Jim Gerlach

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Michael J. Carroll, Chester County, Pennsylvania, on his retirement after his outstanding service and career in law enforcement, most recently as Chief of Police of West Goshen Township. Chief Carroll served in the United States Air Force from 1961 to 1965, participating in the USAF Honor Guard in the funeral of President John F. Kennedy. After leaving the military, he served in the Tredyffrin Police Department, the Chester County Detective Bureau, and the West Whiteland Police Department before becoming Chief of the West Whiteland Police Department in October 1988. Chief Carroll has served as staff instructor with the Delaware County Police Academy, has been a guest lecturer at institutions such as West Chester University and the United States Naval Academy, and is a graduate of the FBI Academy. In addition to serving on the Criminal Justice Advisory Committee of Wilmington University and Alvernia University, Chief Carroll is Past President of the Chester County Police Chiefs Association, Past President of the Police Chiefs Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Past President of the Pennsylvania Chiefs of Police Association, and Past President of the International Chiefs of Police Association, and he has benefittingly been inducted into the International Police Association Hall of Fame. Mr. Speaker, in light of his years of exemplary service to his community and litany of sterling accomplishments too long to record, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing Chief Michael J. Carroll for his invaluable contributions to the quality of life of the citizens of West Goshen Township, Chester County, Pennsylvania and our entire nation.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, on Monday, July 18, 2011, I missed two recorded votes on the House floor. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on rollcall 601 and ``aye'' on rollcall 602.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Borough of Elverson, Chester County, Pennsylvania on its 100th anniversary. Elverson celebrates March 14, 1911 as the day it was incorporated as a borough. It was on that day that the arguments for and against incorporation were presented to Judge Hemphill at the Chester County Courthouse. The arguments in favor of incorporation were principally: (1) the need by the residents to govern themselves and to use their own taxes for improvements such as a public water supply and street lighting; (2) the need for their own polling place; and (3) the need for an independent school system. The main arguments against incorporation were: (1) the town had not grown sufficiently, and (2) the new responsibilities would create an undue tax burden. In weighing these issues, Judge Hemphill felt that the democratic process would help ensure that the new responsibilities would not necessarily result in taxes that were either ``burdensome'' or ``ruinous'' and stated: ``. . . if men of good judgment, careful, economical, and cautious, were placed in charge of the Borough's business and development such would not necessarily be the result. The outcome, must of necessity, be dependent upon the action of the electors themselves, as in the case in every elective municipality.'' Over the years, the citizens of Elverson have seen the wisdom of Judge Hemphill's words borne out, as their Borough has grown from meeting the needs of pre-World War I America to the present day. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating the Borough of Elverson and its storied history on the occasion of its 100th anniversary and to extend best wishes to all its citizens--past, present and future.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Paoli Troop 1, Boy Scouts of America, Chester County, Pennsylvania on its 100th anniversary. The history of Paoli Troop 1 is a long and storied one, starting with its founding as the area's first Scout Troop in 1911 at the Good Samaritan Church in Paoli, Pennsylvania. Troop 1 survived some lean early years and diminished activity during World War I, but proudly endured such challenges and, in 1924, relocated to nearby Wayne. In these early years, the Scout Law and Scout Oath were discussed in detail at the end of Troop meetings, a tradition that has been passed down to the present day. Travel has also been a long-standing tradition of Troop 1. In 1927 and 1929, the Troop took trips to Europe, which included hiking through Scotland and parts of Brittany. On one of these trips, the Scouts met Baden Powell, founder of the Scout movement. The Troop had three mountain climbing expeditions in the Swiss Alps during 1966, 1970 and 1974, with the Troop flag having flown at the top of the Matterhorn. Today, the Troop functions under the leadership of Scoutmaster Mike Magnotta, his assistants, and the general supervision of the Troop Committee. Its purpose, as set out in its constitution, is to promote, maintain and carry out the principles of the Boy Scouts of America and to work for the best interests of its members. The institutions and traditions of Paoli Troop 1 are many and deserve to be perpetuated for generations to come. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating Paoli Troop 1 and its storied history on the occasion of its 100th anniversary and to extend best wishes for the Troop's bright future.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Vera M. Andryczyk on her tireless efforts on behalf of the Ukraine-American community and her recognition by the Board of Directors of the Ukrainian Federation of America. Vera's outstanding record of service and accomplishments makes her most worthy of this honor. She is a founding member of the Ukrainian Human Rights Committee and the Ukrainian Federation of America, and she serves on the Board of Directors and as Vice President of Public Relations for the Ukrainian Educational and Cultural Center. In addition, she serves on the Board of Directors of the Ukrainian American Relief Committee. All of these positions have allowed Vera to serve her fellow Ukrainian-Americans, strengthen U.S.-Ukrainian relations and assist Ukraine in its effort to become a strong and vibrant democracy. As part of her ongoing commitment, she also earned participation on President George W. Bush's official delegation to the inauguration of President Viktor Yuschenko. Always looking for additional opportunities, she has also served as a member of Ukrainian Women's League of America and she was one of the first to organize help to the victims of the Chernobyl disaster. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating Vera M. Andryczyk on the occasion of the recognition she is being accorded by the Board of Directors of the Ukrainian Federation of America and for her indefatigable efforts to support, assist and serve the Ukrainian-American community.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to salute the career and many contributions of David Yost, the Chief Executive Officer of AmerisourceBergen, one of the world's largest pharmaceutical distribution and services companies headquartered in my district in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania. Mr. Yost will retire this July. Following his graduation from the U.S. Air Force Academy and military service, Dave spent most of his professional career with Amerisource Health Corporation and, after the 2001 merger with Bergen Brunswig Corporation in 2001, AmerisourceBergen Corporation. In a career spanning 37 years, he has served as CEO for 14 years and has guided the company successfully through a rapidly changing business environment. The company has experienced astonishing growth from $40 billion in revenues in 2002 to nearly $80 billion this year and it continues to handle many challenges presented by our evolving health care system. David Yost is an exceptional leader with impeccable commitment to the highest ethical standards. He has led a company that is a shining example of how our health care marketplace should operate today--a company that delivers savings, efficiency, security and integrity of product for patients who need these medicines. In addition, he has a history of giving, including as a Founding Director of the U.S. Air Force Academy Endowment Fund which provides cadets with facilities and programs for their professional development. He has generously initiated employee-company match contributions for those affected by disasters such as Hurricane Katrina and the recent Japanese earthquake disaster. David Yost has provided a long-term vision for the industry, reforming the entire enterprise by reducing inventory size and its associated costs, and stressing the importance of technology and strategic partnerships in moving the company forward. AmerisourceBergen was the first national distributor to announce that it would only purchase pharmaceuticals directly from the manufacturer to ensure the integrity of products to patients. He also instilled pride in the company's workforce for the important work they do. There is a sign over the door of every AmerisourceBergen distribution center that reads ``Thank you for what you do. People's lives depend on it.'' Through it all, David Yost has been a devoted husband and father and active in his community. He now prepares for a well-deserved retirement to spend more time with family and pursue other interests. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to represent many of the fine employees of AmerisourceBergen and I join them in saluting David Yost for his vision, leadership and outstanding service during a long and exemplary career.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ridge Fire Company on its 75th anniversary of selfless dedication and commitment to its community. This is a great milestone and a considerable accomplishment and I take great pleasure in being able to honor the men and women of the Ridge Fire Company for their dedication and outstanding service. For 75 years the officers, firefighters, and fire police of Ridge Fire Company have proudly and capably served and protected the thousands of citizens of northern Chester County, including the Townships of East Coventry, South Coventry, East Vincent, Warwick and West Vincent. They have always answered the call to help their neighbors in distress, whether it is putting out a fire, aiding those whose homes have flooded, or rescuing animals. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing Ridge Fire Company on its 75th anniversary and to honor this exemplary organization for its commitment, dedication, and outstanding history of service to its community.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the seven new members of the Berks County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame and to honor them on their outstanding athletic careers. Charlie Engle has been an outstanding softball pitcher for 60 years and he famously pitched a no-hitter in 2010 at the age of 79. For his career, he has pitched 13 perfect games and 18 no-hitters. In addition to pitching in more than 2,000 games and receiving 31 MVP awards, Charlie led the Honey Brook Comets to county, district, state, regional and national American Softball Association titles in 1968 and 1969. Doreen Kase Larson, one of the top swimmers in Berks County history, won seven District 3 gold medals, setting records in the 100-yard and 200-yard freestyles. She also won five PIAA golds, three in the 100- yard and two in the 200-yard freestyles, setting marks in both events. She was inducted into the Berks County Aquatic Hall of Fame in 2000. Mike Reedy was a basketball and baseball standout, helping to lead the 1977 Wilson Bulldogs to the Berks County basketball title. He is fourth on the school's career scoring list. Mike also batted .531 in baseball and went on to standout careers in both sports at Albright College. He has been inducted into the Wilson and Albright Sports Halls of Fame. Mike Reitz was an All-State football player for the Wilson Bulldogs, leading them to its first undefeated season in 1967 when he rushed for 1,274 yards to set the school career record of 2,257 yards. He was also the Berks heavyweight champion in wrestling. Mike went on to play college football at Penn State and Maryland. He has been inducted into the Wilson Sports and Berks Football Halls of Fame. Joe Stallone, an outstanding gymnast, won 48 gold, silver and bronze medals in PIAA competition and was the national high school champion in rings and vaulting. After graduating from Holy Name in 1976, Joe went on to an All-American career at Penn State. He has coached at many levels, including the USA Olympic Festival team three times, and he directed the U.S. Junior National team to four world titles. Ken Thomason, Reading High Class of 1958, was a football and wrestling standout. He was an All-Central Penn League and Big 33 selection in football and went on to play for the semi-pro Reading Keystones. Ken was also a District 3 champion in wrestling and has been inducted into the Berks Wrestling Coaches and Berks Football Halls of Fame. Ross Tucker, Wyomissing Class of 1997, was an All-Berks selection in football and basketball for the Spartans. He went on to start in football for four years at Princeton where he earned All-Ivy League and Academic All American honors. Ross then played for seven seasons as an offensive lineman in the NFL with the Redskins, Bills, Cowboys and Patriots. Mr. Speaker, in light of the outstanding athletic careers of these seven individuals, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing their outstanding achievements on the occasion of their induction to the Berks County Chapter of the Pennsylvania Sports Hall of Fame.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Lionville Fire Company on its 100th anniversary of selfless dedication and commitment to the community. This is a great milestone and a momentous accomplishment and I take great pleasure in being able to honor the men and women of the Lionville Fire Company for their dedication and outstanding service. For 100 years, the officers, firefighters, and fire police of Lionville Fire Company have proudly and capably served and protected the thousands of citizens of Chester County, including the Townships of Upper Uwchlan, Uwchlan, and West Pikeland. They have always answered the call to help their neighbors in distress, whether it is putting out a fire, aiding those whose homes have flooded, or rescuing animals. During these years of service, the Company has also lost the lives of fallen firefighters as they have answered the call. Special tribute needs to be paid to these brave servants: Charles Martin, Jonathan Windle and David Good. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing Lionville Fire Company on its 100th anniversary and to honor this exemplary organization for its commitment, dedication, and outstanding history of service to the community.