Don Bacon

Mr. BACON

Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall No. 117.

Mr. BACON

Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the President's hypocrisy when it comes to the debt ceiling. He opposed raising the debt ceiling three different times. Here are some of those quotes when he voted to oppose debt ceiling increases. He said, ``My vote against the debt limit increase cannot change the fact that we have incurred this debt already, and will no doubt incur more.'' He also said, ``It's a statement that I refuse to be associated with the policies that brought us to this point.'' He also said, ``There is just so much of our debt that other nations want to hold. The more of it they accumulate, the closer we are to the day when they will not want any more.'' He also said, ``Our interest rates will go up, the value of their U.S. bonds will drop, and we will have big problems.'' The roots of that threat lie in the disastrous policies of this administration. I could go on and on. It is all in the Congressional Record. Three times he has opposed raising the debt ceiling. The way you spell hypocrisy when it comes to the debt ceiling is simple. It is B-I- D-E-N.

Mr. BACON

Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman Lamborn for organizing this Special Order. I thank God for the Bible. The Bible is God's Word, and it tells us who God is, that He loves us, that He made us and created the world, that He has an eternal plan for us. The Bible gives me hope. It teaches me how to live, love, forgive, be humble, have self-control, and to be kind. It has given me life's roadmap and a compass to steer me right. Knowing God's eternal plan and that He gave guidelines on how to live, gives me meaning in life. Without meaning, I would not have been able to face the darkest days of my life, like when I lost my best friend and sister. I have lost four siblings and my mom. Without God, I would not have been able to move forward on many of these days. One of my favorite hymns says: ``I can face tomorrow because He lives.'' My theme verse, that comes from Matthew, says: Do not store up treasures on Earth, where moth and rust can destroy and where thieves break in and steal. But store up treasures for yourselves in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. When I was deployed in Iraq in 2007 and 2008 and we were losing so many soldiers, brothers and sisters in arms, I thought of this other verse from Matthew every single day: ``Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.'' I knew al-Qaida and the Shia militias could possibly kill me, but I was assured that my soul was secure with God. When things are not going well, I think of Paul's words when God told him: ``My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.'' Now that I am in political office, I often apply this verse, one I overlooked much of my life: ``Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.'' We are all imperfect and need God's redemption. Thankfully, God sent His only Son to take the punishment of the sins we commit. He saved us. The Bible says that when we put our faith in Him, we are redeemed. John Newton famously wrote: ``When we've been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun, we've no less days to sing God's praise than when we'd first begun.''

Mr. BACON

Mr. BACON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Michelle Waite for her lifetime of dedication to the Great State of Nebraska, the University of Nebraska--Lincoln, and our military and veteran community. After twenty-four remarkable years, Michelle is retiring after a career of incredible service to our university and the citizens of our state. Michelle hails from Cody, a town in the beautiful Sand Hills of Nebraska and she completed her undergraduate education at Doane College in Crete. She also earned a Master of Legal Studies Degree from the University of Nebraska College of Law. In addition, Michelle is the proud mother of Cody and Logan, and we are grateful to Cody for his service in our Armed Forces. Since 1998, Michelle Waite has served in the office of the chancellor where she currently works as the Assistant to the Chancellor for Government and Military Relations. In that role, she serves as the principal advisor to UNL Chancellor Ronnie Green. In 1987, Michelle went to work for former Speaker of the Legislator, Ron Withem of Papillion, serving as his Legislative Assistant until his retirement in 1997. Following Speaker Withem's retirement, Michelle went on to work for State Senator Ron Raikes until she was hired in 1998 as the Associate to UNL Chancellor James Moeser. Michelle Waite has been an impactful and transformative leader during her tenure for our university and her work has changed the lives of people all over our state. She has worked for three different chancellors as their principal advisor, helping guide the University in its relationships with many different external constituencies, including federal, state, and local agencies. In that capacity, she has been responsible for the strategic management of the University's legislative agenda, and she has worked as the primary representative tasked with interfacing with our unique single house legislature, affectionately known by many as the Unicameral. I am also appreciative of the advice she has provided my team in the years since I first took office. Considering that we just celebrated Veterans Day, I also want to highlight Michelle's outstanding contributions for our military and veteran community. As the school where General of the Armies John J. Pershing served as the Commandant of Cadets, the University of Nebraska--Lincoln has a proud and long military tradition that has produced countless men and women charged with leading our Armed Forces. During her tenure, Michelle Waite has been responsible for supervising the campus ROTC units and she has been liaison with all branches of the military, as well as with our veteran community. As a military parent, Michelle carries that unique perspective shared by countless military families and this has helped further inform her leadership over the course of many years. From her efforts towards the adoption of academic regalia denoting military service to helming the Veterans Tribute to memorialize our veterans in the heart of campus, Michelle's impact on the campus military community will be long enduring. Michelle played a critical role in helping the University adopt a resident tuition program for non-resident service members and she has been a leader in the effort to provide enhanced benefits for disabled service members and their families. Under her guidance, UNL established the Military and Veteran Success Center in 2015 which has become a valuable resource providing professional, educational, and personal services for our entire student veteran population. Nebraska's Memorial Stadium was built in honor of those Nebraskans who fought in the war to end all wars and originally the stadium displayed plaques recognizing those Nebraskans who paid the ultimate price. In order to ensure their memory never fades, Michelle led the effort to create replacements for the long-lost original plaques. Now, those new plaques honoring those Nebraskans who fought and died in World War I greet all visitors who enter this special monument for freedom. She also helped pave the way for veterans to be recognized during football games, with a video tribute for one veteran during the second quarter of every home game and she was the driving force behind the POW/MIA Chair now on display in Memorial Stadium. Finally, Michelle topped off her career by spearheading the multimillion-dollar Veterans Tribute monument dedicated on September 11th of this year in the heart of campus. Whether it is working with the military or serving as an advisor to collegiate organizations like UNL's Innocents Society, Michelle Waite has had a positive impact on students, faculty, and citizens from every corner of our state. I thank Michelle for her faithful service and leadership for all of Nebraska and I congratulate her and her family on a well-earned retirement.

