Mike McIntyre

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove Representative Manzullo's name as cosponsor of H.R. 31.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a giant among giants, a friend of all citizens from all walks of life, and a man whose hand was always extended to those who wanted to reach for their dreams--Dr. E.B. Turner of Lumberton, Robeson County, NC. Dr. Turner, who passed away October 5, 2008, was an inspirational leader, dedicated public servant, and renowned pastor for generations of Robesonians. Sixty years earlier in 1948, Dr. Turner, who had just finished divinity school at Shaw University, made the trip south down I-95 to Lumberton to become pastor at First Baptist Church in South Lumberton. Never planning to make Lumberton his home or become involved in public service, Turner was challenged by the opportunity to make a difference. And through wisdom, perseverance, and drive, he truly did. From housing to infrastructure to economic development to education, Dr. Turner made a lasting impact on the future and quality of life for hundreds of thousands of citizens. In addition to his public contributions, Dr. Turner faithfully served the First Baptist Church for 57 years as Pastor. Through his love of God and his willingness to share the good news with all, Dr. Turner not only changed lives, he changed hearts. I knew Dr. Turner personally. He and my father, Dr. Douglas C. McIntyre, served on the City Council together in the 1970s. Later, Dr. Turner and I served together on the board of the newly chartered Lumberton Economic Advancement for Downtown, Inc, to help revitalize the downtown of our city. He and I were involved in many political activities together, and he appointed me to serve on the Robeson County Human Relations Commission. He encouraged me when I first ran for Congress to ``do something that people can see and feel and touch.'' And, indeed I have kept those words in my mind and heart throughout the years as an inspiration when working on projects and programs to help folks back home in southeastern North Carolina. Madam Speaker, a few weeks ago, our nation inaugurated our country's first African-American President, Barack Obama. President Obama, and the next generation of political leaders, stand on the shoulders of men like Dr. E.B. Turner who paved the way for their success. May God's blessings continue to shine upon Dr. Turner, his wife Georgia, daughters Andrea and Rosalind, and all of his extended family.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Commander Chris May of the United States Coast Guard. As Commander May prepares to retire from the United States Coast Guard Reserve after 36 years of service, I ask that you join me in recognizing his long and honorable career. Commander May's service to our Nation has been extensive. He entered the USCGR as a Seaman Recruit in 1972. Since then, he has served in many capacities: he has been a crewman on Search and Rescue boats at small boat stations from the Outerbanks of North Carolina to the Plumb Island CG Station in Lake Michigan, led a Boating Safety Team on inland lakes and rivers in North Carolina, performed Port State Control Boardings, conducted harbor patrols and facility inspections, supervised explosive loading operations, investigated oil spills, participated in 12 major MOBEXs, and been recalled for extended duty for both the Gulf War 1990 and OIF in 2003. In 1991, Commander May was honored to receive the USCGR Junior Officer of the Year Award for North Carolina. Additionally, he has served as a Training, Planning, Medical, and Administrative Officer, been an Executive Officer of RU Oak Island, RU Greensboro, and Commanding Officer reserve unit Greensboro, and has served as a Senior Reserve Officer for Marine Safety Office Wilmington and Sector North Carolina. He is a graduate of the USCG Port Security A School, CG Small Boat Operations School, CG Explosive Loading Supervisor School, CG Senior Contingency Planning, and holds National Incident Management certification in ICS 100, 200, 300, 700, and 800. For the last 36 years, Commander May has honorably dedicated himself to our Nation through his commitment to the United States Coast Guard Reserve. And even beyond retirement, Commander May will continue to serve his community in his role as Executive Director of the Cape Fear Council of Governments in Wilmington, NC. I have personally witnessed his superior leadership and extraordinary public relations skills in seminars, meetings and special occasions that he has moderated in the community, and he has always conducted himself in a praiseworthy, professional manner with a positive, personal touch. His Christian character and humble demeanor speaks volumes about his ethics and moral values. Madam Speaker, Commander Chris May has served our country with distinction. I wish Commander May and his family God's richest blessings as his time in the United States Coast Guard Reserve comes to a close. I ask that you join me today in recognition of his impressive career of unwavering duty and enduring public service.