Kay Granger

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, today we are talking about a bill that requires schools to develop nutritional guidelines for all foods sold in schools. I support this bill, and I believe it is very important for schools to have specific nutritional guidelines in place so healthy food is served in our school cafeterias, but I also want to make sure that everyone realizes that nutritional guidelines are only one piece of the childhood obesity puzzle. What we could overlook in this debate is that government-imposed guidelines can only do so much to prevent childhood obesity. If we really want to make a difference, we must focus on educating youth and their parents about the need to eat right and be physically active. Parents and their children must be acutely aware of the dangers of being overweight or obese. We now know that being overweight can lead to diabetes, heart disease, stroke, hypertension, uterine cancer, breast cancer, kidney cancer, gall bladder cancer, pregnancy complications, psychological disorders, and that is not the entire list. I say to parents and the Members today, do they know that people who are obese have a three times greater chance of dying in surgery due to complications? Did my colleagues know that obesity is costing this Nation almost as much as cigarette smoking? Did my colleagues know that over 40 million workdays are being lost each year to obesity? Do I have all the answers to the problem? No, but I do know that educating our youth and their parents is the necessary first step. Education is knowledge and knowledge is empowerment. This pamphlet, Healthy Habits for Healthy Kids, developed by experts from the American Dietetic Association is being passed out to 500,000 elementary age children in Texas, free of charge, in the coming weeks. It gives easy-to-understand hints and suggestions that help youth and their parents make better choices in their diets, like one appropriate serving of meat is about the size of a deck of cards and one appropriate serving of pasta or rice looks like a tennis ball. It also lays out a physical activity game plan that an entire plan can adhere to. Efforts like these are going to make a dint in childhood obesity, one child and one parent at a time. As Members of Congress, we owe it to our constituents to educate them about the dangers of obesity. School nutritional guidelines are only one piece of this puzzle. Americans have to make the right choices.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, the events of September 11, 2001, and the global war on terrorism have shown that our military must continue to transform to meet the challenges of the 21st century. Thirty years ago, it was difficult to predict the nature of the war we are fighting today, to defend freedom and defeat terrorism. This proves that we must continue to develop the most advanced weapons to ensure America's military dominance in the future. Our Nation's defense is envied by every country in the world. We have built our air, land, and sea fleet with the most advanced technology available. That technology, perfected over decades, ensures the safety of our armed servicemen and servicewomen. In 10 to 20 years, we must be able to say the same thing. We are in the process of transforming our military into more agile, adaptive, accurate, and adaptable units of war power. The army is shifting its resources to become lighter, more targeted, and quicker in its response time. The Navy, Marine Corps, and Air Force are developing the next generation of weapons systems that will continue our air and sea dominance. I support these efforts to move toward the transformation of our military. September 11 changed the way wars are fought. We are fighting enemies hiding in school buses, oftentimes located 2 feet from schools. These unconventional fighters are lurking in the homes of innocent men and women hoping our military will not want to attack citizens. In some cases, our targets are 10 feet from our own military bases. Pinpoint accuracy is crucial to preserving the lives of innocent men, women, and children. Today I want to focus on two important examples of transformation: the Joint Strike Fighter and the F/A-22 Raptor. The Joint Strike Fighter and the F/A-22 Raptor are essential to transforming our military to meet the challenges of air dominance of the 21st century. As America's new generation of fighter aircraft, these tactical fighters will guarantee air superiority and air dominance for decades to come. The F/A-22 is the state-of-the-art next-generation fighter aircraft. Undetectable on enemy radar, the F-22 carries a larger weapons load and increased missile range, and it is faster and more maneuverable than its predecessor, the F-15. The Joint Strike Fighter will be the prime 21st century multi-role fighter for the U.S. Air Force, Navy, and Marine Corps. The basic Joint Strike Fighter design, with a few modifications to meet each service's needs, will be used for all three services. The Joint Strike Fighter will have the best next-generation avionics, weapons systems, and stealth capacities. We can no longer rely on weapons and aircraft developed in the 1960s and 1970s to shield us from enemy fire, nor should we settle on using less than superior equipment to guide specific strikes against evil in all parts of the globe. Our land, sea, and air fleet must be equipped for new kinds of warfare. They must be capable of moving together as we head into the 21st century. Mr. Speaker, we owe it to our men and women in uniform to give them the very best equipment as soon as possible.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Chairman, on Saturday I handed out awards to some 4,600 kids that participated with me in the Cowtown 5-K running race the weekend before. I was happy to promote an activity that gets kids moving. And I think that getting young people in events like the Cowtown race is a much better way to combat obesity than targeting fast-food restaurants with frivolous lawsuits. The question before this body today is simply, Should it be just as easy to file a lawsuit against a restaurant for causing obesity as it is to drive through the nearest take-out window for a quick burger and fries? The answer is no. The issue before us is responsibility, individual and personal responsibility for how we eat and how we exercise. We all know the statistics: two-thirds of Americans are overweight; 15 percent of our children are too heavy; obesity rates among teenagers have tripled in the last 20 years. Blaming the fast-food industry is not the answer to reducing obesity in America. Americans can sue the McDonald'ses and Burger Kings of the world until these establishments can pay no more, but not one American will lose weight until they eat better and exercise more frequently. I support this legislation because I do not want Americans to have a crutch for their overweight problem: restaurants and the fast-food industry. Instead, I want to provide Americans a better way, a healthy life-style. If we really want to address the obesity epidemic, we must focus on educating youngsters about the dangers of being overweight and how eating the wrong foods only packs the pounds on. You could utilize programs such as the CDC's Youth Media Campaign, otherwise known as the VERB program. VERB is a proven program that encourages kids to get out and walk, bike, run, jog, play basketball, baseball, skateboard, anything but just sitting in the house and watching television. The net result of lawsuits that blame the fast-food industry for our overweight problems will be higher prices and lost jobs, not healthier Americans. Eating right and increasing physical activity is the answer to a slimmer, trimmer, fitter America, not lawsuits.