H. Griffith

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. I ask unanimous consent to call up H.R. 682, the Reopen Schools Act, to get our kids out from behind screens and back in the classroom.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise to note the upcoming celebration of St. David's Day on March 1. The feast day of St. David, the patron saint of Wales, offers the opportunity to honor Welsh culture and heritage and note the links between Wales and the United States. The Welsh were among the early settlers who emigrated from the British Isles to North America, and they came with the same motivations that brought many generations from all over the world to our shores, including the pursuit of religious liberty and the opportunity to create a better life for themselves and their descendants. The man remembered as the first Welsh settler, Howell Powell, arrived in Virginia from Brecon in 1642. After William Penn founded Pennsylvania in 1681, having considered naming it New Wales, a large group of Welsh Quakers settled in the colony. A century later, the Industrial Revolution brought a renewed wave of Welsh settlement to the United States. Immigrants from Wales farmed land, mined coal, made steel, and worked in a variety of other industries that powered U.S. economic ascendancy. We see the contributions of Wales to American history and culture in other ways, too. At least five signers of the Declaration of Independence had a Welsh background, including its primary author Thomas Jefferson. At least eight of our presidents have similarly come from Welsh descent. The ties between Wales and the United States are not merely historic but remain vibrant today. Welsh companies conduct business in the United States and keep Americans on their payrolls. As of 2019, the United States was the largest export market for Wales outside Europe. In the House of Representatives, I serve as Chairman of the Congressional Friends of Wales Caucus, devoted to celebrating and strengthening the ties between our two nations. Each year I look forward to our St. David's Day reception on Capitol Hill, attended by members of the Welsh community in the United States, leading officials in the Welsh government, and Members of Congress. Unfortunately, the reception will not go on as usual this year, but I will nevertheless be wearing a daffodil on March 1 to mark the holiday. The last words of St. David were said to be, ``Be joyful, keep the faith, and do the little things that you have heard and seen me do.'' People of Welsh heritage have come to embody this message in their contributions to the United States and have not done only little things but great things as well. On this St. David's Day, as one of the millions of Americans with Welsh ancestry, I take pride in the accomplishments produced by the partnership between Wales and the United States and look forward to those to come.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Gary Creed of Shawsville, Virginia, who passed away on January 28, 2021 at the age of 74. Gary was a member of the Montgomery County Board of Supervisors for several terms who worked hard for the people of the county. Gary was the son of Melvin Lewis and Ada Mae Moore Creed. He was elected to the Board of Supervisors in 2001 as the representative of District C. He promoted the Meadowbrook Montgomery-Floyd Regional Library and the Meadowbrook Community Center, supported first responders, and successfully pushed to reduce the merchants capital tax, a move that eased a burden on local businesses without depriving the county of revenue. Gary served as Chairman of the Board in 2004. He retired in 2017. In the town of Elliston, part of District C, a park currently under construction has been named after him in honor of his service. Gary was a longtime employee at the Shelor Motor Mile auto dealership and had also worked as an auctioneer and real estate developer. He loved the sport of basketball and coached Amateur Athletic Union girls basketball. Gary is survived by his wife, Linda Creed; son Tim Creed and wife Barbara; daughter Niki Shumate and husband John; brothers Wilford Creed and Clyde Creed; sister Elizabeth Brammer; granddaughters Bridgette Bradley and husband James, Karalee Boggess and husband Mark, Karli Shumate, and Lauryn Shumate; and great-grandchildren Jaxon, Jacob, Holt, Boone, and Allie. I offer them my condolences on their loss. Our system of government depends on citizens such as Gary Creed, who take on the tasks of local government in order to improve their communities.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Joseph Charles LaRocco of Salem, Virginia, who passed away on January 17, 2021 at the age of 67. Joe was a longtime coach and educator in Roanoke County who encouraged students and athletes toward excellence. Joe was born in Schenectady, New York on October 28, 1953. He grew up in Roanoke, graduated from Andrew Lewis High School in 1972, and graduated from Roanoke College in 1976. As a young man, he attained the rank of Eagle Scout and was a standout track and field and cross country athlete, eventually earning induction into the Roanoke College Athletic Hall of Fame in 1998. To the benefit of many young people in the Roanoke Valley, these activities would remain important to him for the rest of his life. After coaching at Bassett High School from 1978 to 1980, he arrived at Cave Spring High School to teach American history and government and coach boys and girls outdoor track and field, indoor