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to rise today to ask you to join me in recognizing the long and important tradition of the North Carolina Azalea Festival, held each year in Wilmington, NC. The North Carolina Azalea Festival's rich history reminds us of its rightful place among our nationally-recognized festivals. Founded in 1948 as the Wilmington Azalea Festival, the festival has since grown and is now recognized at the North Carolina Azalea Festival. Now, preparing for its 62nd year, this festival deserves to be nationally recognized as a valuable tradition. It is a unique showcase for our community's rich array of artwork, gardens, history and culture through recreational, educational and family-oriented events. Furthermore, the Festival encourages volunteerism and civic participation as it contributes to the region's economy and promotes the rare qualities of Wilmington's river-to-the-sea community. Throughout the last 62 years the North Carolina Azalea Festival has brought numerous entertainers and celebrities to the port city, including Frankie Avalon, Cab Calloway, Dionne Warwick, Bob Hope, Barbara Mandrell, Marie Osmond, Tom Jones, the Judds, Frank Sinatra, Ronald Reagan, the Beach Boys, Tim McGraw, Jessica Simpson, and Carrie Underwood. Also, it is attended each year by local, State and nationally-elected officials. The 3-day Street Fair along the Cape Fear Riverwalk brings hundreds of thousands of people out to see the local entertainers, arts, crafts, and food booths, multicultural stage performances, fireworks show, and of course the annual North Carolina Azalea Festival Parade. A Coin Show, Horse Show, Boxing Event, Circus, Shag Contest, Queen's Coronation, and Variety Show are among the other events put on by the Festival. Wilmingtonians have long worked to organize this legendary festival so that Americans might come from near and far to enjoy its distinctive charm. Madam Speaker, thank you for allowing me to speak about one of North Carolina's most treasured events. I rise today to ask my colleagues to join me in recognition of the North Carolina Azalea Festival as a great American tradition.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 531 on H.R. 5501, I mistakenly recorded my vote as ``no'' when I should have voted ``yes.'' I ask unanimous consent that my statement appear in the Record immediately following rollcall vote No. 531.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I thank Randy Forbes for his great work in helping us put this event together tonight. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 888 which affirms the rich spiritual and religious history of our Nation's founding and subsequent history and designates the first week of May each year as American Religious History Week for the appreciation of and education on America's history of religious faith. As we join together on the floor of the U.S. House and stand beneath these words ``In God We Trust,'' while recognizing the importance of a religious history week, let us remember the words of our Founding Fathers. ``We, the people of the United States, in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, ensure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, promote the general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this Constitution for the United States of America.'' So begins our Constitution with those words of the Preamble. But let us turn back the hands of time for a moment. The day is September 17, 1787. The time is 4 p.m. Thirty-nine men from across the United States look at another one with solemn but joyous faces. The arguments are over; the prayers have been answered; and the miracle has occurred: the Constitution of the United States has just been signed. From May 25 until now, for four long hot months, these men have toiled, not knowing whether their work was one of wisdom or folly. They have their hopes and their doubts. And they wondered whether it would succeed or fail to sustain this infant country. The oldest delegate, Ben Franklin, rises from his chair. At age 81, he has seen this young Nation flounder already under 4 years of indecisive government that divided rather than united. He looks around the room at the men, many of whom were in their 20s and 30s. And he stares once more at the chair occupied by George Washington at the head of the assembly. He had speculated what the half-sun painted on the chair signified. And he said then, ``I have often in the course of this session looked at that behind the President without being able to tell whether it was rising or setting. But now at length I have the happiness to know that it is a rising and not a setting sun.'' Indeed, the miracle of Philadelphia had occurred. The United States was a rising and not a setting one, a Nation whose rays of influence, as we know, would one day be felt the world over. But when we think about why this miracle occurred, when we look back 221 years later, do we know what happened in that hall before those 39 men came out and announced that they had, instead of rewriting the Articles of Confederation had written a new constitution for our country. They had deliberated, they had argued and debated. They had made sure that everyone's opinion was heard. Secondly, they showed their dedication in addition to their deliberation. That meant that they had put in sweat and long hours trying to find out what would benefit us all. But in addition to