Steve Austria

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sheriff Dwight E. Radcliff on the celebration of his retirement and for his outstanding years of service to Pickaway County and the State of Ohio. It is an honor to congratulate Sheriff Radcliff on this momentous occasion as the longest-serving sheriff in the United States of America. Serving as the Pickaway County Sheriff since 1965, Sheriff Radcliff has been committed to the citizens of Pickaway County by protecting life and property, preventing and solving crime and responding to all requests for assistance. Following in his father's footsteps, Dwight became the second Radcliff to become the Sheriff of Pickaway County and the family name has held the office for 78 of the last 82 years. Over the past several decades, Radcliff has had both trying and memorable moments--from living in the county jail with his family to apprehending the rarest of criminals. Because of his great dedication and reputation for law enforcement, Pickaway County is often referred to as ``Putaway Pickaway'' by local and statewide residents. On November 6, 2012 his son Robert was elected sheriff and will become the third generation of Radcliff's to hold this office. Dwight is married to Betty his wife of 59 years and is the father of three and grandfather to eight grandchildren, and great-grandfather to two great- grandchildren. Thus, I join the citizens of the 7th Congressional District in congratulating and honoring Sheriff Dwight E. Radcliff for his many years of dedication and exemplary service to Pickaway County and the state of Ohio, and to extend best wishes to him and his family for much success in the future.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and honor Michael T. Sumida, recent recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal. It is an honor to join the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District in recognizing Mr. Michael Sumida, whose patriotic work as a Japanese interpreter provided our military with invaluable intelligence and helped bring an end to World War II. As a Japanese American living in Hawaii, Mr. Sumida courageously volunteered his talents to assist the United States military in defeating the Japanese. In the face of racism, Mr. Sumida excelled in acquiring critical enemy intelligence by questioning Japanese prisoners. During his interrogations, Mr. Sumida uncovered the location of enemy troops as well as their plans for attack. The work accomplished by American interpreters was such a valuable asset to military intelligence during World War II that President Truman credited them with ending the war two years prior to the expected end date. Mr. Sumida currently resides in my hometown of Beavercreek, OH with his wife, Patricia Sumida. It is with great pride along with Ohio's Seventh Congressional district that I honor Michael T. Sumida for his service to our nation.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. I thank the gentleman. I want to first thank the Ohio delegation for taking time this evening to recognize the departing members of the Ohio delegation; and to those Members on both sides of the aisle who have supported me and helped me throughout my 4 years of Congress, I thank you. To those departing Members, for your service and your commitment to the Buckeye State, you will be missed. You've done a great job. I've had the distinct opportunity to work with many of you in the State legislature as well as in Congress, and I thank you for your service, and I especially thank those Members who have given me advice and helped me and supported me through this last year. As the Members who are here on the floor today know, as well as many of the folks back in Ohio, the Seventh Congressional District that I represent was eliminated with redistricting. This has been a tough year. To those Members who have given me advice, encouragement, and sometimes just that pat on the back to keep going through these challenging times, I thank you for that, and your friendship will always be remembered. It is truly an honor and a privilege to serve in Congress and to represent the eight counties and the residents of those eight counties that I represent in the Seventh Congressional District; to be blessed with a family and friends and a great staff who have supported and stayed with me during this past year; and to serve in this fine institution with so many good people--and there are good people here in Congress. I will miss serving in Congress, but the friendships that I have made here in Washington and throughout my district will be forever. It was my father who first introduced me to politics and government. My father came to this country from the Philippines, and he came here to live the American Dream. He became a legal citizen, and he was so proud of that. He met my mother. They got married. They raised a family--nine kids and now 28 grandkids. God bless my mother who is still alive. He started his own business. He always gave back to his community, and he always believed in making this place he called ``home'' a better place for his children and grandchildren to live. I think if he were alive today--and I'm sure he's looking down from heaven somewhere--he'd be very proud of his oldest son, who, to my knowledge, is the first first-generation Filipino American to serve in the United States Congress. I am proud to be part of the Asian American community. This has been a job for the past 14 years, in having served in the State legislature for 10 years and now in Congress for 4 years, that I have taken very seriously. I've tried to give it my all--100 percent--and have dedicated my life to it. I want to thank my family for all of the sacrifices that they have made to allow me to be the best Congressman that I could be. Many Members of Congress have family members back home who are making tremendous sacrifices, and I thank you for those sacrifices to allow the Members of Congress to serve our government. I also must recognize and thank my staff. You see, when I started my service in Congress, I was very blessed with a great staff that I inherited from my predecessor, Congressman Dave Hobson. Most have gone on to bigger and better things, but I am also blessed to end my service here with a very dedicated and committed staff who are dedicated to helping our constituents back in our district--whether they be veterans, whether they be seniors, whether they be hardworking Americans--and having a positive impact on their lives. There is a loyalty that this staff has given to our district. It is a very committed staff both in D.C. and back in the district; and most of the staff, actually, have stayed with me until the very end. To our staff, to our team, you are the best. To the freshman class of the 111th Congress that I came in with--in particular, our Republican members of the freshman class--I want to thank you for your service and the friendships and the support that we've had throughout the years. I came in in 2008. It was a tough year for Republicans, and I was the only Republican in Ohio to win an open seat. Then, in 2010, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle experienced, I think, the same thing. We had a small Republican class that came in--22 members. It was a very talented class, a class that showed great leadership and was very vibrant, and I believe that they will be part of the future of this Congress as far as leadership. It was a great honor to be elected by my Republican peers and my freshman class as our class President. The freshman class of the 111th Congress was a special group of friends on both sides of the aisle that will be remembered forever. