Susan Brooks

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Senator Dan Coats, a U.S. Army veteran, former Member of the House of Representatives, United States Ambassador to Germany and a great Hoosier. I've had the pleasure of serving with Senator Coats as a fellow member of the Indiana delegation since my first term in 2013. In fact, the first legislation that I introduced and got passed into law was a bill that I worked on with Senator Coats and his team, the Alicia Dawn Koehl Respect for National Cemeteries Act. During his time in the Senate, he has been a passionate advocate for Hoosiers, working on policies that are focused on getting more Americans back to work and getting our economy back on track. His leadership will be missed, but I know that he and his wife Marsha will continue to do great things that make a difference for Hoosiers as they begin this next chapter of their lives. Thank you, Senator Coats, for all of your work to represent our great state of Indiana, and best wishes as you embark on your next adventure.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding educator, Superintendent Nathaniel Jones of the Metropolitan School District of Pike Township. Superintendent Jones is retiring after 43 years of exceptional service to students and the community. The people of the Fifth Congressional District of Indiana are forever grateful for Superintendent Jones' contributions and commitment to the students of the Pike Township School District and to our Hoosier community. Superintendent Jones is an Indianapolis native. He received his formal education from the Indianapolis Public School (IPS) system. After graduating high school Superintendent Jones went to Indiana University where he pursued his interest in education. Upon completion of his B.S. in Elementary Education, he returned to IPS where he taught elementary school as well as adult education classes for five years. He returned to IUPUI to earn his M.S. in Education as well as an Administrative Certificate. In 1978, Superintendent Jones was named Assistant Principal to John Strange Elementary School of the Metropolitan School District of Washington Township, and shortly thereafter in 1980 he was named Principal of Delaware Trail Elementary, at age 27, making him one of the youngest principals in the state of Indiana. He served the Washington Township School system in a variety of positions over 25 years; he served Washington Township as Principal, Director of Elementary Education, and as Assistant Superintendent of Curriculum and Instruction. His leadership proved truly transformational as every school he led as Principal attained state and national recognition for academic achievement. In 1982, he earned his Education Specialist Degree in School Administration from Indiana University, Bloomington and in 1994 his Superintendent Certification. In 2003, he became the first African American to accept the role of Superintendent for the Metropolitan School District of Pike Township and the first African American IPS graduate to be a Superintendent in the state of Indiana. Superintendent Jones has been instrumental in creating positive change in each of the school systems he has served. Pike High School in particular has made monumental strides under Superintendent Jones' leadership. Pike High School has one of the most successful pre- collegiate programs in Indiana with over 85 percent of students attending post-secondary institutions upon graduating from high school and has a graduation rate of over 91 percent. In 2005, the Standard & Poor's ratings recognized Pike High School for significantly narrowing the Black-white and Hispanic-white achievement gaps. During Superintendent Jones' tenure the number of scholarships and grants received by Pike students has grown tremendously. Pike High School boasts the highest number of Gates Scholars in Indiana. Superintendent Jones also implemented the STEM Center and spearheaded major construction and renovation of many facilities, and earned over $75 million in Federal Competitive Grants from 2005 through 2015. Superintendent Jones' tireless efforts to seek educational grants and funding opportunities helped in part to create the Youth CareerConnect program. This program offers work-based learning opportunities that teaches students marketable and useful STEM skills empowering students in future learning as well as career opportunities. Through the collaboration of Superintendent Jones' visionary leadership, the help of a supportive board, dedicated administrators, extraordinary teachers, and engaged parents, Pike Township schools have become a more positive learning environment where student achievement continues to soar. Throughout his career Superintendent Jones has received numerous awards that recognize the accomplishments and contributions he has made to education in our community. From Indiana University he received two ``Distinguished Alumni Awards''. In 1996, he earned the Milken Award, which aims to grant funds to accomplished mid-career educators. He received the Achiever Award from the Center for Leadership, is a recipient of a Sagamore of the Wabash Award, has received a Congressional Salute, and he received two District of Distinction awards. He was selected as one of the 100 top administrators in North America by the ``Executive Educator'' and has received over 60 local, state, and national awards for his leadership and innovative approach to educating students, teachers, and the community. His award winning work is well regarded not only from these institutions but from his peers and fellow educators. He has been invited to conduct and participate in numerous conferences throughout the United States. In addition, he is a lifetime member of the NAACP and in 2011 he was featured in the ``Education Executive Publication'' as a Trendsetter, and in a Who's Who in ``Black Indianapolis''. Superintendent Jones continues to serve the community through his roles on numerous boards. He currently sits on the Board of Directors for American Heart Association, he was the Chair for National Council on Educating Black Children Conference in 2015, and he was the Board Chairman for Conner Prairie in 2011. In 2008, he served on the Indianapolis Marion-County Public Library Board of Directors and the Teachers' Treasures Board of Directors. He was the coordinator for the Lilly Initiative supported by the Lilly Endowment in 2000 through 2003. He was on the State Advisory Committee on Textbook Adoption in 2001 through 2003. I am proud to thank Superintendent Jones for his service in helping the students of Pike Township graduate from high school with the essential skills necessary to be confident, creative, productive, and prosperous in college, careers, and life. He has always put the needs of students first throughout his educational career and truly enriched the lives of so many. He takes great pride in addressing the individual needs of the children he serves. Superintendent Jones never overlooked the fact that his students come to him from a variety of backgrounds, possessing individual gifts, talents, challenges and dreams. On behalf of all Hoosiers and the nation, I'd like to congratulate Superintendent Nathaniel Jones on his success and wish him, his wife Cynthia, two children, and their families all the best as Superintendent Jones enjoys a well-deserved retirement

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Before the chairman of our committee steps away, I just want to acknowledge the leadership that Congressman Murphy of Pennsylvania has given to this issue--an issue that so many Members of Congress haven't talked about enough until he began talking about it. I want to thank the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Mullin), for leading this Special Order. We have heard from our constituents, and we know families where 1 in 4 adults--a total of 61.5 million Americans--will struggle with mental illness in any given year. While the numbers are staggering--and certainly, my colleague from Pennsylvania knows the numbers and statistics better than maybe this Chamber combined--they don't actually tell the deeply personal and typically painful stories that this disease inflicts on those it touches, their friends, neighbors, and families. Whether it was Columbine, Aurora, or Sandy Hook, time and time again, tragedies have left our communities devastated and reeling, wondering if our fellow citizens could have been spared the violence and bloodshed had we simply been able to see the signs of mental illness. Many lessons followed in the wake of all of these tragedies, but chief among them always came out the fact that our mental health system is broken: we are unable to fully recognize the signs and symptoms of an individual suffering from mental illness; we often don't have the resources to help these individuals and their families; and we have very limited mental health workforce, which is overwhelmed and often underprepared for the vast challenges they face day in and day out. Mental illness is sometimes referred to as an invisible illness. However, just because you can't see the illness, it doesn't mean it isn't there. It is a serious disease, and in order to make any progress in more effectively identifying it, we must begin to recognize it as such. Before the end of this year, we have a chance to make the first major mental health reforms this country has seen in over 50 years. And I am very proud to