Bob Filner

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I would yield as much time as she may consume to the gentlelady from Guam (Ms. Bordallo), who has been a strong fighter on behalf of these Filipino veterans in her career in Congress.

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I see my friend would like some additional time, and so I yield to Mr. Stearns.

Mr. FILNER. I yield to Ms. Richardson.

Mr. FILNER. I want to end the debate now. Mr. Stearns, I appreciate it. You pointed out, by the way, the discrepancy in the funds between this one and my H.R. 760, which I think was about $900 million. You are right, this is not my first choice. This is a second choice brought about by the actions of those who opposed it and would not allow it to pass. Mr. Stearns, You spent a lot of time on the $200 million from 1946. By my quick calculations, each of the quarter million veterans at the time would have received less than $1,000 at that moment. Madam Speaker, I think we have a historical record to correct. I strongly urge my colleagues to correct it.

Mr. FILNER. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today to support House Resolution 1287, a resolution commending the Honor Flight Network, its volunteers, its donors and friends for enabling World War II veterans to travel to our Nation's Capital to see the World War II Memorial created in their honor. It is a pleasure for me to stand before you today to pay tribute to the Honor Flight Network. This is a nonprofit organization that was created solely to honor America's World War II veterans for all their sacrifices by bringing them to Washington, DC without charging them a penny. The visit for them is to reflect at the World War II Memorial and visit with their fellow veterans. The memorial, as you all know, honors the 16 million veterans who served in the Armed Forces of the United States during World War II, the more than 400,000 that made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our Nation and the millions who supported the war effort at home. The memorial itself is a testament to the spirit, sacrifice and commitment of the American people to the common defense of our Nation and equally important to the broader causes of peace and freedom from tyranny throughout the world. Above all, the memorial stands as an important symbol of American national unity, a timeless reminder of the moral strength and awesome power that can flow when free people are united and bonded together in a common and just cause. I sincerely hope that every World War II veteran will eventually be able to experience this great memorial, which we specifically created in their honor. I am saddened, Madam Speaker, that not all veterans will be able to see this remarkable site. But, fortunately, the Honor Flight Network has made this dream a reality for many veterans by helping them see firsthand the memorial, an experience that certainly live with them and their families for the rest of their lives. This program was conceived by Earl Morse, a physician's assistant and retired Air Force captain, to honor the veterans he has taken care of for almost three decades. After retiring from the Air Force in 1998, Earl was hired by the Department of Veterans Affairs to work in a small clinic in Springfield, Ohio. In May of 2004, the World War II Memorial was finally completed and dedicated in Washington, DC, which quickly became the topic of discussion amongst his World War II veteran patients. Earl repeatedly asked these veterans if they would ever travel out to visit the memorial. Most felt that eventually somehow they would make it to D.C., perhaps with a friend or family member. As summer turned to fall and then winter, these same veterans returned to the clinic for their follow-up visits. Earl asked if they accomplished their dream of visiting the World War II Memorial. By now, for most of the veterans who were asked the question, reality had settled in. It was clear to most of them that it was simply not financially or physically possible for them to make the journey. Most of these heroes were in their eighties and lacked the physical and mental wherewithal to complete a trip of their own. Families and friends lacked the resources and time to complete a trip to D.C. Earl could tell that the majority of the veterans had given up all hope of ever visiting the memorial that was specifically created to honor them, their sacrifice and their service. That is when Earl decided that there had to be a way to get these heroes to D.C. to see this memorial. In December of 2004 Earl asked one of his World War II patients if he could personally fly him out to D.C. free of charge to visit the memorial. The patient, Mr. Loy, broke down and cried. He said at his age he would probably never get to see his memorial. He accepted the offer, and soon thereafter Earl received help from other pilots to make these hopes and dreams a reality for other veterans. At the end of the first year, Honor Flight took 137 World War II veterans to their memorial. The mission and ideals of the program began to spread across America. One individual, Jeff Miller, from Hendersonville, North Carolina, led the expansion into areas not serviced by direct commercial flights to the Washington, DC area, and HonorAir was born. In February of 2006, Earl and Jeff combined efforts and cofounded this Honor Flight Network. By the end of 2006, almost 1,000 World War II veterans realized their dream of visiting their memorial. The program presently has 69 hubs in 30 States, and by the end of this year, the Honor Flight Network hopes to have a hub in all 50 States. One veteran who was able to have this experience, Ed Vitikas, put it best. He said, ``It's the trip of a lifetime.'' In the future, Honor Flight plans on paying tribute to America's other heroes that served during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, followed by veterans of more current wars. Today, by passing House Resolution 1287, we express our gratitude and heartfelt thanks to an organization that has given so much to our veterans by commending the Honor Flight Network, its volunteers and donors, for enabling World War II veterans to travel to our Nation's Capital to so the World War II Memorial created in their honor. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank our colleagues, Jerry Moran from Kansas, David Hobson from Ohio and Heath Shuler from North Carolina, for submitting this resolution. I ask that all my colleagues from both sides of the aisle support this resolution. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on House Resolution 1287.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on S. 1315, as amended.

