Dave Camp

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 247, to express the House of Representatives' sense that we not rush into the midst of the Balkan quagmire without careful and measured congressional consideration. Peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina is of importance to Europe and to the world. But, as long-time observers of the Balkans will note, peace has never come easily to this troubled corner of the globe. The ability of the Congress to conduct a national debate on questions of national interest is unparalleled. Look no further than the congressional debate of January 11-12, 1991, on the eve of the Persian Gulf war. Congress, and the Nation, debated whether the national interest called for deployment of military force against Iraq. Without that debate, Congress would have abrogated its constitutional responsibilities to give assent and legal authority to the President to meet his own constitutional responsibilities. I participated in that debate--a debate that I then believed, and today confirm, was absolutely vital to a successful U.S. mission. I have grave reservations about the need for United States troops in the Balkans. The mission of 25,000 U.S. troops and up to 80,000 NATO troops is uncertain. The commitment of the warring parties to live in peace is questionable. Debate on those questions, however, is for another day--another day soon, I would hope. Today, the question is on whether that debate should happen at all--whether the Congress should debate the United States national interest in the Balkans. The Congress can do no less. Support House Resolution 247.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor John T. and Lorraine Hedrich as they are recognized for their vast contribution to polka and the State of Michigan. John and Lorraine were inducted into the State of Michigan Polka Music Hall of Fame on Sunday, October 1, 1995. America was built by the hard work and commitment of settlers who brought with them a rich and varied heritage. Polka flourished in Michigan largely due to the devotion of those who brought with them their families' traditions and customs, as well as their love of polka. John and Lorraine are two of those special individuals who are proud to keep an honored tradition alive. John T. Hedrich of Chesaning, MI has been playing the drums since the age of 5. His wife Lorraine has been playing the accordion since she was 11 years old. John and Lorraine first met in 1962 when Lorraine played with John's Hot Shots at the Quaker Inn in Corruna. The two were married in February of 1965. In 1973 they began playing together in a two-piece band still known today as The J & L Bluetones. Currently, John and Lorraine are members of the Saginaw Musical Association Local 57. Mr. Speaker, thanks to John and Lorraine's efforts, we are all able to enjoy an old musical tradition from many years ago. They were honored at a reception in Owosso, MI because of their dedication and commitment to spreading the polka tradition and helping others enjoy this special music. I am confident that the musical legacy of these outstanding individuals will be remembered for decades to come.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ron Nowaczyk as he is recognized for his vast contribution to polka and the State of Michigan. Ron Nowaczyk was inducted into the State of Michigan Polka Music Hall of Fame on Sunday, October 1, 1995. America was built by the hard work and commitment of settlers who brought with them a rich and varied heritage. Polka flourished in Michigan largely due to the devotion of those who brought with them their families' traditions and customs, as well as their love of polka. Ron is one of those special individuals who is proud to keep an honored tradition alive. Ron Nowaczyk of Saginaw, MI started his musical career as a drummer for a band he and his friends called the Melody Boys. Over the past 40 years, Ron has been privileged to play the drums for several bands including the Jimmy Chronowski Band, John's Polka Band, and the Andy Nester Band. He even recorded two albums with the John Lipinski Orchestra. He was awarded the European American Music Award from radio station WOAP in 1994, and currently volunteers and serves as a radio personality on WKNX in Frankenmuth, MI. Mr. Speaker, thanks to Ron's efforts, we are all able to enjoy an old musical tradition from many years ago. He was honored at a reception in Owosso, MI because of his dedication and commitment to spreading the polka tradition and helping others enjoy this special music. I am confident that the musical legacy of this outstanding individual will be remembered for decades to come.