Mr. BACON

Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Sergeant Dennis L. Pavlik, who is believed to be the last living Korean war POW from Nebraska. Sergeant Pavlik joined the United States Army in October of 1952 when he was inducted at Fort Omaha in Nebraska. Sergeant Pavlik was then assigned to B Company, the 22nd Armored Engineer for artillery basic training, which he completed at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas. Following his completion of basic training, Sergeant Pavlik was assigned to C Battery, the 555 Field Artillery, also known as the Triple Nickel. Sergeant Pavlik then moved to a variety of locations across Korea, finally landing near Kumsong in a location known as the Kumsong Salient. It was there, on the night of July 13, 1953, that Sergeant Pavlik's artillery was under intense enemy counter barrage ending in the eventual imprisonment of multiple United States soldiers. Sergeant Pavlik and his fellow soldiers were then forced to march north to a POW camp the Chinese referred to as Camp Six. It was here Sergeant Pavlik spent 42 days as a prisoner of war, which he has referred to as ``the longest 6 weeks of my life.'' Sergeant Pavlik stated the most important lesson he learned during those 6 weeks is the knowledge of freedom. As the war in Korea ended, Sergeant Pavlik was then released from Camp Six and eventually returned to United States soil on August 25, 1953, just 1 month after the official end of the Korean war. Sergeant Pavlik ended his military service on July 20, 1954, and was awarded the Bronze Star with the ``V'' for Valor Device, the Good Conduct Medal, the POW Medal, National Defense Service Medal, the Korean Service Medal with two Battle Stars, United Nations Service Medal, and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation. Today, he resides in Omaha, Nebraska, with his wife, Luella, and has three children and five grandchildren. Sergeant Pavlik also serves as the Post Commander for the American Ex-Prisoner of War Department of Nebraska. It is with great honor that I recognize the last-known prisoner of war survivor for the Korean war, and my good friend, Nebraska Sergeant Dennis L. Pavlik.

Mr. BACON

Mr. BACON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge someone I have the privilege of calling both a friend and close colleague. Josh Nass is a leader in both the Jewish and pro-Israel communities, and someone whose contributions to strengthening our nation's alliance with the State of Israel has been critical to fostering the US-Israel relationship. As Israel finds itself under constant attack on the battlefield, it is incumbent upon members of this chamber to speak out in her defense. But sadly Israel is not just the subject of a military war; but also facing a continuous onslaught of attack in the public domain. Intellectually dishonest movements such as the Boycott Divestment & Sanctions campaign have exposed Israel's detractors for their unmitigated hate toward a country whose contributions to the Western world are enumerable. For that reason I believe it to be fitting for leaders such as Josh who fearlessly stand up for our nation's lone friend and ally in the Middle East to be recognized for having the courage of their convictions to speak truth to power. For his fearless advocacy on Israel's behalf, Josh was recently honored alongside Secretary of State Pompeo with the Builder of Jerusalem Award. Among the distinguished government officials who recognized him for his award was The State Department's former Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, Heather Nauert. Josh is also involved in a myriad of social and public policy endeavors designed to advance a more muscular American foreign policy, while ensuring our nation's steadfast support for Israel remains unwavering. Among these commitments is his service as the Treasurer of The Israel Heritage Foundation, an organization dedicated to strengthening Israel's security and combatting bigotry and antisemitism in all forms.

Mr. BACON

Mr. BACON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the last living Korean War POW from Nebraska, Corporal Dennis L. Pavlik. Corporal Pavlik joined the United States Marine Corp in October of 1952 when he was inducted at Fort Omaha in Nebraska. Corporal Pavlik was then assigned to B Company, 22nd Armored Engineer for artillery basic training which he completed at Camp Chaffee, Arkansas. Following his completion of basic training, Corporal Pavlik was assigned to C Battery, 555 Field Artillery also known as the ``Triple Nickel.'' Corporal Pavlik then moved to a variety of locations across Korea finally landing near Kumsong in a location known as the Kumsong Salient. It was there, on the night of July 13, 1953, that Corporal Pavlik's artillery battery was under an intense enemy counter barrage ending in the eventual imprisonment of multiple United States Marines. Corporal Pavlik and his fellow marines were then forced to march north to a POW camp the Chinese referred to as Camp Six. It was here Corporal Pavlik spent 42 days as a Prisoner of War, which he has referred to as ``the longest six weeks of my life.'' Corporal Pavlik stated the most important lesson he learned during those six weeks is the knowledge of freedom. As the war in Korea ended, Corporal Pavlik was released from Camp Six and eventually returned to United States soil on August 25, 1953, just two days before the official end of the Korean War. Corporal Pavlik ended his military service on July 20, 1954, and was awarded the Bronze Star with the ``V'' for valor device, Good Conduct Medal, POW Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Korean Service Medal with two Battle Stars, United Nations Service Medal, and the Korean Presidential Unit Citation. Today, he resides in Omaha, Nebraska with his wife Luella and has three children and five grandchildren. Corporal Pavlik also serves as the Post Commander for the American Ex-Prisoner of War Department of Nebraska. It is with great honor that I recognize the last known Prisoner of War survivor from the Korean War--Nebraska Corporal Dennis L. Pavlik.