track, and cross country. He loved the topic of American history as well as local stories of the past, portraying western Virginia founding father Andrew Lewis on a number of occasions. As a student, Joe set several school cross country or track and field records, and as a coach for a combined 31 seasons, he stood out as well. In 1980, he helped David Garlow win the Virginia High School League (VHSL) Group AAA boys cross country individual championship. He also coached future National Football League players Ronde and Tiki Barber. His record at Cave Spring earned him six coach of the year honors. Joe retired from teaching in 2013, but he continued as a USA Track & Field and VHSL official and participated in the Star City Striders, a local running group. He was also on the Eagle Scout Board of Review. I shared several interests with Joe and join with many in the Roanoke Valley who will miss this outstanding educator and coach and good man. He is survived by his wife Terry; daughters and sons-in-law Jackie and John Downs and Cathy LaRocco and Jeff Black; granddaughter Brigid Downs; and brothers Jim LaRocco and wife Sharon and John LaRocco. I offer them my condolences on their loss

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I offer these remarks in honor of Lee Dudley Walker of Martinsville, Virginia, who passed away on January 12, 2021 at the age of 90. Dudley Walker was a business and community leader who made a tremendous contribution to the Martinsville-Henry County area. Mr. Walker was born on July 20, 1930 in Martinsville to Virginia Dudley and Samuel Stanhope Walker. He graduated as the valedictorian of Martinsville High School in 1947 and earned the rank of Eagle Scout in the Boy Scouts of America. The next year, he attained a post-graduate certificate from Riverside Military Academy in Gainesville, Georgia. In 1952, he graduated from North Carolina State University, where he had served in the Reserve Officer's Training Corps and became Cadet Regimental Adjutant. Mr. Walker served for two years in the United States Army and was assigned to the Armed Services Textile and Apparel Procurement Agency in New York City. Upon completion of his military service, Mr. Walker returned home to join the family business, the Walker Knitting Company founded by his father Samuel in 1928. Samuel Walker also served as president of the Bassett-Walker Knitting Company. Dudley Walker became president of the Walker Knitting Company, and upon his father's death in 1960 he led both companies. They merged in 1964 under the Bassett-Walker Knitting Company name. Under Mr. Walker's leadership, Bassett-Walker grew. It built a sewing plant in Stuart in 1965 and in Hillsville and Brookneal in the 1970s. It subsequently acquired yarn manufacturer Johnston Mills Co., opened divisions in Ferrum and Stoneville, North Carolina, and opened a distribution center in Henry County. At its zenith, Bassett-Walker owned 13 plants and employed more than 7,000 workers, helping Martinsville earn its reputation as ``The Sweatshirt Capital of the World.'' The company became part of VF Corp in 1984. Mr. Walker operated as Chairman of Knitwear for VF until 1986 and remained on the company's board until 2000. He acted not only as an executive but as a community leader whose businesses were an important support to the people of the area. Beyond his role in this industry, at the time so fundamental to the Martinsville-Henry County area, Mr. Walker was a dedicated philanthropist. Wanting to keep young people in the region, he became a driving force behind the founding of Carlisle School, playing active roles from helping to choose the school's site to recruiting staff. He donated to Patrick Henry Community College, the YMCA, and the Boys and Girls Club of the Blue Ridge, among other organizations. He was a lifelong member of Broad Street Christian Church, which his mother had helped found. Among the recognitions Mr. Walker received for his accomplishments were the Heck Ford Award from the Martinsville-Henry County Chamber of Commerce and the Pillar Award from the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Council for ``Lifetime Contributions to the Martinsville-Henry County Business Community.'' Mr. Walker's survivors include his wife of 65 years, Elizabeth Mitchell Walker; son Samuel Stanhope Walker II and wife Janice Meredith Walker; daughters Virginia Walker Hamlet and her husband Burgess Harrison Hamlet III and Anne Walker Poole and her husband Walker Lynch Poole; grandchildren Andrew Linwood Shelton, Blake Thomas Walker, Harrison Walker Hamlet, Lee Dudley Hamlet, Mitchell Hudson Hamlet, Walker Lynch Poole., Jr., Virginia Buchanan Poole, and Elizabeth Weaver Poole; and sister Spotswood Walker Box. I offer them my condolences on this loss of this great business leader and philanthropist of the Martinsville-Henry County area.