Michael Burgess

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the superior academic performance of Micaela Watkins, an award winner in the Nestle Very Best in Youth program. Twenty four recipients, from 13 different States, were selected from over 600 applicants. This award recognizes exceptional young people, ages 10-18, who have demonstrated a commitment to reading and academic excellence as well as made tangible contributions to the quality of life for their communities. Winners received $1,000 from Nestle USA to donate to a nonprofit organization of their choice and an all-expense paid, 5-day trip to Los Angeles for an awards ceremony held this past July. Micaela is a 17-year-old honor student from Fort Worth, TX. She is involved in numerous activities at school, and around the community. Her future plans include receiving an undergraduate degree in political science and a law degree. Further down the road, she would like to establish a law firm that provides legal counsel to those who normally couldn't afford it. I extend my sincere congratulations to Micaela Watkins for receiving this award. This student's contribution and services should serve as inspiration to those who wish to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate C. Douglas Killough Lewisville High School--North on the dedication ceremony in honor of their new location. The Lewisville school district has a history of outstanding distinction throughout the State of Texas and continues to pursue educational excellence. As a learning community built on partnership and respect, they prepare each student to become a responsible, productive citizen by providing a wealth of skills, knowledge and experience. The Lewisville High School--North staff is devoted to creating positive relationships in an atmosphere of safety, discipline and concern. Strong educations, the sense of school pride, an opportunity at a bright future and friendships are just part of what an excellent school provides its students. With Lewisville--North's commitment to providing a quality education and safe environment, I know they will make the most of the new, top of the line facility. Again, congratulations and enjoy your new location.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, we are starting to hear a lot of talk about where is the proper place for the investigation into the response and the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. Madam Speaker, I submit that the proper place for that investigation is here in the United States Congress. We have the responsibility, indeed, we have the constitutional obligation to be the ones responsible for this oversight investigation. In fact, my committee, the Committee on Energy and Commerce, maintains a standing subcommittee called the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, a committee that already has subpoena power, a committee that has a history of bipartisanship. No matter which party was in power, this committee does have a history of bipartisanship, and I think it is the correct committee to investigate the response in the aftermath to the hurricane. An independent commission, as we have already seen in the last year, can become a side show for partisanship, and yet we still have to convene our own congressional committees in order to write the legislation. No, the correct path for this Congress to take is to use an already established committee for the investigation of the response and aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, just a little over 2 years ago Texas passed a constitutional amendment that allowed for caps on noneconomic damages in medical liability lawsuits. And what has been the experience in Texas over those 2 years? Well, we have seen insurance and doctors come back to the State. Texas had gone from 17 down to two medical insurance companies, and now they are back up to 12. Not-for-profit hospitals have seen significant increases in the money that they are now able to invest in plants and equipment, money that otherwise would have gone for their self- insurance programs. And perhaps most importantly, the rates of liability insurance for Texas doctors has come down. Texas Medical Liability Trust has reduced rates three times since the passage of House bill 4 and proposition 12, 12 percent in 2004, 5 percent in 2005, and now a recently announced 5 percent decrease in 2006, and, coupled with that, a 5 percent dividend rebate. So that now there is a total of 27 percent insurance savings for Texas doctors in medical liability. Speaking to physicians of the Texas Medical Association just last weekend, Dr. Dennis Factor said, ``Access to health care and the malpractice environment in Texas has made a healthy recovery since the Texas legislature passed medical liability reform.'' I urge this body to take it up and get it done.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Handley Church of Christ for celebrating its 100th anniversary. This is a great accomplishment, and I am proud to have an establishment such as this in the 26th Congressional District of Texas. In 1905, J. Dan Thomas invited several families to meet at his house for a worship service; this was the first meeting of the congregation of the Handley Church of Christ. Soon after, the congregation grew and became too large for the Thomas home. Throughout the years, the congregation continued to grow and with that came the need for more space. In 1919, the church moved to a frame building with seating for 60 people. With church membership listed as 150, there was still not sufficient room. The congregation has since stayed on that property and continually added to and remodeled the building. Today, the sanctuary will seat 1,000 people and the property includes an educational building as well as a building consisting of classrooms. The church will commemorate its 100 years by unveiling a Texas State historical marker. As its founders intended, the Handley Church of Christ endures today as an example of a pioneer institution which has adapted itself to new surroundings and times without compromising traditional beliefs and values. As one of Tarrant County's oldest churches, it occupies an important place in the Handley community today as a symbol of endurance, stability and service. Congratulations to the congregation at Handley Church of Christ on their anniversary. One hundred years of worship is a milestone to be celebrated.