Ken Calvert

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a school in my congressional district that not only excels in academics but is also distinguished on the football field. On December 19, 2008, The Centennial High School football team won the 2008 California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Division I Championship. In the championship game, Centennial defeated De La Salle, Concord 21 to 16. The football team is an outstanding example of hard work, determination and perseverance. They were undefeated in the 2008 season and have earned the title ``Champions.'' The members of the winning football team, according to their jersey number, include: Dion Bass, Geshun Harris, Nick Beasley, Michael Aguon, Taylor Martinez, Michael Arredondo, Vontaze Burfict, Jason Manalili, Lenon Ford, Larry Scott, Trevor Romaine, Demeitri Beasley, Chris Simpson, Charles Oakley, Cody Baker, Barrington Collins, Michael Eubank, Ricky Marvray, Sam Kadar, Chris Gonzalez, Hayden Gavett, Anthony Goodman, Arthur Burns, KJ Vaifale, Kevin Angulo, Eddie Lopez, Denzel Hawkins, Duran Harris, Jacob Duro, Lee Adams, Anthony Whitlow, Khiry Shabazz, Norman Ford, Brandon Brown, Daniel Contreras, Marques Watson, Damion Smith, Izaac Colunga, Jimmy Munoz, JD Austin, Jaleel Johnson, Daniel Mireles, Frank Jimenez, James Lindsay, Markiece Miller, Casey Winans, Derek Aviles, Brandon Holder, Andrew Torres, Adam Hollick, Eric Rizzo, Steele Frey, David Leon, Jacob Appleton, Daniel Rojas, Cesar Olivares, Jake Amaya, Adam Davila, Adrian Contreras, Kendrick Allen, Luis Rodriquez, Marc Andres, Robbie Bishop, Chad Salcido, Jesus Cacho, Jacob Olsson, Gavin Pascarella, Joseph Lopez, Johnnyray Cabrerra, Elijah Perricone, JT Felix, David Mireles, Deji Olijade, Jeremy Fennell, JT Powell, Ahkeel Chambers, Derrick Wilson, Romello Goodman, Isaiah Ashby, Bryan Murillo, Eric Finney, Milo Jordan, Iosefa Gasu, Derrick Ivy, William Sutton, Ben Letcher, Paul Verrette, Adam Uribe, Christian Gonzales, Thomas Amato. The team is led by Head Coach Matt Logan; Assistant Coaches Ron Gueringer, Jeremy Goins, Brian Benz, Noel Hughes, Matt Lance, Mike Nicks, Bill Carter, Kunane Burns, James Hughes, Leo Perez, Dan Herring, Casey Richardson, Trevor Bermudez, Ika Tamelfuna, and Corey Kipp. The team is strongly supported by Principle Sam Buenrostro, Athletic Director Bill Gunn and the entire Centennial family. It is an honor to represent such a fine group of young people with a strong dedication to teamwork and academics. I know each one of them will treasure the memories of their championship season and I commend them, and the entire Centennial High School community, for this truly great achievement.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Orange County, California are exceptional. Orange County has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated community leaders who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent and make their communities a better place to live and work. Rick Muth is one of these individuals and he is also one of my closest friends. On April 17, 2009, Rick celebrated his 60th birthday with friends and family. Rick's success in life began with the positive influence from a special teacher at Mater Dei High School. Henry Enriquez encouraged Rick to join the track team where Rick discovered a talent that he never knew he possessed. Track built Rick's confidence and steered him in the right direction: towards college. Rick attended Santa Ana College where he became the Freshman Vice President and won national honors on the track team. He transferred to the University of Southern California, USC, earned his Bachelor's of Science in Marketing and still holds a spot on the track team's all-time three-mile list. Upon graduation from USC, Rick went to work for a labor relations firm, then spent two years as an administrative trainee in plant construction at Northrop Aircraft. Rick continued his education at Chapman University, where he earned a Master's Degree in Business Administration. In 1975, Rick joined the ORCO Block Company, Inc. a family-owned business, as assistant office manager. In many ways, Rick had always been a part of the family business. Rick picked up broken pieces of block as a kid, and he repaired wooden pallets, in the summer after the fifth grade, to earn the new bike that he wanted. In his high school and college years, Rick spent his summers making deliveries, taking orders and working with customers. Rick learned the business from the bottom up, and held almost every position in the company. In 1994, Rick ascended to the position of President and currently oversees the day- to-day operations of the multi-million-dollar company. He has continued the development of its extensive product line, directed the company's aggressive expansion and helped maintain ORCO's high industry profile and leadership role. Throughout his career at ORCO Block Company, Inc. Rick also has continued the legacy that his father established: service, leadership and community. Rick started this legacy in his own community--at ORCO's headquarters in Stanton, California. Rick's