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Chairman, when the earned income tax credit was enacted in 1975, its concept was to help families move from welfare to the work force by increasing their after-tax earnings and providing relief from the burden of payroll taxes. Since then, three legislative revisions have expanded the program's cost tenfold to almost $25 billion a year and rising. The Democrat's philosophy, as usual, was if a little is good, than a whole lot must be better. As a result, the EITC is the fastest growing cash assistance program in the Federal budget. The current spending trends simply aren't sustainable. If we are to preserve the EITC for working poor families who most need its benefits, we must reform it to slow down the program's fantastic growth rate. Even the Clinton administration knows this. In the budget President Clinton submitted to Congress this year, he proposed denying the EITC to families with more than $2,500 in dividend and interest income. Why? because the EITC eligibility criteria excludes many sources of income that families now receive. As a result, some families with incomes as high as $70,000 a year are eligible for the credit. Also, we should not give the EITC to childless workers. For 18 of the EITC's 19-year existence, both Republicans and Democrats agreed its benefits should go to working families with dependent children, because the whole purpose of the EITC was to help working families with young children stay off the welfare rolls. Under our proposal, low-income working parents who support their children will see their tax credit rise substantially. This increase, coupled with our $500 per child tax credit, will go a long way to helping American families get back on their feet and provide for their children. Even the Clinton administration agrees that in order to preserve and protect this program for the working families who need its benefits, we must reform it to slow down the rate of growth. I urge my fellow Members to help us preserve and protect the earned income tax credit for American families.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sarah Fabry Smeja as she is recognized for her vast contribution to polka and the State of Michigan. Sarah Fabry Smeja was inducted into the State of Michigan Polka Music Hall of Fame on Sunday, October 1, 1995. America was built by the hard work and commitment of settlers who brought with them a rich and varied heritage. Polka flourished in Michigan largely due to the devotion of those who brought with them their families' traditions and customs, as well as their love of polka. Sarah is just one of those special individuals who is proud to keep an honored tradition alive. Sarah Fabry Smeja is Swartz Creek, MI, especially enjoys Czechoslovakian melodies first introduced to her by her father at a very early age. Throughout her career she has played the piano, trumpet, and baritone. Sarah also conducted a choir which consisted of 56 regular members. With some help in language editing, Sarah research, composed, and typed three song books which helped maintain the singers club. Sarah and her husband, Al Smeja, are now retired and reside in Plant City, FL. They are currently associated with the St. Petersburg, C.S.A. and are members of the Czech-American Tourist Club. Mr. Speaker, thanks to Sarah's efforts, we are all able to enjoy an old musical tradition from many years ago. She was honored at a reception in Owosso, MI, because of her dedication and commitment to spreading the polka tradition and helping others enjoy this special music. I am confident that the musical legacy of this outstanding individual will be remembered for decades to come.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Chairman, I thank the distinguished gentleman from [[Page H 10336]] Texas [Mr. Archer] for yielding this time to me, and I rise today in support of the Medicare Preservation Act because it officially ends the policy of just raise taxes. Mr. Chairman, some who oppose our program have called it extreme. What is extreme is that year after year the Democrat's answer to the Medicare crisis has been to raise taxes. Almost every year, Democrats dug deeper into the pockets of working Americans just to get through the next election. And in 1993, they even raised taxes on seniors citizens. Nine times, since 1965, the Medicare Board of Trustees has stated that Medicare was in severe financial trouble and needed reform. What was the Democrats answer? Raise taxes. Just throw more money at it to get through the next election. Since 1965, Democrats raised the payroll tax on working Americans eight times, over 450 percent. They raised the earnings subject to tax for Medicare 10 times, an increase of over 2000 percent. Then they raised taxes on Federal and State employees, and, when they still needed more, in 1993, they raised taxes on American seniors who had already paid their fair share into the program. Now, a senior earning just $34,000 pays not half of their Social Security in taxes but 85 percent. And now even the President admits taxes were raised too much in 1993. Mr. Chairman, that is extreme. Could we put the Medicare crisis off a few years if we raise taxes again? Sure we could. Could we avoid the vicious attacks by special interest groups if we didn't reform the system? Sure. But we are not going to do that. We are going to preserve, protect and strengthen Medicare not to get through the next election, but for the next generation. We will ensure the solvency of this program. We will increase benefits. We will maintain the current premium rate and for the first time in the history of Medicare, we will give seniors the right to choose the health care plan that best suits their health needs.