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I want to pay tribute to Ohio's Seventh Congressional District, which I've had the honor to represent for the last 4 years. As I mentioned, this district was eliminated because of redistricting in Ohio; but it's a district with great history and one with great integrity, and it has had great leaders. It has been represented by leaders such as Congressman Dave Hobson, known as ``Uncle Dave'' here on the Hill and back home for the great work he has done in Washington and throughout the State of Ohio; by former Senator and now Attorney General Mike DeWine, a personal friend who continues to lead our great State of Ohio; Congressman Bud Brown and Joyce Brown and his father, Clarence Brown, who also served in the United States Congress. The list goes on and on. To follow these great leaders and to have the opportunity to serve behind my mentors has been a great honor. When I'm here in Washington, I often walk through the Halls of the Capitol at night when there are very few people around. I can tell you the history, the tradition, the integrity of this Capitol is still there, and it speaks to you at night. Often as I walk through the Halls of the Capitol or am traveling throughout the district, folks will come up to me and remind me that, when one door closes, another opens and that God has a plan for all of us. So as I begin the next chapter of my life with my wife of 26 years, Eileen, and our three boys--Brian, Kevin, and Eric--I will take this great experience, the knowledge, and the memories here in Congress with me into the future. I always will remember the advice my father gave to me when I ran for my first office nearly 25 years ago--a local precinct, a county central committee--which is: always do the right thing. To the new Members who are here, I would encourage you to continue to do the right thing. And to our members of the Ohio delegation, never forget our men and women who are serving in our military and our veterans and the sacrifices that they are making and continue to make for our country and for our freedoms. May God bless this great country. It has been a privilege to serve you in Congress. Thank you.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sheriff Dwight E. Radcliff on the celebration of his retirement and for his outstanding years of service to Pickaway County and the state of Ohio. It is an honor to congratulate Sheriff Radcliff on this momentous occasion as the longest-serving sheriff in the United States of America. Serving as Pickaway County Sheriff since 1965, Radcliff has been committed to the citizens of Pickaway County by protecting life and property, preventing and solving crime and responding to all requests for assistance. Following in his father's footsteps, Radcliff became the second Radcliff to be sheriff for Pickaway County and the family name has held the position for 66 of the past 70 years. Over the past several decades, Radcliff has had trying and memorable moments--living in the county jail with his family to apprehending the rarest of criminals. Because of his great dedication and reputation for law enforcement, Pickaway County is also referred to as ``Putaway Pickaway'' by local and state-wide residents. Beyond his commitment to public service, Radcliff is the husband of 51 years to Betty, the father of 3 and grandfather of 8. Thus, I join the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District in congratulating and honoring Sheriff Dwight E. Radcliff for his many years of dedication and exemplary service to Pickaway County and the state of Ohio, and extend best wishes to he and his family for much success in the future.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. Mr. Speaker, while we can never fully express the depth of our appreciation for those who have risked and given their lives to protect our freedoms, I rise today on behalf of the constituents of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District to recognize and honor our military veterans and their families through the American Veterans Traveling Tribute. Our veterans have quietly gone to work and war so that Americans can freely pursue their dreams. Their spouses have gone about the daily task of keeping the home fires burning, and have often sacrificed careers and other goals to provide stability at home during constant transitions. Furthermore, their children have learned to be resilient and appreciative of the cost of freedom. They are strong families who have contributed to our communities, and have defended our Constitution and freedoms. The American Veterans Traveling Tribute is a mobile memorial dedicated primarily to the memory of fallen military members from Vietnam. The traveling unit centerpiece of a the American Veterans Traveling Tribute is a 380-foot exact replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall, and the AVTT includes memorial displays honoring the veterans of World War 2, Korean War, the Gulf War, September 11th attack victims and the current War on Terror. A non-profit event owned by a retired Army Vietnam veteran, there is a patch and coin available from the AVTT that is inscribed, ``I touched the Wall; the Wall touched me.'' This motto was so very true for a small group of veterans and citizens in Greene County, Ohio who formed a committee and hosted the AVTT in Xenia from October 10-14, 2012. They physically touched the Wall, but their lives were touched forever along with the lives of thousands of visitors who came to Xenia to see the AVTT. Tim and Susan Spradlin of Xenia proposed the project in August 2011. Tim is a retired Air Force Reserve first sergeant, a member of the Greene County Veterans Service Commission plus he and Susan are very active members of the Ohio Patriot Guard Riders. A veteran of combat in Iraq, Tim was frustrated by the fact that age and injuries caused him to retire from the reserve in late 2008 at age 49 after 30 total years of service. He found new ways to serve the military with the Patriot Guard and the veteran's commission. In 2010 Susan and Tim rode a PGR escort mission in Sidney, Ohio for the AVTT display there. On seeing the entire display Tim told his wife, ``...Steve Molden would love this'', and so the idea of hosting the AVTT in Xenia was first born. Steve Molden is a Vietnam veteran in Xenia, who proudly served with the 3rd Brigade of the 82nd Airborne Division. Now retired from Greene County services department, Steve is also a former volunteer member of the Xenia Township Fire Department and Greene County Rescue, where Tim Spradlin had met him many years ago. For many years Steve had been frustrated in his efforts to organize Veterans Day and Memorial Day ceremonies or parades in Xenia. Tim was aware of Steve's frustration and wanted to do something special for Steve and other Vietnam veterans like him. Activated in 1991 for the Desert Shield / Desert Storm conflict, Tim never forgot that there were Vietnam veterans across the nation who stood up in support of the new generation of military, loudly proclaiming that these war vets would not be abused or mistreated as many Vietnam vets had