Scott DesJarlais

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the students, faculty and staff of the McFadden School of Excellence in Murfreesboro, Tennessee, for the leadership they have shown in promoting recycling and environmental stewardship. In acknowledgment of their hard work, the McFadden School was selected as a winner of the 2014 Good Sports Always Recycle Award sponsored by Eastman Chemical Company, the University of Tennessee, Waste Connections, and Food City. This selection, made by the nation's largest stadium recycling program, recognizes ten schools annually as having the best recycling programs throughout Tennessee. As Tennesseans, we are truly blessed to live in a beautiful state with an abundance of natural resources. Therefore, I commend the McFadden School for their efforts in protecting our natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices. On behalf of the people of Tennessee's Fourth Congressional District, I congratulate the students, faculty and staff of the McFadden School of Excellence for their leadership in promoting environmental stewardship.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Alexis Hardrick of Girl Scout Cadette Troop #1677, who recently earned the Girl Scout's prestigious Silver Award. The Silver Award is the highest honor a Girl Scout Cadette can earn and was presented to Alexis for her project on raising awareness about Cystic Fibrosis (CF). Additionally, Alexis also earned the Girl Scout Journey Award and completed over 50 hours of work and planning devoted to this cause. In the spring of 2013, Alexis began to research CF, a disease her sister has been diagnosed with. Shortly thereafter, she compiled a learning board exhibit which detailed the effects caused by CF. Over the next several months, Miss Hardrick traveled to various events around Lewisburg, Tennessee, discussing her learning board and arranging activities to promote a greater understanding of CF. Moreover, during the fall of 2013, Alexis enlisted the help of her Girl Scout Troop to host CF Awareness Day and from all accounts was a great success. On behalf of the people of Tennessee's Fourth Congressional District, I want to congratulate Alexis on receiving the Silver Award and thank her for her dedication and hard work in raising awareness for Cystic Fibrosis.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, Friday, October 3, is National Manufacturing Day. In honor of this day, I rise to recognize the important role held by the employees and businesses of the manufacturing community. Back home in Tennessee, the manufacturing industry accounts for nearly 15 percent of the state's total output and employs approximately 12 percent of its workforce. Over the last several years, I have had the opportunity to meet and visit with a variety of manufacturers across Tennessee's Fourth Congressional District, and I always leave with an admiration for their commitment to providing high-quality products and services. Although the term ``manufacturing'' refers to a broad range of operations, one commonplace characteristic held by industry members is a sincere dedication not only to their occupations, but to the communities in which they work. This unique trait is exemplified across the Fourth Congressional District, especially in Bradley County, where businesses such as McKee Foods, Whirlpool, Duracell and many others, not only provide a major boost to our State's economy, but also volunteer countless hours and resources to support an untold number of civic and charitable endeavors. In light of all the contributions made, the manufacturing industry and its members are more than deserving of recognition on National Manufacturing Day. I applaud the hard-working individuals and businesses who comprise the manufacturing industry and who continue to make the great state of Tennessee proud.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 103rd national day of the Republic of China (ROC), which is known by most Americans as Taiwan. Double Ten Day, which as the name implies falls on October 10, commemorates the Wuchang Uprising, an event that triggered a revolution leading to the overthrow of the Qing Dynasty and the establishment of the ROC on January 1, 1912. The United States has since stood by the ROC as we faced common enemies over the course of World War II and through the Cold War. With the creation and enactment of the Taiwan Relations Act in 1979, Congress guaranteed the continuing importance of the special U.S.