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the Senate bill (S. 1315) to amend title 38, United States Code, to enhance life insurance benefits for disabled veterans, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I forgot to say on the last bill that my colleagues from California, Mr. Rohrabacher and Mr. Issa, are strongly supportive of it, and will participate, I'm sure, in helping us get the required votes to pass this bill. S. 1315, I first want to point out, is amended. It was and is still a comprehensive bill that will help millions of our veterans, including recently wounded and transitioning OIF/OEF veterans. What we have done to amend it is to move this from a mandatory spending bill to a discretionary spending bill by removing all of the mandatory provisions and also the PAYGO provisions that have caused so much controversy. So now we have a bill that will continue this Congress' unprecedented record of putting our veterans first and making them a top priority. This bill would potentially provide extensive benefits to all of our Nation's veterans in the areas of insurance, disability compensation, education, pension, housing, and other critical VA benefits. The bill would only invoke discretionary spending and would not require an offset under the PAYGO rules adopted by this Congress. This bill would ensure that permanently disabled servicemembers who are hospitalized and receiving medical care and treatment can receive structural alterations to their homes before they come home. I think this is a provision that Mr. Stearns mentioned as one of the high priority items in his previous list. It also would ensure that so-called State approving agencies, and the Departments of Labor and Education and other Federal agencies collaborate to improve the efficiency of education benefits for our servicemembers and veterans, as well as establish outcome-oriented performance standards for the administration of our new GI bill benefits. It would better enable Congress to provide adequate oversight of the Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims, while allowing this highly specialized court to maintain its discretion to administer fair justice for our veterans filing appeals of VA decisions. I want to state again, for the Record, that this bill does not require any mandatory spending, and veterans may stand to benefit if it is passed and ultimately enacted. I hope people will take a look at the new bill and see it as a comprehensive veterans bill that will help veterans in all of our districts. I urge my colleagues to give this bill support. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker and colleagues, I rise today to recognize Bennie Benavidez, retired NAF El Centro Fire Chief, who was inducted into the Navy Firefighter Hall of Fame at the 2008 Navy and Marine Corps Fire and Emergency Services Awards Luncheon on August 14, 2008 in Denver, Colorado. Chief Benavidez is the first nominee and first inductee from the Navy Region Southwest into the Hall of Fame, which was created three years ago. He was selected by the 13 Regional Fire Chiefs as a person whose contributions should be recognized for posterity. He served his country for many years in a Navy Fire Career which included rapid promotions: Firefighter 1955-1956, Engineer 1956-1960, Captain 1960-1973, Assistant Chief 1973-1974, and Fire Chief 1974-1983. Upon his retirement, he was appointed as the Fire Chief of the Imperial County Fire Department and served for an additional 15 years, working to improve the training and safety of fire fighting personnel. Bennie Benavidez's love of the fire service was passed along to one of his sons, who rose to the rank of Engineer with a local fire department before his death in the line of duty. He keeps his son's memory alive through his community support and charitable contributions to the Burn Institute and local hospitals. His accomplishments fill several pages. Some examples follow. He received Congressional recognition for ``outstanding and invaluable service to the community.'' He was recognized as ``Imperial Man of the Year'' by the California State Assembly. He was appointed as Deputy State Fire Marshal for the state of California. He received a commendation from the State of California Governor's Office of Emergency Services. One of his primary contributions has been to foster friendship and cooperation in firefighting training between Imperial County and friends just across the border in Mexico. Some of his 20 memberships, past and present, include the Imperial County Fire Chiefs Association, International Association of Fire Chiefs, California State Firefighters Association, Southern California Earthquake Preparedness Committee, Elks Lodge #1325, American Legion Post #25, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Korean War Veterans Association, and Member of several Imperial County Committees regarding the environment, hazardous materials, and community economic development. It is impossible to thank Bennie Benavidez for all his contributions, throughout his career and in volunteer activities within his community. The occasion of his induction into the Navy Firefighter Hall of Fame is an appropriate time to recognize him, his contributions, and the most prestigious honor that has been bestowed upon him.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the Speaker, Chairman Conyers, and Chairwoman Lofgren for passing H.R. 2760 on the private calendar today. Shigeru Yamada is an extraordinary young man who has faced much personal adversity in his life but has been a model student, athlete and member of the Chula Vista community. He has worked hard to overcome his personal tragedy while attending school and being active in civic organizations. Yamada came to the United States legally in 1992 at the age of 10 with his mother and two younger sisters and due to tragedy and changes in the immigration laws, he was to be deported despite the fact that he has assimilated into American society. The passage of this bill in the House brings justice one step closer to Yamada. We want and need more people like him in our country and he deserves the opportunity to become a citizen. The bill was ordered to be engrossed and read a third time, was read the third time, and passed, and a motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 5736.

