Scott DesJarlais

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Chairman, no one can deny we have a readiness issue within our military due to funding shortfalls. This comes at a time when we are facing unprecedented threats all over the globe. Our Constitution makes it clear that our top priority and duty is to provide for the common defense. In World War II, Americans willingly rationed whatever was necessary to support the war effort and our troops. It would have been unthinkable--unimaginable--for someone to suggest that our military could not have the resources necessary to defeat our enemies, unless we had equal spending for everything else. Simply put, we would have lost the war and our freedom. We cannot lose sight or take for granted our Nation's safety and security. Without it, the rest of the discretionary budget really doesn't matter so much. I fear America has lost its way if we live in a culture that would suggest that we can't support our most vital obligation without equal financial representation of our other government expenditures. I urge my colleagues to give our full support to the men and women in uniform, support the underlying bill, but oppose this amendment that adds unnecessarily to our debt and further threatens our ability to keep our Nation safe for the remaining threats we face.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, today I want to address illegal immigration and what House Republicans are doing to ensure Americans' safety. This week, we voted to defund sanctuary cities that harbor criminals like the man who murdered Kate Steinle in San Francisco. My heart goes out to her parents and families around the country who have lost loved ones to foreign nationals who should have never been in this country in the first place. We passed Kate's Law to increase penalties on previously deported illegal immigrants. Also, the No Sanctuary for Criminals Act would defund sanctuary cities and prevent lawsuits against local governments that follow Federal law. Shockingly, Nashville, in my home State of Tennessee, has been considering a sanctuary bill, even though murders this year already outnumber last year's total. Some on the city council want Nashville to become a magnet for violent gangs that transport drugs and human beings. Sanctuary policies endanger not only San Francisco or Nashville but the entire U.S. President Trump is cracking down on immigration crime. Illegal border crossings are down, and arrests and deportations of criminal aliens are up, just as Americans demanded last November. Here in the House, we are keeping our promises and our country safe.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the importance of technical education. Technical education allows Americans of nearly any age to gain practical skills for the modern economy. Students graduate with less debt and also great career prospects because growing industries often partner with local education centers to find the best employees. My home State of Tennessee, where global auto companies have created a network of high-tech manufacturers, is a prime example. This week, in Franklin County, we are celebrating the groundbreaking of another Tennessee College of Applied Technology campus. The program has been enormously successful across the State, helping Tennesseans who prefer to learn a trade to find meaningful work and helping employers to fill specialized jobs. I applaud President Trump for his focus on apprenticeship and vocational programs to create jobs and economic growth. This week, I voted to simplify Federal funding for States, which administer a broad range of programs for everything from mechanics to coding. I have also voted to lift Federal restrictions on overdue energy and infrastructure projects requiring thousands of engineers and operators. The United States must always be an industrial leader. That leadership starts with hardworking Americans pursuing their passions through technical education.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reflect on what Memorial Day means to our country. Memorial Day truly is a special occasion in which we honor the brave men and women in uniform who made the ultimate sacrifice. Many from the Volunteer State died on the battlefield to defend our Nation. Because of them, and so many others from across our Nation, we enjoy our freedoms and many blessings. The debt we owe them is immeasurable. But we can honor their memory and make life easier for families of fallen heroes like Lance Corporal Andrew P. Carpenter, from Columbia, Tennessee, who died fighting in Afghanistan. Although his loan provider forgave his student loan debt, Andrew's family owed taxes on the discharged amount. I introduced the Tax Relief for Our Nation's Heroes Act to resolve this IRS oversight. Military families should have more peace of mind, which is part of my job on the House Armed Services Committee. I would like to thank all those who have worn the uniform of the U.S. military, and offer my prayers for the safety of thousands now serving in harm's way.