Dale Kildee

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the legacy of an extraordinary man, dedicated public servant and proud Michigander: President Gerald Ford. For 25 years, President Ford served as a Representative from Michigan. As Minority Leader he was respected on both sides of the aisle as a strong and capable leader. As he famously said ``I have had a lot of adversaries in my political life, but no enemies that I can remember.'' He ascended to the Presidency during a difficult chapter in our nation's history. Through his dedicated leadership, he helped guide the country out of the turmoil caused by Watergate and in the process he distinguished himself as truly one of the most honorable Presidents we have ever had. I have served under seven Presidents in my 34 years in Congress, but President Ford was the first. His State of the Union Address was the first I had the privilege to attend on the floor of the House of Representatives and it is an experience I will never forget. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor this great American patriot and proud Michigander.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Alvin J. Appold, retiring after 18 years as the Clerk of Frankenlust Township, Michigan. The township will hold a celebration this evening in his honor at the Township Hall. Alvin Appold is a lifelong resident of Frankenlust Township. He served as the Township Clerk from 1984-1992 and 2000-2011. Prior to assuming the Clerk's duties, Alvin worked in the construction trade, as a farmer, and as an appraiser. He is an active member of St. Paul Lutheran Church singing in the choir and working as a Sunday Greeter. Alvin enjoys politics and was dedicated to performing his duties in a serious, professional manner. He is very proud of Frankenlust Township and the role he played in its significant development in recent years. Now that he is retired, Alvin plans to spend more time pursuing his leisure activities: working out at Delta College's pool, gardening and playing golf. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Alvin J. Appold as he retires as Frankenlust Township Clerk. I wish him the best in his future endeavors for many, many years to come.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Goodwill Industries of Mid-Michigan as they celebrate their 80th anniversary. A celebration will be held on April 29th in my hometown of Flint, Michigan, to commemorate this milestone. In 1931 the Oak Park Methodist Church established an agency to assist people with disabilities and Goodwill Industries of Mid-Michigan was born. The agency's heart is centered on serving the needs of persons facing a variety of barriers, including physical and mental disabilities, illiteracy, substance abuse, inadequate education, ex- felons, and welfare dependency. Headquartered in Flint, the agency currently serves clients in ten Mid-Michigan counties. With their ultimate goal of placing individuals in productive employment, Goodwill Industries has several Workforce Development programs, a retail division, and an e-commerce program. As a private, non-profit 501/(3) charity, the agency remains focused on their clients' future. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Goodwill Industries of Mid-Michigan for 80 years of successfully serving the community. The ten Mid-Michigan counties served by Goodwill Industries have benefited from the work, dedication and enthusiasm of their clients, staff, volunteers and supporters. I wish them the best and hope they continue their success for many, many years.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Christopher S. Hamilton for his outstanding service to the Tall Pine Council, Boy Scouts of America. Christopher will be honored at a luncheon on Thursday, April 7, sponsored jointly by the Tall Pine Council and the Burton Rotary Club, where he will be presented with the Jack A. Hamady Good Scout Award. Christopher S. Hamilton grew up in the Flint area, earning the Eagle Scout distinction from Troop 120 in Linden Michigan. He went on to play football for Purdue University and was a member of the only Purdue team to win the Rose Bowl. After graduation he returned to the Flint area and worked for AC Spark Plug until his retirement in 2007. During this time he was an avid promoter of Scouting. Christopher was an Explorer Advisor for Post 651, a volunteer committee member of the Tall Pine Council Golf Tournament for over 20 years, and a Friends of Scouting Captain for the Tall Pine Council. In 1999 he received the Silver Beaver Award, the highest award given to an adult volunteer in Scouting. In 2008 Christopher became the Executive Director of the Old Newsboys of Flint. This was the culmination of several years working as a member of the Old Newsboys of Flint Board of Directors. He served as President of the Board and Secretary/Treasurer before assuming the duties of Executive Director. He has been active with Easter Seals, the United Way, the Burton Rotary Club, F&AM Lodge Number 23, Flint Elks Number 222, Burton Eagles, and several local Chambers of Commerce. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Christopher S. Hamilton as he is honored by the Tall Pine Council, Boy Scouts of America for his work on behalf of the children in the Flint community. He has touched numerous lives and I wish him the best in the future.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 24th anniversary of the naming of Chavez Drive and the fifth annual Cesar Chavez March in my hometown of Flint, Michigan. A celebration and fundraiser for the United Farm Workers members was held on March 26th to coincide with what would have been the late Cesar Chavez's 84th birthday. Born on a family farm, March 31, 1927, Cesar Chavez witnessed firsthand the suffering of migrant workers. When the family lost the farm during the Great Depression, Cesar toiled in the fields following crops across the Southwest. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II he returned to farm work and began his lifelong commitment to justice for migrant workers. During the 1960s Cesar Chavez, in reaction to the conditions he witnessed in the fields, became a union activist. Adopting the techniques of industrial unions like the UAW, Cesar fought against agribusiness and unfair laws that forbade farm workers from organizing. A nationwide boycott of table grapes and a 25-day hunger strike brought the United Farm Workers international attention. His leadership and personal commitment forced agribusiness to sign the first union contract with the United Farm Workers. He labored to improve the health and safety of the workers. He fought successfully to end the use of harmful chemicals like DDT and benefited not only the workers but the consumers as well. When Cesar Chavez died in 1993, over 40,000 people attended his funeral. In a show of respect for the man who had changed so many lives, our nation posthumously awarded him the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Mr. 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 honoring the memory of Cesar Chavez and his legacy to the American people.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the memory of Sergeant Kristopher James Gould of Frankenlust Township in Michigan. Kristopher paid the ultimate price in service to his country on February 27, 2011 in Afghanistan. Sergeant Gould joined the Michigan Army National Guard in 2003. He served in Iraq from 2005 to 2006. He joined the US Army in 2007 and was serving his second tour of duty in Afghanistan when his unit was struck by an improvised explosive device. Kristopher was assigned to the B Company, 2nd Infantry Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Knox, Kentucky. He was a 2004 graduate of Valley Lutheran High School and his funeral was held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church on Saturday, March 12th. James and Ann Gould, Kristopher's parents, would like to thank the Casualty Assistance Officer, Sergeant Angelina Saldana, of the Michigan Army National Guard for her assistance during this time. She escorted them to Dover Air Force Base, and coordinated the military honors with the church. Mr. and Mrs. Gould were touched by her compassion and her support of the family during this time. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to stand with me in a moment of silence and remember the life of Kristopher James Gould and the service he rendered to our country. His sacrifice for the United States of America cannot be measured, and we owe him our thanks and gratitude. Please join me in offering prayers and condolences to his parents, sister and family for their loss.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Tom Bryson upon his retirement as President and CEO of WJRT-TV. Tom retired on February 28th with over 25 years of service. After graduating from the University of Missouri's School of Journalism, Tom worked with Group W Radio in Washington, DC covering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s ``I Have a Dream'' speech. Over the years he has worked for various stations throughout the United States before accepting a position at WJRT-TV and has called it home for the past 25 years. Tom has accepted several leadership roles within the Michigan broadcasting industry including President of the MAB Board of Directors, and Chairman of the MAB Foundation. He was inducted into the Michigan' Broadcasting Hall of Fame in 2007 and received the 2010 Lifetime Achievement Award from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters. Communities served by WJRT are better because of his dedicated service. He has provided guidance and direction to several organizations including: United Way of Genesee County, the Food Bank of Eastern Michigan, the School of Health Professions and Studies for the University of Michigan-Flint, Goodwill Industries of Mid-Michigan, Genesys Charity Classic, Kiwanis Club of Flint, the Flint Salvation Army, the Flint Area Chamber of Commerce, the Genesee Focus Council, and the Genesee County Convention and Visitors Bureau. Tom and his wife, Mary, have three daughters and four grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate Tom Bryson and wish him a happy retirement. He has been a great influence on Flint and on me personally. I am a better person because of Tom Bryson. I wish him the best in the future and thank him for his service to our community.