Duncan Hunter

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an American Hero, Sergeant Major Raymond Mackey of Sierra Vista, Arizona and the 3rd Battalion 10th Marines. This Marine has served our Nation for 28 years; leading and inspiring our Nation's Marines. On December 23, 2009, while on patrol, he noticed a marker left by the enemy indicating an improvised explosive device, IED, up ahead. As he pushed a fellow Marine out of the way of the IED, it exploded and Sergeant Major Mackey lost his legs and almost his life. With the help of his wife, Vicki, he recovered and is doing well today. I ask that the following poem by Albert Caswell penned in honor of Major Mackey and his family be placed in the record: Arizona's Bright Son Arizona's son . . . Shining, but so very brightly . . . as but does, so this one! Ah yes Raymond, you are one of her brightest of all ones! As thy will be done! A United States Marine, oh yes, you are on one of the finest of all things! That, this our Country . . . has . . . ever so seen . . . As a leader of women and men, as upon battlefields of honor you would descend . . . A Sergeant Major, whose entire life will be . . . and has always been . . . One of strength in honor, time and time again! As so boldly forth, Mac you have worn that fine shade of green! As a magnificent brave heart, who would go off to war to lead . . . Leaving behind, all that you so loved . . . and adored! All for God and Country, all for our most precious freedom to ensure! As into such fine heroes, molding and leading our men and women so for sure! As when, all in that moment's of truth . . . Saving your brother in arm's life, giving up your own two strong legs . . . as lies the proof! As when, you looked down . . . and so saw what you had found . . . As the tears upon his most heroic face, came streaming down! But, Marines don't quit! They lead! As now Sergeant Major Mackey, you have a new battle to win . . . a new war to succeed! For some heroes, are but put upon this earth! To teach us, to reach us . . . to all of our hearts so beseech us . . . all in their worth! For all in our Lord God's heart, they do so surely come first! As does, this bright son now shine! As over the skies of Arizona, you so rise! With but your faith and courage, but bringing tears to all of our eyes! The kind of son, I wished was mine! Who will one day, Heaven . . . for his faith and courage, wings will so find! Oh Mac, how you do shine! All in your life, all in your time! And all of those lives that you have saved . . . And all of those magnificent heroes you have so trained and trained! And all for your most heroic brothers in arms, who no so lie in soft quiet graves . . . Have so marched forth all in those magnificent shades of green! As you will rise up with your heart of courage full, as once again to lead the way! As your most courageous life, so brightens all of our days! Marine! ``Oh Mackey, how you do shine!'' There's an even brighter son, now shining this day all in Arizona's skies! It's you, Sergeant Major Raymond Mackey, whose heart to new heights as does so rise!

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. HUNTER. I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his well thought-out arguments on this issue. What does the gentleman think about the actual service chiefs, the Marine Corps Commandant, the Army Chief of Staff, the actual generals who lead the military men and women that we speak about, being against the repeal, especially now?

Mr. HUNTER. I thank the gentleman from California and the ranking member of the Armed Services Committee. Let me start out by just quoting General Amos a couple of days ago, who's the commandant of the United States Marine Corps on this issue. He said, I don't want to lose any marines to distraction. I don't want any marines that I'm visiting at Bethesda Naval Medical Center with no legs to be the result of any type of distraction. Mistakes and distractions cost marine lives. So there's that quote from the commandant of the United States Marine Corps. The marines are in part of the heaviest fight in Afghanistan right now, and they were part of the heaviest fight in Iraq between 2004 and 2007. This is not about race. Let me quote somebody else that we've been quoting, General Colin Powell. General Colin Powell said, skin color is a benign, non-behavioral characteristic. Sexual orientation is perhaps the most profound of human behavioral characteristics. Comparison of the two is a convenient, but invalid, argument. It sounds good to make that comparison, that this is like the civil rights movement. The problem is the United States military is not the YMCA. It's something special. And the reason that we have the greatest military in the world is because of the way that it is right now. We are not Great Britain. We are not France; we are not Germany. And the Marine Corps is not the place, nor is the Army, the Navy, or the Air Force the place to have a liberal crusade to create a utopia of a liberal agenda and experiment during wartime while men and women are risking their lives. And probably the biggest problem that I have with this repeal is this: the Armed Services Committee, in the 2 years that I've been in Congress--my last tour was in Afghanistan in 2007. Since I've been in Congress we have not had one full committee hearing on IEDs, on roadside bombs, the number one casualty in Afghanistan. This is a distraction. This is a waste of time, and every second I think that we spend on this and that Secretary Gates spends on this and that our commanding generals spend on this issue means that we're not focusing on what's important, that is, winning the mission in Afghanistan and bringing our men and women home safely. This does neither.