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, since President Tsai Ing-wen of Taiwan assumed office one year ago, she has continued to bolster the robust and beneficial relationship between the United States and Taiwan. President Tsai has repeatedly stated over the past year her commitment to the status quo across the Taiwan Strait. To help Taiwan support this goal, we must ensure that its legitimate defense requirements are adequately addressed. This is an ironclad commitment that is unequivocally articulated in the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances. In fact, in March of this year, two of our upgraded Oliver Hazard Perry-class frigates were delivered to Taiwan, highlighting our existing strong military and security ties. Looking forward, we are confident that the U.S. and Taiwan will build on our already solid foundation and continue to foster our bilateral relations across a wide ranging number of fields. I look forward to hearing the Trump Administration's plans for deepening this relationship in the years ahead. I congratulate President Tsai on her first anniversary as the President of Taiwan, and look forward to even closer U.S.-Taiwan cooperation under her leadership in the years to come.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of National Police Week and the courageous law enforcement officers who protect the great State of Tennessee. This week, we have thousands of police from across the country here in Washington, D.C., to honor the valiant men and women in blue. Among the 145 heroes who lost their lives in the line of duty in 2016, six hail from the Volunteer State. I would like to recognize Special Agent Frazier with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, Sergeant Allred with the Livingston Police Department, Deputy Sheriff Larnerd with the Jackson County Sheriff's Office, Officer Moats with the Maryville Police Department, Sergeant Smith with the Memphis Police Department, and Deputy Sheriff Sturgill with the Humphrey County Police Department. I stand today to recognize their service and extreme sacrifice. Tennessee law enforcement officers often risk their own lives to protect the safety of others. I honor and respect these brave men and women, and I pray for them and their families. Mr. Speaker, during National Police Week, and throughout the year, let us all remember to ``Back the Badge.''

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, Monday, April 10th marks the 38th anniversary of the 1979 enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA). The United States and Taiwan are bound by shared values, and the TRA commits the U.S. to providing Taiwan with the arms needed for its defense, while advocating a peaceful resolution to the contentious issues separating Beijing and Taipei. The people of Taiwan may rest assured that regardless of changes in administrations or the partisan composition of Congress, the TRA endures. Taiwan's freedom, democracy, and security will remain one of the highest interests of the United States, and our relationship will continue to grow and strengthen in the years and decades to come. In 1982, three years after the TRA's enactment, President Ronald Reagan issued the Six Assurances, another important component in strengthening this relationship. Together, the TRA and the Six Assurances have been instrumental in providing Taiwan with the security and space necessary for its people to build one of the most vibrant democracies and societies of the Asia-Pacific region. Mr. Speaker, I was gratified to hear that Secretary of State Rex Tillerson reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to the TRA and the Six Assurances in his confirmation hearing earlier this year. I know many of my colleagues will join me in seconding this commitment. I also noticed that Chinese President Xi is visiting the United States this week. It is our hope that the upcoming Trump-Xi meeting is constructive as U.S. engagement of the PRC is important to the peace and stability of the region. It is also our hope and insistence that US-Taiwan relations and Taiwan's security and interests are not in any way compromised. I look forward to working with my colleagues and the Administration in moving forward on the issues that are of mutual interest between our two countries, and I offer my best wishes to the people of Taiwan on the occasion of this 38th Anniversary.