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate The Baptist Church in the Great Valley, Chester County, Pennsylvania on its 300th anniversary. The history of The Baptist Church in the Great Valley is a long and storied one, extending back in time to before the American Revolution. This third oldest Baptist church in Pennsylvania was founded in 1711 by Welsh Baptists who came to the country to find freedom of worship. When the Continental Congress called for a day of prayer and fasting on July 20, 1775, David Jones, then pastor of Great Valley, was invited to preach to a gathering of troops. On that occasion, more than 3,000 men gathered at the church along with members of the congregation to hear Pastor Jones' sermon entitled, ``Defensive War in a Just Cause Sinless.'' In 1820, The Baptist Church in the Great Valley adopted a resolution ``that in the future the women shall be entitled to vote on all questions that arise in the church,'' thus becoming one of the very first churches in the area to break from the then-current custom of not permitting women to be involved in church matters. In the 1830's, then pastor Leonard Fletcher and several other members of the church were instrumental in supporting the Wilberforce Anti-Slavery Society in the area. The Baptist Church in the Great Valley has long been open to the participation of African-Americans within its membership. The first African-American joined the church in 1762, which by that time included persons of Welsh, English, German, and other European backgrounds. Over the years, the membership has grown to include persons of Hispanic and Asian ancestry. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in congratulating The Baptist Church in the Great Valley and its storied history on the occasion of its 300th anniversary and to extend best wishes for the Church's continuing work to meet the pastoral and spiritual needs of its congregation and the community.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Sara Steinhauer of Douglassville, Berks County, Pennsylvania in recognition of her 105th birthday. Born near Skippack, Montgomery County on March 25th, 1906, Sara grew up on a farm in Skippack Township and attended public school through 10th grade in a one-room schoolhouse. When she turned 19, Sara moved to Perkasie, Pennsylvania to begin her career as a seamstress with Wemen's Apparel, developing skills in ladies' fashion. She was later promoted to the position of floor lady which she maintained until her retirement in 1968. The eighth of thirteen children, Sara was blessed with twelve brothers and sisters. Her husband, George D. Steinhauer, passed in 1984 after 57 happy years of marriage. Before moving to the distinctive retirement community of Villa at Morlatton, Sara lived in Telford, Pennsylvania for many of her retirement years and then an apartment in Pottstown, Pennsylvania near her nephew Leroy Fitzgerald. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today in congratulating Sara Steinhauer on the occasion of her 105th birthday and extending her best wishes for continued health and happiness.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Jack M. Hines, Jr. of Marshallton, Chester County, Pennsylvania on his retirement after 33 years of service as Municipal Manager of West Bradford Township and to honor him on his outstanding career of accomplishment. In addition to his service as Municipal Manager of West Bradford Township, Jack has served on various committees of the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Officials. He has been an instructor for both the Pennsylvania State Association of Township Supervisors and the Governor's Center for Local Government Services. Jack has served as Chairman of the Legislative Committee, Chester County Association of Township Officials, and has been a member of the Advisory Board for Connect Care3, which serves members of the Pennsylvania Municipal Health Insurance Cooperative. Further, Jack is a former Fire Chief and President of the West Bradford Fire Company, as well as being a former Fire Service Instructor and Director of the Chester County Fire School. He is a former Board Member and President of the Chester County Crime Victims Center, Chairman of the Environmental Management Center, Executive Committee Member of the Brandywine Conservancy, and Trustee of the Chester County Historical Society. Mr. Speaker, in light of his incredible years of service to his community and litany of outstanding accomplishments almost too long to record, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing Jack M. Hines, Jr. for his invaluable contributions to the quality of life of the citizens of West Bradford Township and Chester County.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate MAJ Andre C. McCoy of Bala Cynwyd, Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, on his 25 years of military service and to honor him on his outstanding career of accomplishment. Major McCoy joined the Marines in August of 1985. After completing basic training at Parris Island, South Carolina, he became an Artillery Fire Direction Control man through Fort Sill, Oklahoma. He served with Golf Battery, 3rd Battalion, 14th Marines (Reserve) based in Trenton, New Jersey. During Desert Shield and Desert Storm, Major McCoy was on active duty with 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force. He left the Marine Corps as a Corporal in 1991 to join the Bloomsburg University ROTC. Major McCoy's training as an ROTC