Jo Bonner

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, Mobile County, Alabama, and indeed the entire First Congressional District recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor her and pay tribute to her memory. Fannie Belle Callahan was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend to the Mobile community throughout her entire life. At the time of her passing on March 15, 2004, she had devoted 94 years to the care of her children, her family, and her city. Raised with her three siblings in the small community of Crichton, Alabama, Mrs. Callahan was required at an early age to go to work to help support her family following the death of her father. By the age of 17, she had already worked as a telephone operator, a cashier at Mobile's Saenger Theater, and a night clerk at the Battle House Hotel. Following her marriage to Herbert Callahan, she moved to East St. Louis, Illinois, but returned to Mobile three years later when he obtained a job with the GM&O Railroad. Widowed at the time of her husband's death in 1950, Mrs. Callahan was once again required to go to work to support her large family of nine children. Although she retired in 1965 after many years of employment with the Mobile District Office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, she was not one to sit idly by and watch life go on in the world around her. She became actively involved in the political campaigns of her sons Sonny and George, and following Sonny's election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1984 volunteered her time as the receptionist in his Mobile district office. Mrs. Callahan quickly became the center of her son's office ``family,'' and for the remainder of her life was always referred to affectionately as ``Mom Callahan.'' Throughout her 94 years, Fannie Belle Callahan taught many valuable lessons to her family and friends, and everyone who came in contact with her took away very fond memories of a charming southern lady who could make anyone to whom she was speaking feel they were the most important person at that time. In an article which appeared in the Mobile Register in 2000, Mrs. Callahan reflected on her long and rewarding life and spoke about how her years of hard work were rewarded with the successes her children enjoyed. Many of her children were also interviewed and offered their perspectives on the lessons they had learned from the matriarch of a family made up of 94 men, women, and children. Perhaps her son, former Rep. Sonny Callahan, best summed up her long life and what she passed on to her children when he said, ``She taught us responsibility. With nine kids, there had to be some degree of responsibility. She taught us to respect people and work hard.'' Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a lovely woman who deeply loved, encouraged, and respected her many family and friends and the entire Mobile community. ``Mom Callahan'' will be deeply missed by her family--her sons, Sonny Callahan, George Callahan, Charles Callahan, and Terrance Callahan; her daughters, Patsy Dempster, Madeline Martin, Margaret Ann Athey, Mary Jane Emick, and Rose Callahan; and her 32 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-great-grandchildren--as well as the countless friends she leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, Mobile County, Alabama, and indeed the entire First Congressional District recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor her and pay tribute to her memory. Fannie Belle Callahan was a devoted mother, grandmother, and friend to the Mobile community throughout her entire life. At the time of her passing on March 15, 2004, she had devoted 94 years to the care of her children, her family, and her city. Raised with her three siblings in the small community of Crichton, Alabama, Mrs. Callahan was required at an early age to go to work to help support her family following the death of her father. By the age of 17, she had already worked as a telephone operator, a cashier at Mobile's Saenger Theater, and a night clerk at the Battle House Hotel. Following her marriage to Herbert Callahan, she moved to East St. Louis, Illinois, but returned to Mobile 3 years later when he obtained a job with the GM&O Railroad. Widowed at the time of her husband's death in 1950, Mrs. Callahan was once again required to go to work to support her large family of nine children. Although she retired in 1965 after many years of employment with the Mobile District Office of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, she was not one to sit idly by and watch life go on in the world around her. She became actively involved in the political campaigns of her sons Sonny and George, and following Sonny's election to the U.S. House of Representatives in 1984 volunteered her time as the receptionist in his Mobile district office. Mrs. Callahan quickly became the center of her son's office ``family,'' and for the remainder of her life was always referred to affectionately as ``Mom Callahan.'' Throughout her 94 years, Fannie Belle Callahan taught many valuable lessons to her family and friends, and everyone who came in contact with her took away very fond memories of a charming southern lady who could make anyone to whom she was speaking feel they were the most important person at that time. In an article which appeared in the Mobile Register in 2000, Mrs. Callahan reflected on her long and rewarding life and spoke about how her years of hard work were rewarded with the successes her children enjoyed. Many of her children were also interviewed and offered their perspectives on the lessons they had learned from the matriarch of a family made up of 94 men, women, and children. Perhaps her son, former Rep. Sonny Callahan, best summed up her long life and what she passed on to her children when he said, ``She taught us responsibility. With nine kids, there had to be some degree of responsibility. She taught us to respect people and work hard.'' Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a lovely woman who deeply loved, encouraged, and respected her many family and friends and the entire Mobile community. ``Mom Callahan'' will be deeply missed by her family--her sons, Sonny Callahan, George Callahan, Charles Callahan, and Terrance Callahan; her daughters, Patsy Dempster, Madeline Martin, Margaret Ann Athey, Mary Jane Emick, and Rose Callahan; and her 32 grandchildren, 56 great-grandchildren, and 13 great-greatgrandchildren--as well as the countless friends she leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Chairman, I was unavoidably detained in a meeting off the Hill and was not able to vote on the Cummings amendment, rollcall No. 88. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 189) celebrating the 50th anniversary of the International Geophysical Year (IGY) and supporting an International Geophysical Year-2 (IGY-2) in 2007-08, as amended.

