Sanford Bishop

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an important milestone for our nation's Capitol. The statue of abolitionist leader, Frederick Douglass, will soon grace the halls of the United States Capitol. This effigy will serve as a reminder of the hard work of this great American and civil rights leader who was committed to the freedom and equal rights of all Americans. Frederick Douglass is often called the father of the civil rights movement. Born a slave in Maryland around 1818, he taught himself how to read and write at a young age despite the ban forbidding slaves to be literate. It was by reading newspapers and political writings that Douglass developed his ideology on the opposition of slavery. Douglass attempted to escape from slavery twice before he succeeded on his third attempt with the help of his future wife, Anna Murray. After they married in 1838 and settled in New Bedford, Massachusetts, Douglass became a regular lecturer in opposition of slavery. He also spoke out in support of women's rights. With the help of his bestselling autobiographies, Frederick Douglass quickly became one of the most famous African Americans in the country. During the Civil War, Douglass gave council to President Abraham Lincoln and President Andrew Johnson on the treatment of black soldiers and the importance of black suffrage. After the war, he was appointed to several political positions and, as Victoria Woodhull's running mate on the Equal Rights Party ticket in 1872, became the first African American nominated for the office of Vice President of the United States. Douglass continued to fight for the rights of African- Americans, women, and minority groups until his death in 1895. To honor the life and accomplishments of this abolitionist, human rights and women's rights activist, orator, author, journalist, publisher, and social reformer, the United States Congress has approved a bill that would allow the District of Columbia to display his statue in our Capitol. The statue, designed and completed by architect Steven Weitzman, was commissioned by D.C. to present to the Capitol as a gift. Frederick Douglass had said, ``If there is no struggle, there is no progress.'' Despite his many struggles in the bonds of slavery, he rose to prominence through his determination and fervor. His vision for America was that all Americans would be equal and free of discrimination and he worked tirelessly to share this vision with others and to help it become a reality. The progress we have made as a nation would not have been possible without the leadership and influence of great leaders like Frederick Douglass. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of the Second Congressional District of Georgia, I ask my colleagues to join me today in paying tribute to a strong leader and inspiring visionary, Frederick Douglass. It is my hope that all the visitors to our Capitol will see his statue and remember all the valuable contributions made to our nation by this great human rights advocate.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart and solemn remembrance that I rise today to pay tribute to a great man and close friend, Larry Walton Colson. Mr. Colson passed away on September 18, 2012. Visitation will be held at Carson McLane Funeral Home at 11 a.m. on Thursday, September 20, 2012, and funeral services will be held on Friday, September 21, 2012. Mr. Colson graduated from Valdosta High School in 1966. He attended Valdosta State University and graduated with a degree in Business Administration. Mr. Colson was an entrepreneur at heart. He was the owner and founder of Colson Business Systems, Inc. as well as the co- owner of Splash Zone. Mr. Colson loved his community and actively served in various capacities. He served on the Guardian Bank Board of Advisors, the South Georgia Medical Center Foundation Board and the Valdosta State University Board of Trustees. He was also a Blazer Booster as well as an avid Florida Gator Booster. A favorite pastime of Mr. Colson's was playing golf. He played as an amateur in the AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am. He was also an active member of Park Avenue United Methodist Church where he served as an usher. 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.'' Mr. Colson went far in life because of his kindness and compassion for others. Mr. Colson is preceded in death by his father, George Wallace Colson; his brother, Gordon Wallace Colson; and uncles, Carlton Thomas Adams and Kenneth Carmen Colson. He is survived by his wife, Patricia Louise Colson; children, Rachel (Steve) Blankenship, Allison (David) Gracey, and Hunter Colson; his mother Myrtice Adams Colson; brother Greg Colson (wife Cheryl); sister- in-law Valerie Colson; many loving nephews: Todd Hatcher, Brent Colson (wife Cara), Brad Colson, and Trace Colson; as well as many great nieces and nephews: Ellen, Cole, Julia and Tate Colson, Caroline and Davis Hatcher. Mr. Speaker, my wife Vivian and I would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Mr. Colson's wife Pat, their children and other family members during this difficult time. May they be consoled and comforted by their abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 49th Georgia State Workshop of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, which will be held on October 4-7, 2012 in Columbus, Georgia. Around 1,500 members of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. from across the State of Georgia will gather in Columbus with their families for this event. The 2012 State Workshop theme is ``Friendship and Fraternity, Beyond 100 Years.'' Since its founding in 1911 at Howard University in Washington, DC, Omega Psi Phi members have worked tirelessly to give back to their communities. The men of Omega Psi Phi have provided a consistent source of support and service to communities throughout the United States and the world. Upholding the organization's cardinal principles of manhood, scholarship, perseverance, and uplift, the men of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc. have maintained a commitment to the betterment of mankind, enhancement of the community, and the enrichment of collegiate men. Today, the fraternity boasts more than 700 chapters throughout the United States, Bermuda, the Virgin Islands, South Korea, Japan, Liberia, Germany, and Kuwait. The local Men of Omega Psi Phi, including the Chapters of Lambda Iota and Nu Delta at Columbus State University, have contributed to the community by holding numerous voter registration drives and blood drives. They have also donated school supplies to elementary and high school students as well as more than $350,000 to local high school seniors who plan to attend college. Omega Psi Phi members have also mentored hundreds of at-risk youth and have hosted local Talent Hunt programs for gifted Performing Arts students. They have conducted hundreds of Adopt-A-Highway cleanups and donated Thanksgiving and Christmas baskets to the needy in the community. In addition, members have served on various civic boards in the Columbus community. Continuing the tradition of giving back, Omega Psi Phi's 49th Georgia State Workshop will conduct a Health Fair and a Statewide Talent Hunt for students of the Performing Arts. They will also mentor young African-American male students at Marshall Middle School and make a collective donation to Feed the Valley, a local food bank. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the 49th Georgia State Workshop of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity. The Columbus community welcomes these outstanding men and their families and applauds their dedication and service to the community.