Mr. BACON

Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the hard work and accomplishments of my friend and former Congressman, Brad Ashford, who passed away April 19, 2022. Brad began his career in politics by faithfully serving in the Nebraska State legislature for 16 years, focusing on ways to solve problems in education, labor, and urban affairs. After being elected to represent the Second Congressional District of Nebraska, Brad worked hard to advance multiple bills in support of veterans. He was a co-sponsor of the Border Jobs for Veterans Act of 2015, which helped veterans find sustainable employment and apply their skills to work for Customs and Border Patrol. He also co-sponsored the Wounded Warriors Federal Leave Act of 2015, which allowed veterans with a service-related disability to take an increased amount of time to seek treatment and heal as needed. Brad will most be remembered when people drive by the nearly 2-year- old Ambulatory Care Clinic at Omaha's VA Hospital. This facility, funded through a public-private partnership, was largely the result of Brad's efforts to craft and pass the CHIP In for Vets Act of 2016. This innovative legislation was a first of its kind that enables the use of Federal funds to be matched with privately raised donations. Brad and I became friends after 2016 and we worked together to see the project come to fruition. This past September, I was humbled to carry on his legacy by passing the reauthorization of this important legislation. It was Brad's mission to ensure all constituents of the Nebraska community felt well-represented. Throughout his tenure in Congress, Brad consistently sought to reach across the aisle and advocate for bipartisan legislation, highlighting that Representatives are not only capable of working together, but must do so to advance our Nation, and we do this regardless of ideology or political party. He was a problem-solver and a man of action. Even after his time in Congress, he continued to advocate and educate the public on justice- engaged youth, including our last project together finding pathways to careers that could reintegrate them as productive members of our community and reduce recidivism. I salute and thank Brad for his leadership, mentorship, and friendship. We went from being political adversaries to great friends. It is my hope that we all carry on Brad's legacy of civility, compassion, and cooperation. I personally will miss the optimistic and hopeful conversations with my friend that we frequently enjoyed. My heart goes out to his wife, Ann, his children; John, Ellie, and Tom; his granddaughter, Rosie; and his many loved ones. We are eternally grateful for all that Brad has done for our Nation. Honoring Nebraska Senator Tom Brewer

Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, in honor of Native American Heritage Month, I rise to recognize the dedication and accomplishments of Senator Tom Brewer, a veteran with 37 years of service, including six tours to Afghanistan, two Purple Hearts, and a Bronze Star. His experiences show resilience and true patriotism as he holds the title of the first senator of Native American descent to serve in Nebraska's unicameral. He was first elected in 2016 and represents the 13 counties of District 43 in the western Nebraska Sandhills. Senator Tom Brewer is a member of the Oglala Lakota Sioux and grew up on the Pine Ridge Reservation before he enlisted in the Nebraska Army National Guard. He attended college at Doane University in Crete on an ROTC scholarship and continued to serve us internationally as he fought on behalf of our freedoms in Afghanistan. Although gravely wounded in his final tour, Senator Brewer did not let this injury prevent him from fighting for his country through public service. After serving nearly four decades, Senator Brewer retired from the Army and was then elected to the Nebraska unicameral. His inclusion represents how far we have come as a State, as well as the ways that we as people can come together in the future to uphold the proposition that all men are created equal. Since his time in office, he has worked on legislation that improves veterans' affairs and agriculture policy to help all Nebraskans. Senator Brewer continues to advocate for farmers and ranchers, servicemen and women, and fights to protect our constitutional rights. He has just returned from 2 months in Ukraine doing humanitarian relief in the Kharkiv region. Though he has faced much adversity, he has managed to overcome it and use his experiences to create new standards in Nebraska's government. We thank him for his service and honor him for paving the way for all Native Americans.

Mr. BACON

Mr. BACON. Madam Speaker, I rise today during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month to recognize women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer and have either survived or unfortunately lost their hard-fought battle. A rare but deadly disease, only approximately 19,880 women will receive a new diagnosis this year--this past March, our Communications Director Danielle Jensen was one of them. The deadliest of the reproductive cancers, only 20 percent are diagnosed early in Stages I or II, with a five-year survival rate of over 93 percent. Unfortunately, the majority of cases are diagnosed in Stages Ill or IV, when the survival rate can be as low as 30 percent. The risk of a woman getting ovarian cancer is about 1 in 78 in her lifetime and it is estimated that 12,810 women will lose their lives to ovarian cancer this year. Fortunately, Danielle was diagnosed as Stage II and recently completed chemotherapy. There are several factors that can increase the risk of ovarian cancers. Age is the biggest one. Half of all ovarian cancers are found in women 63 years of age and older. Another is if a woman has never carried a pregnancy to full-term or had a child after the age of 35. Hormone replacement therapy, a family history of ovarian, breast or colorectal cancer, or a personal history of breast cancer are also risk factors. There is no reliable screening or diagnostic test for ovarian cancer, and it cannot be detected during a pap smear, so it is important to know the signs and symptoms. This includes back pain, bloating, frequent urination, feeling full quickly after eating, fatigue, upset stomach-heartburn-or constipation, pelvic or abdominal pain, or changes in menstrual cycles. While these symptoms are most likely not signs of cancer, they should be of concern if they don't go away after two weeks following normal interventions such as changing diet and exercise, laxatives, or rest. It is because of this that ovarian cancer is often referred to as ``the silent killer.'' There are different treatments for ovarian cancer. Danielle had surgery and she went through six cycles of chemotherapy to kill any cancer cells that may have been left. Some women will also undergo radiation to treat it. What can lower the risk of ovarian cancer? Women who have been pregnant and carried to term before the age of 26, and each full-term pregnancy lowers the risk. Some studies show that breastfeeding may lower the risk even further, as well as using birth control pills. Finally, we are thankful that Danielle was diagnosed when she was and is on the path to being a survivor. She said she credits God and her faith for keeping her motivation focused and strong, as well as her medical team at Estabrook Cancer Center, including Dr. Crotzer, her nurse navigator Emily and PA Lorna, and her infusion nurse Abbey. She also thanks her family, including her mom who went to every appointment and her daughter who would check in on Danielle when she heard her crying from the pain, and her friends who supported her every day.

Mr. BACON

Mr. BACON. Madam Speaker, I rise today during Hispanic Heritage Month to recognize Carolina Padilla and the Intercultural Senior Center in my district. Historically, National Hispanic Heritage Month has been a way to appreciate the contributions and influence Hispanic Americans have made to our history, culture, and achievements of the United States. I can think of no better way to recognize the achievements of Hispanic Americans in our district than by recognizing Carolina and the Intercultural Senior Center, which provides language interpretation, cultural insight, community events, as well as social workers, to better connect community members with outside resources. Carolina, who was born in Guatemala City, immigrated to Omaha, Nebraska, in 1993 with her husband and three children. She then started her career in the United States by spending 12 years working for One World Community Health Center, a nonprofit primary healthcare facility. During her time at One World, she worked in a variety of health departments in both administrative and leadership positions. Additionally, she worked for Catholic Charities, where she was the director of their Latina Resource Center. In this role, she worked to develop social service programs for women in need of assistance with English as their second language, as well as women facing issues of domestic violence. During this time, Carolina realized that one segment of the population, the Latino elders, were largely overlooked and underserved. Inspired by her aging family in Guatemala and her need to serve others within her own community, Carolina founded the Intercultural Senior Center in 2009 in the Latino neighborhood of South Omaha. The Intercultural Senior Center, however, has extended much farther than the Latino community as it now welcomes refugee communities, including Sudan, Somalia, Bhutan, Nepal, Afghanistan, Ukraine, and Burma, as well as native English speakers. Today, the Intercultural Senior Center is a unique place where seniors find enrichment and belonging, regardless of language, ethnicity, race, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and any other differences that too often create separation and isolation. As Omaha's population ages and becomes more diverse, Ms. Padilla's mission and the Intercultural Senior Center will continue to embrace the elderly and bring awareness to the community about the aging population. Congratulations again to Carolina Padilla and the Intercultural Senior Center on this amazing work you are doing within the Omaha community. Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month