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 25th anniversary of my District Chief of Staff, Tiffany Flynn. Twenty five years ago today, I hired Tiffany as a receptionist in my Flint office. Tiffany, who grew up in Lapeer, Michigan and graduated from Lapeer West High School, worked her way up in my district office to eventually become my District Chief of Staff. She now oversees my district staff and manages my offices in Flint, Saginaw, and Bay City. Tiffany is a reliable and focused manager. She has been instrumental in helping foster growth and revitalization throughout my district. Tiffany played a critical role in ensuring that the Flint Main Post Office Processing and Distribution Center and the Social Security Administration office remained downtown. She also played a leading role in the redevelopment of downtown Flint. Tiffany has not only been a great asset to my office, but also to the people of mid-Michigan. Even after her workday is done, Tiffany continues to give back to her community by participating in a number of local activities and charities. Tiffany has been a member of the Rotary Board of Directors and is now president-elect of the Rotary Club of Flint. She works with the United Way and Muscular Dystrophy Association and supports the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Flint and the YWCA. Tiffany is also active in Women in Leadership, the League of Women Voters and in 2008 she received the ATHENA award by the Women's Business Council of the Genesee Regional Chamber of Commerce for mentoring and inspiring young women. Today, I want to thank Tiffany for her years of service, hard work and dedication to my office and to the people of mid-Michigan. Throughout the years, she has made a significant impact on my office and the lives of my constituents. I have been very fortunate to have had Tiffany on my staff for the last 25 years.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, on March 30th the Genesee County Free Medical Clinic will honor the healthcare providers that volunteer their time and talents to ensuring the uninsured low-income people of Genesee County have access to quality medical care. Conceived in 1991 by Dr. M. Nagaraju, the Genesee County Free Medical Clinic started as a one night a week clinic. Because there was no waiting room, the patients had to wait outside regardless of the weather. Today the clinic has its own building with 10 exam rooms, a licensed on-site pharmacy, and a waiting room. During an average week between 80 and 85 patients are treated and the clinic is the primary care provider for 3,000 uninsured patients. To be treated, a patient must be a Genesee County resident between 18 and 64 years old, have no medical coverage and income under 200 percent of the federal poverty level. The clinic is funded through their annual fundraising event--the Healing Hands 5K Run/Walk, grants and private donations. The commitment of the medical community is integral to the success of the clinic. Thirty-nine physicians, 48 nurses, 8 pharmacists, and other professionals donate their time and skills to treat patients. Sixty specialty care physicians and the 3 hospitals in Genesee County; Genesys Health Park, Hurley Medical Center and McLaren Regional Medical Center; work with the clinic to provide hospitalizations, laboratory services and diagnostic tests. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in applauding the work of the staff, medical community, volunteers, and supporters of the clinic for their selfless dedication to serving those in need. Twenty years ago the medical community saw a need in the greater Flint area to help those individuals that did not have health insurance and the Genesee County Free Medical Clinic was born. For the past 20 years the men and women of the medical community have been steadfast in their commitment to the clinic and I commend them for their enthusiasm, devotion, work and compassion.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Henry ``Hank'' Oginsky as he celebrates his 80th birthday. Hank is a dear friend, I have known for many, many years and I congratulate him on reaching this milestone in his life. A party will be held in his honor on March 27 in Corunna, Michigan. Hank was born on March 1, 1931 in New Lothrop, Michigan. He graduated from Northeastern High School in Detroit and in 1950 he started working for Buick Motor Division of General Motors. He worked at Buick for 40 years. As a member of UAW Local 599, Hank was elected as a Committeeman, then Shop Committeeman, and as the Local's Financial Secretary. He served as Financial Secretary for 25 years. During this time he was also a member of the Executive Committee and continued serving when he became a retiree. Over the years he played a pivotal role in passage of the ``30 and Out'' retirement policy and obtaining dental benefits for the membership. As a father of ten children, Hank also finds time to maintain two farms. He has his own farm in Lennon, Michigan and he operates his grandfather's farm in the New Lothrop area. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in applauding Henry ``Hank'' Oginsky as he celebrates his 80th birthday. I have always welcomed his insight, thoughtfulness, astute judgment and assistance over the years. I wish him the best in the coming year and many, many more.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in recognizing the achievements of Lenore Croudy. A Birthday Tribute will be held on March 30th in Flint Michigan in her honor. In addition to being a dear friend, Lenore Croudy is a tremendous asset to the flint community. She was an educator for the Flint Community Schools for over 40 years. During that time she worked as a teacher, instructional specialist, assistant principal, assistant dean, Director of the Reading, Language Arts and Humanities Department, and Steward for Resource and Information. Prior to her retirement she also served as President of the Congress of Flint School Administrators. Lenore has also served as a member of the Mott Community College Board of Trustees for over 20 years. Re-elected to her 4th term in 2005, she has been the board chairperson since 1995. Recognized by her peers, Lenore has served on the National Board of Directors and as Central Region Chairperson for the Association of Community College Trustees. She is active with the YWCA of Flint, Center for the Visually Impaired, Salvation Army, Flint Rotary Club, Voluntary Action Center, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Boy Scouts of America Tall Pine Council, Hundred Club of Flint, and Flint Chapter of the NAACP. She is also the founder of the Youth Leadership Institute. In appreciation of her accomplishments, Lenore has received numerous awards including the Governor's Service Award in 2007--the George Romney Lifetime Achievement Award. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I ask the House of Representatives to join me in applauding Lenore Croudy. I have known Lenore for many years and she is always compassionate, focused, faithful, and dedicated to improving the lives of those around her. Her enthusiasm for serving others is contagious and I am proud to call her my ``lifetime'' friend. I wish her a happy birthday and many, many more.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to John Alfred Feaster as he celebrates his 80th birthday. A celebration will be held in Burton Michigan on March 19th in honor of the occasion. John Alfred Feaster graduated from Arkansas A&M College in 1954 with a degree in economics. He served in the U.S. military during the Korean War and was honorably discharged with the rank of corporal in 1956. A year later he married the former Lillian Battle in Flint Michigan. Mr. Feaster worked at AC Spark Plug retiring in 1991 and he is a member of UAW Local 651. As an active member of Quinn Chapel AME Church, Mr. Feaster has served as President of the Laymen Organization, on the Steward Board, on the Trustee Board, in the Men's Fellowship, in the Men's Choir, and the Chancel Choir. He was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity on December 17, 1952 and is a lifetime member. He is currently active with the Epsilon Upsilon Lambda (Flint Grad) chapter of the Fraternity. Mr. Feaster is also a lifetime member of the Flint Chapter of the NAACP. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating John Alfred Feaster as he celebrates his 80th birthday. I would like to extend to him my best wishes for a delightful day and may the coming year be filled with happiness and good health.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Chair, I rise today in strong support of this amendment to prevent federal funds from being used to open the Chicago area locks to protect the Great Lakes from the threat of Asian Carp. The Great Lakes are among our nation's most precious natural resources. They provide recreation and enjoyment for countless families in our region, and support more than $7 billion in fishing and approximately 800,000 jobs. Mr. Chair, this important resource is currently under great threat. The dangerously invasive Asian Carp is moving quickly towards the Great Lakes. These ravenous fish can grow as large as 100 pounds, will eat nearly everything in their path and have no known natural predators. If these fish are not stopped, we are risking the destruction of the delicate ecosystem of the Great Lakes and the countless industries and communities that rely upon them. Mr. Chair, current efforts to stop the Asian Carp are not getting the job done. Indeed, last year a live Carp was found well beyond the electronic barriers and only 6 miles from Lake Michigan. Despite the imminent threat, the Supreme Court has refused to consider Michigan's request to close the Chicago locks. Congress must act now; there is no time to lose. The Chicago-area locks must be kept closed to protect our region from this grave danger. I commend my colleague Congressman Camp for introducing this important amendment to keep the Chicago area locks closed and protect our Great Lakes. I urge my colleagues to join us in protecting these great bodies of water. We cannot allow the Great Lakes to become a smorgasbord for the Asian Carp. We must act now so that our communities and industries can continue to rely on these great bodies for generations to come.