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 189, the resolution under consideration.

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, today we are considering H. Con. Res. 189 which recognizes the 50th anniversary of the International Geophysical Year (IGY). I thank the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Udall) as well as the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers) for leading Congress in the celebration of this important anniversary and milestone. The IGY, spanning 1957 through 1958, was an internationally coordinated effort to observe and collect data about Earth science. More than 60,000 scientists from 67 countries participated in IGY. Their efforts had a far-reaching effect on a variety of scientific disciplines. IGY scientists paid particular attention to Antarctica, representing the first and only time an entire continent was set aside for cooperative research. That designation continues to this day and was formalized with the Antarctic Treaty in 1959, which currently has 45 signatory countries. Also, research to develop rockets and satellites for IGY, atmospheric studies laid the technical foundations for the U.S. space program. Modern-day weather and natural-disaster forecasting, including El Nino forecasting and volcanic eruption predictions, are a direct result of IGY research. Yet many questions remain about the complex interactions of the ocean, land and atmosphere; and today there are more advanced tools scientists can use as they search for answers to these questions. H. Con. Res. 189 calls on the National Science Foundation and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration to pursue plans for a second International Geophysical Year in 2007 and 2008. This will provide an opportunity for today's Earth scientists to focus their efforts and to inspire the next generation of scientists. This resolution does not authorize any new money. It simply expresses the sense of Congress about celebrating the anniversary of the first IGY and endorsing the idea of a second IGY. I urge my colleagues to support this timely and important resolution and thank my colleagues on the Committee on Science for bringing this matter before us today. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Chairman, our Nation recently marked the 1-year anniversary of the day when the United States, Great Britain and a coalition of our allied troops from around the world began the campaign known today as Operation Iraqi Freedom. Within just 4 short weeks of that day, the Iraqi military was defeated, the brutal regime of Saddam Hussein was brought to an end, and a people was, for the first time in a generation, able to live free from oppression and cruelty. As significant as this victory was for the people of Iraq, it was also the latest in a growing series of successes in the larger global war against terrorism. This war began on our own shores on that tragic Tuesday morning in September of 2001 and it gave us and indeed the entire world a sudden reminder that the enemies of freedom and peace are still active in the world today. Since that time, terrorist activities in Spain, the Philippines, Israel, and many other nations around the world have once again reminded us that these same enemies must be dealt with and dealt with quickly. The conflict in Iraq, indeed the global war against terrorism, is still not finished. In order to finish the job, we and our coalition partners must provide the funding that meets the needs of training, equipping, and protecting our men and women in uniform. In his opening remarks during the recent markup of the fiscal year 2005 budget resolution, the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Nussle), our distinguished chairman, stated that in our budget we were going to do the responsible thing and plan for the costs associated with the ongoing conflict in Iraq and the global war against terrorism. As he said, we do not know the dollar amount necessary for these operations, but we know it will not be zero. The funding included in the budget resolution for ongoing military operations was indeed a difficult choice, but I submit it was the responsible choice; and I commend the chairman for his principled leadership in this regard.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to honor Mr. Eddie Mitchell, principal of Baldwin County High School in Bay Minette, AL, on the occasion of his being honored with the Ciba Specialty Chemicals Exemplary High School Principal Award. As one of 25 winners nationwide receiving this year's award, Mr. Mitchell becomes the first educator from Baldwin County and from the State of Alabama to have ever been afforded this honor. The award is presented in conjunction with the National Science Teachers Association to educators for their work in promoting science education within their schools. During his tenure as principal of Baldwin County High School, and previously as principal of Daphne Middle School, Mr. Mitchell has worked tirelessly in the area of wetlands restoration and in establishing an outdoor science classroom facility at his school. His work at these schools has been instrumental in encouraging an interest in science education among students and in promoting an awareness of the preservation of the environment in which they live. Mr. Speaker, we in this body have for many years strongly advocated the idea of promoting a strong educational system for students nationwide and providing them with every opportunity to excel in the numerous academic fields comprising their education. Teachers and school administrators are the most important people in the process of providing a quality education, and the success students achieve is a direct result of the interest and involvement of these men and women. Mr. Eddie Mitchell personifies the excellent caliber of individuals who have devoted their lives to educating our nation's young people, and he is to be highly commended for his many years of dedication to providing a quality education to these students. Along with his many friends and colleagues, not only in Baldwin County but throughout the south Alabama educational community, I wish to extend to Mr. Eddie Mitchell my warmest congratulations on receiving the Ciba Specialty Chemicals Exemplary High School Principal Award.