Mr. HUNTER. This does not help us win the mission in Afghanistan. This does not bring our men and women home any faster. It doesn't keep them safer. It doesn't build better weapons. It doesn't train them any better. It's nothing but a distraction right now so we don't focus on the real issue at hand, which is winning in Iraq and Afghanistan and bringing our men and women home. That's what's important.

Mr. HUNTER. I thank the gentleman from California. We have made this debate about a lot of things--gay rights, civil rights, our courts, the head of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Secretary of Defense, among other things--but all this is truly about is our 18- and 20-year-old young men who are ordered to charge uphill through a hail of bullets and close with and destroy the enemy through fire and close combat. That's what this is about. Repealing Don't Ask, Don't Tell is going to cost our military fighting men effectiveness, which is going to, in turn, possibly cost lives. That's why I would like to object to the repeal of Don't Ask, Don't Tell.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the dedication, public service and patriotism of U.S. Navy Commander ``Pete'' Casalegno for 30 years of distinguished service to our nation, both with the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Air Force. Commander Casalegno's military service began in 1965 when he enlisted in the Air Force and served as a weather observer and forecaster. A veteran of the Vietnam War, he served as a member of the combat weather team at Tan Son Nhut, Vietnam, from December 1967 to December 1968. Upon graduation from the University of San Francisco, Commander Casalegno was commissioned and subsequently designated as a naval flight officer. After completion of advanced training in the E-2 Hawkeye aircraft, Commander Casalegno was assigned to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 114 and completed two overseas deployments onboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CV-63) and the USS Coral Sea (CV-43). During this assignment, Commander Casalegno completed arduous qualifications as Officer of the Deck and Tactical Action Officer. After graduating from the United States Postgraduate School in 1981 with a Master of Science in Systems Engineering, Commander Casalegno was assigned to the staff of the Cruiser Destroyer Group Three as Assistant Air Operations and Electronic Warfare Officer. Involved in frequent deployments to both the Western Pacific and Southwest Asia, Commander Casalegno participated in military operations following the fall of the Shah of Iran and numerous humanitarian operations. In 1985, Commander Casalegno reported to Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 116 where he served as Operations Officer and Maintenance Officer during deployments to the Western Pacific and Southwest Asia. Commander Casalegno was involved in operations which included escorting U.S. merchant ships through the Straits of Hormuz and retributive strikes on Iranian oil facilities. Following the tour, Commander Casalegno was assigned to the staff of Commander Allied Forces Southern Europe in Naples, Italy. As a staff officer, he was involved in numerous North American Treaty Organization operations, including support of allied forces during Operations Desert Shield and Desert Storm. In 1990, Commander Casalegno was assigned as the United States Navy Exchange Officer to the Royal Navy's Maritime Tactical School in Portsmouth, England, where he trained senior allied officials in the employment of naval forces. In 1994, Commander Casalegno returned to the United States to serve at the Navy's Tactical Training Group, Atlantic Fleet, as the air defense instructor. Commander Casalegno, his wife Marla, his daughter Julie, and his sons Cory and Phillip are stalwart Americans who have made enormous sacrifices over the last 30 years. Commander Casalegno has honorably and faithfully upheld the nation's special trust and confidence conveyed through his military commission. In every way, he has upheld his oath of office with true faith and allegiance. It is with the greatest sense of respect and appreciation that I stand today in recognition of Commander Casalegno and, along with the rest of my colleagues, wish him all the best in his retirement.