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Taiwan on its 101st National Day, which will occur on October 10th, 2012. As a member of the Taiwan Caucus, I recognize the importance of continuing to cultivate a strong relationship between the United States and Taiwan. The United States and Taiwan share a strong commitment to freedom. As a beacon of democracy for Southeast Asia and the rest of the world, Taiwan and its 23 million people enjoy self-governance, free elections, and the protection of individual rights. The policies pursued by President Ma Ying-jeou have made Taiwan a strong ally to the United States in these turbulent times. Taiwan also is a strong business partner for the United States. It is our tenth largest trading partner and the sixth largest market for United States agriculture exports. Georgia and Taiwan also have strong business ties. Taiwan is Georgia's thirteenth largest export market, grossing $68 million in profit for Georgia last year alone. Taiwan imports chemicals, automobiles, and, of course, Coca-Colas. Taiwan is also a leading innovator and producer of information technology and knowledge-based industries. The United States has supported Taiwan's transformation to a vibrant democracy. It should be congratulated for its 101 years of freedom and prosperity. It continues to be a model of democracy for Southeast Asia and countries all over the globe. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me today in congratulating Taiwan on its 101st National Day. I am confident that the friendship and close relationship that has been cultivated by the United States and Taiwan will continue for many years to come.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the United States Air Force for 65 years of innovative progress and strong, steadfast defense of our nation. Over the last 65 years, the brave men and women who have served in the Air Force have made significant contributions in defending our homeland and safeguarding our liberties. A celebration commemorating the 65th Birthday of the Air Force will be held at the Museum of Aviation at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia on Saturday, September 15, 2012, at 6 p.m. Lieutenant General Andrew Busch, Vice Commander of the Air Force Materiel Command will be the guest speaker for the evening. The United States Air Force was officially founded on September 18, 1947. However, its history and legacy go back even further. Less than four years after the Wright brothers flew the world's first airplane, the U.S. Army Signal Corps formed an Aeronautical Division in 1907. Known by several different titles and serving a number of purposes, the precursors of the Air Force were instrumental in World War I and especially World War II. Today, the United States Air Force, with its cutting-edge technology and distinguished manpower, is a superior and well-respected authority of air and space. Shortly before the establishment of the Air Force, on September 1, 1941, construction began on the new Georgia Air Depot located sixteen miles south of Macon, Georgia. At the time of its dedication in 1943, the Depot Commander, Col. Charles E. Thomas, renamed it the Warner Robins Army Air Depot in honor of his mentor and the ``father of logistics'' of the Air Force, Brig. Gen. Augustine Warner Robins. Now known as Warner Robins Air Logistics Center and Robins Air Force Base, this former dairy farm pastureland would become the largest industrial installation in Georgia and one of the nation's finest defense assets. Robins Air Force Base employs a workforce of over 25,584 civilians, contractors and members of the military. It is a vital part of the economy in Middle Georgia and brings in billions of dollars each year to the surrounding communities. Through my ongoing interaction with Robins Air Force Base personnel, one of the things I have come to admire most is their remarkable interaction with the people of Middle Georgia. Furthermore, Robins Air Force Base, along with the United States Air Force, is a strong advocate of diversity and hence is able to recruit and train the most talented men and women to become the most distinguished officers and personnel in the United States Armed Forces. The vast success and numerous achievements and victories of the Air Force would not be possible without the talented manpower that drives, or rather, flies, it. The ideas that manifest into state-of-the-art technology, the hands that build and operate it, and the minds that make the decisions that impact one life or millions of lives are all due to the diligence, creativity, and dedication of a people united in sharing and protecting the ideals of America. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in paying tribute to the men and women who, over the last 65 years, have served or currently serve in the United States Air Force. Their outstanding valor and patriotic service have made the United States Air Force the best in the world.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute a classic gridiron rivalry--the ``Matchless Classic of All Historically Black College Football Classics''--the 77th Annual Tuskegee-Morehouse Football Classic. This year, the Tuskegee University Golden Tigers will come face-to-face with the Morehouse College Maroon Tigers on the green grass of A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium in Columbus, Georgia on Saturday, October 6, 2012 at 2:00 p.m. A rivalry that began in 1902 with the teams playing each other seventy-six times in over 100 years, the Tuskegee-Morehouse Football Classic has the distinction of being one of the longest running NCAA Division II classics in the nation. It first began as an entertainment event for the African-American civilian community and African-American U.S. Army soldiers in the Columbus-Fort Benning, GA and Phenix City, AL area. Today, its primary purpose is to help raise funds for scholarships to help young men and women attend college. In 1955, Mr. Gordon H. Kitchen, Mr. A.J. McClung, and Mr. Carl Haygood formed the Classic Committee. The Committee continues to operate the Classic and has preserved the mission of its legendary founders and past leadership. This year, the Committee will welcome Dr. Robert Michael Franklin, Jr., the Tenth President of Morehouse College; Dr. Gilbert L. Rochon, the Sixth President of Tuskegee University; and Dr. Beverly Tatum, the Ninth President of Spelman College to the Classic. This year will also mark the eighth year the Tuskegee-Morehouse Football Classic will be played in the A.J. McClung Memorial Stadium, which was named for the late Honorable A.J. McClung, a 1933 graduate of Tuskegee University, Chairman Emeritus of the Tuskegee-Morehouse Football Classic and 29-year member of the Columbus Council who served as acting Mayor of Columbus in 1973. A longstanding tradition, the weeks leading up to the Classic are filled with excitement and anticipation. The Tuskegee-Morehouse Classic Parade is a widely attended fanfare. There is a week-long schedule of events including church services, recruitment activities, a media press conference, a golf tournament, President/Queens Brunch, VIP Reception and spirited tailgating. Throughout the years, the two teams have taken the field to play with the highest quality and standards of college football. The players and coaches train and work tirelessly to ensure a memorable classic, and the marching bands, the Piperettes, Mahogany in Motion, cheerleaders, flag teams and other auxiliary units put on spectacular shows while the fans and observers cheer loudly and proudly for their teams. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in saluting the Golden Tigers of Tuskegee University as they come face-to-face with the Maroon Tigers of Morehouse College. Naturally, I will be cheering for my beloved Alma Mater, Morehouse College. Despite the outcome, however, the 77th Annual Tuskegee-Morehouse Football Classic is sure to be a memorable affair overflowing with spirit, pride, and tradition.