Michael Burgess

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man who can only be described as truly American, Frank Staton. Originally a California native, Mr. Staton moved to Fort Worth, Texas during his early childhood years. After graduating from I.M. Terrell High School and Wiley College in Marshall, Texas, Mr. Staton embarked on his career as an educator in Fort Worth. Mr. Staton worked for the Fort Worth Independent School District for more than 40 years. It was at this school district where he had served as a teacher, coach, and as a specialist on drug education for youths. During Mr. Staton's tenure as an educator, he served as a board member of The Fort Worth Transportation Authority and was involved with United Community Centers, Longhorn Council of the Boy Scouts of America, American Heart Association, Safe Haven, the Fort Worth Classroom Teachers Association, and other organizations. Needless to say, Mr. Staton has touched the lives of countless individuals as well as the community at large through his tireless efforts to promote education. Mr. Staton is now retired, but he still remains active in Our Mother of Mercy Catholic Church since 1939. Today, we honor Frank Staton for his commitment to education. He will always be remembered for his kindness and generosity to others, and may he serve as a role model for others in the future.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor to recognize Denton Biodiesel Industries of Greater Dallas and its achievement of being awarded the 2005 Project of the Year by the United States Environmental Protection Agency's Landfill Methane Outreach Program. The award acknowledges outstanding landfill gas recovery projects that make energy out of this otherwise harmful air pollutant. Biodiesel fuels are primarily composed of renewable and recycled vegetable oils. This project serves as an innovator since it is the nation's first public-private partnership of its kind for biodiesel production. This relatively new Biodiesel Industry has the largest network of company-owned and operated biodiesel production facilities in the world. I am proud to represent a company that is so strongly committed to quality products and a positive work environment. I congratulate Denton Biodiesel Industries and wish them continued success in their future endeavors.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman and I thank my colleague, the ranking member, Mr. Rangel, for his dedication and perseverance in obtaining the highest congressional honor for one of the most courageous groups of Americans, the Tuskegee Airmen. At a time when civil rights were still being denied and segregation persisted through many parts of our country, the Tuskegee Airmen bravely fought and gave their lives abroad for freedom and liberty that sadly oftentimes they did not receive here at home. Before 1940, the African Americans were denied the right to fly with the United States military. However, from 1942 to 1946, the Tuskegee Airmen graduated 992 airmen from the pilot training program of the Tuskegee Army airfield, while 450 served in combat. For every African American pilot, there were 10 other civilian or military African American men and women on the ground performing support duties. Many of them remained in the military during the post- World War II era and spearheaded the integration of the armed services with the integration of the Air Force in 1949. Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity to go to Iraq about a year ago and visited with the 332nd Fighter Group, the follow-on from the 99th Fighter Squadron that was the Tuskegee Airmen and had a chance to visit with the wonderful men and women who make up that 332nd Fighter Squadron. What a group they are. And they certainly recognize their roots. They recognize the heritage, the valiant heritage of the 99th Fighter Squadron. In fact, Balad air base, where this fighter group is stationed in Iraq, is the site for the Air Force's contingent aeromedical staging facilities where all the casualties in Iraq are brought to this central staging facility, stabilized, flown from Balad to Landstuhl, Germany and then subsequently flown from Landstuhl back here to Walter Reed in the United States. When I was there in February, they had performed 19,000 such transfers from the battlefield with one intertransfer death. I had an opportunity to go back in August of this past year, in 2005: 27,000 patient transfers, again only the one intertransfer death. Clearly, these men and women are following that great tradition that was started by the 99th Fighter Squadron. Well, sadly today, only 200 of the original Tuskegee Airmen are still with us. I am fortunate to have three of these courageous men living in the district that I represent: Mr. Don Elder, Mr. Robert McDaniel and Mr. Claude Platt. Recently, the Claude R. Platt VFW Tuskegee Airmen chapter was formed. And I am confident that others will benefit greatly from this chapter's rich history and legacy. Gentlemen, thank you very much for your service and your dedication to your country. I am honored and privileged to represent you before the United States Congress. Mr. Speaker, the mayor of my town of Highland Village, Texas, back home is the son of a Tuskegee Airman. Mayor Bill Lawrence was born and grew up in Tuskegee, Alabama; and his father served proudly with the 99th Fighter Squadron. The 26th Congressional District of Texas also pays tribute to the brave men through the National Cowboys of Color museum located in Fort Worth, Texas. A wing of the museum is dedicated to the Claude R. Platt VFW Tuskegee Airmen chapter. The wing is the home of a number of personal artifacts, autographed paintings of the airmen in training, proclamations and other items of recognition. Mr. Speaker, if you are ever in north Texas, Mr. Ranking Member, if you are ever in north Texas, I encourage you to visit this museum and learn more about the sacrifices and the contributions of these heroic Americans. Mr. Speaker, once again I want to thank Ranking Member Rangel for his bringing forth this legislation honoring the Tuskegee Airmen for their service and dedication to our country. We cannot say it enough. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Lori Walker for her commitment to the people and city of Flower Mound, TX. Mrs. Walker is a very active and respected member of her community who was recently selected as ``Citizen of the Year.'' The honor and dedication of Mrs. Walker to her community serves as an example to us all. Her service extends from volunteering on the Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors to overseeing children's religious education as a Sunday school teacher for the Triesch United Methodist Church. Additionally, Mrs. Walker's efforts extend to assisting government officials. She served as executive assistant for Congressman Tom DeLay in Washington, DC, and continued her political career by working in San Francisco as a field representative for U.S. Senator John Seymour and for our local Texas State Senator Jane Nelson as her district director and campaign manager. It is the servant leadership of Mrs. Walker, and those like her, which truly makes our Nation great. Once again, Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Flower Mound's ``Citizen of the Year,'' Lori Walker.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give tribute to Dr. Phillip O'Bryan Montgomery, Jr. from Dallas, Texas in the 26th Congressional District of Texas, for his lifelong contributions to his community and to medicine. Dr. Montgomery passed away on Saturday, December 17, 2005. I would like to recognize and celebrate Dr. Montgomery's life today. Dr. Montgomery graduated from Southern Methodist University with a BS in engineering in 1942 before attending medical school at Columbia University in 1945. Upon completing his internship at the Mary Imogene Bassett Hospital in Cooperstown, NY, Dr. Montgomery became a Captain in the Army Medical Corps. When Dr. Montgomery returned to Dallas, he became a tenured professor of pathology in 1961 at UT Southwestern Medical School. From 1962-1963, he was President of the Dallas County Hospital District Medical Staff. In addition, Dr. Montgomery was the Executive Director of the Cancer Center and ultimately named the Ashbel Smith Professor of Pathology in 1991. During his time as Special Assistant to the Chancellor of the University of Texas, he was responsible for planning the campuses of UT Dallas, University of Houston Medical School, University of Texas Medical Branch at Galveston, and the expansion of UT Southwestern Medical School Campus. Dr. Montgomery had published over 100 scholarly papers in the course of his prolific career. One of these published papers of his evolved out of an experiment on NASA's Skylab in which he himself was the principal investigator of living cells in zero gravity. Dr. Montgomery was an avid traveler who had a very devout love of nature. His magnetic and vivacious personality has allowed him to be sorely missed by friends and family. I respected him as a fellow doctor and was honored to represent him here in Congress. I extend my sympathies to his family and friends.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate sisters Breeanna and Sadie Lancaster for their outstanding performance in the Pony of the Americas Horse Show. Breeanna and Sadie both placed in the top 10 of the recent show and received awards at the State Chapter Banquet on January 15, 2006. Breeanna placed first overall in the 9-to-12 years-old category. She scored first place in showmanship, reining, western riding, trail, bareback equitation, and horsemanship and jumping competitions; second place in western pleasure and junior English pleasure, and third place in junior western pleasure, junior trail and open and Indian costume competitions. Sadie placed second overall in the 9-to-12 years-old category. She placed first in times and senior English pleasure competitions; second place in reining. At the banquet, Breeanna was named ``Top Rider'' for the Texas POA Club for 2005 and Sadie was the third overall in the State chapter. Breeanna was also given the Lance P. Scott Award for the most overall points in a year. She was also awarded the Diane Goodman Tennant Showmanship Traveling Award given annually to the point exhibitor who accumulated the most showmanship points in their age group for that year. These young ladies exemplify hard work and a commitment to excellence. Both ladies have overcome obstacles to persevere and to have winning seasons. I extend my sincere congratulations to Ms. Breeanna and Ms. Sadie Lancaster for their extreme dedication and persistence to their extra curricular activities. These young ladies serve as an inspiration for all.