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a true American hero, United States Marine Cpl Aaron Howell from Potsdam, New York. On April 22, 2010, during a mortar attack in Afghanistan, Corporal Howell lost both his legs and most of his fingers on one hand. Close to death, he somehow summoned the will to live. His life and his experiences are an inspiring lesson to us all about the selfless sacrifice and courage of the men and women serving in the military today. As Corporal Howell meets his latest challenge to rebuild his life, we know that this Marine will climb the next mountain and, with his courage and can-do attitude, will serve as an example to us all. I ask that this poem, written by Albert Carey Caswell, in the honor of Corporal Howell's extraordinary courage, be placed in the Congressional Record. Howell? Howell does one go off to war? Howell do you walk though the valley of death, and yourself ignore? Howell do you come back from the dead, and rebuild your life again once more? Howell do you wake up and see your fine legs, and part of your strong hands so gone? Howell do you find the courage, the strength to somehow move on? Howell, do you raise your fine head up so high, and want to live, with tears in eye? For only such things in a magnificent heart of courage so lie! For only such things our Lord God up in Heaven, the courage so gives! That against all odds, tells you I still have so much more to this our world to give! For only such beauty, but comes and so emanates . . . from a heart where faith and courage live! Yea, you Marine . . . who upon battlefield of honor were so bravely and so heroically seen! As with your Brothers In Arms, who but did so such many most magnificent things . . . Living and dying for each other, all in that most heroic hue of green . . . All in that great glory and high honor, of being a United States Marine . . . And when on that morning you awoke, all in your tears as you began to choke . . . As it was when your fine heart so spoke! Don't give in, don't give up . . . finding hope! Just Howell, did you find the strength to cope! Bringing the Angel's up in Heaven to tears, emote! Just Howell, do you wake on each new morn . . . as oh Howell, you inspire us all with your life so worn! As you Teach Us . . . as You So Beseech Us . . . as upon our souls your faith adorns! For you are but the kind of Son, every Father on earth would wish for one! As you make us understand just Howell Heaven is won! And Howell against all odds, Thy Will Be Done! Now, I know Howell!

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize the retirement of Ms. Deanna Weeks from the East County Economic Development Council (ECEDC), located in my congressional district in East San Diego County. For 25 years, Deanna has provided inexhaustible service and dedication to the people and businesses of San Diego's East County. Both as a person and a professional, Deanna will be sorely missed. One does not have to search very long to find the positive results of Deanna's work, sacrifice and leadership in our community. Like the rest of the nation, our region is going through difficult economic times. I firmly believe, however, it could be much worse for East County if it were not for the significant contributions Deanna made during her time and leadership with the ECEDC. Prior to joining ECEDC Deanna worked at the Center on Aging at San Diego State University followed by Greenwald/McDonald commercial developers. In the early 1990s after joining the ECEDC, Deanna pioneered a grant effort from the Department of Defense that studied the needs of small defense-related firms in the East County, resulting in Connectory.com, an internet connectivity tool that allowed for many San Diego companies to gain business with the U.S. Federal Government and expand and grow into new and exciting areas. Aside from creating Connectory.com and managing its development and growth from a sub-regional marketing tool into a nationally recognized asset, Deanna was also the leading force behind forming the San Diego Space and Defense Consortium, which provided vital resources to local companies enabling them to compete with large defense contractors. She created and supported the East County Economic Development Foundation and the Supporting Education and Economic Development partnership, both of which work to create and strengthen career and technical education opportunities in our local high schools and community colleges. Deanna has served in other capacities such as the Boards of the Downtown El Cajon Partnership and the San Diego East County Chamber of Commerce and is currently serving on the Board of the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District where she has been a key member of the East County K- 16 Collaborative, a joint effort between community education and business that focuses on improving student transition between grade levels and curriculums. Madam Speaker, in a time when the needs of our community usually score low on our list of priorities, I am always encouraged by the efforts of Deanna and her unending determination and sacrifice to make East San Diego County the special place it is to live. While she will be greatly missed, she has provided us all with a great example of service to the community. I urge all of my colleagues to join me in congratulating Deanna Weeks on her retirement, I wish her all the best in her future endeavors and thank her for her many years of unyielding dedication to guiding the economic prosperity of San Diego's East County. We will miss you Deanna, enjoy those grandkids!

