Jim Clyburn

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. I thank the gentlewoman from North Carolina (Mrs. Clayton) for joining me in this Special Order. Mr. Speaker, I would like to say in closing the Special Order that I am pleased that the time has been granted. I want to sound the alarm to the public at large that this is an issue that has a long history. It is an issue that is very, very current in and around our neighborhoods today. In my own congressional district in South Carolina, I continue to find instances where people are now unable to pay taxes on the land that has been in their families for centuries simply because someone has built a motel or a housing development in the area, and all of a sudden the taxes have accelerated, and they are finding themselves unable to pay these taxes and, therefore, losing the land. We have seen that happen on Hilton Head, South Carolina; Daufuskie Island, South Carolina; Pawleys Island, South Carolina; all of these areas where there are resort communities being built. And so we bring this issue here today because we think it is high time that we begin to focus on what is being done under the color of law to people who find themselves powerless and to have big corporations like the International Paper Company now benefiting from this illegal taking. It is time for our government to join forces with large corporations. In this time when corporate scrutiny is very, very vigilant, we ought to do what is right by those people who had their land, their wealth taken away and now going to the benefit of people who have no legal right to it. I want to thank my colleagues for joining me this evening in this Special Order.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mrs. Marion M. Oliver of South Carolina, a retired educator with numerous years in the public school systems. A dedicated servant to her fellow citizens, she has amassed many years of volunteer service to her community. I join the citizens of Orangeburg and Barnwell Counties in expressing our deep appreciation and gratitude to her for a lifetime of outstanding service. Mrs. Oliver was born February 17, 1912, in Bamberg County, South Carolina. She attended schools in through high school. After graduating high school she continue her education at Claflin University in Orangeburg, SC. There she received a Bachelor of Arts in Early Childhood Education. After graduation, her desire to help others lead her to a thirty-seven year teaching career in Orangeburg and Barnwell Counties, South Carolina. Though Mrs. Oliver has no biological children, she has raised two; Dwight and Pearl Ethel, as her own and has been a mentor to many others in her community. She has invested much of her time supporting her church and community through personal involvement and countless fundraisers. In addition to her leadership positions in her church, Sunday School Teacher and President of United Methodist Women, she is an active member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). At age eighty-nine, Mrs. Oliver is still active with United Methodist Women and several other organizations in her community including Cooperative Church Ministries of Orangeburg, American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), Retired Teachers' Association, and a local needbased service group called Senior Support Group. Because of her tireless dedication to church and community, Mrs. Oliver is now reaping the harvest of her efforts through the admiration she receives from her neighbors and appreciation she receives from those whose lives she has touched. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join me in honoring Mrs. Marian M. Oliver for the immeasurable service she has offered to her community through her roles as a teacher, civic leader and volunteer. I sincerely thank Mrs. Oliver for her life-long commitment to helping others and wish her good luck and Godspeed.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ruth Singleton Smith of Florence, South Carolina, who is a respected member of the community and who has played a major role in several political campaigns, including my own. Mrs. Smith's career achievements and accomplishments exemplify her extraordinary contributions to the state of South Carolina. Mrs. Smith was born in Florence County, attended Florence County Public Schools, and graduated from Wilson High School in 1945. She is a graduate of South Carolina State College, American University, and Temple Business School. Mrs. Smith traveled extensively throughout the world with her husband, the late Willie Lesley Smith, who was a career Army serviceman. Upon his retirement in 1965, the Smiths returned to Florence, South Carolina and Mrs. Smith became the Public Relations Director for WBTW TV 13 of Florence. She held that position until her retirement in 1992. She also served as WBTW Liaison for Corporate, Business, and Government Relations from 1992 to 1996. Currently she is the Community Coordinator of Health Education at McLeod Regional Medical Center. She joined the medical center in 1997 and since then she has been responsible for creating, developing, and maintaining health programs for the indigent within the community. I would like to express my appreciation for Mrs. Smith's deep interest and active participation in politics on both the local, state, and national levels. She has demonstrated strong commitment to the Democratic process through her many years of educating voters about the need and right to vote. She has served as a Poll Manager, and she served as a political consultant for a number of political campaigns, including: Florence Mayoral, Florence City Council, Florence County Council, Florence County Solicitor's, and Florence County Sheriff Campaigns. She was also actively involved with South Carolina State Representative, Senatorial, Attorney General, Adjutant General, and Governor Campaigns. She also worked on the U.S. Senatorial Campaign of Ernest Hollings and on the Carter/Mondale and Clinton/Gore Presidential Campaigns. She also served as manager in the Pee Dee region during my own bid for Congress. I will always remember that she told me ``I'll get you to Washington even if I have to carry you on my own back''. Mrs. Smith displayed true enthusiasm and commitment when she ran at- large for Florence County Council, Although her bid was unsuccessful, her tremendous spirits were not weakened. Mrs. Smith is a lifelong member of Mt. Zion AME Church, choir member, and President of the Richard Allen Club. She is Commissioner for the Florence Housing Authority; the Mental Health Commission; the Executive Board of the NAACP; and the billboard Committee under the leadership of the Florence City Council. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me today in honoring Mrs. Ruth Singleton Smith for the incredible service she has provided to the residents of South Carolina. I sincerely thank Mrs. Smith for the outstanding contributions she has given to the state of South Carolina through her distinguished service to the fields of health, public relations, and politics. I would like to thank her for her continual support and wish her good luck and Godspeed.