Dale Kildee

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. I will yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Polis).

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

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I rise to claim the time in opposition, although I am not opposed to the amendment.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I claim time in opposition, although I am not opposed to the amendment.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, this amendment calls for the Department of Education's Institute of Education Sciences to study the impact of projects funded by this bill on student achievement. Student achievement is one of the benefits of this bill. It will also bring health, economic, energy and environmental benefits. I believe it is clear that students learn better when they are in better facilities, but I certainly have no objection to a regular study of the issue. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. KILDEE. We have no objection to this amendment on this bill, Mr. Chairman, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chairman, I rise to claim time in opposition to the amendment, although I will not oppose it.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Reichert and I have done this similarly before. I think a few months ago, I accepted one of your amendments. I believe this is a good amendment that will contribute to our children's and their teachers' safety, and I urge support of the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, it is with great sadness that I arise today and pay tribute to the life of Reverend Dr. LeRoy Shelton. Dr. Shelton passed away suddenly on Monday, May 4th. The Flint community has lost one of its greatest leaders and I have lost a dear friend. His funeral is scheduled for Tuesday, May 12th at Christ Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in Flint. Dr. Shelton became the pastor of Christ Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church in 1987. During this time the congregation grew in numbers and strength. A committed member of Concerned Pastors for Social Change, he was a vocal activist for those in need. He understood the challenges faced by individuals and advocated at all levels of government to improve the lives of our citizens. He served as a delegate to the 1992 Democratic Convention and attended the Inauguration of Bill Clinton to the Presidency. In 1995 President Clinton invited Dr. Shelton to dinner at the White House. He viewed his political involvement as an extension of his ministry to be Christ's representative in a needy world. His love and concern for others knew no bounds. Dr. Shelton loved his congregation and they loved him. He said about being the pastor of Christ Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church: To have shared twenty-three years in the life of the 80 years of this church . . . Canaan to Christ Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church. In the interim before my pastoring began, I was impressed with the commitment, dedication, and love the members demonstrated towards one another. My mentor, the late Alfred L.C. Robbs afforded me every opportunity to grow, develop, and above all study formally to prepare myself spiritually. Fortunately, I earned the opportunity to become his successor. Realizing that no one can ever fill the shoes of anyone, not even by following in the path trod before, the congregation enveloped me and has worked with me in a Christian manner. In the midst of hills and valleys, there has been much love. As great as the past has been, we have not ceased. We are striving to make the next years a journey upon which our Lord will be able to place a stamp of approval and say: ``Well done, my good and faithful servants.'' It is our hope that you will have an opportunity to visit our church, ``Where Christian Fellowship Is Real.'' Madam Speaker, Reverend Dr. LeRoy Shelton has traveled home to be with Our Lord, Jesus Christ. During his time with us, Dr. Shelton touched lives, healed spirits, empowered the poor, and brought Christ's abundance to disheartened. He traveled the road to salvation with many people. My life is better for having known him and I share in the sorrow felt by the Christ Fellowship family. My condolences go out to his wife, Claudia, his children and to the members of Christ Fellowship. Dr. Shelton was a truly great Christian. I ask the House of Representatives to stand with me and applaud the life, charity and legacy of Reverend Dr. LeRoy Shelton.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, on April 17 the University of Michigan- Flint will install Dr. Ruth Person as their new chancellor. The inaugural ceremony and a public reception will be held on campus that day to celebrate this event. Dr. Ruth Person received her bachelor's degree from Gettysburg College in Pennsylvania, and her master's and Ph.D. from the University of Michigan. She also earned a master's degree in administration from George Washington University School of Business and Public Management. She also attended the Harvard University Institute of Educational Management. Prior to coming to the University of Michigan-Flint, Dr. Person was the Chancellor of Indiana University at Kokomo; and she was Vice President of Academic Affairs and Professor of Business Administration at Angelo University in San Angelo, Texas. She has also held positions as Vice President for Academic