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Kelly Brice Walters of Christiansburg, Virginia, who passed away on December 26, 2020 at the age of 84. Mr. Walters was a first responder who committed his life to providing and improving emergency services in the New River Valley. Kelly Walters was born on September 16, 1936 in Rogers, Virginia, to Vada McGuire and George M. Walters Jr. He began his career as a first responder in 1964 with the Christiansburg Lifesaving and First Aid Crew. In this organization, later the Christiansburg Rescue Squad, he served as Captain, First Lieutenant, Second Lieutenant, Treasurer, and President of the Board of Directors. He helped launch rescue squads in Floyd County and Riner in Montgomery County. In the Virginia Association of Volunteer Rescue Squads, he served as the District 7 Vice President twice and ultimately as President and was also honored in its Hall of Fame. Colleagues and community members remember Mr. Walters for his kindness and dedication to the emergency services. They told the Roanoke Times about his willingness to help coworkers with bills without expecting repayment or to pay for EMT certifications for others before the state reimbursed such expenses. Many colleagues looked upon him as a mentor. In addition to his work with the Christiansburg Rescue Squad, Mr. Walters worked earlier life at the Blue Ridge Overall Factory, Cromer Furniture, and as caretaker of the Cemetery Corporation. He also served for eighteen years as Montgomery County's Animal Control Officer. Apart from these responsibilities, he was a member of the Christiansburg Hunting Club, which he served as President and as a member of the Board of Directors. Mr. Walters was preceded in death by his wife, Virginia Gerald Walters. He is survived by his daughter Nancy; grandson Bradley Hutchenson; great-grandchildren Elizabeth Ann and Halley Jo; sisters Brenda Thomas, Shirley Bartlett, and Jean Walters; and sister-in-law Jane Akers. I would like to offer my condolences to them and the people of Christiansburg on the loss of this dedicated public servant.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Further parliamentary inquiry. Mr. Vice President, I am not attempting to debate. I am trying to find out how a parliamentary inquiry or a parliamentary point of order would be made in following with the Speaker's request that most of us not be on the floor. How do you make one of those points of order when you don't know what is going to happen later?

Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Vice President, in order to follow the Speaker's instructions that only a limited number of people be on the floor, may I ask how one would make an objection or make a parliamentary inquiry in the future if you are not on the floor but in the gallery.

Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Vice President, parliamentary inquiry.

Mr. GRIFFITH. Yes, ma'am. The point of order would be that the gentleman said that there were lies on this floor here today, looking over in this direction. I ask that those words be taken down. We may have a disagreement on matters, but--

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, point of order.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Trever Aubria ``T.A.'' Carter, Jr., who passed away on December 27, 2020 at the age of 93. T.A. was a veteran, architect, and philanthropist in Virginia's Roanoke Valley. T.A. was born on December 20, 1927 to Trever Aubria Carter, Sr. and Pernell Jackson Carter Smith. He graduated from Jefferson High School. After serving in the United States Navy at the end of World War II, he earned a degree in architecture from Virginia Tech. The properties T.A. helped develop dot the landscape of western Virginia. He launched the Double T Corporation with T.D. Steele and also worked in partnerships with other businessmen. Among the locations T.A. helped develop were Crossroads Mall, the first enclosed shopping mall in Virginia, and Tanglewood Mall in Roanoke, University Mall in Blacksburg, Hunting Hills Country Club, properties for the Marriott hotel chain in Roanoke and Blacksburg, and residential neighborhoods including the Stonegate neighborhood and the Stonegate Swim Club. He was a hands-on developer who visited his projects every day they were under development. T.A. contributed to the architecture of western Virginia but he contributed in other ways. He advocated for Explore Park in Roanoke and Bedford Counties. As a devotee of his alma mater, Virginia Tech, he established the T.A. Carter Professorship in the College of Architecture, and he supported Roanoke College in Salem as well. T.A. also belonged to the Salem Rotary for many years. T.A. was known for his kind and charitable nature, taking an interest in the people of his community and his profession and supporting their endeavors. I was a recipient of his generosity. The Stonegate Swim Club which he built and owned had an initiation fee and a membership fee, but he let a single-parent schoolteacher in the area pay the fees in installments for her children so they could use the facility. As one of those children, I enjoyed the opportunity to swim and took it up as a lifelong hobby. I am a member of that swim club to this day. T.A. is survived by his wife of 71 years, Jeanette Watson Carter; his daughter, Treva Jean Carter and fiance Alan; his son, Edward Paul Carter and wife Juliette; his granddaughter, Amber Miller Mason; grandsons Jeremy Wyatt Carter and wife Kel and Benjamin Gerald Carter and wife Melissa, and great-grandchildren Maggie, Carter, Wyatt, and Millie. I wish to offer my condolences on the loss of T.A., who did so much for the development and support of the Roanoke Valley.