that deliberation and dedication, they also showed their devotion. They knew that their reliance must not be just upon themselves, but first and foremost, upon God. And as Franklin himself, who was not known as one of the most religious founding fathers, but himself acknowledged God's providence upon that group that met to write our Constitution, said, himself, as he looked at Washington, before they went out and announced in what is today known as Independence Hall in Philadelphia, he said, ``I have lived, sir, a long time, and the longer I live, the more convincing proof I see of this truth, that God governs in the affairs of men. And if a sparrow cannot fall to the ground without His notice, is it likely that an empire shall rise without his aid?'' ``We have been assured,'' said Franklin, ``in the sacred writings that except the Lord build the house, they labor in vain that build it. I firmly believe this,'' said Franklin, ``and I also believe that without His concurring aid, we shall succeed in this political building no better than the builders of Babel.'' What a challenge to us today. What a challenge that that old man, at that time, Franklin, made to all of those young men who were ready to go out and announce what they'd done politically for a new country. But he himself said ``we can only secure these blessings of liberty for ourselves and posterity when we take time too first pray and rely upon the hand of Almighty God.'' And that those 39 men did. Before they walked out of what is today known as Independence Hall to announce that we had a constitution for this new country, they spent time in prayer. You know, that story has been sanitized out of our history books today, but those are Franklin's quotes. And I think it's a challenge to all of us to know that even this man knew scripture and knew that the hand of Almighty God had to be upon our country for us to succeed. We, the people is how the Constitution begins. Will we let the miracle endure? Will we remember what John Adams, our second president, said when our constitution was made? ``Only for a moral and religious people, it is wholly inadequate to the government of any other.'' Mr. Speaker, I challenge us tonight, as we share this time together, I thank Mr. Forbes for giving me this opportunity to share this occasion with him and all of my colleagues who will soon follow, that we support H. Res. 888 as American Religious History Week so that we, as a country, will never forget the very words and actions of our founding fathers, who we are as a Nation, how deep our religious roots run, and remind us of the historical significance that is well documented, of faith and prayer, that we celebrate America's religious heritage, that we remember that we have opportunities in this great land that God has blessed us with, and may we always honor those opportunities in our reliance upon divine providence.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 1243, a resolution that recognizes the immeasurable contributions of fathers in the healthy development of children, supports responsible fatherhood, and encourages greater involvement of fathers in the lives of their children, especially on Father's Day. As cochairman of the Congressional Task Force on Responsible Fatherhood, I thank my colleague, Mr. Sullivan, for his work on this important matter. Six days from now, our Nation will celebrate the special place that fathers have in our country. From helping with homework to playing ball to reading a book to offering advice, prayers and support, and to just listening, each and every day fathers of all ages contribute to the mental, moral, and spiritual development of children, teenagers, and adults. According to the National Fatherhood Initiative, children with involved, loving fathers are significantly more likely to do well in school, have a healthy self-esteem, exhibit empathy and good behavior, and avoid high-risk activity such as drug use and criminal activity. H. Res. 1243 recognizes the commitment of fathers, and the wonderful work that both parents do on behalf of their kids, and I encourage my colleagues to join with us as we all recommit ourselves to being the best father we can to children everywhere. And in conclusion, I would like to publicly thank my father, Dr. Douglas McIntyre, for the great example he has been to me and for the dedication and support he has shown in my every endeavor. And I am most grateful to God both for my dad and for the absolutely wonderful opportunity I have to be the father of two amazing, accomplished sons, Joshua and Stephen. Happy Father's Day to fathers everywhere.