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to one of our nation's most dedicated veterans, Robert L. Tade, Commander, American Legion El Cajon Post 303, which I have the honor of representing. In the early 90s, Rob joined the American Legion and quickly became involved in El Cajon Post 303, serving as Post Commander for the past 3 years. Having been a dedicated service member of the Armed Forces for over 40 years, Rob understands the importance of advocating patriotism and honor to our nation's youth and devoting time to fellow service veterans. Since he joined the American Legion, Rob has displayed an endless enthusiasm in ensuring the success of his post, having almost tripled the membership and instituting more than two dozen programs to support the local community. On June 26, 2010, Commander Tade was bestowed with the California Department of the American Legion's highest honor: Legionnaire of the Year for 2010. He was selected out of 117,000 dedicated members who serve our worthy veterans and youth groups today. Rob is truly deserving of such an award and is a prime example of the patriotism that makes our country the best in the world. Madam Speaker, let us all applaud the devoted service that Mr. Robert Tade has provided to El Cajon and the rest of San Diego. I urge all my colleagues to join me in celebrating the many achievements of this great public servant.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Madam Speaker, today I rise to pay tribute to Robert J. Collins, Superintendent of the Grossmont Union High School District, which I have the pleasure of representing. Bob Collins has served the Grossmont Union High School District with distinction for the past 3 years, and I wish him nothing but the best as a new chapter in his life begins. Prior to his service in Grossmont, Bob was a 39-year veteran of the Los Angeles Unified School District. Throughout his career Mr. Collins served as a social studies teacher, leadership advisor, assistant principal, principal, assistant superintendent, Superintendent of District One and Chief Instructional Officer for Secondary Schools in the Los Angeles Unified School District. In November 2007, Bob became superintendent of the Grossmont Union High School District, where he established a singular focus for the district: the academic and personal success of every student. He has excelled in working with local leaders, while creating targeted programs to address the social and emotional needs of students; recognizing that student achievement is not just a classroom issue. Restoring public confidence in schools has been a continuing theme of his administration that has been marked by significantly increased standardized test scores, greater parent engagement, and strong community and business relations. His efforts and the programs he developed have been recognized at the local, State and national levels and are models in many other schools and districts. His honors include being recognized as Principal of the Year in the State of California in 1989. Madam Speaker, let us all applaud the 43-year service that Robert Collins has provided to our San Diego and Los Angeles communities. I urge my colleagues to join me in celebrating the many achievements of this great public servant.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Madam Chair, parliamentary inquiry.

Mr. HUNTER. Is it proper for the gentleman who this amendment belongs to to object to debate on his own amendment?

Mr. HUNTER. Even to their own, which they should want to discuss, Madam Chair?

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. I thank the ranking member for yielding. America right now is locked in combat against a dangerous enemy in Afghanistan, facing the constant threat of ambush and roadside bombs. The last thing our soldiers and marines need is any unnecessary or harmful distractions. As a marine who has served downrange in both Iraq and Afghanistan, I have personally witnessed that the current policy of Don't Ask, Don't Tell works and the repeal of current law does not work. I have lived with, eaten with, dived for cover with, and fought with my fellow marines overseas three times. Some military lawyers may think that this amendment looks good on paper, but in effect it will destroy the combat readiness of our fighting force. Our focus right now should be on achieving victory and returning our military home safely. While America possesses the best military equipment in the entire world and the most technologically advanced weaponry on Earth, the true strength of our might is derived from the core set of values and principles that is shared by our frontline combat troops. It is these shared beliefs that lead to the comradery and the instinct of our troops to risk their lives to protect one another every single day. The commandant of the Marine Corps stands opposed to repealing current law, and each of the other service chiefs have expressed concerns with taking any action on Don't Ask, Don't Tell until the year-long study under way at the Pentagon is completed. With all due respect, Secretary of Defense Gates and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mullen, have and are performing a great service to our Nation, but they work for this administration and as such are required to follow President Obama's lead and not necessarily speak for the men and women who have volunteered to fight for our Nation and put themselves in harm's way. Evidently, the White House and congressional Democrats think they are doing our military a favor by rewarding them for victory in Iraq and continued hard fighting in Afghanistan by forcing a liberal social agenda on them and furthermore ignoring our military's input on this matter by not having this vote after the Pentagon study is completed so that at least this would be an informed vote. Our time would be better spent on evaluating the real threats facing our military in Afghanistan, starting with the roadside bomb threat and ensuring our troops have the resources that they need. The debate on Don't Ask, Don't Tell is just another distraction on these and other priorities, and I urge my colleagues here in the House to vote ``no'' on this amendment. We need to listen to our military leaders, listen to the commandant of the Marine Corps and the actual generals and admirals in charge of our military fighting for us, not people who work for this administration and are going to tow the line for this administration. We've got to do what's right. Support the military. We need victory, not social change, in the military.