stand with the gentleman from Pennsylvania in support of his years of tireless work to bring to the forefront this health crisis we are facing in America--a crisis often pushed to the side because it may be too difficult or too uncomfortable to talk about. I applaud his efforts and the efforts of so many from our committee, particularly the staff, who have made it possible to work to include these important reforms to our mental health system in the critical 21st Century Cures bill that passed the House last night overwhelmingly. Right now, our medical system does not allow families of those suffering from mental illness to become true partners in their care. The language in our bill takes significant steps toward easing these barriers and making sure that people struggling with mental illness will have more access to the care and treatment that they need. Our prisons and emergency rooms have become de facto psychiatric treatment centers and are overcrowded with individuals suffering from mental illness; however, we have learned over the years we cannot simply arrest away this problem. I am pleased that there are reforms to the way our criminal justice system handles individuals with mental illness. As someone who has worked in the criminal justice system most of my career, I can assess that such support is long overdue and so very necessary. One of the greatest issues with our mental health system is there is a critical shortage, as Dr. Murphy just mentioned, in our mental health workforce. This effort contains significant measures to train and expand this critically important workforce. These are simply a few of the important reforms included in 21st Century Cures which, above all else, sets a new and higher standard for mental health care and treatment in America. Once again, I applaud Congressman Murphy's incredible work to fix our broken mental health care system. I am proud to have supported this effort throughout the legislative process and look to the Senate to now take up the 21st Century Cures and bring relief to the individuals and families across America who need it the most.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Indiana Chapter of the American Red Cross in celebration of its 100th anniversary. This dynamic humanitarian organization has made significant contributions to the state of Indiana, to the nation, and around the world. It is my privilege to honor the American Red Cross as it celebrates 100 years of excellence in Indiana. The people of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District are forever grateful for their exceptional service and dedication to our Hoosier community. Inspired by the Swiss Red Cross Network, Clara Barton founded the American Red Cross on May 21, 1881, in Washington, DC. The Red Cross received its first congressional charter in 1900 and the second in 1905. Shortly thereafter, the American Red Cross opened their Indiana Chapter in 1916. They have delivered aid in disaster relief, helped feed hungry children, and provided care for the sick. They provide care, shelter, service to veterans, and access to lifesaving blood. Through its strong network of volunteers, donors and partners, the American Red Cross has made a lasting impact in the lives of Hoosiers in their time of greatest need. Over 500,000 volunteers work across America, and more than 3,500 volunteers work to help their fellow Hoosiers in the face of disaster here at home. In 2015 alone the Indiana Red Cross helped 1,300 families through the aftermath of home fires. The Red Cross currently serves 6.3 million Hoosiers across 87 counties in Indiana. The American Red Cross prevents and alleviates human suffering in the face of emergencies by mobilizing the power of volunteers and the generosity of donors. Born out of the desire to help without discrimination those wounded on the battlefield, the American Red Cross carries on its legacy by working to prevent and alleviate human suffering wherever it is found, both nationally and internationally. All people receive the care, shelter, and hope they need in the face of a disaster. Since 2006, the Red Cross and FEMA have worked together to help government agencies and community organizations plan, coordinate and provide feeding, sheltering and family reunification services for people affected by disasters. Volunteers carry out 90 percent of the humanitarian work done by the Red Cross. Hoosiers and Americans across the country have the opportunity to translate their care and concern for people down the street, across the country and around the world through the American Red Cross. They not only give back to the community, but it also gives the community the ability to give back to the world. On behalf of the citizens of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District, I would like to congratulate the Indiana Chapter of the American Red Cross on the celebration of its centennial anniversary. I am proud that our Hoosier state is home to an exemplary organization such as this one. I wish the Indiana Chapter of the American Red Cross all the best as it embarks on its next 100 years of excellence in Indiana.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 2992, the Merchant Marine of World War II Congressional Gold Medal Act. This measure awards a Congressional Gold Medal to the merchant mariners who served during World War II in appreciation of their dedicated and vital service to our Nation. I also want to thank my colleague from across the aisle, Congresswoman Janice Hahn of California's 44th District, who worked with me and other Members here in the House to secure so many cosponsorships of this bill. The Congressional Gold Medal is the highest honor Congress can bestow upon an individual or group, and these brave servicemen deserve such an honor. The merchant marine was the linchpin connecting the fighting forces overseas with the production forces at home. In the face of certain peril, these brave mariners provided efficient and reliable transport of combat equipment, fuel, food, commodities, personnel, and raw materials that were pivotal in the allied victory. Oftentimes forgotten, merchant mariners took part in every invasion from Normandy to Okinawa. Never before had the maritime power of America been so effectively utilized. The total cargo lift transported by the mariners totaled over 300 million tons. They transported the great majority of the thousands of military personnel and civilians who traveled overseas during the war and those returning to America after triumphant victories. Risking their lives to provide the needed supplies for the war, merchant ships faced danger from submarines, mines, armed raiders and destroyers, aircraft, kamikaze attacks, and the elements from Mother Nature. With an estimated 9,300 total casualties, the merchant marines bore a higher per capita casualty rate than any other branch in the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II. On top of that, about 11,000 mariners were wounded in action and 663 were taken prisoners of war. Yet, despite these heroic efforts, they were not recognized as veterans until 1988, and they never received the benefits that other World War II veterans received under the GI bill. They came home from the war without recognition for their service and still, to this day, their service is often overlooked. Today, there are less than 5,000 surviving World War II mariners, and with nearly 500 World War II veterans dying each day, it is more important than ever to recognize these brave achievements today. Mr. Speaker, the merchant mariners provided the greatest sealift in history and became the difference between victory and defeat. These loyal and brave men put their lives on the line for the cause of freedom and selflessly answered their Nation's call to duty. It is time we give these courageous mariners the recognition they have earned with the Congressional Gold Medal. I am proud that 312 of my colleagues agreed and are cosponsors of this bill. Now it is time to get it across the finish line, pay respect to these deserving veterans, and recognize the sacrifices and contributions of this brave group. I urge passage of the bill.