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Robert W. Williams Jr. of South Carolina, who is a recipient of the National Distinguished Presidential Award from the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA). His service to South Carolina includes countless hours attracting new industry and better jobs to the Pee Dee area of South Carolina. His commitment to rural initiatives has afforded a better quality of life to innumerable South Carolinians. Mr. Williams embarked upon his career in rural electrification as chief engineer at Onconee Electric Membership located in Dudley, Georgia. In 1966, he became general manager of Onconee. During that time, he served as special advisor on rural electrification to the Shah of Iran at the behest of the United States State Department and helped develop a national electrification plan for the entire country. As National Rural Electric Cooperative Association team leader for 4 years in the Philippines, he directed the Philippines Government's Department of Economic Development on National and International Finance for National Electrification Programs and successfully lobbied the Philippine Congress to pass a National Electrification Act that he initially drafted. Mr. Williams was awarded the Philippine's highest civilian award for his service by President Ferdinand Marcos of the Philippines. Mr. Williams joined Pee Dee Electric in 1971 as General Manager. He has also served as Executive Vice President and currently serves as President and CEO. His visionary leadership at Pee Dee Electric Cooperative has earned the cooperative the rank of number 1 electric cooperative in South Carolina and in the top 5% nationally. He is a fierce advocate of education and economic development in the Pee Dee region. He serves on the Francis Marion University Board of Trustees, the Francis Marion University Foundation board, and serves as the Finance and Investments Officer on the School's Foundation Board of Trustees. He has been awarded honorary membership in the Francis Marion School of Business honor society, Beta Gamma Sigma. He is a past Vice Chairman of the Florence County Economic Development Authority. From 1976 to 1987, Robert Williams served as a member, national director, and Chairman of the National Retirement, Safety and Insurance Committee with the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, Washington DC. He served as National Director and President of the National Rural Telecommunication Cooperative from 1984 to 1996, and as Vice Chairman and Director of the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission from 1992 to 1994. He became the president of Pee Dee Electricom, Inc. in 1984 and President of Pee Dee Service Corporation in 1988 and currently holds those positions, as well. Mr. Williams' many accomplishments and achievements include: being awarded the Order of the Palmetto, South Carolina's highest civilian award, in 1995, and being honored with a tribute from the Pee Dee Electric Cooperative Board of Trustees for his numerous contributions to the community. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me today in honoring Mr. Robert W. Williams Jr. for the extraordinary service he has provided for the residents of South Carolina. He is a personal friend and trusted advisor. I sincerely thank Mr. Williams for the outstanding contributions he has given to the State of South Carolina through his distinguished service to the field of rural electrification and economic development. I congratulate him on all of his accomplishments, and wish him good luck and Godspeed in his future endeavors.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the students and faculty of White Knoll Middle School in Columbia, SC, who, for a number of weeks have been raising money for a new fire truck to be presented to the New York City Fire Department in the aftermath of the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The students and faculty of White Knoll Middle School have embarked on a project that is both uniquely appropriate and inspiring. While people all across the country sought meaningful ways to respond personally and collectively to the despicable terriorist attacks commensurate to the anguish they were feeling, the students and faculty at White Knoll Middle School committed to the purchase and ``return'' of a fire truck to New York City as an expression of their heartfelt empathy, faith, and resolve. Mr. Speaker, as a former high school history teacher and devout historic preservationist, I share with you and my colleagues the discovery of an intriguing historical link. Logbooks kept at the Columbia Fire Department Museum in Columbia, SC, reveal that on June 27, 1867, two years after a Civil War fire destroyed the city, a group of New York City firefighters--former Union Soldiers--delivered a fire truck to the city of Columbia that, at the time, was using citizen bucket brigades. The burning of Columbia left deep wounds in the South Carolina psyche, with many harboring ill will against the North for decades. However, logbooks indicate that New York firefighters and Columbians of that period 134 years ago, looked at the gift as an act of healing. These students and their teachers are telling the citizens of New York City that Columbia remembers. The hearts of New York City firefighters reached out to Columbia 134 years ago and now the hearts of the children at White Knoll Middle are reaching out to New York. At least $350,000 is needed for a new fire engine and they are within a few thousand dollars of reaching that figure. White Knoll Middle raised $18,000 before their cause entitled South Carolina Remembers, grew to include key business leaders, city officials, corporations, civic organizations, and philanthropists from the Columbia area such as SCANA, SCE&G, Mayor Bob Coble and Mr. Sam Tenenbaum. They raised the funds by using word of mouth and old-fashioned techniques such as bake sales, car washes, gospel concerts, and booths at the South Carolina State Fair. The fund raising effort continues to gain momentum as over $330,000 has been raised to date--including a $50,000 pledge from an anonymous donor. White Knoll Middle School's story of benevolence has caught the attention of many local and national media outlets and has been featured on CBS's ``Early Show,'' as well as in People and Time Magazines. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to please join me in honoring White Knoll Middle School for their outstanding work as they emulate the beautiful and united fabric of America. The students and faculty of White Knoll Middle School have taught us once more that history has a way of connecting us and kindness has a way of multiplying the effects of those connections.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Eugene A.R. Montgomery who was a longtime friend and mentor. Mr. Montgomery was a true champion of civil rights, a reputable leader in the business and real estate arenas, and an inspiration to all members of his community. The Eugene A.R. Montgomery Foundation at South Carolina State University carries on the legacy of service that Mr. Montgomery began and cultivated throughout his lifetime. I commend the Eugene A.R. Montgomery Foundation for helping students with dreams of entering the business world turn those dreams into reality. Through programs that provide incentives for young African- Americans pursuing careers in entrepreneurial business--particularly the fields of real estate and insurance--the Foundation also encourages students to remain sensitive to the civil issues surrounding them. The mission of the foundation is one which seeks to foster and encourage the success, commitment, and character that Mr. Montgomery exemplified with his many accomplishments and achievements. As an active participant in the landmark Clarendon County school desegregation case, Briggs vs. Elliott--one of the five cases which became Brown vs the Board of Education of Topeka, Kansas, Mr. Montgomery demonstrated tremendous courage and determination. He worked very closely with Thurgood H. Marshall coordinating many activities of the plaintiffs and the NAACP attorneys. He served as the First Executive Secretary of the South Carolina Branches of the NAACP, Treasurer of the Orangeburg NAACP, and was a Life Member of the NAACP. He was a faithful member of Trinity United Methodist Church, a partner in the first black-owned real estate and insurance company in Orangeburg, South Carolina, and owner of Montgomery and Company Insurance Company. He was a Postal Service retiree, a Mason, and an active member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW). A former member of the Orangeburg Zoning and Appeals board, the Human Rights Council, the South Carolina Governor's School for the Arts, Junior Achievement, and a founder of the National Association for Real Estate Brokers, Mr. Montgomery was a member of the Orangeburg Chamber of Commerce and the Orangeburg School District Five Foundation Committee at the time of his death in 1996. Mr. Montgomery was a fine citizen in every respect. His wife Georgia continues much of his ideas and ideals today with her own community service endeavors and support of the Foundation named in his honor. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me today in paying tribute to Eugene A.R. Montgomery, whose life's visions live on and continue to foster and encourage young people through the Eugene A.R. Montgomery Foundation. I wish the Foundation good luck and Godspeed in carrying out the visions and honoring the legacy of a fine American who exemplified the concept of leading by example.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Rev. Harry Henry Singleton II, of Conway, SC, who was recently honored by the Conway Branch off the NAACP. Rev. Singleton's contributions to his community include his work as a teacher, pastor, and community leader. Many honors have been bestowed upon Rev. Singleton for his leadership by various churches, community service organizations, and individuals. ``H.H.,'' as I affectionately call him attended Allen University in Columbia, SC, and its J.J. Starks School of Theology. He also attended South Carolina State University in Orangeburg, SC, and the University of South Carolina in Columbia. Before becoming the first black male to teach at Myrtle Beach (South Carolina) High School, Rev. Singleton was employed as a Science teacher at four other schools in South Carolina. In 1994, after 30 years of teaching, Rev. Singleton retired from the teaching profession. In 1997, ``H.H.'' retired as pastor of Cherry Hill Baptist Church in Conway, SC and was named Pastor Emeritus of the church. During his long tenure as Pastor of Cherry Hill, he was often called upon to provide leadership to various community causes many of which were far beyond the call of duty. Rev. Singleton has served as Chairman of the Education Committee of the NAACP, 2nd Vice President, 1st Vice President, and member of the Executive Board of the South Carolina Conference of NAACP Branches. As President of the Conway Chapter of the NAACP, Rev. Singleton is called upon for consultation on issues involving race, gender, housing, and age discrimination. He has assisted numerous individuals with obtaining educational and job opportunities in areas they were previously denied. He has encouraged many black community leaders to pursue positions on city and county councils, the county school board, and the South Carolina General Assembly. Other accomplishments of the Conway NAACP under Rev. Singleton's leadership include the introduction of the NAACP's Back to School/Stay In School Tutorial Program, implementation of Single Member Districts for the election of Horry County School Board Members, and the negotiation of Fairshare Agreement Programs with Businesses creating more upper management and other job opportunities for African Americans. In 1989, the Rev. Singleton advised black members of the Conway High School Football Team who were protesting treatment of its black quarterback. As a result of his action, he was fired from his teaching position. Seeking redress of his firing, Rev. Singleton filed a lawsuit against the school district and was restored to his teaching position by Court mandate in 1991. Rev. Singleton also successfully fought against the privatization of Horry County's Automobile Garage which would have resulted in the permanent dismissal of seven employees. His challenging the Horry County Police Department's hiring practices in 1993 resulted in the promotion of several black officers and the elimination of discriminatory employment screening tests. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me today in honoring a personal friend, Rev. Harry Henry Singleton II for the incredible services he has provided, and I might add, continues to provide, to his congregation, and community. I sincerely thank Rev. Singleton for his outstanding contributions and commitment to pursuing justice and equality within his community, and congratulate him on receiving the Conway Chapter NAACP Tribute award and wish him well in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Mr. Willie Jeffries, who is retiring after 42 years of coaching, including 19 seasons at my alma mater as head coach of the South Carolina State University Bulldogs. ``Jeff,'' the winningest football coach in South Carolina State's 105-year history and owner of more Mid-Eastern Atlantic Conference (MEAC) victories than any other coach is already enshrined in the South Carolina, South Carolina State University, and MEAC halls of fame. That's very impressive for a kid from Union, South Carolina who matriculated--a word he would claim not to know the meaning of--at South Carolina State in the late 1950's to earn a civil engineering degree. Just months after graduating from South Carolina State in 1960, Jeffries began working as an Assistant Coach at Barr Street High School in Lancaster. He then moved on to become Head Coach at Granard High School in Gaffney, compiling a 65-7-2 record and winning three consecutive Class AAA state championships from 1964-1966. Jeffries began his collegiate career in 1968 at North Carolina A & T as an assistant under Hornsby Howell. He later coached under Johnny Majors at the University of Pittsburgh before returning to his alma mater, South Carolina State for his first collegiate head coaching position in 1973. He turned a floundering program around, going 50-13-4 in six seasons, before leaving for Wichita State where he became the first black Head Coach at a Division I school. Five-years after making his historic trek at Wichita State, Jeffries returned to the NIEAC in 1984 as Head Coach at Howard University. Jeffries returned home to South Carolina State for a second tenure in 1989. Apart from his enviable record, six MEAC titles, and two Black National Football championships, Jeffries has earned the love and respect of many in South Carolina as a teacher and mentor to countless young men and women. In addition, Coach Jeffries has contributed to the development of many young men who earn a college degree, as South Carolina State graduates 70 percent of its football players, more than any other historically black college and university. Jeffries has produced a multitude of players who have distinguished themselves in the professional ranks including Robert Porcher, Harry Carson, Donnie Shell, and Charlie Brown. Jeffries has coached against some of the game's legends such as Bear Bryant and Eddie Robinson. The word legend hardly speaks for what Willie Jeffries has done for South Carolina and South Carolina State University. He is a trailblazer; a man who set the stage for many black men and inspired them to do many things--mainly coach. If a man's worth is judged by the number of people he's touched, then Coach Jeffries has indeed lived a wealthy life. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring a good friend and loyal supporter Coach Willie Jeffries, for his many years of hard work, outstanding leadership, and service as a role model to South Carolina, South Carolina State and the nation.