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to LCDR John Christian Dettleff of the United States Coast Guard. Lieutenant Commander Dettleff is completing a tour of duty as the Executive Officer of the U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Diligence homeported in Wilmington, North Carolina. As he completes this honorable tour of duty, I ask that you join me in recognizing his long and honorable career of service. Lieutenant Commander Dettleff has faithfully served on the USCGC Diligence as the Executive Officer with distinction from 2006 through 2008. As native Wilmingtonians know, USCGC Diligence has a long and rich history with the city of Wilmington, which dates back to the original Revenue Cutter Diligence being in home port there in 1792 and continues today with the sixth Coast Guard Cutter Diligence. Lieutenant Commander Dettleff and his shipmates have ensured that that close relationship between the city of Wilmington and the USCGC Diligence continues today. Lieutenant Commander Dettleff's service to our Nation has been extensive and remarkable. A native of Shoreham, Long Island, New York, he graduated with honors from the U.S. Coast Guard Academy. He went on to report to the USCGC Diligence as a newly graduated ensign. He also served on the USS Russell as a participant in the Coast Guard's personnel exchange program with the U.S. Navy and later served as Commanding Officer of USCGC Point Bridge, homeported in Marina del Rey, CA. In June 2002, Lieutenant Commander Dettleff graduated with a masters degree in public policy from Harvard's John F. Kennedy School of Government. Upon graduation, he reported to the U.S. Coast Guard Academy to begin an assignment as an assistant professor in the Department of Humanities. In addition to his teaching duties, Lieutenant Commander Dettleff also served as the associate director of the Academy's Institute for Leadership. Madam Speaker, LCDR John Dettleff has served our country with distinction and continued to do so as Executive Officer of the USCGC Diligence. I wish LCDR John Dettleff, his wife, and their two children the very best wishes. May God's richest blessings be with them as they transition from Wilmington, North Carolina, to Washington, DC, for a new Coast Guard assignment in the Coast Guard's Office of Congressional Affairs. I ask that you join me today in recognition of his impressive career of courageous duty and enduring public service.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to rise today to pay tribute to the City of Wilmington, North Carolina, for its remarkable contributions to the U.S. war efforts during World War II. Its rich World War II legacy reminds us not only of its unique and pivotal role in the war, but also of the honorable dedication of all North Carolinians during our Nation's time of need. As a reflection of its unique and pivotal role, and its deep and unmatched sacrifice, I stand to proclaim that Wilmington, North Carolina, should be recognized as ``America's World War II City.'' In fact, both the New Hanover County Commissioner and City Council have proclaimed it so! During World War II, Wilmington was the country's unique wartime boomtown, aptly and officially named ``The Defense Capital of the State.'' The once-quiet seaside city, geographically isolated for decades, suddenly found itself an exploding center for military life and defense production. Wilmington's wartime efforts were extensive and honorable. Wilmington based and trained all five military services--the Air Force at the Wilmington Airport, the Army at Camp Davis and Fort Fisher, the Navy at Fort Caswell, the Coast Guard at Wrightsville Beach, and the Marine Corps at Camp Lejeune. The North Carolina Shipbuilding Company of Wilmington, the state's largest employer at that time, constructed 243 cargo vessels with which to provide goods and equipment to our soldiers. Additionally, Wilmington provided the Atlantic Coast Line Railroad headquarters, three housing camps for German prisoners of war, a major training base for P-47 fighters, defense industries producing goods and equipment, a British patrol base, and a shipping Lend Lease supplies to the Allies. Wilmington's most important contribution by far, though, was its dispatch of thousands of its sons and daughters to fight the enemy. These New Hanover County men and women served in uniform, fighting on land, sea, and air as Navy frogmen, P-51 fighter aces, Tuskegee Airmen, submarine skippers, bomber pilots, Marine riflemen, Army artillerymen, physicians and nurses, and volunteers of all sorts. Tragically, 248 Wilmington men bravely lost their lives as a result of their courageous efforts to defend America. Two New Hanover High School graduates received the Congressional Medal of Honor and numerous others received high decorations for valor including Navy Crosses, Distinguished Service Crosses, and Distinguished Flying Crosses. Furthermore, Wilmington's strategic position made it vulnerable to enemy attack by German U-boats, which marauded shipping off our beaches. In July 1943 a U-boat fired at the Ethel-Dow chemical plant in Wilmington, perhaps the only German attack on America. Wilmington endured this attack, as well as constant civilian defense restrictions and air raid drills, including black-outs and dim-outs. The city's population more than doubled with the influx of military personnel, forcing locals to cope with strain on housing and schools, transportation, medical and social services, law enforcement, and food supply. Madam Speaker, Wilmingtonians sacrificed in every imaginable way when our nation needed them during World War II. I ask my colleagues to join me in recognition and appreciation of Wilmington's contributions to the U.S. war effort during World War II. Now, in the spirit of that appreciation, let it be known that Wilmington, North Carolina, should be recognized as ``America's World War II City.''