father, Pete Muth, established the Stanton Boys and Girls Club, and Rick continued to support the Club by serving as President, assisting with fundraising and guiding the increase in children from 100 to 650. Rick also serves as a Board Member of the Orange County Performing Arts Center and has helped raise approximately $1.8 million in donations and matching funds. Rick has also contributed to his own industry by serving as former Chairman of the Board for the National Concrete Masonry Association, NCMA, and establishing the NCMA Foundation, which has raised $6 million to support research and development. Rick and his father Pete were the first father-and-son team to both serve as NCMA Chairman. Rick has also not forgotten to give back to the schools that gave so much to him. He was a Capital Campaign Committee Member for Mater Dei High School. Additionally, for the past 28 years, as an alumnus for Santa Ana College's Track Team, Rick has raised money, assisted with coaching and provided jobs for members of the track team. At USC, Rick has been a member of the Orange County Planning and Development Council, partial annual scholarship provider to architecture students and former co-chair for the first USC Symphony Orchestra performance in Orange County. Rick also sits on the Business School Advisory Council at Chapman University, and he and his family have donated funds to support the construction of a new library named in honor of the Muth Family and ORCO Block Company, Inc. Rick has never expected anything in return for his community service, but his contributions have been recognized. Rick was inducted into the Santa Ana College Hall of Fame, honored as ``Man of the Year'' by Cypress College and awarded the Ethics in Business award by the Freedom Foundation. Rick received the California SBA Business Person of the Year in 2003. In 2001, the Orange County Business Journal and California State University Fullerton presented Rick with the prestigious Family Owned Business Award. In the spirit of the ``America Way,'' Rick started a group called USA Owned/USA Made, to support companies whose products are made in the United States. Rick worked with Congress to pass a proclamation called ``Try American Day,'' celebrated in conjunction with Labor Day. Many states and cities ratified this proclamation and recognized Rick's valuable contribution. However, to Rick, what is even more prestigious than awards or recognition is that in his personal life Rick is a husband of over 30 years to his wife Nancy and father to his two daughters, Veronica, 26, and Stephanie, 25. Rick also enjoys hobbies like wake boarding, snow boarding, being a private pilot and running as a master's track competitor. Rick's tireless passion for American business and community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of Orange County, California. I am proud to call Rick a fellow community member, American and close friend. I know that many community members are grateful for his work and salute him on his 60th birthday.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 377, which honors and recognizes Armed Forces Day on May 16. Over the course of our Nation's history, generations of Americans have made tremendous sacrifices to protect the freedoms we hold dear. And we honor these courageous Americans on Armed Forces Day and throughout the month of May. Armed Forces Day is an opportunity to recognize our troops and their families, as well as rededicate ourselves to the promises our Nation has made to repay their service and sacrifice. When we make our promises to our troops, we must keep them, for they most certainly have kept their commitment to the American people. Madam Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to support H. Res. 377 and to declare to all U.S. servicemembers that we stand with them. When the call of duty sounded, they did not hesitate to answer. Let us not hesitate in our support of all those brave men and women of the United States Armed Forces.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, Riverside has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated community leaders who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent and make their communities a better place to live and work. I rise today to recognize and honor one of those individuals: Richard Scott Alden, Jr. On Friday, May 1, 2009, Scott passed away peacefully at his home after a battle with cancer. He will be deeply missed. Scott was born April 16, 1953 in Pasadena, California. He graduated from Riverside Poly High School in 1971 and received a football scholarship to Arizona State University. While Scott was a Sun Devil, his team won 51 games, four Western Athletic Conference Championships and four Fiesta Bowls. Scott was a devoted Christian and was ``born again'' through Christ September, 1975. He graduated from ASU with a degree in Business Administration in June, 1976 and married Ann Stiles later that year. After graduation, Scott began work with his father, Dick Alden, founder of Empire Oil Company, now Western Refining-Wholesale, as General Manager, and in 1990 was advanced to