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to pay tribute to James H. Miller, Sr., on the occasion of his retirement from the position of chief of police of the Foley, Alabama, Police Department. For the past 31 years, Chief Miller has served the families of Foley with a great deal of enthusiasm and concern for their well-being and for the well-being of the entire community. In the process of performing his professional duties, he has also gained the respect and admiration of everyone in south Baldwin County. Following his graduation from the Alabama Police Academy in February 1973, Chief Miller joined the Foley Police Department and, as a result of his hard work and dedication, became the first African- American officer to be promoted to chief of that department. His efforts in law enforcement and the protection of his community resulted in his receiving numerous awards during his professional career, including the keys to the cities of Baltimore, Maryland, and Tuskegee, Alabama. Additionally, Chief Miller was awarded a citation by Maryland Governor William Donald Schaefer in 1994. In addition to his work in the field of law enforcement, Chief Miller has been active as a minister for numerous congregations in Alabama and Florida. He received his Bachelor of Theology Degree from Easonian Baptist Seminary in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1982, and his Doctor of Divinity Degree from the Tennessee School of Religion in 1996. During his ministerial career, he has served the congregations of Fannie Baptist Church in Alabama and the First Baptist Church of Warrington, Florida. Finally, Chief Miller has been extremely active in the life of the Foley community, and has for many years been a member of the South Baldwin Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors, the Foley Boys and Girls Club, the Optimist Club, the Baldwin County Extension Advisory Board, and the Alabama Association of Chiefs of Police. He has also served as Chaplain for the Southwest Alabama Police Academy. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Chief James H. Miller, Sr., for his tremendous contributions to the citizens of Foley and of Baldwin County. The experience and zeal he has brought to his job and the concern and compassion he has displayed for everyone in the city are unquestioned and unparalleled. He has indeed been a genuine asset to the police department and to the thousands of men, women, and children he has assisted over the past three decades. Make no mistake, the chief's talents and experience in the department will be sorely missed, but I am confident he will continue to remain actively involved in the life of the Foley community for many years to come. Along with his many friends and colleagues throughout Alabama, I wish to extend to Chief Miller and his family--his wife Mary Jane; his children, James, Jr., Otis, Daron, Ronald, D.J., and Nicole; and his 27 grandchildren--much health and happiness in the years ahead.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of a young man from the First Congressional District of Alabama who recently made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of freedom abroad. Specialist Christopher Taylor, a native of Kentwood, Louisiana, and longtime resident of Daphne, Alabama, was assigned to the 1165th Alabama National Guard Military Police Company based in Fairhope. Last year, Christopher's unit was activated and deployed to Iraq following the end of Operation Iraqi Freedom. It was there that on February 16, 2004 he was killed when he was hit by shrapnel from an explosive placed along a road on which he and other members of his unit were traveling. Christopher set a standard of excellence and displayed the qualities of discipline, devotion, and dedication to country that are hallmarks of men and women throughout the long and distinguished history of the American military. As a result of his hard work, Christopher was advanced to the rank of Specialist, and he was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star and the Purple Heart. Mr. Speaker, as you can imagine both Daphne and his native Kentwood are truly mourning the loss of this fine young man. I feel certain his many friends in Baldwin County, his coworkers at Golden Stevedoring in Mobile, and his family and friends in Louisiana, while mourning his loss, are also taking this opportunity to remember his many accomplishments during his brief 25 years, and to recall the fine gift they each received simply from knowing him and having him as an integral part of their lives. I urge my colleagues to take a moment and pay tribute to Specialist Christopher Taylor and his selfless devotion to not only our country and the freedoms we enjoy, but to a people who are but now in the infancy of a new life--a new freedom--in their own land. We should also remember his parents, Michael and Priscilla Taylor; his brothers David and Nathan; his maternal grandparents, Gerald and Betty Starling; and his paternal grandfather, Ernest Taylor. Our prayer is that God will give them all the strength and courage that only He can provide to sustain them during the difficult days ahead. It was Joseph Campbell who said, ``A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.'' Make no mistake, young Christopher Taylor was not only a dedicated soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice serving in the uniform of his country, but he was also a true American hero.