Affairs at the University of Missouri- St. Louis, dean of the college of Library Science at Clarion University in Pennsylvania, associate dean and faculty member of the School of Library and Information Science at the Catholic University of America. She was an American Council on Education Fellow and served as chief academic officer with the Arizona Board of Regents. Dr. Person is a member of Phi Alpha Theta, Beta Phi Mu, Pi Lambda Theta, Psi Chi, Kappa Delta Pi, Beta Gamma Sigma and is listed in a number of Who's Who publications. The University of Michigan Board of Regents approved her appointment as Chancellor of the Flint campus on June 19, 2008. Madam Speaker, under Dr. Person's leadership, the University of Michigan-Flint is a vibrant, expanding campus of 7,200 students. The faculty, staff and students are integrating the academic and urban landscapes to develop a unique, unparalleled educational experience. Her vision of the campus-community synergy promises to enhance the quality of life for everyone involved and Dr. Person is guiding the school to be a cornerstone of development and revitalization in the Flint of tomorrow. I ask the House of Representatives to join me in welcoming her to this position and wish her the best as she shapes our future leaders.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Reverend Dr. Henry L. Fuller, Jr. as he celebrates his 11th year as pastor of Mt. Calvary Missionary Baptist Church. A banquet was held on Saturday, April 18th to celebrate this occasion. In 1999 and 2002, Reverend Dr. Fuller was elected Moderator of the Great Lakes Baptist District Association and held this post until 2007. He is also a member of the Board of Trustees of the American Baptist College of A.B.T.S., Nashville; a member of the Strategic Planning Committee of the National Baptist Congress of Christian Education; President of the United Bible Institute of Flint; Member At-large of the Executive Board of the National Baptist Convention, USA, Incorporated; Treasurer of the Todd-Phillip Children's Home; a member of the Mayor's Community Advisory Board in Flint; and Governor Jennifer Granholm named him to the State of Michigan Faith Based State Wide Steering Committee. In 2007 he was elected President of the Wolverine State Baptist Missionary Convention at its 88th Annual Session. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and applaud the work of Reverend Dr. Henry L. Fuller, Jr. I pray that he will continue to bring the good news of Our Lord, Jesus Christ to the Flint community for many, many years to come.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my disappointment in President Obama's decision regarding General Motors and Chrysler. Personally, I feel that Rick Wagoner was treated shabbily. Financial institutions were provided with hundreds of billions of dollars--significantly more than the recent GM and Chrysler requests for new loans totaling $21.6 billion, at most. The people primarily affected by yesterday's decision in the auto industry are those whose greatest daily concerns are their mortgage payments, their children's college tuition, and medical bills. Financial executives are concerned primarily with their own bonuses, awarded for what can only be described as massive failure. The President has joined the chorus of caustic critics of the automobile industry while only giving faint praise to the high-quality vehicles produced by the American manufacturers like the Buick LaCrosse, which this year matched the Jaguar in J.D. Powers and Associates' rating for the world's most reliable car. This double standard is offensive, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the H.R. 1586, a bill to impose an additional tax on bonuses received from certain TARP recipients. Financial firms such as AIG, who have accepted government assistance, need to recognize that the days of lavish travel, million dollar bonuses and golden parachutes are over. When bridge loans were granted to General Motors and Chrysler, they were required to reduce wages and salaries. Auto workers are being asked to accept lower wages and stock contributions to their benefits account--which funds their healthcare--rather than cash. What are executives at banks and financial institutions asked to do? Maybe spend fewer afternoons at the spa. Those firms should be subject to the same requirements imposed on GM and Chrysler and on their employees. My constituents have had enough of the double standard that rewards greedy executives and punishes working families. After accepting $170 billion from the federal government, AIG is responsible to the American taxpayer. Before I ran for elected office, I was a high school Latin teacher. And I can tell you that in Latin, ``bonus'' translates to ``good.'' A bonus is supposed to be a reward for something good--for excellent performance, not for running your company into the ground and sending the economy into a tailspin. AIG's performance warrants a pink slip, not a paycheck.