Mr. BACON. Madam Speaker, I rise today during Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month to recognize women who have been diagnosed with ovarian cancer who have either survived or, unfortunately, lost their hard- fought battle. A rare but deadly disease, only about 19,880 women will receive a new diagnosis this year; but this past March, our communications director, Danielle Jensen was one of them. The deadliest of the reproductive cancers, only 20 percent are diagnosed early in stages I or II, with a 5-year survival rate of over 93 percent. Unfortunately, the majority of cases are diagnosed in stages III or IV, and the survival rate can be as low as 30 percent. The risk of a woman getting ovarian cancer is about 1 in 78 in her lifetime, and it is estimated that 12,810 women will lose their lives to ovarian cancer this year. Fortunately, Danielle was diagnosed at stage II and has recently completed chemotherapy. There are several factors that can increase the risk of ovarian cancer. Age is the biggest one. Half of all ovarian cancers are found in women 63 years of age and older. Another is if a woman has never carried a pregnancy to full term or had a child after the age of 35. Hormone replacement therapy, a family history of ovarian, breast, or colorectal cancer, or a personal history of breast cancer are also risk factors. There is no reliable screening or diagnostic test for ovarian cancer, so it is important to know the signs and symptoms, which includes back pain, bloating, frequent urination, feeling full quickly after eating, fatigue, upset stomach, heartburn, or constipation, pelvic or abdominal pain, or changes in the menstrual cycle. While these symptoms are most likely not signs of cancer, they should be of concern if they don't go away after two weeks following normal interventions such as changing diet and exercise. It is because of this that ovarian cancer is often referred to as the silent killer. There are different treatments for ovarian cancer. Danielle had surgery and she went through six cycles of chemotherapy to kill any cancer cells that may have been left. Some women will also undergo radiation to treat it. Finally, we are just thankful that Danielle was diagnosed early when she was and is on the path of being a survivor.

Mr. BACON

Mr. BACON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Amber Richardson who has recently been nominated for the Angels of Adoption Award. Historically, the Angels of Adoption program has celebrated individuals, couples, families, and organizations from across the nation who have made an extraordinary contribution on behalf of vulnerable children and families. Those recognized through Angels of Adoption represent a wide variety of individuals involved in the adoption, foster care, and the child welfare world. I am proud to nominate Amber for this award as she is the founder and CEO of Foster Love and has fostered 14 different children over her lifetime. In June 2020, Amber Richardson Founded Foster Love, an official 501c3 within my district in Omaha, that has made an extraordinary impact on the lives of foster children within our community since its creation. Their mission is to provide basic needs and opportunities for children in foster care, so they feel confident, empowered, and valued, and foster families feel supported. They have done this by opening a storefront boutique in which foster children can shop the latest trends in a welcoming, unique setting where merchandise is new, high quality, and free of cost. The store front offers multiple programs each month such as shopping days, appointments for emergency needs, and an art program called Artsy Kids. Amber and her husband, Matthew, have fostered 14 different children. Starting in 2007 they welcomed Trevor, their first foster child, into their home and later adopted him in order to give him a ``forever home''. This was the spark that led Amber to continue developing relationships within the foster community as well as volunteering and advocating on different foster panels. Amber has been a driving force within the Omaha foster care community; her drive and passion for this cause has been truly inspiring. Through Foster Love, Amber has built a vibrant community that helps support both foster children and their families. To date, Foster Love has served and supported over 800 children and foster parents, their work continues to expand and grow. Not only are these children provided with the necessary resources that they need to thrive on a daily basis, but they are also loved every step of the way. Foster Love exemplifies love and dignity, and I could not be happier to recognize Amber Richardson for the Angels of Adoption Award. I salute and thank Amber for her impression upon the Omaha community, which will be felt for years to come.

Mr. BACON

Mr. BACON. Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the formal partnership between the United States Air Force's 55th Wing and the Nebraska Air National Guard's 170th Group at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. The anniversary occurred on the 3rd of June this year and was the first-of-its kind as the oldest association between the Air National Guard and an active-duty combat-coded Air Force Wing. The first unit member of the 170th Group is now retired Air Force Air National Guard Major General Rick Evans who arrived at Offutt Air Force Base on June 3, 2002, to set up and command what was initially Detachment 1 of the Nebraska Air National Guard. Later, the 170th Group was formed to expand the mission capabilities of Detachment 1 into two squadrons: the 238th Combat Training Squadron which provided combat aircrew training support for the 55th Wing, and the 170th Operations Support Squadron which provided vital support to 55th Wing missions in the areas of weapons and tactics, intelligence, base operations, weather, and aviation resource management. The extraordinary 20-year partnership between the 170th Group and the 55th Wing has enabled and sustained combat and sensitive reconnaissance operations supporting the War on Terror and other national missions around the globe. Today, the 170th Group is preparing to expand its mission yet again with two additional squadrons that will expand its aircraft maintenance and intelligence support capabilities. I am truly honored as a former 55th Wing Commander to have witnessed firsthand the operational impacts of the 170th Group. These outstanding Airmen ensure the daily success of the 55th Wing's demanding global mission and are recognized across the Air Force community for their leadership in forging a world-class Active Duty and Air National Guard partnership. I salute the visionary leadership of those who designed the 170th Group over 20 years ago and all those who have served in its units to the present day. Congratulations on 20 years of success and the many more to come.