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor four Michigan residents as they are recognized for their contribution to polka and the State of Michigan. Sarah Fabry Smeja, Ron Nowaczyk, and John and Lorraine Hedrich, will be inducted into the State of Michigan Polka Music Hall of Fame on Sunday, October 1, 1995. America was built by the hard work and commitment of settlers who brought with them a rich and varied heritage. Polka flourished in Michigan largely due to the devotion of those who brought with them their families' traditions and customs, as well as their love of polka. Sarah, Ron, John, and Lorraine were just a few of those special individuals who were proud to keep an honored tradition alive. Sarah Fabry Smeja, of Swartz Creek, MI especially enjoys Czechoslovakian melodies first introduced to her by her father at a very early age. Throughout her career she has played the piano, trumpet and baritone, as well as conducted a choir called the Friendship Club. Ron Nowaczyk, of Saginaw, MI has played the drums for over 40 years. Ron has had the opportunity to play with several bands, and record two albums with the John Lipinski orchestra. He was awarded the European American Music Award from radio station WOAP in 1994, and currently volunteers, and serves as a radio personality on WKNX in Frankenmuth, MI. John Hedrich, from Chesaning, MI has been playing the drums since the age of 5. His wife, Lorraine, has been playing the accordion since she was 11 years old. In 1973 they began playing together in a two-piece band still known today as The J & L Blue-tones. Currently, John and Lorraine are members of the Saginaw Musical Association Local 57. Mr. Speaker, thanks to the efforts of Sarah, Ron, John, and Lorraine, we are all able to enjoy an old musical tradition from many years ago. They will be honored at a reception in Owosso, MI because of their dedication and commitment to spreading the polka tradition and helping others enjoy this special music. I am confident that the musical legacy of these outstanding individuals will be remembered for decades to come.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I object.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize Ted Leipprandt of Pigeon, MI, as he celebrates his retirement. For the past 36 years, Ted Leipprandt has devoted his time and energy to the advancement of Michigan's dry bean industry. On August 7, 1995, Ted will be honored for his role in Michigan's agricultural sector during the Michigan Bean Shippers Association summer conference. Ted has worked tirelessly for the advancement of agricultural issues since his introduction to the industry in 1959 as an agronomist for the Cooperative Elevator Co. Over the course of the next two decades, his dedication was awarded with several promotions, culminating in his ascendancy to general manager in 1974. In his capacity as the cooperative's general manager, Ted led the company through a period of rapid growth and industrialization. He devoted countless hours to ensure the company's significant expansion was a success. Under his leadership, the cooperative was carried into the latter half of the 20th century. Ted's dedication to the agricultural industry is paralleled only by his devotion to the community. Currently, Ted sits on the board of the Detroit Edison Co. and of the East Central Farm Credit System. In the past, he spent 2 years as the president of the Michigan 4-H Foundation. Ted is also a member of the Salem United Methodist Church. Through his active role in organizations like the Michigan Bean Shippers Association and the Rotary Organization, he has continually made significant contributions to his community, and to the entire State of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, Ted Leipprandt is an outstanding individual who has instilled his sense of honesty and trust into all that he comes in contact with. He has dedicated his life to improving Michigan's dry bean industry. I know you will join me in recognizing Ted for all that he has done as he celebrates his retirement from the Cooperative Elevator Co.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to honor the birth of William Grebe Schuette. At 7:43 a.m. on July 21, 1995, the Honorable Bill Schuette, former Member of Congress, and his wife Cynthia welcomed their first son, William Grebe, into the world. The birth of William Grebe Schuette marks an exciting time in the lives of the Schuette family, which also includes daughter Heidi. I hope that my colleagues will join me in wishing Bill, Cynthia, and Heidi a heart-felt congratulations on the new addition to their family.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise to day to honor the accomplishments of Jennifer Finzel. As much as the Special Olympics are a thrill for the athletes and their families, they also teach all of us a valuable lesson in determination, achievement and the human spirit. I want to share with you a story of Jennifer Finzel of Midland, MI. Earlier this month, Jennifer traveled to New Haven, CT, with a goal on her mind and determination in her heart. She knew what she wanted, and went for it. The result was two gold medals and two silver medals in four different swimming events. For her effort and for her success, I say congratulations. But Jennifer Finzel was special long before they draped medals around her neck. Jennifer has been working hard in my office for the people of Michigan's Fourth Congressional District for over 4 years now. When she's not working at McDonalds, she's in our district office in Midland making a difference for the residents of mid-Michigan. Jennifer truly is an inspiration to everyone who seeks to achieve. Anyone who visits our district office or the McDonalds on Eastman Ave. might hear Jennifer say a lot of things. But one thing they won't hear is ``I can't.''