been. Tim suggested to the Veterans Commission that they could host the AVTT, and the committee was born. First to join the local AVTT committee was Steve Molden and veteran's service office director Lame Woodward. Lance is a disabled Navy veteran who was part of the AVTT display planning in Clermont County, Ohio in 2003. Susan followed her husband and agreed to serve as the treasurer for the group, and Steve's wife Karen joined as the volunteer coordinator, to honor her husband and her uncle, member of the Order of the Purple Heart for wounds in Vietnam. Steve Molden also brought his old friend Jim McMichaels on board. Jim is a Navy veteran of Vietnam, a high school classmate of Steve, and they both personally knew some of the 34 sons of Greene County who were killed in Vietnam, and whose names were engraved on the Wall. Other members of the community stepped up to serve also, including Jim Kennedy and Helena Curtis. Helena is a former deputy sheriff and cancer survivor whose spirit and dedication as unmatched. She said she was inspired to serve on the committee in honor of her father and grandfather who were military war veterans. Jim Madsen, a retired Air Force officer and federal civilian was proud to join the group and dedicated hundreds of hours, stating it was his personal way to say thank you, that he felt the need to do more since he had never been tasked to go to war during his service years. As the committee worked for a year to plan the AVTT event many other citizens, spouses, veterans and business people joined the effort. For Susan Spradlin it was hard work but a labor of love, honoring her husband as an Iraq vet, a tribute to her late father who was a Navy veteran of Korea, and her brother who was disabled due to service in the Gulf War. Betty Zentiara is 80 years old, a Marine Corps veteran of Korea and dedicated many hours of her time to working in the kitchen at the event to serve refreshments to the many volunteers. Master Sergeant Jason Larimore, an active duty member from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base joined the effort and recruited many active duty Air Force personnel to man the Wall at night, providing security. David ``Smitty'' Smith, retired Greene County deputy sheriff and 101st Airborne veteran of Vietnam was very honored to serve and inspired to bring out his motorcycle ad joined the Ohio Patriot Guard Riders as a result of his experience on the AVTT committee. Marine veteran Ed Vance tearfully told his fellow committee members that the experience had ``changed his life''. There were two church pastors who participated in the event and ceremonies; both were also Vietnam veterans. Many fire and law enforcement personnel also got involved, notably Captain Doug Cope, a shift commander with the City of Xenia Fire Division and a veteran of the rescue team deployment to New York City after the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center. Steve and Karen Molden worked to create 34 plaques with the names, ranks, service information and dates for the Greene County citizens killed in Vietnam. These plaques were placed at the base of The Wall during the 4 day display, a touching personal memory of the local sacrifice paid by the community. Some of the families for those killed in action came to see the Wall in Xenia and they were presented with the plaque in honor of their fallen brother. Over the 4 day display of the AVTT there was a motorcycle escort parade, music and concerts, a police and fire September 11th memorial service, and numerous interactions, reunions and fellowship. Steve Molden and Jim McMichaels were out at the Wall almost constantly, leaving late at night for some sleep and then back early the next day, walking, sitting in a golf cart or on a bench, talking, teaching and sharing . . . not only were they paying tribute to the fallen, but they were honoring all veterans by educating others about Vietnam, the war and the people who fought it. Watching these veterans and others find healing through this project was so rewarding. The pinnacle event was the military memorial service on Saturday October 13th. Guest speakers included Congressman Steve Austria, Ohio Patriot Guard captain Bob Woods (US Army Vietnam), AVTT owner Don Allen (US Army Vietnam) and Major General Ed Mechenbier, US Air Force Vietnam, who was shot down while flying an F4 aircraft and spent nearly 6 years in a POW cell. There was not a dry eye in the large crowd as the 34 names of Greene County KIA were read. ``Sorry for crying, but I went to high school with some of these guys, `` explained a tearful Jim McMichaels as he and Vietnam vets Steve Molden, Sam Wallace, Pastor John Corcoran and Pastor Wes Barnhill read the details of the fallen. The end of the reading was followed by the USAF band, the bagpipes playing Amazing Grace and a bugler playing ``Taps'' as a memorial wreath was laid at the apex of the Wall. For Steve Molden, Tim Spradlin and Jim McMichaels it was the end of a long year, as they sat down on a park bench near the wall and shared tears of joy for the good they had done together, and the blessing of surviving their wars. Inspired by the dedication and initiative of so many people, the Greene County Veterans Tribute Committee will continue to make a difference. After all the AVTT bills were paid, the committee donated part of their remaining funding to the Honor Flight program and part to the Wounded Warrior Project. The remainder will be kept in the non- profit endowment fund as the seed money for a new project; we have a vision to build a suitable large war memorial for all Greene County veterans and families on the lawn of the county courthouse. With the support of the community, the Members have no doubt that they can continue to serve local veterans, serve the community, the nation and with God's blessings create a permanent tribute to all Greene County citizens who have served in the United States Armed Forces or paid the ultimate cost of freedom. I am grateful that Greene County, located within my district, was granted the opportunity to remember and celebrate the lives of veterans and first responders through the American Veterans Traveling Tribute. All those who worked to make this event happen are to be commended for their time and efforts. It was a bittersweet time to remember both those who came home from Vietnam and other wars as well as those who never had the chance. Thus, today I ask my colleagues to join me and the constituents of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District in honoring our military veterans and their families for their continued and selfless service to the land of the free.