Joe Donnelly

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I want to support the resolution of my colleague, Debbie Wasserman Schultz, and support the importance of annual mammograms for women age 40 to 49. I, unfortunately, lost my mom to breast cancer when she was very young and when I was very young. These mammograms save lives. There is nothing more important than the health of our moms, our daughters, our wives, our friends, and our sisters. So I support this resolution. I support these annual mammograms so that we lose no more of our loved ones.

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 915, a resolution that encourages Hungary to respect the rule of law, treat foreign investors fairly, and to promote a free and independent press. I appreciate the words of my good friend from Ohio, but I would just like to say that this resolution expresses our concern and condemns the Hungarian Radio and Television Board's process in granting these licenses. It does not question the Government of Hungary's efforts and it does not question our full confidence in their ability to resolve this matter. We welcome the government's steps in moving this forward. For decades the Hungarian people fought against communist rule for the chance at freedom and democracy. They have been our ally, they joined NATO in 1999, and the country of Hungary is a good and dear friend of the United States of America. We must ensure that this friendship continues to maintain in a healthy and engaged way and that it continues to foster economic growth for our countries. In 1997 the Hungarian National Radio and Television Board, ORTT, awarded licenses for two national radio stations. One of these licenses was awarded to an American company, the other to a European company, each for a total of 12 years. These terms ended on November 19 of this year. The Financial Times reported on November 6 that shortly before these bids of renewal for the national licenses were due that the companies were approached by individuals claiming to represent various parties in Hungary. They offered to extend these companies' licenses if they received 50 percent of the equity. Both companies refused this attempt, and the ORTT voted to award these licenses to two connected local bidders instead. We want to ensure the fullness and fairness that will be provided by the Government of Hungary's review, and we want to make sure that this resolution expresses our concern and condemns the actions of the ORTT. U.S. investors are an important part of the Hungarian economy and deserve equitable treatment. We have invested over $9 billion in Hungary since 1989. The friendship is strong, the friendship is unbreakable, and we are the fourth largest contributor to direct foreign investment in Hungary. This resolution, as indicated, expresses our concerns and condemns the ORTT's actions, and we ask the Government of Hungary to treat foreign investors fairly and fully respect the rule of law, as we know they will. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, to pass House Resolution 915.

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. And I, too, have the greatest respect and friendship for my colleague from Ohio, but I did want to comment that we, in fact, did meet with the Hungarian Ambassador and did meet with him in my office here at the Capitol. And there is no implication in any way that Hungary does not respect the rule of law; in fact, we are very, very proud of the partnership and friendship that has been built with Hungary. What we are trying to do is express our concern about the conduct of the Hungarian Radio and Television Board, a concern we also expressed to the Hungarian Ambassador. And we are hopeful that this will be resolved in the near future.

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to remember and honor the life and service of Staff Sergeant Justin M. DeCrow, a native son of Plymouth, Indiana, and a proud member of the United States Army. The servicemen and women of the United States Armed Forces serve with a selfless willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice for the country they love and protect. A career soldier with 13 years of honorable and dedicated service, Justin's life was tragically cut short in a senseless act of violence when a gunman opened fire at a Soldier Readiness Processing facility at Fort Hood in Texas on the 5th of November. Justin always wanted to be a soldier. He graduated from Plymouth High School in 1996, married his high school sweetheart that spring, and enlisted in the United States Army immediately thereafter. He pursued a career as a soldier in the Army out of an unfailing love of country and a desire to make a better life for his family. In the early part of his 13 year career as a soldier, he performed light vehicle maintenance. In 2000, Justin and his family moved to Evans, Georgia, after he was assigned to nearby Fort Gordon, where he underwent training as a communications satellite operator. He was stationed in that capacity in South Korea from September 2008 to August of this year. In September, he was stationed with the 16th Signal Company at Fort Hood, Texas. He had hoped to return eventually to Fort Gordon, when an opening became available, to be with his wife and daughter. At Fort Hood, Justin was involved in training new soldiers. He will be remembered by his fellow soldiers in the United States Army as a mentor with an undeniable charm and quick wit, and by friends and family as a loving and devoted father and husband. He is survived by his wife of 14 years, Marikay, their 13-year old daughter, Kylah, and two proud parents: Daniel DeCrow and Rhonda Thompson. He will be missed by all. It is my solemn duty, and humble privilege, to honor the life, service, and memory of Staff Sergeant Justin M. DeCrow, which stand as a testament to the great honor possessed, and sacrifices made, by our men and women in the armed forces and their families. We mourn his loss and offer solemn gratitude for his service.