Mr. BACON

Mr. BACON. Madam Speaker, I rise to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the formal partnership between the United States Air Force's 55th Wing and the Nebraska Air National Guard's 170th Group at Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska. The anniversary occurred on the 3rd of June this year and was the first of its kind as the oldest association between the Air National Guard and an Active Duty combat-coded Air Force Wing. The first unit member of the 170th Group was now-retired Air Force Air National Guard Major General Rick Evans who arrived at Offutt Air Force Base on June 3, 2002, to set up and command what was initially Detachment 1 of the Nebraska Air National Guard. Later, the 170th Group was formed to expand the mission capabilities of Detachment 1 into two squadrons: the 238th Combat Training Squadron which provided combat aircrew training support for the 55th Wing, and the 170th Operations Support Squadron which provided vital support to 55th Wing missions in the areas of weapons and tactics, intelligence, base operations, weather, and aviation resource management. The extraordinary 20-year partnership between the 170th Group and the 55th Wing has enabled and sustained combat and sensitive reconnaissance operations supporting the war on terror and other national missions around the globe. Today, the 170th Group is preparing to expand its mission yet again with two additional squadrons that will expand its aircraft maintenance and intelligence support capabilities. I am truly honored as a former 55th Wing Commander to have witnessed firsthand the operational impacts of the 170th Group. These outstanding Airmen ensure the daily success of the 55th Wing's demanding global mission and are recognized across the Air Force community for their leadership in forging a world-class Active Duty and Reserve component partnership. I salute the visionary leadership of those who designed the 170th Group over 20 years ago and all those who have served in its units to the present day. Congratulations on 20 years of success and the many more to come.

Mr. BACON

Mr. BACON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Staff Sergeant Lillian LaDae Clamens, who was born on May 9, 1972, in Omaha, NE. As a proud graduate of Omaha's Central High School, Lillian enlisted in the United States Army, and served as an Administrative Assistant Specialist from 1990 to 2007, eventually attaining the rank of Staff Sergeant. During this time, she served at stations in Korea, Fort Leonard Wood in Missouri, Germany, Fort Sill in Oklahoma, and is a combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom. While enlisted, she took advantage of her travels where she encountered many different people and made lots of friends from diverse cultures. She greatly valued the different perspectives on life she learned from the people she met. Lillian was also an adored mother. She gave birth to her first son Ayinde in 1993 and later remarried to Sergeant Raymond Clamens and had two more children, Lana and Vitoria. As a devoted wife and a role model to her children, family was always at the center of her life. On October 10, 2007, Staff Sergeant Lillian Clamens was tragically killed by a mortar attack on Camp Victory in Baghdad, Iraq. At the time, she was 35 years old and had already served 17 years. Sergeant Clamens was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart. From the people who knew her best, Lillian was known as a woman who loved everyone who crossed her path and she demonstrated that when she sacrificed her own life to save others during the attack before she was tragically killed herself. As a soldier, she demonstrated the courage to defend American freedom, so that democracy may continue to grow and prosper for future generations to come. This past spring, I was glad to see the City of Omaha honor our hometown hero by renaming a stretch of Caldwell Street as ``Lillian Clamens (Cobbin) Street''. The renaming of this North Omaha street near where she grew up, will ensure our community carries on her legacy and brings recognition to Sergeant Clamens' heroic service and sacrifice for others. We owe Lillian and her family a debt of gratitude that we can never repay.

Mr. BACON

Mr. BACON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an Omaha landmark, a fixture in Omaha's history and in the furniture retail world--Nebraska Furniture Mart--on the occasion of their 85th anniversary. In 1937, Rose Blumkin started the Mart--as it is known to those in the community--with $500 in the basement of her husband's shop. Since then, four generations of the Blumkin family have worked at the retail giant which is now also located in Iowa, Kansas City and Texas. The largest retailer of home furnishings in North America, their flagship store hosts more than two million visitors a year, making it one of Nebraska's top tourists' attractions. Employing over 5000 workers, including 2000 in Omaha, the Mart contributed over $104 million in local payroll for the year 2020. In addition, it generates an average of $4.3 million in Omaha taxes and $24.4 million in state taxes. As we gather on this 85th anniversary, we look forward to celebrating 100 years and the growth that the Mart will continue to have in Omaha and across the nation. Despite its large growth, the Mart is connected to the community, where it has a large footprint. I believe Rose Blumkin would be proud to see what her $500 has grown into and the impact it has made in the lives of those who work or shop here and would be excited to see what the future has to bear. Congratulations to Nebraska Furniture Mart and the Blumkin family and I look forward to seeing their progress and growth 15 years from now.

Mr. BACON

Mr. BACON. Madam Speaker,I rise today to recognize David G. Brown, who is retiring from the Greater Omaha Chamber after 19 years of public service. David came to Omaha in 2003 after an already accomplished career, leading economic development organizations in the Midwest and South Carolina. Since coming to Omaha, he has overseen a period of extraordinary growth and prosperity within the business community that is nothing short of remarkable. Over the course of his career, as CEO of the Greater Omaha Chamber, the metro region has seen an 88 percent increase in average Gross Domestic Product. Since launching the Greater Omaha Economic Development Partnership, the Chamber has brokered 920 projects, which encompasses 47,000 jobs and $12 Billion in capital investments. For his efforts, the Omaha Chamber was deemed the Chamber of the Year in 2015 by the Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives. David began his career at Dartmouth, where he majored in geography and minored in environmental studies. While there, he won the 1978 Ivy League football championship, and was awarded the Earl Hamilton Award for friendliness and humor. While he recognizes Chambers as mechanisms for economic growth, he sees his role as that of a catalyst for growth within the community. David has continuously given back by volunteering at local service organizations such as the Aksarben Future Trust, the Boy Scouts of America, the Greater Omaha Alliance for Business Ethics, and Opera Omaha. David's tenure truly has embodied the motto of the Omaha Chamber: ``We Don't Coast''--David never let down his steam as he strived to bring the business community and the community at large to a place where people can prosper, and we can be very proud. After retiring, he plans to spend more time with his family, including his wife Maggie, of 39 years, and their two sons Gregory and Elijah, but there is no doubt that he will continue to contribute his time and services to Greater Omaha and all of Nebraska. I thank David for his service and contributions. It certainly does not go unnoticed, and the entire Greater Omaha Community is deeply in his debt.