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 20th anniversary of my Chief of Staff, Callie M. Coffman. Twenty years ago today, I made one of the best decisions o my career by hiring a young, intelligent and ambitious intern to join my staff. I was so impressed by her work that after she graduated from the University of Michigan I asked her to join my permanent staff. Over the years, Callie worked her way up from interning to running my entire office. On the wall next to Callie's desk, she still has the original letter I sent to her offering her an internship. It is not often that we get to celebrate a staffer's 20th anniversary on the Hill, especially in the same office. Over the years, I have seen many talented staff come and go. Today, I am thankful that Callie decided to stay and dedicate the last 20 years working for the people of mid-Michigan. Over the years Callie has put her mark on almost every legislative issue in my office. She has been instrumental in accomplishments such as welfare reform, reauthorization of Child Nutrition programs, the Higher Education Act, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and the reauthorization of Head Start and Early Head Start programs. It is a testament to her character and ability that she rose to become Chief of Staff. It is not only important to find staff with a good head, but also a good heart and Callie is blessed to have both. I am fortunate to have had Callie on my staff for the last 20 years. Today, I want to thank her from the bottom of my heart for her service, friendship and loyalty.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the Genesee District Library as it celebrates the 10th Annual Black History Month Brunch on Saturday, February 19th in Grand Blanc Michigan. Proceeds from the Brunch help fund the Genesee District Library's Summer Reading Program. The Library operates this program at its 19 locations with 5,000 young people participating. This year the program will feature renowned gospel singer, Vickie Winans, and jazz recording artist Randy Scott. The Genesee District Library will also present six individuals from Genesee County with the Award of Excellence. These individuals have made significant contributions to the community and provide inspiration to future generations. These individuals are: Dr. George Ross, a Flint Northern High School graduate who is the first African-American President of Central Michigan University; former state representative and educator, Genesee County Commissioner Brenda J. Clack; Floyd Clack, former state representative and educator, currently an Eastern Michigan University Regent; Samuel Cox, owner and operator of three area McDonalds Restaurants; Dr. Reginald G. Flynn, pastor of Foss Avenue Baptist Church and community activist; and Judge Tracy Collier-Nix of the 68th District Court and the second African-American female to join the Genesee District Bar Association. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the Genesee District Library for showcasing Black History Month through its recognition of these outstanding citizens and providing a nurturing environment for all generations to contemplate new ideas, discover new skills, encounter new cultures, and develop the enthusiasm to work for a brighter tomorrow.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, today we will be saying farewell to the pages who have served this House so well. They are standing in the back of the Chamber here now. We wish to thank you for your service. I've been on the Page Board for about 30 years. Speaker Tip O'Neill appointed me to that board, and this has been a tremendous group of pages. You've worked hard, you've worked well, and you've worked honorably. You've seen history. You've seen a change of party control of this House. You've seen our joys and our sorrows. You witnessed the sorrow we all experienced and you experienced when a Member of this House was attacked back in her district. There is a program called Close Up where people come to Washington, people your age, to observe the Congress, and they learn a lot. It's a great program. But no one sees the Congress as close up as you do. And we appreciate the fact that you recognize that as a great responsibility and a great honor, and you will go back home and tell others about this Congress. I think you can tell them that everyone who serves in this Congress, even though we may have differences--sometimes very sharp differences-- the one thing that does bind us together is that everyone here in this Congress loves this country. Go back and tell them that we are imperfect people trying to make a more perfect Republic. I yield, Mr. Speaker, to my colleague on the Page Board, the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Bishop).