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor Elkhart General Hospital, celebrating its 100th anniversary of serving the good people of Elkhart, Indiana and the surrounding communities. For 100 years, Elkhart General Hospital has been providing comprehensive medical care to residents of Elkhart, Indiana and the surrounding communities. Its dedicated administrators, medical professionals, and community partners focus on the hospital's vision of ``creating a healthier community.'' Through their recognition that good health requires a holistic approach, the devoted members of the Elkhart General family work diligently to provide healthcare that embraces body, mind, and spirit. On March 29, 1909, Elkhart General Hospital was officially incorporated. Funds were raised, and a brand new hospital was built and opened to serve the community that same year. In 1953, the hospital had 100 beds and 3,170 operations were performed--twice the national average for a facility that size. Over the years, Elkhart General has grown with the community it serves. In 1965, it completed a four-story addition, increasing its capacity to 310 beds. In 1980, Computerized Tomography (CT) scan equipment was installed, and the move to increase the hospital's cancer care services was underway. Today, Elkhart General is an independent, not-for-profit, community- owned healthcare system in the City of Elkhart. The 325 bed hospital serves more than 19,000 patients each month. Its professional medical staff is comprised of 330 physicians representing 30 medical specialties, and over 2,000 dedicated nurses, technical, administrative, and support staff. Together, this team provides a wealth of expert medical care and counseling to residents of this diverse community. So today, on behalf of the citizens of the Second District, I would like to congratulate the fine medical staff, dedicated administrative personnel, essential support employees, and community volunteers who make Elkhart General Hospital an outstanding resource for complete medical care.

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Specialist Paul E. Andersen of the 855th Quartermaster Company based out of South Bend, Indiana, for his dedication and service to the United States of America. A 24-year-veteran of the armed forces, Paul was completing his second tour of duty in Iraq when he was killed in action on October 1, 2009, by indirect fire of enemy forces. Paul risked everything in service to America, and for that we are eternally grateful. Paul devoted his life to serving our country. He graduated from Buchanan High School in Michigan in 1979 and enlisted in the Army Reserves in 1985. He worked to better our armed forces, and was prepared to answer the call for duty whenever his country needed him. In 2003 that time arrived, and Paul served his first tour in Iraq. Upon his return home, he met his beloved wife Linda at the home of a friend. They fell in love and enjoyed listening to country music, watching old movies, and savoring strawberry milkshakes together. Within months, he proposed to her. Three weeks later they were married. Linda fully appreciated and understood the commitment that Paul had to his country. Paul had recently re-enlisted for six more years of duty, but only with the consent and blessing from Linda. When he asked her how she would feel if he opted to redeploy, she told him, ``Go ahead.'' ``I knew I married an Army man,'' Linda said. Her love for Paul was unwavering, as she said of Paul, ``He's my world, my life, my friend.'' After beginning his second tour in November 2008, Paul had the honorable duty of serving his country with the 855th Quartermaster, QM, Company, from South Bend, Indiana. Paul's mission in Iraq was to provide both shower and laundry services as well as operating a clothing repair, SLCR, shop supporting Coalition forces based in 10 different locations throughout the Iraqi theater. These locations are often dangerous, but despite the adversities the 855th QM Co. successfully accomplished their SLCR mission. Services of the SLCR team provided great contributions to the welfare and morale of the Soldiers they supported. Without their support, the Soldiers would not have been able to perform their duties and accomplish their own combat missions. It was a necessary job that his family and friends admired. Linda was in constant contact with Paul, and he was even allowed to take a leave in August to celebrate their fifth wedding anniversary. Paul had recently been informed that he was due to come home November 4, 2009. Paul will be remembered as a devoted husband, father and grandfather. As a civilian, Paul worked at a tube and bending company. He loved to tinker with machines, and was notorious among family members for going overboard on the Christmas lights every year. He lived a life full of love and joy. He is survived by his wife; three biological children; three step-children; one biological grandchild; and eight step- grandchildren It is my somber duty to honor and remember Paul and a life cut tragically short. I am saddened by the loss to his family, our community and our country. We were all blessed by his presence and diminished by his passing.