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember former Marine Ronald Hyatt, of Calera, Alabama for serving our country in Iraq. Hyatt was based in southern Iraq as a security contractor for Triple Canopy and worked with the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. He was killed Wednesday, September 7th when a bomb went off in the lead vehicle of a motorcade escort from the airport to the U.S. Embassy in Basra. In my recent visit to Iraq, Hyatt was a member of the detail that protected my mission. His group watched over the delegation as we traveled into dangerous territory. I was fortunate enough to have met him and honored to have him protect our unit. He was courageous, thoughtful and a true American. Today, I would like to recognize and celebrate his life. He will be remembered as a family man, a former Marine, a reserve, and to those who knew him, just one of those guys you never forget. Please keep his wife, Robin, and their four small children in your thoughts. It was my honor to have met Ronald Hyatt. I extend my deepest sympathies to his family and friends. He will be deeply missed and his service was greatly appreciated.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember former Navy SEAL Ryan Brandt Young, a 32-year-old native of Halfway, MD, for serving our country in Iraq. Young was based in southern Iraq as a security contractor for Triple Canopy and worked with the Bureau of Diplomatic Security. He was killed Wednesday, September 7, when a bomb went off in the lead vehicle of a motorcade escort from the airport to the U.S. Embassy in Basra. In my recent visit to Iraq, Young was a member of the detail that protected my mission. His group watched over the delegation as we traveled into dangerous territory. I was fortunate enough to have met him and honored to have him protect our unit. He was courageous, thoughtful and a true American. Today, I would like to recognize and celebrate his life. He made up his mind when he was only 14 that he would someday be a Navy SEAL, and he certainly achieved that goal. Eight of Young's 13 years in the Navy were spent as a SEAL. His mother talked to him just 10 days before the bombing, and she described him as very happy, very up, and I think we could learn a great deal from him. It was my honor to have met Ryan Brandt Young. I extend my deepest sympathies to his family and friends. He will be deeply missed and his service was greatly appreciated.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Tom Engibous, this year's recipient of the American Electronics Association's Medal of Achievement Award. Since 1959, the Medal of Achievement has been presented annually for significant contributions to the advancement of the high-tech industry and for distinguished service to the community, the industry and humankind. Mr. Engibous is fortunate enough to join the select group of high-tech leaders who have received this honor by becoming the fifty- first recipient of the coveted award. Tom Engibous is the chairman, president and chief executive officer of Texas Instruments Incorporated. While serving in previous roles at TI, Mr. Engibous helped transform the company from a broad-based conglomerate to a semiconductor company. His strategic focus and ability to quickly execute on the elements needed to reconfigure the company laid the foundation for the TI of today--a semiconductor leader in signal processing technology that has gained widespread recognition among customers, the financial community and the general public. I extend my sincere congratulations to Mr. Tom Engibous for receiving the highest award given by the American Electronics Association. His contributions to the technology industry and service to the community should inspire us all.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, over the past couple of weeks, we have certainly seen our share of bad news. One little bit of good news, though, has come out of the State of Texas. Texans, always known for their friendliness, have opened their arms and their hearts to their neighbors to the east. Madam Speaker, this hurricane was unlike any of us have ever seen before and I pray that none of us will ever see again: 90,000 square miles of devastation along the Gulf Coast, over 1 million people displaced from their homes. Now, a quarter of that population, 250,000, are in the State of Texas. Madam Speaker, I am proud of Texas, and I am especially proud of Texas doctors and Texas medicine. Spending time in the shelters in my district last week, I was so impressed with the doctors and the nurses who are volunteering, giving of themselves, to attend to those who are less fortunate. Texas doctors and nurses indeed stepped up to the challenge, whether it was the residents of John Peter Smith Hospital, the faculty at the University of North Texas at Fort Worth, or in the city of Dallas, itself, where they received 17,000 individuals in the space of one Saturday afternoon. Many of these were people who suffered from chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension, who had been off their meds for several days; but of that 17,000, only 200 required hospitalization, truly a remarkable feat.