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. Mr. Speaker, thank you for this opportunity to publicly recognize September as Suicide Prevention Month. As a member of the Military Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Caucus, my goal is to increase awareness and aid in the prevention of suicide. Although suicide affects thousands of Americans each year, I would like to take a moment to focus specifically on our veterans and the men and women who are currently serving in our United States military. Suicides are increasing at an alarming rate this year for our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines. Recent data shows that suicides are occurring at a rate of approximately one per day for the military. This makes suicide the second-leading cause of death for our troops, surpassed only by combat. The Army, in particular, has seen a 22 percent suicide increase when comparing the first 7 months in both 2011 and 2012. But these are not just numbers and statistics. These are real soldiers and real families impacted by this growing tragedy. This increase became very personal for me again last weekend when I attended a memorial dedication for Lance Corporal Bobby Wiley. Lance Corporal Wiley was a Lima Company marine and the son of my classmate and friend. As a result of Bobby's death, a loving family and Nation grieve with loss. On behalf of Bobby and his family, I stand before you today to briefly discuss this growing trend and associated symptoms, as well as highlight prevention efforts within my district and nationwide by both the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. More than 2 million troops have served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and that's a lot of people who have seen war up close and personal. It can affect some of them adversely when they come back home. In fiscal year 2009 alone, 1,868 veterans of these wars made suicide attempts. Faced with the stigma of post-traumatic stress disorder, unemployment rates tipping 12 percent for our veterans, and a loss of the military camaraderie, many veterans report feeling purposeless upon returning home. We are aware of three conditions that contribute to many of the suicides of our veterans, and they are post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD; traumatic brain injury, TBI; and depression. We know that veterans with these three medical conditions are at a higher risk of succumbing to suicide behavior. As friends and family members of our veterans and those serving our country, there are some things that we can do: first, recognize the symptoms that could lead to serious problems; understand where and how to get assistance while still part of the military; and know the availability of treatment after service. As members of the Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee, my colleagues and I on both sides of the aisle have had the opportunity to meet and discuss some of these very important issues, and I'm pleased with Secretary of the VA Shinseki's recent outreach efforts such as Stand By Them and Side By Side. The purpose of the joint DOD and VA Stand By Them campaign and public service announcement, Side By Side, is to increase awareness with focus on support networks for military members. Detection and treatment are key components required for resolution. Those closest to the military member can often see signals of distress before the member recognizes it himself or herself. The quicker the detection, the quicker the treatment. Yesterday, I joined back in my home district Director Costie and Dr. Napp at the Dayton VA Medical Center to bring awareness to Suicide Prevention Month. With a large geographic span of responsibility in my district, the Dayton VA Medical Center provides services to veterans from 16 counties. During the joint press conference at the VA, we announced the ongoing efforts and helped in the promotion of the VA and DOD programs. I know communities across our Nation are doing similar awareness and education programs. As our young men and women are fighting to protect our freedoms, while they're often faced with multiple and lengthy employments, exposed to stressful situations in combat--including death--we cannot look the other way and hope that these issues disappear. The reality is we are faced with a growing number of PTSD, TBI, depression, and suicide within our military and veterans. This is a real problem. And if we can alleviate one of the symptoms and causes of suicide, PTSD, we may see a change in the current trendline before the problem becomes completely systemic across our fighting force. Let me just say, as members of the grateful communities to which our brave men and women return, we need to do whatever is possible to recognize these veterans at risk and help them get the assistance they need.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Colonel Amanda W. Gladney for her outstanding service to our Nation and the United States Air Force. It is an honor to join the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District in congratulating Colonel Gladney upon her relinquishment of command as the Commander, 88th Air Base Wing, Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. Colonel Gladney commands one of the largest air base wings in the United States Air Force, with more than 5,000 Air Force military, civilian, and contractor employees. The wing provides support and services to one of the largest, most diverse, and most organizationally complex bases in the Air Force including a major acquisition center, research and development laboratories, a major command headquarters, an airlift wing, and the world's largest military air museum. The base is home to more than 27,000 employees and is the largest single site employer in the State of Ohio. Colonel Gladney completed the 350 million dollar Base Realignment and Closure Project, including the completion of the Air Force's largest military construction effort since World War II, and drove outreach efforts with 430,000-plus volunteer hours into the local community. I can attest to her solid reputation of dedication to and pride in the men and women of the 88th Air Base Wing. For her strong dedication of service to our community, I join the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District in extending our best wishes upon her new assignment as the Director of Communications for Special Operations Command Europe in Stuttgart, Germany and wish her ongoing success in all future endeavors and in this new capacity.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Randall B. Parker. I am honored to recognize Mr. Parker for his Meritorious Civilian Service Award nomination. Mr. Parker was nominated for his outstanding service as Vice Director, 88th Air Base Wing (ABW), Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC), Air Force Material Command (AFMC), Wright- Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB), Ohio from 4 March 2007 to 10 March 2012. During his service, Mr. Parker distinguished himself as an exceptional leader who guided the organization through numerous cultural and business challenges while executing a full range of personal management responsibilities. Over the course of his tenure, he prepared and developed personnel for career opportunities, provided guidance to ensure work effort and products reflected management's expectations, and spearheaded the ``Grow the Force'' 88th ABW Commander's initiative, focused on recruiting and developing a superior, qualified workforce, while responding to ongoing budgetary and manpower reduction driven by the office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and Headquarters Air Force (HAF) efficiency initiatives. Mr. Parker's expertise and experience are truly noteworthy and will be greatly missed. His outstanding performance culminates a long and distinguished career that reflects his commitment and service to our community and nation. Thus, with great pride, I recognize Randall B. Parker for his long- term commitment to the United States Air Force and I would like to extend best wishes for the future.