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Flower Mound Public Library for their receipt of the 2006 Alibris Collection Award. The Alibris Collection Award is an annual grant of up to $3,000 worth of books to an academic, public, special, or K-12 library supporting specific collection development projects that advance the mission, priority areas, and goals of the selected library. The purpose of the award is to help provide materials for libraries with replacement projects, retrospective collection development projects, or routine collection building needs. The library tied for first place with the College State School Library in Anchorage, Alaska. Both schools were presented this award on January 22, 2006. The library will be contributing the prize money to the--``Sit! Stay!! READ!!! Program.'' This program is designed to help kids with reading disabilities. Working in conjunction with Delta Society trained dogs, the program pairs children with a pet, which helps the children relax and improve their confidence. This creates a non-judgmental audience and thus a lighter stress load on the children allowing them to truly embrace and improve their skills. I extend my sincere congratulations to the Flower Mound Public Library for their contributions to the community and youth education as well as their dedication to excellence. This truly original program deserves much applause.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, my committee, the Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, held a field hearing down in the City of New Orleans during the January break. For me, it was my second trip to that storm-ravaged area; and, once again, you just cannot help but be overwhelmed by the size and the scope of the destruction that has happened down on our gulf coast area. But Mr. Speaker, although we were there primarily to study the health care issues going on, and there were some significant problems down there, we saw the facility at LSU, Charity Hospital, one of the venerable old institutions in this country's history for training of medical doctors, completely in tatters. But there was not all bad news. There was some good news. Right across the street at Tulane University Medical Center, HCA, the Hospital Corporation of America, had that facility almost up and ready to go. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to report that yesterday they held the ribbon-cutting for New Orleans Tulane Hospital as it reopened. In fact, Mr. Speaker, according to a news report, more than 100 nurses and doctors, in lab coats and scrubs, performed the wave in celebration, prompting Mayor Ray Nagin to ask them what was in their coffee. ``I don't know what you're taking at Tulane, but I want some of that,'' he said. Well, Mr. Mayor, it is old-fashioned American ingenuity and entrepreneurship. It works every time it is tried. I hope we will see more of that down in New Orleans.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, Americans, American patients, are fortunate. They have access to the greatest health care system in the world. But for many, the cost to access that care is prohibitively high. So it is ironic, Mr. Speaker, that the world's largest free market economy, government control and lack of true market forces have led to diminished sophistication among medical consumers and increased health care costs. Dr. Uwe Reinhardt, a professor of political economy at Princeton University, frames the problem by stating: ``To move from the present chaotic pricing system toward a more streamlined system that could support genuinely consumer-directed health care will be an awesome challenge. Yet without major changes in the present chaos, forcing sick and anxious people to shop around blindfolded for cost-effective care mocks the very idea of consumer-directed care.'' A lack of transparency has created a system where customers don't have the ability to hold providers accountable. We have reached a point where even doctors and nurses and other providers have difficulty in being cost conscious, because nobody really knows what anything costs any more. In a system like this, cost increases are a given. Mr. Speaker, there is no bigger proponent of medical health savings accounts than myself. A little less than 10 years ago when the Archer Medical Savings Accounts were first made available, I went out and got one. I think it is a good method of providing health insurance, particularly for those young Americans who want to be entrepreneurs that Chairman Dreier was just talking about. But right now there is a problem, because there is a lack of transparency in the system; and that opacity in the system prevents them from being good consumers. A more transparent pricing system would help give providers and patients more control over their health care dollar, but there are great incentives for providers to keep consumers blindfolded. For instance, every year hospitals normally raise their price list for services. Because hospitals can increase their net revenue by raising their list prices, this provides them the incentive to increase their list prices. But hospitals also negotiate a discount in payments for patients covered by certain health plans, and these discounted amounts are not always available to individuals who may be interested in self-pay, such as the holder of a health savings account. Additional breakdowns of hospital operating costs and how that impacts billings would be essential information to a consumer trying to select the lowest-cost provider. Since this information is obscured, the consumer can exert no pressure on a hospital to implement rational pricing structure. What happens when pricing information becomes available to consumers? The results can be dramatic. When the Medicare prescription drug discount card was introduced in 2004, seniors