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the superior academic performance of Jordan Elliot, a recipient of this year's Presidential Freedom Scholarship. Thirteen students in the 26th Congressional District are receiving this special recognition. This award recognizes outstanding service and citizenship initiatives by the students, who were nominated, and provides an opportunity to acknowledge their leadership. Administered by Learn and Serve America, the scholarship provides $500 in Federal funds, matched with $500 from a community organization or business obtained for the student by their high school or Boys and Girls Club. Winners must have completed at least 100 hours of community service, either through a school-based service-learning program or independently through service at a nonprofit or faith-based organization. Jordan is a recent graduate at Lewisville High School and the organization matching her $500 in Federal funds is the Tau Rho Omega Chapter. Over 38,000 students to date have received this award and I extend my sincere congratulations to Jordan Elliot for being one of them. This student's contribution and services should serve as inspiration to those who wish to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the superior academic performance of Christopher V. Sexton, a recipient of this year's Presidential Freedom Scholarship. Thirteen students in the 26th Congressional District are receiving this special recognition. This award recognizes outstanding service and citizenship initiatives by the students, who were nominated, and provides an opportunity to acknowledge their leadership. Administered by Learn and Serve America, the scholarship provides $500 in Federal funds, matched with $500 from a community organization or business obtained for the student by their high school or Boys and Girls Club. Winners must have completed at least 100 hours of community service, either through a school-based service-learning program or independently through service at a nonprofit or faith-based organization. Christopher is a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Greater Fort Worth--Panther Branch. The organization graciously matched the federally funding with a $500 contribution. Over 38,000 students to date have received this award and I extend my sincere congratulations to Christopher V. Sexton for being one of them. This student's contribution and services should serve as inspiration to those who wish to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the superior academic performance of Chavontreal Allen, a recipient of this year's Presidential Freedom Scholarship. Thirteen students in the 26th Congressional District are receiving this special recognition. This award recognizes outstanding service and citizenship initiatives by the students who were nominated, and provides an opportunity to acknowledge their leadership. Administered by Learn and Serve America, the scholarship provides $500 in Federal funds, matched with $500 from a community organization or business obtained for the student by their high school or Boys and Girls Club. Winners must have completed at least 100 hours of community service, either through a school-based service-learning program or independently through service at a nonprofit or faith-based organization. Chavontreal is a member of the Frisco Boys and Girls Clubs of Collins County. This organization contributed matching funds of $500. Over 38,000 students to date have received this award and I extend my sincere congratulations to Chavontreal Allen for being one of them. This student's contribution and services should serve as inspiration to those who wish to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the superior academic performance of Kamala S. Farquhars, a recipient of this year's Presidential Freedom Scholarship. Thirteen students in the 26th Congressional District are receiving this special recognition. This award recognizes outstanding service and citizenship initiatives by the students, who were nominated, and provides an opportunity to acknowledge their leadership. Administered by Learn and Serve America, the scholarship provides $500 in Federal funds, matched with $500 from a community organization or business obtained for the student by their high school or Boys and Girls Club. Winners must have completed at least 100 hours of community service, either through a school-based service-learning program or independently through service at a nonprofit or faith-based organization. Kamala is a member of the North Fort Worth Boys and Girls Club. The organization matched the $500 federal fund scholarship. Over 38,000 students to date have received this award and I extend my sincere congratulations to Kamala S. Farquhars for being one of them. This student's contribution and services should serve as inspiration to those who wish to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the superior academic performance of Erik C. Lemons, a recipient of this year's Presidential Freedom Scholarship. Thirteen students in the 26th Congressional District are receiving this special recognition. This award recognizes outstanding service and citizenship initiatives by the students, who were nominated, and provides an opportunity to acknowledge their leadership. Administered by Learn and Serve America, the scholarship provides $500 in Federal funds, matched with $500 from a community organization or business obtained for the student by their high school or Boys and Girls Club. Winners must have completed at least 100 hours of community service, either through a school-based service-learning program or independently through service at a nonprofit or faith-based organization. Erik is a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Cooke County Teen Center. The organization matched Federal funds of $500 in for the scholarship. Over 38,000 students to date have received this award and I extend my sincere congratulations to Erik C. Lemons for being one of them. This student's contribution and services should serve as