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to extend a heartfelt congratulations to Ms. Erin Daly and the rest of the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program team at the National Institute of Food and Agriculture for being selected to receive a 2012 U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Secretary's Honor Award in the category of ``assisting rural communities to create prosperity so they are self-sustaining, repopulating, and economically thriving.'' The team and its program leader, Dr. S. (Suresh) Sureshwaran, will be honored on September 12, 2012 at the Research, Education, and Economics (REE) Mission Area ceremony and the USDA 64th Annual Secretary's Honor Awards Ceremony, both in Washington, DC. I am especially pleased because Erin has served as a Brookings Institution Legis Congressional Fellow in my Washington, DC. office since January of this year. She works on issues including agriculture, particularly as it pertains to the Farm Bill and authorization issues; environment; food safety and Food and Drug Administration issues; nutrition/hunger; HBCUs; immigration; and trade. Not only is Erin a great asset to my office, but she has also become a steadfast resource for my staff and the constituents of the Second Congressional District of Georgia. I have personally witnessed her hard work and dedication and I know this prestigious award recognizing exemplary leadership and public service is very well-deserved. The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) was authorized in the 2008 Food, Conservation, and Energy Act and is administered by the National Institute for Food and Agriculture (NIFA) of the USDA. The purpose of the program is to assist farmer and rancher producers who have little or no farming experience and to provide the knowledge, skills, and tools they need to make informed decisions and improve their rate of success. As of 2010, more than 5,000 new and potential farmers had participated in BFRDP training events, including webinars, seminars, roundtable discussions, internships, mentorships, on-farm field days, etc. In Georgia, BFRDP has awarded grants to the Development of Socially Disadvantaged Farmers and Ranchers in Alabama, Georgia, Mississippi and South Carolina Program; the Cultivating Sustainable and Organic Beginning Farmers and Ranchers in Georgia Program; and the Urban Oasis Beginning Farmer Training Program. These grants have greatly assisted beginning farmers and ranchers in Georgia in obtaining the knowledge and skills necessary to manage a successful farm, improve their rural communities, and contribute to the local, state, and national economy. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District and the members of my staff, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Erin Daly and the Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program team for their strong commitment and valuable contributions to beginning farmers and their rural communities. I am extremely proud of Erin and I know she will continue to do great things in my office and at USDA.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an inspirational and hardworking man and strong community leader, the Honorable Frank K. Martin, Former Mayor of the City of Columbus, Georgia. Sadly, Mr. Martin passed away on August 12, 2012. His passing leaves a tremendous void in the hearts of his family, friends and the Columbus, Georgia community. On Wednesday, August 15, 2012, a gathering of family members, friends, and colleagues paid their respects to Mr. Martin at a memorial service held at St. Paul United Methodist Church in Columbus. Former Mayor Martin was born on November 4, 1938 in Columbus, Georgia to the late Mr. and Mrs. Frank Callier Martin. Known as ``Butch,'' he played for the Columbus High School Football Team. He earned both an undergraduate degree and a law degree from the University of Georgia and became a successful criminal defense attorney before being elected Mayor in 1990. As Mayor, Mr. Martin led the passage of a 1 percent sales tax to fund the construction of a new civic center, riverwalk and public safety building. He was Vice Chairman of the Columbus 1996 Olympic Committee from 1993 to 1996 and under his leadership, the City of Columbus was able to win a bid to host the 1996 Olympic softball competition. Mr. Speaker, one of the things that I will always remember about Frank is his ability to get things done. He sought to make a difference in the community and ultimately elevated the City of Columbus to new heights. 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.'' Mr. Martin went far in life because he had the courage and insight to help people fight for justice. We are all blessed to have had him touch our lives. Mr. Speaker, my wife Vivian and I, along with the Columbus, Georgia community, would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Mr. Martin's wife Helen, their children, and other family members during this difficult time. May they be consoled and comforted by their abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an inspiring woman of faith, beloved educator and spiritual leader, Sister Mary Cecelia Harrison, FMS. Sister Cecelia will be retiring after 25 years of outstanding leadership as Principal of Mother Mary School in Phenix City, Alabama. On Saturday, August 4, 2012, Sister Cecelia will be honored with an appreciation luncheon at the Columbus Trade and Convention Center in Columbus, Georgia. Sister Cecelia, a native of Kingston, Jamaica, was born on May 7, 1937, the ninth child of Philip and Agnes Harrison's ten children. In 1956, she entered the Franciscan Missionary Sisters of Our Lady of Perpetual Help of Jamaica. She graduated from Boston College in Massachusetts in1966 and then assumed a variety of principalships in Jamaica and the Cayman Islands where she oversaw the increase of enrollment in several schools and was appointed Member of the Cayman Islands Board of Education by the Governor for seven years. In 1988, Sister Cecilia was assigned as School Principal and Program Coordinator at Mother Mary Mission School in Phenix City, Alabama at a time when the school was almost defunct. It had poor academic standing and low enrollment and plans were in place for its closing. Sister Cecelia was only too happy to take on this challenge. Within three years, Mother Mary School was thriving with increased enrollment, high academic standards and improved facilities. In her 25 years as Principal of Mother Mary School, Sister Cecelia has become an educational and spiritual mentor in the community. Not only does she contribute to the education of young minds but she also works to provide assistance to the needy within the community. Her generosity is flowing and never ending and her faith is strong and enduring. Mr. Speaker, one of the things I admire most about Sister Cecelia is her selfless determination to help others. While she was in the Cayman Islands, there was an area of land next to the school where she was Principal that was unusable because of its rocky and uneven terrain. Sister Cecelia wanted the children to be able to use this land for much-needed recess so in any spare moment she had, she would go out there and pick up the rocks one by one herself. Her dedication inspired others to help and within a year, Sister Cecelia had the area leveled, graded and cleared of rocks for the children to enjoy. Proverbs 11:25 says, ``A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.'' Sister Cecelia has given her life to God and dedicated herself to the service of others. She has been blessed in many, many ways and enjoys watching the children she has mentored and nurtured grow into good, generous and hardworking men and women of faith. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in paying tribute to Sister Mary Cecelia Harrison for her legacy of selfless life service and her 25 years of dedicated leadership to Mother Mary School and the surrounding community.