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Sister Patrice Coolick, Sisters of St. Joseph Carondelet, as she celebrates the Golden Jubilee of taking her vows. Her family and friends will celebrate this anniversary with her on March 21st. Since taking her vows on March 19, 1959, Sister Patrice moved from Flushing, Michigan to Missouri and attended Fontbonne University. She received her Bachelor Degree in Nursing from the College of St. Catherine in 1967 and one year later began working in Lima, Peru at the Military Hospital. She came back to the United States and completed a physician's assistant program at Saint Louis University. Upon receiving her degree she returned to Peru. In 1983 she became part of a medical team working in refugee camps in Thailand and Sudan. Sister Patrice returned to the United States and earned a Master's Degree in Marriage and Family Counseling from the Santa Clara University-California. She joined the O'Connor Hospital staff working in the oncology department and she became a member of the staff at Santa Clara Catholic Charities. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and applaud the life of Sister Patrice Coolick. Throughout her life she has worked to bring physical and spiritual healing to the destitute, the displaced and the discouraged. She has taken her God-given gifts of nursing and empathy and given back to the disheartened of our world. Above all Sister Patrice demonstrates in small everyday acts of love, her commitment to following the words of Our Lord, Jesus Christ, contained in Matthew 25:40, ``Whatsoever you do to the least of my people, that you do unto me.'' May God continue to bless Sister Patrice and inspire her in her work.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I would like the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Gary Shepherd as he retires after 33 years of service from General Motors and the UAW. A retirement party will be held in his honor on March 27th in Saginaw, Michigan. A native of Saginaw County, Gary was hired by General Motors in 1976. He worked at the Saginaw Steering Gear facility and worked his way from the production line to journeyman status as a machine repairman. In 1985 he was elected an Alternate Committeeman at UAW Local 699. From this position he went on to serve as the District Committeeman on the Bargaining Committee, as Chairman of the Bargaining Unit for Local 699, and Top Negotiator of GM Sub-Council 5. Gary has also served on the CAP and Recreation Committee of the Local. Local 699 was featured in a 1999 Industry Week article entitled, ``A Perfect Union,'' outlining the cooperative relationship between the UAW and the auto manufacturer. Gary continued his career with the UAW and in 1998 he was appointed as a Region 1-D International Representative and as the Skilled Trades Representative. He rounded out his career by serving on UAW President Ron Gettelfinger's staff as Coordinator for Michigan CAP in Region 1-D. In addition to his work on behalf of UAW workers, Gary has worked extensively in the community. He is the president of the Saginaw Area Fireworks, served as co-chair of the Saginaw County Vision 20/20, and on the Boards of Saginaw Future, Great Lakes Bay Michigan Works, and Saginaw County United Way. He received the Chamber of Commerce President's Award for his work. Gary also finds time to be a read volunteer and he is a lifelong member of Second Presbyterian Church. Gary is the past Chairman of the Saginaw County Democratic Party, a member of the Michigan Democratic State Central Committee, was elected as a John Kerry delegate to the 2004 Democratic National Convention and was the 2008 Electoral College Delegate for the Michigan 4th Congressional District, casting his ballot for President Barack Obama. He has 3 daughters and 4 grandchildren. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Gary Shepherd as he retires from the UAW and General Motors. I wish him the best as he starts this next phase of his life and continued success in his future endeavors.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Reverend Dr. F.O. Hockenhull as he celebrates 40 years as pastor of the First Trinity Missionary Baptist Church in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. A banquet in his honor was held last Friday in honor of this occasion. Reverend Dr. Hockenhull was educated at Arkansas State AM&N College, Wayne State University and Detroit Bible College. He has received an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Arkansas Baptist College, an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from Selma University and an Honorary Doctorate of Law from Selma University. He worked as a Chaplain in the Wayne County Jail and as a contact representative for the W.J. Maxey Boys Training School. After spending 6 years as the pastor of the Jehovah Baptist Church in Detroit, Reverend Dr. Hockenhull became the pastor at First Trinity Missionary Baptist Church. He has remained in this position for the past 40 years. Reverend Dr. Hockenhull is the past-President of the Great Lakes Baptist District Leadership and Educational Congress to the Great Lakes Baptist District Association; the Associate Director General of the National Congress of Christian Education-National Baptist Convention USA, Incorporated; past-Vice-President of the Wolverine State Congress of Christian Education; a member of the Board of Directors at the Montgomery Bible Institute and Theological Center; a former member of the National Baptist Convention USA, Incorporated Publishing Board; a former instructor at the National Sunday School and Baptist Training Union Congress-National Baptist Convention USA; past Supervisor of the Administrative Leaders Division-National Baptist Congress of Christian Education, National Baptist Convention USA, Incorporated; past Instructor with the Great Lakes Baptist District of Christian Education; a member of the Board of Directors of the National Baptist Convention, USA Incorporated; a member of the Stewardship Commission of the National Baptist Convention, USA Incorporated; a Trustee of the Retirement Commission of the National Baptist Convention, USA Incorporated; and a delegate to the World Christian Conference in Australia. In addition to his work, Reverend Dr. Hockenhull is a world renowned lecturer, a member of the NAACP, and a member of Concerned Pastors for Social Action. His wife of over 50 years, Marian, is the National Director of the Young People's Department. They have one son, Franco, and two granddaughters, Vanessa and Victoria. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me and applaud the life and work of Reverend Dr. F.O. Hockenhull. He has spent his life in devotion to Our Lord, Jesus Christ, by fulfilling God's Great Commission. His compassion, patience and love for humanity are recognized throughout the Flint community. Through his example, he inspires passion, spirituality, and service in his congregation and he carries the message of God's love beyond the walls of the church building. I have known Reverend Dr. Hockenhull for many years and have always been touched by his wisdom, his zeal and his piety. I pray that he will continue to serve for many, many years to come.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Kenneth W. MacGregor. Kenneth passed away on January 9, 2009 after battling cancer. He was an outstanding advocate for public education and providing a better future for our children. After graduating from Michigan State University, Kenneth taught high school government and coached swimming. He became active in the Michigan Education Association and was instrumental in the development of their Political Action Committee. Working in the Michigan Education Association's Government Relations Department, Kenneth was active in promoting education issues in both Lansing and Washington. He advocated for public education and public education employees at all levels of government. During his 30 year career he implemented strategies that made the Political Action Committee a force to be reckoned with and emulated. During Gary Owen's tenure as the Speaker of the Michigan House of Representatives, he tapped Kenneth to serve as his Director of Public Affairs. In 2001 he joined the National Education Association's political team and worked as the Field Manager, Government Relations West. He retired from this position in 2006. Even after his retirement, Kenneth still devoted time to political causes. He was an active backer of ``Get out the Vote'' campaigns. He had a can-do frame of mind and always believed that students deserved the best education possible. Kenneth was married to Sue MacGregor for 21 years. They have two sons and five grandchildren. He is also survived by his mother and two brothers. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in honoring the memory of Kenneth W. MacGregor. His legacy lives on in the classrooms and public schools of Michigan and across our nation. Because of his life's work, students have gained better resources, better teachers, and better services. The public education system has lost a great supporter and I mourn his passing.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. I thank the gentleman for yielding. My tenure here started about the same time as Gay Topper's tenure, and you know, through those years I never knew what party she belonged to. I do know that she was a great American and a great human being, and those of us who had the opportunity of coming in contact with her became better people because of her professionalism, her kindness, her gentleness, her knowledge, not just to the Members but to the pages. The two pages sitting right there, when my son, one summer, sat there as documentarian, he would come home at night and talk about how kindly, how friendly Gay was to the pages. That's very important. That kindness means so much in this House. It helps sometimes take off those sharp edges, and she has done that. This House is a better House because of Gay Topper, and I can say personally, Mr. Speaker, that I'm a better person because of Gay Topper. Thank you very much. God bless you, Gay.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 22nd anniversary of the naming of Chavez Drive in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. To honor this occasion, and to celebrate the 82nd anniversary of Cesar Chavez's birthday, the Hispanic Latino Collaborative of Genesee County is sponsoring a Citizens March on March 28th along Chavez Drive. The march will be followed by a reception and luncheon on the campus of the University of Michigan-Flint. After his family lost their farm during the Great Depression, Cesar Chavez spent his childhood as a migrant worker following the crops across the Southwest. After serving in the Unites States Navy during World War II, Cesar returned to farm work and began his lifelong quest to bring justice, equality and dignity to migrant workers throughout our Nation. He adopted the nonviolent philosophy of Gandhi and founded the United Farm Workers of America. In the face of formidable odds he persevered and after a 5 year struggle against California grape growers, Cesar Chavez won the first union contract for migrant workers and brought about respect for the workers toiling in our fields. The Presidential Medal of Freedom is awarded to persons that have served democracy and advanced the universal interests of humanity. The list of recipients is an honor roll of individuals that have struggled against adversity for the common good. In 1994, as he posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Cesar Chavez, President Clinton said, ``He was for his own people a Moses figure.'' Cesar Chavez exemplified compassion, dedication and advocacy for farm workers everywhere. He passed away 1 year earlier leaving our world better than he found it. Madam Speaker, Flint Michigan was the first community in our Nation to honor this great humanitarian by naming a street after Cesar Chavez. I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the Hispanic Latino Collaborative for honoring the memory of Cesar Chavez and his legacy to the American people.