President. Scott was active in Harvest Men's Bible Fellowship, Alliance Petroleum Corporation and served as Chairman of the Advisory Board for The Salvation Army. Scott was predeceased by his daughter, Jennifer. Survived by his wife, Ann Alden; daughter, Elizabeth Alden of Newport Beach; son, David Alden of Long Beach; parents, Richard Alden of Riverside, and David and Nina Mitchell of Riverside; sister, Michelle Fisher of Aliso Viejo; and brother, Eric Alden of Huntington Beach. On May 8, 2009, a memorial service celebrating Scott's life will be held at Harvest Christian Fellowship. Scott will always be remembered for his incredible faith, giving spirit, and sense of humor. His dedication to his family, church and community are a testament to a life lived well and a legacy that will continue. I extend my condolences to Scott's family and friends; although Scott may be gone, the light and goodness he brought to the world remain and will never be forgotten.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, as a former student who attended community college, I stand in strong support of H. Res. 338, a resolution which supports the goals and ideals of National Community College Month. Our nation's community colleges provide the dream of achieving a higher education to millions of students each year. Community colleges are the nation's key supplier of workforce development and retraining needs and in addition, they build lasting partnerships and contribute significantly to the communities they serve. My congressional district is home to one of the oldest and most diverse community colleges in California--the Riverside Community College District--so I am proud to express my support of National Community College Month.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual who possesses the talent, athleticism and dedication of an Olympic athlete. University of Michigan Sophomore Tyler Clary is turning heads and breaking records in the swimming world; and he's ready for the next step--the Olympics. Tyler grew up in Riverside, California, where his parents still reside. Our entire community is very proud of this young man and his accomplishments. Tyler graduated from Poly High School in 2007 where he was a CIF champion in swimming. Tyler is now flourishing at the University of Michigan. He recently captured his first NCAA title and his time of 3:35.98 broke the American Record of 14-time Olympian gold medalists Michael Phelps by 28 hundredths of a second. Tyler received a congratulatory text message from Michael Phelps, who Tyler trained with at Michigan. The next night Tyler captured the 200-yard backstroke title and broke another NCAA record of Olympian gold medalists Ryan Lochte. Tyler's coaches are not only impressed by his pure athleticism but by his great attitude. A recruiting coach from Cal said that he knew Tyler ``was going to be one of the greats.'' Tyler intends to prove that correct as he sets his sights on the 2012 Olympics. He was just shy of making the cut for the 2008 Olympics and Tyler doesn't intend to let anything get in his way the next time around. He has begun preparation for this year's world championships, which will be held this summer in Rome. Tyler is also a five-time All American Athlete, the 2009 Swimmer of the Year, the 2009 Big Ten (Conference) Swimmer of the Year, and holds the University of Michigan's records in the 200 Individual Medley (IM), 400 IM, 200 Backstroke and 800 Free Relay. Tyler was the 2006 Federation Internationale de Natation (FINA) World Youth Top Male Performer. In 2007, Tyler was the Silver Medalist in the 200 Backstroke at the Pan American Games. Madam Speaker, it is a rare honor to be able to speak about an athlete who is expected to break records and possibly become a future Olympic champion. Tyler Clary has everything it takes and I believe that three years from now I will be on the House floor congratulating Tyler on a successful return from the 2012 Summer Olympics being hosted in London. Tyler exemplifies the best of our future generations and I look forward to watching him in the years to come.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because California is in the middle of a water crisis. California's current drought is not like other droughts because California is suffering from a devastating combination of a natural dry spell and a federally imposed dry spell. In December 2007, a Federal judge ordered restrictions on water project operations in the delta to help protect threatened species, the delta smelt. The negative impact has been extraordinary. The restrictions have resulted in the loss of nearly one-third of the supply that 25 million Californians depend on from delta operations. Farmland throughout California's Central Valley is going fallow while farmers struggle to find work. In Southern California economic growth is being thwarted because any new construction is jeopardized by a lack of proven water supply. There is no evidence that the federally imposed pumping restrictions have benefited the delta smelt. If this Congress is going to continue to give Federal agencies the authority to take actions that kill jobs and harm our economy for the benefit of a species, then the American people deserve clear evidence that these actions benefit the species.