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the career of Colonel Kenneth Flowers from Red Springs, North Carolina. With 26 years of active commissioned service, Colonel Flowers has served our country in a variety of diverse assignments. Now, as he prepares for retirement, I ask that you join me in recognizing his long and honorable career of service. Colonel Flowers' assignments have been extensive. He has served as Director of Open Systems Joint Task Force, an Army Staff Officer, Commander, Signal Officer, Platoon Leader, and Battalion Staff Officer, to name only a few. Colonel Flowers' awards and decorations include the Defense Superior Medal, Meritorious Service Medal with 6 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal with 2 Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Southwest Asia Service Medal, Kuwait Liberation Medal, Global War on Terrorism Medal, Armed Forces Service Medal, the Office of the Secretary of Defense Staff Badge, the Army Staff Badge, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, and the Army Superior Unit Award. His hard work has benefitted his community and nation, and for that reason I stand today to express my deepest appreciation. Colonel Flowers currently resides in Manassas, Virginia, and has been blessed with a wife and two children. He will be retiring from his current assignment to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Networks and Information Integration. I wish the very best for Colonel Flowers in his future endeavors, and I ask that you join me today in recognition of his impressive career of courageous duty and enduring public service.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Karl and Linda Bennett of Calabash, North Carolina, for their twelve years of service to the Calabash Fire Department as they plan to retire on June 30th. Mr. Bennett serves as the Calabash Fire Chief while his wife serves as Administrative Assistant and Board Secretary for the department. When Mr. and Mrs. Bennett first settled in North Carolina twelve years ago, they were retiring from their positions as fire volunteers with the Ravena, New York Fire Department, where they met and eventually married. Gradually, however, they became involved in another full time profession with the Calabash Fire Department. Now, after twelve years of dedication, they are retiring from their posts and will serve simply on a voluntary basis. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett truly are examples of enduring public service and hard work. I have worked with them through the years on several federal projects and programs to help the Calabash Fire Department, and I know personally the absolute devotion, admirable dedication, and awesome determination that they have demonstrated in their commitment. I stand today to express my appreciation for their active efforts to protect their fellow citizens. Madam Speaker, let us honor this couple's honorable dedication as their official service to the Town of Calabash comes to a close.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, this bill is a victory for farmers, a victory for communities, a victory for rural America. As chairman of the Rural Development Subcommittee, I'm pleased that this conference report contains strong rural development title that supports small business, expands access to broadband, and addresses the critical infrastructure backlog at the USDA. I'm very excited that this conference report also authorizes regional development economic commissions across the country to put a Federal focus on jobs and economic development. At a time when our economy is struggling, the authorization of the Southeast Crescent Authority, or called the Southern Regional Economic Commission in this bill, represents a great opportunity to help our rural communities thrive for generations to come. It will also help small business through the new Rural Entrepreneur and Microenterprise Assistance Program that will provide technical and financial assistance to businesses employing less than ten people, which are the fastest generators of new jobs. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that we have an opportunity to move rural America forward and no longer leave it behind with business and economic opportunity, and that's what this farm bill does. And may Congress follow suit to do the same.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 295, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I'm pleased today to introduce the Reverend Gary Strickland who just delivered the invocation for the U.S. House as we, as a Nation, begin this National Day of Prayer, a time when communities across America will be joining in prayer for our country today. And what better person to begin this day than a man whose ministry has carried him across North Carolina, touching people from all walks of life, from the booming coastal city of Wilmington to rural communities like Pikeville, Wilson, and Little Washington, North Carolina, to the All-American cities of Fayetteville and Lumberton. The former Christian Education Director for the North Carolina Conference of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church, Gary now pastors a vibrant, nondenominational, multicultural church named Kingdom Place that is growing exponentially and has a wide-ranging ministry that shares God's love and the redeeming power of Jesus Christ. Born and reared in Southeastern North Carolina, he is married to my sister, Karon McIntyre Strickland, who's with us today, and they have two children, Joel and Amy; two grandsons, Bailey and Bentley; and a son-in-law, Steve. Gary is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Pembroke where he served as student body president. He received his master's in religious education at Duke and his master's of divinity from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. As my brother-in-law, I'm particularly honored to have had him open us today on the National Day of Prayer.