Barbara Comstock

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the boys' soccer team from Park View High School in my District who recently won the 2016 4A Virginia State Championship. They practiced long hours as a team, and this extraordinary achievement shows how far dedication, hard work, and commitment to teamwork can take a group as they played against some of the best competition in the nation. The Park View boys' soccer team has made Virginia's 10th Congressional District proud and they have represented us well. Winning a state championship attests to their impressive athletic ability, unselfish mentality, and determination to succeed. I commend them for their tireless dedication to both their school and their teammates, without neither of which this could have been possible. It takes a delicate combination of superior skill and many hours of practice to win a state title. The Park View boys' soccer team has certainly earned this honor and the lessons learned over the years will serve them as they continue on in their lives. It has been 24 years since Park View boys' soccer has won a state championship. It took almost the entire game until an opportunity arose for Park View to pull ahead when they made the score 1-0 in the 69th minute. This hard-fought game is certainly one these boys will remember for years to come. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the Park View boys' soccer team for their achievement and representing Virginia's 10th Congressional District with such distinction. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the girls' softball team from Woodgrove High School in my District who recently won the 2016 4A Virginia State Championship. They practiced long hours as a team, and this extraordinary achievement shows how far dedication, hard work, and commitment to teamwork can take a group as they played against some of the best competition in the nation. Woodgrove High School girls' softball team has made Virginia's 10th Congressional District proud and they have represented us well. Winning a state championship attests to their impressive athletic ability, unselfish mentality, and determination to succeed. I commend them for their tireless dedication to both their school and their teammates, without neither of which this could have been possible. It takes a delicate combination of superior skill and many hours of practice to win a state title. The Woodgrove High School girls' softball team has certainly earned this honor and the lessons learned over the years will valuably serve them as they continue on in their lives. This team has captured three state titles in the past five years and their dominance was on display during 2016's title game where they crushed Fauquier an impressive 19-0. I am proud that their efforts this year paid off as they won a much-deserved state title. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Woodgrove High School's softball team for their achievement and for representing Virginia's 10th Congressional District with such distinction. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the girls' soccer team from Loudoun County High School in my District who recently won the 2016 4A Virginia State Championship. They practiced long hours as a team, and this extraordinary achievement shows how far dedication, hard work, and commitment to teamwork can take a group as they played against some of the best competition in the nation. This team has made Virginia's 10th Congressional District proud and they have represented us well. Winning a state championship attests to their impressive athletic ability, unselfish mentality, and determination to succeed. I commend them for their tireless dedication to both their school and their teammates, without neither of which this could have been possible. It takes a delicate combination of superior skill and many hours of practice to win a state title. The Loudoun County High School girls' soccer team has certainly earned this honor and the lessons learned over the years will valuably serve them as they continue on in their lives. They outlasted Salem 1-0 to achieve the team's 2nd state title in as many years. The game's only goal was an impressive header directed into the goal following a long free kick. The teamwork these girls used to get to this moment was on display the entire game as they sprinted and dribbled to victory. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the Loudoun County High School girls' soccer team for their achievement and representing Virginia's 10th Congressional District with such distinction. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the girls' lacrosse team from Woodgrove High School in my District who recently won the 2016 4A Virginia State Championship. They practiced long hours as a team, and this extraordinary achievement shows how far dedication, hard work, and commitment to teamwork can take a group as they played against some of the best competition in the nation Woodgrove girls' lacrosse team has made Virginia's 10th Congressional District proud and they have represented us well. Winning a state championship attests to their impressive athletic ability, unselfish mentality, and determination to succeed. I commend them for their tireless dedication to both their school and their teammates, without neither of which this could have been possible. It takes a delicate combination of superior skill and many hours of practice to win a state title. The Woodgrove girls' lacrosse team has certainly earned this honor and the lessons learned over the years will valuably serve them as they continue on in their lives. They finished this year's season with an exceptional 18-3 record. The tenacity they brought to each game is truly impressive. This especially showed in the championship game as they exhibited their immense skill to beat George Mason by 12 points as they cruised to their 3rd straight state championship title. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring the Woodgrove High School girls' lacrosse team for their achievement and representing Virginia's 10th Congressional District with such distinction. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the boys' lacrosse team from Briar Woods in my District who recently won the 2016 5A Virginia State Championship. They practiced long hours as a team, and this extraordinary achievement shows how far dedication, hard work, and commitment to teamwork can take a group as they played against some of the best competition in the nation. Briar Woods boys' lacrosse team has made Virginia's 10th Congressional District proud and they have represented us well. Winning a state championship attests to their impressive athletic ability, unselfish mentality, and determination to succeed. I commend them for their tireless dedication to both their school and their teammates, without neither of which this could have been possible. It takes a delicate combination of superior skill and many hours of practice to win a state title. The Briar Woods boys' lacrosse team has certainly earned this honor and the lessons learned over the years will valuably serve them as they continue on in their lives. Briar Woods was just minutes away from its first boys' lacrosse state championship, but Atlee scored two goals in quick succession in the waning minutes to push the game to overtime. Undaunted, Briar Woods took advantage early on in overtime to score the winning goal and claim the school's first boys' lacrosse state title. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Briar Woods boys' lacrosse for their achievement and representing Virginia's 10th Congressional District with such distinction. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the boys' lacrosse team from Dominion High School in my District who recently won the 2016 4A Virginia State Championship. They practiced long hours as a team, and this extraordinary achievement shows how far dedication, hard work, and commitment to teamwork can take a group as they played against some of the best competition in the nation. Dominion's boys' lacrosse team has made Virginia's 10th Congressional District proud and they have represented us well. Winning a state championship attests to their impressive athletic ability, unselfish mentality, and determination to succeed. I commend them for their tireless dedication to both their school and their teammates, without neither of which this could have been possible. It takes a delicate combination of superior skill and many hours of practice to win a state title. The Dominion boys' lacrosse team has certainly earned this honor and the lessons learned over the years will valuably serve them as they continue on in their lives. Dominion High School continued Loudoun's streak of dominance during their 17-4 rout of Western Albemarle during the boys' lacrosse state final. Their undefeated, 21-0 season was a fitting way for this Sterling team to win their first state title. Dominion's depth was exemplified during an impressive 11-1 second half run. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in honoring Dominion's boys' lacrosse team for their achievement and representing Virginia's 10th Congressional District with such distinction. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Louis ``Lou'' Joseph Fisher who passed away at the age of 78 on May 2nd, 2016 in McLean, Virginia. Lou was born in New York City, New York on September 4, 1937 and moved to the Washington, D.C. area at a young age. He attended St. Mary's Academy in Alexandria, Virginia and graduated from St. John's College High School in Washington, D.C. Following his graduation from St. John's, Lou attended Virginia Military Institute and George Washington University, where he graduated with a business degree. Mr. Fisher spent most of his life working at International Business Machines Corporation (IBM), where he loyally served for 28 years. Prior to joining IBM, Lou worked for California Satellite Company, and even developed and sold two companies, Federal Computer Corporation and Condor Tech. His dedication to both his work and his family was known to all, and his commitment to those around him is a loss for us all. His passion and service to our community was unparalleled. Lou will be sincerely missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him both on a personal and a professional level. I know that he has impacted many in his life, and we are all grateful for having known him. He is survived by his wife, Mary; his sister, Lois Hamilton, many nieces and nephews, and countless friends. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the life of, and bidding farewell to, Louis Fisher. May he rest in peace, and his family be comforted.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of one of my constituents, Charles P. Clark, a World War II veteran and a beloved member of the Purcellville community. Mr. Clark passed away on May 31st, 2016, at the age of 108 years old. He was born in Hamilton, Virginia in 1907 to a tightknit family, and remained in his hometown until he went on to complete his military training at Ft. Lee, Virginia, in 1944. Mr. Clark was deployed to the U.S. Army's 3238 Quartermaster Service Company, of the all-African American 9th Armored Division, to France, Belgium, and Germany. During his two year service, Mr. Clark provided much needed supplies to the front line and was one of the 125,000 African-American men to serve overseas during World War II. Mr. Clark married his wife Clarissa when he returned from serving his country and moved to Purcellville, Virginia, where they had a son, Charlie. He continued to serve his