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, as a native of southern California, Cinco de Mayo celebrations have been a part of my life as long as I can remember. It is a day to celebrate our southern neighbors and the cause of Mexican independence. The historic battle at Puebla, Mexico on the fifth of May, 1862, is a David versus Goliath story that demonstrates that man can overcome any obstacle in the pursuit of freedom. On Cinco de Mayo we remember the brave stand at Puebla and we celebrate the cause of freedom around the world.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, as many have said before, friendship is found and tested through adversity. The friendship between the United States and Israel has certainly been tried and proven true. Both our nations confront challenges that are rooted in extremism and terrorism. While America formerly found some comfort in distance, Israel stands as a true testament to freedom and democracy in the Middle East--but Israel does not stand alone. The commitments between Israel and the United States are not born out of mere necessity, but out of mutual respect and the common belief that all of mankind deserves to live in peace and freedom. On the 61st Anniversary of the Independence of the State of Israel, I offer my gratitude and congratulations to a steady ally and friend.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a hero from my congressional district, Lieutenant General William F. Pitts and his wife, Doris Pitts. Today, I ask that the House of Representatives honor and remember these two incredible people who dedicated their lives in service to our country. On Tuesday, December 30, 2008, Lt. Gen. Pitts passed away at the age of 89. Doris followed eight weeks later on March 1, 2009. Lt. Gen. Pitts' father was a career military officer. Lt. Gen. Pitts was born at March Field Hospital, located in Riverside, California, on Thanksgiving Day 1919. When he was 10 years old, Lt. Gen. Pitts took his first airplane ride and vowed to become an Air Force pilot. In 1943, he graduated from West Point and flew 25 World War II missions against Japan in a B-29 Superfortress. In his last mission in the bomber, he was shot down off the coast of Japan but was able to parachute out of the plane and was rescued by a submarine. After Lt. Gen. Pitt's heroic service during World War II, he was steadily promoted and earned three stars. He served as a NATO commander in Turkey, four tours at the Pentagon and also as a diplomat in Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, England and Taiwan. In 1972, Lt. Gen. Pitts returned to March Air Force Base as the Commander of the 15th Air Force. His military decorations and awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with an oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Distinguished Unit Citation Emblem with one oak leaf cluster and the Purple Heart. In 1975, Lt. Gen. Pitts retired from the Air Force and he and his wife, Doris, made Riverside their permanent home in the 1990s. He was active in the March community during his retirement, helping to keep the base open during the Base Realignment and Closure process. In honor of his efforts, March erected a stone post at the parade grounds on the base. He was also a board member of the March Field Museum. Doris Mansfield Pitts was born in New York City on January 17, 1924. She was the only daughter of Lillian and John Mansfield, a Spanish American War veteran and newspaper executive. She attended Barnard School in New York and worked for IBM during World War II. She met her husband at West Point and they were married following the war on December 22, 1948. She served her country as a supportive military wife, joining and complimenting her husband throughout his highly successful military career. Doris relocated her family settling in more than 15 locations during their time in the Air Force. Doris was a loving wife, mother of three daughters and grandmother to four grandchildren. On December 22, 2008, Lt. Gen. Pitts celebrated his 60th anniversary with his wife Doris. Lt. Pitts and Doris are survived by their daughters Dale, Alisha and Linda; sister Nanetta Atkinson; and four grandchildren. As we look at the incredibly rich military history of our country we realize that this history is comprised of men like Lt. Gen. Pitts who bravely fought for the ideals of freedom and democracy. Each story is unique and humbling for those of us who, far from the dangers they have faced, live our lives in relative comfort and ease. In the case of Lt. Gen. Pitts, he was blessed to have the love and strength of his wonderful wife to help him along the way. Lt. Gen. Pitts and Doris Pitts were dear friends and above all, they were patriots. They will both be sorely missed but their legacy and service to our great nation will always be remembered.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to control the time of the gentleman from California (Mr. Lewis).