Mr. KILDEE. I want to thank Mr. Bishop and Ms. Foxx, who also served on this committee. We have enjoyed our work, and you've made our work very enjoyable. Departure Ceremony Page Names Fall Class of 2010 Haley Alderete Carissa A. Almendarez Alexandra Baker Shraddha Batra Bethany Blakeman Christopher Michael Tydingco Borja Derek Kristopher Bowdle Taylor Brooks Hunter Layne Chapman Fernando Chavez, Jr. Josilyn Chowen Joseph Cortes Nicholas Dellasanta Hannah Elizabeth Dillman Domine Ezechukwu Melissa Lynn Finno Megan Fleming Gerardo Flores Ashley Nicole Flowers Hector Javier Garcia Derek Gartee Megan Greeley Kallie A. Hargrove Kaitlin Elaine Hinojosa Kathryn Elizabeth Hopper Peter Alex Kanjorski John D. Kohler Ra'Nisa Kyles Olga Lefebvre Josiah Lippincott Schaeffer Mallory Gomez J. Martin Jacqueline McGrath Hannah Mery Meghan Myhill Diona Okunbo Rachel Olivares Tyler Olkowski Cemal Ozgur Joshua L. Perry Tyler Jacob Petersen Brendan J. Pfaller Levi Andrew Phillips Alexis Robbins William Douglas Rodenberg Caroline Saca Nicole Marie Santeiro Kameron Simmons Everett Sotelo Camden Scott Wiggins

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dale Majerczyk as he retires as city manager for the city of Essexville Michigan. After 15 years as city manager, Mr. Majerczyk's last date will be on Friday, January 14th. During his tenure as city manager, Mr. Majerczyk has worked to improve the city of Essexville. He was instrumental in securing funding to reconstruct streets, upgrade the waste treatment plant, develop the industrial park, build a new Department of Public Works facility, develop a brownfield plan for the city, fund landfill testing, and secured funding for a sewer project. He has represented the city with various local, state and national organizations. He helped start Kids Fest and assisted local businesses with expansion and development. Prior to his work with the city of Essexville, Mr. Majerczyk worked for the city of Petoskey, the city of Traverse City and the Teamsters State, County and Municipal Workers Local 214. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Central Michigan University and has several public service and mediation certifications. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Dale Majerczyk as he retires as the city manager of the city of Essexville and I wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and offer prayers for my friend and colleague, Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, her staff and all the victims of the tragic and senseless shooting in Tucson. She is a brilliant and caring public servant. She loves this country as all Members of Congress do. At times like these, words are always inadequate to express the full extent of our grief. What we can do is pray, reflect, and seek to gain some meaningful perspective from this time of great sorrow. Mr. Speaker, this terrible act, whatever the cause, does violence to the democratic principles our country was founded on. As I pray for the victims of this terrible event, I also pray that our country can move forward from this tragedy with that love and respect that Gabrielle Giffords has for human dignity.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, tomorrow Genesee Gardens Independent Retirement Community will unveil its Wall of Honor in recognition of the veterans that have served our nation. The residents of Genesee Gardens that have served in our Armed Forces and will be honored are: Joseph Almassy, United States Navy; James Bean, United States Army; Harold Blight, United States Air Force; George Booker, USMC; Donald DeSilva, United States Army; Ralph Dreyer, United States Navy-Air Force; Lotof Farah, United States Navy; Alan Flesher, United States Army; Tomas Garza, USMC; Kenneth George, United States Army; Earl Graves, United States Army; Bernard Green, United States Army; Leon Hannah, United States Army; Bernard Hendriksen, Army Air Force; John ``Jack'' Houton, United States Army; Matthew Kvintus, United States Army; Saver Mrdutt, United States Army-Air Force; Donald Nichols, United States Army-Air Force; David Trajano, United States Navy; Charles Wallace, United States Navy-Air Force; Robert Wenzel, United States Army; Gordon Wilson, United States Army; Richard Wittum, United States Army; Charles Wyatt, United States Navy; William Yehle, USMC. Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join with me in applauding these individuals for their bravery, sacrifice and commitment to preserving our freedom. We owe them our gratitude for answering the call of duty. Their steadfast devotion to safeguarding our nation serves as a shining example for future generations and I thank them for their faithful service.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. ``To coin money, regulate the value thereof, and of foreign coin, and fix the standard of weights and measures; to provide for the punishment of counterfeiting the securities and current coin of the United States; to establish post offices and post roads.''