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor retired Major General Gus Hargett, a staunch advocate for the National Guard and one of the most widely respected Tennesseans I have ever had the pleasure of knowing. After more than 6 years as president of the National Guard Association for the United States, Gus will be stepping down next month. In all, he has more than 47 years of military service. He enlisted in the Tennessee Army National Guard in 1962 as an infantry soldier and served in a variety of staff and leadership positions in his home State, in the Pentagon, and overseas. During Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm, he was chief of operations and exercises at the National Guard Bureau in Arlington, Virginia. Prior to his retirement from the military, Hargett served as the Tennessee Adjutant General. Since his appointment to association president in 2010, Gus has led the association's day-to-day operations in Washington, D.C., and has worked tirelessly on behalf of guardsmen across the globe by advocating for and spearheading groundbreaking legislative achievements. Among his most memorable and significant accomplishments was his work adding the National Guard Bureau Chief to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. Throughout his career, he has committed himself to promoting the National Guard and improving the overall quality of life for our Nation's soldiers in harm's way. I want to take this moment to thank Major General Gus Hargett for his years of service to our country and for his tireless work on behalf of our Nation's guardsmen and their families.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, today I want to honor Colonel Byron Deel, Chief of the Joint Staff, Tennessee National Guard. After 32 years of dedicated service to our state and country, Colonel Deel has announced his retirement, effective February 5, 2017. Over the course of his career, Byron has held numerous leadership roles with a wide range of responsibilities. Whether it be his time as Company Commander of the 173rd Personnel Support Company, his command of the Joint Counterdrug Task Force or his current position as Chief of the Joint Staff, Byron has exemplified a work ethic and regard for others that is second-to-none. As such, he has more than earned the utmost admiration and respect that his colleagues and peers hold for him. Colonel Deel's career includes two deployments: In 2001 to Bosnia, where he was responsible for supporting the State Department as military liaison and intelligence officer. In 2005, he deployed to Afghanistan as an Embedded Team Trainer as part of the 196th Field Artillery Brigade. There he served as a mentor in Intelligence and Operations to the Afghan National Army. Byron's exemplary service to our nation is reflected in the numerous commendations and military decorations he has received, including: The Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, and the Tennessee National Guard Distinguished Service Medal, among a long list of many others. It is also important to mention that his wife, Mary Deel, whom Byron introduces as ``the Better Deal'', also serves in the National Guard as the Education Services Officer. On a personal note, Byron has been an invaluable resource for me and my staff on issues impacting our guardsmen. While I am sorry that Tennessee is losing an officer of such high caliber, on behalf of the grateful citizens of Tennessee's Fourth District, I extend a heartfelt thanks for his outstanding service to this great country and wish him the very best in his retirement.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Colonel Byron Deel, Chief of the Joint Staff, Tennessee National Guard, who will be retiring this week after 32 years of dedicated service. Throughout his career, Byron has held numerous leadership roles with a wide range of responsibilities. Whether it be his command of the Joint Counterdrug Task Force or his current position as Chief of the Joint Staff, Byron has exemplified a work ethic and a regard for others that is second to none. Colonel Deel's career includes two deployments: in 2001 to Bosnia and in 2005 to Afghanistan. His exemplary service is reflected in the numerous commendations he has received, including the Bronze Star and the Tennessee National Guard Distinguished Service Medal, among a long list of many others. It is also important to mention that his wife, Mary Deel, whom Byron introduces as the ``better deal,'' serves in the National Guard as the Education Services Officer. On a personal note, Byron has been an invaluable resource for me and my staff on issues that impact our guardsmen. While I am sorry that Tennessee is losing an officer of such high caliber, I extend a heartfelt thanks for his outstanding service and wish him the very best in his retirement.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tennessee State Representative Rick Womick, a constituent of Tennessee's Fourth Congressional District who has distinguished himself through outstanding public service to the people of the 34th House District and all Tennesseans. He has faithfully served in the Tennessee General Assembly from 2010 to 2016. As a staunch conservative, Representative Womick's Christian faith has guided him to safeguard the values we treasure: the United States Constitution, the Tennessee Constitution, the constitutional amendment prohibiting a state income tax in Tennessee, preserving states' rights, the right to keep and bear arms, recognizing the serious threat of radical Islam to America, and supporting Tennessee values. Representative Womick has a lifelong record of preserving freedom and protecting our country, having served in the United States Air Force as an officer and an F-15 Fighter Pilot during the Gulf War. He has also served as a Federal Law Enforcement Officer and presently serves as an international commercial airline pilot. This commendation is presented as recognition of Representative Rick Womick's honored service to the people of Tennessee. I thank you for your energy, enthusiasm, and dedication that epitomize our state slogan: ``Tennessee . . . America at its Best.'' Best wishes to you and your family for great success in the future.