Darin LaHood

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor a remarkable organization, the Mason County Farm Bureau. The Mason County Farm Bureau from Central Illinois is an integral organization that promotes agricultural prosperity. After many years of success and service, the Mason County Farm Bureau is celebrating their 100th anniversary. Mason County Farm Bureau was chartered on February 16, 1916 by local farmers interested in promoting agriculture on a local, state, and national level. Today, the group has over 1,500 members supporting the agrarian community and economy throughout the county. Not only does Mason County Farm Bureau focus on agricultural issues, but they have effectively established committees for young leaders involved in agriculture. These committees include initiatives like Farm Safety Day, Young Leaders Conference, and Farm Bureau scholarships. Programs like these greatly serve the community by ensuring that today's young aspiring farmers effectively, safely and efficiently grow a better quality and more abundant crop for future generations. Ilinois has become a major economic force within the agricultural sector because of farm bureaus like Mason County that come together and enhance opportunities for local farmers, their families, and the community as a whole. I extend my sincere congratulations to Mason County Farm Bureau for their outstanding accomplishments and contributions to Illinois. I hope the organization continues to grow and prosper for the next one hundred years.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to formally congratulate the 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade from Normal, Illinois, for receiving the Reserve Family Readiness Award from the Department of Defense at the Pentagon last Friday. This award is bestowed on the top unit in each Reserve component for their outstanding programs that support unit missions and family readiness. The 404th Maneuver Enhancement Brigade, under Unit Commander, Captain Jera Muder, has more than 2,000 soldiers in various functional units, from engineering to military police, to support units. These family readiness support programs allow our soldiers, sailors, marines, airmen, and guardsmen to serve throughout the world with peace of mind, knowing that their home front is safe. This is a prestigious title, and it makes me proud and Illinois proud that these remarkable men and women call central Illinois home. Today we applaud their families for the sacrifices they make so their soldiers can defend our country abroad, and we congratulate them on this well-deserved award. To those in our Armed Forces keeping our homes and families safe, thank you. And to the fathers, mothers, wives, husbands, and children behind our troops, you also deserve our gratitude for your ongoing sacrifice and bravery.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the Sisters of St. Francis of the Immaculate Conception on the celebration of 125 years of service by making God's compassionate presence known throughout Central Illinois. Since 1891, the Sisters of St. Francis have dedicated their lives to serving the people of God through prayer, community activism, and striving to meet the needs of the Peoria and Springfield Diocese. By playing an active role within the Roman Catholic Church, these women have made great strides in promoting public awareness of their mission. Their ongoing efforts make a difference every day in the lives of the people in our community. Their commitment to help the lives of the poor, uneducated, and the hungry embodies the attributes of true servants of Christ. On February 2, 2016, the women of St. Francis celebrated 125 years encompassed in the spirit of charity, religion, and community. As a native of Peoria and practicing Catholic, I consider myself fortunate that our community has women devoted to spreading a ``Caring, Praying Presence'' and the love of God through compassion and service.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, last week the Obama administration failed to meet a congressionally mandated deadline to submit a strategy to combat Islamic terrorism. To comply with the 2016 National Defense Authorization Act, President Obama was required to submit to Congress a comprehensive strategy to defeat ISIS by Monday, February 15, 2016. That was over a week ago. We still have not received his strategy. Confronting this threat is of utmost importance to the safety and security of the United States and our allies. While there is an absence of leadership from our Commander in Chief, the House has taken several steps to keep America safe from terrorism. We passed the Visa Waiver Improvement and Terrorist Travel Prevention Act to help prevent foreign terrorists from entering the United States. We also passed the American Security Against Foreign Enemies Act, a bill to pause the government's Syrian refugee program. Just yesterday the House passed two additional measures to ensure our Federal agencies are working to disrupt the travel of terrorists and those seeking help from terrorists. The House alone cannot keep America safe. We need action from this administration, and submitting an incomplete plan to remove dangerous terrorists to the United States from Guantanamo Bay doesn't count. It just threatens our security more. ISIS is a very grave threat that is clearly not contained. Today I urge the President to comply with the National Defense Authorization Act and submit a plan to Congress.