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District, I am honored to recognize Major General Edward J. Mechenbier for his outstanding career in the United States Air Force, his leadership to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and his heroic acts for our Nation. A graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1964, General Mechenbier attended pilot training and served tours in Europe and Southeast Asia flying the F 4C. In June 1967, he was shot down on his 80th mission over North Vietnam and spent 5 years, 8 months, and 4 days as a prisoner of war. On 29 May of 2004, he flew his final flight, returning to Hanoi on the same aircraft to bring home the remains of two servicemembers listed as missing in action. In 1973, he was assigned to the Fighter Branch, 4950th Test Wing, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. In 1975 he resigned his regular commission and continued to fly the F 100 and A 7 for 16 years with the Ohio National Guard. In 1991, General Mechenbier transferred to the Air Force Reserve where he served with the Joint Logistics Systems Center and Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command. General Mechenbier has more than four decades of active-duty, Guard and Reserve service. Throughout his service he has been awarded two Silver Stars, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze star with V, two Purple Hearts, Meritorious Service Medal, 9 Air medals and the P.O.W. medal. Major General Mechenbier, the Air Force's last serving Vietnam-era former prisoner of war, retired in June of 2004. He served as the mobilization assistant to the Commander, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. His outstanding performance culminates a long and distinguished career that reflects his dedication and service to our community and Nation. Thus, with great pride, I recognize Major General Ed Mechenbier for his commendable service to the citizens of the United States and his long-term commitment to the United States Air Force. I join the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District in extending my great appreciation for his service and success in all future endeavors.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Linda S. Lange. I am honored to recognize Ms. Lange for her Outstanding Civilian Career Service Award nomination. Ms. Lange was nominated for her service as a civil service employee with the United States Air Force, Business Operations Division, 711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, from 15 December 1975 to 30 April 2012. During her 37 years of federal service, Ms. Lange displayed superior performance with her loyalty and commitment to the mission at hand. During her tenure in the AFRL, Ms. Lange was given high visibility jobs such as leading Inspector General Unit Compliant Inspections, directing all logistical and protocol functions for the Scientific Advisory Board reviews, and coordinating and managing all activities for the $293M BRAC MILCON ribbon cutting. Her involvement in this level of activities demonstrates the confidence her leadership had in her ability to perform independently and to meet all expectations. Ms. Lange's expertise and experience are truly noteworthy and will be greatly missed. Her outstanding performance culminates a long and distinguished career that reflects her commitment and service to our community and nation. Thus, with great pride, I recognize Linda S. Lange for her long-term commitment to the United States Air Force and I would like to extend best wishes for the future.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of four Great Oaks Vocational School students: Iayie Viassy, Wade Aills, Brandon North, and Austin Salisbury. I am proud to recognize these four young men for their brave heroics in helping 53 Miami Trace elementary school children off an overturned bus on March 12, 2012. At 4:16 p.m. on March 12, a school bus transporting children home from school veered off the road and rolled onto its right side into a ditch. With the passenger door pinned against the ground, Wade Aills made the decision to kick open the emergency rear door. The four boys then proceeded to aid the elementary children in exiting the bus and keeping everyone calm until emergency personnel could arrive. When EMS units arrived on the scene, all of the children had been evacuated safely, with only a few children that suffered minor injuries. Recently, these young men were honored and recognized by the Fayette County Sherriff's Office and the Miami Trace elementary school for their actions. Thus, today I ask my colleagues to join me and the constituents of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District in recognizing four true heroes: Iayie Viassy, Wade Aills, Brandon North, and Austin Salisbury.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. Mr. Speaker I rise today in honor of Captain David Woodard: a strong son of the south, one of Georgia's finest, and member of the 4th Brigade 10th Mountain of the United States Army. April 28th marks the three year anniversary of an IED explosion in Sadr City, Iraq that almost took Captain Woodard's life. Although Captain Woodard lost his leg in the attack, he has not missed a beat. His recovery and ``can-do'' attitude has helped sustain him and inspire us all. With the help of his lovely wife Danielle and their beautiful son David, who is a carbon-copy of his dad, Captain Woodard is past the road to recovery and is preparing to embark on the next phase of his heroic life. To the 10th Power How high can a heart so climb? To what heights may we so reach in time? But, to the very top to teach us we find! To the 10th Power! Throughout our nation's history . . . Have come such fine men of faith and courage, so indeed . . . Strong Georgia Men, who are but our Nation's best friends . . . Who've worn the title of, 10th Mountain Men . . . Who go off to war, and but for all of us . . . so much endure . . . and depends! Who but only with their Beliefs, so gallantly fight for our peace! Who above all others so tower, as up to new heights they reach! Like the Tenth Mountain Men, whose courage upon us showers . . . Showers, us with great courage and heroic faith! Men of the hour, who will not fade . . . Who in the moment of truth, their fine hearts rise, to the 10th Power . . . Men, who upon battlefields of honor, death, and glory . . . While, lying gravely wounded . . . close to death, they tell their story . . . Who give up their fine arms and legs . . . And come back home to write another great chapter . . . Another chapter, all in their life's most heroic page! As they must somehow start all over again! Men like David, these most heroic to 10th Mountain Men . . . Whose, great hearts much somehow grow even greater than! Men who teach us! Who so beseech us! All in how they so reach us! As they start their lives all over again . . . Just like his brother Bob Dole, Captain Woodard too has such a fine soul! As both are cut from the same mold! In life, how high can a heart so rise? As to what heights will it so climb? When it all depends on . . . what is so found deep down inside! As to the 10th power, your heart so begins to rise! Bringing tears even to the angel's eyes . . . As David, yours has so! And if I ever have a son! David, I but hope and pray he could be like you . . . this one! By Albert Carey Caswell . . . Bless You All, as you have blessed so many Heroes and our Nation!