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, last week the City of Wilmington, North Carolina, lost one of its most beloved leaders and doers--Windell Daniels. I had the distinct honor to give remarks at his funeral and wanted all my colleagues here in the U.S. Congress and indeed the entire nation to know what a lasting impact this one man made on so many. Luke, Chapter 6, Verse 38 says, ``Give and it will be given back to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you.'' Wilma, Euran, and Jay--your husband and your father lived a life of giving. And in his eternal resting place with God, his soul has been replenished with the overflowing blessings of the joy, peace, and love that he shared with so many throughout his extraordinary life. My friends, Windell Daniels was a humble hero. A humble hero that lived his life the best way he knew how--by serving others. A humble hero that had unfinished business here on earth. And a humble hero that would now tell each of us to keep building the bridge he had begun and keep giving to others. Only a handful of people come into one's life and touch it in dramatic fashion. Some are flickers of light, and others are consistent glows. Windell Daniels was one of those very few consistent glows-- indeed, he was a beacon. As we celebrate the wonderful life of this friend to all, let us be challenged by Windell's work, will, and wisdom that inspired us all. First, it was his work. Windell did his good deeds by stealth--never advertising all the assistance he gave. But look around here today and look around this beautiful city--and you see many people, places, and organizations that have been on the receiving end of his gentle kindness. From his work at the Wilmington Housing Authority to provide the most basic of services to those in need--a home, to his work at UNCW to help our young people receive a quality education; from his work at the Greater Wilmington Chamber of Commerce to help expand the economic opportunity for all, to his work to help address the homeless challenge; and from his work and service as a Marine in Vietnam; to his efforts to promote the beautiful historic port city--Windell Daniels gave his time, talents, and treasures. Second, in addition to his work, it was Windell's will to make this community better that set him apart. It was a will that found a way-- not an excuse. It was a will that asked not, ``What is in this for me? Instead, how is this going to affect others?'' It was a will that when he gave his commitment to get something done, he did it wholeheartedly. It was a will that--with Windell--you knew exactly where you stood with him. And he stood with you. And it was a will that graced our life more than he could have ever imagined! Third, with his work and his will, it was Windell's wisdom that so many sought after. From business executives to community leaders to educators, Windell was a solid sounding board because his wisdom was so keen. Some of you may not know this, but Windell and I worked together every year for the last twelve years to promote our celebration of Black History Month for all of southeastern North Carolina. And many of you know that he was the coordinator of the many, many volunteers who are getting ready for the commissioning of the USS North Carolina submarine next weekend; and he was already coordinating with my office an effort to honor Wilmington in a special Coast Guard Day celebration scheduled later this summer. His was wisdom that was a fount of knowledge, know-how, and knack to get it done! That's why he was so involved, because everyone valued his opinion and respected his advice. We have lost a man far too soon--that no one can replace anytime soon. But through Windell Daniels' work, will, and work, we have been given much that will live on for generations and generations. As Windell approached those glorious lights of Heaven Tuesday night, I have no doubt that the good Lord was there with open arms saying, ``Well done, good and faithful servant.'' Thank you, and may God bless the life of Windell Daniels and of his family and friends.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Commander Mark E. Davis, as well as the officers and crew of the USS North Carolina, as the first to serve on the newest attack submarine, which will be commissioned by the United States Navy in Wilmington, North Carolina, this weekend. This strong, state-of-the art warrior joins an impressive group of ships on deployment protecting our Nation and defending our freedoms and national security interests. As a senior member of the U.S. House Committee on Armed Services and a long time supporter of our great Nation's military and those who have served our country, it is my honor to recognize that this submarine joins a distinguished list of five military ships named ``North Carolina''--four from the U.S. Navy and one from the Civil War. The USS North Carolina represents a long-standing commitment and tradition of service in our Nation's armed services by the citizens of North Carolina. The people of southeastern North Carolina are honored to welcome and host Commander Davis and his crew for the commissioning festivities for this new vessel and hope they will consider the coastline of this state as a special home for them. I am especially appreciative of the Secretary of the Navy, the Honorable Dr. Donald C. Winter, for granting my request for this commissioning to occur in North Carolina and his willingness to be our honored guest speaker for this historic occasion. This, in fact, will not only be the first submarine, but also the first warship, ever commissioned in the ``Tar Heel State.'' The State of North Carolina and this Nation are deeply proud of the personal talent and ability represented by the officers and crew of this new submarine. It is their spirit, service, and sacrifice for which we all are extremely grateful. Madam Speaker, may we also never forget the bravery and dedication of those who have served before, as well as those who currently serve--and those who will serve our country--and may we continue to receive inspiration from their courageous words and deeds. May God's blessings be with the USS North Carolina, her officers, and her crew as she begins her time in service to this wonderful Nation--the United States of America!