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. We would have a lot more sold if we had better mileage. That's the attempt on this. We are trying to save millions of gallons of gasoline and of diesel each year and to create thousands and thousands of additional jobs and strengthen our economy, very much the same type of goals that we have had in the other programs that are part of this.

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. Mr. Chairman, I yield 30 seconds to the chairman, the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Gordon).

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Americans across the country have, for decades, taken their families and recreational vehicles to national parks, historic battlefields, and other tourist sites and towns that are uniquely American. Despite the recent economic downturn and increase in gas prices, thousands more RVs will continue to be sold each year. My amendment is simple: Include RVs as eligible for vehicle technologies research at the Department of Energy under section 201 of the bill dealing with medium and heavy duty and transit vehicles. The RV industry has been moving in the right direction with fuel efficiency research; however, just as with other medium and heavy duty vehicles, the costs of such research for RVs are high. High costs in a tough economic climate slow progress by making it difficult for companies to set sufficient research funding aside. Including RVs among medium and heavy duty vehicles makes sense because of their similar size, weight, and power train. H.R. 3246 prioritizes making our vehicle fleet in the United States as fuel efficient as possible by developing and promoting new technologies, and our amendment clarifies that recreational vehicles should be part of these efforts, ensuring that the thousands of new RVs that drive onto America's roads each year are using the least amount of fuel possible. I strongly support H.R. 3246 and believe this amendment to include RVs will make the program more successful in ensuring medium and heavy duty vehicles are more efficient energy users. Mr. Chairman, I strongly support this bill, and I thank Chairman Gordon and Mr. Peters for their work on this legislation to help make the vehicles on our roads more fuel efficient and our auto industry more competitive for the future. I would also like to thank my good friends and colleagues Mr. Souder and Mr. DeFazio for their support of this amendment. I urge the House to support my amendment and also to support the underlying bill. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. If the gentlewoman will yield, this includes bus-like vehicles. This does not include towables or pickups.

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. It would be very similar to those chassis, yes, to fit in with the spirit of this section.

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. Will the gentlewoman yield?

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. I absolutely think the American taxpayers would be in support of this because it creates jobs and it creates opportunity. So, yes, I do.

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. Will the gentlewoman yield?