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Tyler's Light. I am honored to recognize Tyler's Light for its continued drug awareness efforts throughout Pickerington and Fairfield County, Ohio. Tyler's Light was formed after the tragic and untimely passing of Tyler Campbell. Tyler was known for the way his blue eyes and infectious smile lit up a room. Tyler was very athletic and loved being outdoors where he would ride bikes, fish, and play various other sports. In just 23 years for life, Tyler managed to fulfill many of his lifelong dreams such as playing Division 1 High School Football at Pickerington North and college football at the University of Akron. Pickerington and all of Fairfield County need to be aware of the current drug epidemic and are in need of education about how drug addiction is breaking families apart. Thus, the objective of Tyler's Light is to educate students, families, and communities about the dangers and consequences of drug usage. Tyler's Light has been very effective and in just months has gained the attention of Fairfield County residents and others that are concerned about the increasing drug abuse issues facing our communities. Thus, with great pride, I recognize Tyler's Light for the positive impact it is making in the community and I would like to extend best wishes for the future.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District to recognize William F. Schenck for his outstanding career as a prosecuting attorney and his efforts of upholding justice in the Greene County Community and the nation. Bill earned his Juris Doctor from The Ohio State University and shortly after began his career in the Greene County prosecutor's office. Elected to the position of Prosecuting Attorney seven times, Bill honorably served the citizens of Greene County for over 25 years. During his time as the county's prosecuting attorney, Bill prosecuted over 50,000 felonies and brought justice to numerous victims. After his time in the Greene County prosecutor's office, Bill served as the Assistant United States Attorney at Department of Justice in the U.S. Attorney's Office for over five years. During this time, Bill prosecuted felons involved in organized crime. Bill has shown himself to be a dedicated and hardworking member of the Greene County community and the state of Ohio. Throughout his service, he has been an advocate for victims' rights and has worked tirelessly for justice. Thus, it is with great pride, I congratulate William F. Schenck for his commendable service in protecting the Miami Valley, the state of Ohio, and the United States. I join the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District in extending best wishes upon his retirement from the U.S. Attorney's Office and success in all future endeavors.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. I thank the chairwoman for her hard work on this bill. A year ago I spoke on the House floor urging this committee to introduce legislation repealing the program integrity regulations. Today I speak in support of H.R. 2117, which repeals two of these regulations. While we must ensure that our small number of schools who have acted in bad faith are dealt with accordingly, the credit-hour and State licensing regulations are an overreaction with vast unintended consequences. First, these regulations will significantly alter the Federal role in the accrediting and licensing of institutions of higher education. Second, they will also drastically limit student access to educational programs and negatively impact all schools. Let me give you an example of a school located in the Midwest in my district--Ohio Christian University--as an example of a school that will be adversely affected by these regulations. OCU is located in Pickaway County, which is a typical county in southeastern Ohio and mirrors that of many across the Midwest. It is struggling with this difficult economy. It has lost over 2,500 jobs, and only 11 percent of the residents in this county have a bachelor's degree. In contrast, Ohio Christian University has created 150 jobs in just 5 years while graduating thousands of students since its founding in 1948. In addition to offering traditional undergraduate degrees, OCU offers an online degree program. Currently, more than 1,000 students from over 15 States are enrolled in that program. Because of the high costs and administrative burdens required to get licensing in every State where an online student resides, OCU will be forced to un-enroll at least half of its online students and lay off a large number of staff. Further, as part of the adult degree program, OCU offers a limited number of credit hours for prior learning and work experiences. This program allows nontraditional students the ability to return to school and earn their degree. To comply with the credit-hour regulation, the university will be forced to eliminate that program, which would be a significant disincentive for older students. The regulation will also negatively impact traditional students by setting a strict definition of credit hour, and this will eliminate the school's ability to credit innovative courses which provide students with the cutting-edge skills and knowledge required for future employees. Today I urge my colleagues to protect our schools, States, and students from these burdensome, overreaching regulations by supporting H.R. 2117.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. I thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding, and I thank Congressman Carter for his hard work and commitment with this very important issue, in addressing this very important issue that directly impacts hardworking Americans. Judge Carter and I have worked on an amendment together in committee to try to stop these duplicate government tasks that are going on right now. And I think you've done a good job in articulating the importance of having that amendment. I can tell you, Judge, I fly home every weekend to Ohio, back to my district, number one, to be home with my family, but also to be out in the district and get what I call my reality check, to talk to the hardworking Ohioans, the small businessowners and farmers. And like many other Members of Congress, I do town halls, and I attend different events and meetings. What I do hear from those hardworking families and those small businesses is that, number one, we have got to stop this out-of-control spending. And part of that includes wasting hard-earned taxpayers' dollars because of duplicate services that are going on with different agencies in the government; and, number two, we've got to get government out of the way. We've got to stop these unnecessary, burdensome regulations that are hurting small businesses and that are killing jobs. Back in 1975, Congress, this body, tasked NHTSA, the National Highway Transit Service Authority, under the Department of Transportation, that agency, with the task of setting those standards. And those standards were called the Corporate Average Fuel Economy standards, or the CAFE standards. And they were enacted, again, in 1975 with accountability and transparency with Congress to gradually and responsibly increase the fuel economy in America. And they've been reinforced and raised by Congress repeatedly, as recently as 2007. And what we saw shortly after this administration came in was that EPA expanded its authority to start setting its own standards. And then they expanded it even further allowing California to create its own State standards. And what's happened here is we've created duplicate services, wasting taxpayers' hard-earned dollars creating the most expensive regulations ever. You get three different agencies sometimes setting different standards, creating uncertainty in the auto industry, and raising the cost of vehicles for hardworking families to pay for this, hurting our small businesses and killing jobs. Last year, we saw the EPA, again without authorization from Congress, propose rules to regulate the fuel economy of cars and light trucks for model years 2017 to 2025. This is last year, in 2011 they're doing this. They increased the required average fuel economy over 54 miles