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today, I would like to proudly announce the service academy nominees for Illinois' 18th congressional district. Twenty-two remarkable individuals have been selected for admittance into the U.S. Military Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, or U.S. Air Force Academy. These young men and women have gone through a rigorous and competitive application process, making them the most impressive and outstanding group of individuals. This group gives me confidence in America's future. I would like to thank the members of our selection panel including veterans and community leaders who volunteered their time, talents, and attention to this process. I would also like to thank the parents for raising these exceptional young adults. Finally, I would like to thank the nominees themselves for their dedication to serving this great nation. The Illinois 18th congressional district service academy nominees are: Randy Meneweather II of Washington, IL, U.S. Air Force Academy; Matthew Helmich of Virginia, IL, U.S. Air Force Academy; Mason Pohlman of Jacksonville, IL, U.S. Air Force Academy; Joseph McCabe III of Morton, IL, U.S. Air Force Academy; Ashton Williams of Springfield, IL, U.S. Air Force Academy; Eric Betts of Camp Point, IL, U.S. Military Academy; Maximilian Rawls of Dunlap IL, U.S. Military Academy; Jace Taliaferrero of Pleasant Hill, IL, U.S. Military Academy; Jacob Lowman of Nauvoo, IL, U.S. Military Academy; Elias Sanchez of Green Valley, IL, U.S. Military Academy; Bradley Novak of Brimfield, IL, U.S. Military Academy; Jeston Rademaker of Mapleton, IL, U.S. Military Academy; William Lucie of Basco, IL, U.S. Military Academy; Morgan Riley of Peoria, IL, U.S. Naval Academy; Jacob Armbrecht of Springfield, IL, U.S. Naval Academy; Nathaniel Fierstos of Springfield, IL, U.S. Naval Academy; Spencer Myers of Golden, IL, U.S. Naval Academy; Reed Groesch of Springfield, IL, U.S. Naval Academy; Tucker Schmidt of Petersburg, IL, U.S. Naval Academy; August Will of Hudson, IL, U.S. Naval Academy; Faith Kim of Washington, IL, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy; Kelsie Taylor of Pekin, IL, U.S. Air Force Academy, U.S. Naval Academy, U.S. Military Academy.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to recognize the Peoria County Soil & Water Conservation District (SWCD) on achieving their 75th anniversary. Authorized under the District Act of 1937, the public servants of SWCD have assisted Peoria County landowners in promoting a healthy Midwestern ecosystem to ensure the mitigation of soil erosion and promotion of improved water quality and wildlife habitat for seventy- five years. Because of their sustained efforts in ecology and education, the local agricultural community continues to produce higher quality crops. By playing an active role within our agrarian society, residents of Peoria County have the ability to take advantage of beneficial programs. The Conservation Practices Program (CPP) allows residents who undergo a project to benefit our land and water resources receive up to $6,000 from the SWCD to complete the project. In addition, for those who wish to learn more about the advantages of conservation, the SWCD promotes the Gilles Family Tours in which participants tour a family farm and discover the values of conservation. As a native of Peoria County, I consider myself fortunate that our county has the SWCD as a resource. Congratulations Peoria County Soil & Water Conservation District on a prosperous seventy-five years and I wish it many more years of success.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor a remarkable business, Peoria Charter Coach Company, an icon of Central Illinois celebrating their 75th anniversary. Peoria Charter Coach Company started in Lacon, Illinois under Walter Winkler who had nothing but the earnest desire to put his community first. After seeing his fellow citizens struggle to travel to work due to the World War II gas rations, he opened a bus service so that others around him could safely commute to work to earn their paychecks. Seventy-five years later and now headquartered in Peoria, Illinois, four generations of Winklers have found many other ways to serve their community. From transporting war-time United States Defense Workers and Military Personnel to serve their country to helping schoolchildren to attend classes, from assisting college students returning home for the holidays to serving locals looking to catch a ball game in Chicago, the Winklers continue to pride themselves on assisting others. To date, the Peoria Charter Coach Company now carries an impressive half million passengers over four million miles annually. I am thankful that America has been a country where hard-working families with a vision, such as the Winklers can grow their small business, employ others, and serve their fellow Americans. I extend my sincere congratulations to the Winkler Family and Peoria Charter Coach Company for their impressive accomplishments and thank them for their continued service to the 18th District. I wish them seventy-five more years of good fortune and safe travels.