Jeff Denham

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 117) authorizing the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service.

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Con. Res. 117.

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H. Con. Res. 117 would authorize the use of the Capitol Grounds for the National Peace Officers' Memorial Service on May 15, 2012. I'm pleased to be a sponsor of this important resolution. In 1962, May 15 was designated by President Kennedy as Peace Officers Memorial Day and the week in which it falls as Police Week. The memorial service began in 1982 as a gathering in Senate Park of just 120 survivors and supporters of law enforcement. Today, National Police Week draws tens of thousands of law enforcement officials and their supporters from around the world who travel to the Nation's Capital to participate in events that honor our fallen officers. The National Peace Officers' Memorial Service, which is sponsored by the Grand Lodge of the Fraternal Order of Police, is one in a series of events which includes the candlelight vigil and seminars. These important events help us to honor and remember the sacrifice of those members of law enforcement around our Nation who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Back home in my district, we recently felt the pain of losing a respected member of the law enforcement community, Deputy Robert Paris. He was slain in the line of duty just a few weeks ago. He was the third sworn officer to be killed while serving with the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department. He was known in the community to volunteer for the dangerous work and had requested an assignment in the Civil Division. When any community loses an officer, it is a tragedy, both for the family and for those whose lives benefited from their service. Deputy Paris is survived by his parents, Robert, Sr. and Jane; sister, Krista; brother, Eric; and two children. By passing this legislation, we will be honoring Deputy Paris and all of those who came before him. I urge my colleagues to support passage of this resolution. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. H. Con. Res. 118 would authorize the use of the Capitol Grounds for the District of Columbia Special Olympics Law Enforcement Torch Run that will be held on June 1, 2012. As in years past, the Torch Run will be launched from the West Terrace of the U.S. Capitol and continue through the Capitol Grounds as part of the journey to the 27th Annual D.C. Special Olympics Summer Games. The Special Olympics is an international organization dedicated to enriching the lives of children and adults with disabilities through athletics and competition. The Law Enforcement Torch Run began in 1981 when the police chief of Wichita, Kansas, saw an urgent need to raise funds for and to increase the awareness of the Special Olympics. The Torch Run was then quickly adopted by the International Association of Chiefs of Police. Today, the Torch Run is the largest grassroots effort that raises funds and awareness for the Special Olympics program. The event in D.C. is one of many Law Enforcement Torch Runs throughout the country and across 35 nations. I urge my colleagues to support the passage of this resolution, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 1302, a bill to convey a parcel of land in the city of Tracy. S. 1302 is commonsense legislation that will be a win for the Federal taxpayer, the local community, and private enterprise. Simply put, this bill allows the city of Tracy to purchase at fair-market value a parcel of land from the Federal Government. Currently, the government has a reversionary interest in a vacant parcel of its land, and the community of Tracy deeply needs it. The city would like to purchase the land from the government at fair-market value and eliminate the reversionary interest so that the local community can decide what's best for the land. This land will then be leased to a private company to develop a solar project that will provide renewable energy and economic activity to the local community. I had the opportunity to tour this location with the mayor of Tracy, Brent Ives, who's been working on this for quite some time. He showed how this project will provide a significant economic impact to a community struggling with high rates of unemployment. Mr. Speaker, this legislation will solve another problem created by too much government. Local control of this property will put people back to work, benefit the local economy, provide a source of renewable energy, and turn a profit for the taxpayer. I was proud to be a cosponsor of the House version of this legislation introduced by Mr. McNerney, and I urge my colleagues to support this measure.