could log on to Medicare.gov and see cost comparisons of what drugs cost at area pharmacies. I would submit that Lasik surgery and plastic surgery are the other such examples when transparency is brought to the marketplace. Some health plans are getting into the transparency game. Aetna health plan has initiated a pilot project in Cincinnati, Ohio, that gives enrollees information on what doctors charge and gives enrollees the ability to take action before services are performed. This type of information is vital to hold providers and plans accountable for what they charge and what the patient pays. Giving new consumer-based coverage options like health savings accounts the opportunity to plug into a fully transparent system, it gives consumers information on cost, price and quality and would transform the American health care system in a radical manner, providing care for more Americans both rich and poor. Patients with portable health care dollars that can be paid at the point of service are extremely attractive to most health care providers who otherwise normally have to wait for an insurance company to process a claim and remit the payment sometimes months or even years after a service has been rendered. To attract the business of these patients who are willing to pay cash at the time of delivery, providers could list their charges, competing for business on price and quality. With nearly 3 million now enrolled in health savings accounts to date and the number growing daily, health care providers and hospitals would be wise to allow transparency to pervade the system and ride the coming consumer wave. Now, Congress can play a role in leveling the playing field in favor of the health care consumer. HSAs should be supported or made more attractive to consumers by increasing their portability and maximizing the tax benefits of these accounts. Congress has already established several quality reporting programs that are available to the public. The same should go for medical costs. There is no reason to continue the system of opacity in medical pricing. Congress should take the lead in developing a collaborative approach with all provider stakeholders to make the costs more transparent to consumers. The Greek dramatist Sophocles said that, ``wisdom outweighs any wealth.'' The American health care system needs a healthy dose of wisdom; and consumers can deliver, given the chance.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I would remind the gentleman from Ohio that Tulane Medical Center opened today with a lot of fanfare. That is one of those dreadful private, for-profit corporations; and they are the first such hospital back in business in New Orleans. Ray Nagin said he wished he could bottle that and extend it to other companies. Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to talk about the domestic surveillance that was in the news earlier. My colleagues may not have noticed a rather insightful op ed piece that appeared in the Washington Times on January 6 of this year penned by an Alan Nathan. Mr. Nathan writes that neither Congress nor the judiciary can remove this repeatedly court-recognized inherent authority granted to the President under the Constitution, just as the President cannot remove any of their powers guaranteed in the same great document. When called upon, all intelligence organizations in the United States are structured to operate in conjunction with the military and accordingly become an integral part of the President's domain as Commander in Chief. Congress voted for this on September 14, 2001, in the war resolution invoked under the War Powers Act of 1973 authorizing the President to use force against all nations. Given that the battleground includes this country, where the attacks were made, Democrats and Republicans objecting to his actions should be hard pressed to find him derelict in his duty. Mr. Speaker, we should take the words of Mr. Nathan to heart. They were germane January 6. They are germane now.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate members of the Gainesville Future Farmers of America (FFA) Chapter for their opportunity to exhibit livestock at The Southwestern Exhibition and Livestock Show in Fort Worth. Seven members of the Gainesville FFA Chapter participated in events in late January. Among the youth project exhibited were five lambs and two goats. Marlee Bell also exhibited a first place spring heifer in the Brangus junior heifer show. The Gainesville FFA chapter has been attending the Fort Worth Stock show for some time now, and they look forward to continuing their participation for years to come. This is the 110th year for the show, and is billed as ``the nation's oldest livestock show.'' Participating in the show teaches students agricultural principles along with animal husbandry and livestock judging skills. I extend my sincere congratulations to these the youth of the Gainesville FFA Chapter for their success and participation. I wish them the best of luck in their dedicated pursuit in future opportunities.