Floor Statements

Madam Speaker:

Whereas, Wade Brock showed hard work and dedication to the sport of softball; and

Whereas, Wade Brock was a supportive coach; and

Whereas, Wade Brock always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the field; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Wade Brock on winning the Girls' Division IV State Softball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship he has demonstrated during the 2008-2009 softball season.

Madam Speaker:

Whereas, the Tusco Composite Squadron, founded in 1989, is celebrating 20 years of commendable service in Tuscarawas County, and

Whereas, three founding members--Ltc. Betty Turnbull, Ltc. Marilyne Shanks and Ltc. Wayne Shanks--have served their unit since its inception, and

Whereas, the Tusco Composite Squadron has assisted the community by securing crash sites, helping with disaster relief efforts, and other services, and

Whereas, the Tusco Composite Squadron has been the recipient of numerous awards pertaining to their work and services; now, therefore, be it

Resolved that along with the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend the Tusco Composite Squadron OH-277 on 20 years of service to the community and the Air Force.

Madam Speaker,

Whereas, Doris Powell served honorably in the United States Armed Services; and

Whereas, Doris Powell bravely served on active duty during World War II; and

Whereas, she was a lifelong member of the Veterans of Foreign War (VFW) Post # 4713; and

Whereas, she served on the Morgan County School Board for 22 years; be it

Resolved that along with friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate the late Doris Powell on her induction to the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame.

Madam Speaker,

Whereas, Lewis Baker served honorably in the United States Armed Services; and

Whereas, Lewis Baker used his 20-month capture by German forces in World War II as motivation to help his fellow veterans at home; and

Whereas, Lewis Baker is an advocate for countless POWs and widows and has helped numerous veterans receive their benefits; and

Whereas, at 89-years old he still performs his Honor Guard duty; be it

Resolved that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Lewis Baker on his induction to the Ohio Veterans Hall of Fame.

Madam Speaker,

Whereas, the First United Church of Christ was founded in 1859, and

Whereas, the church will celebrate its 150th anniversary with an All Saints Day service filled with celebration and music, and

Whereas, New Philadelphia Christians met as early as 1857 without a minister until they declared Rev. John Rettig to be their first minister in 1859, and

Whereas, the group merged with the German Reformed church to form the German Evangelical Reformed Church in 1886; now, therefore, be it

Resolved That along with the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend the First United Church of Christ for 150 years of service to the community and their continued dedication to cooperation and learning.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 838, welcoming to the United States His All Holiness Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew, Archbishop of Constantinople, New Rome. This visit of the Ecumenical Patriarch is a significant occasion for Orthodox Christians, Greek Americans and all Americans in general.

As a Greek American and as an Orthodox Christian myself, I am humbled by the visit of the leader of my church who is renowned for his work on peace and religious understanding and tolerance around the world. Patriarch Bartholomew has also distinguished himself by working diligently to bring attention to our environment, calling his followers to take heed of their physical and spiritual impact on this Earth.

All of us have been fortunate to live our lives and raise our families in a nation where we are free to worship and we can seek the spiritual guidance of our church leaders without fear. In too many places in the world, this is not possible.

I would like to thank my colleague from Missouri for his reference to the Government of Turkey and would, by these remarks, appeal upon the State of Turkey to embrace a sense of religious tolerance that has, regrettably, been missing. As one of over 300 million who follow the Orthodox faith, I look to Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew for spiritual guidance and leadership, and it fills me with great pride to welcome His Holiness to the United States.

I would like to thank my colleague and good friend from the State of Florida (Mr. Bilirakis) for introducing this resolution, and I am honored to be an original cosponsor. As a member of the Orthodox Church, as a Greek American, as a proud Member of this Congress, I strongly urge support for this resolution.

Madam Speaker,

Whereas, Richard E. Thompson dedicated his life and career to serving the United States Navy and the country he loves; and

Whereas, Richard E. Thompson nobly sought to recruit patriotic and talented volunteers for service in the United States Navy; and

Whereas, Richard E. Thompson served notably as Leading Petty Office aboard the USS Fletcher DD-992 in Pearl Harbor;

Whereas, Richard E. Thompson served exceptionally as the Navy Recruiting Command's Career Recruiting Force Program Manager;

Whereas, Richard E. Thompson's accolades include three Navy Commendation Medals, 4 Navy Achievement Medals, 3 Meritorious Service Medals and a Military Outstanding Volunteer Award; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I applaud Richard E. Thompson for his distinguished record of service to the United States Navy and wish him well in his retirement.