Mr. CALVERT. May I inquire of the gentleman if he has any speakers?

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 101, providing for the acceptance of the statue of Ronald Reagan from the people of California for placement in the United States Capitol. First, I would like to thank my colleagues who joined me in the original letter requesting the California legislature to pass a resolution to bring the statue of Ronald Reagan to the United States Capitol. A special thanks goes to California State Senator Dennis Hollingsworth for leading the effort and carrying the resolution in the State legislature. I would also like to thank the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation for their support and work in bringing the statue to the Capitol, and also artist Chris Fagan, who I am sure did a remarkable job in sculpting the statue of Ronald Reagan. In my 16 years in the House, initiating the effort to bring the statue of President Reagan to our Nation's Capitol has been one of my greatest privileges. Like many people, President Reagan helped shape my political views as a young man, and as the cochair of his Riverside County campaign back in the day, I was, of course, very proud to see him succeed in becoming the 40th President of the United States. As we find ourselves today struggling with hardship and conflict, President Reagan was also confronted with a troubled economy and uncertain times, not just as the Governor of California, but later as President of the United States. In both cases, his characteristic optimism and can-do attitude helped meet those challenges. Ronald Reagan was elected the 33rd Governor of the State of California in 1967 and during his administration led California toward a ``Creative Society,'' one that ``turns away from increasing reliance on government and leads toward renewed respect for--and greater reliance on--the collective genius and common sense of the people.'' As President, he inherited an economy facing double-digit unemployment and inflation. President Reagan initiated sweeping economic reforms, deep across-the-board tax cuts and implemented sound monetary policies to contain inflation. His policies resulted in bringing the economy out of recession and turning it into the largest peacetime economic boom in American history. The country also faced the continuation of a 35-year-long Cold War. President Reagan, in his famous June 1982 speech in the British Parliament, described ``a plan and a hope for the long term, the march of freedom and democracy which will leave Marxism-Leninism on the ash heap of history as it has left other tyrannies which stifle the freedom and muzzle the self-expression of the people.'' Five years later, Reagan delivered his courageous address at the Brandenburg Gate in West Berlin near the infamous wall and demanded, ``Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this wall.'' This was the beginning of the end of the Cold War and also signified a new beginning for relations between the United States and Russia. Mr. Speaker, there were many accomplishments for me to name here, but it is clear that President Reagan was a Californian, an American and a patriot. California is proud to have such a leader as both Governor of our State and President of our Nation who brought so much greatness to the world. Today, I encourage all of my colleagues to support the resolution and bring the statue of President Ronald Reagan to the Capitol so that visitors from all over the world can honor the man who declared America's destiny is ``to be a shining city on the hill for all mankind to see.''

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to our newest Member from the State of California (Mr. McClintock).

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe).

Mr. CALVERT. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Harper).

Mr. CALVERT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. McCarthy).