inspiration to those who wish to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the superior academic performance of Shannon J. Wilson, a recipient of this year's Presidential Freedom Scholarship. Thirteen students in the 26th Congressional District are receiving this special recognition. This award recognizes outstanding service and citizenship initiatives by the students who were nominated, and provides an opportunity to acknowledge their leadership. Administered by Learn and Serve America, the scholarship provides $500 in Federal funds, matched with $500 from a community organization or business obtained for the student by their high school or Boys and Girls Club. Winners must have completed at least 100 hours of community service, either through a school-based service-learning program or independently through service at a nonprofit or faith-based organization. Shannon is a member of the Technology Center Boys and Girls Club. This organization contributed matching funds of $500. Over 38,000 students to date have received this award and I extend my sincere congratulations to Shannon J. Wilson for being one of them. This student's contribution and services should serve as inspiration to those who wish to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the superior academic performance of Brian Roberson, a recipient of this year's Presidential Freedom Scholarship. Thirteen students in the 26th Congressional District are receiving this special recognition. This award recognizes outstanding service and citizenship initiatives by the students, who were nominated, and provides an opportunity to acknowledge their leadership. Administered by Learn and Serve America, the scholarship provides $500 in Federal funds, matched with $500 from a community organization or business obtained for the student by their high school or Boys and Girls Club. Winners must have completed at least 100 hours of community service, either through a school-based service-learning program or independently through service at a nonprofit or faith-based organization. Brian is a member at the Technology Center Boys and Girls Club. This organization also contributed the matching funds worth $500. Over 38,000 students to date have received this award and I extend my sincere congratulations to Brian Roberson for being one of them. This student's contribution and services should serve as inspiration to those who wish to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Velma Lorne for being a recipient of the ``Unsung Hero'' Award, presented by the Texas Public Employees Association. Mrs. Lorne was one of eleven people to receive the honor out of approximately three hundred nominees. Velma Lorne has been a corrections officer in Texas for nearly three decades. During her tenure with the Denton and Gainesville State Schools, she has been the recipient of many accolades, including being named Employee of the Year in 1988. This award represents the varied activities that Mrs. Lorne devotes herself to within Gainesville State School. She goes beyond her daily duties to help fellow employees with transportation to and from the facility as well as providing meals for State School functions. In addition, she is actively involved in annual fundraising efforts for the United Way among State School employees. It is a great honor to stand here today and congratulate Velma Lorne for winning the ``Unsung Hero'' Award. This is an honor that is well deserved by Mrs. Lorne, as she has served as a hero to many Texas youth throughout her career of selfless service.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the superior academic performance of Sharday M. Brown, a recipient of this year's Presidential Freedom Scholarship. Thirteen students in the 26th Congressional District are receiving this special recognition. This award recognizes outstanding service and citizenship initiatives by the students who were nominated, and provides an opportunity to acknowledge their leadership. Administered by Learn and Serve America, the scholarship provides $500 in Federal funds, matched with $500 from a community organization or business obtained for the student by their high school or Boys and Girls Club. Winners must have completed at least 100 hours of community service, either through a school-based service-learning program or independently through service at a nonprofit or faith-based organization. Sharday is a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Cooke County Teen Center. This organization also contributed matching funds worth $500. Over 38,000 students to date have received this award and I extend my sincere congratulations to Sharday M. Brown for being one of them. This student's contribution and services should serve as inspiration to those who wish to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, just before we left at the end of July, I received notice from the Department of Defense about the death of one of my constituents, Specialist Ernest Dallas, Jr., in the country of Iraq on July 24. I wanted to take some time this evening to talk about the life of Specialist Ernest Dallas. Many of the remarks that I am going to make tonight were taken from an article that appeared in the Denton Record Chronicle on July 27, written by Matthew Haag. Mr. Speaker, I think it is appropriate tonight to honor the memory of Specialist Ernest Dallas. He was from my district, the 26th Congressional District of Texas, and he was serving his country during Iraqi Freedom. Again, he died on July 24 with three other soldiers when a roadside bomb exploded next to their Bradley fighting vehicle. Specialist Dallas was assigned as a scout in the Third Armored Cavalry Regiment in Baghdad. He was 21 years old. Celebrating and recognizing the life of Specialist Dallas is important. He was a graduate of Fred Moore High School, and he enlisted for a 3-year term in the Army in