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate an outstanding school that is being honored as a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School. It is a pleasure to congratulate Cathedral High School in Indianapolis, Indiana in celebration of this special occasion. The National Blue Ribbon designation, given by the United States Department of Education, is awarded to both public and private schools across our great nation. Started by President Reagan and given annually since 1982, the award celebrates great American schools that achieve very high learning standards or are making significant improvements in the academic achievements of their students. In my district and across the country, the award recognizes the great educators, students, and parents who have worked so hard to ensure Indiana's children reach their full potential and achieve academic success. For all of these reasons and many more, I am so proud that Cathedral High School is receiving this prestigious designation. It is a wonderful acknowledgement of the school's commitment to providing young Hoosiers an exceptional education. While hundreds of schools nationwide were nominated, only 329 schools were designated as 2016 National Blue Ribbon Schools and Cathedral High School was 1 of 50 private schools to receive recognition, making this recognition all the more impressive. Cathedral was the only high school in Indiana to achieve the National Blue Ribbon award in 2016. Cathedral provides its students with an outstanding education both academically and within the Catholic faith. An exceptional Catholic high school in the Holy Cross tradition, Cathedral transforms a diverse group of students spiritually, intellectually, socially, emotionally, and physically. Their mission to educate students with the competence to see and the courage to act prepares students to be principled learners and future leaders. I applaud Cathedral High School for its work to ensure its students engage in significant acts of community service and remain dedicated to carrying out the mission of Jesus Christ. As an advocate for education and youth, I also want to acknowledge how important it is to our nation's future to encourage and raise a new generation of Americans who have the skills and knowledge to succeed both in and out of the classroom. Students like those at Cathedral High School give me hope that we will accomplish this vital mission. Their outstanding work is an inspiration to students, educators, and parents across the nation. Once again, congratulations to Cathedral High School. I am very proud of you.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate an outstanding school in my district that is being honored as a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School. It is a pleasure to congratulate Union Elementary School in Zionsville, Indiana in celebration of this special occasion. The National Blue Ribbon designation, given by the United States Department of Education, is awarded to both public and private schools across our great nation. Started by President Reagan and given annually since 1982, the award celebrates great American schools that achieve very high learning standards or are making significant improvements in the academic achievements of their students. In my district and across the country, the award recognizes the great educators, students, and parents who have worked so hard to ensure Indiana's children reach their full potential and achieve academic success. For all of these reasons and many more, I am so proud that Union Elementary School is receiving this prestigious designation. It is a wonderful acknowledgement of the school's commitment to providing young Hoosiers an exceptional education. While hundreds of schools nationwide were nominated, only 329 schools were designated as 2016 National Blue Ribbon Schools, making this recognition all the more impressive. Union Elementary School provides students with a caring environment where both teachers and parents collaborate with students to meet their full potential. Through a rigorous curriculum, including early literacy intervention and the integration of technology, students achieve academic excellence. Additionally, students have the opportunity outside of the classroom to participate in extracurricular activities to enhance their knowledge and interest in foreign languages, STEM fields, the arts, and many more disciplines. As an advocate for education and youth, I also want to acknowledge how important it is to our nation's future to encourage and raise a new generation of Americans who have the skills and knowledge to succeed both in and out of the classroom. Students like those at Union Elementary School give me hope that we will accomplish this vital mission. Their outstanding work is an inspiration to students, educators, and parents across the nation. Once again, congratulations to Union Elementary School. I am very proud of you.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate an outstanding school in my district that is being honored as a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School. It is a pleasure to congratulate Geist Elementary in Fishers, Indiana in celebration of this special occasion. The National Blue Ribbon designation, given by the United States Department of Education, is awarded to both public and private schools across our great nation. Started by President Reagan and given annually since 1982, the award celebrates great American schools that achieve very high learning standards or are making significant improvements in the academic achievements of their students. In my district and across the country, the award recognizes the great educators, students, and parents who have worked so hard to ensure Indiana's children reach their full potential and achieve academic success. For all of these reasons and many more, I am so proud that Geist Elementary is receiving this prestigious designation. It is a wonderful acknowledgement of the school's commitment to providing young Hoosiers an exceptional education. While hundreds of schools nationwide were nominated, only 329 schools were designated as 2016 National Blue Ribbon Schools, making this recognition all the more impressive. To be chosen for the Blue Ribbon designation, schools must rank in the top 15 percent of all schools on ISTEP assessments in both reading and mathematics. Teachers work to meet kids at their needs and find what students need to be successful. Geist Elementary provides students with a nurturing learning environment that allows them to build meaningful relationships and academic self-confidence that they can carry on throughout the rest of their lives. Students are encouraged to engage with their school and the real world, through the support of teachers and staff for many student generated projects. Through the dedicated efforts of teachers and hard work of their students, Geist Elementary has truly earned this recognition. Geist Elementary equips students with valuable relationships, support, and never-ending opportunities to learn. As an advocate for education and youth, I also want to acknowledge how important it is to our nation's future to encourage and raise a new generation of Americans who have the skills and knowledge to succeed both in and out of the classroom. Students like those at Geist Elementary give me hope that we will accomplish this vital mission. Their outstanding work is an inspiration to students, educators, and parents across the nation. Once again, congratulations to Geist Elementary. I am very proud of you

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate an outstanding school in my district that is being honored as a 2016 National Blue Ribbon School. It is a pleasure to congratulate West Clay Elementary in Carmel, Indiana in celebration of this special occasion. The National Blue Ribbon designation, given by the United States Department of Education, is awarded to both public and private schools across our great nation. Started by President Reagan and given annually since 1982, the award celebrates great American schools that achieve very high learning standards or are making significant improvements in the academic achievements of their students. In my district and across the country, the award recognizes the great educators, students, and parents who have worked so hard to ensure Indiana's children reach their full potential and achieve academic success. For all of these reasons and many more, I am so proud that West Clay Elementary is receiving this prestigious designation. It is a wonderful acknowledgement of the school's commitment to providing young Hoosiers an exceptional education. While hundreds of schools nationwide were nominated, only 329 schools were designated as 2016 National Blue Ribbon Schools, making this recognition all the more impressive. West Clay Elementary's dedication to empower students to become active, independent learners and educational risk takers helps students to achieve their goals and grow academically. This growth mindset allows students to explore opportunities in order to realize their full potential as learners. West Clay creates a positive environment for its students through the school community's commitment to diversity and creating a respectful environment where all students are celebrated for what makes them unique. Their commitment to diversity and excellence has made it a thriving community which fosters respect and builds on a foundation of open ongoing communication between students, teachers, and parents. As an advocate for education and youth, I also want to acknowledge how important it is to our nation's future to encourage and raise a new generation of Americans who have the skills and knowledge to succeed both in and out of the classroom. Students like those at West Clay Elementary give me hope that we will accomplish this vital mission. Their outstanding work is an inspiration to students, educators, and parents across the nation. Once again, congratulations to West Clay Elementary. I am very proud of you.