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the upcoming Double Ten Day, the Republic of China's, also known as Taiwan, national day, which falls on October 10th. As the House will not be in session that day, I would like to take this opportunity to offer my early best wishes to the people of Taiwan. Over the past 50 years, Taiwan has undergone dramatic political, social, and economic changes and is now the only democracy in the Chinese speaking world. This year, the people of Taiwan witnessed the third peaceful transition of power with the election of the first woman to the Presidency, Dr. Tsai Ing-wen. There are important common values and principles that link the United States and Taiwan, including respect for human rights, freedom, and democracy and I commend President Tsai Ing-wen for reiterating Taiwan's commitment to these values. Taiwan has been and will continue to be a reliable and vital trading partner in East Asia. According to the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. trade in goods with Taiwan reached U.S. $66 billion last year, making Taiwan our 9th largest trading partner in 2015. Taiwan is a prosperous society, a major contributor to the global economy, and plays an important role in the peace and security of the Asia-Pacific region. As such, it is troubling to know that Taiwan continues to be barred from a number of international organizations, many of which, like the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), serve to promote safety and strengthen diplomacy among the global community. For the sake of passenger safety and international security, the country must be brought into the ICAO fold. Taiwan should be invited to attend the ICAO Assembly on a regular basis, enabling it to keep up-to-date with important matters and assist the Assembly in ensuring the safe, secure, and sustainable development of international civil aviation. In closing, I applaud the nation of Taiwan for its strong commitment to democratic values and I wish them all the best at their celebrations in Taiwan and at the Twin Oaks Estate.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 20th annual National Cornbread Festival, which takes place in my hometown of South Pittsburg, Tennessee. This yearly event brings thousands of folks from around the country to experience the culture of southeast Tennessee. South Pittsburg is also the home of the iconic American company Lodge Manufacturing, a major sponsor of the Cornbread Festival. Growing up, almost all of us can remember a Lodge Cast Iron skillet playing a prominent role in home-cooked meals. The memories contained in those skillets and the family time with our loved ones are some of the most cherished. Lodge truly embodies the spirit of American manufacturing and ingenuity. While the trend is for most companies to sell to large companies and move overseas, Lodge has continued to operate in Tennessee since 1896. In fact, many of my constituents have worked at Lodge Manufacturing for their entire lives, just like their parents and grandparents. I appreciate Lodge Manufacturing for working to keep those American dreams alive, and I want to thank all those who play a role in hosting the National Cornbread Festival.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the efforts that our close partner and ally Taiwan has made in support of peace and stability in the Asia-Pacific region. Last year, Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou proposed the South China Sea Peace Initiative, reiterating their government's longstanding position of shelving disputes and promoting joint resource development in these contested waters. On January 28, 2016, President Ma further proposed ``the South China Sea Peace Initiative Roadmap'' during his visit to Taiping Island in the Spratly of the South China Sea. The content of the Peace Initiative Roadmap is stated as below: ``1. ``Yes'' to cooperation, ``no'' to confrontation: A cooperation and development mechanism that contributes to peace and prosperity in the South China Sea should first be established, and sovereignty disputes should be set aside for future resolution through peaceful means. 2. ``Yes'' to sharing, ``no'' to monopolizing: A cooperation and development mechanism should ensure equal participation and resource sharing among all parties concerned in the region in order to avoid undermining the rights and interests of any party. 