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Ara Parseghian for his years of dedication as a loving husband and father, legendary football coach and most notably, an advocate for scientific research to discover cures for two rare diseases which afflict hundreds of thousands of Americans--Multiple Sclerosis (MS) and Niemann-Pick Type C disease. Ara Parseghian spent much of his career serving as a leader and role model to the many young men who came under his guidance during his tenure as the head football coach at Miami University, Northwestern and the University of Notre Dame. Mr. Parseghian's impressive record at Notre Dame included two consensus national championships and three bowl victories in the 1970 Cotton Bowl, the 1973 Sugar Bowl and the 1974 Orange Bowl. Mr. Parseghian was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1980 in recognition for these tremendous accomplishments. Many Americans have heard stories about Ara Parseghian's legendary football career, but what many may not know is that some of his most important work began after his football career. For nearly fifteen years, Ara has been fighting Niemann-Pick Type C disease. This tragic disease is a degenerative neurological disorder afflicting thousands of children and sadly is ultimately fatal. Niemann-Picks Type C is a rare disease, afflicting only one out of four children when both parents are carriers. The Parseghian family learned of this disease first hand, when despite the rarity of the disease, three of Ara's youngest grandchildren were diagnosed with Niemann-Picks Type C in 1994. Unfortunately, the Parseghians' beautiful grandchildren are no longer with us. Michael passed away at the age of 9 in 1997, Christa when she was only 10 in 2001, and most recently Maria at age 16 in 2005. Surely no grandparent in this day and age should have to outlive three of their grandchildren. Yet, rather than succumb to grief and give up hope, Ara Parseghian and his family never let up in their fight to find a cure for this terrible disease. Together they founded the Ara Parseghian Medical Research Foundation in 1994 devoted to researching and finding a cure for Niemann-Picks Type C. In 1997, scientists funded by the Parseghian foundation were able to isolate the gene responsible for causing Niemann-Picks Type C, and have since made tremendous strides towards finding treatments which may one day prevent other families from suffering the same tragic loss as the Parseghians have. Ara Parseghian's commitment to scientific discovery did not stop with the disease that took the lives of his grandchildren. Mr. Parseghian, whose sister, brother-in-law and daughter have been diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, is also active in fundraising for the National Multiple Sclerosis Society. In honor of his many years of selfless devotion to the cause of medical research, Ara Parseghian will be honored at the Kate's Hope Michiana MS Luncheon on September 23, 2009, where he will receive the first Kate's Hope Award for ``hope-inspiring humanitarian service.'' While Ara Parseghian has received numerous awards and accolades for his achievements on the football field, it is honors such as this--for his selfless devotion to others--which will truly define the ``Era of Ara.'' And so once again, I wish to express my sincere admiration and respect for Ara Parseghian, and honor all he has done for children and families struggling with neurological disorders.

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the chairman for bringing this bill to the floor. This program has been an enormous success. It's good for our environment to have cars with better mileage. It's good for our families, who get to save some money when they make these big purchases. It's also very, very good for the workers of Indiana, who are back to work, building these cars. This is a win-win-win for our country. It's one of the great programs to create jobs, to help our environment and to help our families. We're very supportive, and we want to thank the chairman for bringing this program forward.

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2529. This bill is a very, very positive step for the homeowners, for our neighborhoods, as well as a way to help solve the problem of foreclosed homes in America. So I urge Members' support.

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong support of H.R. 2529, the Neighborhood Preservation Act, which I joined my colleague from California, Mr. Gary G. Miller, in introducing. This bill would amend The Federal Deposit Insurance Act to allow depository institutions like banks to temporarily lease a foreclosed property for up to 5 years. This bill is a fiscally responsible way to help mitigate the damage of the housing crisis and does not cost the government any money. The President has recently spoken in support of this idea. We hope that banks will utilize this to mitigate damage to hard-hit communities and prioritize working with the foreclosed family first. My home State of Indiana ranks 13th in the country for number of foreclosures. Our district has felt the pain of the economic downturn, as many have lost jobs and struggled to make ends meet. Like many Americans, we have found ourselves unable to pay our mortgages and faced with foreclosure, and that is what has happened to many families in our district. When a bank is forced to foreclose on a home, many people suffer. The family suffers as they are forced to find a new place to live and new schools for their children. One foreclosure can depress an entire neighborhood by decreasing the values of surrounding properties, and the depository institution that holds the mortgage no longer receives payments on the home. H.R. 2529 would help to minimize the impact of foreclosure by allowing depository institutions to rent a foreclosed property for up to 5 years to the previous owner or to another owner. Allowing depository institutions to lease the foreclosed property gives families a chance to stay in their home and to make payments as a renter until they have the means to become an owner again. It does so without adding any cost to our deficit. Not only does this help provide some relief to the former homeowner, it helps to preserve the economic values of surrounding homes in the neighborhood, and it provides stability in the housing market. The number of foreclosed homes on the market have contributed to an oversupply of unoccupied homes. Having a high number of unoccupied bank-owned homes negatively impacts whole communities and can even drive up crime, as these vacant homes can become havens for squatters. There are 19 million vacant homes across the United States. That's up from 15.7 million only 4 years ago. These homes present a number of safety concerns. By allowing a family to reside as a renter, they're able to care for the property and prevent further adverse consequences. This bill is a temporary measure that can serve as a useful tool to keep excess housing stock off an already saturated market. I want to thank the gentleman from California for his work on H.R. 2529, and I'd like to thank Chairman Frank and Ranking Member Bachus for their support on this important piece of legislation. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 2529.