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the life of a beloved mother and wife, Biruta Stakle McShane. She was born Biruta Isolda Stakle in Riga, Latvia April 21, 1940, and passed away surrounded by her family on April 14, 2012, in Cupertino, California. Biruta immigrated to Oklahoma following the close of World War II after living for some time in Germany. Raised in Stillwater, she attended Oklahoma State University, where she graduated with honors in Mathematics. Shortly thereafter, she moved to Dallas, Texas, where she met and married Thomas McShane. Biruta and Tom moved to Burlingame, California and started a family. During her career, Biruta worked in various marketing roles for several Silicon Valley Companies, before ultimately starting her own businesses, Meetings & Incentives Group and Bimark Incorporated. Meetings and Incentives Group is one of the leading event planning groups in Silicon Valley and Bimark Inc. specializes in advertising specialty items. Biruta served as president of the Northern California Chapter of the Business Marketing Association and was honored repeatedly as owner of one of Silicon Valley's top twenty women-owned businesses. Biruta is remembered for her love of travel and cooking. She explored the globe and planned exotic events for some of Silicon Valley's most successful businesses. She was famous for her endless energy, creativity and zest for making other people's lives unforgettable through her event planning. Biruta is survived by her husband, Tom McShane, her daughter Laura Powers of San Ramon, daughter Alison Aarts of Millbrae and son Steve McShane of Salinas. Biruta is also survived by her four grandchildren, Jack Powers, Shane Powers, Cooper Powers and Aidan Aarts. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Biruta Stakle McShane for her accomplishments and contributions. The life of Biruta Stakle McShane serves as an example of excellence to those in her life, and her legacy will not be soon forgotten.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise to talk about the corruption, the fraud, the waste within GSA, an agency that has nearly a $10 billion slush fund that they hide from the American taxpayers every single year. Today I'm going to be introducing a bill that will request transparency on an annual basis, show an annual audit so the American taxpayers can see exactly where this waste is going and hold this agency accountable. We're going to hold another hearing on the issue to make sure that the waste stops, and that we actually start selling off some of the buildings that are sitting vacant right now today, an opportunity for Republicans and Democrats to actually come together, just getting rid of waste, and at the same time that we sell the properties and redevelop the things that we aren't using, put people back to work.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Veterans of Foreign Wars Chowchilla Post 9896 Life Member U.S. Army Specialist-4 Henry L. Woods. Specialist Woods served the United States of America honorably with the 20th Combat Engineers and 101st Airborne in the Vietnam war siege of Phu Nhon. Specialist Woods was born in Elgin, Oklahoma, in 1944. His family subsequently moved to California and settled in the Plainsburg area, later settling in Dos Palos. Specialist Woods graduated from Dos Palos High School in 1963. He worked in the maintenance department of Chowchilla High School and in agriculture until he enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1969. Specialist Woods, or ``Woody'' as he was called by his fellow soldiers, completed basic training at Fort Ord, where he qualified as a sharpshooter with the M 14 rifle. He was assigned to duty with the 984th Military Police Company at Fort Carson, Colorado. He was later transferred to Fort Lewis, Washington, for pre-deployment training for service in Vietnam. In December 1969, he arrived in Saigon and joined the 1st Cavalry in the Central Highlands and assigned to Company D of the 20th Combat Engineers near Qui Nhon. The unit provided security called QL 14 South that saw heavy enemy action and was often referred to as ``Massacre Highway.'' During this assignment, the unit was part of a major assault at LZ Black Hawk in the Central Highlands in which Specialist Woods was injured in hand-to-hand combat. He was treated for facial and head injuries before returning to duty. In early 1971, while serving temporary duty with the 101st Airborne, Specialist Woods was a door gunner on a helicopter gunship. During this time, North Vietnamese Army Troops began targeting the U.S. Army base at Phu Nhon, commonly known as ``LZ Lonely.'' On March 15, 1971, a North Vietnamese force attacked the base, quickly overrunning South Vietnamese soldiers. Specialist Woods served as part of a reinforcement group to repel the attack. During the battle, he acted as a door gunner on a gunship, delivering M 60 machinegun fire to enemy forces. While making a pass over enemy positions, the co-pilot and second door gunner were killed. Back on the ground, Specialist Woods joined ground troops in delivering upon the enemy, twice transporting wounded soldiers to medical help under heavy fire. During the fight, Specialist Woods sustained a gunshot wound to his head and was med-evaced to an aid station. During treatment for his second wound, Specialist Woods exhibited symptoms that later would be attributed to exposure to herbicide Agent Orange. He struggles with the symptoms of Agent Orange exposure to this day. After recuperating from his wounds, he was sent to Fort Ord where he completed active service before being discharged. For his service in the U.S. Army, Specialist Woods received the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with Bronze Star, Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, two Purple Hearts, Combat Infantryman's Badge, Army Aircrew Badge, and Sharpshooter Badge with Auto Rifle BAR, and the Sharpshooter Pistol Badge. On Veteran's Day 2003, he was honored in a special ceremony by Congressman George Radanovich in which he received the medals for his service. Specialist Woods returned to the Chowchilla area where he worked in agriculture for several years. He attended Merced College on the G.I. Bill where he earned an Associate of Arts and an Associate of Science Degree in Plant Science and Mechanized Agriculture. Specialist Woods has four children: Debbie, Chuck, Erin, and Matt. He is the proud grandfather of seven. He now resides near Helena, Montana. Specialist Woods is a Life Member of Chowchilla VFW Post 9896, the American Legion, the Military Order of the Purple Heart, and the Disabled American Veterans. He attends St. John's Lutheran Church in Helena. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Specialist Henry L. Woods for his honorable service to our great country, and wishing him the best of luck and health in his future endeavors.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Veterans of Foreign Wars Chowchilla Post 9896 Life Member Sergeant Lafayette Spradley. Sergeant Spradley served the United States of America honorably with the U.S. Army 4th Infantry Division in the Vietnam War. Sergeant Spradley was born in Madera, California on November 24, 1943. Sergeant Spradley attended local Madera schools and enlisted in the U.S. Army in August of 1961. He completed basic training at Fort Ord, and was selected for communications training. Upon completion of communications training, he was assigned to work as a wireman. After additional stateside duty, he served with the 3rd Infantry Division before joining the 76th Artillery of the 3rd Infantry Division in Kitzingen, Germany. In 1965, he returned to the U.S. for duty with the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Lewis, Washington. In July 1966, Mr. Spradley deployed to Pleiku, Vietnam. His unit was responsible for laying communication wire to fixed installations and forwarding operating bases in the Central Highlands region. He later served with Company ``C'' of the 1st Battalion of the 12th Regiment as a Communications Sergeant. Throughout his service in Vietnam, Sergeant Spradley served with the 4th Division in combat operations in the western Central Highlands along the border between Cambodia and Vietnam. His unit was frequently assigned to missions to repair communications equipment damaged by enemy artillery and mortar fire. In May 1967, Sergeant Spradley completed his tour in Vietnam and returned to the United States. He was discharged at the Oakland Army Base. For his service, Sergeant Spradley received the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with a Bronze Star, the Vietnam Campaign Medal with Device, two awards of the Army Occupation Medal, and the Sharpshooter Badge for the M 14 Rifle. Sergeant Spradley returned to the Chowchilla area where he attended Merced College. He was employed as a line operator by Certainteed Corporation for 27 years until his retirement. He and his wife, Marion, have three children, two grandchildren, and one great-grandchild. He is a Life Member of Chowchilla VFW Post 9896, and he enjoys traveling with his wife. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Sergeant Lafayette Spradley for his honorable service to our great country, and wishing him the best of luck and health in his future endeavors.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Veterans of Foreign Wars Chowchilla Post 9896 Life Member Sergeant Stephen M. Stewart. Sergeant Stewart served the United States of America honorably with the U.S. Army 10th Mountain Division in Somalia. Sergeant Stewart was born in Vancouver, British Columbia on May 28, 1954. He later relocated to the United States and enlisted in the U.S. Army. During his service, he served a 12-month tour in Korea and was part of the advance forces in Operation Desert Storm, which culminated in the repelling of the Iraqi forces and the liberation of Kuwait. In 1992, while serving with the 10th Mountain Division, the division was deployed to Somalia as part of Operation Restore Hope for the famished populace of Somalia. The division's mission was to secure major cities and roads in order to provide safe passage of relief supplies to Somali citizens suffering the effects of the Somali Civil War. When Task Force Ranger and the SAR team were pinned down during a raid in what would later become known as the Battle of Mogadishu, Sergeant Stewart and elements of the 10th Mountain Division provided infantry to the United Nations force sent to rescue them. The ensuing firefight was the longest sustained by the U.S. Army since the Vietnam War. In September 1994, Stephen and 8,600 troopers of the 10th Mountain Division formed the nucleus of the Multinational Force Haiti and Joint Task Force 190 in Haiti during Operation Uphold Democracy. The division's mission was to create a secure and stable environment in which the government could reestablish and hold democratic elections. During his service in the U.S. Army, Sergeant Stewart served in various roles. He was a troop leader in billets as a platoon sergeant, a drill sergeant, and held several administrative positions. He retired as a Sergeant First Class. For his service, Sergeant Stewart received the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, Armed Forces Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Korean Defense Medal, Humanitarian Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, United Nations Medal for Somalia, and the Army Sharpshooter Badge for the M 16 Rifle. After his retirement from the U.S. Army, Sergeant Stewart earned a bachelor's degree and teaching credentials. He taught at Sierra Vista Elementary School and the former Mountain Vista Continuation School in Madera Unified School District. His hobbies included running and hiking, and he dreamt of someday climbing Pobeda Peak located near the border of China. He was an influential force in the Chowchilla area to honor WWII veterans through the ``Honor Flight'' program. He was also commemorated for his service to the California Troops to Teachers program. Sergeant Stewart passed away in 2012. He is survived by his wife, Dr. Gwendolyn Stewart, daughters Stephanie Stewart, M.D., Sharon Stewart, and grandson Ernest ``Jewell'' Hall. Sergeant Stewart is a Life Member of Chowchilla VFW Post 9896, American Legion Post 148, Association of the U.S. Army, Young Men's Institute, and St. Columbia Catholic Church of Chowchilla. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Sergeant Stephen M. Stewart for his honorable service to our great country.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Veterans of Foreign Wars Chowchilla Post 9896 Life Member Sergeant Donald E. Schnoor. Mr. Schnoor served the United States of America honorably with the U.S. Army First Cavalry in the Korean War. Sergeant Schnoor was born in Chowchilla, California, on December 19, 1934. After graduating from Chowchilla High School in 1952, he enlisted in the U.S. Army. He completed basic training at Fort Ord, and was selected to train as a musician with the Army Band Training Unit. Upon completion of band training, he was assigned to play the trombone with the 6th Army Band at Fort Mason in San Francisco. The band played for troops leaving and arriving by ship to and from the Far East, primarily Korea. Numerous Hollywood and local professional celebrities performed with the band. Wanting to see a bit of the world, Sergeant Schnoor subsequently volunteered for duty with Army occupation troops in Japan. Upon arrival in Japan, Sergeant Schnoor was informed that although he had been trained as a musician, the Army considered him an infantryman first and a trombone player second. His next stop would be Inchon, Korea, carrying an M1 rifle and a pack. While deployed in Inchon, Sergeant Schnoor joined the 5th Regiment of the legendary First Cavalry Division stationed near the front lines southeast of Seoul near Yong Dong Po. He was assigned to a fire team for a 75 MM recoilless rifle mounted on a 3/4 ton 4 x 4 utility truck. He and his fellow soldiers were sent on missions to deliver fire with high explosive rounds and armor piercing rounds on North Korean troops along the front lines. At a later point in his tour, Sergeant Schnoor and 20 other soldiers were assigned to escort 120 North Korean prisoners by train to the Pusan area. After reaching Pusan, the unit was assigned to guard more than 4,000 North Korean prisoners held on the island of Koje-do. Sergeant Schnoor served in North Korea until the truce was signed in 1954. After the conclusion of the war, he joined the rest of the First Cavalry Division in Hokkaido, Japan. The mission of the division was to serve as a deterrent to Russia from attempting to invade the Japanese islands of Northern Hokkaido. At the end of 1954, the 5th Regiment relocated to Sendai, Japan, where he joined the First Cavalry Band and Orchestra. He was recommended to audition for the U.S.O. Orchestra. After a competitive audition process, he was accepted. Sergeant Schnoor spent the remainder of his overseas service as one of three trombonists traveling in Japan playing U.S.O. shows for American servicemen. Sergeant Schnoor returned to the U.S. in the spring of 1955. He was discharged as a Sergeant. For his service, he was awarded the Presidential Unit Citation, the Korean Service Medal, the United Nations Medal, the National Service Defense Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. After his military service, Sergeant Schnoor returned to Chowchilla and began a career in farming that has continued for 56 years. He and his wife, Peggy, have three daughters, six grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. Sergeant Schnoor is a Life Member of the Chowchilla VFW Post 9896, the American Legion Post of Madera, the Madera Elks, and the First United Methodist Church of Madera. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring Sergeant Donald E. Schnoor for his honorable service to our great country, and wishing him the best of luck and health in his future endeavors.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the service and memory of Deputy Robert Paris, who was slain in the line of duty this past week in Modesto. Deputy Paris is the third sworn officer to be killed while serving with the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Department, and on behalf of the community and this Congress, I want to offer condolences to his family, friends and colleagues. Deputy Paris has a long career of service, first being certified as a Mobile Intensive Care Paramedic in 1980. In 1993, he graduated from the Ray Simon Regional Criminal Justice Training Center, and three years later started his 16-year career with the Stanislaus County Sheriff's Office. There, he served in many capacities before volunteering for the dangerous but necessary work of the civil division. In all assignments, Deputy Paris earned the confidence of his superiors and the respect of his fellow officers. His end of watch came on April 12, 2012, while serving an eviction notice, accompanied by local locksmith Glendon Engert. Deputy Paris is survived by his parents, Robert Sr. and Jane, sister Krista, brother Eric, and two adult children, a son and daughter. May the example of Deputy Paris renew in each of us the determination to live by the watchwords of honor and duty, values he defended at the price of his life. It is also my fervent prayer that those close to Robert Paris receive the only solace afforded in the face of such tragedy, the certain knowledge that whatever honors we express here, they pale before the peace awaiting him and all who lay down their life for others.