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Chairman, I urge support for this amendment to transfer $445,000 from competitive research grants to restore funding for special grant research for sustainable agriculture. Continuing research for sustainable agriculture is crucial to maintaining an acceptable balance between the need to protect American agriculture, the family farm, and our precious environment. Mr. Chairman, I urge my fellow Members to support this amendment. One of the reasons that American farm families are able to provide the best food in the world at the lowest prices is because our universities have been able to conduct revolutionary research. By continuing this research, we enable the agriculture industry to find newer and safer ways to expand their crops while protecting our precious environment. Michigan State University is on the cutting edge of such research. Their studies on the management of municipal and animal organic waste, and the use of grazing systems to improve livestock production are providing valuable data which will assist the farm families of today-- and tomorrow. Their studies, which also include the inclusion of cover crops in field crop rotations and water table management studies, are continuing to improve soil composition on American farms. This improves the health and productivity of crops and livestock which benefits us all. In addition to assisting the American farm family with productivity, their research also studies the effect of various pesticides on our environment. This amendment will restore the funding for Michigan State University's special research grant for sustainable agriculture. We offset the cost of this program, which is $445,000, by transferring these funds from the competitive research grants. Michigan State is strategically located in the sensitive environmental area of Michigan which includes 2,300 miles of shoreline, 20,000 slow moving creeks, rivers and streams, and hundreds of inland lakes. Water table management is critical in this area. The lessons learned in this sensitive area can be applied elsewhere in similar situations. In these days of global competitiveness, it is vital that American farm families are given the opportunity to grow and prosper. With this research, they can continue to provide the kind of quality products we've come to appreciate. In order to ensure that research on newer and safer ways to provide those products continues, we must support programs like this one. Sustainable agriculture strikes a fair balance between increasing profits for the American farm families and preserving and protecting our precious environment. This is a minimal price to pay for all that we can benefit from effective and efficient research. Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from Michigan [Mr. Barcia]. (Mr. BARCIA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from Michigan [Mr. Chrysler].

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to honor a man who has devoted much of his life to helping and brightening the lives of others. On July 25, Mr. Edwin Zehnder will celebrate his 75th birthday. On this historic day, citizens of Frankenmuth will also celebrate the vast contributions which Edwin has made to his community. Since 1965, Edwin and his wife, Marion, have been the proprietors of Zehnder's of Frankenmuth restaurant, one of the most famous and top 10 independent restaurants in total sales in the United States. Throughout the century, the Zehnder family has maintained its commitment to friendly service and the best oven-roasted chicken in Michigan. In the three decades that Edwin has run Zehnder's, he has taken the Michigan landmark created by his father, William, and expanded it into the largest tourist location in Michigan's historic Frankenmuth. The 84,000-square-foot restaurant now accompanies a retail gift store, a retail food store, and a bakery. Vacationers from around the country have stopped at world-famous Zehnder's for a sample of the outstanding cuisine and festive atmosphere. Edwin's commitment to community service does not stop at the doors of his Frankenmuth restaurant. Edwin and Marion have remained active in their community and their church for years. As owner of one of the greatest tourist spots in Michigan, Edwin has spent his career making contributions to the State's hospitality-tourism industry. Mr. Speaker, Edwin's dedication to his community, his family, and his business have served over the years as an inspiration to all who know him. I know you will join my colleagues and I in wishing Mr. Edwin Zehnder a happy and healthy 75th birthday. May his future be marked with continued success.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I would like the Record to show that I was not present on Tuesday, June 27, due to the birth of my son, Andrew David. I would like to state for the record that had I been present, I would have voted as follows: On rollcall vote No. 420--``Yes''; rollcall vote No. 421--``No''; rollcall vote No. 422--``No''; rollcall vote No. 423-- ``Yes''; rollcall vote No. 424--``No''; rollcall vote No. 425--``Yes''; rollcall vote No. 426--``No''; rollcall vote No. 427--``Yes'';