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate members of the Cooke County 4-H for their opportunity to exhibit livestock and compete at The Southwestern Exhibition and Livestock Show in Fort Worth. Around 30 members of the Cooke County 4-H participated in events in late January. Special congratulations are in order for additional team and individual winners at the show. Abe Fuhrmann, Garin Taylor, Crystal Fuhrmann and Erin Wyrick won first place for a senior team in the dairy cattle judging contest. Crystal Fuhrmann was also distinguished as the ``high point'' for an individual senior. Alyssa Smithson, Katherine Parkhill, Justin Smithson and Chris Aitchison comprised the first place team at the junior goat judging contest. Garin Taylor exhibited the ``Best of Breed'' and ``Best Opposite of Breed Palomino'' in the Youth Rabbit Show. Taylor's rabbit was also the ``Best of Show'' second runner-up. Cooper Alexander exhibited the ``Best Opposite of Breed Holland Lop,'' also in the rabbit show. There were an estimated 10,000 entries by Texas 4-H and Future Farmers of America, FFA, youth at the Fort Worth Stock Show. It is a prestige to have such success for our local youth. This is the 110th year for the show, and is billed as ``the nation's oldest livestock show.'' Participating in the show teaches students agricultural principles along with animal husbandry and livestock judging skills. I extend my sincere congratulations to these the youth of the Cooke County 4-H for their success and participation. I wish them the best of luck in their dedicated pursuit in future opportunities.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the City of Denton Parks and Recreation Department on their receipt of National Recreation and Park Association's 2006 ``Excellence in Aquatics'' award in the Class IV population category. To receive this honor, agencies must prove a commitment to excellence in aquatics facilities and programming for the community. The programming must be comprehensive with an emphasis on aquatic recreation as a lifelong choice for personal and family recreation. The agency must also have a professional training program that assures the highest quality staffing, plus outreach programs outside its own facilities. Professional staff is also required to show involvement in aquatics activities at the local, State, regional, or national levels over the last 5 years. Facilities and programs must also be fully accessible for people with disabilities. The award will be presented during the National Aquatic Conference at the Association's annual conference held at the Austin Convention Center in Austin, Texas on March 3, 2006. I am honored to represent a city that truly cares for providing for its citizens the best in quality recreational activities. It is a mark of a caring community. I extend my sincere congratulations to Mayor Euline Brock and the City of Denton Parks and Recreation Department for their service to the community by maintaining a level of excellence worthy of such an award.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ms. Jennifer A. Sadoff of Dallas, TX, for receiving the prestigious Fulbright award to study abroad in Austria during the 2005-2006 academic year. Ms. Sadoff was honored with this award for her studies in musicology at the University of North Texas. The Fulbright program is sponsored by the Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The program was established in 1946 with the purpose of building mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the rest of the world by allowing recipients to study, lecture or conduct research in an international exchange program. Jennifer was selected on the basis of academic achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in her field. I extend my sincere congratulations to Ms. Jennifer Sadoff on receiving this award and commend her dedication and desire to help her school, community and country.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Jerry Mohelnitzky on receiving the Longhorn Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen Award for this year. Mr. Mohlnitzky has been involved in the Denton community for over 3 decades. He participates on the boards of the Chamber of Commerce, Greater Denton Arts Council, Economic Development Partnership Board and the Dallas Ecological Foundation. He also serves as the Board Chairman for the economic Development Board. The Longhorn Council of the Boy Scouts of America serves more than 40,000 youths with scouting programs in Central and North Texas. More than 15,000 adults volunteer to help with the programs. This prestigious award is given to members of the community whose leadership focuses on volunteerism. I extend my sincere congratulations to Mr. Jerry Mohelnitzky for receiving the Longhorn Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen Award. His contributions and service to the Denton community should inspire us all.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ms. Bette Sherman of Denton, TX, on receiving the Longhorn Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen Award for this year. Ms. Sherman served as chairwoman and chief executive officer of First Colonial Investment Services, and senior vice president of First Colonial Bankshares. After retirement, she moved back to Denton alongside her husband, and they established Sherman Enterprises. Bette is on the board of the Denton Benefit League, Salvation Army and Cumberland Presbyterian Children's Home. She cochairs the annual luncheon for the American Cancer Society and is a member of the Ariel Club, Denton Humane Society, the Arts Guild and National Society of Magna Charta Dames. She has been chairwoman of the Denton Convention and Visitor's Bureau, Denton Main Street Association and Greater Denton Arts Council. The Longhorn Council of the Boy Scouts of America serves more than 40,000 youths with scouting programs in central and north Texas. More than 15,000 adults volunteer to help with the programs. This prestigious award is given to members of the community whose leadership focuses on volunteerism. I extend my sincere congratulations to Ms. Bette Sherman for receiving the Longhorn Boy Scout of America Distinguished Citizen Award. Her contributions and service to the Denton community should inspire us all.