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the University of Michigan-Flint for being designated an ``Engaged University'' by the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. The Carnegie Foundation announced this classification yesterday and a formal presentation will take place on the University of Michigan-Flint campus on Monday, January 10. The Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching created the ``Engaged University'' classification to acknowledge the achievements of schools throughout the United States that have created institutional practices of community involvement. Universities apply for the classification and are granted the classification based upon their mission, culture, leadership, resources and practices. The University of Michigan-Flint was able to demonstrate the integration of curricular engagement, outreach, the exchange of knowledge, and partnerships, with the larger community to the benefit of both groups. The school has an established practice of honoring faculty for their involvement, encouraging students to extend the education process outside classroom walls, and utilizing the school's resources to enhance the community. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the chancellor, Dr. Ruth Person, the provost, Dr. Gerard Voland, the faculty, staff, students and community for their vision, enthusiasm and commitment to this partnership. I commend the University of Michigan-Flint for their hard work and for receiving this classification from the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Beulah B. Roman as she celebrates her 105th birthday on December 19. A party will be held in her honor in Burton Michigan to celebrate the occasion. Born in 1905 at Mandate Ohio, Mrs. Roman relocated to Flint Michigan and worked at the Fisher Body Plant for 35 years retiring in 1961. She has been an active member of Mt. Olive Missionary Baptist Church, joining the congregation in 1928. She has worked with the Missionary Society, the Ada Barry Bible Class, and the Mother's Board. She still attends church services every Sunday. She is also an avid golfer, bowler, reader and likes to solve crossword puzzles. Mrs. Roman has one son, a daughter-in-law, two grandchildren, four great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews and numerous friends. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Beulah B. Roman as she celebrates her 105th birthday. I wish her the best for the day and the coming year.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Eugene Gwizdala as he retires from the Bay County Commission after serving 34 years as the Commissioner for the 8th district. A celebration is planned for December 14th in Bay City, Michigan in his honor. First elected in 1975 to represent the 4th district, Eugene served through 1984. He was elected in 1987 to represent the 8th district and has held the position since that time. During his tenure he was Chairman of the Board in 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2005; and Vice-Chair of the Board in 2000, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, and 2009. He also served on numerous county boards and commissions. He was a member of the MSB Airport Commission, working tirelessly to develop and secure services for airport customers and ensure the future of the airport. Eugene was also instrumental in the creation of the Bay County Mosquito Control Program. Madam Speaker, Eugene Gwizdala has served the people of Bay County with diligence, insight, and enthusiasm. He has spent the past three decades of his life committed to improving the quality of life for the residents of Bay County. I wish him the best as he retires and enters the next phase of his life.

Mr. KILDEE

Mr. KILDEE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the workers, management and owners of Nexteer Automotive as the company transitions to its new partnership with Pacific Century Motors. In 1906 the machining firm of Jackson, Church, and Wilcox developed a better quality steering gear for Buick Motors and began manufacturing the steering gear in Saginaw that same year. Four years later General Motors purchased Jackson, Church and Wilcox and renamed the company Saginaw Steering Gear Division. Over the years, Saginaw Steering Gear Division became Saginaw County's largest employer as the sole supplier of steering mechanisms to General Motors. The first power steering system, the first energy-absorbing steering column and the first adjustable steering wheel were developed and built by Saginaw Steering Gear Division. Saginaw Steering Gear became the Saginaw Division and later Delphi Saginaw Steering Systems. As Nexteer Automotive they persist in innovation, recently designing QuadraSteer and Active Steering drive train technology. Nexteer Automotive and Pacific Century Motors are starting a ``New Beginning'' that will allow Nexteer to advance its products in the global marketplace. Madam Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating the employees and management of Nexteer Automotive for their past achievements and as they embark upon a new international partnership with Pacific Century Motors. I welcome this collaboration of ideas, diligence and enthusiasm and I hope their success in technological development will continue for many, many years to come.