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honor a remarkable organization in the Peoria area. The Children's Home of Greater Peoria is celebrating 150 years of improving the lives of children and families. Children's Home (previously Christian Home Mission, Women's Christian Association, and Home for the Friendless) opened in 1866 and is divulged in the principles of lending a helping hand to those in need, specifically women and children. Christian Home Mission was founded by women looking to alleviate suffering among the poor and provide shelter for homeless women and children. The foundation quickly expanded and became too small for the services they wanted to provide. Children's Home continued to grow and began focusing on children with behavioral and emotional disorders who were abused. By 2009, the foundation furthered their mission in helping children by offering programs focused in special education, community-based opportunities, and live-in care and treatment. Currently, Children's Home houses six locations and are staffing over 400 professionals to provide services for over 1,700 children and families each month. With each resource, Children's Home tirelessly dedicates itself to achieve its mission: Giving children a childhood and future by protecting them, teaching them and healing them, and by building strong communities and loving families. Because of their efforts, many disadvantaged children have brighter futures. As a proud husband and loving father of three, I applaud the continual efforts of the Children's Home. Their success equates to our future's success. Congratulations, Children's Home, for its sesquicentennial and I wish the organization many more years of great service to our children.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor Julie Baker Dobski, the 2016 Honorary Degree Recipient of Illinois State University Founders Day. Julie Baker Dobski, a citizen of Bloomington-Normal since 1988, is a successful business person and philanthropist who serves her fellow citizens in more ways than one. In 1982, she and her husband, Bob, opened their first McDonald's in Farmington, Missouri and has since expanded their franchise to serve Big Macs and Happy Meals in Bloomington, Normal, McLean and Gibson City. However, she soon realized that local boys and girls were hungry for something greater such as knowledge. In 2004, Julie fulfilled those needs by opening her first of three Little Jewels Learning Centers. These centers provide family- oriented child care with a variety of programs and activities that engage the children and prepare them for school in a safe, loving, and nurturing environment. Julie continued her service and devotion in the community by serving on various executive boards such as the McLean County Chamber of Commerce, American Red Cross, United Way as well as many others. She currently serves on the Baby Fold, BN Advantage Leadership Council, and the Illinois State University College of Business Advisory Board. In addition, her great leadership does not go unrecognized as she was awarded with the McDonald's People Award and the McDonald's Ronald Award twice. Under her tenure as president of the Bloomington-Normal Sunrise Rotary, her club was donned the Club of the Year. Because of her values of leadership, hard work, and passion to help others, those around her also achieve success. In short, where ever she goes, success ultimately follows. Again, I want to congratulate Julie Baker Dobski and her continued service to the 18th District.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, today I recognize Catholic schools and parishes within Central Illinois and across the country as we celebrate National Catholic Schools Week. Parochial education holds a special place in American history as a long established alternative for parents who desire a religious component to their child's education. As part of this tradition, every year starting on the last Sunday of January, Catholic schools all across the nation celebrate Catholic Schools Week. There are 6,568 Catholic schools in the United States including both elementary and secondary schools that serve urban, suburban and rural communities. Catholic school graduation rates are over 99 percent and of those graduating students, 85.7 percent attend college. My home state of Illinois is one of the top ten states in the country with the highest enrollment in Catholic schools and my district is home to 28 Catholic schools that will be participating in activities throughout the week. I myself am a proud graduate of Catholic grade school, high school, and college and the religious values I learned through my Catholic education have stayed with me throughout my life. Additionally, my wife and I and our three sons are current parishioners at St. Vincent de Paul parish in Peoria and our boys attend school there. I am so thankful for my education and that America is a country where families have the freedom and choice to send their children to a Catholic or other parochial school. This year's theme for Catholic Schools Week is ``Catholic Schools: Communities of Faith, Knowledge and Service.'' Students, teachers, parishioners, and clergy from across America will celebrate together as a community, recognizing God's mission through the pillars of faith, knowledge and service, as well as promoting the Church's values of volunteering, vocations and family. During National Catholic Schools Week, I am pleased to highlight the Catholic educational system and look forward to many more years of continued success and celebration.