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. I rise today in remembrance of William Raymond Keith, who passed away on January 30, 2009. Bill was born in Jackson, MI on October 24, 1929 to Ruth Arlene Young and Raymond Joseph Keith. Bill graduated from Detroit's Wilbur High School in 1948 and the University of Michigan's School of Banking in 1963. Bill served in the U.S. Army in Germany in 1950-51, singing vocals with the 82nd Army Band. Employed by Manufacturers National Bank for 19 years, he worked his way up from messenger to branch manager and bank officer. Bill was well respected and admired for his 22 years serving in the Michigan House of Representatives. He chaired the House Education, Colleges & Universities, and Banking and Finance Committees. He was a champion for public education, always fighting to enhance learning opportunities for children. His long years of service took him to many international locations including China, Japan, Korea, France and Germany. The German President awarded him the Officer's Cross of Merit (the highest honor that can be given to a non-German citizen). Bill has received numerous awards for his work in public service. In 1991, he was inducted into the Michigan Education Hall of Fame. During his retirement, he volunteered as a docent at the Michigan Capitol Building, enjoying sharing that beautiful treasure with schoolchildren from around the state. Bill also loved music and singing. Starting in high school when he sang with the Don Large Chorus on WJR, performing with big bands in the Detroit area, and more recently singing with his wife Phyllis in their church choir, at nursing homes, senior residences and local events, Bill loved to revive classic songs of the 40's and 50's. Many people over the years were touched by his music. Bill had and amazing sense of humor, and was always waiting to greet you with a new joke. Most of all, he treasured his family, including his wife, kids, grand-kids and his dogs. He was a kind, generous and gentle man with a great strength of character and wisdom. Bill is survived by his loving wife, Phyllis Keith, and his six children: Brian W. Keith of Lansing, MI; David R. Keith of DeLand, FL; April M. Keith of Lake Orion, MI; Betty Keith Pomerantz of Newbury Park, CA; Robyn S. Hubbard of Grand Rapids, MI; and Ryan E. Zaiser of Bloomingdale, GA. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren and 3 great- grandchildren. Madam Speaker and colleagues, please join me in celebrating the life of William Raymond Keith--an accomplished legislator, great leader and endearing family man.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, as Democratic Chairman of the House Native American Caucus, it is my distinct honor to join my friend and colleague Congressman Raul Grijalva in support of H. Res. 132. This resolution honors the life and extraordinary bravery of Geronimo, the great Chiricahua Apache leader, and recognizes the 100th anniversary of his death on February 17, 2009, as a time of reflection and the commencement of healing for the Apache people. Geronimo, a spiritual and intellectual leader, became recognized as a great military leader by his people because of his courage, determination, and skill. He led his people in a war as the Apache homeland was invaded by citizens and armies first of Mexico, and then the United States. While the Apache people were forcibly removed by the United States and interned at San Carlos, Arizona, Geronimo led some of his people out of captivity and evaded military forces for several years. Upon surrendering to the United States, Geronimo and other Apache prisoners were interned in military prisons in Florida, Alabama and Oklahoma, far from their homeland. Geronimo died on February 17, 1909, and was buried in a military cemetery at Fort Sill, Oklahoma. The Apache people continue to honor and hold sacred Geronimo's efforts to preserve their traditional way of life and to defend their homeland. While we cannot erase the deplorable history of Indian policy in the United States to terminate tribal nations and their culture, perhaps this resolution will bring about a healing among the Apache people and their children will look back at their history and be proud that the United States paid tribute to Geronimo, a great Apache warrior. As the San Carlos Apache Tribe and other Apache tribes across the country gather on February 17, 2009, in San Carlos, Arizona to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Geronimo's death, I wish them Godspeed as they begin their journey of spiritual healing.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 154) honoring John D. Dingell for holding the record as the longest serving member of the House of Representatives.