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Virginia state Senator Augustus Benton ``Ben'' Chafin, Jr. of Lebanon, Virginia, who died on January 1, 2021 at the age of 60. Ben was a dedicated and effective state legislator and a kind and decent man. Ben was a true son of Southwest Virginia. He was born on May 18, 1960 in Abingdon, Virginia. He earned a bachelor's degree from East Tennessee State University and a law degree from the University of Richmond. Ben practiced law in Lebanon as a principal of the Chafin Law Firm. He also served as a board member of the First Bank and Trust, which his father had helped to found, and ran a beef cattle farm. In 2013, Ben won a seat in the Virginia House of Delegates. A year later, he won a special election to represent the 38th District in the Virginia Senate. The 38th District includes all of the Counties of Bland, Buchanan, Dickenson, Russell, Tazewell, and Pulaski, parts of the Counties of Smyth, Wise, and Montgomery, and the Cities of Norton and Radford. He was a great representative for the citizens of these jurisdictions, focused on listening to their concerns and addressing them with compassion and integrity. He was a voice in Richmond for the region he had long called home and the people he had known as his friends and neighbors. Ben was my friend and a good friend to all of us in Southwest Virginia. He and I knew each other well as we often campaigned together across our region. The wide respect and affection Ben earned is indicated by the statement of Virginia Governor Ralph Northam: ``With the passing of Senator Ben Chafin, Southwest Virginia has lost a strong advocate--and we have all lost a good man.'' A similar sentiment was expressed by Virginia Delegate Terry Kilgore, a close friend of Ben: ``Ben was a fighter, both in the Virginia Senate and in the courtroom as an attorney. I am honored to have been able to know and work with him. Ben is one of the most honorable and genuine individuals I have ever known, and his passing is a tremendous loss for our region.'' Ben is survived by his wife Lora and his children Audra, Sophie, and Gus. I offer my condolences on the loss of this good man and great legislator.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I offer these remarks in honor of Judith Junkin Brown Paxton of Salem, Virginia, who passed away on December 7, 2020 at the age of 90. She was a pillar of the Salem community who served her fellow citizens as a volunteer and good neighbor. Judy Brown was born on September 9, 1930 in Roanoke, Virginia, to Elijah Brazelton Brown and Martha Judith Junkin Brown. She graduated from Andrew Lewis High School in 1948. Her family, church, and community were the objects of her activity and energy. As a member of St. Paul's Episcopal Church, she sang in the choir for 70 years, directed the children's choir, served on the Vestry, read to the children at St. Anne's Day School, and performed numerous other services for the congregation. She also volunteered at the office for the Episcopal Diocese of Southwest Virginia. Her compassion and faith inspired her work as a coordinator for the St. Paul's volunteers who serve lunches for the Roanoke Area Ministries. As her friends and neighbors, the people of Salem enjoyed Judy's goodwill and hospitality. She cooked chili for the crews of the Street Department as they cleared snow, organized decorating of lampposts for Christmas, and put up flags for Independence Day. From progressive dinners to bridge games, the activities of Salem were brightened by Judy's friendliness and generosity. Judy was married to the late William Joseph Paxton Jr., who served as Salem's City Manager. She is survived by sons W. David Paxton and his wife Vicki of Roanoke, Joseph Paxton and his wife Annette of Broadway, Virginia, and James Paxton and his wife Hilda of Salem; daughter Martha Paxton Nowlin and her husband Melvin of Big Island, Virginia; brother William O'Brien and his wife Ellie of Kitty Hawk, North Carolina; and sister-in-law June Newman Paxton of Roanoke. She is also survived by ten grandchildren and their spouses Corey (Danielle) Paxton, Traci (Matt) Rowe, Jessica (Scott) Mackaro, Katie (Marc) Palmieri, Jennifer Paxton, Sara (Greg) Hall, William (Brittany) Paxton, Theresa (Michael) Peregoff, Kimberly (Lacy) Burnette, and Robert (Courtney) Paxton, as well as ten great-grandchildren, Hannah, Shiloah, Norah, Paige Judith, Tyler, Victoria, Evelyn, Ava, Anna Grace, and Joey.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate that this bill has made it to this level. You know, Congress doesn't always work well, but sometimes it does. Andy Harris and I were back here, about where he is sitting right now, having a discussion one day, because a lot of times, things get solved or issues come to a head because we are trying to solve problems for the American people. I believe that there are many uses for medicinal marijuana. I don't support recreational use, but I support medicinal use. Andy thinks that it goes way too far, as you heard him just say. But the bottom line is, as we were discussing it, neither one of us could cite scientific research to support our positions. So, we agreed at that point that we would work together on our side of the aisle. And obviously, the gentleman from Oregon has been leading on this for many, many years, and he was going to lead on the other side. We agreed we would try to find language that worked. We have tried some backdoor routes to get it through some Energy and Commerce bills before, schedule 1R to do research. But this is extremely important. And you are either for medicinal marijuana or against medicinal marijuana, but you can't make an argument either way without the proper research. This fine piece of legislation that was hammered out over a couple of years, maybe as many as 5 years, is a good piece of legislation, and it deserves the unanimous support of this United States House. I recommend it to each and every