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from New Jersey for yielding me this time. I join him in urging support of this amendment, as well as the gentleman from Indiana. I agree with much of what the gentleman from California said. He is correct in that these funds are not office- or district-specific. However, the fact is if all of the offices collectively do not use the appropriated amount, these funds can be reprogrammed. In the past, I would submit that that has occurred in this House, and what this amendment would do is it would change that procedure so those leftover funds are not reprogrammed. In the beginning of this session, during the debate on the rules package, I came to the floor and requested that we have an independent audit of House operations to include an examination of where these funds go, because it has been blurred and made difficult for us to find this out. So I would urge support of the amendment.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, some are called heroes because they can sing a song or put a leather ball through an iron hoop. But every now and then, real heroes come along. People who sacrifice everything in the name of liberty and protecting the American way. People who don't stop to think about being a hero, but instead understand that if they don't do their job, lives will be lost. One of those heroes is from the fourth District of Michigan, and his name is Marine Lance Cpl. Justin Lewis. Justin, who graduated from Midland Dow High School, was one of the 61 member 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit that rescued pilot Scott O'Grady in Bosnia. After the dramatic rescue, Justin told his mother, Linda, that ``we didn't have time to be scared, we just did it.'' When Justin's chopper lifted off the rescue sight, a surface-to-air missile missed the aircraft by about a foot. Bullets flew by and it was a narrow escape. But Justin Lewis and the rest of that unit went in, did their job, and made the rescue. They were not expecting to become heroes, but I can't think of many people who deserve the title more. What Scott O'Grady went through in the name of our country is heroic, to say the least. His courage and ability to adapt is an inspiration to every American. His commitment and the actions of the members of the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, including Justin Lewis, truly define the meaning of heroes.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize an outstanding individual from Bridgeport, MI, Wayne Leese. Over the course of his life time, Wayne has shown exceptional dedication to the school community. On June 12, 1995, Wayne will be recognized for his devotion to our youth and out community when he is presented the Second Annual Government's Community Service Award. In 1994, Bridgeport was selected to host the American Legion 16 & Under National Baseball Tournament. As the General Manager of Cablevision, Wayne was able to obtain a $1500 contribution from ESPN so that Bridgeport-Spaulding Community School District could purchase an electric scoreboard. Furthermore, Wayne set up and chaired a raffle which raised over $1800 for the tournament. In addition to obtaining funds for the school district, Wayne has also expanded Bridgeport-Spaulding Community School's communication capability by providing a public access channel. This channel enables the school district to dispense educational materials, award recognition to students, allow access to video-broadcast of school events, and serve as another form of communication in an area without a daily local newspaper. However, Wayne Leese's contribution doesn't stop there. He continually serves as the information expert for the technology he provides to the community. Moreover, he devotes his time to making sure that the school community has the most updated interactive communication system. Furthermore, Wayne, as an active member of the Bridgeport Chamber of Commerce, is constantly seeking ways to contribute to the community. With the Bridgeport Fire Department, Wayne set up a model on wheels which helps teach children about fire safety. Since 1990, Wayne and Cablevision have donated thousands of dollars to the ``Toys for Tots'' charity and area fire departments. Mr. Speaker, Wayne Leese is an outstanding individual who is devoted to improving the Bridgeport Community. He has literally brought the technological world into this rural area. I know you will join me in commending Wayne for all that he has done as he receives the Governor's Community Service Award.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 25th anniversary of the creation of the Major Appliance Consumer Action Program [MACAP]. I rise today, with my colleague, Representative Bart Gordon, to offer appreciation to those who have voluntarily served on the panel to promote communication between consumers and industry for the past 25 years. On January 8, 1969, President Lyndon B. Johnson appointed a task force to investigate guarantees and servicing problems for major home appliances. He recognized the need for a greater, coordinated effort to serve the interest of consumers. President Nixon reactivated the task force on October 30, 1969, and called for a report of progress made by the appliance industry in implementing report recommendations. It was in early February 1970 that this industry launched a bold, new initiative called MACAP. MACAP serves three primary purposes: First, to provide consumers with unbiased mediation of their unresolved major appliance complaints, second, to counsel the industry on ways to improve its customer relations practices, and third, to prevent consumer appliance problems through public education of proper appliance purchase. The MACAP panel consists of professionals, independent of the appliance industry, representing various disciplines including family law and economics, technical knowledge of appliance operation and design, and the relationship of water/temperature/materials in laundry and dishwashing and consumer advocacy. Remarkably, the average time needed to bring a complaint to closure is about 60 days. The panel meets 10 to 12 times a year through face-to-face meetings and conference calls and reviews about 25 individual consumer complaints at each meeting. The panel's review of consumer complaints identifies trends and patterns that call for specific educational messages to the public. Since MACAP's inception 25 years ago, the program has processed over 45,000 complaints with 80 percent reaching a resolution that was accepted by the consumer and the manufacturer. We commend this very competitive industry for first recognizing a common problem that required the cooperation and dedicated interest of all the appliance companies. We are pleased to offer our expressions of deep gratitude and appreciation to the panel for their voluntary untiring efforts and devoted service and to the manufacturers for their visions, discernment and cooperation.