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Glendon Engert, who was slain together with Deputy Bob Paris on April 12th in Modesto, California while serving an eviction notice. My thoughts go especially to his wife of 11 years, Irina. No words can lessen the grief that is felt by those close to him; but I hope they know that we share, in what measure we can, their sorrow. Mr. Engert was a man who did not discourage easily. Like so many in the Valley, he lost his employment when the recession took hold. He didn't give up, though, and secured a new job as a locksmith--a job that gave him the ability to support his family and maintain an active role in his church and community. It is a tragedy that his initiative, his strong work ethic, unwittingly placed him in harm's way on April 12. We are thankful for the life of Glendon Engert and if this act, this statement, seems small before the moment, be assured of the sincerity of our sympathy and the depth of our emotion. May God bless the family and friends of Mr. Engert and welcome him to his everlasting reward.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor Karen Poppen, retiring Superintendent of Keyes Union School District, and to thank her for her leadership and dedication to the academic advancement of the Central Valley. Karen was born and raised in Merced, California, where she graduated from Merced High School and Merced College. She received a Bachelor of Arts in English at Whitworth College, now Whitworth University, in Spokane, Washington. After that, she began her career teaching English at Merced High School, where she taught from 1971 through 1974. Karen retired from teaching in 1974 to raise her two sons. During this time, she volunteered at Catherine Everett and Enslen Elementary Schools in the Modesto City School District and in the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District. In 1988, she returned to teaching and taught at Yucaipa Middle School and Park View Middle School until December of 1993. During this time, she received her master's degree and administrative credential. In January 1994, she became principal of Yucaipa Adult School and principal of Calimesa Elementary School in July of 1995. In 2001, she was moved to the District Office as Director of Data Analysis, Grants, and Public Relations. A year later, Karen moved to Beaumont Unified School District as Assistant Superintendent of Instructional Support Services, where she worked for almost five years. In addition, she was an adjunct professor for CSU San Bernardino for five years. On July 1, 2007, Karen became Superintendent of Keyes Union School District and currently serves as a member of the Keyes Municipal Advisory Council. Karen married Daryl Poppen on July 1, 1972, and this summer they will celebrate their 40th anniversary. After retirement, Karen and her husband plan to do some short-term mission work overseas with Operation Mobilization, a worldwide ministry and relief organization working in 110 countries. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and commending Karen Poppen, Superintendent for Keyes Union School District, for her numerous years of selfless service to the education of our community.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and applaud the Modesto Lions Club on their 90th Anniversary. This dedicated service club should be commended for their leadership. In the early 1920's, there were few community service clubs; however, 43 prominent business owners in Modesto joined to establish the first Lions Club in Stanislaus County on March 29, 1922. This core of movers & shakers became the `Booster Club' of their fair city, Modesto. This hardy band supported the Salvation Army, the Red Cross, the Boy Scouts and the YMCA in a way never before accomplished. The club's membership dwindled during WWII, but the Modesto Lions Club maintained its stature and continued its good deeds for the community. The economic growth of the post-war period allowed the Modesto Lions Club to grow and facilitate bigger projects, such as the Modesto High School Swimming Pool and the Mancini Bowl Band Shell. In 1987, the Modesto Lions Club broke social barriers by welcoming female members, and a new era dawned as many ladies joined the ranks. Recently, the Modesto Lions Club completed the Modesto Lions Junction Park along the Virginia Trail providing shade for all who use the trail. Mr. Speaker, please join me in praising and congratulating the Modesto Lions for 90 years of community service and success.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the life and service of the late Major Neng Lo. Major Lo's life was dedicated to his service in the United States Secret Army during the Vietnam War. Neng Lo was born April 1, 1946, in Ban Houi Kinning, located in the Houi Kinning District of Muang Khoun in the Xieng Khouang Province of the Kingdom of Laos. He attended Muang Khoun Elementary School. While in the fifth grade, he was recruited to train and serve in the United States Secret Army. After completion of training, Neng Lo was incorporated into the Auto Defense Community stationed at Lima Site 15. In 1964, at the age of 18, he was selected to transfer to the 2nd Company Infantry, 203rd Battalion, Special Guerrilla Units. This unit was a mobile unit that moved around the Plains of Jars to ambush and counter attack North Vietnamese Army, NVA, troops that occupied the areas. In 1966, he was promoted