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, during Black History Month 2004, I rise today to recognize an outstanding and historic African American ministry and church in my district. It is my distinct pleasure to honor Bishop & Mrs. R.E. Ranger and historic Wayside Church of God In Christ, Inc. in Fort Worth, Texas. Bishop R.E. Ranger served as the legendary Pastor of Wayside Church of God In Christ from January 16, 1930 until January 6, 1992--a period of 62 years of continuous ministry at the same Church location at 2100 Beckham Place, Fort Worth, Texas 76104--and is believed to have served one of the longest tenures as a Pastor of the same church--if not the longest--of any pastor in Fort Worth history and one of the longest continuous pastoral tenures in the State of Texas. Bishop R.E. Ranger was born on Sunday, January 22, 1899 in the small, southern, rural area of Wilson Creek community, Allenhurst, Texas in Matagorda County and was a serious, disciplined student who became a voracious reader and independent learner who acknowledged the call of God to preach the gospel at age 17 in San Antonio, Texas and continued as a gospel preacher for over 75 years (Diamond Jubilee). Bishop R.E. Ranger rose from very humble beginnings on his own via early self-education at the St. Mary's Baptist Church using Catholic books and materials and without customary parental support to become an outstanding radio and TV trailblazer and pioneer in Fort Worth, Texas, as well as the nation and with the aid and assistance of radio and TV stations owned by Amon Carter, Jr.--WBAP Radio and WBAP-TV--achieved a number of historic `firsts' in the 1930's, 40's and 50's, including but not limited to: the Founding Bishop of the Church of God In Christ (Southeast) in Texas; a pioneering Pastor and Bishop in the Church of God In Christ in the State of Texas; the first African American appointed a denominational Bishop in Fort Worth History; the first African American minister in America to receive `national' radio air time; the first African American minister in the South to have a national radio ministry in the early 1930's; first African American minister south of the Mason/Dixon line to have weekly broadcasts short waved to many parts of the world--such as Australia, South America and England; and, became internationally known and his homilies were featured on television from such locales as Piccadilly Square in London and Honolulu, Hawaii; first African American minister in America to be seen in a ``live'' television worship service from a church auditorium; featured in June 1949 issue of Ebony Magazine as one of the ``Outstanding Black Ministers on Radio''; and a survey revealed his WBAP radio audience to be about six (6) million at its peak. Bishop R.E. Ranger was the historic minister of the Wayside Church of God In Christ. In 1944, he personally drew up the blueprints for the current Wayside Church after receiving a God-given vision of a new, brick church in the ``shape of a cross'' with a tower. With that vision, he tore down the former church facility--the ``Little Wooden Church on the Hill''--with his own hands. Bishop R.E. Ranger was a pioneer in the Church of God in Christ in the state of Texas and was appointed Presiding Bishop of the Church of God In Christ (Southeast) by the founder of the Church of God In Christ--Bishop C.H. Mason. He also became an influential state and national religious leader headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas. Bishop R.E. Ranger willingly opened doors for activities for the good of the larger community and provided material and spiritual assistance to countless numbers of people in need. As a member of the NAACP and the Interdenominational Minesterial Alliance, he was actively involved in religious, civic, and educational activities and the struggle for human rights. Mrs. Blanche Mae Ranger was born March 20, 1904 in Houston, Texas, and graduated from the City of Houston's Normal and Colored High School on June 1, 1922. She also received a teaching degree from the historic Tuskegee Normal & Industrial Institute on May 22, 1924, during the time of George Washington Carver. Blanche Mae Ranger served with Bishop Ranger at Wayside Church from January 16, 1930 until her passing on October 26, 1985. Mrs. Blanche Mae Ranger was an exemplary Christian wife, a licensed missionary, musician and singer of the radio/TV ministry theme song-- ``The Old Ship of Zion'', homemaker, mother of eleven (11) children, home economics teacher, poll tax collector and civic worker of Fort Worth, Texas. She reared and supported the education of a host of children and grandchildren who studied at and received numerous college and postgraduate degrees from institutions such as Huston Tillotson, Wiley College, Hastings Law School (UC), Lincoln University, University of Minnesota, Howard University, Howard University Law School, Lane College, University of Texas, Rutgers Law School, Morehouse College, Bowdoin College, Harvard Law School, University of Michigan Law School, University of Pennsylvania Law School, Oberlin College, MIT, Stanford, Boston University, Perdue University, Northwestern University, United States Air Force Academy, Loyola Marymont University, and University of Virginia. I am very proud of the achievements of Bishop and Mrs. R.E. Ranger and historic Wayside Church. Thanks to their significant achievements, Bishop and Mrs. R.E. Ranger and Wayside Church were symbols of selfless service and achievement for African American citizens in our community and across this nation. In recognition of its historic past, Wayside Church is currently in the process of receiving an official designation as a Cultural and Historical Landmark of the City of Fort Worth and is being considered for a Texas Historical Landmark designation and the National Register of Historic Places. Wayside Church of God In Christ, Inc., congratulations on 92 years (1912-2004) of outstanding local, state, and national service!

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a young man from my district who exemplified great courage while serving his country. Army Spc. Jason Chappell was fatally wounded 2 weeks ago in Iraq when a suicide bomber hit his vehicle. Chappell displayed his extraordinary commitment to fight for freedom and justice. Freedom and justice are the building blocks of democracy, and these values are the heartbeat of all our soldiers who fight for our country every day. Chappell's wife, Stephanie, reflects on her husband's kind nature by describing him as an ``angel'' who ``wanted nothing more than to help other people.'' Specialist Chappell served in the Army's 1st Cavalry Division's Company B in Fort Hood, Texas. He is remembered by his family as one who was devoted to family and country and dedicated to the causes of justice, freedom, and peace. He lived an extraordinary life, rich with love, laughter, and pride. As a Member of Congress, I rise today to acknowledge Specialist Chappell and his family for his sacrifice and service to the cause of freedom and the war against terror. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Jason Chappell's wife and family. May you be strengthened and comforted in this challenging time.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a young man from my district who exemplified great courage while serving his country. Private First Class Ervin Dervishi was fatally wounded two weeks ago in Iraq when his unit was attacked by grenade fire. Private Dervishi displayed his extraordinary commitment to fight for freedom and justice. Freedom and justice are the building blocks of democracy, and these values are the heartbeat of all immigrants, like Private Dervishi, who fight for our country every day. Born in Albania, Private Dervishi came to America with his brother and his parents in search of a better life for their family. He quickly enrolled in his local high school and became a heralded athlete on the soccer field. Not merely settling for citizenship alone, Private Dervishi wanted to contribute to society. That's why he began participating in a two-year volunteer program called Young Explorers with the Waxahachie Police Department. At his memorial service, Private Dervishi's adviser for Young Explorers, Police Chief Nathan Bickerstaff, praised this young man for his enthusiastic nature and fascination with law enforcement. Police Chief Bickerstaff smiled as he recalled Private Dervishi telling him that someday he would become a police officer. Private Dervishi moved to Fort Worth and joined the Army's 4th Infantry Division in Fort Hood, Texas, after graduating from Western Hills High School. After deployment to Iraq, Private Dervishi showed exemplary combat skills and was present at the capture of Saddam Hussein. He was laid to rest with military honors, and Brig. Gen. Robert Crear presented the family with two distinctive posthumous decorations--the Purple Heart and Bronze Star--for their son's service. High-ranking officials of the Albanian government, including President Alfred Moisiu, have also recognized Private Dervishi's mark in the world by conferring the Golden Eagle Medallion on Private Dervishi. This award is rarely given, but it marks Private Dervishi as a martyr for freedom and peace for two countries. Private Dervishi is remembered by his family and peers as a true friend who was devoted to family and country and dedicated to the causes of justice, freedom, and peace. Private Dervishi understood more about freedom in his short life than many will in an entire lifetime. He lived an extraordinary life, rich with love, laughter, and pride. As a Member of Congress, I rise today to acknowledge Private Dervishi and his family for their sacrifice and service to the cause of freedom and the war against terror. In his eulogy, Police Chief Bickerstaff vowed to carry a photo of Private Dervishi as a reminder of his ultimate sacrifice, saying ``he will always be a hero in my eyes.'' Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Dervishi family. May you be strengthened and comforted in this devastating time.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a brave young man from my district who was fatally wounded two weeks ago while serving his country in Iraq. Only 36 years of age, Army Master Sgt. Kelly L. Hornbeck displayed unbending love for his family and an insatiable appetite for living. As an avid outdoorsman, he always looked for adventures and conquered any obstacles that lay before him. It did not take his family and friends by surprise when he joined the United States Army in 1987 and quickly rose through the ranks to be selected for the Army's prestigious ``Old Guard,'' which stands watch at the Tomb of the Unknowns here in Washington. Hornbeck was quickly promoted to drill sergeant and joined the Army's elite Special Forces in 1990 where he served as a combat diver, free-fall parachutist, and jump master. In recent years, Master Sgt. Hornbeck had served tours of duty in both Afghanistan and Iraq as a member of the 3rd Battalion, 10th Special Forces Group stationed at Fort Carson, CO. He received many awards and decorations while serving the Army which include: two Bronze Star Medals, two Purple Hearts, a Silver Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal. Hornbeck is remembered by one of his former commanders as a true patriot to the United States and to his native State of Texas, and his friends describe him as someone who had a strong moral compass. Hornbeck's two daughters, Jacqueline (11) and Tyler (7), shared such precious memories of their father at his memorial service as a ``great friend'' who was ``brave.'' When asked what her favorite memory of her dad was, the youngest daughter Tyler said, ``I don't know because I have so many.'' His parents, Camille and Jeffrey Hornbeck of Fort Worth, praised their son's accomplishments and the cause for which he fought. Master Sgt. Hornbeck lived an extraordinary life, rich with love, laughter, and pride. As a Member of Congress, I rise today to acknowledge Master Sgt. Hornbeck and his family for their sacrifice and service to the cause of freedom and the war against terror. I wish to conclude by reading a letter from Master Sgt. Hornbeck to his parents. Dear Mom and Dad: If ya'll are reading this, then I am on my way to help do my part to ensure the future security of our great nation. I don't take this charge lightly or with a cavalier attitude, rather with a resolute heart and a clear conscience. I am strongly convinced that what we are doing is just and worthy of all that could be spent in the effort. I am not afraid and neither should either of you be, for I trust in my God (Psalm 23) and my training, two powerful forces that cannot be fully measured. My training is not only limited to that which has been bestowed on me by the mightiest military in the world but also by the greatest set of parents in the world. I am who I am because ya'll made me that way, and for that I thank you. If anything untoward should befall me please insure that the qualities you raised me with get passed onto my children. I love you both very much and intend to see you soon! Isaiah 6:8 Kelly. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Hornbeck family. May God bless and comfort you during this tragic time.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. I thank the gentleman from California for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, Mark Twain once said, ``Out of our schools grows the greatness of our Nation.'' Today I want to introduce you to the greatness of our Nation. I want you to meet Logan Granger. Yes, that is right, Granger. Logan is my grandchild. He is one of the loves of my life. I actually have two grandchildren, I have Logan and Jack, but today we are going to focus on Logan. When I look at Logan's big brown eyes, I absolutely melt and I want him to have the very best in the world. I want him to have the best education, the best job, the best family life. I want him to have everything. And I know the right place to start with making sure that Logan has it all is to make sure that Logan has the best education available. Today, the finest education is marked by a college degree. When I taught, a high school certificate was a mark of success. Today, a college degree is a must. In the past 5 years, jobs requiring a college degree have increased almost nine times more than jobs requiring a high school diploma. The fact is that the college degree is a must-have for today's students. I believe little Logan should have the opportunity to have that college diploma. Logan should be able to attend the public or the private school of his dreams. In other words, he should have choice. But his family should also have affordability. Unfortunately, we all know the cost of a college education can send any parent or grandparent into financial hiding. Today at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, a college degree will cost about $19,000 a year and students come from all over the world to attend there. When Logan is ready to go to TCU, or whatever school he chooses, schools like TCU could cost as much as $45,000 a year. Yes, a year. It is sticker shock for all of us, but it is something we need to face. But before we decide the situation is futile, we need to recognize that with proper planning, a college education can be affordable. For several years now, public schools have joined together in co-ops that work together to set up one prepaid plan for parents to pay into. Then when the young one is all grown up and is ready to go to college, the family can choose from a list of schools that participate in that plan. The result is choice and affordability in public education. Today I am here to praise the expansion of the prepaid tuition plans. I introduced legislation that was signed into law 2 years ago that would allow private schools to join together and offer similar choice and affordability in education. Today I am here to congratulate the more than 200 private colleges and universities in the recent launch of their prepaid tuition plans. Together, the plans are known collectively as the independent 529 plan and many of the schools in Texas, including Texas Christian University and Southwestern University in Georgetown, are participants in this plan. The creation of this plan means that Logan's parents can save around $100,000 in total private education. That is right. If Logan's parents buy into the independent 529 plan today, they can save around $100,000. We are literally talking about tomorrow's education at today's price. The 529 plans are all about choice and affordability in private schools. Choice for Logan and affordability for his parents. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to be the sponsor of House Resolution 378, which congratulates private colleges and universities for their ongoing commitment to make a college education affordable and accessible to thousands of families. This will mean more opportunity for more young people and more universities. That is a small price to pay for Logan or Jack or any other child for something as worthy as a college education.