- Taiwan relationship. Through the hard work and determination of its people, Taiwan has built a democracy that has witnessed direct presidential elections every four years since 1966 and has twice seen the peaceful passage of power from one political party to another. Taiwan is a shining example to other countries who aspire to democracy both in the Asia-Pacific region and around the world. It is a regional and global economic and cultural force as a major innovator in high-technology and contributor to art and fashion. Through our shared security partnership, Taiwan also contributes to the security of the Asia-Pacific region. With the rise of tensions over the Diaoyutai/Senkaku Islands and other areas of the East China Sea two years ago--tensions that remain prevalent today--Taiwan under the leadership of President Ma Ying-jeou proposed an East China Sea peace initiative. It calls for dialogue and diplomacy to reduce tensions among the claimants to promote mutual benefit from the natural-bounties of the disputed waters. This kind of vision is sorely needed in these types of global disputes, and it should be given due consideration by the international community. At a House Foreign Affairs hearing this past March, the State Department's Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs responded positively to President Ma's proposal. I hope my colleagues will study it and consider its proposals. And in appreciation of Taiwan's many contributions to the global community, I hope that they will join me in wishing the people of Taiwan a Happy Double Ten Day.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, on July 30, 2014, I was unable to cast a vote on rollcall No. 468 due to a personal health matter. Had I been present, I would have voted in favor of rollcall No. 468, H. Res. 676, to provide for the authority to initiate litigation for actions by the President or other executive branch officials inconsistent with their duties under the Constitution of the United States.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the hard work and dedication of students in Tennessee's Fourth Congressional District who participate in Franklin County High School's National Defense Cadet Corps in Winchester. Once again, these students were Senior National Finalists in the 34th Annual National Energy Education Development Project's Youth Awards. They were presented the award in Washington, DC. on June 23, 2014. The cadets were recognized for their excellence in environmental education. This year's projects included studying the feasibility of Compressed Natural Gas as an alternate energy source. The Elk River Public Utility District contributed by providing benefits and a demonstration including test driving of their CNG vehicles. The students increased their knowledge on solar power production by visiting the Duck River Electric Municipal Cooperative solar farm. One of their most unique recycling efforts not only saved 22 trees but promoted literacy among elementary school children. The cadets sponsored a community wide book drive called ``Ride for Reading.'' This is a national effort to deliver free books to Title I schools. The Cadet Corps delivered 1,472 books to Cowan Elementary School by bicycle. Every elementary student received five free books. The cadets once again recycled cooking oil that was turned into biodiesel by Winchester Utilities for city equipment. The cadets were recognized on the field during a University of Tennessee home football game and awarded a $1,000 grant for their recycling efforts as part of the Good Sports Always Recycle program. These are just some of the projects these energetic students undertook to make an impact on their community and promote environmental education this school year. It is always a pleasure to see our young people are civically engaged. Each student's individual drive has led them to great accomplishments. I want to thank them for their dedication and wish them the best as they continue in their educational pursuits. I am proud to represent these fine young people and their friends and families in the United States Congress.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honor a courageous American and proud son of Tennessee, U.S. Navy medic Bill Allen. On June 7, 1944, during the Allied invasion of German occupied France, Bill Allen was a Navy medic aboard Coast Guard LST 523. His unit was tasked with ferrying dead and wounded American soldiers from the beaches of Normandy back to England, under heavy enemy fire in turbulent waters. 19-year-old Allen was assigned to the unimaginable job of ``death detail.'' On their 4th trip back into the fray, the ship hit a submerged mine which split the boat in half. As the boat sank beneath him, Mr. Allen narrowly made the leap to a life raft where he helped rescue other soldiers from certain death. Only 28 of the 145-member crew survived. After the War, Mr. Allen moved back to Murfreesboro, Tennessee and worked at the Murfreesboro Electric Department for 32 years. He resides in Murfreesboro today, with his wife of 58 years, and continues to serve the local community as a funeral assistant at Woodfin Memorial Chapel. I would like to recognize Mr. Allen on behalf of Tennessee's Fourth Congressional District. We are grateful for your service.