to Second Lieutenant and became the Commander of the 3rd Company, 203rd Battalion. In January 1967, Neng Lo's unit was sent to Na Khang at Lima Site 36 in the Sam Neua Province. His assignment on this mission was to capture Muang Heim, which had been invaded by the North Vietnamese. In late March of 1968, Neng Lo was promoted to Lieutenant and joined Group Mobiles 21 counter attack on Phou Pha Thi, the mountain where United States radar systems were installed to guide U.S. airstrikes over North Vietnam. Phou Pha Thi had been captured by the NVA. During several unsuccessful attempts to recapture the site, Neng Lo's unit lost most of its members. In December 1969, Neng Lo was promoted to Captain and was appointed Commander of the 203rd Battalion, Special Guerilla Units of the 21st Mobile Group of the United States Secret Army. During this assignment, La's Unit was ordered to control the Long Matt Ridge located south of the Plains of Jars. This was a springboard mission to capture the Plains of Jars from the NVA. His mission was to attack the North Vietnamese front line directly so other units could penetrate the NVA line to attack its reinforcement units and supplies. In November 1970, Captain Lo heliported to Khang Kai Lima Site 4 to capture a strategic position. In December 1970, the NVA attacked Khang Kai with Russian armored tanks and 130 mm mortars, capturing the site. Lo was killed in action. In February 1971, the 201st Battalion recaptured Khan Kai Lima Site 4, but Captain Lo's body was never found. After his death, Neng Lo was promoted to the rank of Major. Major Lo was married to Mrs. Pang Thao. The couple has two daughters: Mee Lo and Mao Lo. Neng Lo's family resides in Fresno, California. Mr. Speaker, please join me in posthumously honoring Major Neng Lo for his heroic service to the United States of America, and extending deepest condolences to his family. His legacy serves as an example of excellence, and his contributions to our country will not be forgotten.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart after the passing of Rod Blonien. Rodney J. Blonien was born July 20, 1946 in Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin, to Janet and Clayton Blonien. He was the oldest of four. He attended the University of San Francisco and Santa Clara Law School, and achieved the rank of captain in the Army National Guard. Mr. Blonien was a Capitol fixture for years having served as Assistant Legal Affairs Secretary to California Gov. Ronald Reagan, Senior Assistant to Attorney General George Deukmejian then Legislative Secretary to California Gov. Deukmejian, and Under Secretary of the Youth and Adult Correctional Agency. While working for the California Department of Corrections, Mr. Blonien reduced prison construction time from 5 to 2 years. Today, his program serves as a national model. He worked to enact stringent sentences for criminal offenders, and implemented Driving Under the Influence (D.U.I.) checkpoints. He is survived by his wife of 45 years, Noreen, and four children-- Ryan, Jessica, Molly and Jarhett--and 11 grandchildren.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, during Women's History Month, to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts of the United States of America. Girls Scouts of America was founded in 1912 in Savannah, Georgia. Savannah native Juliette ``Daisy'' Gordon Low started a regular meeting for local girls to provide them with the opportunity to achieve great physical, intellectual, and spiritual success. For 100 years, Girl Scout chapters across the United States have helped millions of girls grow into women of courage, confidence, and character. Girl Scouts of America has several award-winning programs that encourage girls to discover themselves and their values, connect with their communities, and take action to make the world a better place. Traditions such as the Girl Scout Gold Award challenge girls to make a measurable and sustainable difference in their community by assessing needs, designing solutions, and organizing resources to sustain the project. The impact of Girl Scouts of America programs is not limited to our local communities. Specialized learning programs centered on science, technology, engineering, and math increase the education of young women in these important fields. The Girl Scout Research Institute performs research that provides significant insight into the lives of today's girls and young women. Today, more than 50 million American women are Girl Scout alumnae, and 3.3 million girls and volunteers are active members in Girl Scouts of America. In the Central Valley of California, over 12,000 girls ranging in age from kindergarten to high school are Girl Scouts. Mr. Speaker, please join me in applauding the Girl Scouts of the United States of America for 100 years of leadership in the lives of girls and young women and congratulating the organization on its centennial celebration.