community through his job as a school bus driver; a position in which he was admired as a friendly face to students for twenty-five years. Not content to do just his day job, he became an active and dedicated member of the community, serving on the Loudoun County Emancipation Association, as the Honorary Chairman in Purcellville parades, and even throwing the first pitch at a Babe Ruth World Series event. Mr. Clark lived his final year at the Veterans Medical Center in Martinsburg, West Virginia, where he was recognized with a Certificate of Appreciation for his service in the U.S. Army. The medical center director, Timothy Cooke, described him as ``extraordinary'' and said that it was ``a privilege to have him at our medical center''. While his wife and son both passed before him, he is survived by his granddaughter, Rhea S. Clark and daughter-in-law, Della N. Clark. People like Mr. Clark uphold the freedom and the values for which this country stands, and I am honored to recognize him today for his life of service, kindness, and dedication to our great nation. We are fortunate to have citizens like Mr. Clark who positively impact so many people. Mr, Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the life of, and bidding farewell to, Charles P. Clark. May he rest in peace, and his family be comforted.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 299, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to extend my congratulations and best wishes to the members of the Greek Orthodox Parish of Loudoun County as they celebrate their 10th anniversary this year. What an incredible journey of faith and dedication it has been for them. Ten years ago, a few courageous people started reaching out Greek families in the phone book and before long a dynamic new community had been established in Loudoun County. Today, this community has a membership of more than 150 families who are participating in 20 different ministries. Not only has the Greek Orthodox Parish of Loudoun County been a source of spiritual support and development for its own members, it has also been a blessing to other residents of Loudoun County through its support of charitable projects such as the Good Shepherd Alliance, the Loudoun Abused Women's Shelter, the Loudoun County Youth Shelter and the Twin Oaks Assisted Living Center, whose residents enjoy the special Christmas visits of parish members. Another important contribution of the parish to the larger community is the ``Taste of Greece'' festival. Our understanding of the contribution of Hellenic culture and heritage to our national culture is enhanced through the wonderful food, music, and history that the members of the parish share with others at this annual festival. I have learned from parish leaders that their plans for the next ten years are just as ambitious as the last decade, culminating in the building of a permanent place of worship in Loudoun County. As their representative in Congress, I offer my prayers and personal best wishes as they embark on this important journey. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating the members of the Greek Orthodox Parish of Loudoun County as they continue to be a source of inspiration and support for our community.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the incredible heroism of one of my constituents, Cpl. Philip E. Lour, a veteran of World War II, a leader, and an American patriot. Mr. Lour first began serving our nation immediately after graduating from high school at the age of 17. He enlisted in the U.S. Army Air Corps, in 1942, where he quickly developed an interest in communications, and eventually an expertise in Morse code. However, life had different plans for him. After he was accepted into the Army Specialized Training Program, Mr. Lour soon found himself heading to the front lines due to the program being shut down. Mr. Lour fought in one of the war's most infamous battles, the Battle of the Bulge, where he survived the surprise Nazi assault that incurred the highest casualties for any operation in World War II in Europe. In January, 1946, Mr. Lour retired from the Army as a hero and patriot with the thanks of a grateful nation. Mr. Lour's service to our nation did not end upon returning home. After graduating from Yale University with a degree in engineering, achieved through the GI Bill, he went on to work for the National Advisory Committee of Aeronautics (NACA). His work at NACA continued for eight years before he transitioned to operational analysis at Langley Air Force Base in Newport News, Virginia. He eventually retired as Deputy Director for the Concepts Analysis Agency in the Department of the Army. Mr. Lour's long career of service to our nation speaks volumes of his character. He exemplifies hard work, leadership, bravery, and ambition in all aspects of his life, from his education to his service abroad His dedication to the United States serves as a model for all Americans. I am honored to recognize Mr. Lour today for his selfless contributions to our great nation. Whether it has been fighting on the front lines in WWII, or by making his neighborhood more beautiful with his extraordinary azalea garden, it is clear that Mr. Philip E. Lour has dedicated his life to improving the lives of those around him. He is respected and loved by many. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in saluting Philip E. Lour for his lifetime of service to the United States of America. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to use this time to recognize the tremendous work of my constituent Mr. Alex Melnikow of Clifton, Virginia. Mr. Melnikow retired on February 3rd, 2016, after over 40 years of service to the United States. His dedication to a high standard of conduct allowed him to remain honest and loyal, and allowed him to make a positive impact to the efficiency in our armed services. During his most recent assignment, Mr. Melnikow served as the lead analyst for Diminishing Manufacturing Sources and Material Shortages (DMSMS) within the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Systems Engineering, Engineering Enterprise, and Defense Standardization Program Office. Mr. Melnikow strove to enhance the efficiency of engineering practices such as operational support, alliance forces interoperability, material configuration, training development and outreach. In addition to his time at DMSMS, Mr. Melnikow served for 25 years as a logistics program manager for the Defense Logistics Agency, as well as 7 years with the Tennessee Valley Authority as an acquisition program manager. He served as a senior staff engineer for the Defense Logistics Agency in the Logistics Research and Development Program. In 2007, he received the Defense Logistics Agency's Outstanding Program Manager Award as a result of his efforts on the electronics availability program. These experiences all contributed to his impressive technical background as a test engineer and as a senior program manager. Mr. Speaker, I now ask that my colleagues join me in thanking Mr. Alex Melnikow for the outstanding services he provided to the United States throughout his long-lasting career. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take a moment to honor the life of Robert Klancher. Mr. Klancher recently passed away at the age of 57 after battling cancer for almost two years. He leaves behind an incredible legacy as a community leader and friend to so many throughout the Commonwealth. His work over the years has not only helped change his home of Loudoun County, but also the lives of countless other in Virginia's 10th District. He was a leader in every sense of the word and his immense positive impact on those who knew him will be felt for years to come. Robert served on Loudoun County's Planning Commission since he was first appointed to the position in January of 2004. Over his twelve years with the commission, Robert served as both Chairman and Vice Chairman, where he helped provide more than 750 recommendations to the Loudoun County Board of Supervisors on issues concerning land development, comprehensive planning, future land use policies, and the Capital Improvements Program. His son, also named Robert, has continued on his father's legacy of distinguished government service by working in Prince William County government and now as a Legislative Aide to Supervisor Ron Meyer of the Broad Run District. Mr. Klancher's tenure on the Loudoun County Planning Commission coincided with one of the county's largest periods of growth. In 2004, Loudoun had a population of approximately 230,000 residents. Today, that number has grown to an estimated 373,000 residents. His work has contributed to many of the great sites and activities that residents in the community enjoy, such as the Stone Ridge community, Loudoun Valley Estates, Arcola Center, One Loudoun, Waterside and Lansdowne developments, as well as updates to Broadlands, Brambleton, Kirkpatrick Farms, and many others. Robert truly cared about his community, the depth of which is marked by the incredible legacy of involvement and positive change he has given us all. Robert served as a mentor to both coworkers and friends, while colleagues have noted that he ``exemplified the qualities of a community servant''. He will be missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing him, both on a personal and professional level. Robert is survived by his beloved wife Janet, daughter Victoria Hickman, son Bobby and daughters Catherine and Jacqueline. He is also survived by his loving parents Bob and Olga Klancher, and his brother John. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the life of Robert Klancher.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Deputy Glenn Keough, a law enforcement officer who recently was recognized at the 25th Annual Awards for Excellence in Community Service and Public Safety Ceremony for his invaluable service and commitment to our community. Deputy Keough first joined the Loudoun County Sheriff's Department in 2014. He is currently assigned to the Patrol in the Field Operations Division. Last year, Deputy Keough made 23 DUI arrests, 49 misdemeanor arrests, and 36 felony arrests. He selflessly executed these 108 arrests with professionalism and courage in order to further protect the citizens of our community. I would like to thank him for the honorable service he provides my constituents day-in and day-out. His daily sacrifices and commitment to serving our region are commendable. Our community is safer thanks to the continued efforts of Deputy Keough and his fellow law enforcement officers. His bravery, service, and commitment to Loudoun County have not gone unnoticed and will not be forgotten. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking and congratulating Deputy Glenn Keough for his dedication to both Virginia's 10th Congressional District and the Loudoun County Sheriff's Department.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Deputy First Class Ruben Cardenas, a law enforcement officer who recently was recognized at the 25th Annual Awards for Excellence in Community Service and Public Safety Ceremony for his invaluable service and commitment to our community. DFC Cardenas first joined the Loudoun County Sheriff's Department in 2014. He is currently assigned to the Patrol in the Field Operations Division. Last year, DFC Cardenas made 22 DUI arrests, 68 misdemeanor arrests, and 11 felony arrests. He selflessly executed these 101 arrests with professionalism and courage in order to further protect the citizens of our community. I would like to thank him for the honorable service he provides my constituents day-in and day-out. His daily sacrifices and commitment to serving our region are commendable. Our community is safer thanks to the continued efforts of DFC Cardenas and his fellow law enforcement officers. His bravery, service, and commitment to Loudoun County have not gone unnoticed and will not be forgotten. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in thanking and congratulating DFC Ruben Cardenas for his dedication to both Virginia's 10th Congressional District and the Loudoun County Sheriff's Department.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to take a moment to honor the life of one of my constituents, Mrs. Elsa Anders of Purcellville, Virginia. Throughout her life, Mrs. Anders was known as a philanthropic and community leader, and friend to so many throughout the Commonwealth. Her work over the years has positively influenced the lives of countless members of our community and the 10th District of Virginia. Mrs. Anders was born 1948 in Livermore, California, but grew up in Washington, D.C. She attended Georgetown Visitation Preparatory School and George Washington University, where she received her Master's in Education. She was well known for her over twenty years of work in the DC and Loudoun County public schools systems as a teacher and certified speech pathologist. As a community leader, Elsa participated in various school and local activities. Among her countless volunteer hours given to the community, she was passionate about her work with the Alpha-1 Foundation, Waterford Foundation, Purcellville Business Association, and All Ages Read Together, of which she was a founding member. The Purcellville Business Association believes that a business organization is critical to the health and success of a town, city, or county. For many years, the PBA has proven that the community and the businesses therein Purcellville are of the utmost importance to its members. They started such important events as the annual town Christmas parade and a trolley tour of town businesses and historic features. Elsa Anders was an integral part of this history of the Purcellville Business Association, where she was elected secretary and ran the Membership Committee for many years. She very much exemplified the original charter of the Purcellville Business Association to ``promote the economic, industrial, professional, cultural, and civic welfare of the Town of Purcellville.'' While Elsa worked tirelessly to advance the cause of the Purcellville Business Association and the Town of Purcellville itself, I would be remiss if I did not impart that her true passion was her family. She cared deeply for her husband, her children, and her grandchildren. Elsa leaves behind her loving husband, Robert Lauten, and her three children: Andrew Lauten, Garrett Lauten, and Peter Anders-Lauten, and three grandchildren, Ruth Ella Lauten, and Collum and Chloe Murphy. Elsa will be sincerely missed by her family, friends, and those lucky enough to have met her. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating the life of Elsa Ragnhilde Ruth Anders.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge several schools in Loudoun County that have been named Schools to Watch in 2016 by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform. Eagle Ridge, Farmwell Station, J. Lupton Simpson, River Bend, and Sterling Middle Schools have been recognized as five of only 145 schools around the country to receive this honor. This honor requires schools to excel in the following criteria: academic excellence, developmental responsiveness, and social equality. Each of these schools has challenged their students to achieve academic excellence over the course of the school year. They have also shown a unique ability to identify and work with early adolescent developmental challenges, all while providing every student with the highest quality of teachers, resources, and support, regardless of socioeconomic status. Coming from a family of educators, I understand how important a strong education is to the future of our nation. It is schools like these that will continue to help shape the United States' role in the evolving global economy, while at the same time producing many of our nation's future leaders. Eagle Ridge, Farmwell Station, J. Lupton Simpson, River Bend, and Sterling Middle Schools have clearly shown a dedication to developing and educating our children. The outstanding qualities they have all exemplified are not to be understated; what they have achieved is something of which to be truly proud. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me in congratulating these 2016 Schools to Watch for their incredible achievements. I wish them all the best in their future endeavors.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a great American organization, the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes, that recently celebrated 12 years of service this past May. The Coalition, headquartered in my district, is a 501(c)(3), nonprofit, non-partisan organization established in 2004 to provide severely wounded veterans of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan with immediate, invaluable lifelines. The Coalition is distinguished from other veteran-focused groups by its direct financial assistance to America's wounded warriors. Its Emergency Financial Aid program has stopped foreclosure proceedings on veterans' homes, kept their vehicles from being repossessed, put food on their tables, provided diapers for their babies, and even helped steer many men and women away from suicide. Its innovative Heroes Thanking Heroes program provides transitional, part-time, flexible employment to more than 40 combat-wounded veterans or their primary caregivers, enabling them to make phone calls from their homes, usually to personally thank donors for their