one of you. That being said, I would like to take another minute to speak about my relationship with my Ranking Member Walden, who is leaving us. It is with regret on my part that he is leaving. He has a life to lead, and that is what people sometimes forget about Members of Congress. There is life after Congress, and he is going to do some interesting things. I am anxious to learn what they are. He says he is anxious to learn what they are, too. But he has so much talent. He has led our committee and then our side of the aisle on the committee so well, and has allowed those of us who are a little different sometimes to have some interesting ideas, to have those ideas bubble up, to take some interesting votes sometimes in committee, to allow Members down dais to have significant input. I am greatly appreciative of that. I am also appreciative of his friendship and loyalty. I remember when we discovered that his longtime friend Ray Baum had a fatal disease, how he stuck with him, how Ray kept coming to work and was doing things all the way through, and then how he passed an important piece of legislation which commemorated all of Ray Baum's work. The bill has Ray Baum's name on it, as it should, but it was a tribute from his friend, and I respect that type of friendship. I appreciate it very much. I will always hold you in high regard. If I can do anything to be of assistance in the future, I will gladly do so.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Joan Hardie Munford, who passed away on November 11, 2020. Mrs. Munford was a businesswoman and represented parts of the New River Valley in the Virginia House of Delegates, where she was a legislator of accomplishment. Joan Hardie was born on October 25, 1933, in Blacksburg, Virginia to John D. Hardie and Hester Price Hardie. Her family owned businesses including the popular Hardie House restaurant in the area. She attended Blacksburg High School, where she met her eventual husband Thomas William Munford Jr., and graduated in 1951. She then attended Radford College, now Radford University, and earned a degree in Education. Mrs. Munford embarked on a business career, participating in the founding of a property and nursing home development corporation in the early 1970s. She worked as a licensed nursing home administrator for Heritage Hall in Blacksburg, and it became a chain with seventeen nursing homes across Virginia. She eventually rose to the position of Vice President of Operations. In 1981, Mrs. Munford was elected to the Virginia House of Delegates representing the Thirteenth District and become one of the few women in the General Assembly. In the House, she served on the Corporations, Insurance, and Banking, Labor and Commerce, and Education Committees. She was an accomplished legislator involved in passing laws regarding education, child labor, and workplace regulation among other topics. By the time she retired from the House of Delegates in 1993, she had risen to chair of the Labor and Commerce Committee. Retiring from the House of Delegates did not end Mrs. Munford's community service, as she served on the Board of Directors for First National Bank of Christiansburg and the Carilion New River Valley Medical Center and as a member of the first planning committee for Virginia Tech's Choices and Challenges Forum Series. She was an active member of Blacksburg Presbyterian Church and loved music, especially playing the piano, throughout her life. Mrs. Munford is survived by her daughter and son-in-law, Mary and David Harder; her grandsons, James Harder and Benjamin Harder and his wife, Jacquelyn Harder; and great-grandchildren, Cole and Airlie Harder. I offer my condolences to them on the loss of this community servant and advocate.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4812, the Ensuring Compliance Against Drug Diversion Act. This is a small but very important step that could play a key role in helping contain the opioid epidemic. License to distribute opioids is not a commodity to be freely bought and sold. Those who wish to distribute opioids must earn the ability to do so. An investigation performed by the Energy and Commerce Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee found that the current process of transferring controlled substance dispensation licenses does not create sufficient accountability. In the one instance you heard about before, a distributor and its pharmacy customer did not go through the appropriate process of transferring registration to a new pharmacy owner, but the mistake wasn't caught until long afterward. As a result, there was a period of time during which the DEA was unaware that particular pharmacy was distributing controlled substances. Now, in this case, as best I understand it, there was not a rogue individual, it was just a matter of an oversight. But what we are trying to do with this bill today is to make sure that in the future we don't have some rogue individual that comes in and buys somebody else's business or their license or their registration and doesn't go back to the DEA to get proper registration. Failing to appropriately contact the DEA and verify whether the agency approved a transfer creates a serious risk of drug diversion, and this bill amends the Controlled Substances Act to prohibit that transfer of any DEA registration without written consent from the agency. By requiring written approval from the DEA before the transfer of registration occurs, we decrease the risk of drug diversion by keeping controlled substances out of the hands of people that have not been vetted by the appropriate regulatory authorities. Madam Speaker, that is the purpose of the bill. I appreciate everyone's support on it.