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize an outstanding teacher, coach, and principal as he retires from the Morley Stanwood school system. On June 5, 1995, Robert B. Lewis will retire from 30 years of service in Michigan junior and senior high schools. Bob taught classes in industrial arts throughout his teaching career, and students in his classes found they were learning from a truly gifted instructor. Their work was described by other industrial arts instructors as unbelievable. Under his tutelage, students earned award after award at both local and State level competitions constructing canoes, model ships, carvings, and furniture. But Bob's commitment to Michigan's youth did not end with the end of the schoolday. After the last class bell rang, he spent his time as a coach of both football and basketball teams. Throughout his career he coached team after team to victory. In Ellsworth, MI, his basketball team finished their 1966 season with 16 wins, 3 losses, and a league championship. But Bob's capabilities reached far beyond both teaching and coaching, to administration. In 1992, Bob became the principal of Pickford Junior-Senior High School, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, and here he once again demonstrated his enormous capacity for leadership. During his tenure on the other side of the desk, Bob earned a reputation as an exceptionally fair and clear-minded administrator. Teachers and students alike appreciated and admired his firm but fair approach to discipline as well as his unfailingly caring and generous nature toward his students and colleagues. Mr. Speaker, Robert Lewis's love for and dedication to Michigan's youth is clear. He has consistently gone beyond what was expected or required to achieve excellence not only in teaching, but also in coaching and in administration. His reputation as a kind, honest, and hard-working public servant will reverberate through the halls of Michigan schools for many years to come. I know you will join me in recognizing his achievements and wishing him a satisfying retirement.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness that I rise today to honor and pay tribute to a man who devoted much of his life to helping and improving the lives of others. Mr. Carl Gerstacker passed away recently and took the heart of a city with him. Midland, MI, my hometown, was the proud recipient of Mr. Gerstacker's generosity and leadership for most of his life. Carl was born in 1916, and received the typical upbringing of a child in the Midwest. In 1938, he received his engineering degree from the University of Michigan. Two years later, Carl, like many of the brave young people at the time, answered the Nation's call to duty and enlisted in the Army. He valiantly served his country from 1940 to 1946 and returned home to a grateful nation and community. He began working for the Dow Chemical Co. Although he possessed an engineering degree, his abilities with numbers and figures won him praise from his superiors and he was placed in charge of the finance department. His powerful character and charisma came to the forefront and his proficiency and demeanor made him a highly respected manager. In 1948, he became a member of Dow Chemical's board of directors at age 32 and was later named chairman of the finance committee. In 1960, he was elected chairman of the board. Carl's business and personal talents made him a vital component of Dow Chemical's senior management team. He assumed responsibility of the corporation as head of a company with $820 million in annual sales. His hard work and determination inspired others to achieve the most and when he left the company 26 years later, Dow Chemical had sales of approximately $4.9 billion. This enormous increase in sales was partly due to Carl's business acumen but more importantly it was his ability to recognize talent in his employees and his ability to inspire their best work and loyalty to the company. Carl was a strong advocate for education. He served on the boards of several universities and worked tirelessly on behalf of students. His hiring practices were among the most progressive of his era not because he was trying to institute social policy, but because he constantly sought the best people. His investment in them reaped tremendous rewards. His policies went beyond company profits to ensuring the company invested in the people and community. Carl was committed to environmental protection. He helped institute many of the reforms that made the Dow Chemical Co. a leader in environmental protection and accomplished this while continuing to expand job opportunities and assisting the community. Carl had the power to understand people. A tireless champion of community projects, Carl established the Gerstacker Awards in 1956, which honors outstanding citizens. Teachers, law enforcement officers' and firemen are among those who have received the Gerstacker Award for outstanding community service. In addition, Carl established the Rollin M. Gerstacker Foundation in honor of his father to help fund civic projects in the Midland area. Carl donated his home to the local church as a parsonage and later bought it back to provide office space for local foundations. He gave generously to the city to help build housing for seniors. Although his financial contributions helped fund the projects, it