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Leonard F. Springs II, a native of South Carolina who will be honored this evening during the annual meeting of the South Carolina State Conference of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Tonight's Leadership Tribute is a component of the 2001 Civil Rights Conference, which commemorates the 60th annual Convention of the South Carolina State NAACP. I am pleased to join the South Carolina State NAACP in honoring my good friend and ``soulmate'', ``Lenny'' Springs. Leonard Springs, II--Senior Vice-President of Corporate Relations at First Union Corporation--is a graduate of Voorhees College, Denmark, South Carolina and the University of South Carolina. He has dedicated more than 25 years of his life to developing and managing community reinvestment programs in the banking industry and non-profits sector. Dollars and Sense Magazine affirms that he is ``one of America's top corporate officers.'' In 1988, Mr. Springs became Vice President, Corporate Affairs Relations at First Union National Bank of Georgia and held that position until 1990. During his service in Atlanta and with his energetic leadership, Mr. Springs made a truly significant impact throughout the minority business community. As a board member of the Atlanta Mortgage Consortium, he initiated efforts to make affordable housing accessible to low-income citizens. He also served as Chairman of the Economic Development Committee for the city of Atlanta Main Street-Auburn Avenue Project. Included among his many achievements, are designing and implementing programs, procedures and practices to ensure compliance with regulations of the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA); creating a CRA training module in conjunction with the American Banking Association; developing a number of commercial lending programs for small businesses; developing a CRA procedure manual; and authoring a column for ``Money Matters'' magazine. Mr. Springs is recognized as a leading authority on banking information throughout the Carolinas. Mr. Springs embarked upon his professional career in 1974 as a Field Representative of the Labor Education Advancement Program of the Columbia Urban League in South Carolina. Two years later he became Executive Director of the Greenville Urban League where he remained with the Greenville Urban League for seven years. He later became Assistant Vice President of Community Relations for Southern Bank & Trust in Greenville. Mr. Springs would further advance his career by accepting a similar position with First Union National Bank of South Carolina in 1985. Serving as a member of the NAACP National Board of Directors, he lead the search to obtain the association's current national president, Kwisei Mfume. Mr. Springs professional affiliations and board appointments, past and present, are reflective of his outstanding service to various communities and include: Channel WTVI Board of Directors which oversees the Charlotte Mecklenburg Public Broadcasting Authority; Charlotte Auditorium-Coliseum Convention Authority Board of Directors; Presidential Administrative Appointee to the US Department of the Treasury Bank Secrecy Advisory Group; Vice Chairman of the South Carolina Human Affairs Commission during my tenure as Commissioner; Chairman, NAACP Special Contribution Fund Board of Trustees, Past President, Founder and Board Member of the Charlotte Chapter of 100 Black Men, Inc.; Board Member of Central Carolina Urban League; National Alliance of Business Southeast Regional Board; Business Policy Review Council; Board of Directors, Carolinas Minority Supplier Development Council Inc.; Past President, Voorhees College National Alumni Association; member, National Urban Bankers Association; Southern Region Board of Directors, Boy Scouts of America; Barber- Scotia College Board of Visitors; Johnson C. Smith University Board of Visitors; Elizabeth City State University Board of Trustees; Florida Memorial College Board of Directors; South Carolina State University Foundations Board of Directors; and Spirit Square, Charlotte, NC, Board of Directors. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me today in honoring Leonard F. Springs II, a personal friend and former employer, for his contributions to the business community, involvements in community revitalization, and overall public service. I sincerely thank Mr. Springs for the dedicated service he has provided to the citizens of South Carolina and the noteworthy contributions he has made to minority business development throughout the nation. I congratulate him on his recognition by the South Carolina Conference of Branches of the NAACP and wish him good luck and Godspeed in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Taiwan on the occasion of their National Day. The Republic of China on Taiwan is a true democracy that guarantees political freedom and civil liberty to its people. As we continue into the 21st Century, Taiwan's importance as an economic player in the world continues as they expect to become a new member of the World Trade Organization by the end of this year. Despite the relative small population of only 23 million, Taiwan has financial resources surpassing those of many Western countries. On behalf of all of us, I would like to offer my thanks to President Chen Shui-bian of the Republic of China for Taiwan's support of our great nation in the aftermath of the September 11 attack. President Shui-bian expressed his condolences to the American people, and condemned those terrorist acts as shameful and cowardly. Taiwan was one of the first countries to declare their unequivocal support and cooperation with the United States. In addition, Taiwan has offered the United States and their allies in the war on terrorism whatever resources they have to share. In addition, President Shui-bian ordered all government flags to be flown at half-mast for two days as an expression of Taiwan's solidarity with the United States. And finally, President Shui-bian asked that all National Day celebrations be cancelled because this is a mourning time for the American people as well as for the people of Taiwan. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in recognition of the Republic of China on Taiwan's National Day. I thank Taiwan for their friendship and support of our great nation, and I wish Taiwan and its people continued prosperity and Godspeed on their National Day.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ofield Dukes of Washington, D.C., who is a recent recipient of the Public Relations Society of America's 2001 Gold Anvil Award. First awarded in 1948, the Gold Anvil Award is the PRSA's most prestigious individual honor and is presented to the public relations professional whose contributions to the field have advanced the profession. Ofield Duke's accomplishments as a journalist, public relations executive, and as a public relations educator speak for his recognition as a reputable leader in his field and in the community. After receiving three national Newspapers Publishers Association awards for editorial, column and feature writing published in the Michigan Chronicle in Detroit, Mr. Dukes became a member of the Johnson-Humphrey administration in 1964. Later, he would go on to serve an additional 3 years on the staff of Vice President Humphrey. He opened his first public relations firm in 1969, with Motown as his first client and Lever Brothers as his second. In 1975, he was the recipient of the Silver Anvil Award. As noted by the Washington Post Mr. Dukes is "one of the top public relations persuaders in the city." Mr. Dukes assisted in the organization of the Inaugural Congressional Black Caucus Annual Legislative Conference. He has served on the boards of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation and the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change. Mr. Dukes became a communications consultant for the Democratic presidential campaign in 1972 and has been a consultant for every presidential campaign thereafter. He is president and founder of the Black Public Relations Society of Washington, which was established in 1993. Mr. Dukes has served as an adjunct professor at Howard University for seventeen years and was instrumental in establishing the University's public relations curriculum. For the past eight years, Mr. Dukes has been an adjunct professor in the School of Communications at The American University. He is responsible for inspiring hundreds of students to enter public relations. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me today in honoring Ofield Dukes for the incredible services he has provided to his students and the field of public relations. I sincerely thank Mr. Dukes for his outstanding contributions, congratulate him on becoming a recipient of the 2001 Gold Anvil Award, and wish him well in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mr. Earl Middleton of South Carolina, who was recently named Orangeburg South Carolina's Citizen of the Year. Mr. Middleton is recognized for his noteworthy contributions to the community as a successful realtor, businessman, political history-maker, and respected citizen of South Carolina. Along with having served the country during World War II as one of the Tuskegee Airmen, Mr. Middleton has displayed incredible service to his church and college. After returning to his hometown after his service during World War II, Mr. Middleton embarked on a career in business and politics. His hope was that through his career he could overcome the social inequalities that faced him as an African American during that time. In 1974, he became the first African-American to represent Orangeburg County in the South Carolina State House of Representatives since the Post Reconstruction Era. He would go on to serve in the legislature for 10 years. Mr. Middleton worked as a barber and an insurance salesperson while contributing his time and effort toward various social causes and political campaigns. Later, his business grew to include real estate sales. In 1985 his real estate business, Middleton Agency, would grow to include a franchise of Coldwell Banker, becoming its first black- owned affiliate. Honorably, Mr. Middleton accepted an invitation to serve on the governing committee of Middleton Place, a plantation near Charleston, South Carolina where his great grandfather had been held in servitude before the Civil War. Mr. Middleton is a life member of the NAACP. He has served on the trustee board of The Methodist Home, the mayor's and the governor's commission on employment of the handicapped and the Salvation Army board. His many awards include: being named to the Claflin University Hall of Fame and becoming a recipient of the Edisto Award. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me today in honoring my good friend and confidant, Earl Middleton for the dedicated service he has provided to the citizens of South Carolina and the noteworthy contributions he has made in the real estate business. I sincerely thank Mr. Middleton for his service to the country and to the state. I congratulate him on his recent recognition as Orangeburg's Citizen of the Year and truly wish him good luck and Godspeed in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to John N. Hardee of South Carolina, who is a respected member of the South Carolina Transportation Commission for the 2nd Congressional District. He has been a member of the Transportation Commission since 1997. Mr. Hardee's career achievements and accomplishments exemplify his extraordinary contributions to the state of South Carolina. Currently, Mr. Hardee is the Director of Governmental Affairs at Lamar Advertising. He has served as the President of the Outdoor Advertising Association of South Carolina since 1989. In 1995, Mr. Hardee was appointed to represent South Carolina on the Scenic Highways Committee. As a member of the committee, he assisted in the drafting of regulations that established the necessary criteria for Scenic Highways. Mr. Hardee has served as the Chairman of this valuable committee since its inception. Mr. Hardee was awarded the Order of the Palmetto, the State's highest honor, in 1998, in recognition of his dedication to the field of transportation through his service to the Transportation Commission and Scenic Highways Committee. At the request of the Central Midlands Council of Governments, the South Carolina Transportation Commission voted to name the proposed seven-mile airport connector road between I-20 and I-26 in Lexington County as the John N. Hardee Airport Expressway, in recognition of his efforts to obtain funds to support the project. Along with Mr. Hardee's service to the field of transportation, comes his service to the community. As a member of the First Baptist Church in Florence, South Carolina, he served on the Board of Deacons from 1985-1988 and 1990-1992, and was chairman of the Board in 1988. He organized the first prayer breakfast in Florence, as well. As a member of the First Baptist Church in Columbia, South Carolina since 1993, he has served on the Board of Deacons and Stewardship Planning in 1994. He has served as a member of the Florence Chamber of Commerce from 1973-1992 and served as president in 1985. He was a member of the Florence County Economic Development Commission from 1988 to 1992, and was the chairman from 1990 to 1991. He was also a member of the Florence Planning Commission from 1981 to 1992, and chairman for almost five years. Mr. Hardee has also served as a member of the Florence Lion's Club, and as its president in 1984. From 1980 to 1992 he served as a member of the Salvation Army Advisory Board, and as chairman from 1983 to 1986. He is currently a member of the Five Points Rotary Club and is a Paul Harris Fellow. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me today in honoring Mr. John N. Hardee for the incredible service he has provided for the residents of South Carolina. I sincerely thank Mr. John Hardee for the outstanding contributions he has given to the state of South Carolina through his distinguished service to the field of transportation. I congratulate him on his recent accomplishment of having the airport expressway named on his behalf and wish him the best in all of his future endeavors.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Ronald T. Farrar of South Carolina, on the occasion of his retirement from the College of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of South Carolina. Dr. Farrar is the epitome of what a college professor should be, and he is respected and loved by faculty and students alike. In 1986, Dr. Farrar became a professor of history, media law and introduction to journalism at the University of South Carolina, until assuming the position of interim dean in July of 1999. Dr. Farrar's career achievements speak for his dedicated service as an extraordinary college professor, teacher, administrator, mentor, and respected member of the media. After earning his Ph.D. in Journalism History from the University of Missouri in 1965, Dr. Farrar went on to serve as a professor/chairman in the journalism departments of Indiana University, Southern Methodist University, the University of Mississippi, and the University of Kentucky. Dr. Farrar served as a reporter, news editor, general manager and circulation manager of the Arkansas Democrat, Daily Press, Arkansas Gazette, and Daily Iowan newspapers. From 1957 to 1958, he served as 2nd Lieutenant of the U.S. Army. Along with the many articles Dr. Farrar has authored and published, he has written such books as ``Reluctant Servant'' (Missouri, 1968); ``Mass Media and the National Experience'', with John D. Stevens (Harper & Row, 1971); ``College 101'' (Peterson's Guides), 1985, 1988; ``Mass Communication: An Introduction to the Field'' (West, 1988; Brown, 1995); ``The Ultimate College Profession: Walter Williams, Journalist to the World'' (Missouri, 1998). Dr. Farrar is deeply respected in the field of journalism and academics. His expertise and talent have earned him commissions to write numerous articles and conduct national studies. He has been awarded various grants and certificates of achievement, including the Distinguished Service Medal for Research in Journalism in 1969 by the Society of Professional Journalists for Reluctant Servant; The Story of Charles G. Ross. From 1971 to 1973, he was a consultant for continuing study of television audiences for the Pubic Broadcasting System. Faculties for the US government, private sectors and journalistic associations have been privileged to have him serve on their boards. His long career achievements include award research grants from the Kaltenborn Foundation, U.S. Steel Foundation, Harry S. Truman Library Institute, Indiana Research Foundation, Kentucky Press Association, Kentucky Humanities council, National Endowment for the Humanities, Sigma Delta Chi Foundation, University of Kentucky Research Foundation, University of South Carolina Research Foundation, Southern Regional Education Board, and Freedom forum. Dr. Farrar was appointed the Reynolds-Faunt memorial Professor in 1986 and held that professorship until his retirement. He will now be recognized as Professor Emeritus. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me today in honoring Dr. Ronald T. Farrar for the incredible service he has provided through a lifetime in the academic community. I sincerely thank him for his outstanding contributions, congratulate him on his recent retirement, and wish him good luck and Godspeed in his future endeavors.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Vermelle J. Johnson of South Carolina, who was recently appointed to the Commission on Higher Education. Dr. Johnson's long and illustrious career spans thirty eight years and includes many incredible accomplishments. I am sure her vast experience will serve her well at the Commission on Higher Education. Dr. Vennelle J. Johnson is leaving her post as Senior Vice President and Vice President of Academic Affairs at Claflin University in Orangeburg, South Carolina to accept her new appointment. Her stellar career was recognized at an evening of reflection and celebration on July 31, 2001 on the campus of Claflin College. Dr. Johnson began her career as an educator in the public school system in 1963. In 1969, she became an associate professor of business at South Carolina State University. Dr. Johnson moved to Claflin University in 1979, where she established and implemented a Department of Business Administration. She went back to the South Carolina State University as Professor and Dean of the School of Education in 1982, and in 1985 she became the Executive Vice President and Provost of the University, which at the time was the highest rank held by a female in the South Carolina public college/university system. In this position, Dr. Johnson established several significant new programs, such as a Master of Arts in Teaching and a Department of Nursing. In 1995 Dr. Johnson returned to Claflin to serve as Senior Vice President and Vice President for Academic Affairs. During this six-year tenure, Dr. Johnson conducted a complete overhaul of the academic curriculum, brought onboard five new academic Honor Societies and Fraternities, and increased faculty professional development and scholarly activity by more than 100%. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me today in honoring Dr. Vermelle J. Johnson for the incredible service she has provided to the students and citizens of South Carolina. I sincerely thank Dr. Johnson for her outstanding contributions and congratulate her on her recent appointment and wish her the best in all of her future endeavors.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Fifth Annual Academic Achievement and Recognition Ceremony, being sponsored by the Lake City Housing Authority for the housing resident students of Lake City, Johnsonville, and Kingstree. This special ceremony will be held on August 5, 2001 in Lake City, South Carolina. The purpose of the ceremony is to honor housing residents who have achieved academic excellence during the prior school year, and to recognize those who have obtained high school diplomas or college degrees. Special recognition will also be given to several individuals who ranked at the top of their classes. This innovative event has become an anticipated occasion for both the housing residents and the community. I commend Mr. Ronald L. Poston, Executive Director of the Lake City Housing Authority, and the Board of Commissioners of the Authority for instigating this creative, community-oriented occasion. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me today in honoring the Fifth Annual Academic Achievement and Recognition Ceremony. It is events such as this that hold our communities together, strengthen our future, and promote our values. I sincerely thank Mr. Ronald Poston and the Board of Commissioners of the Lake City Housing Authority for designing and implementing this innovative and important ceremony, and congratulate those students who will receive recognition this year.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Edward and Sallie McClain of Charleston, South Carolina, who have been chosen as the South Carolina Parents of the Year for 2001. Reverend and Mrs. McClain will be honored on July 25, 2001 with this prestigious award at the seventh annual Congressional Parents' Day Celebration cosponsored by The American Family Coalition and The Washington Times Foundation. Reverend and Mrs. McClain have been married for 42 years. They have nine children, twenty grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. All of their children load successful lives, ranging from personnel directors and electrical engineers to Olympian basketball players and college students. I have no doubt their success is due in strong part to the selfless and unconditional love bestowed upon them by their parents and passed on to their children. In addition to this complete and absolute devotion to their family, Reverend and Mrs. McClain continually extend their hearts to the Charleston community. Reverend McClain, a former educator and minister of Calvary African Methodist Episcopal Church, serves on the local school board. Reverend McClain is also one of the founders of the Interdenominational Ministerial Alliance, in which Mrs. McClain plays an integral role as well. Reverend and Mrs. McClain began a soup kitchen that has operated for 17 years. They hold special church services every year to honor the young people in their church who have achieved academic excellence, and have been leaders in a highly effective program against drug dealing in their neighborhood. These examples are only a fraction of the contributions Reverend and Mrs. McClain have made to the Charleston community. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in recognizing Edward and Sallie McClain. The distinguished couple has continually put their children, their church, and their community before their own needs. Reverend and Mrs. McClain are examples of passionate parental role models in an age when such models are becoming both more rare and more crucial.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mrs. Maranda Phillips Holmes of Charleston, South Carolina, a recent recipient of a National Jefferson Award. Mrs. Holmes is greatly admired for her outstanding community and public service. I join the citizens of Charleston County in expressing our deepest gratitude for everything she has done and continues to do. Mrs. Holmes, who is often known as ``Mother Teresa,'' has been a church and community volunteer for more than forty years. She has served on numerous boards and commissions, including the Neighborhood Housing Service Commission where she helped provide loans and grants to those wishing to renovate their homes. She is an extraordinary person and throughout her life has made extraordinary contributions to her church, and the politics, and social welfare of her community. Mrs. Holmes has been the recipient of 154 awards that reflect her lifelong dedication to community improvement. The American Institute-- an organization founded in 1972 by Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis, Senator Robert Taft, Jr., and Sam Beale--presents this prestigious award annually. The award seeks to recognize individuals for their outstanding community and public service. WCSC-Channel Five, a local television station, produced a thirty-minute documentary highlighting the contributions on Mrs. Holmes and two other National Jefferson Award recipients. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me today in honoring Mrs. Maranda Phillips Holmes for the incredible service she has provided for the citizens of her community. The world is a better place because of her years of distinguished service, and she has certainly earned the honor this notable award recognizes. The citizens of Charleston County and I congratulate Mrs. Holmes on her outstanding accomplishments and wish her the best in all of her future endeavors.