November of 2003 because he wanted to serve his country and he felt he needed the training that he would be provided to meet his future goals, a future that he hoped included a job as a Denton police officer. Specialist Dallas was a loving family member and he always took time to phone home to get his family caught up on news of what was going on with their unit. He was the first Denton, Texas, resident to die in the conflict in Iraq. His first love was baseball, his family said. He started playing when he was 9, and he idolized the former Texas Rangers Catcher Ivan (Pudge) Rodriguez. In 2000, he decided to forgo baseball and enrolled in the Denton Police Department's Citizen Youth Academy. He turned out to have another dream. He wanted to be a Denton policeman, said his stepfather, Manuel Sauseda. In the program, Specialist Dallas would ride along with Denton police officers. As soon as school let out in the afternoon, Specialist Dallas would race home and get ready to go out with the officers. The program was scheduled from 3 p.m. until midnight when the officers' shift was over. But his stepfather said that Specialist Dallas would frequently call at midnight and ask to stay a little longer, and a little longer frequently turned out to be 6 a.m. in the morning. His mother joked that the neighbors must have grown suspicious of the police cars that were constantly stopping by her house and bringing him home. I know what the neighbors thought: that little boy must be in so much trouble, said his mother, Charlene Sauseda. Specialist Dallas' family said he always wanted to protect the people he loved. So 2 years after 9/11, he enlisted in the Army. He said that the attacks inspired him to enlist. He saw how it affected everybody, his mother said. Enough was enough, said Ernie. He wanted to go over there and take care of things. I had the opportunity to sit down with Specialist Dallas' family during the August break and they told me of his love of the Police Academy. They told me how he came to love the Police Academy. Specialist Dallas was sometime earlier prone to leadership that was taking him in the wrong direction. He was brought home one afternoon by a sheriff's deputy in Denton, a gentleman I know well, named Greg Levling, who now works for the Dallas Sheriff's Department. Apparently, Specialist Dallas was at that time, at 8 years old, a lookout man for someone who had figured out how to get free pinball games on a pinball machine. Specialist Dallas was to watch and tell if anyone was coming. Well, when the sheriff's deputy came around the corner, Specialist Dallas sang out ``Here comes somebody.'' The sheriff brought him home and his mother said that the sheriff's deputy, Mr. Levling, provided some firm direction for the young man; and it was then and there that he got his love for the police force and his wish to, hopefully, one day serve in the military. Just a few weeks prior to his death, Specialist Dallas sent an engagement ring to his girlfriend. He was truly a soldier who understood his duty, and he planned for a future beyond the service to his country. Mr. Speaker, it was my honor to represent Specialist Dallas. I extend my deepest sympathies to his family. On behalf of the United States Congress, I want his family to know that his service and their sacrifice were deeply appreciated and we thank them.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the superior academic performance of Taliah C. Lawson, a recipient of this year's Presidential Freedom Scholarship. Thirteen students in the 26th Congressional District are receiving this special recognition. This award recognizes outstanding service and citizenship initiatives by the students who were nominated, and provides an opportunity to acknowledge their leadership. Administered by Learn and Serve America, the scholarship provides $500 in Federal funds, matched with $500 from a community organization or business obtained for the student by their high school or Boys and Girls Club. Winners must have completed at least 100 hours of community service, either through a school-based service learning program or independently through service at a nonprofit or faith-based organization. Taliah is a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Cooke County Teen Center. This organization also contributed matching funds worth $500. Over 38,000 students to date have received this award and I extend my sincere congratulations to Taliah C. Lawson for being one of them. This student's contribution and services should serve as inspiration to those who wish to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the superior academic performance of Tiffany A. McBath, a recipient of this year's Presidential Freedom Scholarship. Thirteen students in the 26th Congressional District are receiving this special recognition. This award recognizes outstanding service and citizenship initiatives by the students who were nominated, and provides an opportunity to acknowledge their leadership. Administered by Learn and Serve America, the scholarship provides $500 in Federal funds, matched with $500 from a community organization or business obtained for the student by their high school or Boys and Girls Club. Winners must have completed at least 100 hours of community service, either through a school-based service-learning program or independently through service at a nonprofit or faith-based organization. Tiffany is a member of the Boys and Girls Club of Cooke County Teen Center. This organization also contributed matching funds worth $500. Over 38,000 students to date have received this award and I extend my sincere congratulations to Tiffany A. McBath for being one of them. This student's contribution and services should serve as inspiration to those who wish to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the superior academic performance of Ashley K. Tharayil, a