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, there is no denying that we are a kind and caring Nation. We have always welcomed those who have come to this country in order to make better lives for themselves and their families. In fact, many of the successes we have achieved in the fields of science, business, and art are directly attributable to individuals coming here with their ideas and ambitions. But we are a Nation of laws. Granting amnesty to those who have come here illegally not only erodes the rule of law, but it is unfair to the millions of folks who have respected our legal system and are working to gain citizenship in the right way. Further, undocumented immigration poses a threat to our national security. We have no way of tracking whether these individuals who are crossing our borders have ties to criminal enterprises, terrorism, or whether they are even carrying dangerous communicable diseases. This is why it is critical we secure our borders. The recent surge of illegal immigration at the border is a direct result of the Obama administration's failed policies. According to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection, over the past year, there has been a 92 percent increase in the number of unaccompanied children crossing over our southwestern border. By usurping the legislative process and changing parts of existing laws while refusing to enforce others, the Obama administration has created an immigration policy that rewards those who have come here illegally. Now the President has requested $3.7 billion to purportedly combat this immigration crisis. Unfortunately, according to the administration's own proposal, only a small portion of that money-- roughly 9 percent--would be used to actually secure our southern border. Rather, if history has shown us anything, it is that, if we give this President a blank check, he will simply squander it on furthering his far-left agenda. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to reject the President's request and to, instead, use our resources, including the National Guard, in an effort to strengthen our border security and deport those who have come here illegally. United States immigration policies are some of the most generous in the world, but we simply cannot condone illegal immigration. To that end, I will continue to support by any means necessary, whether legislative or legal, to ensure our current laws are enforced and to prevent this President from unilaterally implementing policies that circumvent our rule of law.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, today, the eleventh day of July 2014, I was unable to cast a vote on rollcall Nos. 403 & 404 due to a personal matter. Had I been present, I would have voted against rollcall No. 403 and in favor of the underlying legislation of rollcall No. 404, H.R. 4718, Making Bonus Depreciation Permanent, introduced by Representative Pat Tiberi of Ohio.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to tell my colleagues about H. Res. 631, which supports the goals and ideas of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Month. PTSD is a condition affecting more than 5.2 million Americans. Our heroic servicemen and -women face daily atrocities and dangers on the battlefield. When they return home, adjusting to everyday life can be a brutal challenge, and living with PTSD can become a waking nightmare. Without treatment, PTSD can lead to alcohol and drug abuse, flashbacks, depression, and suicide. Sadly, because of the stigma surrounding mental health in our country, less than 40 percent of returning military personnel seek help. My first job out of medical school was at a VA hospital. I witnessed firsthand the toll PTSD takes on our soldiers and their loved ones. I urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 631. Show our brave men and women in uniform that we have their backs like they have ours. Thank you to Bob Mims of Tennessee's Fourth District for his continued efforts on this critical issue.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a courageous American and proud son of Tennessee, Sergeant Fayne Haynes. Mr. Haynes of Murfreesboro was only 20 years old when he entered the Army in 1942 at the height of World War II. He served on the front lines of Europe and was one of the first to land on Omaha Beach. He also fought in the Battle of St. Lo, the Battle for Brest, and the Battle of the Bulge. He credits the good Lord for saving his life numerous times in combat. Sergeant Haynes was eventually captured and spent 4 months in a prisoner of war camp, but managed to escape, aided by a German Army field map which hangs in his office today. After the war, Sergeant Haynes became a successful businessman, operating the Haynes Brothers Candy Company in Murfreesboro. In 2000, Mr. Haynes switched his business to flags. Known as the Flag Man, he sells thousands of American flags each year. Thank you, Sergeant Haynes, for your service. You truly embody the spirit of the Greatest Generation.