Robert Latta

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Madam Speaker, Mr. J. Russell Coffey passed away on December 20, 2007, at the age of 109, and Mr. Coffey was 1 of 3 surviving veterans of World War I. Mr. Coffey was a student at Ohio State University when the United States joined the war in 1917 and Mr. Coffey enlisted in the Army at the age of 20 and was honorably discharged on December 12, 1918, a month after the signing of the armistice. Mr. Coffey played baseball and was a track sprinter while in college and received both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree from Ohio State University, as well as a doctorate degree in education from New York University. Mr. Coffey continued his interest in sports and teaching by officiating high school sports for many years while he taught junior high and high school students in Phelps, Kentucky, at the former Glenwood Junior High School in Findlay and at the former Findlay College. Mr. Coffey served as an instructor at Bowling Green State University from 1948 through 1969, primarily teaching physical education but also teaching archery, psychology, swimming, and driver's education. Mr. Coffey was the director of the university's graduate studies in health and physical education from 1952 to 1968. Mr. Coffey was an active member of the Bowling Green Rotary Club for more than 50 years, and he was named the ``oldest living Rotarian in the world'' by the club in 2004, and in later years, Mr. Coffey credited physical activity and a healthy diet for his longevity. The House of Representatives honors the life of Mr. J. Russell Coffey for his dedication to public service as a veteran, teacher, and member of the community.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to stand before you today in support of House Resolution 916 honoring the contribution of Catholic schools to the education system of this country. In Ohio, approximately 12 percent of school children are educated by private institutions with the vast majority going to Catholic schools. These schools provide the structure and value system that are important to their families as their children receive not only a quality education but a strong moral and social foundation. Most importantly, the choice of a Catholic education allows children to have a religious bearing in their education. Many parents make great sacrifices for their children's education by sending them to Catholic school, because at the same time they are not only paying for that Catholic education, but they also have to pay taxes to the public schools. I applaud the hard work and dedication of the staff at the Catholic schools, as well as the parents who seek this education for their child's betterment. I am pleased to support House Resolution 916 today and to support our Catholic schools in Ohio and across this great country. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 2174 sponsored by Senators Voinovich and Brown to name the United States Post Office in Tiffin, Ohio, after Paul E. Gillmor. I first met the Congressman when he began his public service career over 40 years ago. Congressman Gillmor admirably served as a State senator, as president of the Ohio senate, and also of course as a United States Congressman since 1989. Congressman Gillmor cared for the people of his district and was dedicated to serving them. I was taught by my father who served in this Chamber for 30 years that a true public servant is an individual who sees how much they can give of themselves to the people they represent, and I truly believe that Paul did exactly that. I think it is a fitting tribute to name a United States Post Office in Tiffin, Ohio, in his honor. He unselfishly gave of his time and energy to serve the citizens not only of the Second Senate District but also the Fifth Congressional District for over 40 years. It is truly an honor for me to follow the Congressman who served in this seat. I ask that this body approve the naming of this post office in the name of Congressman Gillmor.

Mr. LATTA

Mr. LATTA. Thank you, Madam Speaker, for allowing me a brief moment. I want to thank Representative Regula. Representative Kaptur, thank you very much for your nice remarks. I really appreciate that. I know that my dad always enjoyed serving with you and riding on the plane back and forth from Toledo. It's a great honor to be here today. I'll tell you, it's a humbling experience. Because of all the years when I was younger and Dad was in Congress here and being able to come onto this floor, I never dreamed there would be a day when I would be standing in this well to address the Members. I just want to say this, that as we were walking here today from the Metro and walking between the Cannon and Longworth and looking up the street and seeing that dome of the Capitol Building, I understood how humbling of an experience this really is. I truly believe we are truly blessed to be one of 435 to represent such a great Nation. I look forward to working with all of you in the future. And I just want to thank you very much for this ability to be here with you today, and also, Madam Speaker, again, for allowing me to speak. I really appreciate it. Thank you very much.