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I introduced this resolution, along with my Michigan colleagues, so that we might recognize the milestone reached by the gentleman from Michigan, John D. Dingell, who, as of today, has served longer in the House of Representatives than any Member in its history. I have had the great privilege to work closely with John Dingell the past 32 years. I can tell you that through all the changes we have seen in this institution over those years, John Dingell has played a major role in those that have made this a better country. Throughout his tenure here, he has remained constant in his determination, his toughness, and certainly, in his fairness. John knows of the great importance of the automobile industry in this country. He knows that when line workers can earn a decent enough wage to support their family and send their children to college, our whole economy prospers. He knows that what America drives drives America. John played an essential role in the passage of the Chrysler loan guarantee in 1979, which actually earned $311 million for our government. Recently, he provided a wealth of knowledge necessary to pass the bridge loans to the Big Three automakers. John's expertise and devotion to providing all Americans with health care is unsurpassed in this Congress. Historians writing about health care will always note the role of two men bearing the name John Dingell, the one serving today and his father. His rich Polish heritage is demonstrated each year on Fat Tuesday when I enjoy the delicious paczki which he presents to me. I've always been grateful to have a reliable friend and adviser in John Dingell. Mr. Speaker, this is a better Congress, a better country, and I know I am a better congressman, but more importantly, a better human being, because of John Dingell. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Peters) be permitted to control the remainder of my time.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life of Thomas G. Landaal. Sadly, Mr. Landaal passed away on December 5, 2007, at the age of 53, and the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation will posthumously induct Tom Landaal into their Circle of Distinguished Leaders on March 31st in Washington, DC at the joint meetings of the Fibre Box Association and the Association of Corrugated Converters. Mr. Landaal will be the ninth person to be inducted into this circle. Born in Hinsdale, IL, Tom, as he was known to his friends, relocated to Flint, MI as a child. After graduating from Powers Catholic High School he obtained two degrees from Ferris State University, an AS degree in Building Construction and a BS degree in Business Administration. In 1979 he assumed a managerial role in the family business, Landaal Packaging Systems. As president of Landaal Packaging Systems he went on to become a leader in the packaging industry. He was affiliated with the International Corrugated Case Association in Paris, the Federation Europeenne des Fabricants de Carton Ondule based in Paris, the Sales and Marketing Executives and Technical Association Pulp and Paper Industry, as well as the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation. Tom served on the Board of Directors of the Fibre Box Association and the Independent Corrugated Converters Association. He was chair of the Fibre Box Association's Independent Sheet Plant Committee and served as the Fibre Box Association's representative on the Board of the Independent Corrugated Converters Association for many years. In addition to his work in packaging industry, Tom Landaal was very active in his community and is sorely missed. He held leadership roles with the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, Hurley Medical Center, Hurley Foundation, Flint Classroom Support Fund, Hero of Flint, Burton Business Association, Burton Economic Development Corporation, Friends of Sloan Museum, Flint College and Cultural Center, Incorporated, Goodwill Industries of Mid-Michigan, Heartland Manor, Information Services of Michigan, Michigan State University, University Affiliated Hospitals of Flint, the Industrial Mutual Association, the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce, Michigan Manufacturers Association, and Powers Alumni Association. He belonged to several golf and ski groups including the National Ski Patrol. Madam Speaker, the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation's Circle of Distinguished Leaders was instituted to honor those persons that have brought vision, creativity, and energy to the promotion and advancement of the packaging industry. Tom Landaal was an advocate for improved technology and safe working conditions. This recognition by his peers is a fitting tribute to his enthusiasm for designing the best system to deliver the best product to his customers and to ensure the packaging industry remained on the cutting edge for fulfilling customer needs. I congratulate the International Corrugated Packaging Foundation for their selection of Thomas Landaal for this honor and hope his example will inspire the next generation to continue his work. I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me today and applaud the life and work of my good friend, Thomas Landaal.