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize and honor a good friend, Jay Sandelin, for his outstanding contributions to the practice of osteopathic medicine, the Osteopathic Health System of Texas/ Osteopathic Medical Center of Texas, and to the citizens of Fort Worth, Texas. Jay Sandelin not only exemplifies great leadership in his professional life, but has also shown leadership by being a current or past member of at least seventeen civic, trade, philanthropic, cultural, and business groups. In 1989, Jay Sandelin was elected Chairman of the Board of Health Care of Texas, which comprises both the Osteopathic Health System of Texas and the Osteopathic Medical Center of Texas. During his time as Chairman of the Board, Mr. Sandelin helped influence the transition of Texas College of Osteopathic Medicine from a private institution to a state medical school, which has evolved into the University of North Texas Health Science Center. Previous to his work as Chairman of the Board, Mr. Sandelin served for many years on the boards of various osteopathic organizations in the course of a distinguished career in the financial services industry. Mr. Sandelin's leadership has been vital in raising the profile of the osteopathic medical profession and its philosophy to a greater level of awareness and acceptance in North Texas and throughout the Nation. Because of his work, today I want to congratulate Jay Sandelin on an outstanding career and wish him well in his retirement.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Chairman, I rise to express my strong support for this supplemental funding. Like some of the other speakers we have heard tonight, I returned from Iraq just 2 weeks ago. I was part of a congressional delegation, a bipartisan delegation, that came from all sorts of views. Some had strongly supported the resolution, some strongly spoke out against it, others were more cautious, and some questioned why now and how much. But I can say from that bipartisan congressional delegation, we came back and unanimously said, after seeing it, we truly understand, first of all, what is being done there and how well it is being done. It is startling, startling, Mr. Chairman, the contrast in what we saw and what we hear here; what the American people hear and the people all over the world hear, because it is not at all what we saw. First of all, it is startling because of Saddam Hussein's presence, his palaces, the gilding, the money that has been socked away, and then of course the mass graves that we have heard about today. The one we went to had 3,000 bodies that were discovered, the remains of men, women, and children as young as 2 years of age, shot in the back of the head and dumped in those mass graves. Some were not shot. Perhaps they ran out of ammunition, perhaps they got tired and they just threw them living into those graves. Then, Mr. Chairman, we saw the citizens, citizens living in poverty and citizens who had lived in terror for years. And I object to the term rebuilding, because people think, when we say rebuilding, it is what we destroyed. That is not the situation at all. What we are doing is building, because we went to a country that was not without assets. In fact, the oil reserves were second only to Saudi Arabia. But we had a leader who would not put those assets back into his own country. Instead, he stole those assets and used them to buy guns, but he did not keep up the infrastructure of his country. We visited, for instance, a power plant, unlike any I have ever seen, because it was held together by rope and hope and rust. The engines themselves, the plant itself was so badly in need of not repair, but in need of a new facility. We went to a hospital, the largest in Baghdad. We went to a maternity ward, and I have never seen equipment like that in my lifetime, perhaps in old movies of World War I or World War II; but I saw terrible conditions, where the roof was leaking so much there was water on the floor. We went to a neonatal unit where a child died that day because we saw such terrible equipment. No backup. They had electricity that was on 3 hours, off 3 hours. We saw a country where, with all those assets, they should have had a modern hospital; instead they had infant mortality as high as India. So I am absolutely in support of this. We did have a stunning military victory, but we have not finished the job. We owe it to the men and women in that country, from our country and the Coalition forces that have lost their lives in Iraq, to keep our promise and to say we will let you finish the job. The most telling comment was that of General Sanchez, when he said, ``We will not win this militarily. We will win it by winning the hearts and the minds of the Iraqi people.'' So we need to keep our promises and let them enjoy and understand some of what we have in this country: the freedom, the opportunity, the ability to pursue the happiness that they have not had. It is that possibility, the possibility of having that in that part of the world which will be a real victory, because they can understand what we enjoy and they can be a part of that. So this supplemental has my very strong support. I went back to my district and told everyone, this is what you need to know, because it is not what you are hearing anyplace else.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding elementary school in my district. As a former school teacher, it is my distinct pleasure to honor Rufino Mendoza Elementary School in Fort Worth, TX. Recently, Mendoza was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a national ``Blue Ribbon school.'' Rufino Mendoza Elementary was recognized for outstanding academic improvement, and Mendoza has worked very hard to achieve this honor. Mendoza has overcome incredible odds to offer the very finest education possible. Ninety-seven percent of the students at Mendoza Elementary school are of a minority background, and 87 percent of those students come from low-income families. In fact, most of the students qualify for the free lunch program, and 56 percent speak Spanish as their primary language. In the past 4 years, Mendoza has moved from being simply ``acceptable'' to being an example of excellence for all schools across the Nation. Mendoza recognized its educational challenges 4 years ago and designed a plan to directly meet those challenges. Mendoza Elementary called together school administrators, teachers, and school district officials in a cooperative agreement to study the needs of each student. The result is an education system that is based on the needs and potential of every student. I am very proud of the students, parents, teachers, and administrators at Rufino Mendoza Elementary. Thanks to their hard work, Mendoza is a symbol of hope and achievement for students in our community and across this Nation. Rufino Mendoza Elementary, congratulations on being named a Blue Ribbon school.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman yielding. The night is long; so I will be brief. But I was a part of a 17- member bipartisan delegation that left last Thursday after the last vote and then returned late last night. And as we left and as we arrived many hours later, we knew that there were people that were debating whether we should be in Iraq and how we got there. We spent the next days looking into the faces of men and women who fought there and assuring them that we were not going to cut and run, that we were going to make their sacrifices worth it and we were there to assure them that we would let them finish the job. As was mentioned earlier, General Rick Sanchez, he talked to us about what had occurred there and what needed to occur there, and he also told us the same thing, that winning this war would be winning over the hearts and the minds of the people of Iraq, and I certainly could not agree more. What we saw in Iraq, first of all, were palaces, over a hundred of them, with beautiful crystal chandeliers and painted ceilings and gilded doors and a gilded thrown. Outside we saw statues and monuments built by Saddam Hussein and built there to glorify Saddam Hussein. What else did we see? We visited a hospital in Baghdad, and not in my lifetime have I seen a hospital like that except in old movies, World War I and World War II, because we do not have hospitals with equipment that is that old. We saw a predelivery room with women waiting to deliver their babies in a room with a roof that leaked and air conditioners that did not work and faucets with rusted handles. We went to a power plant that was supposed to supply the power to Iraq, and it was held together with hope and rope and rust and baling wire. We were escorted there by a wonderful Marine lieutenant colonel who said as he went through that country he wondered if he would ever see a child with shoes on because none of them had shoes. Is this a country without natural resources and assets? Is this a country that had no other choices? No, it certainly is not that country. It is a country with oil reserves second only to Saudi Arabia, that had land that was fertile and good for agriculture, had intelligent, caring people who wanted something better than that. Remember, this