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Michael P. Hatley of Aubrey, Texas, for receiving the prestigious Fulbright award to study abroad in Germany during the 2005-2006 academic year. Mr. Hatley was honored with this award for his studies in comparative politics at St. Louis University. The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The program was established in 1946 with the purpose of building mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the rest of the world by allowing recipients to study, lecture or conduct research in an international exchange program. Michael was selected on the basis of academic achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in his field. I extend my sincere congratulations to Mr. Michael P. Hatley on receiving this award and praise his dedication and desire to help his school, community and country.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Christopher D. Sapp of McKinney, Texas, for receiving the prestigious Fulbright award to study abroad in Austria during the 2005-2006 academic year. Mr. Sapp was honored with this award for his studies in Germanic languages and literature at Indiana University. The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The program was established in 1946 with the purpose of building mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the rest of the world by allowing recipients to study, lecture or conduct research in an international exchange program. Christopher was selected on the basis of academic achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in his field. I extend my sincere congratulations to Mr. Christopher Sapp on receiving this award and commend his dedication and desire to help his school, community and country.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Bob Sherman of Denton, TX, on receiving the Longhorn Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen Award for this year. Mr. Sherman returned to Denton with his wife after 30 years of a banking career in Chicago. Bob Sherman was president and chief executive officer of First Colonial Bankshares. He is on the board of directors for Northstar Bank of Texas and serves on the President's Council, College of Arts and Sciences Advisory Board and the strategic planning committee for the University of North Texas. Today, he continues his life of service through his position on the board of Denton Christian School and is leading the capital campaign for Cumberland Presbyterian Children's Home. The Longhorn Council of the Boy Scouts of America serves more than 40,000 youths with scouting programs in Central and North Texas. More than 15,000 adults volunteer to help with the programs. This prestigious award is given to members of the community whose leadership focuses on volunteerism. I extend my sincere congratulations to Mr. Bob Sherman for receiving the Longhorn Boy Scouts of America Distinguished Citizen Award. His contributions and service to the Denton community should inspire us all.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give tribute to Mr. Leo C. Stuver from the 26th Congressional District of Texas, for his lifelong contributions to his community and to his fellow citizens. Born in Maricopa County, Arizona on July 8, 1917, Mr. Stuver attended Mexia High School and later spent 2 years at Westminster College in Tehuacana and later attended Sam Houston State University on a football scholarship where he received his bachelor's and master's degrees. Mr. Stuver started his 41-year career in education in the Dodge School District serving as superintendent. He served several school districts as a principal, and was a superintendent and Teague and Hillsboro school districts before settling down in the Lewisville Independent School District, LISD, in July 1969. Mr. Stuver was a critical aide in the expansion of the LISD. Not only did he serve his community through basic administrative duties, but he also predicted the needs of the district and was proactive in finding solutions to issues facing the school district. His leadership is admired, and the local auditorium was named in his honor as a small token of appreciation compared to his contributions. It was my honor to know Mr. Leo Stuver. I extend my sympathies to his family and friends. I hope the dedication and success of this man may serve as inspiration to all who seek their dreams to serve their communities and fellow man.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Timothy Lynn Jackson of Highland Village, TX, for receiving the prestigious Fulbright award to teach abroad in South Korea during the 2005-2006 academic year. Dr. Jackson was honored with this award for his talents in the field of music at the University of North Texas. The Fulbright program is sponsored by the Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The program was established in 1946 with the purpose of building mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the rest of the world by allowing recipients to study, lecture or conduct research in an international exchange program. Timothy was selected on the basis of his professional achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in his field. I extend my sincere congratulations to Dr. Timothy Lynn Jackson on receiving this award and praise his dedication and desire to help his community and country.