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Phil Rogers of the Anderson Fire Department. For over three decades Phil has served the City and residents of Anderson, Indiana through his work as a paramedic, firefighter, and two terms as the Anderson Fire Department Chief. The people of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District are forever grateful for Phil Rogers' commitment to making the City of Anderson a safer, better place to live. Phil is a lifelong Hoosier. He was born and raised in Anderson and he graduated from Madison Heights High School in 1978. After high school, Phil attended Indiana State University where he studied industrial engineering. He decided that industrial engineering was not his passion and, fortunately there was an opening with the Anderson Fire Department which allowed Phil to begin his path toward his true calling as an emergency responder. He applied to the cadet program and, in October 1981, he became a sworn firefighter. Through the addition of paramedic services to the Anderson Fire Department in the late 1980s, Phil found his passion for patient care through paramedic service. Phil is a public safety veteran, his years of distinguished service proved invaluable and in January 2006 Mayor Kevin Smith appointed Phil to be the City of Anderson's 21st Fire Chief. Phil became the first African-American to serve as Fire Chief for the City of Anderson and Madison County. He is also the first African-American paramedic in Madison County as well as the first Paramedic to be appointed Chief of the Anderson Fire Department. His leadership emphasized professionalism and increased training. He ensured that all department firefighters were certified. Recognizing the need for a new training facility, Phil championed the development of the regional Fire Training Center on Martin Luther King Boulevard, which services the 13 surrounding counties. He worked tirelessly to lower Anderson's fire rating, reducing insurance costs for businesses. And he was instrumental to the successful application for The Department of Homeland Security's Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program (SAFER) which awarded the Anderson Fire Department a 1.25 million dollar grant to assist with emergency preparation and response efforts. After his time as chief, Phil returned to Station 2 and resumed his duties as a paramedic. Phil devoted himself to a life of service to his community. Through his dedication to patient care, to capable local government, and above all his Hoosier home, he has made the City of Anderson and the wider community of Madison County a safer and better place to live. On behalf of all Hoosiers, I wish to extend a heartfelt thank you to Phil for his 35 years of service. I wish the very best to Phil in his well-deserved retirement as well as in the next exciting chapter of his life.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Brigadier General John McGoff on the occasion of his retirement from the Indiana Air National Guard. The people of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District are forever grateful for John's exceptional service and dedication to our Hoosier state and our great country. A lifelong Hoosier, John was born and raised in the Broad Ripple area of Indianapolis. He attended St Pius X Catholic School, where his parents were founding members, and where he has been a lifelong parishioner. Growing up, John volunteered at Wishard Hospital Emergency Department in his free time. Through this volunteer work he developed an interest in emergency medicine. After graduating North Central High School in 1977, John attended Indiana University to study biology. Graduating early from college, John then went on to attend Indiana University School of Medicine to pursue his dream of becoming a physician. During his third year of medical school he joined the Medical Officer Training Corps with the Indiana Air National Guard. Following the conclusion of his degree program, John completed his three-year residency in Emergency Medicine at the esteemed Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. John's commitment to public service and dedication to his Hoosier home is evident. After finishing his residency in 1987, John returned to Indiana and began working in the ER at Community Hospitals in Indianapolis and has continued to work as an Attending Emergency Room Physician, where he has served thousands of Hoosiers. In addition to his civilian medical career, John is a decorated Iraq War Veteran. He served for more than three decades with an aeronautical rating of Chief flight surgeon and has logged over 600 hours of flight time in many aircrafts, including the F-16 and F-4 fighters. He was the Chief of Emergency Services at the 332nd Expeditionary Medical Group, Joint Base at Balad, which was the busiest trauma center in Iraq in 2008- 2009. He was the Assistant to the Surgeon General for U.S. Air Forces in Europe and he has been deployed extensively around the world with operational tours in Turkey, Jordan, Bahrain and Germany. John is also the Chief of Staff for the nearly 2,000 members of the Indiana Air National Guard, where he serves as an advisor to the Adjutant General on matters pertaining to the 122nd Fighter Wing in Fort Wayne, the 207th Weather Flight in Indianapolis, the Air-to-Ground Gunnery Ranges at Atterbury, Jefferson Proving Grounds, and the 181st Intelligence Wing in Terre Haute. With the 181st he served as the Medical Group Commander, Chief of Flight Medicine, Flight Surgeon, and Hospital Administrator. During his tenure as commander, the unit received ``Excellent'' ratings on their Health Services Inspections in 1993, 1997, 2001, and 2005. They also won the Theodore Marrs Award, the highest Air National Guard Medical Award, in 1997 and 2006. Additionally, they also received the prestigious Schaeffer Trophy in 2006 for the best medical unit in all of the reserve components. John has received many awards and decorations during his time in the National Guard and his active duty. Those awards include the Legion of Merit, Meritorious Service Medal (with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster), the Air Force Commendation Medal, the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster), the Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, the National Defense Service Medal (with 1 Bronze Service Star), the Iraq Campaign Medal, the Global War on Terror Service Medal, the Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon (with Gold Frame), the Air Force Longevity Service Award Ribbon (with 4 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters), the Armed Forces Reserve Medal (with M Device and Numeral 2), the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, and the Air Force Training Ribbon. John has also given his time and talent to a number of boards and advisory roles. He served as a healthcare policy advisor for Governor Mitch Daniels' campaign and was a part of the Indiana State Department of Health Transition Team for the then-incoming Governor Daniels. John also sat on the Marion County Forensic Science Commission, the board of the Indiana Donor Network, the board for Community Hospitals of Indiana, was formerly the President of the Indiana Leadership Forum, was previously President of the Indianapolis Medical Society, and is currently an Ex Officio Board Member of the American College of Emergency Physicians, presently the Vice President for the Indiana Medical Licensing Board, and is now the President of the Indiana State Medical Association (ISMA) and served as their Speaker before his selection as President. Additionally he is a member of the Association of Military Surgeons of the United States, the Aerospace Medical Association, the Alliance of Air National Guard Flight Surgeons, the National Guard Association of the United States, and the National Guard Association of Indiana. He was also twice elected as Coroner of Marion County where he implemented cost saving measures and overhauled the office to be a more efficient and effective government service for the constituents of the city of Indianapolis. John has served our community and our country in a local, national, and international capacity. John has devoted himself to a life of service, whether in the Emergency Room, on the battlefield, or as a public official. I am extremely grateful for all his hard work. And on behalf of all Hoosiers and all Americans, I'd like to congratulate John on his remarkable military career and extend a huge thank you for all of the wonderful contributions he has made to our community, our state, and our nation I wish the very best to my friend John, his wife Karen, daughter Ava and the rest of the McGoff family as he enjoys a well-deserved retirement from the Indiana Air National Guard.