Mr. BACON

Mr. BACON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to highlight the enduring friendship between the United States and Uzbekistan and to express my concern over the recent events that occurred in Karakalpakstan due to proposed constitutional amendments that revise Karakalpakstan's political position within Uzbekistan. Since Uzbekistan's independence from the Soviet Union in 1991, the world has witnessed its transformation from a once isolated and repressive nation into one that strives to modernize, address human rights concerns, ease political tension, and engage with the international community. I support Uzbekistan's sovereignty, independence, and efforts to implement democratic reforms. I am confident in Uzbekistan's ability to uphold the standards it has worked hard to attain in the face of this current challenge by protecting fundamental rights, including peaceful assembly and expression. I express my deepest condolences to the families of those who lost their lives and my sympathies to those injured. I applaud the great strides Uzbekistan has made to democratize and I urge all parties to seek peaceful resolution to these tensions. I look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship between our nations.

Mr. BACON

Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, I stand in strong opposition to this amendment and the extreme damage it would do to our national security. Need I mention that a nuclear-armed power just invaded its neighbor, a country that has modernized its ICBM force. Defunding the modernization of the land-based leg of our nuclear triad in this global environment should be unthinkable. Here are the facts. First, China is our pacing threat. It is on track to double its nuclear stockpile in the next decade, matching our ICBM force. At that rate, it may acquire the ability to strike all 400 US ICBM sites in one wave. Meanwhile, Russia is rattling its already modernized nuclear saber to coerce the U.S. and our allies. Defunding the ICBM modernization at a time like this sends a terrible message to our adversaries and to our allies. To our allies, can they trust us with the nuclear umbrella when we have ICBMs that are 50 years old? Secondly, our military leaders have stated there is zero margin left to delay modernization of this ground-based leg of our triad. The Minuteman III was built in the 1970s and had a designed lifespan of 10 years. Our airmen have worked miracles to sustain these weapons, but they have become far more expensive to maintain than to replace. The price tag for replacement is high, but it pales in comparison to a catastrophic consequence of failing in deterrence. Finally, the ground-based leg of our triad has never been more important. New technology is likely to end the invulnerability of our stealthy nuclear submarines, while advanced air defenses and air-to-air missiles threaten our bombers' ability to strike. ICBMs are always on alert. They are ready to strike anywhere, anytime. I recommend that we vote ``no'' on this amendment.