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in strong support of H.R. 2920, the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act. As an original cosponsor of the bill, I urge all of my colleagues in the House of Representatives to vote for this legislation which I believe is crucially important to restoring our nation's fiscal health and setting us on a path to a stronger future. Mr. Speaker, the American people are rightly troubled by Washington's failure to adhere to fiscal discipline. Under the previous administration, surpluses inherited from the Clinton administration were turned into record deficits. These deficits--which are financed by foreign investors like China--add to a growing national debt that will need to be repaid by our children and grandchildren, by no fault of their own. As a member of the Blue Dogs, I believe that getting our fiscal house in order must be one of our Nation's top priorities. The American government must stop living beyond its means. Mr. Speaker, the old adage holds true: when you find yourself in a hole, the first thing you need to do is stop digging. If we are to restore fiscal responsibility in Washington, we need to ``pay as we go'' so that we stop adding to the national debt. Hoosier working families do this day in and day out. They tighten their belts, make a budget, and then stick to it by making tough choices. Since I came to Congress in 2007, we have made some important progress in restoring budget discipline, including the restoration of a Pay-As-You-Go rule in the House that requires all legislation that increases mandatory spending or creates new tax cuts to be offset by equal reductions in spending or tax increases before that bill is eligible for a vote. The legislation under consideration today goes one important step further than the current PAYGO rule--it would give PAYGO the force of law. H.R. 2920 would instate ``statutory PAYGO'' requiring that new spending increases or new tax cuts passed over a two-year Congress be paid for. Statutory PAYGO alone will not solve all of our fiscal problems, but it will be an important enforcement tool to help keep spending in check. Statutory PAYGO is not a new idea. It has been used before, and to great success. In the 1990's, President Clinton worked successfully with the Congress to use statutory Pay-As-You-Go to turn deficits into surpluses. Unfortunately, in 2002, the law was allowed to expire. Mr. Speaker, today we mark an important day, as the House considers restoring PAYGO as the law of the land. I urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 2920, to support stronger controls on spending, and take one more step to achieving fiscal responsibility and a stronger, more secure future.

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. Madam Speaker, on June 15, 2009, I was unable to cast votes because of flight delays which prevented me from arriving in Washington on time. Had I been present, I would have voted accordingly: H. Res. 430--``yea''; H.R. 2325--``yea''; H.R. 729-- ``yea''; and H. Res. 540--``yea.''

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. Madam Speaker, today I pay tribute to an outstanding citizen of South Bend, Pamela Brunette, a woman who has selflessly devoted her time, talent and energy to our Marines. Her impact on the lives of our troops and their families is immeasurable, the result of her unflagging efforts to boost their morale during some of the most trying periods of their lives. Like so many, Pam was shocked by the assault on our country that took place on September 11, 2001. She took positive action in a way that would help those sent to defend our lives, liberty and honor. Pam learned about Adoptaplatoon, whose mission it is to ``Support America's men and women deployed abroad, while they protect our country.'' Believing in this mission, Pam joined Adoptaplatoon to support those who sacrifice so much on our behalf. Pam first adopted a platoon of soldiers who were deployed to Kosovo and Bosnia. As part of her service to these men and women, Pam communicated with them regularly, through letters and emails, bringing a glimpse of ``home'' to many of them. Even as Pam's adoptees returned from duty, she continued her efforts by caring for newly deployed service members. When Marines from Engineer Company B deployed for Iraq for the first time in 2003, Pam stepped forward and adopted the entire company. She coordinated the efforts of other volunteers to ensure that each Marine was assigned a supporter to communicate with them throughout their deployment. In addition, Pam wrote them herself, and sent care packages. Pam provided so much love, support and appreciation to these troops, that she is now called ``Mom.'' In addition, many of these soldiers and their families include her in their personal celebrations. To Pam, this is the greatest honor of all. Pam continued to support Engineer Company B when they were redeployed in 2005. In addition, she helps them with the annual Toys for Tots drive. She continues to encourage others to join Adoptaplatoon and support our service men and women. Pam believes our military is the best in the world, and they should receive the best we can give. She takes it upon herself to give them her best. Because of her outstanding commitment to Adoptaplatoon and our troops, Pam has been awarded the President's Volunteer Service Award from the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. This award is given to volunteers in recognition of their service to their community and their country. So, today, on behalf of the citizens of Indiana's Second District, I thank Pam Brunette for her years of selfless dedication to our men and women in uniform. As she continues to work to bring a sense of appreciation and concern to our military personnel and their families, let us pay special tribute to this woman who truly expresses support for our troops through her action, dedication and commitment.