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, Mobile County and indeed the entire state of Alabama recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor him and pay tribute to his memory. Mr. Ben C. Stimpson was a devoted family man and dedicated business leader and conservationist throughout his life. After attending the University of Alabama for a number of years, he left in 1945 to join the United States Army. At the conclusion of his enlistment, Mr. Stimpson returned home to join his brothers in the family timber business, Ben May's Gulf Lumber Company, in Mobile, Alabama. Over the next several years, he and his family built Ben May's into one of the largest sawmills in the State of Alabama, and Mr. Stimpson served as president of the company. Through his work in the timber industry, he had the opportunity to become affiliated with several professional organizations and served in various leadership capacities with these groups. These include serving as a director of the Alabama Forest Products Association, director of the Southern Forest Products Association, and chairman of the board of the Southern Pine Inspection Bureau. As a result of his professional success and industry involvement, Mr. Stimpson was inducted into the Alabama Business Hall of Fame in 2002 at the University of Alabama. Along with his work in the timber industry, Mr. Stimpson was also actively involved in the conservation and preservation of the wildlife and natural resources of his native State. Between 1971 and 1984, he served as a member of the Conservation Advisory Board for the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. He was also a member of the Alabama Wildlife Federation for many years and was both a member of the board of directors and past president of that organization. In 1964, he was recognized for his tremendous efforts in the field of conservation when he was awarded the Governor's Conservation Award by then-Governor George C. Wallace. In the midst of his busy professional schedule, Mr. Stimpson also found time to serve in many community organizations and on several boards of directors. He was a member of the board of Mobile Infirmary for 25 years; he served for 20 years as a past chairman, president, and member of the St. Paul's Episcopal School board of trustees; and was a vestryman at St. Paul's Episcopal Church. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated community leader and friend to many throughout South Alabama. Mr. Stimpson will be deeply missed by his family--his wife, Nedra Greer Stimpson; his children, Nedra Stimpson Crosby, John L. Stimpson, Ben C. Stimpson, Jr., Mary Stimpson Turner, and Greer Stimpson Stephens; his brother, William Herbert Stimpson; and 16 grandchildren--as well as the countless friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, Mobile County and indeed the entire State of Alabama recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor him and pay tribute to his memory. Mr. Kendall Parker Dexter was a devoted family man and dedicated community leader throughout his life. Following his graduation from the University of Michigan, he joined International Paper Company in 1950 as a forester. After serving in various positions with the company in Mississippi, Mr. Dexter moved to Mobile, Alabama in 1955 and began work as a conservation forester in International Paper's Gulf Woodlands Region. From 1962 to 1974, he served as a member of the management development and public relations departments at the Southern Kraft Division headquarters. Beginning in 1974 and continuing until his retirement, he served as the division's manager of governmental relations. Along with his employment at International Paper, Mr. Dexter also served in various capacities as an outside consultant to the timber and paper industries, the Mobile Bar Pilots, and to representatives in both the Alabama State Legislature and the United States Congress. He also served as president of the Paper Industry Management Association. In the midst of his intense professional schedule, Mr. Dexter also found time to serve in many community organizations and on several boards of directors. He was actively involved with the Boy Scouts of America and was an important part of the effort to organize and develop Camp Maubila in Jackson, Alabama. Mr. Dexter was also an active member of the Kiwanis Club, a past member of the Mobile Area Chamber of Commerce, as well as a member of the board of directors of the Mobile Symphony and Civic Music Association. Mr. Dexter was also a proud veteran of the United States Air Force and served with distinction during the Korean War as both a navigator and bombardier aboard a B-26 ``Invader.'' For his service, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated community leader and friend to many throughout South Alabama. Mr. Dexter will be deeply missed by his family--his wife, Lila Webb Dexter; his children, John Kendall Dexter, David Parker Dexter, Elizabeth Dexter, and Katherine Dexter Allen; his stepchildren, Lila McDuffie Bailey, Virginia McDuffie Siniard, and Hunter McDuffie, III; and 14 grandchildren--as well as the countless friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to honor the Honorable Ann Bedsole on the occasion of her being honored by the Association of Fundraising Professionals with the organization's 2004 Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser Award. Senator Ann Bedsole has been a distinguished member of the Mobile, Alabama, community and a tremendous advocate for all of south Alabama for over three decades. In 1978, she was elected to the Alabama House of Representatives and served in that capacity for one term. Four years later, in 1982, she became the first woman ever elected to the Alabama State Senate, and was a candidate for governor in 1994. During her career in the Alabama State Legislature, Senator Bedsole was instrumental in the creation of the Alabama School of Math and Science in Mobile, Alabama. Working closely with fellow legislators and members of various agencies in state government, she was able to secure support for the institution and has provided a great deal of support since it opened in 1991. In the two decades since its inception, Senator Bedsole has served as both vice president and president of the ASMS