Mr. BACON

Mr. BACON. Madam Speaker, it is with great personal satisfaction that I commend the United States and Qatar on fifty years of diplomatic relations. During Operation Iraqi Freedom, I had the honor to command an expeditionary squadron that was based in Qatar. This enabled me to work closely with our Qatari allies, who worked closely with the American military. I gained great respect for their dedication to our shared missions. I was also able to establish friendships with a number of Qatari military leaders; relations that have been renewed every time I have visited Qatar in subsequent years. America's relationship with Qatar was not originally based upon military or strategic principles. In fact, when the United States first established diplomatic relations with Qatar 1971, the new Persian Gulf nation was hardly a military power. In 1916, Qatar became a British protectorate, which meant that Britain agreed to defend Qatar from all aggression by sea and support in case of a land attack. When Qatar declared its independence in September 1971, no one could have predicted that this small Persian Gulf nation would develop into an economic and strategic powerhouse. It is a tribute to leaders and its citizens that Qatar has accomplished so much in so many different areas. Much of the credit goes to the royal family and other political leaders who allocated spending on social programs, including housing, health, education, and pensions. Over time this enabled the relatively small population of Qatar to become better educated, healthier and committed to the welfare of the nation. Qatar's leaders were well aware of the nation's precarious position as a major energy supplier, but without the means to defend itself and its resources. Thus, the nation began to build up its defense capabilities. In 1991, Qatar played a significant role in the Gulf War, particularly during the Battle of Khafji in which Qatari tanks rolled through the streets of the town and engaged Iraqi troops. In addition, Qatar allowed coalition troops from Canada to use the country as an airbase to launch aircraft from Qatar. Qatar also permitted air forces from the United States and France to operate in its territories. In the aftermath of this, both nations agreed upon the need for a Defense Cooperation Agreement. This pact, which has subsequently been expanded, has served as the basis for military collaboration. In 1996, Qatar built Al Udeid Air Base at the cost of more than $1 billion. Significantly, military cooperation between the United States and Qatar continued to expand. In 2003, Qatar served as the U.S. Central Command headquarters and one of the main launching sites of the invasion of Iraq. As mentioned, I was able to participate in this operation. Al Udeid is now home to the largest U.S. military base in the Middle East. In a region sensitive about the presence of U.S. military forces, it is notable that Qatar is not only allowing expansion of Al Udeid, but also funding it and managing the construction. In fact, the Qatari government has provided over $8 billion in funding for al-Udeid Air Base since 2003. After renovations and expansions, Al Udeid can accommodate up to 120 aircraft and 10,000 troops. The Al Udeid Air Base has the longest runway in the Gulf region, about 5000 meters or 15,000 feet. President Joe Biden met in Washington with the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, on January 31, 2022. This meeting was the first that President Biden had with a regional leader since he became president. It was a clear signal that Washington views Doha as an important asset in the region. This was underscored when the President told the Emir that the United States would nominate Qatar as a ``Major Non-NATO Ally'' (MNNA). This MNNA status recognizes the bilateral security cooperation between the United States and Qatar has matured to the level beyond the already deep defense partnership that had developed and nourished over the course of decades. The MNNA status recognizes Qatar's growing responsibility as a strong and enduring U.S. partner in countering violent extremism, combating terrorism, and deterring external aggressors. It also reinforces U.S. military access to Qatari military facilities, allows prepositioning of U.S. armor and other military materiel, and supports U.S. training of Qatar's military forces. American officials have come to realize the potential Qatar offered to American interests in the region, both politically as well as militarily. Soon after the Gulf War, the emir announced his intention for Qatar to move more toward democracy and permitted more liberal press and municipal elections as a precursor to expected parliamentary elections. A new constitution was approved via public referendum in April 2003 and came into effect in June 2005. Economic, social, and democratic reforms occurred in the proceeding years. In 2003, a woman was appointed to the cabinet as minister of education. In October 2021, Qataris voted in the Gulf Arab state's first legislative elections for two-thirds of the advisory Shura Council, and turnout was over 63 percent. There were women candidates and women have been appointed to seats in the Council. Qatar has also been an invaluable asset on a number of diplomatic fronts. Qatar quietly assisted in ending the Israel-Hamas war in May 2021 and continues to be helpful in seeking to improve Israeli relations with Palestinians. Qatar is also working to reduce tensions between the United States and Iran. Without a doubt, Qatar's most significant diplomatic and humanitarian efforts were in the evacuation of more than 100,000 people from Afghanistan after the American withdrawal. Qatar was uniquely positioned because of its ability to speak to various parties on the ground and its willingness to escort people through Taliban-controlled Kabul. Qataris helped to vet individuals seeking to leave the country and organized aspects of their departure. Many of the flights that enabled people to flee were on Qatari airlines. In addition, a large percentage of the new refugees were brought to Qatar, which arranged housing and other shelter for them as well as food, medicine and other provisions. At one point, the Qatari military was proving over 50,000 meals per day to the newly arrived refugees. There are still thousands of Afghan refugees in Qatar, where they continue to receive much needed care and assistance. On September 7, 2021, only weeks after the American withdrawal from Afghanistan, Defense Secretary Lloyd J. Austin III and Secretary of State Antony Blinken flew to Doha to acknowledge the transit and care of the evacuees from Afghanistan and to thank Qatar for its vital assistance. Secretary Blinken complimented Qatar's efforts in the evacuation: ``. . . you've facilitated the safe transit of more than 55,000 people. That's nearly half of those who were evacuated in the entire evacuation from Kabul. These are massive numbers. And as I've said a number of times, we spend a lot of time back in Washington talking about numbers: the total number of evacuees, American citizens, and so forth. But you know better than anyone that behind each of these numbers is a real person, is a mother, a father, a sister, a brother, a son, a daughter.'' Qatar's role did not end with the evacuation. Since the United States does not recognize the Taliban dominated government in Afghanistan, all American interests in Afghanistan are now being handled by the Qatari Embassy and other offices in Kabul. While the military and diplomatic cooperation that has developed over the years is impressive and vital to the security interests of both nations, there are so many other areas in which the relations between our two nations have flourished over the course of the past fifty years. The United States and Qatar have extensive economic ties. As Qatar's largest foreign direct investor and its single largest source of imports, the United States has developed a robust trade relationship with Qatar, with over 120 U.S. companies operating in country. U.S. exports to Qatar increased by 47.7 percent from 2018 to 2019, totaling $6.5 billion in 2019. The United States is a leading equipment supplier and partner for Qatar's oil and gas industry, and U.S. companies have played a significant role in the development of the oil and gas sector. In addition to energy, U.S. companies also export to Qatar's defense, aviation, ICT, healthcare, food, and engineering/construction sectors. U.S. imports from Qatar include liquefied natural gas, aluminum, fertilizers, and sulfur. The United States and Qatar signed a trade and investment framework agreement and participate in annual bilateral Strategic Dialogues. Qatar announced plans to invest $45 billion in the United States, which will result in an additional 50,000 American jobs. But Qatar's financial dealings in the United States go well beyond investments and the import-export of goods and services. Qatar is extremely philanthropic. Qatar donated $100 million in aid to New Orleans after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast in August 2005. After Hurricane Harvey hit the state of Texas from August to September 2017, Qatar's donated $30 million in aid to help rebuild Texas. Qatar and Qatari foundations have also made significant donations to worthy causes as autism, both research and care for individuals. Qatar provides education for all of its citizens, and a majority of its college graduates are now women. Major education ties have been developed over the course of the fifty-year relationship. Annually, hundreds of Qatari students study in the United States. In addition, six U.S. universities have branch campuses in Qatar's Education City complex. There are Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts in Qatar (VCUQ), Weill Cornell Medical College in Qatar (WCMC-Q), Texas A&M University at Qatar (TAMUQ), Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q), Georgetown University School of Foreign Service in Qatar (SFS-Qatar), and Northwestern University. In sum, over the course of the fifty-year relationship, the United States and Qatar have developed military and strategic ties, cooperated on major diplomatic initiatives, enlarged financial and economic relations, supported worthy causes and educational advancement for students in both countries. Significantly, although our two nations located in different regions of the world, with different histories and cultures, they have been able to forge an enduring friendship based on many shared values. This will set the stage for the next fifty years and beyond.

Mr. BACON

Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Women's History Month and to honor Carol McBride Pirsch, who served 18 years in the Nebraska State legislature, and 8 years on the Douglas County Board of Commissioners. Through her various roles in Omaha, she has dedicated her time and service to bettering our community. As an Omaha native, she attended Beals Grade School, Central High School, and the University of Nebraska at Omaha. One of only three women in the 49 member Nebraska Unicameral, Carol's most notable accomplishments include protecting and informing victims of crime by providing guidance and support to pass the Crime Victims Bill of Rights and the Truth in Sentencing bills. In 1984 she was the first president of the Nebraska Coalition for Victims of Crime, an organization that established an ongoing statewide coalition for victims of crime, and a fund to establish victim/witness centers in Nebraska. She also worked to protect homeowners with legislation that prohibited a lien from being placed on a home if contractors failed to pay sub-contractors for their work. Carol valued the relationships she made while in office and believed most representatives were accessible, respectful, and willing to discuss issues. In the nonpartisan Nebraska Unicameral, she worked together to find solutions and pass bills that would benefit Nebraska statewide. Active in her community, she was a member of the Omaha Community Committee, the Juvenile Court Nominating Commission, the Mayor's Commission of the Status of Women, Omaha Jaycees, several parent- teacher associations, many women's civic organizations, and the Centris Federal Credit Union Board. She was also involved in the Order of Women Legislators, the Omaha Area Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, the YWCA, the Omaha Library Board, the Developmental Disabilities Council, the Women in Management Association, and the Nebraska Coalition for Victims of Crime. She did it all. Although retired, Carol has encouraged many to get involved and feels that even if you have retired or are not in public service there are many roles and ways to serve our community. But above all else, Carol believes her greatest accomplishment is raising her six children alongside her husband Allen, whom she married in 1954. They all earned bachelor's degrees and have additional education certifications and degrees because of the importance placed on education in their family. Mr. Speaker, I cherish Carol's friendship and I treasure the wisdom she has shared with me and others. I admire this wonderful lady, this great American patriot.