Mr. CALVERT. I'll give the closing remarks, Mr. Speaker. In closing, June 3 will be a great day here in the United States Capitol, a great day for our State of California, and certainly, I believe, a great day for America and for the world who appreciated Ronald Reagan's leadership. This was truly a remarkable American. So we look forward to gathering together with the former First Lady and with other people who will come from throughout the United States and throughout the world to pay tribute to this great man.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Chair, this week the Majority Party, through this budget, has declared that they stand for bigger government, more taxes, and higher debt. How does the Democratic budget spend on such high levels over the next ten years? Two words: tax increases. The budget includes a complicated cap-and-trade energy tax that will cost the average American household up to $3,128 annually, a new tax on charitable giving that will cost American charities as much as $16 billion per year, increased taxes on businesses and families that make over $250,000 per year, and the resurrection of the death tax which will punish family-owned businesses and farms. The theme seems to be that the government knows best and the people should fall in line. Fortunately, there are some of us on Capitol Hill who will not fall in line. Republicans have offered an alternative that reflects common- sense economics: when in debt, stop spending. The Republican alternative places a priority on national defense and veterans' health and temporarily freezes other discretionary spending for five years. It would halve the President's deficit projection for 2019. It would make the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts permanent, cap the capital gains and dividends tax at 15 percent and give families and individuals options for a simplified tax code. To foster entrepreneurship and small businesses, it would cut the corporate tax rate--the second highest in the world--from 35 percent to 25 percent. Unlike my friends on the other side of the aisle, I do not think the way forward is through increased government interference, funded by our wallets and our children's piggybanks. I urge members to reject the proposed Democrat budget and vote for the Ryan Budget.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the community of Corona, California are exceptional. Corona has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated community leaders who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent and make their communities a better place to live and work. Keith Clarke is one of these individuals. On April 16, 2009, Keith will retire as the Director of the Building Department for the City of Corona. Keith graduated from Pacifica High School in 1973 and obtained his Associates Degree in Engineering from Cypress Junior College in 1976. He attended the University of California at Los Angeles and then attended California State University at Long Beach from 1977 to 1979. After attending college, Keith became a General Contractor and contracted a variety of projects which included masonry structures, patio covers and room additions. From 1981 to 1982, Keith worked as a Deputy Concrete and Masonry Inspector for Southern California Testing Labs where he performed inspections on masonry and concrete structures in order to insure compliance with approved plans and structural specifications. In 1982, Keith came to the City of Corona and he began as a Building Inspector. He quickly rose up the ranks: he became a Senior Building Inspector in 1984, an Assistant Building Official in 1986, a Building Official/Director in 1989, the Acting Director of Parks and Community Services in 2005 and the Building Official/Director from October 2005 to March 31, 2009. Keith is a member of several organizations, including: the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, the International Conference of Building Officials (ICBO), the International Association of Electrical Inspectors, the International Fire Code Institute, Building Officials and Code Administrators, the Citrus Belt Chapter of ICBO, and California Building Officials. He also serves or has served on the California Building Officials (CALBO) Board of Directors, the CALBO State Contractors License Board, the United States Navy League, the CALBO State Historical Code Committee, the ICC Citrus Belt Chapter, the Toastmasters International, and the Rolling Thunder Motorcycle Club and as a Calbo CTI Instructor. Keith has received several awards over the years including: Building Inspector of the Year; Citrus Belt Chapter ICBO 1986; Building Official of the Year; Citrus Belt Chapter ICBO 1988; Toastmasters, Best Table Topics Speech Contest 1997; California Building Officials, Building Department of the Year, 2003; California Building Officials, Building Official of the Year, 2004; and California Building Officials, Hall of Fame Award, 2009. Keith's tireless passion for community service has contributed immensely to the betterment of the community of Corona, California. I am proud to call Keith a fellow community member, American and friend. I know that many community members are grateful for his service and salute him and his 27 years of service to the City of Corona.