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate educator Kevin Cline of Frankton Junior Senior High School, the winner of the 2016 National History Teacher of the Year Award given by the Gilder Lehrman Institute of American History. It is well-deserved. Kevin teaches United States History, American Government, World History, and several AP history courses at Frankton Junior Senior High School located in the town of Frankton in Madison County, Indiana. When asked why he loves teaching history he said ``it's got the best heroes and the best villains''. That quote shows the fun he brings to his role. I have been honored to be able to speak with Kevin and his students not only in his classroom but also in the Indiana State House where students had the opportunity to learn about the law making process at the state level. These students even had the chance to present their bill ideas to state legislators. I have seen firsthand his passion for teaching, history, and his students. Despite the hard work he has put in to achieve this honor, Kevin says that winning this award does not match the privilege he has of getting to work with his students every day. His dedication to his students and his innovation in the classroom are a gift to his students and our Hoosier community. Kevin is also an innovator by integrating technology into the classroom. He believes technology is the best way to connect classroom content to individual students. I would like to share one of many examples of him going above and beyond in his job and incorporating innovation. Kevin worked with Indiana University's Center on Congress to develop the app ``Freedom Summer.'' The app teaches students the relationship between the Civil Rights Movement and the passage of civil rights legislation in Congress in a game-based, interactive learning environment. Continuing to innovate and make history relevant to today's students will ensure our next generation can prepare for our future challenges by learning from the past. Kevin continually engages with my office to educate his students which inspires his students to become more active citizens of the United States. In 2013, I had the honor of meeting with Kevin in D.C. to congratulate him on his 2012 American Civic Education Teacher Award. I am proud once again to congratulate Kevin on his 2016 National History Teacher of the Year award. On behalf of all Hoosiers, I want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Kevin for his contributions to our schools, history education, and most importantly to our students. As the daughter, sister and mom of teachers, I know the difficult, yet rewarding, job he has. The very best teachers have a deep passion for their subject matter, devoting themselves to not only sharing wisdom but igniting enthusiasm and excitement in their pupils. In a time when there is concern for declining civic engagement Kevin Cline is guiding the next generation of Indiana students to be knowledgeable, passionate, and engaged members of their community and the United States. Congratulations Kevin, your award is well-deserved.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Judge Sarah Evans Barker and to her exceptional public service. The District Judges of The U.S. District Court, Southern District of Indiana signed a resolution naming Courtroom 216 in Judge Barker's honor, commemorating her 32 years of service. It is where Judge Barker has worked for much of her judicial career. The courtroom resides in the Birch Bayh Federal Building, which has been home to Indiana's Federal Court for over 100 years. The building and the ``Sarah Evans Barker Courtroom'' is sculpted from Indiana limestone and houses ornate decorative features, and it remains a place where history is made. This courtroom is the first Indiana courtroom to be named for a female judge, and it is fitting that Judge Barker should be the first woman to be honored as she also holds the distinctions of being the first female Assistant U.S. Attorney, first female federal judge, and first female chief judge for the United States District Court in Indiana. She has been a tireless advocate for women's leadership and a great connector of women throughout her career. The people of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District are forever grateful for Judge Barker's contributions to the Hoosier community and our country, and it is my privilege to honor her today. A lifelong Hoosier, Judge Barker was born in Mishawaka, Indiana. She earned her bachelor's degree in 1965 from Indiana University and later earned her Juris Doctorate from the American University Washington College of Law in 1969. She started her career as a Legislative Assistant to Congressman Gilbert Gude of Maryland and Senator Charles H. Percy of Illinois, eventually working as special counsel to the Senate Government Operations Subcommittee. After her time in Washington, D.C., Judge Barker continued her public service in Indianapolis as an Assistant United States Attorney from 1972 to 1976 under United States Attorneys Stanley B. Miller and James B. Young. She then joined the Indianapolis law firm of Bose, McKinney & Evans where she became a partner. After her time in private practice, in 1981 President Ronald Reagan appointed Judge Barker as the United States Attorney for the Southern District of Indiana and later, in 1984, he appointed her as the first female federal judge for the United States District Court, Southern District of Indiana. Ever since her appointment in 1984, Judge Barker has been an influential member of the bench. She has shaped judicial practice and policy through her appointments to numerous committees and commissions. In 2004, Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist appointed her to the Special Study Committee on Judicial Conduct and Disability, otherwise known as the ``Breyer Committee.'' Chief Justice John G. Roberts asked the Committee to continue its work and reappointed Judge Barker. In addition, she works on the Judicial Conference of the United States, with the Executive Committee, Long Range Planning Committee, Standing Rules Committee, Budget Committee, and Judicial Branch Committee as well as a number of 7th Circuit committees. She served as president of the 900-member Federal Judges Association from 2007 to 2009 and currently sits on their Board of Directors. She has been, and continues to be, a dynamic member of the community through her work with various organizations. Judge Barker is an active member of the Morgantown United Methodist Church. She is a member of the Indiana Academy which seeks to encourage and promote charitable, scientific, literary, and educational goals in conjunction with institutions dedicated to these same objectives in the state of Indiana. She also sits on the boards of the Indiana Historical Society, the Indiana University Health Partners, and Conner Prairie. Higher education has a special place in her heart as she is a trustee on the advisory board for Indiana University, as well as its law schools. She has also been a part of search committees for IU law school deans, an IU chancellor, and two IU presidents. She was also appointed by Governor Mitch Daniels to participate in the Indiana Bicentennial Commission. Judge Barker is a member of the Gathering, the Lawyers Club and the Downtown Kiwanis Club of Indianapolis where she shares her wit, good humor, and sharp mind with all in attendance. Judge Barker has been recognized for her work and contributions through many honors and awards. These awards include the Trailblazer Award given by the Indiana Commission for Women. She has been designated as a Distinguished Alumna of Indiana University. She was given the Living Legend award by the Indiana Historical Society. She was presented the Silver Gavel by the Indianapolis Bar Association. Several Midwestern colleges and universities have conferred ten honorary degrees upon her. Not only has Judge Barker received many awards and honors, but she continually seeks to nominate deserving women in the community to be recognized. I had the honor to first hear Judge Barker speak at my own law school commencement from the Robert H. McKinney School of Law at Indiana University in May of 1985. Her dedication to provide guidance to young lawyers is inspiring. She is personally committed to championing the women of our community and has been an essential mentor to me as well as many others. Judge Barker is an amazing connector, by providing opportunities for Hoosier women to meet, socialize, and develop professionally. She is an exemplary role model for public servants, and I want to extend a heartfelt thank you for all the wonderful contributions she has made to the Hoosier community. Judge Barker has been a teacher, counselor, and friend to many aspiring public servants. Despite her long tenure on the bench, Judge Barker cares deeply about each case that comes through her courtroom; she demonstrates genuine care with her decisions, particularly sentencing decisions, which greatly impact lives. Judge Barker has undoubtedly left an immensely profound influence on the court, and it is quite fitting that this beautiful and historic courtroom be named in her honor. On behalf of all Hoosiers, I'd like to congratulate Judge Barker on her success and wish her, her husband Kenneth, three children, and five grandchildren much joy as they celebrate Sarah's place in history.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5509) to name the Department of Veterans Affairs temporary lodging facility in Indianapolis, Indiana, as the ``Dr. Otis Bowen Veteran House''.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and insert extraneous materials in the Record on the bill.