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Madam Speaker, I rise before the House today to remember the American heroes of the 2nd Air Division of the 8th Army Air Force, and the designers and manufacturers of the B-24 Liberator whom served our country so honorably during WWII. The 8th Air Force--known better as the ``Mighty Eighth''--was part of the largest air strike force in history, flying bombing missions over Europe from November 1942 to April 1945. While pilots and crewmen were trained in Pueblo, Colorado, their aircraft--the B-24 Liberator--had its manufacturing headquarters in San Diego. In the peak of the wartime efforts, 11 Liberators were built a day, and more Liberators were produced than any other four-engine bomber in World War II, including the famous B-17 bomber. Over 18,000 bombers were made by Consolidated Aircraft Corporation in San Diego between the years of 1939 and 1945, and over 45,000 San Diegans helped in the manufacturing process. The B-24 Liberator carried a crew of 8 to 10 men, and was powered by four 1,200 horsepower engines and carried 2,750 gallons of fuel. Many of the B-24 missions were round trips of 1,500 miles, and the planes were not pressurized or heated; crewmen wore oxygen masks on high altitude missions and were exposed to temperatures that could reach minus 50 degrees Fahrenheit. Despite these conditions, the 2nd Air Division dropped over 630,000 tons of bombs and destroyed thousands of enemy aircraft. In San Diego, we honor their service at the Veterans Memorial Garden in the Air Garden, which is the first city park to honor the ground and flight crews of the bomber, along with the citizens of San Diego who helped build it. Madam Speaker, we will never forget the bravery displayed by the men of the 2nd Air Division, 8th Air Force. We will remember their sacrifice and patriotism, especially as the remaining members meet on June 5th for their annual reunion. So, as we remember the contributions made by the members of the 2nd Air Division, 8th Air Force, we shall never forget that the freedoms we enjoy today are because of the courage and valor displayed by those who fought to protect them. As a veteran myself, I take great pride in recognizing the 2nd Air Division and the San Diego community for their contributions and tireless efforts that were so critical to our success and ultimate victory in World War II.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Madam Speaker, today I rise before the House of Representatives to remember Colonel Bob Dingeman. If you are lucky enough to visit the San Diego, California neighborhood of Scripps Ranch, you are likely to find Colonel Bob Dingeman everywhere. Colonel Dingeman has been a member, and usually the chair, of virtually every community benefit organization in the 40 year history of Scripps Ranch. His service to country and community began as an enlisted private and served at Hawaii's Schofield Barracks when it came under attack on December 7, 1941. Following the end of World War II, Colonel Dingeman attended the United States Military Academy at West Point, then served in the Philippines, Korea and Vietnam. He flew helicopters with the call sign ``Smiling Tiger,'' and retired as a highly decorated United States Army Colonel. Colonel Dingeman, and his wife Gaye, have been married for 65 years and moved to Scripps Ranch in 1976. They have two grown children and several grand and great grandchildren and they are proud of each and every one. Very seldom does an individual devote such an extended depth and breadth of commitment and expertise to a community. Colonel Dingeman devotes hours of tireless effort to creating and maintaining schools, clean parks and safe streets. He has been honored by Scripps Ranch with a namesake public school--an honor rarely given by any school district to someone still living. Colonel Dingeman has been a mentor to many community volunteers. With his sage ``do-able solutions'' advice, he has helped forged new community, business and political leaders who will eventually shape the quality of life for future generations in Scripps Ranch. Of all his civic accomplishments, Colonel Dingeman takes particular pride in the hundreds of immigrants he has prepared for United States citizenship. He believes that America is the greatest democracy on earth. Madam Speaker, Colonel Bob Dingeman has been Citizen of the Year in Scripps on multiple occasions and was the initial inductee into the Volunteer Hall of Fame. On the 40th Anniversary of Scripps Ranch, I would like the House of Representatives to join me and honor this outstanding man who is an example to all of us in San Diego on what we can do for our fellow man.