an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks, and months ahead.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding citizen and servant of humankind, Mr. Paul S. Amos. Sadly, Mr. Amos passed away on Wednesday, July 2, 2014. Funeral services were held on Saturday, July 5, 2014 at 3:00

p.m. at St. Luke Methodist Church in Columbus, Georgia.

Paul Shelby Amos was born on April 23, 1926 in Enterprise, Alabama to the late John Shelby and Helen Mullins Amos. His father, the town postmaster, sold insurance on weekends and served one term in the state legislature. Mr. Amos served in the U.S. Coast Guard from 1944 to 1946. He met his future wife, Jean, in church and they celebrated a remarkable 65 years of marriage in October of last year.

In 1955, the Amos brothers, Paul, John, and Bill founded American Family Life Insurance Company. In 1964, the name was changed to American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus, later shortened to Aflac. In its first year of business, the company had 6,426 policyholders and $388,000 in assets. Today, it is a Fortune 500 company insuring more than 50 million people worldwide and boasting more than $121 billion in assets.

Aflac is the world's largest supplemental insurance company and is an industry leader in Japan, where the company generates about three- quarters of its revenues. Soon after its founding, Aflac introduced a groundbreaking policy aimed at covering expenses for people with cancer. Mr. Amos is credited with introducing ``worksite marketing,'' where products are sold directly to employees at companies through payroll deductions.

Mr. Paul, as he was known within the company, held numerous positions at the firm. He served as state sales manager for Alabama/West Florida, the first Vice President/Director of Marketing, President, and Vice Chairman. In 1990, he became Chairman of Aflac Incorporated, and his son, Daniel P. Amos, became the CEO. Mr. Paul retired in 2001 but continued serving as Chairman Emeritus and visited the Aflac offices in Columbus on a daily basis, where he was loved and respected by all. His legacy is still carried on by his son, Dan, and his grandson, Alfac President Paul Amos II.

Mr. Amos put as much love and effort into serving his community as he did into his work at Aflac. He and his wife set up several educational funds and scholarship programs, including the Paul S. Amos Family Foundation at Columbus State University in Columbus, the Paul and Jean Amos Educational Fund at Asbury Theological Seminary in Wilmore, Kentucky and the Scholarship Fund at Cumberland College in Williamsburg, Kentucky. Through these programs and many anonymous donations, Mr. Amos and his wife have changed the lives of thousands of people.

Mr. Amos has received much recognition for his work at Aflac and in the community. He received an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Cumberland College in 2001; an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Columbus State University in 2002; and an Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters degree from Asbury Theological Seminary in 2004.

George Washington Carver once said, ``No individual has any right to come into the world and go out of it without leaving behind distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it.'' We are all so blessed that Mr. Paul Amos, a great man of incredible compassion and integrity, passed this way and during his life's journey did so much for so many for so long. He leaves behind a great legacy in service to his beloved family and to all those whose lives he touched through his kindness and generosity. He will truly be missed.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues in the House of Representatives to join me, my wife, Vivian, and the more than 700,000 residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District in paying tribute to Mr. Paul Amos for his outstanding contributions to his community. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time and we pray that they will be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Mr. Speaker, it is my honor and pleasure to extend my personal congratulations and best wishes to a great friend and outstanding servant of humankind, the Honorable Tracey L. Pinson, Director for the Office of Small Business Programs in the Office of the Secretary of the Army, and the highest-ranking female civilian in the Army acquisition career field. Ms. Pinson has excelled at this position since her first day as director in May 1995. She will be retiring on Monday, June 30, 2014.

A Washington, D.C. native, Ms. Pinson earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Howard University in 1978 and a Juris Doctor from Georgetown University Law Center in 1982. Her career began on Capitol Hill on the House Committee on Small Business under Chairman Parren Mitchell. Rep. Mitchell, of Maryland's Seventh Congressional District, was known as the ``godfather'' of minority business expansion and development efforts.

In 1986, Ms. Pinson was named as Assistant to the Director of the Office of Small Business Programs for the Office of the Secretary of Defense.

In 1995, Ms. Pinson was appointed the Director of Small Business Programs in the Office of the Secretary of the Army. She manages the largest small business program in the federal government in terms of dollars. Under her leadership, the Army has awarded over $300 billion in contracts to small businesses.