is a country that helped start the World Bank and at one time had an economy equal to Australia. But what had happened in this country, or what we understood what happened in that country, is Saddam Hussein. We also visited a mass grave, much as what the gentleman had described; and we stood there and heard the story about that mass grave of 3,000 people identified because they had to put their identification in a plastic bag that was hung around their neck. So when that was discovered along with they think are over 100 graves like that, some as large as what the gentleman said, 10,000 remains, and as they tried to identify those people and go to those families and say to the people that they thought all these years were alive and in prison were in this mass grave, shot in the back of the head and then dumped into a grave and then sometimes, either because they ran out of ammunition or just got tired, they were not shot. They were just dumped into graves. What we saw and what we understood there in Iraq were businesses that were not started and educations that were not finished and babies who did not live. This is a country that has an infant mortality that is equal to India, one of the highest in the world. We saw children whose fathers just disappeared and lives that were lived in utter terror. We saw justice that was not delivered and protection that was not given. So we came back, I say, as a bipartisan congressional delegation. We came back united in our resolve, regardless of where we were on the resolution before, but united in finishing the job that had been started; and I have thought ever since I got back and all day today, which I cannot get out of my mind, and I know as well as those who have spoken tonight, we have an opportunity to prove who we are and what we stand for. Sure, there are challenges. There are challenges. We could talk about the cost. Is it enough? Is it too little? Where do we get it? But we have an opportunity to help the people experience what we take for granted often, and that is our freedom, our protection, our system of justice, having a future, having a future for our children and grandchildren and say they can be what I am or better, they have that opportunity. We have the opportunity to help the people of Iraq have that and then, of course, leave them in charge and leave, and leave them with a future that is full of hope. I left with the wonderfully uplifting feeling of being able to do what is right, both what is right for the people of Iraq but also what is right for the people, our people who are serving in uniform there, and just what is right as men and women of principle in this House, the opportunity that we have been given by the people. So I would say I wish every Member of this House could do what we have done, to be there and to see that and talk to the people of Iraq and talk to our men and women who serve. I am glad the American people have the opportunity for us to tell about this, because it was something that I will never forget as long as I serve in this House, or be able to walk away and say what I am proud of. I appreciate the time to be able to relate that.

Ms. GRANGER. Absolutely. The highlight of any trip like that is to sit and break bread with the people who serve; and we always sit with people who are in our districts, but in my particular case the people of Texas overall. But amongst the men and women the morale was high. They knew why they were there. They were proud of what they were doing, and they could not wait to tell us. The experience and the expertise, the determination of those men and women is always something that is just astounding to me. Yes, the morale is very high. They know why they are there. They are anxious to get home to their families and get back to their jobs but very proud of what they are doing. As one of the officers related, he said he went to the hospital to visit someone who had been injured badly, and he said he experienced what he always experiences when he says, what can I do for you. They always say, take me back to where I was; I want to finish the job.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Chairman, one of our greatest strengths as a Nation has always been our ability to move people and products more safely and efficiently than anywhere else in the world. Unfortunately, as we saw on 9/11, this strength makes our transportation infrastructure a tempting target for terrorists. Those hijackers that turned four planes into missiles were not just trying to kill thousands, they were also trying to restrict our freedom of movement, our way of life. As people travel more and more, and further and further for business and pleasure, the potential for a large-scale loss of life and an attack involving an airplane, boat, train or truck grows. While protecting innocent lives is our top priority in homeland security, we all know that serious economic consequences can result after a terrorist attack when it disrupts the flow of goods and people in America's transportation network. These disruptions do not just cost money for big corporations with stranded products, they raise grocery prices for families, cut the earnings of farmers, and cause small businesses to close their doors. In recognizing the importance and vulnerability of America's transportation infrastructure, Congress has moved quickly to strengthen transportation security. Since 9/11, we have provided more than $10 billion to safeguard and will add $5 million more in this legislation.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. I thank the gentleman, Mr. Speaker. I imagine that most of us in this House particularly admire or respect someone for various reasons: their use of power, their talent in persuasion, their deep commitment to a cause or an issue. I admire Larry Combest because he has the right balance of things. He knows what is really important in politics and in life. He maintains his dignity, his honesty, and his commitment while giving us his best for nearly 20 years. He served this Nation and the State of Texas in an extraordinary way in standing firm for the farmers of this country, for rural America, and for business interests. Larry's quiet and often serious demeanor fooled me for a while, but we often get to really know each other in this House either by working on a particular issue together or by traveling together. That is how I got to know Larry and his wonderful wife, Sharon. You don't really know Larry until you have experienced the love and closeness that Larry and Sharon share. This Congressman from west Texas has much to be proud of; but Larry would probably say, I am just doing my job. I will miss Larry in this Congress, we all will, but we could not do better than to pattern our service after his.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, over two months ago, the Federal Communications Commission adopted an order that will change the way it regulates broadband infrastructure. Under the old FCC rules, broadband provided by cable and satellite is essentially unregulated, but broadband provided by telephone companies is regulated like voice telephone service. The FCC saw that this created regulatory winners and losers and decided in February to change some of its broadband rules and move in the direction of parity for broadband. The FCC's action was the first step in the process of putting telephone company-provided DSL service on the same regulatory footing as cable provided high-speed Internet service. While, in the same proceeding, the FCC failed to remove its burdensome and economically devastating rules on the unbundled network element platform (UNE-P), at least they started to move broadband regulation in the right direction. This will be a much-needed change in broadband regulatory policy, and I applaud the FCC for this aspect of its ruling. Today, cable has more than two-thirds of the residential broadband market. To the consumer, the two services are fungible, but cable still dominates. Regulatory parity between DSL and cable modem service will result in more head-to-head competition between the two, creating better prices and new, innovative services. It will be a win-win for the consumer. The FCC should end its internal bickering and issue the text of the rules it adopted in February so the FCC can continue on the path to regulatory parity. Only then will our citizens realize the benefits of a fully-competitive broadband Internet market.