recipient of this year's Presidential Freedom Scholarship. Thirteen students in the 26th Congressional District are receiving this special recognition. This award recognizes outstanding service and citizenship initiatives by the students, who were nominated, and provides an opportunity to acknowledge their leadership. Administered by Learn and Serve America, the scholarship provides $500 in Federal funds, matched with $500 from a community organization or business obtained for the student by their high school or Boys and Girls Club. Winners must have completed at least 100 hours of community service, either through a school-based service-learning program or independently through service at a nonprofit or faith-based organization. Ashley is currently a junior at North Hills School and the organization matching her $500 in Federal funds is the North Hills School--Volunteers in Partnership. Over 38,000 students to date have received this award and I extend my sincere congratulations to Ashley K. Tharayil for being one of them. This student's contribution and services should serve as inspiration to those who wish to make a positive difference in the lives of others.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Wanda Samek on her installation as President of the National Society of Accountants. Entering into this role serves as a symbol of Mrs. Samek's ongoing devotion and commitment to the organization. During her affiliation with the National Society of Accountants, Mrs. Samek has held numerous leadership positions, chairing various committees and task forces. In addition, she has received multiple honors, such as being named Accountant of the Year in 1994, winning the Golden Quill Award in 1998, and the President's Award in 2003. For her tireless service and dedication, Mrs. Samek was presented in 1996 with the Society's most prestigious accolade, the Distinguished Service Award. Within her new role as president, Mrs. Samek will provide leadership to the National Society of Accountants by serving as chairman of the organization's Board of Directors and its Executive Committee which is responsible for monitoring and implementing investment policy. During her tenure, she will also be presiding over many meetings of the association. In addition, she will deliver the annual message of the National Society to its National Council of Delegates, providing them with an update on the organization's progress and growth. It is with great honor that I stand here today and recognize Wanda Samek. Her inauguration as president of the National Society of Accountants is a testament to her commitment to the association and her professional career. I am honored to congratulate a constituent from my district on attaining this well-deserved position.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in memory of Army Specialist Ernest Dallas, Jr., from the 26th Congressional District of Texas, for serving our country during Iraqi Freedom. SPC Dallas died July 24, 2005 with three other soldiers when a roadside bomb exploded next to their Bradley Fighting Vehicle. SPC Dallas was assigned as a scout in the 3rd Armored Cavalry Regiment in Baghdad. He was 21 years old. I would like to recognize and celebrate Army Specialist Ernest Dallas, Jr.'s life today. SPC Dallas, a Fred Moore High School graduate, enlisted for a three-year hitch in November 2003, because he wanted to serve his country and felt he needed the training to meet his future goals. A loving family member, Specialist Dallas took time to phone home to get caught up with his family and hear news from Texas. He was a dedicated solider who earned the respect of those around him. Sergeant Frederick Wysingle, who recruited SPC Dallas in July 2003, said he was the perfect soldier. He was proud of the work he was doing and had just relayed to his family news that his platoon had recently curbed insurgent activity in Iraq. Promoted two months prior to his death from private first class, his promotion was made official two days after he died. Just a few weeks prior to his death, Army Specialist Ernest Dallas, Jr. sent an engagement ring to his girlfriend. He was truly a solider who understood his duty, and planned for a future beyond his service to his country. It was my honor to represent Army Specialist Ernest Dallas, Jr., and I extend my deepest sympathies to his family and friends. He will be deeply missed and his service was greatly appreciated.

Mr. BURGESS

Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give tribute to Thomas Herrion, from Fort Worth, Texas, and his passion for life. He died at the tender age of 23 after collapsing in the San Francisco 49ers locker room following a National Football League exhibition game. Thomas was one of seven children growing up in south Fort Worth. He often played the drums at church where his father was the minister. While attending Polytechnic High School, he was a 4-year starter for the football team, a center for the basketball team, and competed in discus and the shot-put on the track team. When he wasn't competing or studying, he worked to help support his family. After high school, he went on to play for Kilgore Junior College and the University of Utah. Thomas will be remembered as a hard worker and someone who lived his life to the fullest. He always had a bright personality that made everyone laugh, and he had passion for life and infused this zeal into everything he did. His ultimate dream, after finishing his NFL career, was to return home to Fort Worth and help his community. Thomas wanted to get his teaching degree and coach football. First in his heart was his mother--he wanted to always be there for her and planned to her the house of her dreams. I extend my condolences to the family and friends of Thomas Herrion. His legacy will serve as an inspiration those who strive to achieve their dreams and live life to the fullest.