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I submit these remarks in honor of Lyndell ``Dale'' Woods of Salem, Virginia, who died on November 8, 2020. He was a longtime volunteer at the Fort Lewis Fire Department, and the heart disease that took his life developed as a result of his service. Mr. Woods was born in Stuttgart, Germany, on March 8, 1960 to Rodney Leroy and Maria Liebelt Woods. He graduated from Salem High School in 1978 as part of the school's first graduating class. Volunteer firefighting in the Fort Lewis Fire Department was a calling he pursued for 35 years, from March 1981 until his diagnosis with heart disease in 2016. During that time, he attained the ranks of Lieutenant, Captain, and Membership Office and acquired certifications including Firefighter 1-2, Fire Instructor, and Emergency Vehicle Operator--Class 4. Mr. Woods worked at PMI Lubricants for 22 years. His community involvement in addition to his volunteer firefighting service included the Boy Scouts of America and coaching Glenvar Recreation League soccer. Mr. Woods' survivors include his wife Jewel, his son Daniel, four stepdaughters, and eight grandchildren. I wish to offer them and the Fort Lewis Fire Department my condolences on their loss. Many communities across the Ninth District rely on volunteer firefighters such as Mr. Woods for their safety, and his death as a result of the performance of his duties reminds us of their great dedication and sacrifice.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I offer these remarks in honor of Thomas Christopher Gladden of Salem, Virginia, who died on October 22, 2020. Chris Gladden was a journalist and antiquarian whose work was enjoyed by many in the Roanoke Valley. Chris was born on December 25, 1948 in Roanoke to Hobart Augustus Gladden and Phyllis Ann Denit. He graduated from Andrew Lewis High School in Salem. In his youth, his carefree lifestyle, which included hitchhiking to Nashville to see Bob Dylan and turning down a chance to attend Woodstock to instead go to the Atlantic City Pop Festival, earned him a place in the Roanoke World-News as a subject of columnist Mike Ives. Eventually Chris joined the paper as an employee. He started as a copy boy in 1974 and found one of his strengths was writing movie reviews. Readers of the Roanoke World-News and then the Roanoke Times, following the merger of the papers in 1977, enjoyed his astute and entertaining film commentary until 1993. Chris then opted to leave the Roanoke Times and open a bookstore. He specialized in rare books, antiques, and really interesting stuff. As one of his customers, I enjoyed browsing his collection and learning of his finds. During this time, he also earned a degree in history from Roanoke College. His love of history extended beyond his studies and his rare book collection; he served on the board of the Salem Historical Society and was involved in the Historical Society of Western Virginia. He also served as president of the Salem Friends of the Library Board. Chris had two sons that he loved, and shortly before his death lost his son Sean. He is survived by his son William. I offer my condolences on his loss.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Shelby Paisley Hamlett, who passed away on September 14, 2020 at the age of 82. Shelby was dedicated to helping others in an array of volunteer and charitable organizations. Shelby was born in Wytheville, Virginia on August 20, 1938, to Alton and Rachael Paisley. She grew up in the town and then attended Hollins University, which took her to the Roanoke area where she would spend much of the rest of her life. Shelby was deeply devoted to several causes and organizations that sought to improve lives in her community and around the world. At the age of 18, she became involved in the General Federation of Women's Clubs (GFWC), starting with the Brambleton Jr. Woman's Club in Blue Ridge District, GFWC Virginia. The organization became a lifelong commitment, and Shelby went on to serve in post after post, including Virginia President 1980 to 1982 and ultimately International President 2000 to 2002. In this role, she helped develop the GFWC Leadership Education and Development Seminar, attended the Women's World Vision Conference in China, and participated in an Operation Smile Medical mission. Her passion for helping others extended to other causes. I met Shelby when I served on the board of Easter Seals Virginia, an organization devoted to helping Americans living with disabilities, which she assisted in creating and longed served as a member of the Board of Directors. She was also on the national Board of Directors. As the local level, she was part of the Roanoke County PTA Association, helped develop special education classes for the county's schools, and was a longtime active member and deacon at Heights Community Church in Roanoke. Shelby is survived by her son David, brothers Monte and Randal Paisley, and several nieces and nephews. I would like to extend my condolences to them on their loss.