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the tenth anniversary year of the James L. West Alzheimer's Care Facility in Fort Worth, Texas and to recognize the many accomplishments of its founding executive director, Moira A. Reinhardt, R.N. The West Center, founded in 1993, was established in part by a major gift from the James and Eunice West Foundation and it continues to receive the support of many other generous North Texas foundations, individuals, corporations and organizations. The center was the Southwest's first free-standing facility devoted exclusively to the care of persons with Alzheimer's disease and related disorders and has been nationally recognized for its excellence of care and its commitment to helping its residents maintain a restraint-free life style. Moira A. Reinhardt, nationally known as a pioneer in the establishment and management of centers for Alzheimer's care, was selected as the West Center's first executive director. A native of Scotland, Ms. Reinhardt was trained as a medical/surgical nurse in Britain. She first established a home care program for the elderly in Scotland and then, inspired by the example of Mother Theresa, served the poor in Guatemala as a nurse in the British Overseas Volunteer Program. Ms. Reinhardt became a U.S. citizen September 17, 1996. Before coming to Fort Worth and the West Center, Ms. Reinhardt was the founding executive director of the Pikes Peak Hospice, Inc., and later became the founding administrator of Namaste Alzheimer's Center in Colorado Springs, Colorado. She has lent her expertise to both state and national boards dealing with health care for the elderly and in 1989 served as chairperson for the National Hospice Organization. Recently the directors of the West Center honored her by establishing the Moira A. Reinhardt Continuing Education Scholarship Fund to further the education of the Center's nursing staff and the city of Fort Worth proclaimed April 2, 2003 Moira A. Reinhardt Day. I ask that the House of Representatives join me in recognizing the important role the James L. West Alzheimer's Care Center plays in the care of the elderly of North Texas and honoring Moira A. Reinhardt for her lifelong commitment to compassionate health care.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Madam Speaker, since September 11, 2001, Americans have had great lessons in what it means to be a hero. We realize more than ever that we owe a debt of gratitude to those patriots and their families who fight to protect our freedoms. Today, I am rising to particularly recognize a man whose life is a lesson in heroism. I did not know Sam Johnson before I campaigned to join him here in the Congress, but I knew him from his reputation and his record. After I came to Washington, I read the book he wrote of his experiences in Vietnam. Although it is not a long book, and I am a pretty fast reader, I could not read it all in one sitting as I often do, because I would have to put the book down to wipe my eyes, because I have never known anyone to go through what he went through in the name of America. He is being recognized today on the 30th anniversary of his release from a North Vietnamese prison camp in Hanoi, where he spent 7 years as a prisoner of war, 7 long years, 3\1/2\ in solitary confinement and 2\1/2\ in leg irons. During that time, he was a hero to all he came in contact with. How did he come in contact with his fellow prisoners? By tapping a code on the wall and by memorizing 374 names of other prisoners, because he never lost hope of getting out of that confinement and bringing those names home. For his service, he was awarded two Silver Stars, two Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, one Bronze Star with Valor, two Purple Hearts, four Air Medals, three Outstanding Unit Awards, and the admiration, respect, and the appreciation of millions of Americans and Vietnamese. That makes Sam a tough son of a gun, but he is also a man of great depth and great faith. On the 47th day of his confinement, a typhoon blew the window open for the first time and he said, ``I saw the sunrise, the trees; it was God in all His glory.'' I think God's glory shines through Sam Johnson. He is a hero to all of us and he certainly has been that to me.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, today in my district, doctors are being forced out of practice because of the skyrocketing cost of medical malpractice insurance. In fact, a very close friend of mine who his a practicing in physician in Fort Worth, doctor Susan Blue, has recently been notified that her insurance carrier will terminate her policy on December first of this year. Since 1990, doctor Blue has had nine malpractice claims filed against her. However, most of the claims were frivolous and without merit, and her insurance company only paid out on one of these claims. And in that instance, $5,000 was paid to simply avoid spending tens of thousands of dollars in defense. Unfortunately, because doctor Blue has been unable to find malpractice insurance, she may be forced to retire in December--after 29 years of practicing quality medicine. I wish I could say that doctor Blue's story is an isolated incident. But we all know it's not. Every Member of Congress here today has a doctor Blue in their district. Every Mmember of Congress has experienced doctors that are, right now, deciding whether or not to retire because of the high cost of malpractice insurance. As a nation, we cannot afford to lose one more doctor. With one less doctor, patients wait longer, diseases progress further, and health insurance costs continue to spin out of control. Let's hold on to the skilled community physicians and ensure patients have the doctor choice that they deserve and desire. Today I will be voting for doctors like Susan Blue, and I will support common sense malpractice reform. I will be supporting H.R. 4600.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Chairman, this Congress set December 31 as the deadline for screening checked baggage for explosives, and 75 percent of our airports will make that deadline, but for the other 25 percent, we have a train wreck coming. It is a crisis and it is a crisis of our own making because the deadline cannot be met. And let us understand why. First of all, let us talk about equipment, the baggage screening systems that will be used. As of this month, only 488 machines are being used at 59 airports nationwide. That leaves 6,600 machines that have to be bought, installed, and tested for accuracy by December 31. Can that be done? How well have we done so far? The Transportation Security Administration has been buying, installing, and testing one machine every 48 hours, and perhaps that is okay except TSA will have to go from one every 48 hours to one every 35 minutes to meet the December 31 deadline. That is assuming the machines can even be manufactured and ready, 6,600 in the next 5 months. And let us now go to personnel. We had a big debate over Federal baggage screeners, and upon our instructions TSA began hiring. Thus far, TSA has hired 166 Federal baggage screeners at the rate of one every other day. To meet the requirement and demand for a December deadline, TSA has to recruit, hire, and train another 21,434 baggage screeners in the next 159 days. That means not one every other day but one every 11 minutes. But it gets worse because if you add the 30,525 passenger screeners still needed to be hired, TSA will have to speed up to one new screener every 4\1/2\ seconds. Equipment, personnel, but I think you are seeing the problem. Let us talk about one other problem that would be out there if we could recruit and train those people and hire them every 4\1/2\ seconds and install the equipment every 35 minutes. All airports are not alike and you know it and I know it. In fact, they are greatly different in design and configuration. But we set very specific instructions as to how each airport would accommodate those SUV-sized machines if they were alike. So if it were possible to get them and man them in the next 5 months, we would have to reconfigure one out of every four of our major airports in the country. I am talking about moving walls, reconfiguring floors, major renovations. In one airport alone we are talking $200 million in construction in 5 months, construction completed. It just cannot be done. And last but not least, there is the work of the Transportation Security Administration that has to approve every plan, visit every airport, and report to Congress on what we have demanded. How is this working? I will tell my colleagues, the airport I fly in and out of, they submitted their plan in March telling TSA exactly what they had to do to meet the December deadline, March, and it has not been approved to this day. Others have not even started because TSA has not told them what kind or how many machines are even needed. Is there a solution? Yes, there is a solution, a solution that gives TSA a deadline, gives a deadline to airports, demands reporting to Congress, and also it is, by the way, our original date. What if we do not do this? What if we do not fix it today? We will spend millions of dollars unnecessarily, we will allow airlines to use a less than ideal solution, we will hire thousands of people who will be dismissed when their interim machines are scrapped, and we will force 3 and 4-hour waits at every major airport in this Nation at one of the most heavily- used times in the year, December. And that is a security problem that I do not want to face. That is not what I want to be a part of. So let us do the right thing today. Let us quit posturing. Let us do something that is reasonable and responsible. And, by the way, in the time we have debated this, we have missed by four people and one machine.