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a group of individuals whose dedication and contributions to the military community of Riverside, California are exceptional. Riverside has been fortunate to have dynamic and dedicated military community leaders who willingly and unselfishly give their time and talent and make their communities a better place to live and work. The Distinguished Flying Cross Society (DFCS) is such a group and I wholeheartedly support their efforts to build a National Distinguished Flying Cross Memorial at the March Field Air Museum (MFAM). This monument will ``perpetuate the memory of those persons who have been and those who will receive the Distinguished Flying Cross.'' I am honored to represent Air Force Village West (AFVW), a ``Continuing Care Retirement community'' (CCRC) that is home to and also provides medical care for over 680 retired military officers, their wives and widows. All the Services are represented among the residents: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, Public Health Service and NOAA. Eighty residents of the Village, who were flyers in their active duty days, organized the Inland Empire Chapter of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society which is the primary sponsor of the memorial. These members were awarded this prestigious medal under the Act which provided the award ``to any person while serving in any capacity with the Air Corps of the Army of the United States, including the National Guard and the Organized Reserves, or with the United States Navy since the 6th day of April 1917 has distinguished, or who, after the approval of this Act, distinguishes himself by heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight.'' Among recipients are the 1st recipient of the medal Captain Charles L. Lindbergh, former President George H. W. Bush, former South Dakota Governor Joe Foss, Brig Gen. Jimmy Doolittle and the founder/organizer of the Air Force Village West retirement home, General Curtis Le May. The memorial is a cooperative effort between the Air Force Village West Chapter, the March Field Air Museum, and the new DFCS Chapter. MFAM is located at March Air Reserve Base (MARB) which hosts the C-17As of the 792nd Air Mobility Wing (AMW) in addition to KC-135s, and C- 130s. The Air National Guard also has a detachment of F-16s. The Memorial will be available to thousands of visitors each year and while viewing the static display at MFAM, visitors will be frequently treated to an operational air unit providing support to our troops in Iraq. Every year, MFAM has a front row seat to the MARB air show, which frequently features the Air Force Thunderbirds. It is a fitting place to honor the many aviators who have distinguished themselves by deeds performed in aerial flight. The monument will be topped by a model of the Loening OA-1A amphibian aircraft, which was flown on the Pan- American Goodwill Flight of 1926. The ten aviators who flew this mission were the first recipients of the Distinguished Flying Certificate from President Calvin Coolidge. Madam Speaker, it is truly an honor to represent Air Force Village West, the Distinguished Flying Cross Society and to lend my support to the efforts to build a National Distinguished Flying Cross Memorial at the March Field Air Museum.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a school in my congressional district, St. Margaret's Episcopal School, that not only excels in academics but is also distinguished on the football field. The St. Margaret's football team won the 2008 California Interscholastic Federation (CIF) Small Schools State Championship. In the championship game, St. Margaret's defeated Hamilton Union (Hamilton City) 59 to 7. The football team is an outstanding example of hard work, determination and perseverance. They were undefeated in the 2008 season and have earned the title ``Champions.'' The members of the winning football team include: Team Co-Captains Jeremy Baileys, Alex Brolick, David Mothander, and Chase Smith along with teammates John Murayama, Matthew Duenes, Conner Edgcomb, Michael Schmall, Austin Holden, Brennan Smith, Kent Iizuka, Chris Adams, James Murayama, Travis Anderson, Davis Edwards, JT Carpenter, Adam Miyawaki, Justin Oh, Leo Garcia, Jeff Askin, Colfax Selby, Alfredo Valencia, Will Findiesen, Connor McClure, Max Carpenter, Brett Nicholas and Mack Santora. The team is led by Head Coach Harry Welch; Assistants Rod Baltau, Chris Colaw, Mark Davidson, Jay Noonan, Mel Taylor, Fr. Reggie Payne- Wiens, Brent Ward, and Butch Ward; Athletic Trainer Dave Tomlinson; and Team Managers Kira Cahill, Anna Maria Carabini, Emily Furman, and Valerie Wu. It is an honor to represent such a fine group of young people with a strong dedication to team work and academics. I know each one of them will treasure the memories of their championship season and I commend them, and the entire St. Margaret's community, for this truly great achievement.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to an individual whose dedication and contributions to the aerospace and aeronautics communities, and to our country, have been exceptional. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) has been fortunate to have a dynamic and dedicated leader who has given his time and talent to advance U.S. interests in space, science and aeronautics. On January 20, 2009, Administrator Michael Griffin concluded nearly four years of service as the NASA Administrator. Dr. Griffin was nominated by President George W. Bush and confirmed by the United States Senate as the 11th Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration. He began his term on April 14, 2005. As Administrator, Mike led the NASA team and managed its resources to advance the U.S. Vision for Space Exploration which included returning the space shuttle to flight, completing assembly of the International Space Station and development of the Ares rocket and Orion crew vehicle to return us to the moon and eventually to Mars. Prior to his tenure with NASA, Griffin served as Space Department Head at Johns Hopkins University's Applied Physics Laboratory in Laurel, Maryland. He was previously President and Chief Operating Officer of In-Q-Tel, Inc., and also served in several positions within Orbital Sciences Corporation, Dulles, Virginia, including Chief Executive Officer of Orbital's Magellan Systems division and General Manager of the Space Systems Group. Griffin also previously served as chief engineer and as associate administrator for exploration at NASA, and as deputy for technology at the Strategic Defense Initiative Organization. Mike Griffin is a true rocket scientist and has the post-secondary degrees to prove it. He received a bachelor's degree in physics from Johns Hopkins University; a master's degree in aerospace science from Catholic University of America; a Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from the University of Maryland; a master's degree in electrical engineering from the University of Southern California; a master's degree in applied physics from Johns Hopkins University; a master's degree in business administration from Loyola College; and a master's degree in Civil Engineering from George Washington University. Mike Griffin is a certified flight instructor with instrument and multiengine ratings. In addition, he is a member of the National Academy of Engineering and International Academy of Astronautics, an Honorary Fellow of the American Astronautical Society, a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers, and a previous adjunct professor at the University of Maryland, Johns Hopkins University, and George Washington University, where he taught courses in spacecraft design, applied mathematics, guidance and navigation, compressible flow, computational fluid dynamics, spacecraft attitude control, astrodynamics and introductory aerospace engineering. He is the lead author of more than two dozen technical papers, as well as the textbook, ``Space Vehicle Design.'' Mike is also the recipient of the Department of Defense's Distinguished Public Service Medal, the highest award given to a non-government employee. Mike has demonstrated his ongoing passion for NASA and provided tremendous leadership for the agency in the Second Space Age. I am proud to call Mike a fellow American and friend. I know that many people around the country are grateful for his service and join me in saluting his many achievements. Whatever the future holds for him, Godspeed Mike Griffin.

Mr. CALVERT

Mr. CALVERT. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a hero from my congressional district, Lieutenant General William F. Pitts. Today, I ask that the House of Representatives honor and remember this incredible man who dedicated his life in service to our country. On Tuesday, December 30, 2008, Lt. Gen. Pitts passed away at the age of 89. Lt. Gen. Pitt's father was a career military officer, and Lt. Gen. Pitts was born at March Field Hospital, located in Riverside, California, on Thanksgiving Day 1919. When he was 10 years old, Lt. Gen. Pitts took his first airplane ride and vowed to become an Air Force pilot. In 1943, he graduated from West Point and flew 25 World War II missions against Japan in a B-29 Superfortress. In his last mission in the bomber, he was shot down off the coast of Japan but was able to parachute out of the plane and was rescued by a submarine. After Lt. Gen. Pitt's heroic service during World War II, he was steadily promoted and earned three stars. He served as a NATO commander in Turkey, four tours at the Pentagon and also as a diplomat in Cuba, Haiti, the Dominican Republic, England and Taiwan. In 1972, Lt. Gen. Pitts returned to March Air Force Base as the Commander of the 15th Air Force. His military decorations and awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with an oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Distinguished Unit Citation Emblem with one oak leaf cluster and the Purple Heart. In 1975, Lt. Gen. Pitts retired from the Air Force and he and his wife, Doris, made Riverside their permanent home in the 1990s. He was active in the March community during his retirement, helping to keep the base open during the Base Realignment and Closure process. In honor of his efforts, March erected a stone post at the parade grounds on the base. He was also a board member of the March Field Museum. On December 22, 2008, Lt. Gen. Pitts celebrated his 60th anniversary with his wife Doris. He is survived by his wife; daughters Cowgill, Alisha and Linda; sister Nanetta Atkinson; and four grandchildren. As we look at the incredibly rich military history of our country we realize that this history is comprised of men like Lt. Gen. Pitts who bravely fought for the ideals of freedom and democracy. Each story is unique and humbling for those of us who, far from the dangers they have faced, live our lives in relative comfort and ease. Lt. Gen. Pitts was a dear friend and above all, he was a patriot. He will be sorely missed but his legacy and service to our great nation will always be remembered.