per gallon. Because the EPA is not accountable to Congress for this, because they don't have any substantive guidance on how to create these regulations and they don't have to follow the same rules that were put in place, they're not required to take into account factors like job losses. We're going through one of the most difficult economies we've seen in decades. Unemployment is at one of the highest levels it's been, and they don't have to include job losses or consumer demand or safety. It became very apparent to myself and many of our colleagues that these regulations are out of touch with the American people. They're out of line with Main Street, USA, with small businesses that are the backbone of this economy. And in some cases, they're irresponsible. I was proud to join you last July in offering an amendment during our full committee consideration of the Interior, Environment and Related Agencies bill that simply just put a 1-year time-out on the EPA's rulemaking process so that Congress and our constituents could have time to determine what's the most responsible path here to move forward. And the amendment also prevented the EPA from granting permission to California to create their own regulations, State regulations, that would lead to an impossible patchwork of State laws. So what this could lead to is, think about this, if you have an activist State, they could actually hijack Federal policy with regulations they're putting in place. Our amendment was included in the Interior appropriations bill. It was reported out of committee. I joined you again in October, Judge Carter, in sending a letter to the committee, along with 64 of our colleagues, bipartisan support on this, encouraging that this amendment be included as part of the final appropriations package that passed last year. Unfortunately, this administration and their allies in the Senate, the Democrat majority, blocked this commonsense amendment, leaving the EPA with the authority to go out and continue to move forward with this harmful and ill-conceived rule. I think the facts are, and you pointed this out, number one, it's the most expensive regulation ever on the auto industry, $210 billion in new regulations. It's going to raise the average cost of a vehicle for a hardworking family by roughly $3,200. It's going to regulate cheaper vehicles that are under $15,000 pretty much out of existence. And the EPA has already wasted over $24 million creating these duplicate regulations. This is out of control what's happening right now. It's a waste of the taxpayers' dollars. And we have to, at some point, understand what's happening here. We're accountable for the taxpayers' dollars. We have to ensure that the way things are being done are being done properly. The EPA, again, has already spent 24 million, as I mentioned, on these duplicate services with the largest budget deficit in history. Congress and the administration should focus on eliminating the duplicate government programs and protecting the taxpayers' dollars. The redundant regulations of the fuel economy by the EPA is simply just a magnitude of the government waste that we're seeing today. With that, Judge Carter, I appreciate, again, your leadership on this very important issue. I know we have a lot of Members here to speak on this.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Senior Vice President and General Counsel of Reed Elsevier, Henry Horbaczewski, as he is retiring from the company. Henry Horbaczewski has been with Reed Elsevier for over 25 years. During his tenure, Mr. Horbaczewski has been a key participant in many of the transformative events that have built Reed Elsevier into one of the world's leading publishing and information companies. Mr. Horbaczewski played a key role in the acquisitions of LexisNexis, Matthew Bender, Variety, and other businesses that have helped to grow Reed Elsevier into a world-class company. Today, Reed Elsevier has over 30,000 employees in over 200 locations worldwide. Reed Elsevier's LexisNexis business has its roots in Ohio, with nearly 3,000 employees in the state and around 65 employees in the Seventh Congressional District where LexisNexis, a key data center, is located. Henry Horbaczewski has been a vocal proponent for the strong protection of intellectual property rights. He is a recognized leader in the area of copyright law and has worked across business sectors to promote the strong enforcement of intellectual property rights that fuel creativity and innovation and help our country remain strong. Mr. Horbaczewski's contributions extend beyond Reed Elsevier. He has been a strong advocate for human rights and has worked tirelessly to promote the Rule of Law around the world. Mr. Horbaczewski has made significant contributions in the area of human rights and has worked to protect basic rights for all individuals, and ensure the fair and equal enforcement of laws. In 2011, Mr. Horbaczewski was honored for his contributions in the human rights area by Humanity in Action, an international organization dedicated to promoting human rights around the world. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating Mr. Horbaczewski on his many accomplishments, and thanking him for the significant contributions he has made in protecting human rights, promoting the protection of intellectual property rights, and advancing the Rule of Law around the globe.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. Mr. Speaker, on November 20, 2011, the Wittenberg University Tigers Women's Volleyball team won their first NCAA Championship. After ending the regular season with a 37-3, 16-0 NCAC record, the Tigers advanced through the post-season tournament to sweep the title in a 3-0 match against Christopher Newport University. This championship represents years of hard work and dedication by these volleyball players and their coaches. This achievement is also a reflection of the support these women have received from their families, Wittenberg University, and the Springfield, Ohio community. Members of the 2011 Women's Volleyball team include Hallie Donathan (Tipp City, Ohio); Tessa Litman (Magnolia, Ohio); Hillary Monnin (Russia, Ohio); Katie Sumner (Dublin, Ohio); Ali Hock-James (Cincinnati, Ohio); Kiah Murray (Yorktown, Indiana); Hannah Riley (Minerva, Ohio); Miranda Sagle (Springfield, Ohio); Kimmie Dyer (Copley, Ohio); Kate Shoemaker (Vallonia, Indiana); Courtney Lauber (Zionsville, Indiana); Christine Simpson (Dublin, Ohio); Catherine Fumy (Fort Wayne, Indiana); Andrea Behling (Columbus, Indiana); Christina Gilene (Milford, Ohio); Meghan Vodopich (Canton, Ohio); Jessica Batanian (Sylvania, Ohio); Quin Gable (West Chicago, Illinois). The Wittenberg University Women's Volleyball team was lead by Head Coach Paco Labrador and assisted by Laura Jensen and Amy Cox. The team was also heavily supported by Athletic Director Garnett Purnell, and University President Dr. Mark H. Erikson. Thus, today I ask my colleagues to join me and the constituents of the Ohio's Seventh Congressional District in congratulating the Wittenberg Tiger Women's Volleyball team.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. Mr. Speaker, on November 20, 2011, the Wittenberg University Tigers Women's Volleyball team won their first NCAA Championship. After ending the regular season with a 37-3, 16-0 NCAC record, the Tigers advanced through the post-season tournament to sweep the title in a 3-0 match against Christopher Newport University. This championship represents years of hard work and dedication by these volleyball players and their coaches. This achievement is also a reflection of the support these women have received from their families, Wittenberg University, and the Springfield, Ohio community. Members of the 2011 Women's Volleyball team include Hallie Donathan (Tipp City, Ohio); Tessa Litman (Magnolia, Ohio); Hillary Monnin (Russia, Ohio); Katie Sumner (Dublin, Ohio); Ali Hock-James (Cincinnati, Ohio); Kiah Murray (Yorktown, Ind); Hannah Riley (Minerva, Ohio); Miranda Sagle (Springfield, Ohio); Kimmie Dyer (Copley, Ohio); Kate Shoemaker (Vallonia, Ind.); Courtney Lauber (Zionsville, Ind.); Christine Simpson (Dublin, Ohio) The Wittenberg University Women's Volleyball team was lead by Head Coach Paco Labrador and Assisted by Laura Jensen and Amy Cox. The team was also heavily supported by Athletic Director Garnett Purnell, and University President Dr. Mark H. Erikson. Thus, today I ask my colleagues to join me and the constituents of the Ohio's Seventh Congressional District in congratulating the Wittenberg Tiger Women's Volleyball team.