Foundation Board of Directors. Throughout her long fundraising and volunteer career, her crowning achievement was undoubtedly the City of Mobile's Tricentennial Celebration in 2002. This event, celebrating the 300 year history of Mobile, drew thousands of visitors to this historic center and brought tourists, dignitaries, and media representatives from all across the United States and around the world. The celebration's schedule of concerts, exhibitions, festivals, and sporting events were a tremendous success and required a great deal of financial support. Under her leadership and guidance as chairman of the festival, Senator Bedsole was able to solicit more than $5 million in private, local, state, and committee funds and in-kind services. Her efforts in organizing and leading this event led to a truly memorable celebration of the history and tradition of Mobile. Along with her strong involvement in the community, Senator Bedsole is involved in many charitable organizations including serving on the boards of the Cybil Smith Charitable Trust and the J.L. Bedsole Foundation. Senator Bedsole's efforts in the fields of volunteerism and fundraising have also led to significant recognition in previous years, and she has been honored as First Lady of Mobile in 1972 and Mobilian of the Year in 1993. Mr. Speaker, there are few individuals more dedicated or more committed to helping their communities than Ann Bedsole, and I would like to offer my congratulations on both the Outstanding Volunteer Fundraiser award and for her many personal and professional achievements. I know her husband, Palmer Bedsole, and her many family and friends join with me in praising her accomplishments and extending thanks for her many efforts on behalf of Mobile and the state of Alabama.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, Escambia County and indeed the entire state of Alabama recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor him and pay tribute to his memory. Mr. George Robinson ``Robin'' Swift, Jr., was a devoted family man and dedicated public servant throughout his entire life. His desire to provide the best opportunities possible for his fellow Alabamians led him to become involved in state politics on both the local and statewide levels, culminating with a hard-fought campaign for governor in 1994. Prior to his run for elective office, Robin Swift participated on the campaign of former Governor Guy Hunt and served with distinction as the governor's finance director. It would be safe to say that the state of Alabama has never had a finer, more dedicated or more capable finance director than Robin Swift. During his tenure as finance director, Robin was extremely diligent with the taxpayer's money and set the highest standard for all public servants. One of his former colleagues in the Alabama Finance Office, Lee Miller, paid tribute to Mr. Swift's tremendous success when he said, ``He led by example, and was the best steward of the public trust I ever encountered at any level of government.'' Mr. Speaker, while Robin Swift was an exemplary model of public service, his true love was America's free enterprise system where, as a small business owner in Atmore, he was extremely familiar with the challenges and goals of running a successful business. That business, Swift Lumber Company, provides employment opportunities today to many dozens of hardworking men and women throughout South Alabama. While serving as president of Swift Lumber Company, Robin Swift and his family have provided a local anchor that remains an important part of the area economy to this day. Additionally, Mr. Swift was a proud veteran of the United States Army and served with distinction for two years during the Korean War. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated public servant and long-time advocate for the citizens of Escambia County and the state of Alabama. Mr. Swift will be deeply missed by his family--his wife, Lucille King Swift, his daughter, Lisa Swift Marks, his son, G. Robin Swift, III, and his six grandchildren-- as well as the countless friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to honor the Honorable Jack Tillman, Sheriff for Mobile County, Alabama, on the occasion of his being elected as president of the Alabama Sheriffs Association (ASA). The ASA was designed to provide a professional network and link for the sheriffs in Alabama's 67 counties. Along with providing this link for law enforcement officials throughout the State, the Sheriffs Association also serves as an important legislative tool on the State and Federal levels and advocates on behalf of its membership and their families. Since 1990, the ASA has also been actively involved with the ``Jail Assistance Project,'' a program created to provide sheriffs, chiefs of police, and representatives of local governments with the tools to plan and staff new jail facilities, provide expert advice and assistance in evaluating correctional equipment, and develop training on various correctional issues. Jack Tillman is very qualified to serve as the president of this organization and has an extensive background in the law enforcement field. On January 15, 2003, he was sworn in to begin his third term as Mobile County Sheriff. Prior to that, he served in the Mobile County Public School System as a Resource Officer. During his tenure with the school system, he successfully conducted numerous criminal investigations requiring collaboration with representatives from law enforcement agencies at the local, State, and Federal levels. Sheriff Tillman's concern for and involvement in his community also extends outside the professional boundaries of the sheriff's office. He serves on numerous boards for civic and church groups and organizations dedicated to the young people of Mobile County. Along with his wife, Deborah, their children Brian and Lindsay, and his many friends and colleagues, I wish to extend to Sheriff Jack Tillman my warmest congratulations on his election as president of the Alabama Sheriffs Association.