3. ``Yes'' to pragmatism, ``no'' to intransigence: The initial focus should be on aspects which are beneficial to all parties concerned and on which consensus can be easily achieved; various cooperation items should be pragmatically and gradually promoted so as to avoid missing out on cooperation opportunities as a result of any party insisting on its position. The viable path consists of shelving disputes, integrated planning, and zonal development. The two essential elaborations are: First, all parties concerned in the region should be included in the consultation mechanism for this initiative so that they can engage in cooperation and negotiations on integrated planning for the South China Sea. Second, the cooperation and consultation mechanism proposed in this initiative should be a provisional arrangement of a practical nature, and should not undermine the position of any party concerned or jeopardize or hamper the reaching of a final agreement on the South China Sea.'' The Taiwan government has reaffirmed its commitment to uphold the freedom of navigation and overflight, and has actively worked to promote peace and prosperity throughout the South China Sea region. I urge my colleagues to join me in working with our Taiwanese partners to promote our common interests and find a viable path to maintain peace and stability in the South China Sea.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to highlight the positive steps that our close partner and friend Taiwan has taken in the South China Sea. On December 12, 2015, the Taiwanese government inaugurated a newly constructed lighthouse and renovated wharf on the Taiping Island, which is the largest natural island of the Spratly Islands in the South China Sea and has been administered by Taiwan since 1946. This infrastructure project will help support free and safe passage of ships through the surrounding waters, further enabling Taiwan to offer humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and provide emergency rescue support to passing vessels. Like the United States, Taiwan is a firm believer in freedom of navigation rights and has actively worked to promote peace and prosperity throughout the South China Sea region. Earlier this year, Taiwan President Ma Ying-jeou proposed the South China Sea Peace Initiative, reiterating their government's longstanding position of shelving disputes and promoting joint resource development in these contested waters. Over the years, Taiwan has continued to play a responsible and peaceful role in the region and as such, I urge my colleagues to join me in working with our Taiwanese partners to promote our common interests and uphold international law.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I regrettably missed rollcall vote No. 633, passage of H.R. 511--the Tribal Land Sovereignty Act of 2015. As a cosponsor of this bill, had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' Personal Explanation

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, due to airplane equipment problems, I was unavoidably detained and missed Roll Call vote 569, passage of H. Res. 450--Providing for the consideration of the bill (H.R. 597) to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank of the United States, and for other purposes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``No.''

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of a courageous American and a proud son of Tennessee, Lt. George Whitmore. George Whitmore, of Shelbyville, Tennessee, enlisted in the Army on September 10, 1935 when he was sixteen years old, two years before he was eligible under Army enlistment rules. On May 6, 1937, Whitmore was promoted to Corporal and later to Sergeant. For the next few years he served in the National Guard and until February 24, 1941, when he was called up to Active Federal Service. After completing Officer Candidacy School in Ft. Benning, GA, Whitmore was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant and entered the Army Ranger Combat Training program. After completing Ranger Training, Lt. Whitmore took part in the invasion of Normandy, where he bravely fought on Utah Beach. He served on the front lines of Europe bravely defending his country, leading platoons of soldiers throughout the Normandy and Rhineland campaigns. On July 15, 1944, Lt. Whitmore was wounded in combat by an enemy artillery shell in northern France while pressing an attack against the German front. During his 18 years of service to our country Lt. Whitmore received several service honors, including the Purple Heart Medal, the Combat Infantryman Badge and two Bronze Service Stars, among many others. In August of 2008, Lt. Whitmore returned to Tennessee to make his home in Normandy, TN, where he resided with his wife of 74 years, and his youngest daughter and son-in-law until his passing on October 9, 2015, at the age of 96. To the family of Lt. Whitmore, we are sincerely grateful for his service. George truly exemplified the spirit of ``the Greatest Generation.''