contributions to the Coalition. Other aspects include an emergency financial aid program, a holiday gift program, and road to recovery conferences. The Coalition has done tremendous work in Virginia and across the country such as donating more than $45 million in direct aid to veterans. The Coalition has provided tens of thousands of dollars through grants to other notable veterans' organizations in Virginia and elsewhere. Under the leadership of a constituent of mine, President & CEO David Walker, the Coalition has further expanded its support of our wounded warriors and become one of the most respected veterans-support groups in the nation. In fact, over two-thirds of the Coalition's staff are combat-wounded or their spouse or caregiver. Recently, the Coalition made a substantial grant of direct financial aid to HeroHomes, another worthy organization, to assist five wounded veterans and their families with new homes that meet their different physical needs. The Coalition has also supported the Boulder Crest Retreat for Military and Veteran Wellness in Bluemont, yet another organization in my district that is doing tremendous work for veterans who need mental and physical recovery from the suffering of war. I look forward to watching the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of so many American heroes. The debt of gratitude owed to the men, women, and their families who have served as part of our nation's armed forces is impossible to repay. I have been honored to recognize their sacrifice and support efforts to empower members of the military as they adjust back to civilian life. To that end, I supported the Hire More Heroes Act, a common-sense bipartisan piece of legislation that will help create jobs for veterans transitioning to civilian careers. I am proud that the Coalition to Support America's Heroes is based in my district in Leesburg and know they will continue to help brave men and women all across our country. The work they do cannot be overstated and I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the important work the Coalition to Salute America's Heroes continues to do each day to help veterans.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize and thank Mayor Wilson Kirby for his extraordinary leadership and service to the town of Berryville and its community. Mayor Kirby moved to Berryville sixteen years ago, where he has since faithfully served the town first as a member of the Town Council and later as Mayor. Though he was new to the area, he immediately began dedicating himself to bettering the town and the lives of its citizens. With over 45 years of experience in engineering and consulting, Mayor Kirby was able to bring a unique perspective to improving many of Berryville's projects. He spearheaded a number of projects such as a new wastewater treatment plant, the construction of the new Clarke County High School, and the maintenance of the town's secondary roads. These projects exemplify the hard work and time Mayor Kirby put into his town. His selfless desire to constantly improve Berryville never went unnoticed, least of all to his colleagues in the town government. He held office hours twice weekly to hear local concerns and other issues from Berryville citizens, always understanding that the citizens of the town were of the utmost importance. A believer in a hands-on approach to governing, Mayor Kirby has helped make Berryville a truly wonderful town to visit, live in, and enjoy. From celebrating one hundredth birthdays of town members to lighting the town Christmas tree, Mayor Kirby has been an integral part of Berryville for the last 16 years. Berryville will be sad to see him leave office, but his legacy will continue. Today, we honor and celebrate the contributions he has made to the town of Berryville and all its citizens.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Chair, I rise today to offer a bipartisan amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017. My amendment seeks to protect our children and teens from access to opioids in hopes of reducing the number of individuals we see addicted to heroin and other drugs. This amendment directs the Secretary of Defense to study the feasibility and effectiveness of dispensing opioid medications in vials using affordable technologies designed to prevent access to stored medications by anyone other than the intended patient. Today, our prescription pill bottles use what are generally referred to as ``child-resistant'' standards but today's teens have remarkably easy access to pain medications that are stronger and more addictive than those of the past. It is not unusual for today's youth to find these opioids in the medicine cabinets of family members or friends. Technologies like locking prescription vials (LPVs) are already on the market and are a cheap efficient way to reduce the likelihood that our children and teens start down the path to addiction. The implementation of child-resistant standards generated a 45 percent reduction in mortality rates. It is my hope that a feasibility study conducted by the Department of Defense would show additional benefits stemming from the implementation of more advanced LPVs. I urge my colleagues to protect our youth from this epidemic and support my amendment.