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize one of the exemplary servicemen who has served the great State of Alabama and our country in ensuring freedom for the American people. Brigadier General Bradford C. Brightman has not only offered his knowledge and expertise to the Nation while serving, but he has taught the men and women who have served under him to do the same. Today I wish to recognize his numerous accomplishments and honor his distinguished career on the occasion of his retirement from the United States Army. General Brightman served our country for 1 year as a combat engineer enlisted man and then was commissioned on May 16, 1969, after completing the United States Army Engineer Officer Candidate School. He served on active duty from May 1969 until July 1975, during which time he spent 19 months of combat aviation duty with the 1st Aviation Brigade in Vietnam. He also served as an Operations Officer and Flight Instructor at the United States Army Aviation School, Fort Rucker, Alabama, before leaving active duty in August 1975 and joining the Alabama National Guard. As a member of the National Guard, General Brightman served his country in a number of aviation unit assignments and in staff positions with group and higher headquarters. These positions have also included assignments as the Deputy Commander of the 62nd Troop Command in Montgomery and Commander of the 226th Area Support Group in Mobile, Alabama. General Brightman has received numerous awards during his service including the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Medal, the Army Reserve Components Achievements Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Humanitarian Service Medal. He has also been awarded the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Civil Action Unit Citation, Master Army Aviator Badge, Senior Army Aviator Badge, Veterans Service Medal of Alabama, Special Service Medal of Alabama, and the Faithful Service Medal of Alabama. In addition to his successful military career, General Brightman has also achieved success in the academic arena, earning a degree in civil engineering from Auburn University in 1977 and his MBA from Troy State University in 1985. He attended three military educational facilities including Army Command and General Staff College, Associate Logistics Executive Development Course, and the Army War College. In 1992, General Brightman received the United States Civilian Achievement Award for his participation in the writing of the Panama Canal Treaty Implementation Plan. Currently, General Brightman works as a Senior Project Manager with a management and engineering services company in Mobile. Mr. Speaker, Brigadier General Bradford C. Brightman has selflessly offered his life and services for his country. It is for this devotion that I would like to extend our most sincere thanks and gracious appreciation on the occasion of his retirement. While the United States Army National Guard will certainly miss the benefit of his leadership and experience, I know I join with his family and many friends and colleagues in wishing him continued success in the years ahead.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to honor the Honorable Otha Lee Biggs, Judge of Probate for Monroe County, Alabama, on the occasion of his being honored by the Coosa- Alabama River Improvement Association. For the past thirty years, he has served this organization with a high level of commitment and dedication to the success of waterways systems in the State of Alabama, traits that also extend to the service he has provided for the families which he has been elected to serve and represent. Judge Biggs first joined CARIA in 1970, following his first election to the position of Judge of Probate and chairman of the Monroe County Commission. In the three decades since that time, he has made thirty- three consecutive annual trips to Washington, D.C., to meet with members of Alabama's congressional delegation to advocate for the interests of critical river projects and solicit funding for their completion. His tireless work on behalf of this organization has resulted in his being awarded CARIA's prestigious Dr. R.F. Henry Outstanding Service Award. His tremendous work ethic and dedication have also been strongly evident in his commitment to economic development in his home county. Following his election in 1970, Judge Biggs immediately set about working to make Monroe County a shining example of growth in South Alabama. Through his efforts and work as both an elected official and unofficial ambassador for the residents of his area, Judge Biggs and the members of the county commission secured commitments from several large-scale corporations and businesses to build, relocate, or expand already existing facilities in Monroe County. Numbered among these are Alabama River Pulp, FDR Plastics, Stayfast, Inc., Vanity Fair Intimates, and B&B Cabinet Doors, LLC. As a result of his work and the work of everyone involved in the county's economic development program, Monroe County at one time led the entire State of Alabama in new job creation. In addition to Monroe County's economic life, Judge Biggs has also been instrumental in helping that area preserve and promote its strong literary and historic heritage. As the birthplace and home of such internationally known writers as Nelle Harper Lee, Truman Capote, and Mark Childress, Monroe County has been firmly established as the ``Literary Capital of Alabama,'' and Otha Lee Biggs has done tremendous work to ensure this reputation extends beyond county and state lines and reaches an international audience. In recent years, the number of tourists visiting the area has increased exponentially as a result of the significant amount of publicity, both nationally and globally, that the county has received. Additionally, he was instrumental in the creation of annual performances of the stage adaptation of Miss Lee's To Kill a Mockingbird, and his work on behalf of the county museum and