Ms. Pinson manages the Army Historically Black Colleges and Universities and Minority Serving Institutions Program and ensures these institutions are afforded an opportunity to participate in Army- funded programs. Under her leadership, over $100 billion in Army awards have gone to HBCUs/MIs. She also headed an initiative to hire wounded warriors in her office. With their help, she has been able to steer over $50 billion to veteran-owned businesses. She has also worked to secure contract awards for women-owned businesses, companies located in areas of economic distress, and small businesses in disaster relief efforts.

Throughout her career, Ms. Pinson has received numerous awards and accolades, including the Department of the Army Award--Decoration for Exceptional Civilian Service in 1998; the Presidential Rank Award for Meritorious Executive in 2002 and for Distinguished Executive in 2009; and the Department of the Army Award for Meritorious Civilian Service in 2014.

Ms. Pinson's distinguished civil service has been mirrored by her extensive involvement in her community. In conjunction with her professional accomplishments in government, Ms. Pinson has served on a number of boards and commissions, most notably on the Board of Directors of the African American Federal Executive Association.

Ms. Pinson has dedicated her career to advocating for disadvantaged small business owners. Because of her efforts, thousands of these small business owners have received contract awards to stimulate their businesses, create jobs and contribute to the economy. Indeed, Ms. Pinson has been a champion for small businesses across the nation and I am so grateful for the role she has played in upholding the American dream for thousands of Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in extending our sincerest appreciation and best wishes to the Honorable Tracey L. Pinson upon the occasion of her retirement from a stellar career of 32 years of service in the federal government and nearly 20 years as Director for the Office of Small Business Programs for the Secretary of the Army.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding community leader, caring physician, and loving husband, father, grandfather, and friend, Dr. Charles ``Chuck'' Lionel Franklin, Jr. Dr. Franklin departed to his eternal reward on Monday, June 2, 2014. A funeral service was held on Monday, June 9, 2014, at the Dunbarton Chapel at Howard University Law School in Washington, D.C. Hundreds of mourners were present to pay tribute to Dr. Franklin's honorable life and legacy.

Dr. Franklin was born on April 5, 1946, and was raised in Washington, D.C. Over the course of his lifetime, Dr. Franklin exemplified the meaning of being a servant leader. He began at Howard University, where he never missed an opportunity to engage in causes that promoted justice and equality. Even as an alumnus, his commitment to the university remained one of his greatest causes. He advocated the D.C. Metro bus system to change the name of the bus stop for Howard's campus from ``LeDroit Park'' to ``Howard University'' to recognize the university's status in the same way that other prominent colleges were recognized. Also, as a result of his advocacy on behalf of his beloved alma mater and black college football, the Washington media began publishing the scores and highlights of black college sports in mainstream sports news stories. Dr. Franklin shared Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s belief that, ``Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.''

In 1976, Dr. Franklin expanded his repertoire of servant leadership by opening his Family Medicine practice in Silver Spring, Maryland, with medical privileges at area hospitals. Dr. Franklin practiced medicine for 35 years, focusing on patient advocacy. He worked tirelessly to bring awareness to the prevention of HIV/AIDS and diabetes.

Mr. Speaker, one of the things that I will always remember about Dr. Franklin is his steadfast commitment to his family and his faith. I became fond of Dr. Franklin through his wife, the former Alexis Margaret Herman, former U.S. Secretary of Labor under President Bill Clinton, and a lifelong friend of mine. As big brother to Dolores and Estelle, dad to

Sharath, Michelle and young Chuck, grandfather to Brian and David, and inspiration to extended family and countless friends, Chuck spared no effort in sharing himself to the fullest. Moreover, as husband, there was no limit to his love for Alexis! But above all, Dr. Franklin loved his Savior. Always seeking to improve the craft of Christian ministry and discipleship, he was often called ``the praying doctor'' because he not only gave his patients medical hope but he also prayed with them for spiritual help and healing.