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I commemorate the life of Mr. Tony Haddad, a restauranteur and local icon of Peoria, Illinois, who passed away this past Saturday at the age of 78. Immigrating to Peoria from Lebanon in 1977, Mr. Haddad and his family arrived in the United States with only thirty dollars in his pocket. Although far from home, Haddad brought his culture to life through the food he sold from a pushcart in downtown Peoria for almost 35 years, which he later expanded into his own local restaurant. Mr. Haddad was the personification of the American dream. His empathy and generosity made those who visited his food cart and restaurant not only his patrons, but his friends. Tony was always charitable, giving a meal to someone even if he knew they would not be able to repay him and, and he made time to listen to his customers' problems. Alongside his work, the cornerstone to Haddad's life was the love and friendship of his wife of 60 years, Loreece. Together, they came to America and created their own legacy, raising six children, 18 grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren. Although he will be greatly missed, he will be remembered fondly and remain an icon of the 18th District.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor retired U.S. Army Master Sergeant Jack C. Harlan, who received the Military Order of the Purple Heart on Veterans Day last week in Peoria, Illinois. I was privileged to pin the medal on the lapel of Master Sergeant Harlan's dress blues in front of hundreds of spectators and veterans gathered at Peoria's World War I and World War II memorial. The veterans event, held annually to honor our servicemen and -women, this year brought a special opportunity to witness Master Sergeant Harlan receive his distinguished medal. It had been approved recently by John McHugh, our Secretary of the Army. Master Sergeant Harlan has 18 years of service to our Nation, carrying out tours in Afghanistan and Iraq. While on deployment for Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2007, a vehicle carrying Master Sergeant Harlan and a small transition team on combat control was suddenly struck by an IED. Harlan was knocked unconscious from the blast and suffered concussive injuries from the attack. Mr. Speaker, Master Sergeant Jack Harlan is a son of central Illinois and has served our country with valor. He has since been honorably discharged from the United States Army and has returned home to help serve his fellow veterans. We honor him with this Purple Heart.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I commemorate the heroic acts of Mr. James Vernon of Morton, Illinois. Mr. Vernon, now 75 years old, put himself between 16 terrified children and a knife-wielding teen determined to cause harm at an Illinois public library. Mr. Vernon was leading a chess club meeting with local children when the attacker entered the library holding a knife in each hand. Vernon, a retired Caterpillar technology worker and Army veteran, averted the attacker's attention away from the children, ages 7 to 13, allowing time for the students to exit the library. Vernon attempted to talk the attacker down before any advances were made. During his discussion with the teen, Vernon used the diversion to deduce that the attacker was right-hand dominant, which would help if he needed to subdue the attacker. Despite the efforts of Vernon to calm the attacker, the teen once again became aggressive. Recalling the Army training he received nearly half a century ago, Vernon blocked one blade with his left hand and threw the attacker onto a table. Mr. Vernon suffered lacerations to his hand as he subdued the attacker before the authorities arrived. All children escaped the library without harm thanks to Mr. Vernon's courageous act. I feel it is most appropriate to commend James Vernon today and thank him for his years of service to the community and to this country.

Mr. LaHOOD

Mr. LaHOOD. I thank Speaker Boehner for swearing me in today. Mr. Speaker, it is a true honor to be here. I am humbled and honored to be a part of this body. And I want to thank my colleagues-- Congressman Shimkus, Congressman Gutierrez, and the rest of the Illinois delegation--for being here today. I look forward to working with them and being a productive Member of this body. I would just like to thank my constituents that voted for me in this special election. We worked hard over the last 6 months in this race, and I am proud to be entrusted with the responsibility that 710,000 people gave me in my district in Illinois. I am proud of that district, and I am proud of my record in the State Senate. Again, I look forward to bringing the values that I have had in Illinois to this body. I also want to thank my family. The family is the pride and joy of who I am. I have my three boys up here today--McKay, who is 13; Teddy, who is 8; Lucas, who is 11--and my wife Kristen, who is in the gallery. I couldn't do this without her. Kristen, please stand up. I guess I would just say that I look forward to working hard in this body, to meeting my colleagues, doing a lot of listening, and doing a lot of learning to be the best Member of Congress I can be. I also want to thank my mom and dad and my extended family for being here. I am proud to be the son of Ray and Kathy LaHood and the values that they instilled in me: faith, family, working hard, remembering where you came from, doing the best job you can for the people you represent, and staying grounded in your district. I couldn't be prouder to be here today with the legacy in this district going back to Abraham Lincoln; and Bob Michel for 38 years, who I am sorry couldn't be here today. When I think about Bob Michel and think about 71 years ago he began his service to this country on the beaches of Normandy and spent 38 years in this body representing Peoria, and then he, during his time when Reagan was here, ushered in Reagan's values to help change this country, to have that legacy means so much. I know I have got a lot to learn. I look forward to hitting the ground running, being the best Member of Congress that I can, and working hard for my district. Thank you very much. Announcement by the Speaker