Madam Speaker,

Whereas, while remaining a pillar of faith in its community, Cumberland United Methodist has grown significantly from its initial parish; and

Whereas, Cumberland United Methodist has consistently and generously served those in need; and

Whereas, we acknowledge the varied community service projects and activities the Church sponsors throughout the year; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, that along with the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Cumberland United Methodist for its 200 years of service to the community of Cumberland.

Madam Speaker,

Whereas, Drew Gooding won the Elks Grand Lodge essay writing contest, demonstrating a mastery of thought and word; and

Whereas, he has shown to take interest in upholding the values that make us a free nation; and

Whereas, Drew Gooding is honored for his patriotism and excellence in writing and; now, therefore, be it

Resolved that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend and thank Drew Gooding for his contributions to his community and country.

Madam Speaker:

Whereas, Tuscarawas County Council for Church and Community has been faithfully serving the community of Tuscarawas County since 1966; and

Whereas, the Tuscarawas County Council for Church and Community has participated in ``Character Counts! Week,'' a character building program meant to instill essential character values in children from October 18-24, 2009; and

Whereas, the ``Character Counts!'' program promotes trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship in young people; now, therefore, be it

Resolved that along with the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend the Tuscarawas County Council for Church and Community on their commitment to citizenship and respect for themselves and one another. I also commend those involved in the program for their dedication to the youth of our community and preparing them for lives of thoughtfulness, respect, and civic responsibility.

Mr. Speaker, I strongly support the resolution considered by the House today, H. Res. 209. This bill recognizes the numerous and wide-ranging contributions made to American society by the Daughters of Penelope, the women's affiliate of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association.

The Order of the Daughters of Penelope was conceived by Alexandra Apostolides Sonnenfeld and founded on November 16, 1929. In the midst of the economic collapse that led to the Great Depression, Mrs. Apostolides recognized the importance of unity, philanthropy, and education. She and 25 charter members formed the first chapter of the Daughters of Penelope, which is today a leader in philanthropic, educational and cultural activities with over 350 chapters in the U.S., Canada, Greece, Cyprus, and Australia.

H. Res. 209 highlights some of the organization's crowning achievements, including the establishment of Penelope House, a shelter for women and children that aims to help victims of domestic violence regain social and economic independence, and the Daughters of Penelope Foundation, which grants scholarships to promising students and facilitates donations of children's books to needy organizations.

Another issue of critical importance is the oral history project organized and donated to the Library of Congress by the Daughters of Penelope. This project chronicles the experiences of first-generation Greek-American women. I know this project will preserve these vital records so that future generations of Greek-Americans--like my children--will maintain an important link with their ancestors.

I am proud of my Greek heritage and of the accomplishments of the Order of the Daughters of Penelope. I think it only fitting that now, as we face our own economic crisis, we recognize the importance of those values that carry us through the most difficult times. I encourage my colleagues to support this resolution.

Madam Speaker:

Whereas, Jim Monigold showed hard work and dedication to the sport of baseball; and

Whereas, Jim Monigold was a supportive coach; and

Whereas, Jim Monigold always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the field; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Jim Monigold on winning the Boys' Division III State Baseball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship he has demonstrated during the 2008-2009 baseball season.

Madam Speaker:

Whereas, Lucas Ripley showed hard work and dedication to the sport of baseball; and

Whereas, Lucas Ripley was a supportive team player; and

Whereas, Lucas Ripley always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the field; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Lucas Ripley on winning the Boys' Division III State Baseball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship he has demonstrated during the 2008-2009 baseball season.

Madam Speaker:

Whereas, Logan Cozart showed hard work and dedication to the sport of baseball; and

Whereas, Logan Cozart was a supportive team player; and

Whereas, Logan Cozart always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the field; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Logan Cozart on winning the Boys' Division III State Baseball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship he has demonstrated during the 2008-2009 baseball season.

Madam Speaker:

Whereas, Logan Gray showed hard work and dedication to the sport of baseball; and

Whereas, Logan Gray was a supportive team player; and

Whereas, Logan Gray always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the field; now, therefore, be it

Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Logan Gray on winning the Boys' Division III State Baseball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship he has demonstrated during the 2008-2009 baseball season.