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride I rise today to honor the Marine Corps League's Bobby Ray Detachment of McMinnville in the Fourth Congressional District. For the past 238 years, the Marine Corps has stood as a symbol of America's strength and valor. The level of commitment, honor, discipline, and courage exemplified by the Corps is unparalleled. By banding together both Active Duty and retired marines, the Marine Corps League preserves these same values and proves true the motto, ``Once a Marine, Always a Marine.'' Members of the Marine Corps League play an important role in our communities. Whether offering assistant service to members, commemorating historical occasions, or organizing fundraisers for local charities, these individuals embody the principle of ``ductus exemplo,'' or ``lead by example.'' Next month, the Bobby Ray Detachment will host the Marine Corps League State Convention. It is an honor to recognize these patriots as they bond together to promote the ideals of freedom and democracy. I, along with the grateful citizens of Tennessee's Fourth District, extend to these marines a heartfelt thanks for the sacrifices made and the services rendered to our country.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Run Now Relay team of Cleveland, Tennessee. Run Now Relay ran more than 1,000 miles--from Cleveland to Boston--to support and raise money for the victims of the Boston bombings. These extraordinary men and women ran nonstop through eight States in just over a week. Together, they surpassed their goal of $50,000, raising more than $63,000 for those impacted by the tragedy in Boston last year. The Run Now Relay team pledged 100 percent of the funds to the One Step Ahead Foundation, which aids the children who underwent amputation because of the bombing; and Dream Big, a nonprofit dedicated to helping underprivileged girls through sports. The team stopped in Washington last week, and my office had the pleasure of meeting with these remarkable folks. Thank you for sharing your mission with us. Run Now Relay truly exemplifies the great volunteer tradition that defines the State of Tennessee, and I commend the group on their spirit and commitment to honor the victims of the Boston bombings. They certainly illustrate the best of our great country. We are one Nation.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to share my findings from last week's tour of TVA's Watts Bar Nuclear facility located in Tennessee's Fourth District in Rhea County. The Watts Bar facility is constructing a second nuclear unit, which will be completed late next year. It will be the 21st century's first new reactor to go online, doubling the facility's capacity and then creating reliable energy for nearly 1.3 million homes and businesses. This project has contributed significantly to the local economy by providing more than 3,300 high-paying jobs. TVA makes safety and security its top priority. During the construction of Unit 2, the workers have achieved a milestone of 22.8 million work-hours without a lost-time incident. I would like to extend a special thanks to TVA's senior vice president of operations and construction, Mike Skaggs, and his team for making my visit so educational and productive. Madam Speaker, it is imperative that we continue to support the safe, affordable, and reliable energy that nuclear provides in order to attract industry and create jobs.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize my constituents who work at the Frito-Lay manufacturing facility in Fayetteville, Tennessee, for helping to win the C.E. Doolin Award for Operations Excellence for an unprecedented fifth time. This annual nationwide award, named for Frito-Lay's cofounder, is the most prestigious award given by the company for operations and is a testament to the value we place on honest, hard work in Tennessee's Fourth Congressional District. I have had an opportunity to meet and visit with numerous workers, and I always leave with an admiration for their sincere dedication to not only their jobs, but to the community in which they work. It is no wonder that Tennessee continues to attract some of the best businesses in the world, as we have some of the best workers in the world. Congratulations to the outstanding, hard-working individuals who received this tremendous honor and who continue to make the great State of Tennessee proud.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend Blackman High School boys' and girls' basketball teams for winning State championships last week. The boys' team defeated Oak Ridge by a score of 60-58 by making an exciting comeback in the final minutes. In doing so, they captured their first State title and the first boys' basketball championship for a Rutherford County team since 1965. The girls' team, the Lady Blazes, had captured the school's first State championship in any team sport a week earlier. I especially want to acknowledge the Lady Blazes' Crystal Dangerfield for her work both on and off the court. Named the No. 7 college prospect for 2016 by ESPN, Dangerfield was also awarded this year's Tennessee Gatorade Player of the Year. This prestigious accomplishment recognizes a student's athletic achievement, as well as academic success and overall character. Ms. Dangerfield certainly fits the bill, with volunteer work with her church and active involvement in the local literacy outreach program. I know the city of Murfreesboro is so incredibly proud of these young men and women, and I wish them continued success in the future.