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mrs. Helen H. Smith of Marion, South Carolina, who is retiring after a long and distinguished career in public service. I join the citizens of Marion County in expressing our deepest gratitude for her outstanding service. Helen Smith was raised in Marion, South Carolina. After graduating from Mullins High School, she attended Columbia College. She and her husband, Mr. Rupert W. Smith, Jr., are the proud parents of Rupert W. (Smitty) Smith, III. Mrs. Smith has worked for Marion County for twenty-one years, retiring as the Director of the Marion County Voter Registration and Election Commission. She distinguished herself by graduating from the Institute of Government for County Officials, and became a key figure in the South Carolina Association of Registration and Election Officials, commonly known as SCARE. Mrs. Smith has served SCARE as Director of the Sixth District, Second Vice President, First Vice President, and President. She also served as the historian of SCARE, and wrote the first history of this Association. Mrs. Smith has received much recognition for her contributions to the Marion County community. She was honored with three outstanding service awards from the SCARE Association, was the recipient of the Betty Moore Award, and was presented with two awards from the South Carolina House of Representatives in recognition of her contributions to the election process. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me today in honoring Helen H. Smith for her many years of service to her community and for her significant contributions to the South Carolina election process. I wish her the happiest days in a well-deserved retirement.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ms. Eloise Whittington Rogers of Marion, South Carolina, who is retiring after thirty-eight years in public service. She is a greatly admired member of her community, and in her invaluable role as Veterans Affairs Officer has touched countless lives. I join the citizens of Marion County in expressing our deepest gratitude for everything she has done. Ms. Rogers was born in Florence, South Carolina. After graduating from Marion High School in 1956, she earned an Associate Degree in Business from Carolina College of Commerce in 1966, followed by a second degree in 1969 from the same College. Before entering public service, Ms. Rogers worked as a bookkeeper in Belks Department Store for five years. Ms. Rogers began her career in public service as a secretary at the Marion County Tax Collector's Office, where she worked for ten years. Ms. Rogers then moved to the Marion County Veterans Affairs Office. She devoted 28 years of her life to this office, working fourteen years as a secretary and fourteen as the Veterans Affairs Officer. During her tenure, Ms. Rogers developed close bonds with many of the veterans of Marion County, and became passionate about ensuring they got the benefits and recognition they deserved. In addition to the unselfish labor she has provided to the veterans of Marion County for almost three decades, Ms. Rogers has been giving to her community on a variety of different levels throughout her illustrious life. In 1991, she received the Citizen of the Year Award from the Woodman of the World organization. She has been honored with an Outstanding Service award from the Swamp Fox Chapter No. 87. Ms. Rogers is also a member of the Marion County Historical Commission, the Shannon Wilkerson Scholarship Fund, and is Clerk to Springville Community Poll. A devoted forty-five year member of the Shiloh United Methodist Church, Ms. Rogers serves as the church organist, Missionary Circle President, and on the administrative board, among numerous other roles within the church. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me today in honoring Eloise Whittington Rogers for the incredible service she has provided for the veterans and citizens of her community. The world is a better place because of her service, and I wish her happy days in a well-deserved retirement.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of ``National Therapeutic Week'' in South Carolina as proclaimed by Governor Jim Hodges. The purpose of this event, which was held July 8-15, 2001, was to increase public awareness of therapeutic recreation programs and services, and expand recreational and leisure opportunities for individuals with disabilities. Physical therapists from all over the state met and worked together to eliminate barriers to leisure activities for many with disabilities and educate people in leisure skills and attitudes. These therapists constantly stressed the importance and advantage of having a clear understanding of how involvement in leisure and recreational activities improves physical and psychosocial health, and how recreation can provide individuals with a sense of self-confidence and satisfaction. The theme for ``National Therapeutic Recreation Week'' was ``Therapeutic Recreation . . . Examine the Possibilities.'' The theme suited the occasion perfectly, as the aim was to explore a variety of methods used by therapeutic recreation professionals to enhance the quality of life and well being of persons with disabilities. This year's ``National Therapeutic Recreation Week'' will hopefully generate more interest and encourage all South Carolinians to recognize the positive benefits of leisure and recreation. Mr. Speaker, last week thousands of South Carolinians devoted their time and energy to improve their quality of life, and also the lives of others. Please join me in recognizing the gallant efforts of these individuals, and the wonderful accomplishments they made during ``National Therapeutic Recreation Week.''

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Sametta Alicia Taylor. Ms. Taylor recently qualified as a National Finalist in the 2001 Pre-Teen America Scholarship and Recognition Program to be held on July 3 in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. Sametta is the 12-year-old daughter of Sammie and Michelle B. Taylor of Moncks Comer, South Carolina. She will represent our state in the speech category as South Carolina's Miss Pre-Teen. She participated in the South Carolina Pre-Teen Scholarship and Recognition Program held September 2-4, 2000 in Greenville, South Carolina. Young ladies, ages seven to twelve, were invited who have been recognized publicly for their outstanding personal achievements, volunteer services, school involvement, leadership abilities, and creative talents. State finalists were judged on similar categories including communicative ability, general knowledge, onstage expression, and acknowledgment of accomplishments. Local participants were selected primarily from public announcements of achievements, by teachers, guidance counselors, and recommendations from past participants. Over 120 South Carolinians participated in the event. Sametta received a $1,000 educational bond, $100 educational bond for winning the speech competition, and 4 trophies for the highest scholastic average of all the participants. Sametta has a 10-year-old brother, Sammie Taylor, III. She is the granddaughter of Joseph and Emily J. Brown of Moncks Comer, and Sammie Taylor, Sr. and Josephine Sanders of Rembert, South Carolina. Her godparents are Carl and Altrise Weldon of Bowie, Maryland. Mr. Speaker, please join me and my fellow South Carolinians in honoring Sametta Taylor for her outstanding achievements.