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5509, which will formally rename the home for families of veterans undergoing medical treatment in Indianapolis as the Dr. Otis Bowen Veteran House. Passing this bill today is the least we can do to repay an individual who gave so much of himself to serving our Nation, to providing care to his neighbors as a family physician, and to supporting our veterans. As a lifelong Hoosier, Dr. Bowen was born and raised in Indiana and later went on to receive his bachelor's and his medical degree from Indiana University. As a newly minted doctor, ``Doc,'' as he became known, courageously served in the U.S. Army from 1943 to 1946. During his service in World War II, he bravely tended wounded servicemen during the first wave of Allied troops in the invasion of Okinawa in 1945. After serving his country, Doc Bowen came home to Indiana and set up a family medical practice in his hometown of Bremen, Indiana. During his 26 years of private practice, he delivered over 3,000 babies in a town with a population of just over 4,500 people. It was during this time that he also became involved with Indiana politics. Rising all the way from local coroner to speaker of the Indiana House of Representatives and, eventually, one of our State's most popular Governors, Doc Bowen consistently won the trust and respect of Hoosiers with his patented bedside manner. As Governor, Doc Bowen drew upon his war experiences as a combat physician to improve healthcare services in Indiana by pioneering a statewide emergency medical services system. Upon leaving office in 1981, Doc Bowen served as a professor of medicine and director of undergraduate medical practice education at the IU Medical Center in Indianapolis. Doc Bowen returned to public service in 1985, when he answered the call of President Ronald Reagan to become the first doctor to serve as Secretary of the Department of Health and Human Services. There he spearheaded the Federal Government's response to the spread of AIDS, promoted public awareness of the dangers of the disease, and worked toward its eradication. Throughout his career, Doc Bowen was active in our community as a force for good and advocate for others. Most notably, Doc Bowen was an active member of the American Legion post in Bremen for 59 years. He was also a member of the VFW, the American Medical Association, and he sat on the board of the Lilly Endowment, a philanthropic organization based in Indianapolis. Through Doc Bowen's leadership on the Board of the Lilly Endowment, the Richard L. Roudebush Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center secured a $9.9 million charitable grant to construct a home for the families of veterans undergoing surgery at the center. As a doctor, Doc Bowen knew that love is a vital component of the healing process and that a family can't dedicate their time and energy to the recovery process when they have to worry about where their next meal might be coming from or where they might lay their heads at night while visiting their family members at the hospital. Unfortunately, in 2013, Doc Bowen passed away at the age of 95. Throughout his career, he touched so many Hoosiers and always worked to enrich the lives of others through selfless sacrifice, hard work, and dedication. The eulogy of Pastor Rhode at his funeral summed up Doc's life most eloquently when he said: ``He only sought to work for others. He took the talents and gifts God gave him and used them to his fullest.'' This is a lesson we all can learn from and is the reason I am proud to support this bill. I also want to thank all of my Hoosier colleagues from both sides of the aisle who signed on and support this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank my dear friend and colleague from California (Mr. Takano) for those remarks. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Indiana (Mrs. Walorski). She is my dear friend from northern Indiana who has also served on the Veterans' Affairs Committee.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, before we conclude, I would like to take a moment to personally thank Chairman Miller for all that he has done throughout his tenure in the House of Representatives and in shepherding this bill. I also would like to thank his staff who have helped us bring this bill to the floor. The people of Florida's First Congressional District couldn't have asked for a more dedicated public servant. The work that Chairman Miller has done to advance the rights and care of veterans is truly remarkable. Whether it was in the trenches of war for Doc Bowen or in political office or at his doctor's office, Doc Bowen had a clear passion for serving others. However, he always reserved a special place in his heart for his fellow veterans, like Chairman Miller. That is why it is only appropriate that the house--the home--that he helped build for veterans and their families carry his name and serve as a permanent reminder of the character and fortitude of this legendary man. Mr. Speaker, I, once again, urge passage today. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 524, I was unavoidably detained at an Ethics Committee meeting. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.'' Stated against:

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Tamika Catchings, an Indiana Basketball Hall of Famer and four-time Olympic gold medalist. Catchings is a 15-year veteran of WNBA's Indiana Fever, an inspirational leader in our Hoosier community, and a strong advocate for kids everywhere to achieve their dreams. Tamika's athletic prowess debuted early, while in high school she completed the first ever quintuple-double which is 25 points, 18 rebounds, 11 assists, 10 steals, and 10 blocks in one game. This feat has only ever been performed twice. In college, Tamika played under the legendary Pat Summit for the University of Tennessee Lady Vols. During her time with the Lady Vols Tamika was named a College National Champion and a four-time All American. Following college, she entered the WNBA draft where the Indiana Fever drafted her as their first-round pick. It has been a pleasure to watch the WNBA's Indiana Fever grow from a fledgling team during my time on the Fever's Advisory Board to the flourishing program it is today. Tamika has spent her entire career with the Fever and she has certainly been a key driver of growth and success for the team. She led them to their first WNBA Championship in 2012, where she was named MVP. Tamika was the 2002 season's rookie of the year. She's a 10-time WNBA All-Star, a five-time WNBA Defensive Player of the Year, and a 2011 league MVP. WNBA fans placed her in the Top 15 WNBA players in history while her fellow players echoed these sentiments and elected her to serve as President of the WNBA Player Association for the 2012 season. As well as playing for Indiana's Fever, this summer Tamika competed in the 2016 Olympics and as a member of Team USA, earned her fourth Olympic gold medal. She truly is one of the greatest female basketball players of all time. Tamika has been recognized not only as an exemplary player for the Fever, but as an invaluable contributor to women's basketball overall. She was recently selected to be the first woman to receive the National Civil Rights Museum Sports Legacy Award. The Women's Blue Chip Basketball League at their 10th Year Anniversary in 2015 awarded Tamika as a Trailblazer; she was one of ten female basketball icons to receive this award. And she is a two-time Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award winner. Off the court, Tamika is passionate about helping others, especially young people. In her recently released autobiography, Catch a Star: Shining Through Adversity to Become a Champion, Tamika discusses her childhood struggles with bullying as well as her profound hearing loss. Through her determination to overcome these challenges, Tamika succeeded to change the course of her destiny through hard work and her love of basketball. Catch a Star is her story of triumph, and through her own journey Tamika recognized that she could make a difference in the lives of others. Twelve years ago, she founded the Catch the Stars Foundation, which aims to empower youth to achieve their dreams by promoting literacy, fitness, and mentoring. Catch the Stars Foundation works with youth throughout Indianapolis, specifically supporting and assisting under-served and low to moderate income communities throughout our city. On behalf of all Hoosiers, I'd like to congratulate Tamika on her success on and off the court, and wish her and her new husband, Parnell, the best as she begins the next incredible chapter of her life.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Paul Usher on the occasion of his retirement. From 2008 to 2016, Paul has served as President and CEO of Marion General Hospital in Marion, Indiana. In his eight years as the system's President, Paul has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to superior patient care and ensuring Marion General Hospital's growth and success. The people of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District are forever grateful for Paul's dedication to making Marion General Hospital a great place to work, practice medicine, and receive exceptional health care. Before taking the role as President and CEO at Marion General, Paul had a long history of devoting his time to bettering the lives of Hoosiers and improving his community. Paul is a native of Marion, Indiana and graduated from Ball State University where he earned a Bachelor's Degree in Accounting. Shortly after graduating he received a Certified Public Accountant certificate and quickly emerged to be a leader within the financial community. He became a member of both the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants and the Indiana CPA Society. Paul's ambition and passion led him to continue growing in his role in the financial world and his expertise led him to the healthcare field. He became a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives (FACHE), the nation's leading professional society for healthcare leaders, as well as a Fellow of the Healthcare Financial Management Association (HFMA), the nation's leading membership organization for healthcare financial management executives and leaders, which he has been a member of for nearly 44 years and previously served as President of the Indiana Chapter. Though Paul has an extensive and impressive background, his most