theater troupe has resulted in the production securing permission to perform on stage at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C., and at festivals in Great Britain and Israel. Finally, he served for many years on the board of trustees for the University of South Alabama and fought tirelessly for the interests of the thousands of students, faculty members, and staff who have been involved in the life of that institution since its founding in the early 1960s. Mr. Speaker, during my twenty years of work in the House of Representative, both as a staffer and now as the representative for Alabama's First Congressional District, I have met few public servants as committed and dedicated to the well-being of their community as Judge Otha Lee Biggs. With a tenacity and work ethic matched only by his kindness and generosity, he truly represents the finest example of both a southern gentleman and fine public servant. I have certainly learned a great deal from him during our many years of association, and have during that time been proud and deeply honored to develop a strong friendship with him. Monroe County and, indeed, all of South Alabama have benefited greatly from his experience and wisdom, and he has been a great friend to many people. Along with his many friends and colleagues, not only in the Coosa- Alabama River Improvement Association but throughout the State of Alabama, I wish to extend to Judge Otha Lee Biggs my warmest congratulations on the receipt of the Dr. R.F. Henry Outstanding Service Award.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to pay tribute to the Honorable John F. Butler on the occasion of his retirement from the bench of the Mobile County Circuit Court. For the past 21 years, Judge Butler has served the families of the State of Alabama with compassion, dedication, and a tremendous level of commitment. Beginning in 1971, with his appointment as referee for the juvenile court, Judge Butler has devoted his life to the well-being of young people in south Alabama. In addition to his three terms as circuit court judge, he has served 2 decades as the presiding juvenile court judge of Mobile County. Along with his duties on the bench, Judge Butler has also operated the Strickland Youth Center and was instrumental in the creation of area Boys and Girls Club programs, the Camp Martin Leadership Academy, the Girls Reaching Womanhood Thru Healing (GROWTH) program, and Pointe Academy for juvenile offenders. Without fail, Judge Butler has focused a tremendous level of energy and time on his efforts to help young men and women overcome the difficulties of their past and become focused and successful members of their community. Along with his many professional responsibilities, Judge Butler has also served as a member of numerous statewide juvenile justice programs. This long list includes service as chairman of the Governor's Advisory Council on Youth, a term as president of the Alabama Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges, and 8 years as a trustee to the National Council of Juvenile and Family Court Judges. His work in these areas, as well as his professional accomplishments, has also resulted in public recognition and many awards during his long years of public service. Judge Butler is also one of America's proud veterans, having served for many years in the United States Army. Following his graduation from college, he enlisted in the Army as a private and after a period of outstanding service received a direct commission as a second lieutenant. A veteran of the war in Vietnam and the recipient of the Bronze Star and nine other medals, Judge Butler retired as a colonel from the United States Army Reserve in 1995. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Judge John Butler for his tremendous contributions to the citizens of the First Congressional District of Alabama. The experience and enthusiasm he brought to his job and the concern and compassion he displayed for the young people of the region are unquestioned and unparalleled. He has indeed been a genuine asset both to the circuit court and to the thousands of men, women, and children he has assisted over the past 2 decades. I am proud and honored to call him my friend. Make no mistake, the judge's talents and experience on the bench will be sorely missed, but I am confident he will continue to remain actively involved in the life of the Mobile community for many years to come. Along with his friends and colleagues throughout Alabama, I wish to extend to Judge Butler and his family all the best now and in the future.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, on Friday, January 16, the First Congressional District of Alabama and, indeed, our entire State and Nation, said goodbye to another casualty of the war in Iraq. Army Chief Warrant Officer Philip A. Johnson, Jr., was a native of Davenport, Iowa, and a longtime resident of Mobile, Alabama. He originally joined the United States Marine Corps in 1993 and transferred to the Army in 1997, where he was serving his 6th year. He was a member of the 501st Medivac Unit attached to the 4th Infantry Division. He and his wife, Melissa Johnson, a member of the Air Force, were living in Colorado Springs, Colorado, when Philip's unit was activated and deployed to Iraq last year. On January 8, 2004, the medical helicopter he was on crashed about 4 miles south of Fallujah, a stronghold of anti-American insurgency. U.S. military officials have confirmed that a rocket struck the helicopter before it went down. CWO Johnson and eight other soldiers died in this crash. Philip, who lived in Mobile for several years, was a devoted husband, son, and brother. He was a committed soldier who was not only doing what he wanted to do, but doing what he loved. He truly felt he was doing the right thing. Philip had given 9 years of his life fighting for the lives of the American people. Tragically, Philip A. Johnson, Jr., became the third soldier from Alabama's First Congressional District to die in Iraq. According