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with a heavy heart after the passing of Chairman Richard M. Milanovich of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. Chairman Milanovich grew up on the reservation in Section 14 in Southern California, where poverty was rampant. Currently, the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians is a federally-recognized Indian Tribe located in Palm Springs, California with 32,000 acres of reservation lands that spread across Palm Springs, Cathedral City, Rancho Mirage, and into the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto mountains. Mr. Milanovich has always been dedicated to serving his tribal nation and his country, where he served in the United States Army from 1960 to 1963 and was stationed in Munich, Germany, during the Cold War. He later returned to school to fulfill a lifelong ambition to secure his college degree and received a Bachelor of Science in Business and Management from the University of Redlands in 1996. Mr. Milanovich returned to the Agua Caliente reservation and started as a member of the tribal council in 1978. He then quickly ascended through the ranks to serve as secretary from 1982 to 1984, before he was elected chairman. The Chairman's connection to his tribe's history was never lost in his efforts to reinforce tribal sovereignty for Indians across the country. He was a strong practitioner and supporter of the ancient traditions, ceremonies and practices that are important to Indian people. But he was also a very strong leader in 21st-century Indian America. Through Chairman Milanovich's leadership, he helped craft mutual land-use agreements with Cathedral City in 1984 and with Rancho Mirage and Riverside County about five years later, modeled on an agreement struck with Palm Springs in the late 1970s. The intergovernmental agreements were among the first of their kind and served as a model for tribes throughout the rest of the country. His first major undertaking was the purchase of the Spa Hotel in Palm Springs in 1992. Since then, his 28-year role as a leader of Agua Caliente has allowed the tribe to develop self-sufficiency through education, cultural preservation, housing, and health care programs. Aside from raising his own tribal membership out of poverty and into self-sufficiency, Chairman Milanovich has contributed his time and wisdom to many advisory committees, charities, and other efforts to better Indian Country and the lives of people across the country. He served as the chairman of the Advisory Committee to the Office of Special Trustee for the U.S. Department of the Interior, which oversees the federal government's fiduciary responsibilities to manage tribal trust funds. In 2004, he was appointed to the Native American Stewardship Committee for the prestigious Autry National Center. Chairman Milanovich also served as a member of the Bureau of Land Management's California Desert Advisory Council, and the Native American Heritage Commission. The tribal leader served as an advocate for HIV prevention with the Desert AIDS Project for more than 10 years. As well as having the Agua Caliente tribe partner with the City of Hope's ``Hike 4 Hope'' each year at the Indian Canyons trail. The hiking event supports women's cancer programs at the foundation. Indian Country has lost a true leader and staple of the ideals of sovereignty and self-sufficiency. His leadership will not be forgotten and his efforts will be the foundation of the future for Indian tribes throughout the United States.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor Ms. Carolyn Hebenstreich, Stanislaus County Veterans Services Office Manager, who will be retiring on March 31, 2012, after more than 22 years of outstanding service to our veterans. Carolyn Hebenstreich began working for the VA Medical Center in Livermore as a student helper in Housekeeping during the summer of 1968. In 1976, Carolyn was hired by the VA Medical Center, VAMC, Livermore as a File Clerk and worked her way up to Chief of Office Operations. In 1979, Carolyn took a hiatus and worked in the private sector for about 8 months. She then worked at the Tracy Defense Logistic Depot for a short time before transferring back to VAMC Livermore. In 1985, she transferred to VA New Orleans as the Chief of Ambulatory Care. Her desire to return to California prompted her transfer back to VAMC Livermore in February 1986, where she worked for 3 more years. Stanislaus County hired Carolyn in June 1989, as Veterans Representative 1 for the Veterans Services Office, VSO. When the Department Head, Bud Lahr, retired in 1993, the VSO merged with the Area Agency on Aging to become the Stanislaus County Department of Aging and Veterans Services. Carolyn was appointed to be the lead person for the VSO. She served in this capacity from 1993 until 2001, when she was promoted to Manager of the VSO. Ms. Hebenstreich is accredited by the following organizations: American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars, Disabled American Veterans, Military Order of the Purple Heart, California Department of Veteran Affairs, and the National Association of County Veterans Services Officers. In addition, Carolyn has served on various committees over the years for the California Association of County Veterans Services Officers and served on the Executive Committee for 2 years. She has helped organize the Annual Veterans Day Parades and Veterans Award Ceremonies since 1994, and has worked with the local veterans organizations on an ongoing basis. Mr. Speaker, please join me in honoring and commending Carolyn Hebenstreich, Stanislaus County Veterans Services Office Manager, for her numerous years of selfless service to the betterment of our community.