notable accomplishments are connected to his work at Marion General Hospital. For 34 years, he has been an integral part of making Marion General the successful organization it is today. Prior to taking the role as CEO and President in 2008, Paul served the healthcare system as Chief Financial Officer. Throughout his tenure at the helm of the longtime community institution, Paul has emphasized relationships as the hospital's key to success. This emphasis cultivated a culture of exceptional patient care and made it a wonderful place to work. In 2012, Marion General Hospital received the prestigious honor as a Fire Starter hospital from the Studer Group. A Fire Starter hospital is one which ignites the flame of excellence by embracing the foundational principles of working together, developing relationships, caring for one another and extending true compassion to others. Since its beginning in 1896, Marion General Hospital has grown immensely and because of strong leadership from people like Paul, the hospital continues to provide exceptional healthcare to the people of Grant County over a century later. Paul's commitment to the highest standard of care and success as a leader has not gone unnoticed; he has received numerous accolades. Most notably, Paul was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash (2016) for his exceptional leadership, devotion to his organization, and making significant contributions to the great Hoosier state. He also received the Stanley A. Pressler Award from the Indiana Healthcare Financial Management Association, the most honorable award bestowed by the Indiana HFMA chapter. Paul has devoted himself to attaining the vision he set out for the hospital when he began his career with Marion General, and over the past several years he has achieved that vision. He leaves behind a strong legacy at Marion General Hospital and throughout the Hoosier community, especially Grant County. On behalf of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District, I'd like to congratulate Paul on his remarkable career and extend a huge thank you for all of the wonderful contributions he has made to Marion General Hospital and the Grant County Community. I wish the very best to Paul and his wife, Marsha, as he enjoys a well-deserved retirement.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, 1 in 4 adults, a total of 61.5 million Americans, will experience mental illness within a given year. The numbers alone don't tell the stories behind the deeply personal pain that this disease inflicts on our friends, neighbors, and, most importantly, their families. Today, I am proud to stand with the gentleman from Pennsylvania in support of this strong bipartisan bill. He has truly championed the first major mental health reform in this country in 50 years. Right now, our healthcare system does not allow families of those suffering from mental illness to become partners in their health care, and this bill ensures that adult patients struggling with mental illness will receive the healthcare treatment they need, while allowing their families to become close partners in their care. It expands the mental health workforce and increases the number of psychiatric hospital beds for those experiencing an acute mental health crisis. This legislation is a significant, important step toward comprehensive, community-based care that will work better for people and, most importantly, their families. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 357, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.'' Amendment No. 2 Offered by Mr. Duffy

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. W. Dwight Armstrong on the occasion of his retirement from the National FFA Organization and Foundation. For the past several years, Dwight has devoted his life to providing an exceptional educational experience to young leaders interested in agriculture. Located in Indianapolis, Indiana, the National FFA Center is home to the National FFA Organization, an organization committed to the individual student, providing a path to achievement in premier leadership, personal growth, and career success through agricultural education, and the National FFA Foundation, which builds partnerships with industry, education, government, foundations and individuals to secure resources for the future of education, agriculture and student leader development. The National FFA Organization and Foundation flourished immensely under Dwight's strong leadership and the Hoosier community is forever grateful for his dedication to our country's future leaders. Dwight has demonstrated a lifetime passion for agriculture and the growth of our country. Growing up on a small farm right outside of Kuttawa, Kentucky, his love for agriculture began at a young age. He attended Lyon County High School, where he was an active leader in the National FFA Organization. Upon graduating high school, he went on to pursue higher education in this vital field of study. He received his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture from Murray State University in 1971. After receiving his bachelor's, Dwight relocated to the Hoosier state to attend Purdue University, where he received his Master's and PhD in Animal Science in 1973 and 1975, respectively. Before he began his tenure with the National FFA Organization and Foundation, he served in a number of positions that helped prepare him for his role as the leader of the National FFA. From 1975 to 1982, Dwight served as faculty in the Animal Sciences Department at North Carolina State University and was engaged with teaching, research, and extension work in swine nutrition. From 1982-2000, he held a number of leadership roles and eventually became President at Ackey Inc. in Ohio, a company providing nutritional solutions for animals and livestock throughout the United States. When Ackey was acquired by Provimi, a public company based out of the Netherlands, Dwight continued progressing with the company. From 2000 to 2008, Dwight served as CEO of North American Nutrition Companies, Director of the Americas, and eventually became Vice President of the Global Group. In this last role, he lived in the Netherlands and had operational responsibilities for Provimi's businesses in the Americas, France and Switzerland, and also served as a global innovation leader. In 2008, he retired from Provimi and started his own consulting business with a focus on animal nutrition and agribusiness, and finally, in 2009, Dwight joined the National FFA Organization as its COO and was later named CEO. In 2014, he was also named CEO of the National FFA Foundation and served both the Organization and the Foundation in a joint appointment. Dwight's extensive and diverse background in the agriculture world made him an impeccable candidate to lead the National FFA. During his seven-year tenure, he has overseen an era of dramatic growth and success. Under his leadership, the organization increased participation exponentially and achieved an all-time record high membership of 629,367. This increase in student participation led to a vast increase in attendance at the National FFA Convention & Expo, making it the largest annual student gathering in the nation. He also solidified close collaboration and complementary strategic direction for both the National FFA Organization and the National FFA Foundation. The National FFA Foundation achieved record results in their annual fundraising efforts and campaigns. These notable records set under Dwight's guidance exemplify the significant and essential contributions he made to both the National FFA Organization and Foundation. Dwight's success as a leader in agriculture and astonishing dedication to our future farmers and leaders has not gone unnoticed. He has received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Distinguished Agricultural Alumni Award from Purdue (1995), American Society of Animal Science Fellow Award (2000), Outstanding Agriculture Alumni Award from Murray State University (2002), Honorary American FFA Degree (2005), National FFA VIP Award (2006), Distinguished Alumnus Award from Murray State University (2007), and the Distinguished Service Award from the American Feed Industry Association (2009). Due to his outstanding guidance and service, he has been asked to serve on a variety of agricultural and not-for-profit boards throughout the years, including the American Society of Animal Science board (1996- 1998), Animal Agricultural Alliance board of trustees (1998-2001), American Feed Industry Association board (1998-2001), National FFA Foundation Sponsors' Board (2000-2005), Professional Services board (2009-present), Mathile Institute board (2011-present), and Shoulder to Shoulder board (2012-present). Agriculture is an essential part of not only our nation, but the entire world. Dwight has made a remarkable impression on the world of agriculture and the future leaders of our great nation. He left a legacy of success that will continue to be seen through the work and efforts of our young farmers and future leaders for decades to come. On behalf of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District, I'd like to congratulate Dwight on his noteworthy career and extend a huge thank you for all the wonderful contributions he has made to the Hoosier community and our country as a whole. I wish the very best to Dwight, his wife, Judy, and their family as he enjoys a well-deserved retirement.