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the upcoming Double Ten Day, the Republic of China's, also known as Taiwan, national day, which falls on October 10th and to extend my very best wishes to the people of Taiwan as they gather to celebrate the 104th National Day. As a vibrant democracy and contributor to the global economy, Taiwan plays an important role in the peace and security of the Asia-Pacific region. I am proud of the role our country and the United States' Congress have played, through the Taiwan Relations Act, in making it possible for the hard working and resilient people of Taiwan to build a strong, prosperous and democratic society. Our relationship is as strong as ever, as I believe it will continue to be in the years and decades ahead. As a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee's Subcommittee on Asia and the Pacific, I would also like to commend the actions taken by President Ma Ying-jeou and his government to create an environment where peace and prosperity for all countries of the region can be pursued. President Ma has proposed both an East China Sea Peace Initiative and a South China Sea Peace Initiative, which lay out diplomatic approaches for all sides involved in maritime disputes to set aside their differences and jointly explore the natural resources of the disputed waters, while upholding international law. In global disputes, such as these, it is this exact vision that is needed to reduce tensions and open up a dialogue between claimants, and as such, it should be given all due consideration by the international community. In closing, I applaud the nation of Taiwan for its strong commitment to democratic values and more importantly, for the shining example it sets for aspiring countries, both in the Asia-Pacific region and around the world. As someone who is very appreciative of Taiwan's many contributions to the global community, I encourage my colleagues to join me in wishing the people of Taiwan a happy Double Ten Day.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I am proud today to recognize the grand opening of the Shelbyville-Bedford County Public Library, formerly the Argie Cooper Public Library. In any community, libraries serve an extremely important role by operating as a point of access for literary classics, promoting educational opportunities for local citizens, and fostering a love for reading in both children and adults. The Shelbyville-Bedford County Public Library has done all of these things, both meeting and exceeding our community's demands for educational resources and programs. The new library is a tremendous asset to Bedford County and is the result of decades of a lot of good people doing great things for their community. We are all very excited to see a long-awaited dream become a beautiful reality, possessing a sense of the past while embracing the future. I wish the best and look forward to the library's many years of service to Bedford County and its residents.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, due to airplane equipment problems, I was unavoidably detained and I missed the following votes: Roll Call Vote No. 216, passage of H.R. 606, the Don't Tax Our Fallen Public Safety Heroes Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' Roll Call Vote No. 217, on agreeing to the Edwards Amendment to H.R. 1732. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' Roll Call vote No. 219, passage of H.R. 1732, the Regulatory Integrity Protection Act of 2015. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.'' Roll Call Vote No. 220, passage of H.R. 2146, the Defending Public Safety Employees Retirement Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join many of my colleagues in recognizing the 36th anniversary of the enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act. Through the Taiwan Relations Act, the United States and Taiwan have enjoyed a warm and mutually beneficial relationship, which has promoted security and economic prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. I would like to point out another anniversary that will take place later this year of great significance to both the people of the United States and Taiwan--the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. The contributions of the Republic of China played a key role in the successful victory over the Axis Powers. While many are familiar with figures such as General Joseph Stilwell, General Claire Chennault and the Flying Tigers, few fully appreciate the fact that for eight years, ROC forces tied down Japanese troops in China, preventing Tokyo from throwing its full military might against the rest of the Allied Powers. The war came at a great cost to the ROC both during and after the war. In the post WW II upheaval, the communists took power, and in 1949, the ROC was forced to relocate to Taiwan. Despite the seemingly impossible challenges the ROC faced over much of the 20th century, Taiwan has achieved the vision of Dr. Sun Yat-sen and other visionaries, who foresaw a modern, democratic state with a great deal to offer to its neighbors and the world. Today, Taiwan is a multiparty democracy with an advanced economy that is an important component of the regional and global economy. Taiwan remains one of our closest economic and security partners, and I am proud to call myself a friend of Taiwan. I hope my colleagues will join me during this 70th anniversary year, in recognizing the contributions all of our allies made to defeat the Axis Powers and in securing the peace and prosperity of the postwar Asia-Pacific. I thank the Taiwan people for their important contribution.