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, we have heard a lot of great comments about John. I was not officially a mentee, but when I first got to the Energy and Commerce Committee, he immediately started giving me pointers and guidance. We would talk about issues, and we would talk about how you do things and how sometimes it is frustrating around here, as we all know. I appreciate very much all the help that you gave me and the guidance that you gave me through the years. I am going to miss you deeply on the committee. I appreciate all of your service. I could talk about all the things that all the other people have, but I am going to point something out that I realized as I was sitting here. Every Member of Congress, by nature, is a political junkie, and, unfortunately, the time to celebrate your service overlaps with a Presidential debate. So it will get higher ratings in the reruns than it will get in the prime time, first edition. But when you stop to think about it, think about all the Members of Congress who stayed here, who wanted to say something positive about you, about your service, your commitment to your family, to your God, and to your country, we are all here missing that big event because we love John Shimkus. So, God bless you. Godspeed on the work that you have to do further.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Barbara Duncan Turk of Radford, Virginia, who passed away on September 16, 2020 at the age of 87. She was a faithful servant of her community who worked to improve it in a variety of volunteer roles. Barbara was a native of Reading, Pennsylvania, and a graduate of Southern Seminary in Buena Vista, Virginia. She was married to her late husband, James Turk, a Virginia state senator and U.S. District Court Judge, for 59 years until his death in 2014. Improving Radford and helping the people who lived there was her life's work. Among the organizations she devoted her time and attention to were the Radford Women's Club, Radford Community Hospital/Carilion New River Valley (NRV) Medical Center Volunteer Program, Radford Rotary Club, and the NRV Community Chorus. Radford University benefited from her activity on the Board of Visitors, Foundation Board of Directors, Arts Society, and Athletic Association, just a few of the numerous ways she supported the university's mission. As a devout member of First Baptist Church, she sang in the choir and frequented Sunday services and Wednesday dinners. Barbara also served on her alma mater's Board of Directors and on the Board of Directors for Saint Alban's Foundation and Carilion Hospital. Barbara's activities did not detract from her commitment to her family, including her children Ramona Gravley, James Turk, Jr. and wife Allison, Judge Robert ``Bobby'' Turk and wife Laura, Mary T. Prince, and D. Michael ``Mick'' Turk and wife Barbara; fifteen grandchildren; and five great-grandchildren. I would like to extend them my condolences on the loss of this generous and service-minded woman.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I offer these remarks in honor of Ray Pethtel, Jr. of Christiansburg, Virginia, who passed away on September 12, 2020 at the age of 83. Ray was a longtime public servant who was committed to accountability and high performance in Virginia state government. Ray was born in Gallipolis, Ohio and graduated from high school in New Kensington, Pennsylvania. After service in the United States Air Force, he returned to Pennsylvania and earned a bachelor's and a master's degree from the Pennsylvania State University. He held multiple positions in New York state government, interrupted by a stint in Washington, D.C., as Director of Administration for the American Society for Public Administration. The Virginia General Assembly established the Joint Legislative Audit and Review Commission (JLARC) in 1973, and Ray was hired as the first director. JLARC was created to assist the General Assembly in its oversight responsibilities by auditing state government agencies and analyzing their effectiveness. In this mission, JLARC located an ideal founding director in Ray. He assembled a strong team and performed his duties with rigor and attentiveness. When I was a member of the House of Delegates, I saw firsthand the importance of JLARC's mission and contributions; Ray's work for twelve years at JLARC helped build that institution and made it a model for other states. After winning election in 1985, Governor Gerald Baliles appointed Ray to serve as the Commissioner of Virginia's Department of Highways and Transportation, now the Department of Transportation (VDOT). His time at JLARC had familiarized him with the Commonwealth's transportation needs. Under his leadership, which lasted through the terms of Governor Baliles and his successor Doug Wilder, VDOT completed many important projects, became more efficient, and improved its communications with the public about its work. Ray continued to work on transportation after leaving office at Virginia Tech's Transportation Institute. He brought his knowledge of highways and transportation to the institute's research, and it now stands as one of the country's leading academic centers in the field. In this capacity, I had the opportunity to work with Ray. For his leadership over the years, Ray won numerous awards and recognitions, including the New Century Region High Tech Leadership Award, American Society of Highway Engineers Robert E. Person P.E. Person of the Year Award, the Rotary Foundation International Paul Harris Fellow, the Virginia Tech University Transportation Fellow, the Penn State Alumni Fellow, and the Roanoke-Blacksburg Technology Hall of Fame. Ray is survived by his wife, Mary Jane, his three daughters, Jennifer, Leslie and Judy, his grandchildren, Austin, Stephanie and Kathleen, and his sons-in-law, Tom, Ken and Scott. I would like to offer my condolences to them on the loss of this committed and diligent public servant.