cadet included Fort Bragg, North Carolina and Fort Benning, Georgia, where he also completed Airborne School and received his silver jump wings. He was commissioned as an Army Armor officer in 1993 and stationed at Fort Knox, Kentucky. Major McCoy transferred to 3rd Battalion, 103rd Armor, 55th Brigade, 28th Infantry Division of the Pennsylvania National Guard. As part of the United States' global war on terror, he was sent to Hohenfels, Germany as the Executive Officer for Force Protection. Major McCoy transferred to 56th Stryker Brigade headquarters in Philadelphia. There, he participated in a number of state emergency responses as well as the response to Hurricane Katrina. Major McCoy served in Operation Iraqi Freedom with 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the 25th Infantry Division in Diyala Province, and later in Operation Enduring Freedom with 4th Brigade Combat Team of the 82nd Airborne Division in Afghanistan. Throughout his exemplary career, Major McCoy has served 5 tours of duty. He was selected and approved for the rank of Major on June 3rd, 2010 and has received over 20 awards and medals for his service. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing MAJ Andre C. McCoy for his invaluable contributions to his country in his quarter century of military service.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 103, I inadvertently voted ``yea.'' I intended to vote ``nay.'' Recognizing Congresswoman Harman

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today, along with my colleague Rep. Patrick Meehan (PA-7), to congratulate the Immaculata University women's basketball team on its record of outstanding accomplishment. Immaculata University, located in Chester County, Pennsylvania, is considered to be the birthplace of modern college women's basketball. Known as the Mighty Macs, the Immaculata women's basketball team won three consecutive national college women's basketball championships in 1972, 1973 and 1974. These championships were the first college women's basketball championships played in the United States. The Mighty Macs also have the distinction of playing in the first nationally televised college women's basketball game as well as being the first college women's basketball team to compete outside the United States. The Immaculata women's basketball team produced four All-Americans, Marianne Crawford Stanley, Rene Muth Portland, Mary Scharff and Theresa Shank Grentz. All members of the team are trailblazers and true American heroes who set the highest standards both academically and athletically, for not only women's basketball, but for women's and men's sports alike. Mr. Speaker, I ask, along with Rep. Patrick Meehan (PA-7), that my colleagues join me today in recognizing the Immaculata women's basketball team and, for bringing both tremendous pride to the citizens of Pennsylvania and inspirational change to American intercollegiate sport, ask that March 29, 2011 be known as Immaculata University Mighty Macs Day.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Miller- Keystone Blood Center on its Grand Opening Celebration of its donor center in Lionville, Pennsylvania and to honor this healthcare institution for its commitment to serving the community. In the forty years since its establishment in 1971, Miller-Keystone Blood Center has delivered the safe, reliable, and vital blood supply that our community needs. Miller-Keystone is the exclusive supplier of blood products to twenty-one hospitals in ten Pennsylvania and New Jersey counties, including having been the sole supplier to Pottstown Memorial Medical Center since 1997. In July 2010, the Center was announced as the exclusive blood provider to Brandywine Hospital and Phoenixville Hospital. No other blood organization supplies these facilities and only blood donated through Miller-Keystone is being transfused at these facilities. Miller-Keystone Blood Center's new Lionville Donor Center will offer appointments both days and evenings, weekdays and weekends, providing residents throughout the Chester County region with many convenient opportunities to make a like-saving blood, platelet or plasma donation. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing Miller-Keystone Blood Center on the occasion of the Grand Opening Celebration of its donor center in Lionville, Pennsylvania and to honor this healthcare institution for its commitment to serving the essential blood product supply needs of its community.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate National Penn Bank's Royersford branch on its 25th anniversary and to honor this financial institution for its commitment to serving the community. Since opening its doors in 1986, National Penn Bank's Royersford branch has provided outstanding financial services to the community through a tremendously dedicated group of banking professionals. The Royersford branch is a place where citizens have their financial goals and dreams realized and their hard-earned dollars protected. Headquartered in Boyertown, Pennsylvania, National Penn operates 124 community banking offices in Pennsylvania and is an exemplary employer to its thousands of employees. Mr. Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing National Penn Bank's Royersford branch for its valuable contributions to enhancing its community's quality of life in its quarter century of service.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. I thank the gentleman. Madam Speaker, it's been almost 1 year since many of us here in the House offered a sobering prognosis about the devastating side effects the massive $2.4 trillion health care plan would have on our small businesses, our seniors, and our families. Last year many warned that concocting a scheme centered on expensive government mandates, $500 billion in new taxes, and bigger bureaucracy would weaken our economy and is simply the wrong prescription for bringing about meaningful change to a health care system that truly needs a strong dose of reform. Well, that prognosis has turned out to be painfully accurate. Small business owners are furious over the ever-increasing insurance premiums that continue to this day, and the 1099 mandate, which requires them to send a slip of paper to the IRS for every business transaction of $600 or more. A new 2.3 percent tax on innovators in our thriving medical device industry is also choking off investment and hurting job growth. And that's jeopardizing approximately 20,000 jobs in Pennsylvania alone. And all the enactments, tax hikes, and mandates could put an estimated 700,000 Americans out of work at a time when unemployment hovers at 10 percent. Let there be no mistake: Reform is needed. But not big government, high tax solutions. No, we need commonsense ideas, ideas that would lower costs by creating more competition among insurance companies, allowing greater freedom of choice for consumers to buy insurance across State lines, and eliminating lawsuit abuses that drive up costs by as much as $150 billion every year. We have the opportunity, starting with a ``yes'' vote today, to begin working on true reforms that will lower costs and increase affordability and accessibility of health insurance. So let's start that process with the right reforms today, together.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I stand united today with my colleagues and our nation as we remember those killed and wounded during the shootings on Saturday in Tucson, Arizona. To the families, loved ones and friends of those who suddenly and senselessly lost their lives, I join my colleagues in extending our most sincere condolences and hope that they find comfort during these extremely difficult days. To those still recovering in the hospital, including our respected colleague and dedicated public servant Gabrielle Giffords, we offer our prayers for healing of the physical and emotional wounds inflicted during this unprovoked and despicable attack. We also stand united today in expressing our deepest gratitude to all who demonstrated true courage and extraordinary heroism in that grocery store parking lot to prevent more lives from being lost and provide care for their neighbors in need. Lives were lost and forever changed in an instant on Saturday. The anguish and sorrow will linger much longer. That is why it is important to solemnly honor the memories of the victims of this dark day and, as the resolution we are voting on today states, reaffirm our belief in a democracy in which all can participate and in which intimidation and threats of violence cannot silence the voices of any American.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 8 due to a bell malfunction in my office, I was unable to get to the floor to vote. Had I been in attendance, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Stephen ``Steve'' J. Ross for his more than 40 years of faithful service to communities in southeastern Pennsylvania. During the last two years, the residents, businesses and all taxpayers of West Pikeland Township, Chester County have benefitted immeasurably from Steve's breadth of experience and tremendous leadership as Township Manager. Prior to taking the helm in West Pikeland, Steve had a distinguished career spanning nearly 30 years as Township Manager in West Whiteland Township, Chester County. He has been an outstanding steward of public finances and played a critical role in helping a region experiencing phenomenal growth protect its open space and natural resources, enhance its recreational opportunities, and improve its infrastructure. The West Pikeland Township Board of Supervisors will recognize Steve for his exemplary efforts on December 28, 2010. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring Stephen J. Ross for his extraordinary commitment to public service and dedication to making southeastern Pennsylvania a great place to live, work and raise a family.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, unfortunately, on Thursday, December 16, 2010, I missed one recorded vote on the House floor. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall 646.