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 5736) to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs outpatient clinic in Gadsden, Alabama, as the Colonel Ola Lee Mize Veterans Clinic.

Mr. FILNER. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise to offer my support for H.R. 5736, a bill to name the veterans clinic in Gadsden, Alabama, after Col. Ola Lee Mize. It is a great honor for me to stand here before you to talk about Col. Ola Lee Mize. He received the Medal of Honor for his heroic actions during the Korean War, and he deserves our further recognition. The Medal of Honor is awarded in the name of Congress to a person who distinguished himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States. As a member of Company K, then Sergeant Mize courageously defended ``Outpost Harry'' near Surang-ni, Korea, on June 11 and June 12 in 1953. His deed was one of personal bravery. He clearly distinguished himself by exhibiting tremendous courage. He served our Nation by going beyond the call of duty while facing the enemy and was willing to risk his own life to protect the lives of others. Colonel Mize and his company faithfully defended a strategically valuable position when the enemy launched a heavy attack. Upon learning that a comrade on a friendly listening post had been wounded, he moved through the intense barrage accompanied by a medical aid man and rescued the wounded soldier. On returning to his main position, he established an effective defense system and inflicted heavy casualties against attacks from determined enemy assault forces which had penetrated into trenches within the outpost area. During his fearless actions, he was blown down by artillery and grenade blasts three times, but each time he dauntlessly returned to his position, tenaciously fighting and successfully repelling hostile attacks. When the enemy onslaughts ceased, he took his few men and moved from bunker to bunker, firing through apertures and throwing grenades at the foe, neutralizing their positions. When an enemy soldier stepped out behind a comrade, prepared to fire, Col. Mize killed him, saving the life of his fellow soldier. After rejoining the platoon, moving from man to man, distributing ammunition and shouting words of encouragement, he observed a friendly machine gun position overrun. He immediately fought his way to the position, killing ten enemies and dispersing the remainder. Fighting back to the command post and finding several friendly wounded there, he took a position to protect them. Later, securing a radio, he directed friendly artillery fire upon the attacking enemy's routes of approach. At dawn he helped regroup for a counterattack which successfully drove the enemy from that outpost. Col. Mize's valorous conduct and unflinching courage reflect lasting glory upon himself and upon the noble traditions of the military service. Besides having been awarded the Medal of Honor, Col. Mize has been awarded the Bronze Star, Good Conduct with Two Loops, National Defense Service, Korean Service with two Bronze Stars, and the United Nations Service. Today, by passing H.R. 5736, which would designate the outpatient clinic in Gadsden, Alabama as the Colonel Ola Lee Mize Veterans Clinic, we honor his bravery and courage and of course that of all soldiers. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Alabama, Robert Aderholt, for introducing this bill. And I urge the support of my colleagues. I would reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1594) to designate the Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic in Hermitage, Pennsylvania, as the Michael A. Marzano Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic.

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I thank Congressman English and Congressman Altmire for bringing this bill and letting us know about the heroism of Sergeant Marzano.