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana

Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the victory of the South Bend Adams High School team in the National Mock Trial Competition. The championship culminates a year of successes for the ``Usual Suspects,'' a team which won its second straight state championship. It was the perfect finish to a season full of intense training and practice. The victory caps a record of twelve state titles in the thirteen years of the mock trial program at Adams. The exceptional members of the Adams Mock Trial team include: Josh Courtney, Jenn Deeter, Eilis Smith, Chris Silvestri, Adam Kern, Gabe Young, timekeeper David Kern, and student coaches Kieran Neal and Allie Soisson. The team was led to victory by coaches Lucas Burkett and Professor Jay Tidmarsh and faculty advisor Judith Overmyer. Mock Trial competition involves not only knowledge of the law, but also the ability to plan both defensive and prosecutorial strategies and act the parts of lawyers and witnesses. The Adams team prepared a cunning defense and excelled at portraying believable witnesses and convincing lawyers while developing their communication, research, and organizational skills. Chris Silvestri distinguished himself among the participants by earning the ``Best Witness'' award. The Adams Mock Trial team has achieved a memorable ending to an extraordinary year of competition. I offer my congratulations to the members of the team, the coaches, John Adams High School students, faculty and staff. I also offer my thanks and congratulations to members of the community, including local attorneys and judges, who supported the team on the road to this impressive accomplishment. The Adams Mock Trial team has represented Indiana, the City of South Bend, their school and themselves with excellence and distinction.