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an extraordinary young man from Devon, Pennsylvania, Navy Corpsman James A. Raffetto. James went off to war for his country and came back home missing three limbs and part of his fingers. He not only rushed in to save lives on the battlefield, but shines even brighter with his inspirational life and his remarkable recovery. With the help of his lovely wife Emily, his recovery is beyond words. I ask that this poem, penned in honor of him by Albert Caswell, be placed in the Record. Rescue me! On battlefields of honor bright! Are but all of those fine souls, who but bring their light! Who rush in, where Angels so fear to tread . . . As all around them so lies, the face of hell . . . the face of death so said! For all in these most precious moments, which now so lie! As all in, as when who will live . . . and who will die? But, comes all of those most courageous souls who bring such tears to eyes! As but from where does courage come, so rise? For only this, our Lord God knows up on high! As when on battlefields of honor bright, all in that this the darkest fight . . . As a Corpsman so brings his most, his most Angelic light! As have you Raffey! As have You James, all on battlefields of honor bright! All because of you, families remain whole on this night! Little boys and little girls, Who will not have to grow up without their best friends, in the world! Rescue Me, before I die! As upon these scene's of death and gore, James you gave the gift of life so high! All in those most precious moments, which lie! Rescue me, before I die! As somewhere across a world a Mother cries . . . As some how, she knows . . . her son or daughters life, upon you relies! Rescue Me, for James you are but a hero in our Lords eyes! As it was on that fateful day, as when you too almost died . . . As you lie there, waiting for an Angel just like you . . . to save your life . . . As on that morning after and you awoke, and saw what this war had invoked . . . And you so began to cry . . . As you asked, the Lord, I have a wife . . . Rescue me? . . . Don't let me die! And what's when Corpsman, it all kicked in! And you began your most courageous climb! As all in just, a few short months James . . . you have come so far . . . so fast . . . So high! Rescue me before I die! With but your most magnificent heart, on the rise! Almost all in a blink of an eye, as your recovery has so climbed! As we stand here, all in disbelief . . . All in what before us now so lies! Oh yes James, you and your beautiful wife . . . You both bring such tears to our eyes! With your faith, as now you Rescue Us . . . All in your lives! As James you so Teach Us . . . So Beseech . . . And to us, such hopes give rise! For you are the kind of Son, The Signers knew, upon all of our hopes were won! With that smile, with your light . . . Making me wish, for a son so bright! As you Rescuer Me, James . . . with all of your magnificent light! As ever in my heart, I will carry you throughout my life . . . James, Rescue Us . . . Before We Die!

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Honorable Paul W. Tressler who is retiring after faithfully serving the people of Montgomery County, Pennsylvania as a judge, prosecutor and public defender for much of the last four decades. Judge Tressler's distinguished public service career started as a prosecutor in the District Attorney's Office in 1968, eventually organizing and supervising the County's first Narcotics Task Force and serving as head of the appellate division. Appointed by Gov. Richard Thornburgh to fill a vacancy on the bench in April 1983, Judge Tressler later that year was elected to a full term and has held the job since then. Improving the adjudication process for juveniles, and ensuring the effectiveness of the various programs for young offenders, have been hallmarks of Judge Tressler's tenure. As Juvenile Judge, he established the first truancy program in Montgomery County and played a central role in securing a grant to establish a model program to prevent children from being held in secured detention for more than six hours. Thanks to Judge Tressler's hard work and dedication as Administrative Juvenile Judge, County juvenile agencies have been recognized with numerous prestigious state and national awards, including Shelter Education Program of the Year, the Residential Program of the Year, the Outstanding Detention Program and the Community Service and Victim Services Award. He is sharing his tremendous knowledge as an instructor with the Federal Law Enforcement Training Center and the Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention, currently teaching prosecutorial practices in its child abuse and exploitation course. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in recognizing the outstanding service and extraordinary career of the Honorable Paul W. Tressler and all who dedicate their careers to the pursuit of justice.

Mr. GERLACH

Mr. GERLACH. Madam Speaker, unfortunately, on Monday, November 29, 2010, I missed two recorded votes on the House floor. I ask that the record reflect that had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall 581 and ``yea'' on rollcall 582.