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my colleagues, Lynn Westmoreland and Senator Saxby Chambliss, in support of this legislation, which will strengthen for the future one of the crown jewels of southwest Georgia--the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center at Fort Benning. The National Infantry Museum sits on a 200 acre site that serves as a tribute to the Infantry's legacy of valor and sacrifice. The Museum honors infantry soldiers--from those who crossed the icy Delaware River with George Washington to those serving in Afghanistan today--for their selfless service to our country, while preserving their stories for future generations. It also serves as a functional area for basic training graduations and other special and community events. Since its opening in 2009, for example, Infantry School classes regularly graduate on the facility's parade field. In addition, the National Infantry Museum hosted a Congressional Military Family Caucus Summit just over a month ago, which connected military families with Members of Congress, officials from the Department of Defense, personnel from the Department of Veterans Affairs, and various military and veteran support organizations to discuss pressing issues impacting America's service members and their families. In 2008, the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center Commemorative Coin Act was enacted to raise funds to complete the facility as well as create an endowment to support its maintenance. No taxpayer funds have been involved and the U.S. Mint even made a profit for the taxpayers from the coin sales. With the current economic challenges, however, the National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center hopes to direct the coin proceeds to pay down a portion of the $16 million in bank loans that the Foundation incurred in order to complete the facility as well as reduce interests costs. Accordingly, this legislation makes a technical change that will allow the coin proceeds to be used ``for the retirement of debt associated with building the existing National Infantry Museum and Soldier center and for any future capital improvements.'' It is within the letter and the spirit of the original measure, and it will go a long way toward keeping our proud Army Infantry past alive so we as great nation never forget the sacrifices of our brave Infantry soldiers. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to extend a heartfelt congratulations to the Georgia Peanut Commission as it celebrates 50 years of providing support to Georgia farmers. The Commission will be celebrating this great milestone with a ribbon cutting ceremony at the Commission's new location in Tifton, Georgia on Tuesday, July 31, 2012. The Commission, funded by Georgia peanut growers, began operations in 1961 and has represented farmers through programs in research, promotion, education, and communication. For 50 years, Georgia peanut farmers, through the Commission, have been successful in improving the profitability of peanuts and peanut products by reducing the cost of production through research and by working to promote and increase consumption. The Commission is recognized nationally and internationally by its little red bags of peanuts found in all Georgia Congressional offices on Capitol Hill. When the Commission was first formed in 1961, farmers harvested 475,000 acres of with an average yield of 1,200 pounds of peanuts per acre. In 2011, farmers harvested 475,000 acres with an average yield of 3,520 pounds per acre, a 300 percent increase and a testament to the hard work on behalf of the Georgia Peanut Commission. I take much pride in the fact that Georgia leads the Nation in production of peanuts with nearly 50 percent of the annual peanut crop. Georgia has 14,000 farms with peanuts and about 4,500 active farmers. Approximately 200 businesses in Georgia are peanut-related. Two million bags of peanuts are distributed annually and the industry contributes more than 50,000 jobs and an estimated $2 billion to the economy of the State of Georgia. Since George Washington Carver discovered the many uses for the peanut in the early twentieth century, peanuts have become a household food staple and a source of dietary fiber, protein and other healthy nutrients. Although peanuts are produced in other parts of the country, I am a firm believer that no peanuts are of higher quality or more delicious than Georgia peanuts. On a personal note, I would like to thank Don Koehler, Executive Director of the Georgia Peanut Commission, and the rest of the wonderful staff as well as Chairman Armond Morris and all those who serve on the Board of Directors. Their hard work and dedication has contributed to the success of the Commission in many ways. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District, the state of Georgia, and all those nationwide and worldwide who enjoy our tasty Georgia peanuts, I ask my colleagues to join me today in paying tribute to the Georgia Peanut Commission for their exemplary services and dedicated efforts to support Georgia's 4,500 peanut growers over the past 50 years.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an inspiring community leader and beloved Pastor of First Missionary Baptist Church, Dr. I.L. Mullins, Sr. Sadly, Dr. Mullins passed away on Wednesday, July 18, 2012. His passing leaves a tremendous void in the hearts of his family, friends and the Thomasville, Georgia community. On Thursday, July 26, 2012, a Musical Memorial Service will be held in honor of Dr. Mullins at First Missionary Baptist Church. On Friday, July 27, 2012, a funeral service will be held at First Baptist Church in Thomasville, Georgia. Dr. Mullins was born on August 26, 1930, and grew up in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He served in the United States Air Force during the Korean War in the 1950s. Over the course of his lifetime, Dr. Mullins admirably mastered the balance of his civic responsibilities with his academic accomplishments and religious commitments. After he received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Morehouse College in 1957, he went on to obtain his Masters of Divinity from the Interdenominational Theological Center & Gammon Theological Seminary in 1960. In 1979, Dr. Mullins received his Doctor of Divinity degree from Faith College in Birmingham, Alabama. A fierce believer in equality and justice for all, Dr. Mullins was not only a profound theologian but also a strong civic leader. He marched with Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s and was instrumental in organizing the local Thomasville branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, NAACP. Additionally, Dr. Mullins served effectively as Thomas County Commissioner for five-terms that spanned over two decades. Ordained as a minister on December 29, 1957, Dr. Mullins has served as the Pastor of the First Missionary Baptist Church since 1961 and was honored by the church for 50 years of dedicated pastoral service last year in a Golden Jubilee Extravaganza. Mr. Speaker, one of the things that I will always remember about Dr. Mullins is his dedication to helping others and his passion for promoting equality and peace among individuals from different walks of life. A man of integrity and high moral values, his understanding, compassion and kindness made him a guiding light within the community. On a personal note, I have been truly blessed by Dr. Mullins' warm friendship and support and I am deeply grateful for his counsel and advice as well as for being a fountain of inspiration for me over the last several years. His motto was, ``God's Preachers give their hearers fruit, not flowers.'' Indeed, Dr. Mullins gave his congregation and all those who have sought his counsel the fruit of the Word to satiate and sustain them throughout the journey of life. Mr. Speaker, my wife Vivian and I, along with the almost 700,000 people in the 2nd Congressional District of Georgia, would like to extend our deepest sympathies to Dr. Mullins' wife the former Josephine Lovejoy Ferrell, their children, grandchildren and the members of First Missionary Baptist Church during this difficult time. May they be consoled and comforted by their abiding faith and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks and months ahead.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to extend my sincerest congratulations and Happy Birthday wishes to Mrs. Buena Wooten Long, who will be celebrating her 100th birthday on Wednesday, July 25, 2012. On this day, Mrs. Long will be honored with a birthday celebration and dinner at the James H. Gray Senior Citizen's Center in Albany, Georgia. Born in Whigham, Georgia on July 25, 1912 to Archie and Ada Wooten, Mrs. Long is the youngest of six children: Malachi, Charlie, Wadis, Leah, and Ruth. Although all her siblings preceded her in death, she is the second member of her family to become a centenarian; her paternal grandfather lived to be 106 years old. Mrs. Long fondly remembers plowing a mule on the family farm as a child. As an adult, she worked as a seamstress in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Detroit, Michigan. She is now an active participant at the Golden Retreat Senior Citizen's Center. Although she enjoys all the activities at the Center, bingo is her favorite. Mrs. Long is the mother of Mrs. Helen Murphy-Prince; grandmother of Mr. Craig Wendell Prince; great-grandmother of Mr. Randall Murphy and Mr. Brian Murphy and great-greatgrandmother of Miss London Taylor Murphy. Mrs. Long credits her longevity to her faith in God, a strong work ethic instilled in her by her parents and good genes. She is an active member of the Institutional First Baptist Church under the pastorate of Dr. Eugene G. Sherman. 