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, during Women's History Month, to acknowledge and honor the life and legacy of Jessie Benton Fremont, a California resident, who helped inspire and lead efforts to preserve and protect what is now a very significant part of Yosemite National Park. Jessie Benton Fremont was born May 31, 1824, near Lexington, Virginia to United States Senator Thomas Hart Benton and his wife, Elizabeth. Her father, a Senator from Missouri, was very influential in the development of her independent and visionary nature. While in Washington, Mrs. Fremont met her husband, United States Army Lieutenant John Charles Fremont. John Fremont became a great explorer of the Western United States after he was assigned to lead expeditions reaching from the Midwest to California. In the late 1850's, the Fremonts and their children settled in Bear Valley, near Mariposa, California. While living there, Mrs. Fremont fell in love with Yosemite Valley. Like all who view the valley for the first time, she was awestruck by the grand rock formations, Giant Sequoia trees, waterfalls, and impressive scenery. She shared her love for Yosemite Valley with those who visited her home. She took visitors on tours and hosted afternoon teas and Sunday dinners at her Bear Valley and Black Point homes for well-known authors, editors, photographers, and military and political leaders. Some of her guests included Horace Greeley, Thomas Starr King, Carleton Watkins, Richard Henry Dana, Jr., and United States Senator Edward Baker of Oregon. During these social gatherings, Mrs. Fremont shared her concern for the need to preserve Yosemite Valley and the Giant Sequoias. Many of her friends and acquaintances joined her effort to lobby Congress and President Abraham Lincoln to protect Yosemite Valley and what would later become known as the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Mrs. Fremont's passionate leadership in preserving Yosemite Valley was an instrumental first step in a long chain of activism that resulted in designating the land as a National Park. In 1864, Mrs. Fremont and her associates encouraged their friend, Israel Ward Raymond, to send United States Senator John Conness of California photographs and a letter asking Congress to pass a bill to protect Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. Their successful effort culminated on June 30, 1864, when President Abraham Lincoln signed an Act of Congress that granted Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove to the State of California. This was the first time the national government set aside scenic lands for future generations. The Yosemite Grant gave the State of California 36,111 acres of Yosemite Valley and 2,500 acres that contained the Mariposa Grove of Giant Sequoias. The establishment of this grant was significant in preserving Yosemite for activists like John Muir, who first visited Yosemite in 1868 and subsequently led a 20-year campaign to establish the area outside the existing park as Yosemite National Park. Jessie Benton Fremont passed away December 27, 1902. Less than four years later, Yosemite National Park was established as it is today. One hundred and ten years after her death, Yosemite National Park remains the crown jewel of California's Sierra Nevada Mountains. Both the Park and the Mariposa Grove are visited by upwards of 4 million tourists per year, who come to enjoy the awe-inspiring vistas, waterfalls, glaciers, meadows, rock faces, and Giant Sequoia trees. Mr. Speaker, please join me in posthumously honoring Jessie Benton Fremont for her unwavering leadership and activism to preserve the beauty and grandeur of Yosemite Valley for generations to come. Her legacy serves as an example of excellence, and her accomplishments and contributions to Yosemite National Park will never be forgotten.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge and honor the rich heritage of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce as they celebrate 100 years of business leadership in the Central Valley. Anniversaries such as this provide an opportunity for us to reflect upon the significant impact our local businesses, both large and small, have on job creation and economic growth. It is critical that we continue to increase opportunities for business owners and entrepreneurs to take risks and succeed, so that they are able to grow, innovate, and create jobs. Throughout the years, the Chamber has stayed true to its mission statement, which is ``to promote the region's economic strengths and vitality; identify and promote services that are valuable to our members; advocate for public policy that is advantageous to the business community; and fully participate and partner in activities to improve quality of life.'' Also celebrating 100 years is the iconic Modesto Arch. The Arch was erected by the founders of the Modesto Chamber of Commerce as a symbol to promote the city, and remains as a welcome when you enter downtown Modesto with the ever present slogan ``Water, Wealth, Contentment, Health.'' I would also like to recognize the following six businesses for their continuous membership in the Modesto Chamber of Commerce for the past 100 years: Foster Farms, Bank of America, Pacific Bell/ATT, Chicago Title Company, Pacific Gas & Electric, and J.S. West. They should all be commended for the community support and dedication to the city of Modesto. Mr. Speaker, please join me in celebrating with the Modesto Chamber of Commerce on a day where we recognize not only where we have been, but the tremendous opportunities we have ahead in our efforts to fulfill our vision for the future. Congratulations on the past 100 years, and I wish you the best success in the years to come.

Mr. DENHAM

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (S. 1710) to designate the United States courthouse located at 222 West 7th Avenue, Anchorage, Alaska, as the James M. Fitzgerald United States Courthouse.

Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.