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. As a former chairman of the Ohio Senate judiciary committee, I helped lead the fight to pass the first concealed-carry law in the State of Ohio. And I can tell you, even with this law and this right, as one of the thousands of Ohioans with a concealed-carry permit, I understand the need to reinforce our Second Amendment rights by resolving the confusion and the problems that exist when traveling between States. The National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act does just that; it allows Ohioans and others with valid CCW permits issued by their home State to concealed-carry while visiting any of the 49 States where it's not expressly prohibited. H.R. 822 is not a Federal takeover. The bill preserves States' rights by requiring residents to comply with their home State's rules for getting a permit. The bill also maintains reciprocity agreements the States have already entered into with other States. The bill simply strengthens and protects our constituents' Second Amendment rights, and that's why I've cosponsored this legislation and look forward to its passage.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania for his hard work on this bill. As a member of the Congressional Pro-Life Caucus and original cosponsor of this bill, I strongly support the Protect Life Act. We heard during the health care reform debate that tax dollars would not be used to fund abortions. However, this important language was stripped from the final bill and replaced with accounting gimmicks and an Executive order that can be reversed at any time by this President or future administrations. This opens the door for federally funded abortions in the future and goes against the majority of Americans who believe that the government should not be in the business of paying for abortions. Congress must act now to protect the lives of our unborn children and to fully ensure that no tax dollars from ObamaCare are used to fund abortions. The Protect Life Act also ensures that medical providers and workers are not discriminated against for refusing to perform abortions. These protections are crucial for health care providers around the Nation whose core values include a deeply held belief that we must protect all human life. I urge my colleagues to vote for the Protect Life Act.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District, I rise today to recognize Dr. Mary Agna for her induction into the Greene County Women's Hall of Fame. Dr. Mary Agna, along with five other candidates, was selected from a pool of many worthy women to receive this honor, and thus, she was nominated for her great endeavors in the field of public health. Dr. Agna was the first woman Health Commissioner in Greene County, where she served from 1963 until 1970. During this time she started the first home care program within the County Health Department. She was also an Associate Professor and Vice Chair of the Department of Family Medicine and Community Health at the Wright State School of Medicine from 1979 to 1987, and, continues today as Emeritus Associate Professor. She also served on the State Public Health Council from 1974 unti1 1981. This council is the primary rule-making body for the State Department of Health. Her vision and leadership led to Greene County being recognized by the Ohio Council of Home Health Agencies and the Ohio Department of Health as one of Ohio's premier home health agencies. Thus, with great pride, I congratulate Dr. Mary Agna for her exemplary service to Greene County and extend best wishes for the future.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District, I rise today to recognize Ms. Alice Wiseman for her induction into the Greene County Women's Hall of Fame. Ms. Alice Wiseman along with five other candidates were selected from a pool of many worthy women to receive this honor, and thus, she was nominated for her great endeavors in the field of Public Education. Ms. Wiseman, has been a teacher at Sugarcreek Local Schools for 30 years. During this time she has never stopped in her effort to educate children. As a teacher, she was ahead of her time identifying and accommodating students with learning difficulties, challenging gifted students and serving as a mentor to new teachers. After retiring, Alice authored an elementary level book, The History of Bellbrook, which is used in conjunction with the third-grade curricular tie-in to a tour of the town, for which she serves as director. She has been an Ohio Reads program tutor, a member of the Bellbrook Family Resource Center Board, and currently is the President of the Bellbrook-Sugarcreek Historical Society. She is also an elected member of the Greene County Educational Service Center Board of Governors. Thus, with great pride, I congratulate Ms. Alice Wiseman for her exemplary service to Greene County and extend best wishes for the future.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District, I rise today to recognize Ms. Sandy Skinn for her induction into the Greene County Women's Hall of Fame. Ms. Sandy Skinn, along with five other candidates, was selected from a pool of many worthy women to receive this honor, and thus, she was nominated for her great endeavors in Girl Scouting. Ms. Skinn has worked closely with co-leader and fellow inductee Jan Dobo. Sandy has worked for over 30 years to promote the positive qualities of leadership skills, strong values, confidence and conviction about self-worth to young women. The troop led by Ms. Skinn and Ms. Dobo have maintained an open troop, reaching out to girls interested in joining the Girl Scouts from beyond their North Beavercreek neighborhood. Her love of the outdoors has led to many camping trips, both in Ohio and as far as Maine for activities ranging from outdoor survival training, to week-long sailing and adventures. Sandy and Jan have been co-chairs of the Beavercreek North Service Unit, which serves over 500 girls, as a Council area of Greene, Warren, Miami, Montgomery and Clark Counties. Additionally, Sandy has served as the Greene County representative on the Buckeye Trails Girls Scout council Board, which covered a multi-county area, and she has also served on various Council committees. Thus, with great pride; I congratulate Ms. Sandy Skinn for her exemplary service to Greene County and extend best wishes for the future.

Mr. AUSTRIA

Mr. AUSTRIA. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District, I rise today to recognize Ms. Jan Dobo for her induction into the Greene County Women's Hall of Fame. Ms. Jan Dobo along with five other candidates were selected from a pool of many worthy women to receive this honor, and thus, she was nominated for her great endeavors in girl scouting. Ms. Dobo has provided countless travel opportunities and taught valuable skills to hundreds of Junior, Cadette and Senior Girl Scouts for well over 30 years and on-going to this day. Despite suffering a debilitating stroke while on a scouting campout, Jan has continued to be deeply involved. Typically, Girl Scout Troops are organized within communities, but Jan and co-leader Sandy Skinn, have always maintained an open troop and allowed any girl to join without consideration of where she lived. The troop has had a reputation for working hard with women in order for them to achieve Gold Awards which is equivalent of an Eagle Scout in Boy Scouting. Jan has also volunteered her home over the last 30 years to be the Girl Scout Cookie Cupboard for the area. Jan has received many awards for her service, including the Thanks II Badge--the highest award to volunteers in Scouting. Thus, with great pride, I congratulate Ms. Jan Dobo for her exemplary service to Greene County and extend best wishes for the future.