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ms. Christiane E. Buuck of Bedford, TX, for receiving the prestigious Fulbright award to study abroad in France during the 2005-2006 academic year. Ms. Buuck was honored with this award for her studies in creative writing at the University of Arizona. The Fulbright program is sponsored by the Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The program was established in 1946 with the purpose of building mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the rest of the world by allowing recipients to study, lecture or conduct research in an international exchange program. Christiane was selected on the basis of academic achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in her field. I extend my sincere congratulations to Ms. Christiane Buuck on receiving this award and commend her dedication and desire to help her community and country.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Eric R. Jones of Denton, Texas for receiving the prestigious Fulbright award to study abroad in Bolivia during the 2005-2006 academic year. Mr. Jones was honored with this award for his studies in Ethnomusicology at the University of North Texas. The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The program was established in 1946 with the purpose of building mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the rest of the world by allowing recipients to study, lecture or conduct research in an international exchange program. Eric was selected on the basis of academic achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in his field. I extend my sincere congratulations to Mr. Eric Jones on receiving this award and commend his dedication and desire to help his school, community and country.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Dr. Charles Hanson Saunders, a wonderful man and a friend to the community of Denton, Texas. Dr. Saunders passed away peacefully on Monday, December 26th, 2005 at his home at the age of 90. Dr. Saunders was born on March 17, 1915 to Mr. and Mrs. Charles and Frances Saunders. Born and raised in Denton, he spent his life serving our country and committing his life to continuing education and working vigorously. He became involved in the Boy Scouts of America at an early age and eventually earned his Eagle award. He is responsible for starting the fIrst Cub Scout den in Denton and continued to support the Boy Scouts of America throughout his lifetime. His formal education began at North Texas State Teachers College where he earned a Bachelor of Science in 1935. Later, Dr. Saunders attended Baylor University College of Dentistry and went on to receive his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Michigan College of Dentistry in 1938. After graduation, Dr. Charles Saunders returned to Denton and established his dental practice alongside his father. Later, he volunteered and entered the Army Air Force Dental Corps where he served his country while stationed in England during World War II with the 39200 Bomber Group. He returned and married Ms. Mabel Pearson, and they celebrated their 60th Anniversary in early 2005. Dr. Saunders returned to his dental practice in Denton and then specialized in the practice of periodontics until his retirement in 1986. A lifetime member of the Denton Kiwanis Club, Dr. Saunders served on the board of directors as well as on the board of directors for the Children's Clinic Trust. He received the Hixon Award from Kiwanis International for his outstanding service to the club. Additionally, he was extremely involved in the First Presbyterian Church of Denton. Over his lifetime membership, he served as a deacon and an elder. He was also a cofounder, board member and vice president of the Clear Creek Watershed Authority in Denton County. Dr. Saunders also served in leadership positions for the Flow Memorial Hospital for 10 years. Dr. Saunders was a wonderful contributor to many local activities. His leadership and support created many opportunities for the members of his community. Today, I would like to recognize and celebrate the life of Dr. Charles H. Saunders. He was intelligent, giving and a true American. Charles leaves behind his lovely wife, Mrs. Mabel Pearson Saunders; his two children Charles P. Saunders and Gail P. Saunders; three grandchildren, Rachel Pryor, Kierstin Rusk and Nicholas Burgess; eight greatgrandchildren; and two nieces, Carolyn Thayer and Lois Hudman.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dr. Erika M. Nelson of Providence Village, Texas for receiving the prestigious Fulbright award to study abroad in Austria during the 2005-2006 academic year. Dr. Nelson was honored with this award for her talents in teaching Language and Literature at the University of North Texas. The Fulbright Program is sponsored by the Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. The program was established in 1946 with the purpose of building mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the rest of the world by allowing recipients to study, lecture or conduct research in an international exchange program. Erika was selected on the basis of professional and academic achievement, as well as demonstrated leadership potential in her field. I extend my sincere congratulations to Dr. Erika Martina Nelson on receiving this award and commend her dedication and desire to help her school, community and country.