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Chair, I rise today to offer a bipartisan amendment to the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2017. I am proud to have my colleagues, Representatives Sam Johnson of Texas and Dan Lipinski of Illinois, supporting this amendment. Our amendment seeks to expand access to on-the-job training programs for service members transitioning out of the military. Specifically, the amendment directs the Undersecretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness to study the success of the relatively new Department of Defense (DOD) program known as Job Training, Employment Skills Training, Apprenticeships, and Internships, or JTEST-AI, which is an initiative pursuant to DOD Instruction No. 1322.29. The amendment also requires the Undersecretary to issue guidance to unit commanders encouraging them to allow more service members separating from the armed forces to participate in a JTEST-AI initiative--provided, of course, that unit readiness is not impaired. One particular initiative formed pursuant to JTEST-AI is the SkillBridge Initiative. Although SkillBridge and all other JTEST-AI initiatives are still nascent, they are already showing promising results. According to preliminary DOD statistics, more than 4,500 service members have successfully participated in SkillBridge training; there are approximately 40 programs currently in operation; and almost all graduates have received jobs as a result of participation in these initiatives. In fact, 18 SkillBridge training programs have a hiring rate of 100 percent of graduates, and another 8 programs have a hiring rate of more than 85 percent. Organizations participating in these programs span every sector of the workforce. Sponsoring entities include private companies, labor unions, and even government agencies. These programs are popular with transitioning service members, and currently there are more applications from service members than can be accommodated. Our amendment simply seeks to have DOD conduct a comprehensive study so that the initiatives may be improved and access may be expanded, as appropriate. Our outgoing service members have skill sets that are unique but that can easily be honed and adapted to a certain field or application if given access to on-the-job training. Given the sacrifices our women and men in uniform have made for us all, we should strive to make their transition to civilian life as smooth and successful as possible. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan amendment designed to help our transitioning service members gain meaningful employment.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, ask human rights and religious freedom advocates to name their most steadfast friend who has served on Capitol Hill over the years, and Representative Frank Wolf, my predecessor, is always on the short list, as are my colleagues here today. So I am honored today to stand in support of a bill I proudly cosponsored, the Frank R. Wolf International Religious Freedom Act, named after the distinguished gentleman who served in this seat for the 10th District of Virginia, and as the co-chair of the Congressional Human Rights Caucus, and a man whose deep faith and commitment to human rights and religion freedom were a large part of why he was known for years here and around the country, and even around the world, as the conscience of the Congress. He wrote a book, a powerful book, titled a ``Prisoner of Conscience,'' about his many trips over the years and how he fought for religious freedom; and I hope he doesn't mind if I recommend that book to our listeners here. We continue to be blessed with Congressman Wolf's passionate leadership as he leads the 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative to create a world where religious freedom is recognized by nations across the globe as a fundamental human right. Since leaving Congress, Mr. Wolf has continued to travel to the front lines to see, firsthand, the plight of ethnic minorities in Iraq and Syria, including Christians, Yazidis, Kurds, and other minority religious groups. As previously mentioned, he has just returned from Nigeria. He continues to shine a light every day on the dark places where men and women and children, even, of faith are victimized, tortured and, tragically, even killed for their faith. He will not let the world look away, and we thank him for his continued work and his strong and much- needed voice. Now this legislation amends his own legislation to continue that mission that Mr. Wolf so valiantly fought for for 3 decades here in Congress. It will improve the ability of the United States to advance religious freedom globally, with stronger and more flexible political responses to a disturbing and growing denial of basic religious freedoms around the world. As has been said by many, Frank Wolf is the William Wilberforce of our day. He is, and has always been, a voice for the voiceless. He once said: ``Most would agree that conscience rights figure prominently in the narrative of America's founding. Historically, Americans and our corresponding institutions have recognized that conscience is not ultimately allegiant to the state, but to something, and for many people, Someone, higher.'' I appreciate the opportunity today to continue that legacy with the passing of this important legislation which will continue his important and vital mission and legacy; and that is needed now, more than ever, for so many of the reasons that my colleagues here have highlighted. I thank the gentleman so much for the privilege of addressing and cosponsoring this legislation.