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor and commemorate the 35th Anniversary of the passage and signing of the Taiwan Relations Act (TRA) on April 10, 1979. I would also like to congratulate and welcome Mr. Lyushun Shen as the incoming Representative for Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office (TECRO) in the United States. The TRA has molded our relations with Taiwan and has provided the backbone for a productive and constructive partnership between our two countries. The ability of the people of Taiwan to defend themselves has been the hallmark of the TRA's success and has led to a sustained peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait, as well as in the Western Pacific. In an ever evolving geo-political environment, we must recognize the continuing importance of Taiwan's self-defense needs going forward to ensure that peace continues to prevail. In addition, with our commitment to Taiwan under the TRA, Taiwan has developed into a democracy with a flourishing economy and free market system. In 2012, the bilateral trade volume reached $63 billion, making Taiwan the United States' 11th largest trading partner. Taiwan's commitment to free market principles, demonstrative economic power, and role as a global supply chain hub make it an important partner in international trade. The security and stability in the region, along with Taiwan's commitment to free market policies, have resulted in unprecedented economic growth. Taiwan's commitment and participation in international free trade should not only be lauded, but should be bolstered around the globe. I look forward to Taiwan's continued growth as a trade partner and celebrate its relationship with the United States.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, today, the fourth day of March 2014, I was unable to cast votes on the following recorded votes. My flight from Chattanooga, Tennessee was delayed due to mechanical issues. Had I been present, on rollcall vote No. 91, H.R. 3370, I would have voted ``no;'' on rollcall vote No. 92, H. Res. 488, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Madam Speaker, last week, I had the honor of attending the Cleveland/Bradley County Chamber of Commerce annual meeting, where Mrs. Margaret Schenck and Mr. Bob Card Both received awards for their devotion to free market values and dedication to our community. I want to thank these individuals, along with the entire Cleveland/ Bradley County Chamber of Commerce, for their ongoing fight to grow and support local businesses. Organizations like this Chamber of Commerce show that American small business owners and entrepreneurs are doing their part in growing jobs and strengthening our economy. Now it is time for Washington to live up to its end of the bargain. We must eliminate the numerous regulatory roadblocks that are being imposed upon businesses and holding them back from reaching their full potential. We know the path to prosperity will not be paved by Washington bureaucrats. Rather, a brighter future will be secured by groups like the Cleveland/Bradley County Chamber of Commerce who seek to foster innovation and empower local businesses.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you today to commend Magness Library on its 100 years of service to the people of McMinnville in the Fourth District of Tennessee. Magness Library began as a service project in July 1913 by Mrs. Mary Cunningham and the McMinnville Women's Civic League, with benefactors Colonel Gentry Moffitt and W.H. Magness, to provide a rest stop for families coming into town to sell and trade. In 1917, the library moved to its current location on the corner of Chancery and Main Street, and in 1946, Magness Library joined the Tennessee State Library and Archives. Thanks to generous donations from thousands of patrons, the Magness Library flourished into one of the longest running libraries in our State over the years. The library provides invaluable services to McMinnville, including a strong summer reading program for children and genealogy research for adults. Congratulations to the Magness Library on their centennial, and I look forward to seeing their successful future endeavors.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to honor Corporal Matthew Hampton, an outstanding citizen of our community and a true American patriot. In recognition of his service to this country, Matthew was recently awarded the 28th Palmer Veterans Appreciation Award. Following his graduation from Grundy County High School, Matthew volunteered for the United States Marine Corps and was deployed to Iraq, where he served as a Huey and Cobra helicopter crew chief and gunner. Corporal Hampton's exemplary service as a ``devil dog'' is reflected in the numerous commendations and military decorations he received, including the Naval Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, and National Defense Medal. Mr. Speaker, this recognition is a testament to the heroism and dedication to duty that marked Corporal Hampton's exemplary service in the United States Marine Corps. I, along with a grateful Nation, congratulate him on receiving the Palmer Veterans Appreciation Award and thank him for his outstanding service to our Nation.