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Chairman, I want to express my admiration and appreciation for the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey) for his leadership in fashioning this legislation which provides the reorganization needed to protect America by establishing the Department of Homeland Security. I have been working especially hard on transportation issues in homeland security, and tomorrow I will be speaking on those issues, but I wanted to respond tonight to the suggestion that there is no case for providing flexibility in this arbitrary deadline for checking baggage for explosives. Airport security is important to our homeland security, and we all know that and we all want it, but we want real, not pretend, security at our airports. To make the deadlines as we have it today, the TSA would have to install screening machines at our airports at the rate of one every 35 minutes for the next 5 months. To make the deadline as we have it, screeners would have to be recruited, hired, and trained at the rate of 4.5 seconds for the next 5 months. I can go on and on. The American people know that cannot happen and we know it cannot happen. That is the case for changing this deadline. Let us make this right. Let us have real, not pretend, security at our airports. The American people deserve and demand real security, not political posturing from us. Let us do it right, and let us pass real legislation, the legislation that is before us here today.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, millions of people poured into movie theaters this weekend to see the movie ``Wind Talkers'' with Nicholas Cage. The movie is set during World War II against the backdrop of the horrific battle of Saipan; the drama revolves around the Navajo ``code talker.'' The so-called code talkers were native Americans who used their native dialect to radio important messages in code to our allied troops. The movie ``Wind Talkers'' focuses on a Navajo code talker who was the Marines' first new secret weapon against the Japanese. The movie explores just how far our Marines were willing to go to protect the code. We all know that in our fast-paced, modern world, movies are our storytellers. Hollywood often misses some of the facts, but in this case I am proud to see the tale of these code talker heroes being told so publicly. In my mind, the Native American code talkers are some of the Nation's greatest heroes. Today, it is time for Congress to give all of the Native American code talkers the recognition they deserve for their contribution to U.S. victories in World War I and World War II. Like the Navajo code talkers who were recognized for services last year, the Comanche, Choctaw and Sioux Indians also served as code talkers in both the Pacific and European theaters during World War II. We also know that the Choctaw code talkers served our country as early as World War I. These code talkers were sent out on their own to provide communications on enemy location and strength. They sometimes spent 24 hours using headphones without sleep or food. Many of these men endured terrible conditions without protection from the enemy. Military commanders credit the code talkers with saving the lives of countless American soldiers and ultimately to the success of the United States in many battles. The story of the code talkers was highlighted for me last year by a constituent of mine, Ben Tahmahkera. He came to me and pointed out that in July, President Bush honored the Navajo code talkers for their contribution to the United States Armed Forces as radio operators in World War II. Mr. Tahmahkera was very pleased to hear about the Navajo recognition, but he wanted to make sure the sacrifices of the Comanche code talkers and other code talkers were not forgotten either. Ben Tahmahkera suggested that I learn more about Charles Chi-bitty, who today is the only surviving Comanche code talker. Charles Chi-bitty lives near Tulsa, Oklahoma, today and he is 80 years old. In January of 1941, Chi-bitty enlisted in the United States Army and was assigned to the Army's 4th signal company. Chi-bitty probably himself saved thousands of lives during the Normandy invasion alone and he can still remember the messages he received and sent out on D-Day. On that day he identified where our troops were, protected them from being fired on by our own troops and, in general, completely confused the Germans. Chi- bitty specifically remembers saying in code to our men, ``Okay, we know where you are, just keep doing what you are doing.'' The code that Chi-bitty used was never broken and, for a long time, the Germans believed it was just gibberish. Eventually, the Germans sent spies to training grounds in Fort Gordon and to reservations in Oklahoma to try and crack the code. None of the spy missions were successful. Charles Chi-bitty, a true American hero, was also a loyal friend. He once turned down the Medal of Honor because it did not include all members of the 4th signal company whom he considers his brothers. Chi- bitty says, ``I am glad I am still here, but I miss my comrades. I know that my comrades that have already gone before me are listening and laughing right now. I know when I go up there some day, they will be there waiting.'' Mr. Speaker, today we honor Charles Chi-bitty and all of the other Native American code talkers who so valiantly fought for our country and protected our Nation. H.R. 3250 authorizes the President to present a Congressional Gold Medal to these Native Americans who served as code talkers during both World War I and II. H.R. 3250 gives these men the honor they so richly deserve. Please support H.R. 3250.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I am talking today more as a single parent myself, who worked very hard to support my children from the time they were tiny, and I know that quality child care is absolutely necessary, first of all to meet the needs of the children, but to meet the financial needs of the family. A job well done adds dignity to the individual but it adds stability to the family. I know we are setting the bar high for welfare recipients. They can make that bar if we provide quality child care, and we are doing that at more than double what we did, a minimum of $2 billion. But after my children were grown and my business was successful, I served as mayor of my city, so I understand local control, and the flexibility that we are allowing under this bill is extremely important so that States can move the funds where they are needed most. It will allow the States to make their individual decisions. We have made great progress in welfare, moving people off the rolls, but what is important is the hope we see in the faces of those children and those parents. I strongly support this legislation. I think it is very important, this minimum of $2 billion, to add a sense of hope to the lives of those people.