George Washington Carver once said, ``How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong because someday in your life you will have been all of these.'' Dr. Franklin went far in life because his loving personality brought warmth to all whom he encountered. A man of integrity and high moral values, his understanding, compassion and kindness made him a guiding light within the community.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me and my wife, Vivian, in paying tribute to Dr. Charles ``Chuck'' Franklin, Jr. for his dedication to serving others, his passion for promoting equality among individuals from different walks of life, and his deep commitment to his family and his faith. We extend our deepest sympathies to Dr. Franklin's family and friends during this very difficult time. May they be consoled and comforted by their abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to a great man and outstanding public servant, Mr. Washington Long, the first black Police Chief in the history of Albany, Georgia. Sadly, Chief Long died on Thursday, June 19, 2014. A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 27, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church of Albany, Georgia with interment following at Riverside Cemetery.

Mr. Long was born in Marianna, Florida. He enlisted in the United States Army at an early age, before transferring to the Air Force. While stationed at Turner Air Force Base in Albany, he met then Albany Police Department Chief Laurie Pritchett. Chief Pritchett saw potential in Mr. Long and asked him to join the force if Chief Pritchett could convince the commissioners to hire black police officers. Mr. Long made up his mind to join the Police Department when he was stopped by a police officer in downtown Albany, where racial strife was profuse in the years following the Albany Movement, a part of the greater Civil Rights Movement. He believed he could be a better police officer than the one who stopped him and so in 1966, Mr. Long became one of the city's first black police officers.

In the police department, Mr. Long rose through the ranks of Corporal, Detective, Captain, Major and Assistant Chief. In 1987, Mr. Long was named Chief of the Albany Police Department, becoming the city's first black police chief. He held this post until he retired in 1994.

During his nearly thirty-year career with the Albany Police Department, Chief Long served the citizens of Albany, Georgia with devotion and distinction. Responsible for ensuring the safety and protection of the residents of Albany, Chief Long proved to be a strong and revered leader. A great number of challenges came with a position of this caliber, exacerbated by the lingering effects of segregation and racial tension. Chief Long met these challenges head-on with steadfast humility and strong moral fiber.

Chief Long was a member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church for over fifty years and served on the Deacon Board. He was also a member of numerous community organizations, the most notable being the Board of Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of Albany--East Albany Unit. He sponsored the membership for many children over the years so that they could have a support system in the community to encourage them to realize their full potential.

Shirley Chisholm once said that, ``Service is the rent that we pay for the space that we occupy here on this earth.'' Chief Long's life was defined by service. He paid his rent and he paid it well through his distinguished service to his community, devotion to his work, and the compassion he showed for the people of Albany. He will truly be missed.

Chief Long is survived by his daughter, Lisa; son, Ronald; and siblings Gertrude, Coriel, Paul, William, Frederick and Mariah.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me, my wife, Vivian, and the more than 700,000 residents of the Second Congressional District of Georgia in paying tribute to Chief Washington Long and his legacy of service to Albany, Georgia. He loved the people of Albany and he was committed to making the community safer to live in and to improving the quality of life. We extend our deepest sympathies to his family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time and we pray that they will be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great friend and outstanding public servant, Officer Shafton T. Adams, of the United States Capitol Police, for his distinguished service to Congress and the United States of America. On June 30, 2014, Officer Adams will be retiring from the U.S. Capitol Police after thirty outstanding years of service.

Officer Adams, a Washington, D.C. native, attended Southeastern University and the University of the District of Columbia. He began his duty assignments as a Capitol Police Officer in 1984. Throughout his career, he received numerous honors, including a Certificate of Merit and a Life Saving Award. He has earned certifications in advanced specialized fields including Hostage Negotiations, Firearms Instructor and Armorer, Hazardous Materials Technician, CPR Instructor and Field Training Officer.

In 2004, Officer Adams began working as a Physical Security Specialist. In this capacity, he researched, maintained and educated staff on all facets of physical security and equipment. He created vulnerability assessment reports for Members of Congress and recommended risk mitigation. In doing so, he ensured the physical security needs of Members of Congress. His position required him to maintain a Top Secret SSBI Clearance.

The mission of the U.S. Capitol Police is to ``protect the Congress, its legislative processes, Members, employees, visitors, and facilities from crime, disruption, or terrorism.'' Because of the selflessness and dedication of Officer Adams and the Capitol Police, Members of Congress are able to have peace of mind while fulfilling our constitutional responsibilities. We owe so much to the officers of this special force who devote their lives to protecting those who make the laws of our great nation as well as those who work in and visit the magnificent halls and grounds of our Capitol.