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise in honor of Emory Ralph Altizer of Cedar Bluff, Virginia, who passed away on August 29 at the age of 99. Once recognized as America's oldest coal miner, Mr. Altizer represented the strong work ethic, spirit, patriotism, and faith that characterize the people of Virginia's Ninth Congressional District whom I am honored to serve. Mr. Altizer was a native of Tazewell County, born on August 12, 1921 to William and Chloe Day Altizer. He graduated in 1940 from Richlands High School. He began his career in the coal mines of Southwest Virginia in the 1930s. He told Coal People Magazine in 2007 that the first time he entered an underground mine, he could stand up in low-seam coal. ``I was raised in mining,'' Mr. Altizer said. ``Don't know why I liked it. I just did.'' Like many of his generation, his life was interrupted by World War II; also like so many, he proudly served, manning the tail gun of a Martin PBM Mariner flying boat stationed aboard the USS Chandeleur. After the war, he resumed his career in the coal mines, working at a succession of them over 68 years. He saw the industry change many times, but he remained dedicated to it. As he said to Coal People Magazine, ``I'm getting old, I know, and I realize someday I'm going to have to quit, but I don't want to. Don't want any handouts. If I ever thought I couldn't help, I would quit.'' In 2012, when he stopped working in the mines at last at the age of 91, he was recognized as America's oldest coal miner. He met then- candidate Donald Trump in 2016, and I had the honor to meet Mr. Altizer several times as well. Mining was important to Mr. Altizer, but it wasn't the only thing. He was a charter member of the Richlands Tabernacle and attended Belfast Full Gospel Fellowship. He was married for 73 years to his wife Lila, and they had six children. Emory Altizer is survived by Lila, his children Danny, Dana, Diane, and Doug, thirteen grandchildren, fifteen great-grandchildren, two great-great grandchildren, and his brother Landon. I would like to offer them my condolences. In a region that takes pride in its coal mining heritage, Emory Altizer became a legend.

Mr. GRIFFITH

Mr. GRIFFITH. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Jeanne Hann Pedigo of Salem, Virginia, who passed away on July 3, 2020 at the age of 91. Jeanne was a brilliant engineer in the field of aviation as well as an active participant in Salem's community life. Jeanne was born in Roanoke, Virginia, to Thomas and Mildred Hann on November 29, 1928, the same day Thanksgiving was celebrated that year. She graduated from Andrew Lewis High School in 1946 and subsequently attended Lincoln Memorial University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics, physics, and drama as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish, English, and history. Aviation became her life's work. She started at the National Advisory Committee for Aeronautics, the predecessor agency to NASA. While at Langley Field, she researched airflow on experimental fighter aircraft. She then joined North American Aviation and continued her research career in California. The projects she worked on included the F-86 Sabre, F-100 Super Sabre, and stellar supervised guidance systems for unmanned missiles. Jeanne also attended night school at the University of Southern California. In 1953, Jeanne was spending Christmas at home. She went on a blind date with William Pedigo, who proposed to her the next day. She accepted three days later and they married four months later. They would remain married for 58 years until his death in 2012. In 1970, Virginia Governor Linwood Holton appointed Jeanne to the Virginia Aviation Adviso1y Board, now the Virginia Aviation Board. She was reappointed several times by later governors, Democrat and Republican, and in 1981 Governor John Dalton named her the first female chairman. Jeanne left the board for the private sector in 1986, working at Campbell and Paris Engineers as Director of Business Planning and Governmental Affairs. Governor Jim Gilmore appointed her for another stint on the Aviation Board in 1998, and she served until 2002. Jeanne pursued a variety of interests outside of her career in aviation, including numerous community activities and hobbies. She was involved in the YWCA, Girl Scouts, Greene Memorial Church Chancel and Concert choirs, Covenant Presbyterian Church choir, Beta Sigma Phi sorority, Roanoke airport support groups, the Air Force Association, and the International Rotary Club, The Republican Committees of both Roanoke City and County benefited from her service, as did candidates for the Virginia General Assembly. She also gardened, read often, and studied the genealogy of her family. Survivors of Jeanne include her two daughters, Linda Jean Pedigo and JoAnn P. Crouch, two grandchildren, Zachariah Crouch and Lindsey Crouch Streng, and two great-grandchildren, Skyler Streng and Blaire Streng. The author Tom Wolfe famously wrote of the ``right stuff' possessed by the flight test pilots of the postwar era and early space program-- the blend of skill and confidence required to stand out in the field. Jeanne Pedigo showed in her own way that she, too, had the right stuff, using her formidable intellect and abilities to build an exceptional career in the field of aviation.