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, each of us shudders in horror when we hear about a school shooting or about the drug and alcohol abuse that haunts our youth. We immediately want to do something--perhaps draft new legislation--something, anything, that will make things ``safe'' for our children and grandchildren. As a former teacher with three children of my own, I know the anxiety and anguish that students and their parents often experience in facing the world today--it can be a very scary place. So, last December, I sponsored a Safe Schools Summit in Fort Worth, Texas. Five hundred middle school and high school students from across my district participated in this 3-hour session. They were students of all races and backgrounds, male and female. The purpose of this summit was to hear directly from the students about how they felt in their schools. It was an amazing day, and the students produced some remarkable and somewhat surprising results. Today, I want to talk about what the students said about character education. The students told me that they would feel safer at their schools if there were greater attention to the development of character in those schools. We found that students overwhelmingly support character education in their school, by nearly 80%. I knew that parents and educators were supportive of quality character education programs, but I learned through that gathering of students that, these young people also know that character is the critical element for creating safer schools. Yes, there are mechanical and physical elements of a safe school, but these students identified a ``human'' element of safe schools, and character is a critical aspect of that element. To simplify, these students know that in order to have safe schools, we must have safe students. On February 4th, what I believe will be one of the most effective character education programs in the nation was launched in my district. The Heart of a Champion character development program is a one-of-a- kind curriculum that combines video, and audio, with a print curriculum, to reach today's ``sight and sound'' generation on a year- round basis. Heart of a Champion's founder, Steve Riach, has created a comprehensive in-class program to reinforce positive character traits and virtues, and demonstrate examples of persons with high character to students in our schools. Using positive role models, the Heart of a Champion program tells the stories of widely known athletes--stories that demonstrate virtues such as commitment, perseverance, integrity, courage, honesty, discipline, responsibility and fairness. These stories, and the application lessons that follow, encourage students to examine these character traits, and inspire them to embrace and integrate those traits into their own lives. It is a winning formula. The Heart of a Champion program, has already received the endorsement of several key national community and educational groups, and their representatives will meet with members of the Department of Education later this month. I believe there is nothing else like this program available for schools today. I am in full support of this program and believe it will have a dramatic impact. President Bush has repeatedly said that character education in our nation's schools is of great importance in this day. He is aware that each year, 10 million school kids abuse alcohol or drugs; that 65 percent of youth in school say they are sexually active by the 12th grade; and that 80 percent admit to cheating in school. We know there is a problem that needs our attention. I believe that character education programs like Heart of a Champion are a solution for this generation. My fellow members of the House, we all agree our young people are the most valuable asset we have for our nation's future. That is why I believe the Heart of a Champion program is so necessary for our country at this time. This program will provide our kids with the character our society so desperately needs; will give them direction for the future, and will create champions in our schools, homes, and communities--young men and women of character who will become leaders for the next generation. But that can only happen if leaders like you and I show our young people that we truly care about them, by getting behind this program and helping to see that no young person is ``left behind'' in the development of their character. Mr. Speaker, I invite all of my colleagues to get to know the Heart of a Champion program. I am confident that you will see the powerful impact it can have on the youth of your cities and counties. Today, it is impacting my district. Tomorrow, with your help and support, it could make a difference in yours.

Ms. GRANGER

Ms. GRANGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Major General Charles C. Cannon, Jr. It has come to my attention that General Cannon is retiring after 34 years of exemplary service in the United States Army. He has served his country with dignity, honor, and integrity. Major General Cannon is a native of Texas. The general entered the Army upon completion of the Reserve Officer Training Corps Program at the University of Texas--Arlington as a Distinguished Military Graduate. He was commissioned a Regular Army Second Lieutenant in the Quartermaster Corps, detailed to the Infantry, on August 31, 1967. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History and a Master of Science in Logistics Management from the Florida Institute of Technology. He has served in five divisions, and his overseas assignments include Vietnam, Hawaii, Korea, three tours in Germany, and one in Croatia. His initial assignment was as an Infantry Officer with the 3d Battalion, 10th Infantry, 5th Division (Mechanized). In 1968, he was assigned to 2d Battalion, 60th Infantry, 9th Infantry Division in Vietnam serving as a company commander, then as the logistics staff officer. After attending the Quartermaster Officer Advanced Course, he commanded the 143d Supply and Service Company, organized and ran the Basic Leadership Course, and was a staff officer for the 19th Support Brigade at Fort Lewis, Washington. From 1972-1975, he served as a logistics planner in Headquarters, U.S. Army Pacific, and Assistant G-4 (Logistics), 25th Infantry Division. After attendance at Command and General Staff College and Florida Institute of Technology, he was the Executive Officer for the Petroleum Distribution System--Korea. He was then assigned to Headquarters, Department of the Army, as a logistics programmer and later as Assistant Executive Officer to the Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics. In 1982, he was assigned to the First Cavalry Division serving as Division Support Command Executive Officer and Commander of the 15th Supply and Transport Battalion. From 1985 to 1987, he was an Advance Operational Fellow at Fort Leavenworth, Kansas. For the next four years, Major General Cannon served in Germany, first as the Director for Bulk Fuels, 200th Theater Army Materiel Management Center, and later as the Commander of the 8th Infantry Division (Mechanized) Support Command. In July 1991, he became Chief of the Logistics Planning Division on the Joint Staff. In July 1992, he was promoted to Brigadier General and assumed command of the 3d Corps Support Command in Wiesbaden, Germany. From June 1994 until June 1996 he was assigned as the Vice Director for Logistics, The Joint Staff. He was promoted to Major General in October 1995. He was assigned as the Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Department of the Army, in June 1996. During this assignment, MG Cannon temporarily served as the Commander for Support, Implementation Force (IFOR) Zagreb, Croatia, from July 1996 until his return to the Pentagon in November 1996. In May 1999, MG Cannon became Acting Deputy Chief of Staff for Logistics, Department of the Army. He assumed the duties of U.S. Army Materiel Command's (AMC) Chief of Staff Oct. 13, 2000. AMC is one of the largest commands in the Army, with more than 50,000 employees, and activities in 42 states and in over a dozen foreign countries. His awards and decorations include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Defense Superior Service Medal, Army Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, the Bronze Star Medal with ``V'' device and three oak leaf clusters, the Purple Heart, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters, the Air Medal, the Army Commendation Medal with ``V'' device and five oak leaf clusters, and the Army Achievement Medal. He also wears the Combat Infantry Badge, the Army Staff Identification Badge, and the Joint Staff Identification Badge. Mr. Speaker, Major General Cannon deserves the thanks and praise of the nation that he has faithfully served for so long. I know the Members of the House will join me in wishing him, his wife of 35 years, Karen and his two children, Charles and Dianne, all the best in the years ahead.