was his time, effort, and encouragement that made these projects successful. His commitment went beyond financial contributions to include personal involvement. His community activism continued far into his retirement years. He served on the board of the Midland Rotary Club, and the Midland Red Cross. He founded the Midland Community Foundation and served as campaign chairman for the United Way of Midland. He was a man who wished to be measured not by what he could get out of something but by what he was able to give back. Carl Gerstacker's unbounded generosity and exuberance inspired everyone he met. His sense of humor put people at ease and his ideas and dreams challenged people to think and challenge themselves. Carl Gerstacker helped build a city and a company, but more importantly, he helped build a community and a family. His loving wife, Esther Gerstacker; family members including our colleague, Bill Schuette, Bette, Lisa, Sandra, and Gretchen continue in his path of community service and dedication. As a neighbor, Carl's counsel and wisdom were invaluable to my family and friends and his words and deeds continue to influence us today. Mr. Speaker, I know you will join my colleagues and me in honoring Mr. Carl Gerstacker, his many contributions, and his enduring legacy. He has provided us with the tools to succeed; now it is up to us to continue his work.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize an outstanding family business in the State of Michigan. For the past nine decades, the Stevens family of Saginaw, MI, has served as an admirable example of devoted community service. On Wednesday, May 24, the Stevens family and Stevens Van Lines, Inc. will celebrate 90 years of successful service to their community. The Stevens family legacy of quality work and dedication began in 1905 when Frederick H. Stevens, Jr. Began his small shipping business with a little horsepower and a lot of muddy roads. Moving his first customers wasn't easy. It took a lot of hard work, but Mr. Stevens dedication eased the burden of moving from an area which you have grown to enjoy. As our Nation developed in the 1920's and 1930's, Stevens Van Lines, Inc. expanded as well, further demonstrating the family's determination and keen business sense. Today, the Stevens family continues to make a significant impact on people's lives under the guidance of Morrison Stevens. Morrie has combined innovation with adherence to his grandfather's three basic tenets: Adapt to change, adopt innovations, and improve services. This perseverance has led the business down a road of prosperity. By adapting to changes and adopting new innovations, Stevens Van Lines, Inc. has been able to increase its efficiency. As a result, Stevens Van Lines, Inc. is able to excel in their customer service. This dedicated service has made it among the top 20 certified carriers in the United States, and led to its recognition as ``Mover of the Year.'' In addition to a customer service dedication, Stevens Van Lines is also committed to community service. Today, Stevens Van Lines is a member of the National Moving & Storage Association and the American Movers Conference. Furthermore, it continues to be active in the local, State, and the national chapters of the chamber of commerce. Mr. Speaker, that Stevens family devotion to Fred Stevens' principles demonstrates its commitment to make residential or commercial moves smoother. I ask you to join me in celebrating 90 years of Stevens Van Line's successful business growth, spanning four generations of family ownership. With its commitment to customer and community service, the Stevens family is bound to enjoy many more years of business and personal success.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize an outstanding individual, originally from Michigan, on the occasion of his homecoming to serve as Parade Marshall of the Midland Memorial Day Parade. Col. Cecil Foster has dedicated his life to the service of his country and his community, and is an inspiration to the many people whose lives he has touched. Shortly after his graduation from Midland High School in 1943, Cecil answered the call of his country and enlisted in the Army Air Forces. This was the beginning of a long and distinguished career in the U.S. military. During this time, his services were recognized as he was awarded the Silver Star with one Oak Leaf Cluster, the Distinguished Flying Cross with two Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Air Force Commendation Medal. Cecil immediately requested pilot training, and through dedication and hard work, he earned his wings in 1948. After resigning his commission in 1950, he hardly had time to settle into civilian life before the onset of the Korean War. The outbreak of hostilities in Korea once again summoned Cecil's unwavering patriotism. He was recalled to active duty in August 1951 and assigned to the 16th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, where his brave service to our Nation in the name of democracy earned him a promotion to Captain. Cecil's military career continued into the era of the Vietnam War. Promoted to Lieutenant Colonel, he assumed command of the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron in DaNang in 1968. During Cecil's tours in South Korea and South Vietnam, he logged over 200 combat sorties, including the confirmed downing of 9 MiG-15's. He remained on active duty until 1975, and retired with over 5,000 flying hours. Mr. Speaker, Colonel Foster has demonstrated dedication, patriotism and bravery in service to his country that is unparalled in America's history books. He is one of the few, unique individuals whose actions still represent the ideals upon which this Nation was founded. I know you will join me in welcoming Midland's ``native son'' home to Michigan on this special occasion.