Officer Adams's service to his country is but a small testament of the high caliber of character that he embodies. He is passionate, dedicated and highly efficient and adheres to the highest standards of moral values. Officer Adams regards his mission on Earth as being a provider and protector--two roles I have witnessed him perform admirably throughout his professional and personal life.

On a personal note, I would like to thank Officer Adams not only for his distinguished service, but also for his friendship and guidance. It gave me great peace of mind to know that I could call on Officer Adams, day or night, in Washington or at home in Georgia, and he would go to great lengths to assist me in whatever I needed.

Officer Adams has certainly excelled in all areas of his life, but none of this would be possible without the love and support of his wife and his family.

Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues in the United States Congress to join me in extending our sincerest appreciation and best wishes to Officer Shafton T. Adams upon the occasion of his retirement from a stellar career of thirty years with the United States Capitol Police.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding and truly one of a kind woman, Dr. Gloria D. Jones. Sadly, Dr. Jones passed away on Saturday, June 14, 2014. A funeral service will be held on Saturday, June 21, 2014 at 11:00 a.m. at Disciples of Jesus Ministries in Thomasville, Georgia.

Dr. Gloria D. Jones was born on February 27, 1954 in Columbus, Ohio. As the second of three daughters, Dr. Jones was constantly striving to forge her own identity in her youth. Growing up at the height of the Civil Rights Movement, she was greatly influenced to fight for what was right. Her experiences during this time led her to question authority, and to measure her success only by her own grade. As she watched her father struggle to recover from alcoholism throughout his life, she developed a passion for helping others overcome addictive behavior. Dr. Jones considered this a meaningful experience that influenced her practice as a leading therapist in her field of substance abuse counseling.

Gloria's steadfast determination held true throughout her academic career. She was able to graduate high school in only three years, and attended a local college to pursue a degree in Physical Education. She went on to earn numerous other degrees, including a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Columbia

University, a Master of Arts in Health Care Management from Webster College, and a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Capella University.

Dr. Jones served in the U.S. Air Force for four years and held the position of Executive Secretary for Martin Marietta Aerospace Center in Denver, Colorado. In Thomasville, she worked as a Mental Health Intake Specialist with Archbold Memorial Hospital and as a Child and Adolescent Coordinator for Georgia Pines Mental Health Center. She was a certified national addiction counselor and a clinical supervisor for the state of Georgia.

Her crowning achievement, however, was the Heritage Foundation Inc., which she founded in 1989 in Thomasville, Georgia. This organization came about from a community outreach program which she designed and established to teach disenfranchised, primarily African-American youth about their rich cultural heritage. During the course of this work, she discovered the socioeconomic and psychosocial issues rooted in these communities, which led her to create the foundation to help young people overcome these challenges. Through her position as Executive Director, she was able to directly influence change in the community. Her vision and determination has bettered the lives of countless individuals and families as she developed more than ten treatment programs for addictive disorders, child and adolescent mental health services and prevention programs.

Dr. Jones was also very active politically on the local, state, and national levels. She was instrumental in organizing many voter registration, voter education and voter participation programs, promoting political empowerment in the region. She and her devoted husband, Dr. Leon Jones, were longtime supporters of mine and I count myself very fortunate to have had the benefit of their advice, counsel and hard work.

Dr. Jones was known as a community activist, educator, counselor, wife, mother, grandmother, and author. However, all of these titles could be summed up under the title of ``trailblazer.'' She pioneered and championed for subjugated youths, and cleared a path to a better future for them through her work.

George Washington Carver once said, No individual has any right to come into the world and go out of it without leaving behind distinct and legitimate reasons for having passed through it.'' We are all so blessed that Dr. Jones passed this way and during her life's journey did so much for so many for so long. She leaves behind a great legacy in service to her beloved family and to all those whose lives she touched and nurtured. She will truly be missed.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me and my wife Vivian in extending our deepest sympathies to Dr. Jones' loving husband of 36 years, Dr. Leon Jones, nine children, sixteen grandchildren, two great- grandchildren, and a host of other family, friends and loved ones during this difficult time. We pray that they will be consoled and comforted by an abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks and months ahead.