Mr. FILNER. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, this bill is to name the VA Outpatient Clinic in Hermitage, Pennsylvania, after U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Michael A. Marzano. It was brought to us by Congressman English and Congressman Altmire from Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1594, a bill to name the VA Outpatient Clinic in Hermitage, Pennsylvania, after U.S. Marine Corps Sergeant Michael A. Marzano. A native of Greenville, Pennsylvania, Sgt. Marzano courageously overcame a wrestling injury to his knee during his senior year of high school to realize his long held aspirations of becoming a United States Marine, four years after initially being denied entry for this reason. What tenacity! In fact when called up in 1999, having won several amateur titles, he was training as a boxer in preparation for competing in the 2000 Olympics. But he sacrificed it all for his country to serve as Marine. I think we can all agree that it takes a special kind of courage to volunteer one's self to serve in harm's way for the good of our Nation. Well, Sgt. Marzano volunteered twice to serve as a member of our military armed forces. For his last tour, Sgt. Marzano enlisted with a Marine Reserve unit with the specific intention of serving in Iraq. Duing his tour of duty in Iraq, Sgt. Marzano served in Iraq with Ohio's 3rd Battalion, 25th Regiment of the 4th Marine Division, and was a leader among his fellow Marines. According to one of the many veterans' organizations supporting the dedication of this VA clinic in his honor, ``he performed his duty with honor and heroism and was a shining example to his men, to the U.S. Marine Corps and to everyone who served and continues to serve our great country.'' On May 8th of 2005, Sgt. Marzano was part of a Quick Reaction Force serving in the city of Haditha in Al-Anbar province, Iraq. Sgt. Marzano and the members of his team were tasked with protecting the rest of the force as they battled several insurgents who had overrun a local hospital. The local hospital contained many workers and patients who were held captive as insurgents used them as human shields. Sgt. Marzano and his small group heroically kept the insurgents at bay providing the platoon the time they needed to engage the enemy and turn them back. Tragically, a suicide bomber driving in a vehicle borne with an improvised explosive device detonated in the area where Sgt. Marzano's quick reaction force was operating, killing Michael and three of his fellow service members. Because of the valiant actions and sacrifice of Sgt. Marzano, Lance Corporal Lance Graham, Sergeant Aaron Cepeda, and Petty Officer 3rd Class Jeffrey Wiener, the Marines were able to secure the area under siege and free the Iraqis trapped inside the hospital which had been set on fire by the explosion of the IED. No doubt, Sgt. Marzano is a true hero. His good nature, leadership- by-example and love- of-country demeanor, as well as many other fine attributes, are missed by many who knew him both inside and outside of the Marine Corps he so dearly loved. Sgt. Marzano's family has carried on his spirit of service by becoming actively involved in programs to benefit the men and women of our Nation's Armed Services, including the Packages From Home organization which sends care and comfort packages to American troops deployed around the globe. His mother, Margy Marzano, is known as one of its best volunteers. There is also a scholarship fund established in the name of Sgt. Marzano to assist high school athletes in the Mercer County area go to college. Dedication of this VA outpatient clinic as the `Michael A. Marzano Department of Veterans Affairs Outpatient Clinic' would be a fitting tribute to the brave service of Sgt. Marzano. In making the ultimate sacrifice for our country, Sgt. Marzano's remarkable heroism was displayed on behalf of our country, and we must never forget his legacy. I thank my colleagues, Congressman English and Congressman Altmire for introducing this important legislation. I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Altmire).

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1335) celebrating the 120-year partnership between the Government and State veterans homes.

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

Mr. FILNER. I ask unanimous consent, Mr. Speaker, that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H. Res. 1335.

Mr. FILNER

Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today, Mr. Speaker, in recognition of the brave service of LTC Clement C. Van Wagoner. LTC Van Wagoner was Michigan's most highly decorated veteran in World War II, earning, amongst other honors, the Combat Infantry Badge, seven Bronze Stars, four Silver Stars, and five Purple Hearts. The awarding of the Combat Infantry Badge reflects the valor of those brave men and women who serve on the front lines in defense of our Nation. The Bronze Star is the fourth highest combat decoration that can be awarded by the U.S. Armed Forces and is given for acts of heroism or meritorious achievement. The Silver Star is awarded for acts of gallantry that have been performed with marked distinction in line of duty. And the Purple Heart, of course, is awarded to members of the Armed Forces who have been injured or killed while serving our Nation. LTC Van Wagoner's attainment of these decorations, some of the highest our country has to bestow, is indicative of the highly courageous manner in which he served. On D-day, June 6, 1944, LTC Van Wagoner landed on Omaha Beach, along with 1,800 of his fellow members of the 1st Infantry Division, and came away as only one of 32 survivors. The courage to fight on in the face of such peril speaks volumes about the strength of character LTC Van Wagoner possessed. In the fall of 1944, while then a lieutenant, Van Wagoner served in Germany and participated in the battle for the city of Aachen as part of Company A of the 1st Battalion of the 1st Infantry Division. The battle required a fight for the heavily defended ``Crucifix Hill'' which was riddled with German pillboxes. As the executive officer of Company A, LTC Van Wagoner by all accounts kept his company well organized and was instrumental in the 1st Infantry taking ``Crucifix Hill'' despite suffering many casualties. All told, LTC Van Wagoner was in combat for 600 days and was wounded on five separate occasions. Following the end of the Second World War, he continued to give of himself for his country by commanding a battalion of the Michigan National Guard until his retirement in 1967. His record of accomplishments should be a reminder to us all of the heroic personal sacrifices that have been made by great Americans in the service of our Nation. That is why it is with great pleasure I bring S. 2339 to the floor today to name the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs new Community Based Outpatient Clinic in Alpena, Michigan, in honor of LTC Van Wagoner. The Lieutenant Colonel Clement C. Van Wagoner Department of Veterans Affairs Clinic, as it will be designated, will help to improve the lives of North Michigan veterans by allowing them to receive health services locally in their community. Having passed away last spring at the age of 93, it is a fitting tribute for Michigan's most decorated soldier to have the new VA Community Based Outpatient Clinic designated in recognition of his valiant service. I thank my colleagues and especially Congressman Stupak of Michigan and Senators Stabenow and Levin of Michigan for introducing this important legislation. I urge my colleagues to support its passage. I reserve the balance of my time.