to his parents, Philip recently told them he never realized that you have to teach people to be free. His mother, Barbara Johnson, said, ``He died doing what he loved; it was just a little early.'' Mr. Speaker, it is only appropriate for us to pause and give thanks to God that there are still young men like Philip A. Johnson, Jr. He represented what is best about America. I urge my colleagues to take a moment and pay tribute to Chief Warrant Officer Philip A. Johnson, Jr., and his selfless devotion to not only our country and the freedom we enjoy, but to a people who are but now in the infant stages of a new life, a new freedom in their own land. We should also remember his wife, Melissa; his parents, Philip Johnson, Sr., and Barbara Johnson; and his two younger brothers, Matthew and Peter. May God give them the strength and courage that only He can provide to sustain them during the difficult days ahead. It was Joseph Campbell who said, ``A hero is someone who has given his or her life to something bigger than oneself.'' Make no mistake, Philip A. Johnson, Jr., was not only a dedicated soldier who made the ultimate sacrifice serving in the uniform of his country; but he was also a true American hero.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise to honor Mr. Ed Swan on the occasion of his retirement from the Mobile district office of the Social Security Administration. For the past 30 years, he has served the families of the State of Alabama with compassion, dedication, and a tremendous level of commitment to the men, women, and children served by the Social Security Administration. Beginning in June 1973, with his first assignment to the Social Security office in Mobile, Alabama, Ed Swan worked for 3 decades in a succession of representative and supervisory roles in five Social Security offices throughout the State. His outstanding record as a service representative, claims representative, operations supervisor, branch manager, and management assistant in the Social Security system resulted in positive results for the many families who benefited from his efforts. Additionally, the work ethic he displayed resulted in his receiving numerous citations and awards, including a Regional Commissioner's Team Citation for his work with the Disability Claims Manager pilot program in Mobile. Ed Swan is also one of America's proud veterans, having served in the United States Navy with distinction while assigned to Air Squadron 27 on board the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Ed Swan for his tremendous contributions to the citizens of the First Congressional District of Alabama. The experience and enthusiasm he brought to his job and to the Social Security Administration will indeed be missed, but I have no doubt he will turn his talents to many other positive pursuits in the days and months to come. Ed has indeed been a genuine asset both to his agency and to the thousands of men and women he assisted over the past 3 decades, and I have been proud to call him my friend. Along with his many friends and colleagues throughout Alabama, I wish to extend to Ed Swan; his lovely wife, Cynthia; and their children, Jason and Kellie all the best in the months and years ahead.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, Escambia County, AL, and indeed the entire First Congressional District, recently lost a dear friend, and I rise today to honor him and pay tribute to his memory. Judge Devon Wiggins was a devoted family man and dedicated public servant throughout his entire life. Following a lengthy tenure on the Escambia County Commission, twelve years of which he spent as the commission chairman, Judge Wiggins was elected to the position of Judge of Probate, a position he held until his retirement three years ago. Throughout his professional career, he was dedicated to bringing better opportunities to all the residents of Escambia County and was a tireless advocate for local business and industry. He also was dedicated to making himself and other county offices as accessible as possible to the general public and, through his efforts, garnered the respect and admiration of many individuals in both the public and private sectors. As a small business owner in Brewton, Alabama, Judge Wiggins was extremely familiar with the challenges and goals of running a successful business and providing employment opportunities for hardworking men and women. It was this background and his tremendous work ethic which became hallmarks of his career in public office and which marked his efforts on behalf of all residents of Escambia County. Judge Wiggins was also actively involved in his community, participating in church-related organizations and taking a leadership role in the activities of the Brewton Lions Club. His devotion to his fellow man was unmatched, and I do not think there will ever be a full accounting of the many people he helped over the course of his lifetime. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in remembering a dedicated public servant and long-time advocate for Escambia County, Alabama. Judge Wiggins will be deeply missed by his family--his wife, Nell Wiggins, his daughters, Dawn Wiggins Hare, Donna Wiggins Schlager, and Daphne Wiggins Martin, his son, Maxwell Devon Wiggins, and his six grandchildren--as well as the countless friends he leaves behind. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all at this difficult time.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, on November 17 I was unavoidably detained in my district and was not able to vote on rollcall votes numbered 620, 621, 622, and 623. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall 620, ``aye'' on rollcall 621, ``aye'' on rollcall 622, and ``aye'' on rollcall 623.

Mr. BONNER

Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, on November 4, I was not able to vote on rollcall votes Nos. 602 and 603. I was unavoidably detained in my district. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall 602 and ``aye'' on rollcall 603.