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend an exceptional young leader from Rutherford County in Tennessee's Fourth District. Elizabeth Ethridge recently received the Legion of Valor Bronze Cross for leadership, a testament to her strong work ethic and dedication to her Junior ROTC battalion. An honor student at Smyrna High School, Elizabeth is exceptionally well-rounded. She is ranked in the top 10 percent of her class as well as of her JROTC grade. In addition to her service through JROTC, Elizabeth volunteers to give back to the community. Elizabeth is one of six Bronze Cross recipients, competing against cadets from more than 200 schools for this great honor. Last month, Elizabeth was presented with the award at the Rutherford County Board of Education meeting. Elizabeth hopes to attend Vanderbilt University to study medicine and to one day join Doctors without Borders. I wish her the best of luck in her future endeavors, and I know she will continue to make our Fourth District proud.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Harriet Howard, a great Tennessean who recently passed away. Harriet Howard, of Rutherford County, is known throughout our community for her tireless efforts on behalf of our military veterans. Not only did Harriet devote countless hours to volunteer work; she helped ensure that veterans in our State have access to the care they need and deserve. Harriet launched a well-known public communications campaign that led to female veterans receiving quality medical coverage. She set up a petition drive to prevent the Alvin C. York VA Medical Center in Rutherford County from closing. Today, the hospital remains open as a direct result of her efforts. Finally, she raised more than $125,000 for the Tennessee Fisher House for a new facility in Murfreesboro. Harriet also served her country in the military as a Navy clerk for more than 39 years. Our State owes an immeasurable debt of gratitude to Ms. Howard. I know she is missed by countless veterans and their families.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend an extraordinary young man from Tennessee's Fourth Congressional District. Eric Wolf was accepted to and is now attending the United States Naval Academy in Annapolis, Maryland. Since middle school, Eric has been preparing for a career in the military. He follows the path of both his grandfathers--one who was a marine, and the other a World War II veteran. Eric said that he felt the call to serve his country after reading the book ``Lone Survivor,'' which led him to look at what he was doing to give back to our great Nation. In addition to his appointment, Eric built a solid reputation in his hometown of Cleveland, Tennessee. He graduated from McCallie High School with a 4.1 GPA and was a star athlete. Eric's drive and unabashed patriotism exemplify the best of our country. I wish him the best of luck and know that he will make us all proud.

Mr. DesJARLAIS

Mr. DesJARLAIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary life of Admiral Frank Benton Kelso, II, a great American and true son of Tennessee. On Sunday, June 23, Tennessee's Fourth Congressional District and our country lost this great American hero. To describe Admiral Kelso as honorable, principled, and dedicated would be insufficient. His achievements and individual character are matched only by his patriotism and love of country. Admiral Kelso's 79-year life included a gallant and decorated 42-year career in the United States Navy. Admiral Kelso graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1956 and began his illustrious career in the Navy by joining the nuclear submarine program, where he would later command two nuclear submarines. In 1986, the Admiral commanded the Atlantic Fleet, planning military actions against Libya that significantly curbed Muammar Qadhafi's terrorist activities. In 1990, he earned the position of Chief of Naval Operations, the Navy's top uniformed officer. During this time, he successfully led naval operations in the Persian Gulf War. In addition to his distinguished naval career, Admiral Kelso was a family man. He was happily married to Landess McCown Kelso for 56 years until she passed away last year. Together, they had four children and eight grandchildren. He retired from the Navy in 1994, and in 2003 he returned to his hometown of Fayetteville, Tennessee, where he would spend the last 10 years of his life. These years were filled with love for his family and friends and service to his community. I believe that there is no greater example of commitment to one's country than the life of Admiral Frank Kelso. His legacy of integrity and courage truly exemplify the best of the United States Navy. To quote the celebrated song of our Navy, ``Here's wishing you a happy voyage home.''