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.'' Mrs. Long has advanced far in life because she never forgot these lessons and always kept God first. The race of life isn't given to the swift or to the strong, but to those who endure until the end. Mrs. Long has run the race of life with grace and dignity and God has blessed her over her lifetime. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in paying tribute to an outstanding citizen and woman of faith, Mrs. Buena Wooten Long, as she, her family, and the seniors and volunteers of the Golden Retreat at the James H. Gray Senior Citizen's Center prepare to celebrate her 100th birthday.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Bishop Gregory Keith Blue, D.Min., Presiding Prelate of Perfecting Ministries Worldwide, Inc. and Overseer of Body of Christ Church International, who is celebrating 30 years of Pastoral Ministry this year. He will be honored at a banquet on Saturday, July 21, 2012 and at a church service on Sunday, July 22, 2012, in Columbus, Georgia. A native of Miami, Florida, Bishop Blue holds five degrees: a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Master of Arts in Psychology, Master of Divinity, and Doctorate of Divinity. Stepping out of the United Methodist Church, Dr. Gregory Blue stepped into apostolic purpose birthing Perfecting Ministries Worldwide and Body of Christ Church International. Following Ephesians 4:11-13, ``So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ,'' the revelation became manifestation in July 2000 on a store front property in Columbus, Georgia. Bishop Blue is responsible for establishing, developing, and perfecting the five-fold ministry by equipping and teaching followers of God and sending them out across the globe to found churches with Christ as the Chief Apostle. A strong leader with an exceptional work ethic, Bishop Blue has spoken and shared the Word of God as a pastor throughout the State of Georgia since 1983. He had the honor of speaking at the Congressional Black Caucus in Washington, DC in 2002 and has received many civic and social awards both locally and nationally. He is also affiliated with Potter's House International Pastoral Alliance (PHIPA) in Dallas, Texas and Summerfield Ministries in Raleigh, North Carolina. Bishop Blue has been sought out by local and state officials for his counsel and prayers. In late 2005, he traveled with Dr. Sherlock Bally to Israel to meet with key Israeli leaders. Since then, Bishop Blue has been traveling around the United States consecrating bishops and teaching true worship. A father of five, Bishop Blue meditates upon Psalm 66:12, ``You have caused men to ride over our heads; we went through fire and through water; But You brought us out to rich fulfillment--abundance.'' Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Bishop G.K. Blue for 30 outstanding years of Pastoral Ministry. He has transformed the lives of countless people and his leadership has inspired others to also help lead the way to eternal life.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure and honor to extend my sincerest appreciation and personal congratulations to Presiding Judge Herbert E. Phipps for his distinguished service on the Court of Appeals of the State of Georgia. On Monday, July 23, 2012, his legacy as a judge will be recognized at the Unveiling and Hanging of His Portrait at the Judicial Building in Albany, Georgia, where he first began his career as a judge in 1980. Presiding Judge Phipps was born in Baker County, Georgia to J.W. Phipps and Marion Gadson Phipps. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from Morehouse College in 1964. He has traveled throughout Europe and Asia and taught English at Thammasatt University and private schools in Thailand. He earned a Juris Doctor degree in 1971 from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in Cleveland, Ohio where he also served as an editor of the Law Review. In 2004, he was awarded a Master of Laws in the Judicial Process from the University of Virginia School of Law. Presiding Judge Phipps returned to Albany, Georgia in 1971 to practice law, focusing on civil rights litigation. In 1980, he was appointed part-time Magistrate and Associate Judge of the Dougherty County State Court and in 1988, he was appointed to the Dougherty Circuit Juvenile Court. In 1995, he was appointed Judge of the Dougherty County Superior Court by Governor Zell Miller and in 1999, Governor Roy Barnes appointed him to the Court of Appeals. In April 2010, he became a Presiding Judge of the Court of Appeals. Due to his enduring dedication and his strong leadership, Presiding Judge Phipps has received many awards, including the Justice Robert Benham Award for Community Service from the State Bar of Georgia. In 2007, he was inducted into the Society of Benchers of Case Western Reserve School of Law and his Commencement Address to the Class of 2007 of Case Western Reserve School of Law, ``Lawyers--the Guardians of Truth and Justice,'' is published at 58 Case Western Reserve Law Review 483 (2008). In conjunction with his professional accomplishments, Presiding Judge Phipps has served on a number of boards and commissions and has been involved with many law and professional organizations. He also lives a life of service and faith, attending Bethel A.M.E. Church in Albany and serving as a past President of the Albany Association for Retarded Citizens, the Albany Sickle Cell Foundation, the Faith Fund Foundation and The Criterion Club, as well as being a member of numerous community organizations. Presiding Judge Phipps has accomplished many things in his life but none of this would have been possible without the enduring love and support of his wife Connie, children Herbert and India, son-in-law Will J. Epps and granddaughter Zoe Olivia Epps. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Presiding Judge Herbert E. Phipps for his outstanding professional achievements and dedicated service to the people of the state of Georgia.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Chair, I'd like to voice my opposition to the amendment sponsored by Mr. Kingston and Ms. McCollum, aimed at banning pro-sports sponsorship by the Department of Defense. Truly, we are in an era where the people's government should take proactive efforts to trim excesses from the budget wherever possible. This measure, Madam Chair, does not attack an excess of government. If accepted, the U.S. Government would be cutting out a proven successful investment in our Nation's military personnel. The Army, the National Guard, and the National Guard Association strongly oppose this amendment. Last year, over 280 Members, in a bipartisan vote, opposed this amendment. Appropriations Committee Chairman Rogers and Defense Subcommittee Chairman Young have both been opposed to this measure in committee votes and floor votes. Chairman Young has repeatedly said in 2012 that he opposes it. Our military deserves access to the most qualified potential recruits available. A vote in favor of this amendment would handicap our military's recruiting efforts. Starting in 1999, marketing the military through sports opened the door for the DOD's efforts to brand and to showcase their services to a specific target audience. The National Guard cannot advertise on broadcast television, so professional sports sponsorships become an efficient, effective means of reaching target markets for recruiting and retention of citizen soldiers and airmen. Our soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines are athletes. It only makes sense to advertise and market to professional sports venues. Athletes share common values with the military such as honor, integrity, individual