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a dear friend, a former colleague, and fellow South Carolinian, Paul W. Beazley. On July 16th, Paul will retire from South Carolina State government. It is a retirement well deserved and he will be sorely missed. Before coming to this august body, I served as Human Affairs Commissioner for the State of South Carolina. I was fortunate to have Paul among my support staff. Paul joined the State Human Affairs Commission in January of 1973. Upon my arrival in October 1974, I named him Director of the Technical Services Division where he served for five years before being named Deputy Commissioner. During my nearly 18-year tenure at the Commission, Paul was an invaluable colleague, and became an expert on the issues of equal opportunity and diversity, particularly in the workplace. He accentuated his vast experience in this area with several published works including: Think Affirmative; The Blueprint, which became the leading affirmative action planning manual in the 1970's and 1980's. He recently wrote, The South Carolina Human Affairs Commission: A History, 1972-1977; and Who Give a Hoot at the EEOC?, a public policy case study. He played a key organizing the State's first Human Affairs Forums, two of which were nationally televised. An active member in his community both professionally and personally, Paul currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Midlands Marine Institute, and is president of the Alumni Association of South Carolina State Government's Executive Institute. Paul is also chairman of the State Appeals Board of the United States Selective Service System. In addition, Paul is a member of various professional associations, and works as a volunteer for many non-profit organizations. He is also a member of the Eau Claire Rotary Club of Columbia, and has served as President and Secretary of the national Institute for Employment Equity, and as Chairman of the Greater Columbia Community Relations Council. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Family Services Center of Columbia, the Board of Visitors of Columbia College, the Board of Directors of Leadership South Carolina and numerous task forces at the state and local level. Prior to joining the Commission in 1973, Paul was a Presbyterian Minister. He served as a pastor, a Conference center Director, and an Educational Consultant. He has also worked as a Consultant for the University of South Carolina General Assistance Center, teaching in the field of test taking and problem-solving. He designed an experimental reading program for the Columbia Urban League. Paul received his Bachelor of Arts degree from East Tennessee State University, his Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in Virginia, and a Masters of Education from the University of South Carolina, where he also completed Doctoral studies. Paul is also a graduate of the South Carolina Executive Institute (1992), and Leadership South Carolina (1987). Paul, a longtime resident of my current hometown, Columbia, South Carolina, is married to the former Marcia Rushworth. They have one son, Paul Derrick Beazley, who lives in Charleston. Paul is a competitive tennis player, and we share yet another common interest and pastime, golf. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in saluting one of our nation's authorities on diversity, one of my State's most highly respected professionals, one of my communities finest citizens, and one of my good friends, Paul W. Beazley, upon his retirement from South Carolina State government. Please join me in wishing him good luck and Godspeed.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a dear friend, a former colleague, and fellow South Carolinian, Paul W. Beazley. On July 16th, Paul will retire from South Carolina State government. It is a retirement well deserved and he will be sorely missed. Before coming to this august body, I served as Human Affairs Commissioner for the State of South Carolina. I was fortunate to have Paul among my support staff. Paul joined the State Human Affairs Commission in January of 1973. Upon my arrival in October 1974, I named him Director of the Technical Services Division where he served for five years before becoming Deputy Commissioner. During my nearly 18-year tenure at the Commission, Paul was an invaluable colleague, and became an expert on the issues of equal opportunity and diversity, particularly in the workplace. He supplemented his vast experience in this area with several published works including: Think Affirmative; The Blueprint, which became the leading affirmative action planning manual in the 1970's and 1980's. He recently wrote, The South Carolina Human Affairs Commission: A History, 1972-1977; and Who Gives a Hoot at the EEOC?, a public policy case study. An active member in his community both professionally and personally, Paul currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Midlands Marine Institute, and is president of the Alumni Association of South Carolina State Government's Executive Institute. Paul is also chairman of the State Appeals Board for the United States Selective Service System. In addition, Paul is a member of various professional associations, and works as a volunteer for many non-profit organizations. He is also a member of the Eau Claire Rotary Club of Columbia, and has served as President and Secretary of the National Institute for Employment Equity, and as Chairman of the Greater Columbia Community Relations Council. He has also served on the Board of Directors of the Family Services Center of Columbia, the Board of Visitors of Columbia College, the Board of Directors of Leadership South Carolina and numerous task forces at the state and local level. Prior to joining the Commission in 1973, Paul was a Presbyterian Minister. He served as a pastor, a Conference center Director, and an Educational Consultant. He has also worked as a Consultant for the University of South Carolina General Assistance Center, teaching in the field of test taking and problem-solving. He designed an experimental school and directed an experimental reading program for the Columbia Urban League. Paul received his Bachelor of Arts degree from East Tennessee State University, his Master of Divinity from Union Theological Seminary in Virginia, and a Masters of Education from the University of South Carolina, where he also completed Doctoral studies. Paul is also a graduate of the South Carolina Executive Institute (1992), and Leadership South Carolina (1987). Paul, a longtime resident of my current hometown, Columbia, South Carolina, is married to the former Marcia Rushworth. They have one son, Paul Derrick Beazley, who lives in Charleston. Paul is a competitive tennis player, and we share yet another common interest and pastime, golf. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in saluting one of our nation's authorities on diversity, one of my State's most highly respected professionals, one of my Community's finest citizens, and one of my good friends, Paul W. Beazley, upon his retirement. Please join me in wishing him good luck and Godspeed.

Mr. CLYBURN

Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Corporal Kelly Stephen Keith. Kelly Stephen Keith was born in 1978, the son of Donna Harter of Florence and Billy Keith of Cheraw, and stepson of Ronald Harter and Connie Keith. His siblings are Andy and Jay Keith of Cheraw and Dustin Brasington of Florence. Kelly Keith joined the Marine Corps on December 17, 1996 shortly after graduating from Cheraw High School where he had received the ``Spirit of the Brave Award'' in his senior year. During his high school years, Kelly played in the marching band, was an avid fisherman and hunter, and enjoyed golf, music, and scuba diving. He was a Boy Scout for ten years, and a member of First Baptist Church of Cheraw. Over the course of his first three years in the Marines, Keith was promoted four times and received numerous awards for good conduct and advanced to the rank of Corporal. He was assigned to Naval Aircrew Training, and later joined the Osprey Unit team. Before joining the Osprey Unit, Kelly was with the Marine Squadron assigned to transport the U.S. President and his staff. Corporal Keith distinguished himself as the only Corporal, and the youngest officer, to be named crew chief on the Osprey test team. Keith was killed with eighteen other Marines on April 9, 2000 when their aircraft crashed in Arizona on a training exercise. The South Carolina General Assembly passed a resolution on March 6, 2001 naming a portion of U.S. Highway 52 in honor of Corporal Keith. Corporal Kelly Stephen Keith was a man of integrity, honor, and respect. The service that he rendered for our nation was invaluable, and the memory of this soldier and great American should never die. Mr. Speaker, please join me and my fellow South Carolinians in honoring Corporal Kelly Stephen Keith.