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to discuss the extremely important work done by the National Capital Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Association (NatCapLyme), an invaluable organization representing my district. NatCapLyme has been working tirelessly to help defeat an illness that affects so many in our community. Known for their work improving the living standard for those suffering from tick- borne illnesses, NatCapLyme has empowered and educated countless patients, families, and the community at large about this disease. I am honored to join NatCapLyme on May 15th, 2016 for their 6th Annual Loudoun Lyme 5K/10K/1K that will drive awareness and raise money to help find a cure for Lyme disease--the number one tick-borne illness in the United States. The Loudoun Lyme 5K/10K will also feature a 1K fun run, as well as an informational fair to educate the public about Lyme disease, its causes, symptoms and treatments. I look forward to joining them again this year and in years to come in support of their efforts. NatCapLyme has been working nationally for the past 20 years to further improve the lives of those suffering from tick-borne illnesses while also supporting ongoing efforts to find cures and advocate for patients. In the Commonwealth of Virginia, they worked with local legislators, including myself, to permanently designate May as Lyme Disease Awareness Month in Virginia. They also built a coalition of constituents across Virginia to help enact landmark legislation HB-1933 to help better diagnose Lyme disease by identifying potential shortcomings in testing methods utilized at that time. I was proud to partner with them on this legislation and introduce it in the House of Delegates. As a Member of Congress, I have joined the bipartisan Lyme Disease Caucus because I remain committed to raising awareness of this disease and believe in the important work that NatCapLyme does each day. Mr. Speaker, for helping countless American citizens who suffer from tick- borne illnesses, I would like to sincerely thank the National Capital Lyme and Tick-Borne Disease Association for all their hard work, and ask that my colleagues join me in doing the same.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the marriage of Barbara and Bill Carney. On May 14, 2016, Barbara and Bill Carney will celebrate fifty years of marriage, friendship, fun, and family. Those 50 years have taken them on a winding and unpredictable journey--from the Irish Catholic neighborhood of Flatbush, Brooklyn, to the suburbs of Long Island, to the halls of the United States Congress--with unforeseen stops and innumerable joys along the way. With love, respect, and patience, they made it look easy. Their lives together, their love for each other, their generosity of spirit, and their faith and humor have impacted so many people through the years. Barbara Haverlin and Bill Carney grew up blocks from one another in Brooklyn. They attended the same parish, St. Catherine of Genoa, frequented the same places, and enjoyed overlapping groups of friends. They did not meet, however, until their early twenties at O'Reilly's Pub, where Bill was tending bar and Barbara was dating one of the O'Reilly brothers. On a dare from co-workers, Bill asked out the boss's girlfriend. Within two weeks of the first date, they decided to marry and were wed twelve months later. Both having lost their parents in their teens, Barbara and Bill deeply appreciated the importance and value of family. Both were blessed with extensive community and family, where one's brother, cousin, and neighbor were always there for each other. That is the value and spirit that Barbara and Bill maintained in raising their two daughters, Julie Baker and Jackie Carney D'Aquila. After marriage, Bill held multiple jobs to support his family--always willing to try or learn a new skill. Never one to shy away from challenges or view something as impossible, Bill decided to run for U.S. Congress at 32 years old. In 1977, with Barbara's backing and the support of a handful of what would prove to be life-long friends, Bill beat the odds and was elected to represent the 1st Congressional District of New York. During his political career, Bill enjoyed phenomenal staff, advisors, and friends. He served four terms in the House before deciding to retire and open his own boutique consulting firm in 1986. Bill and Barbara will be joined in celebrating their 50th Anniversary this month by their daughters, sons-in-law, four grandchildren, and scores of friends and family.

Mrs. COMSTOCK

Mrs. COMSTOCK. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. My Pham on her recent recognition as Giant Food's 2015 Community Leader of the Year Award. This award is given annually to a Giant Food employee who is recognized as a leader who has demonstrated a desire to give back to their local community and enrich the lives of those around them. Ms. Pham was selected for her leadership on community engagement initiatives from a consideration pool that consisted of 82 Giant district stores. What a remarkable accomplishment. Ms. Pham won this award due to her ongoing, proactive work in Leesburg and the greater Loudoun area where she strives to be a role model to the community and help those less fortunate. Currently, Ms. Pham is working with the local Rotary Club in Ashburn to fill more than 600 backpacks with much needed school supplies for children in the community. Ms. Pham's efforts are joined by Ms. Sharon Wright, owner of Loudoun Clear Marketing and Leesburg Girl Scout Troop 913 Leader, along with Girl Scout troops throughout Loudoun County. Together, they are decorating the donation bins and handing out fliers during this ``school supply blitz'' to ensure each backpack is full of necessary school supplies. Additionally, the Ashburn Rotary Club is crafting store-specific posters and coordinating pickup and delivery of the school supplies. Ms. Pham has collaborated with eight counterparts from other local Giant stores to host this ``school supply blitz,'' which is scheduled to launch on July 21st of this year and I look forward to monitoring both Ms. Pham and Giant Food's efforts to serve the needy across Loudoun County. Ms. Pham's ``school supply blitz'' is much needed and most appreciated by our community and will do so much for children and families in our area. I am honored to recognize Ms. Pham and the work she has done to bring local businesses, children, and other organizations together to achieve a common goal of helping less fortunate members of our community.