responsibility, teamwork, and self-sacrifice. Additionally, athletes are a key demographic in the men and women we want to serve. With the DOD's strict requirements for a recruit to qualify, only one in every four young people is even eligible to join. The DOD's success rate in recruiting stems from their direct access to potential recruits and influencers of men and women, like-minded about their interest in joining the military, often found at sporting events. Pro sports sponsorships increase the DOD's visibility, generate recruitment opportunities at events, and provide a national platform to promote each branch's image. In addition to recruitment and a recognizable national profile, military sponsorships in motorsports spotlight a good return on investment, dollar for dollar. In 2011 alone, the Army National Guard spent $44 million on motorsports sponsorships. But based on market value, the total media exposure the Guard received totaled over $150 million, a 336 percent return on investment. If less is spent on advertising, history proves that DOD will have to increase dollars for bonuses to retain current military personnel and increase dollars for recruiting bonuses. DOD motorsports partnerships have resulted in key transfers of technology. For example, the first Humvee sent to Iraq had canvas doors. Additional armor added created challenges to the Humvee's suspension systems. The marines turned to NASCAR engineers to help solve the problem. An additional project developed by the marines is the mine roller. Pushed in front of trucks, the roller can detonate explosive devices, while protecting the marines in the vehicle. One of the first rollers in Iraq took a blast and saved the three marines inside. The mine roller uses new suspension technology developed by the Joe Gibbs NASCAR racing team. Base commanders say that cooperation between base workers and businesses across the country is saving troops' lives. Beyond the direct investment, DOD pro sponsorships positively influence communities surrounding our Nation's personnel. For example, the National Guard works together with their partners in Panther racing and IndyCar to address unemployment affecting servicemembers and their families by sponsoring hiring fairs, outreach efforts, and employer education. This amendment would likely limit the military from participating in the Olympics, flyovers over games, sponsoring marathons such as the Marine Corps Marathon, as well as the Blue Angels, the Thunderbirds, and the Golden Knights. Cutting all funding towards DOD pro sports sponsorships hinders military recruitment of qualified candidates, impairs employment resources for our Nation's military families, and severely damages a positive financial investment for our military. To directly quote the DOD: To ensure the Nation fields a military fully capable of performing any assigned mission, we must recruit highly qualified men and women from across America. This amendment will directly impact the recruiting quality and overall mission requirements, increasing costs, and forcing reductions in the standards for accessions. A vote for this amendment is a vote against the effectiveness of our military. Please join me in opposing this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. I move to strike the last word.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, when I first ran for Congress in 1992, I pledged to my constituents that I would use the political process to improve the lives of people and communities of the Second Congressional District of Georgia. For this reason, I supported the Affordable Care Act in 2010 because I believed that it would make a significant difference in making health care more affordable and more accessible. I still believe in the effectiveness of the law more than two years after its enactment. In fact, it is needed now more than ever. My District has high rates of diabetes, cancer, heart disease, and obesity. Many of my constituents cannot get health insurance because they have reached their lifetime limit or they have a pre-existing condition. I also have heard from seniors who cannot afford their prescription drugs because they have fallen into Medicare's ``donut hole,'' small businesses owners who find the cost of health insurance to be too high, and residents of rural communities who must travel long distances to find a doctor. They deserve better. We all do. Repealing the Affordable Care Act would be a significant setback for these Georgians as well as the entire nation. According to a Washington Post editorial Tuesday, since the health reform law was enacted, increases in national health expenditures have slowed, saving Americans more than $220 billion. In Georgia alone, the closure of the ``donut hole'' in coverage to date has saved Medicare recipients over $13 million. Already over three million residents are free from worrying about lifetime limits on coverage. The law's insurance reforms, which already have taken effect, will allow 123,000 young Georgians stay on their parents' plan until age 26 and ensure the protection of over 26 million children nationwide with pre-existing conditions. Now that it has been upheld by the United States Supreme Court, we must work together to ensure that the Affordable Care Act remains the law of land so that America can be a healthier, more prosperous, and more just nation. What I said two years ago still holds true today. As a man of faith, I know that Jesus taught us to provide and care for others, especially the ``least of these,'' or those that have few advocates. I believe He would take care of this immediate need of the people and not let them fend for themselves. This law goes a long way toward living up to this moral principle, and I urge my colleagues to oppose its repeal.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a beloved role model and gracious woman of faith, Mrs. Bessie Mae Rudolph Anderson. On Saturday, July 14, 2012, Mrs. Anderson will be honored at an event celebrating her 100th birthday in Albany, Georgia. Mrs. Anderson was born on July 6, 1912 in Mount Willing, Alabama to lsiaah and Ada Eula Cabble Rudolph. She was the fifth of nine children. She and her brother, Will Arthur, are the only living siblings today. As she grew up, Mrs. Anderson helped her father on the farm and her mother in the house. In her free time, she was the ``Belle of the Ball'' as she loved to dance. She has always enjoyed fishing, reading, telling stories about her childhood, and cooking her famous biscuits. In 1924, Mrs. Anderson met William Anderson, a ``Georgia Boy.'' After dating for five years, they were married on July 28, 1929. They began their life together in Alabama where they had five children: William, Jr., Mattie Pearl, John Samuel, Rosie Maxine and Ernestine. In 1940, they moved to Georgia where they had six more children: Katherlean, Sim Hill, Lee Ernest, Lottye, Freddie Mae, and Charles Edward. Mrs. Anderson was a devoted wife and loving mother and worked hard to make a home for her family. When her youngest child started school, Mrs. Anderson began working for the Pope family in Thomasville, Georgia as a housekeeper and caregiver for their three children: Sissy, Dusty, and Miller. She was like family to the Popes and she loved those three children as her own. Mrs. Anderson often said she was a chemist and a nurse licensed in all states because whenever and wherever anyone fell ill, she was always willing to go and nurse them back to health using her own homemade medical remedies. Mrs. Anderson has achieved numerous successes in her life, but none of this would have been possible without the love and support of her late husband, William, her eleven children, and her 194 grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Most important to Mrs. Anderson is her sturdy and enduring relationship with the Lord. She is a longtime member of Mercy Seat Christian Church. She served as treasurer for the church for many years and still serves as Mother of the Church. The race of life isn't given to the swift or to the strong, but to those who endure until the end. Mrs. Anderson has run the race of life with grace and dignity and God has blessed her over her lifetime. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in paying tribute to Mrs. Bessie Mae Rudolph Anderson as she and her family prepares to celebrate her 100th birthday.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to extend my personal congratulations to the Reverend David L. Stanley, the beloved pastor of Union Baptist Church in Macon, Georgia, who will be celebrating 25 years at this wonderful church. On Sunday, July 8, 2012, he will be honored by his congregation at Union Baptist Church for this important milestone. Rev. Stanley, the second youngest of five children, was born to Charles and Anna Stanley. He grew up in Dublin, Georgia and attended M.M. Burdell Elementary School and Northeast High School in Macon, Georgia. Rev. Stanley went on to receive a Certificate of Diploma in Old and New Testament Studies from Moody Bible College. He also obtained a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biblical Studies from Carolina University in Lincolnton, North Carolina. However, Rev. Stanley's studies have not concluded as he strives to continue to understand and keep abreast of the Word of God. Before becoming pastor of Union Baptist Church, Rev. Stanley served as a Sunday School teacher, Assistant Superintendent and Superintendent. He received God's call to the ministry in 1985 and accepted pastoral duties at Union Baptist Church two years later in 1987. Union Baptist Church has had an enduring history. After relocating many times since the church was founded in 1893, a church at the present site was built in 1963. Many improvements and additions have been made since then and groundbreaking for the new edifice was held on November 27, 1999, during Rev. Stanley's tenure. Two years later, on April 1, 2001, the new sanctuary was unveiled and dedicated to the Lord. Under Rev. Stanley's leadership, Union Baptist Church has grown not only in size, but also in faith. Always pressing towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, in order to better improve the craft of Christian discipleship, Rev. Stanley's philosophy emphasizes the importance of instructing his flock and others in becoming more knowledgeable about God's Word. Putting his philosophy into action, he implemented the Union Baptist Non-Accredited Bible School to enhance regular Bible study among members of his congregation and the community. As a servant of God, Rev. Stanley is also a servant of others. He has received a ``Key to the City'' for his community work. Always endeavoring to motivate others, he was chosen as one of Macon's Most Inspirational Speakers by the residents of the city. He is also involved in the Union Baptist Association, the Georgia Baptist Convention and the Baptist Minister's Union. Rev. Stanley is a great and inspirational leader, but none of this would have been possible without the love and support of his wife, Deborah, and his son, David, Jr. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating Reverend David L. Stanley for 25 outstanding years of pastorship at Union Baptist Church in Macon, Georgia. He has truly implemented the Word of God in his congregation and in the community. I am profoundly grateful for his outstanding Christian stewardship and dedication to his church and family. Truly to God be the glory!

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to extend my personal congratulations and happy birthday wishes to Mr. Lawrence Wright Jordan, Sr., who will turn 85 years of age on July 8, 2012. On this day, he will be honored by his family and friends at a celebration at Crawford County Board of Education Auditorium in Roberta, Georgia at 1:00 p.m. Mr. Jordan, the second of nine children, was born on July 8, 1927, to Mattie Lee (Barnes) Jordan and Graham Jordan, Sr. in Roberta, Georgia. He started working at a young age and served as the ``house boy'' for the family whose land his own family lived on. As he grew up, Mr. Jordan had a great desire to serve his country and wanted to enlist in the United States Army at age 18. However, he was required to wait as his older brother was in the Navy and his mother did not want two sons in the military at the same time. He was finally able to enter the Army at the age of 25. In the 1950s, Mr. Jordan served two tours of duty in the Korean War before receiving honorable discharges from the Army. He is one of the very few Korean War Veterans still alive today. On October 11, 1958, Mr. Jordan married Anola Preston, also of Roberta, Georgia. They would go on to have six beautiful and loving children: Barbara Ann (Jordan) Snowden, Lawrence Wright Jordan, Jr., Linda Joyce Jordan, Sam Edward Jordan, Tammy Renee (Jordan) Jones, and John Howard Jordan as well as Shirlene Tennyson, who, sadly, passed away. Additionally, Mr. Jordan has 18 grandchildren and 10 great- grandchildren. 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.'' Mr. Jordan has advanced so far in life because he kept these lessons with him throughout his childhood, his service in the Army, and his adult life. The race of life isn't given to the swift or to the strong, but to those who endure until the end. Mr. Jordan has run the race of life with grace and dignity and God has blessed him over his lifetime. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in paying tribute to Mr. Jordan, a distinguished veteran and beloved husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Dan Bollinger, Sr. as he retires after over thirty years of illustrious service as an executive of regional development organizations in Georgia. A celebration will be held in his honor on Thursday, June 28, 2012 at the Camilla Depot in Camilla, Georgia at 5:30 p.m. Mr. Bollinger, a native of Missouri, was raised in a small town of 600 people. He graduated from the University of Missouri--Columbia with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science. He also pursued a higher level of education in the field of Community and Economic Development. A strong leader with an exceptional work ethic, Mr. Bollinger is currently the Executive Director of Southwest Georgia Regional Commission, a planning agency that serves 14 Georgia counties including Baker, Calhoun, Colquitt, Decatur, Dougherty, Early, Grady, Lee, Miller, Mitchell, Seminole, Terrell, Thomas, and Worth. The SWGRC is responsible for assisting local governments with comprehensive planning in land and economic development. Mr. Bollinger has held the position of Executive Director since 1994. I. the past, Mr. Bollinger has also served as president of the National Association of Development Organizations and of the Georgia Association of Regional Development Centers as well as serving as Executive Director of the Missouri Bootheel Regional Planning and Economic Development Commission for 11 years. Additionally, he was vice president of the Bank of Chaffee in Missouri. Mr. Bollinger also served our country for four years in the United States Air Force. He volunteered as president of the Chaffee, Missouri Chamber of Commerce for two terms. Additionally, he umpired baseball and fast pitch softball and refereed basketball for 25 years on the amateur level. Since moving to Georgia, he has become an avid tennis player and golfer. 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.'' As a leader, Mr. Bollinger recognized the importance of serving others. It cannot be disputed that Dan Bollinger, Sr. has achieved numerous successes in his life. However, none of this would have been possible without the enduring love and support of his loving wife, Lynn, and wonderful children and grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Mr. Bollinger for his outstanding professional achievements and his dedicated service to Southwest Georgia.