Mr. DONNELLY

Mr. DONNELLY. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I'd like to thank my two colleagues, Mr. Klein from Florida and Mr. Yarmuth from Kentucky, for their insightful ideas and words. Mr. Speaker, as we near Memorial Day, I rise today to offer some words in commemoration of those who gave their lives in the Armed Forces; in particular, three sons from our Second District of Indiana. I know that words are only a poor and passing memorial, gone as soon as spoken. Flowers, plaques, and even stone--the other tokens we offer on Memorial Day to celebrate our fallen sons and daughters--all of these will decay and crumble. Nothing we give will endure as long as the gifts of these soldiers who, in their death, gave an example of fidelity that will never die. Lance Corporal Cameron Babcock, was a native son of Plymouth, Indiana, and a proud member of the United States Marine Corps. Cameron lost his life at Twenty-Nine Palms Marine Base in California on January 20. Cameron was a fine young man. He loved his family and he loved his country. Cameron was fun-loving and was known for his bear hug. He knew the value of the small things that made life a joy--being with friends, playing music, four-wheeling, and spending time with his beloved family. Cameron was successful in enjoying the many riches of life. His talent with the trumpet led him to compete at the State Jazz Festival in 2005, and his musical talent also led to his participation in the Wind Ensemble, comprised of some of the top musicians at Plymouth High School. Cameron's warm personality attracted to him a wide circle of friends. But Cameron also knew the value of matters larger than himself. His lifelong dream was to join the proud ranks of the United States Marine Corps. Shortly after graduating from Plymouth High School in 2006, Cameron dove right into this dream and enlisted. His energy, enthusiasm, and many gifts made the Marine Corps, and this Nation, much better. He became an infantry rifleman, excelling all through basic training. Before long, he proved his bravery by serving a tour of duty in Iraq, spending several months in Ramadi in the Sunni Triangle. In this dangerous setting, Cameron continually did his job faithfully, and he did it well. He won a variety of honors for his service and, at the time of his death, was prepared to again answer the call of duty for his country and return to Iraq. Mr. Speaker, I also want to recognize the life and service of Sergeant Joseph Ford, originally of Knox, Indiana, a proud member of the Indiana Army National Guard. He died on May 10, 2008, when his vehicle rolled over during a training exercise near Al Asad, Iraq. For most of his life, Sergeant Ford was simply known as Joey. Joey had a love of learning throughout his life; in particular, a passion for history that led him to attend the University of Southern Indiana to major in history. Joey's passion for history reflected a passion for his country. This passion--this patriotism--kindled in him the desire to serve his country. The dedication to military service did not come without challenges for Joey. In order to meet the physical demands of the military, he embarked on an aggressive weight loss program, losing over 70 pounds in order to be able to join the Indiana National Guard. This desire to serve his country did not stop at the water's edge. His commanding officer, Lieutenant Chastain, stated that Ford wanted to be the gunner on an armored vehicle rather than the driver. He said of Joey, ``He exemplified what a dedicated soldier is.'' This dedication was honored by his posthumous promotion from specialist to sergeant and the awarding of a Bronze Star. Mr. Speaker, great as his love of country was, he also loved his family, in particular, his parents Dalarie and Sam and his wife Karen. Joey had met the love of his life while he attended the University of Southern Indiana. His friend and fellow Guardsman, Keith Ausland, noted that his conversations with Joey during training and in Iraq generally ended not with concerns about the mission but concerns about his family. Ausland wrote in his tribute to Joey that, ``Joe was a new husband, and he loved his wife dearly.'' When his mom Dalarie was asked about the one thing she would want her son remembered for, she said, ``He was so kind to everybody. At the memorial service it was amazing just to see all the unique people who loved Joey. He never wrote off anyone, and he was friends with everybody, all shapes, sizes, all walks of life. Joe was a gentle soul.'' So today we remember and honor Joe Ford, a patriot and a gentle soul, a proud dad, a proud husband and a wonderful son. Mr. Speaker, for much of the history of war, the number of soldiers struck down on the battlefield has been dwarfed by those killed by illness and disease. Thankfully, modern medicine has made the scourge of disease far more remote for our soldiers today, which makes the death of Private Randy Stabnik, also of the Indiana Army National Guard, all the more painful. On February 17, Private Stabnik died from pneumococcal meningitis, a rare and unexpected death. After Randy had joined the National Guard, his family could see how much he was growing to love his service. His dad Jim, when asked about his son's service, said, ``When he came home for Christmas, I could tell he missed it. He missed the lifestyle. He missed his friends there. He loved it, but missed his son. They were very, very close.'' His son Nathan, only 8 years old, lost his 28-year-old dad. This is part of the tragedy of war. Soldiers fight and die to protect those they love, and we must never forget the burden of sacrifice borne by the loved ones who are left behind. His son and his family should know that Randy cared deeply for them. His mom said shortly after his death, ``Randy was Mom's baby, Mom's angel. He was my heart.'' And her angel, he remains. But he is also an angel for the entire Nation. Mr. Speaker, ultimately the greatest memorial to these fallen patriots, to Cameron, to Joey and to Randy, will not be my words nor anything we can build or bestow. Our greatest honor for them will be to look not toward them but to look where they looked, to seek what they sought. If we work for that same good for which they gave their lives, if we create a nation at once more just, more secure, and more free, we will be a brighter beacon in a frequently dark world; and we will have given our fallen brothers and sisters a true memorial worthy of them. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I yield back the balance of my time.