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas, a great prosecutor and judge in his own right. Mr. Speaker, we are all familiar with the dangerous duties undertaken by the men and women of the Drug Enforcement Administration. Oftentimes, their accomplishments go unnoticed, but these agents continue making significant contributions to the seemingly unending effort to protect our communities from drug crime and addiction. This is a responsibility that DEA agent Enrique ``Kiki'' Camarena took seriously over the course of his career in law enforcement. It was 25 years ago this March that agent Camarena's body was discovered after he was kidnapped by armed men in front of the U.S. consulate in Guadalajara, Mexico. He had been severely tortured by his captors. More than two dozen people, including Mexican Government officials, cartel leaders, and associates were convicted for Agent Camarena's murder. Still, his memory has not been forgotten. The circumstances surrounding his death are a vivid reminder of the violence and danger attributable to illegal drugs, whether it is directly along our borders, in our neighborhoods, or within the homes of families facing the struggles of addiction. Today, Agent Camarena is perhaps the best-known hero of the war on drugs, and his story continues to inspire millions of Americans to lead drug-free lives. In fact, shortly after his death, Camarena Clubs were launched throughout southern California. Hundreds of club members wore red ribbons and pledged to lead drug-free lives in honor of Agent Camarena and others who gave their lives for the same purpose. In 1985, club members presented a proclamation to First Lady Nancy Reagan which brought the club national recognition, and ultimately prompted thousands of schools, communities, and States to recognize Red Ribbon Week, now celebrated during the last week of October. So on this anniversary of Agent Camarena's death, let us take time to honor the contribution and profound dedication and public service of Enrique ``Kiki'' Camarena on the 25th anniversary of his death. I would like to offer my deepest sympathy and appreciation to his wife, Geneva, and his three children--Enrique, who is a prosecutor, Daniel and Erik--and the entire family, friends, and former colleagues at the Drug Enforcement Administration. It is important that we focus on securing and enforcing our southern border so that these past sacrifices and future endeavors by those in the DEA are not in vain. Mr. Speaker, we in San Diego are honored to be home to this legacy of ``Kiki'' Camarena and his family.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. I thank the gentlewoman from Florida for yielding. I speak to you today, Madam Speaker, not just as a United States Congressman but as a United States marine. That's what my ballot title says in San Diego. It reads: ``U.S. Representative/Marine.'' I've served in Iraq twice. I've served in Afghanistan once. I was part of the 1st Marine Division. I, for one, don't appreciate being lectured to, especially from a gentleman like the one from Florida who just spoke, about how I'm brain-injured, about how I might have PTSD, about how I'm less of a person because I've served overseas. This is an ill-conceived resolution. It is a resolution that is hurtful to our troops on the ground who are fighting now, and it is a resolution that is hurtful to their families. If we had passed a similar resolution about Iraq, we wouldn't have been victorious in Iraq now. We wouldn't have less than 1,000 marines in Iraq now. They have all pulled out. Why did they pull out? Because we've won. Iraq is no longer a threat. I've had friends give their lives for this great Nation in both Iraq and Afghanistan. A vote for this resolution is sending a message to their families that their sacrifices and willingness to stand in the gap against the forces of tyranny and destruction and radical Islam were false errands. This is the wrong message to send. Our message should be one of support and encouragement. As congressional Representatives, we should be standing side by side with our troops in the field, not abandoning our cause when our military needs us the most. If we were to pull out of Afghanistan, we would be inviting those terrorists and al Qaeda to attack us here again on American soil. We don't need another 9/11. This resolution could well be named ``the retreat and abandonment of our military resolution.'' I don't believe the purpose of this resolution is to protect our men and women serving in harm's way. The point of this resolution, I think, would be to make America weaker. I'll tell you why I believe this: Unlike any other Member of Congress, I have served both in Iraq and Afghanistan. Unfortunately, not any person who is in favor of this resolution has ever come and talked to me. The gentleman from Florida never came to me and asked me what I thought about it. This isn't about the military. This is about a political ideology to make America weak and to lose our strength as a great Nation. I would appreciate it if maybe I could be listened to next time. If we are going to work in a bipartisan fashion and if this resolution is truly for the men and women of the military, I've been here for 15 months, and I've never talked to anybody about it. We need to make sure that we support our troops and their families and that we not allow al Qaeda to become stronger by passing this resolution. Once again, I've raised my right hand like every other Member of Congress here to support and defend the U.S. Constitution, but I also did that as a United States marine in one of the first officer candidate classes after 9/11. I graduated in March 2002. I deployed in 2003 to Iraq, in 2004 to the battle of Fallujah, and in 2007 to Afghanistan. My wife and three kids have lived at Camp Pendleton. They've lived on the base. I know what families in the military live like. I know what marines on the ground are going through right now. I know what victory costs. I know what victory takes. What it doesn't take is a misrepresenting resolution that is going to hurt our military when it needs us the most. Did I enjoy going overseas? Did I enjoy leaving my three small kids and family behind? Did I enjoy leaving steak and all the great comforts of this Nation behind? No. It was worth it because I know, in my heart, that what we are doing in Afghanistan is going to make my children not have to go over and fight the same Islamofascists that we are over there fighting now. I know that we are going to have a safer country because of me, because of people like me, and because of people who are over there serving now. Because they are over there, fighting, my kids aren't going to have to. So was it fun going to war? No. Was it worth it? Yes. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on this resolution.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Madam Speaker, today I rise in recognition of Mr. Morrill Worcester of Harrington, Maine. Morrill is President of the Worcester Wreath Company, and he and his company have provided Christmas wreaths for Arlington National Cemetery since 1992. Morrill Worcester's story begins in 1962 when at the age of 12 he won a trip to Washington, DC, from his local paper. After visiting Arlington National Cemetery, he was awe-struck by the enormity of the cemetery and its perfectly aligned rows of headstones representing the thousands who have died in service to this country. The powerful imagery of Arlington left a lasting impression on Morrill, one that would stay with him long after he began his business selling Christmas wreaths. In 1992, the Worcester Wreath Company had an overstock of Christmas wreaths. Unwilling to simply throw the extra wreaths away, and with the image of Arlington still a treasured memory, Morrill was inspired. With the help of volunteers, he spent 6 hours in the rain placing a wreath at each headstone. For 18 years, Morrill has taken time out of his busiest season to deliver handmade wreaths to Arlington National Cemetery and lead volunteers in laying them on the headstones. When word of his efforts spread around the Internet, hundreds more Americans from across the country began to ask how they could get involved and show their respect for our fallen. Morrill soon expanded the project into Wreaths Across America, allowing anyone to donate a wreath to honor the fallen. As a result, Wreaths Across America have laid over 100,000 wreaths at numerous national cemeteries. Congress has recognized his work by declaring December 13, 2008 as ``Wreaths Across America Day.'' Madam Speaker, this gentleman's dedication and actions directly reflect his selfless resolve to honor and remember our Nation's fallen. Individuals like Morrill and the volunteers of Wreaths Across America embody the great respect that we as a nation have for those who have died defending our freedom. On the second Saturday of December this year, and hopefully for many more Decembers to come, Morrill will be at Arlington National Cemetery in solemn remembrance to lay more wreaths. Mr. Morrill Worcester, thank you for remembering those who have given so much for our freedom, and thank you for sharing your passion to honor these brave men and women with the American people.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Madam Speaker, today I rise in honor of a man who dedicated his life to helping others, Mr. John Gaffaney of San Diego, California. Tragically, John was killed on November 5, 2009, a victim of the horrible events at Fort Hood. John was a man of sacrifice and devotion who spent his life counseling others. After 15 years in the Army National Guard, he went on to work for the San Diego County Department of Health and Human Services. After spending the last 22 years investigating cases of elderly abuse and neglect for San Diego County, John once again answered the call of duty and re-enlisted in the Army Reserves. He arrived at Fort Hood only a few short weeks ago to prepare for deployment to Afghanistan to help other soldiers cope with the trauma of war. Madam Speaker, John Gaffaney was a man of integrity and will be greatly missed by all of San Diego, especially his wife Christine and son Matthew. I ask that this body honor John and the rest of the fallen at Fort Hood for their dedication and sacrifice to this country.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Madam Speaker, today I rise in recognition of Lieutenant Florence Bacong Choe of San Diego, California. Lt. Choe was a victim of a tragic shooting that occurred at Forward Operating Base Shaheen in Afghanistan's Northern Balkh province on March 27, 2009. According to friends and family, Lt. Choe was all Navy. She was born at San Diego Naval Hospital and grew up in San Diego, where she graduated from Monte Vista High School in 1991. After graduating from the University of California, San Diego with a degree in Biology in 1997, she continued her education and received a Masters degree in Public Health Care Administration from San Diego State University in 2001. Following the events of September 11, 2001, Lt. Choe visited the San Diego Navy recruitment office and enlisted as a Lieutenant Junior Grade in the U.S. Navy Medical Service Corps. While serving in her capacity as Healthcare Administrator for Medical and Surgical Services at the National Navy Medical Center in Bethesda, Maryland, she met her future husband, Lieutenant Commander Chong ``Jay'' Choe. They were married on June 21, 2004 and in 2006, they welcomed the birth of their daughter, Kristin Bacong Choe. A dedicated service member, Lt. Choe fulfilled various duties in the Navy Medical Corps in Japan and San Diego before deploying to Afghanistan in May of 2008. It was during this deployment where she made the ultimate sacrifice after a shooter, disguised as an Afghan Army soldier, opened fire and killed Lt. Choe and Lt. J.G. Francis L. Toner IV. Madam Speaker, for Lt. Choe it was never about self, but about family, friends and country. She dedicated her extensive knowledge about the medical field to provide quality care for the men and women of the U.S. Navy. For her, and the thousands of others who have given their lives in the name of freedom and democracy, I ask that this body continue to do its best to ensure their deaths were not in vain. May God continue to watch over the family and friends of Lt. Florence Bacong Choe as her memory, passion and dedication to our country continue to live on as we moved forward to a better tomorrow.