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to extend a heartfelt congratulations to the volunteers, employees and representatives of United Way as they celebrate 125 years of motivating millions of people to advance the common good. On June 21, 2012, the worldwide network celebrated their United Way Day of Action, a day dedicated to volunteer and community service activities and encouraging others to pledge to become readers, tutors, or mentors. Also, on June 28, 2012, they will be celebrating the official United Way Founders Day, commemorating community leaders Frances Wisebart Jacobs, the Rev. Myron W. Reed, Msgr. William J. O'Ryan, Dean H. Martyn Hart and Rabbi William S. Friedman for founding the Charity Organizations Society, the first ``United Way'' Organization in Denver, Colorado in 1887. In 125 years, United Way has expanded beyond Denver and Colorado and beyond the United States to become a network of almost 1,800 community- based United Ways in 45 countries and territories around the world. In as many years, United Way has become one of the biggest and most influential charity organizations in the world. To emphasize this point, United Way, in a partnership with the National Football League (NFL), raised more than $1 billion dollars in 1974--the first time in history that an annual campaign of a single organization had raised this much money. United Way envisions ``a world where all individuals and families achieve their human potential through education, income stability and healthy lives.'' For this reason, in 2008, they set forth a 10-year program to achieve three goals by 2018: (1) Improve education and cut the number of high school dropouts (1.2 million students every year) in half; (2) help people achieve financial stability and get at least half of lower-income families (1.9 million families) on the way to economic independence; (3) promote healthy lives and increase by one-third the number of youth and adults who are healthy and avoid risky behaviors. These are ambitious goals but I am confident that the thousands of United Way advocates will work tirelessly to achieve them. I would like to especially recognize the local United Way organizations in Georgia's Second Congressional District: Greater Valdosta United Way, Inc., United Way of South Central Georgia, United Way of Southwest Georgia, Bainbridge--Decatur United Way, United Way of Colquitt County, and United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley. I applaud the members and volunteers of these organizations for dedicating their time and efforts to support their neighbors in need. Mr. Speaker, in closing I ask that my colleagues join me in expressing our collective and profound gratitude to the volunteers, employees and representatives of United Way for all they have done to improve the quality of life for the residents of Georgia's Second Congressional District and all around the world.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to extend my personal congratulations to Mrs. Carolyn Henry, a beloved citizen of Thomasville, Georgia, who will be celebrating her 31st year as the Minister of Music and 51st year as a member of the First Missionary Baptist Church in Thomasville, Georgia. On June 23, 2012, Mrs. Henry's relatives, friends, colleagues and church family will pay tribute to her for her outstanding musical stewardship and years of dedicated service at First Missionary Baptist Church. Mrs. Henry is a graduate of Fort Valley State University where she received her bachelor's degree in Music Education. Following her graduation from Fort Valley State University, Mrs. Henry enrolled in Valdosta State University where she would receive her master's degree in Music Education. She attended the University of Georgia for advanced studies in Vocal Pedagogy and received training in Choral Conducting from renowned conductors Rodney Eichenberger and Dr. Andre Thomas of Florida State University. As an advocate for quality education and sound musical training for our nation's school children, Mrs. Henry served as a public school music teacher for 37 years in both Thomas County and Berrien County, Georgia. Over the course of her teaching career, Mrs. Henry also served as the Director of the Community Choir at Thomas University and as an Adjunct Music Instructor at Georgia Southwestern University. To go along with her many academic and music education accomplishments, Mrs. Henry has received acclaim as a vocalist and music administrator. She is an original member of the world renowned Georgia Mass Choir and she was selected as one of the choir members to perform in the movie, ``The Preacher's Wife,'' starring Whitney Houston and Denzel Washington. Currently, Mrs. Henry is the Founder and Artistic Director of the C.H.A.R.M. School, a private music studio for voice and piano students in Thomasville, Georgia. This studio serves as a preeminent training center for future musicians and artist performers. In conjunction with her musical commitments at the C.H.A.R.M. School and at First Missionary Baptist Church, Mrs. Henry also serves as the Music Director of Bethany Congregational Church in Thomasville, Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Mrs. Carolyn Henry, a beloved educator, magnificent vocalist and outstanding role model, as she and her loved ones celebrate her many years of musical achievement and dedicated community service on behalf of First Missionary Baptist Church and the Thomas County, Georgia community. Enjoy your anniversary celebration Mrs. Henry! May God continue to bless you and may you have many, many more years of musical excellence.

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia

Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the members and supporters of the Muscogee Retired Educators Association (MREA) as they commemorate its 50th anniversary this year. A celebration luncheon will be held on Friday, June 22, 2012 at 11:30 a.m. at the Columbus Convention and Trade Center in Columbus, Georgia. MREA was established as the Muscogee Retired Teachers Association (MRTA) in 1962 when Mr. Boyd B. Littlejohn and a small group of other retired Muscogee teachers decided to organize themselves in order to better attend to the needs and concerns of retired teachers in the area. Mr. Littlejohn, a retired principal who served St. Elmo, Clubview, and Mcllhenney schools, became the first president before going on to serve as president of GRTA from 1965-1967. In its early existence, members of MRTA would meet in their homes or in churches. Ms. Ruth Plumb and Mrs. Rex Lavender served as presidents until MRTA became inactive for a short period. In 1972, J. Zeb Morris, retired principal of Waverly Terrace and jazz pianist, became president. After this, MRTA began to grow in membership and was able to improve its service to retired teachers. Throughout the years, the association has been led by distinguished retired educators such as Lucile David, Lyda Hanna, Nathan Hunter, Brice Carson, Jack Shepard, Laura Haygood, L.B. Hickson, Sumter Blackmon, John Little, O'Neal Hendricks, Kathryn Hunt, Esto Smith, Anita B. Walters, Dr. Jeanette Marshal and its current president, Diane Boss, among others. Mr. Nathan Hunter also served as GRTA President from 1979-1980 and Mrs. Lucile Hunter, his widow and an MRTA member, presented his GRTA gavel to the MREA. The gavel is a treasured keepsake and is passed on to each succeeding MREA president. In 1998, the GRTA changed its name to the Georgia Retired Educators Association to include all those who work in the field of education and are under the Teacher Retirement System of Georgia. MRTA followed suit, changing its name to the Muscogee Retired Educators Association (MREA), as it is called today. In addition to having served as teachers, mentors, and role models throughout their career, members of MREA continue to serve the community in retirement by volunteering their time to help out at schools, churches, hospitals, nursing homes, museums, libraries, health screening venues and other places. A number of members also volunteered at the 1996 Summer Olympics in Columbus for fast pitch baseball. In past years, MREA has consistently been presented with competitive Membership awards from GREA. Also, MREA strives to help active teachers by awarding scholarships to those seeking graduate degrees. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in applauding the exceptional efforts of the Muscogee Retired Educators Association for all they have done and will continue to do to address the needs of our retired educators. Not only did MREA members provide a great service during their careers teaching our young people, but they have continued that legacy of service in the community in retirement and for that, I thank each and every one of them.