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel William B. Walkup, Commander of the Tennessee National Guard's 118th Wing, Mission Support Group. After 32 years of dedicated service to our state and country, Colonel Walkup has announced his retirement, effective April 18, 2015. Through the numerous roles and positions of leadership, Colonel Walkup has made a lasting impact on the guardsmen of the 118th Wing and our state's Air National Guard. Over the past three decades, Colonel Walkup was a Squadron Navigator, Chief of Current Operations, Chief Navigator, Operations Support Squadron Commander, Aircraft Maintenance Squadron Commander and Maintenance Group Commander. Colonel Walkup has participated in deployments to the Middle East, Europe, Central and South America, and Southwest Asia. He has flown combat and support missions in Somalia, Bosnia and Southwest Asia. While deployed abroad during Operation Iraqi Freedom, Colonel Walkup served as the 485th Deputy Maintenance Group Commander, in charge of the largest C-130 contingent in the war with 46 assigned aircrafts. In addition, Colonel Walkup served as the 486th and 332nd Maintenance Group Commander, during which he successfully lead over two hundred members in humanitarian, logistics and aircraft maintenance support with deployments to Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Kuwait for Operation Enduring Freedom, Operation Joint Forge, the Global War on Terrorism, and Operation Unified Response. Colonel Walkup's success as a guardsman is the product of hard work, an exceptional level of dedication, and a love for country that is unparalleled. Mr. Speaker, this recognition is certainly well-deserved and is a testament to the heroism and dedication to duty that has marked Colonel Walkup's exemplary service in the Tennessee Air National Guard. I, along with the citizens of a grateful state and nation, extend a heartfelt thanks for his outstanding service to this great country and wish him the very best upon his retirement.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to honor the life and service of Private First Class (PFC) Forrest Wells upon his receipt of the Bronze Star Medal. PFC Wells landed on the shores of Normandy in June of 1944, as a member of the 113th Field Artillery of the 30th Infantry Division, nicknamed ``Old Hickory.'' During their deployment to Europe, the 30th Infantry Division assisted in the liberation of Saint-Lo, fought off the German counter- attack at Mortain, was the first infantry division to enter Belgium and the Netherlands, and was instrumental in halting the German offensive near Malmedy during the ``Battle of the Bulge.'' On July 29, 1944, while serving as a member of a gun section outside of Hebecrevon, France, PFC Wells' battery was subjected to a heavy aerial attack. During this bombardment, the gunpowder surrounding one of the units 155 mm howitzers was set ablaze. Without hesitation, PFC Wells left his sheltered position and rushed over to extinguish the flames, thereby eliminating the danger it posed to his fellow soldiers and saving valuable materials from destruction. In recognition of his service, Brigadier General James M Lewis, Commanding Officer 30th Infantry Division, awarded PFC Wells with a certificate of merit in the days following the incident. More than 70 years later, the United States Army, by order of the Secretary of the Army, announced that PFC Forrest Wells would posthumously receive the Bronze Star Medal for meritorious achievement in active ground combat. Long overdue, this recognition is certainly well-deserved and is a testament to the heroism and dedication to duty that marked PFC Wells' exemplary service during World War II. I wish to extend to the Wells family my sincere congratulations upon receiving this award, as well as my heartfelt thanks for Private Wells' outstanding service to our great country.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to honor Sergeant Lecil Nolan, USA (Ret.), who was recently awarded the 29th Palmer Veterans Appreciation Award, an honor presented annually on Veterans Day by the City of Palmer, Tennessee. Following his graduation from Grundy County High School in 1969, Lecil enlisted in the United States Army as an infantryman with the 101st Airborne Division and was deployed to Vietnam from January to December of 1971. After returning home, Sgt. Nolan went to work for the United States Postal Service, where he spent the next 29 years and 10 months serving his local community. Sgt. Nolan's outstanding service is reflected in the numerous commendations and military decorations he has received, including: the Combat Infantryman Badge, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with two Bronze Service Stars, Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, Air Medal with Numeral 1, Bronze Star, Marksman (Rifle), and 1st Class Gunner (MGM-60). Mr. Speaker, this recognition is certainly well-deserved and is a testament to our community's appreciation for Sgt. Nolan's service in the United States Army. I, along with the grateful citizens of Tennessee's Fourth District, extend a heartfelt thanks to Sgt. Lecil Nolan, as well as to all of our veterans, for their sacrifices made and service rendered to our country.