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana

Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Tom Snyder on the occasion of his retirement from Ivy Tech Community College. For the past nine years, Tom has devoted his life to providing an exceptional educational experience to the students of Ivy Tech. Ivy Tech flourished immensely under Tom's strong leadership, and the Hoosier community is forever grateful for his dedication to our state and country's future leaders. Tom has demonstrated a lifetime passion for serving his community and country. As a lifelong resident of Anderson, Indiana, Tom graduated St. Mary's High School. He attended Kettering University in Flint, Michigan, formerly known as General Motors Institute, and graduated in 1967 with a degree in mechanical engineering. He later earned a master's degree in business administration from Indiana University after having served as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force for 6 years. He applied his passion for learning and education to his service in the Air Force, working in research and development at various locations such as Vandenberg and Andrews Air Force Bases as well as the Pentagon. Before serving as President of Ivy Tech, Tom worked as a business executive in the engineering sector. He was CEO of Anderson-based auto-parts maker Remy International Inc., which in 1994 spun off from General Motors Corp., where he'd spent the previous 20 years. Tom became President of Ivy Tech in 2007, right as our country was headed into the Great Recession of 2008. Though he did not have a long history in the higher education world, Tom was uniquely qualified for the job as his years of leading manufacturing companies gave him a pronounced understanding of the critical importance of preparing a trained workforce for the Hoosier economy. Under Tom's leadership, Ivy Tech Community College grew exponentially, both in student enrollment and programming. Ivy Tech, which serves more than 175,000 students annually at 32 campuses across Indiana, is now the largest institution of higher education in Indiana and the nation's largest singly-accredited statewide community college system. Throughout his tenure as President, Tom redefined the educational experience provided at Ivy Tech. He reengineered and enhanced the college experience by implementing numerous program expansions and initiatives allowing for more educational pathways for students. Ivy Tech's duel credit program, which allows students to get a jump start on college by earning college credits while still in high school, has vastly grown under his guidance, increasing from 8,000 dual credit enrollments to over 50,000 enrolled today. Tom was able to fully develop new pathways for higher education for students including transfer credits between Ivy Tech and many four-year institutions. The number of students transferring from Ivy Tech Community College to public institutions in Indiana increased by 165 percent, equating to about 13,000 students per year. Tom's wife, Bobbette, who is also a proud Anderson native, shares Tom's passion for education. She served as Executive Director of the Leadership Academy of Madison County for more than 22 years until she retired in 2014. She's also served as Co-Chair of the Circle of Ivy, a women's philanthropy circle at Ivy Tech aimed at cultivating and celebrating women as philanthropists and has been hugely influential in ensuring the program's success. Tom and Bobbette display a clear dedication and love for the entire Hoosier community, especially their hometown of Anderson. They have been instrumental in providing excellence in education for decades and in doing so have positively impacted the lives of countless Hoosiers. Tom's success as a leader and astonishing dedication to higher education in Indiana has not gone unnoticed. He's received numerous awards, most notably the prestigious Sagamore of the Wabash from Governor Mike Pence (2016), Orr-O'Bannon Lifetime Achievement Award from the Indiana Economic Development Association (2014), Outstanding Achievement Award from The Greater Indianapolis Branch NAACP 3053 (2014), and was selected as a 2015 Champion of Diversity by Indiana Minority Business Magazine. He's engaged with non-profits and is a member of the Tocqueville Society of United Way, was selected to serve on numerous educational boards including the Community College Advisory Panel, Midwestern Higher Education Compact, the Indiana Career Council, and Academic Advisory Council, as well as boards focused on the growth of the community and manufacturing workforce such as Conexus, Energy Systems Network, Manufacturing Skill Standards Council, Auto Communities Network, Enerl, Rebuilding America's Middle Class, Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, Lightweight Innovations for Tomorrow, and the National Workforce Solutions Advisory Board. Additionally, he's a member of the Executive Committee for the Indiana State Chamber, the Executive Council of the Saint Theodore Guerin High School in Noblesville, the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and serves on the board of the Paramount Theater in Anderson. In 2008, the Manufacturing Institute selected Tom to serve on their Education Council, the first-ever national education council focused on expanding and enhancing the manufacturing workforce, and most recently in 2015, he was appointed by President Barack Obama to serve on the College Promise Advisory Board, which is a coalition focused on promoting ideas for free community college. I had the pleasure of working with Tom when I served as Senior Vice President and General Counsel for Ivy Tech from 2007 to 2012. His leadership and passion for helping others succeed was truly inspirational and I feel fortunate to call him a dear friend. Tom has left a lasting impact on the lives of students, faculty, and the Ivy Tech community. He and Bobbette have made a remarkable impression throughout the state of Indiana and left a legacy of success that will be built upon for years to come. On behalf of Indiana's Fifth Congressional District, I'd like to congratulate Tom on his notable career and extend a huge thank you for all the wonderful contributions he has made to the Hoosier community. I wish the very best to Tom, Bobbette, their four children, and ten grandchildren the best as they begin their next adventure in our community they have worked so hard to make a wonderful place.