Mr. BACON

Mr. BACON. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the enduring friendship between the United States and Uzbekistan, and to recognize the 30th anniversary of diplomatic relations between our nations, including the 20th anniversary of the U.S.-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership. Uzbekistan plays a fundamental role in the development of an independent, resilient, and democratic Central Asia. It is a bourgeoning force for regional economic growth and a vital partner in strengthening regional stability and cooperation. Since Uzbekistan's independence in 1991, with the fall of the Soviet Union, the United States and the international community have witnessed Uzbekistan emerge from what was once considered one of the world's most isolated and repressive countries into a nation of noteworthy transformational improvements. Today, Uzbekistan strives to modernize and liberalize the economy; streamline its bureaucracy; ease political tension; address human rights concerns; and engage with the international community, attracting foreign investment. Our friendship continues to flourish. In 2019, the U.S. Department of Commerce led its first certified trade mission to Uzbekistan to discuss advancing trade opportunities between the two countries, and to open new markets for U.S. business interests. In 2021, the U.S. Department of State and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Uzbekistan launched a successful inaugural meeting of the U.S.-Uzbekistan Strategic Partnership Dialogue in Tashkent, inspiring a continued constructive exchange on critical issues. I will continue to be a friend of Uzbekistan and support the great strides Uzbekistan has made to democratize. I look forward to a long and mutually beneficial relationship between our two nations.

Mr. BACON

Mr. BACON. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3076, the Postal Service Reform Act. The United States Postal Service has been part of our society since Benjamin Franklin was appointed the first Postmaster General in 1775. However, with the ever-advancing digital economy, the Postal Service's financial difficulties are well known in modern times. This bill takes the necessary steps toward addressing the financial and operational issues facing the Postal Service and properly updates them for the 21st century. A first-class postal system is critical for businesses and our economy; it keeps 330 million Americans connected. This bill also seeks to repair the Postal Service's unsustainable health and retirement benefits by coordinating an enrollment into Medicare. Under current law, the Postal Service is required to annually prepay future retirement health benefits, an obligation Congress does not require of most other public or private entities. The Postal Service is bound by statute into this unmanageable system while still being required to work like a private business. Congress tied their hands. We created this problem, and now it has been returned to sender. The package will not stamp out all the Postal Service's problems overnight, but it is grounded in established practices and will help deliver first-class-level results worthy of the legacy of Ben Franklin.

Mr. BACON

Mr. BACON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Black History Month and to honor the 15th anniversary of the Empowerment Network, a collaboration of thousands of residents and leaders and hundreds of organizations working to facilitate positive change in Omaha, Nebraska. Formed in September 2006 and officially launched on April 27, 2007, the network seeks to collectively improve the economic landscape and quality of life for African Americans, North Omaha residents, and citizens of the greater Omaha area. The network is led by their CEO and founder, Willie D. Barney. Willie Barney was born on May 15, 1968, in Hollandale, Mississippi, but spent his first years between Arcola and Greenville in the Mississippi Delta along Highway 438. He graduated high school from Mount Pleasant, Iowa, attended St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, and rose to become an executive in the media industry. He and his wife, Yolanda, were married on June 27, 1998. Born in Tacoma, Washington, and raised in Kansas City, Yolanda also had a very successful career in the media field, working in major cities, including Kansas City, Dallas, and Atlanta. They both left their corporate jobs to become more directly involved in helping to build strong communities and to become entrepreneurs. The Empowerment Network Collaborative is one of Omaha's catalysts that has helped produce measurable outcomes and results by working together to reduce gun violence, decrease unemployment, improve graduation rates, increase household incomes, and rebuild the historic 24th and Lake District and other areas of North Omaha, including the Omaha 360, Step-Up Omaha, the Village Strategy, and the Cradle to Career. In addition to Willie's leadership, he and his wife are founders and owners of SMB Enterprises, LLC, a company that provides positive events, media, and entertainment in the greater Omaha area. SMB is the parent company of Revive Omaha Magazine, Revive Black Business Network, and the Revive Center Omaha. They also co-own the new Carver Legacy Center, a Black-owned financial institution. Willie also serves as the president of WDB Resultants, LLC, a national consulting firm that specializes in strategic planning and marketing, communications, research, community building, and facilitation. Willie's passion for improving communities is heavily influenced by his late grandmother, Leeanna B. Collins; his mother and stepfather, Betty and Willie Mullen; and his father and stepmother, Willie and Bertha Murry. He is incredibly thankful and grateful for his wife, son, and daughter and for the influence of his family from Mississippi, friends in Iowa, and partners in Omaha. Yolanda honors the memory of her late parents, Morris and Mayumi Coppage, through her work ethic and passion for helping others. Willie and Yolanda are parents to Nehemiah, an aspiring film director studying at the University of Nebraska at Lincoln; and Priscilla, a student at Central High School in Omaha, who plans to graduate in 2025, with keen interest in international business. Mr. and Mrs. Barney walk in faith and highlight it as one of their most important priorities and the reason for their many blessings. In fact, they are associate ministers at Launch Church International and continue to live a life of purpose and serve the community. They are committed to seeing individuals reach their full potential. In recognizing Willie Barney and the Empowerment Network, we shine a spotlight on entrepreneurship, hard work, and the will to transcend and achieve success within our communities through unity and collaboration. Congratulations to Willie and Yolanda Barney, along with the Empowerment Network, on 15 years of service and being a major force for change in our community for the better.