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Madam Speaker, many years ago on a high mountain lake, two young boys were catching trout from a small rowboat, using corn kernels for bait. The ``captain'' of this ten-foot boat was a wiry, older guy with an ageless face and a direct manner. He was all business. ``Keep your rod tip up. You're hooked into a monster,'' he commanded. The boy let out a whoop as the ``monster,'' a twelve-inch rainbow trout, broke the surface of the lake. That boy was me. The other boy was my brother Sam, who is now serving in Iraq. The captain of the rowboat was Bill Poole who, on this and other occasions, made life very exciting for us. Sadly, Bill lost his battle with cancer last month. After our first experience together, I would learn that Bill was a legendary outdoorsman and sport fishing captain, whose ``monsters'' were fish that weighed in at hundreds of pounds, whose fishing trips were 1,000 mile sojourns, and whose boats were the standard for the sport fishing industry. But on that day, Bill was exhibiting the quality that made so many San Diegans and outdoorsmen from around the world want to be near him. He radiated outdoor excitement and anticipation. Bill Poole was fun. For us kids, his mock sternness would half-frighten us and then melt into a big smile as he showed us ``the right way to do it.'' Bill represented the fabulous outdoor dimension of our San Diego community. Early on he recognized the treasure that the fishing grounds of California and Baja California offered to outdoorsmen who wanted their fishing trip to be a real adventure. He was the father of long- range sport fishing in San Diego. His talent for finding big fish was legendary. His integrity was stainless, and his personality pulled people of all ages to him like a giant magnet. One of those people was his wife Ingrid. A combination of beauty and purpose, she shared Bill's life on a thousand outdoor adventures around the world. Together, and with thousands of adventurous San Diego friends, they made the Safari Club a wellspring of conservation and outdoor fun. When the Hunter family was going on a hunting trip, Dad would always make a swing by Bill's house to ``borrow'' equipment. Bill would ladle out gear and advice on our upcoming outing, interspersed with comments like ``I'll never see this again.'' Then he and Dad would laugh. The gear would eventually make it back to Bill's garage. A new generation is charged with stewardship of the magnificent outdoors resource that we call America. It's our job to keep our waters and land full of game and fish. As important, it's our job to keep our wonderful resource open for enjoyment by our citizens and their kids. Let's remember that enjoying that resource was Bill's legacy, so that a hundred years from now, a small boy can bring in a 12-inch ``monster'' rainbow trout under of the encouragement of people just like Bill Poole.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, the amazing thing with this whole insurance health care reform debate is we could fix health care. We could do it in this country. It is not that complicated. We could make it so we could buy health care across State lines. We could make it competitive and bring down prices and make sure that everybody has access to health care. But the health care problems in this country that are fixable are like a leaky faucet in somebody's house. This Congress could fix that leaky faucet, but we're not going to do that. The Pelosi health care bill says, let's burn down the house. Let's just burn it down. Forget about fixing it. Let's tear it down and we will replace it with some monstrosity that will not resemble a house like what we had prior to it. We don't need to burn down the house. We need to fix that leaky faucet. We could fix health care in this country. We could make health care affordable, accessible, and cheap. We don't need to burn down the house, which is what the Pelosi health care bill does. The Republicans will have a much better alternative to this which is being unveiled today. That is what we need to vote for.

Mr. HUNTER

Mr. HUNTER. This is an interesting debate about health care. The interesting thing about this is that Congress could fix it. We could increase portability. We could make it so there aren't any more frivolous lawsuits. We could make it so there is more access, so it is cheaper, and there are more tax incentives for health care. But we aren't doing that. What we have with health care in this country is a leaky faucet, and liberal Democrats want to tear down the entire house for that one leaky faucet. We could fix the faucet without a 1,200-page bill that is so complex that 90 percent of the American people can't understand it. We could fix health care and do it responsibly, and we could do it gradually. Unfortunately, it looks like we will be voting to tear down the entire house. I say we just fix the leaky faucet, reform health insurance in this country, and fix things one at a time.