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Darrell Page of Dublin, North Carolina for his 11 years of service as President of Bladen Community College in Bladen County. Dr. Page's leadership, integrity, and insight have made a tremendous difference at this community college and in his community. Samuel Logan Bringle, the legendary leader in the Salvation Army, once said some very important words that reflect the character and life of Darrell Page. He said, ``The final estimate of a man will show that history cares not one iota about the title he has carried or the rank he has borne, but only about the quality of his deeds and the character of his heart.'' Indeed, Dr. Page has reflected this through his sacrifice and commitment. During Dr. Page's tenure at the college, many positive developments and advancements have occurred. Student enrollment has more than doubled, total budget at the school has tripled, and the college has achieved Superior Performance status five of the past 6 years. In addition, Bladen Community has become a state leader in distance education. Furthermore, as a devoted husband, father, and friend, Darrell Page has truly been a foundation on which Bladen Community College and Bladen County have continued to thrive. Service to others has been the embodiment of his life--service that sets a path for others to follow and that we all should emulate. In celebrating Dr. Page's upcoming retirement this June, let each of us remember the words of our third President of the United States, Thomas Jefferson, who said, ``To do our fellow man the most good, we must lead where we can, follow where we cannot, and still go with him, always watching for that favorable moment to help him another step forward!'' We thank Darrell, on behalf of the citizens of Dublin, Bladen County, Bladen Community College, and the State of North Carolina, for always looking for that favorable moment and always helping his fellow citizens. May God's strength, joy and peace be with him always.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Staff Sergeant Emanuel Pickett of Wallace, North Carolina, who lost his life while defending our Nation on April 6 during a mortar attack in Baghdad. In addition to his service in the North Carolina National Guard, Emanuel served as a captain with the Wallace, North Carolina, Police Department. He shall be remembered by all those whose lives he touched as the finest example of bravery, honor, and public service. Emanuel lived in Wallace his entire life, and throughout his 34 years, worked selflessly to make a positive difference in his community. Besides working as a captain with the Wallace Police Department, he also worked as a reserve deputy for the Duplin County Sheriff's office, where he led undercover drug investigations in several surrounding counties. Emanuel's giving spirit found many outlets. He also started a crime watch in his own neighborhood, helped to found a program to mentor kids without fathers, and coached youth basketball. Emanuel will be missed by his family and friends. He was the son of Harry and Merlese Pickett, the youngest of 6 children. He was the loving father of 3 children--2 daughters, ages 17 and 10, and a 14- year-old son. Over his lifetime, Emanuel earned countless friends. Because of his 13 years of service with the police department and his stint of more than 20 years employed at a local butcher shop, Emanuel owned one of the most recognizable faces in his community. He was so admired within his community, in fact, that his family has received condolences from thousands of people, including some that Emanuel helped send to prison. Emanuel Pickett was serving his second tour of duty in Iraq when his life was taken. His courage will continue to be an inspiration to us all. His life is a strong representation of what can be accomplished through devotion to a community and its people. May God bless his family, and may we always remember the life of Staff Sergeant Emanuel Pickett.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Pender County Commissioner R.E. Brown of Burgaw, North Carolina, who recently passed away at the age of 85. Affectionately referred to as ``Gene'' by those who knew him and those he served, Commissioner Brown had been a commissioner in the town of Burgaw for over 20 years and was serving as mayor pro-tempore. As a native of southeastern North Carolina and as a public servant, he offered an unwavering service to everything he did and to everyone who knew him, and he had admirable commitment to his responsibilities as an elected official. Truly an asset to his community, Commissioner Brown understood the people he represented and cared deeply about making a positive difference in their lives. Over his lifetime, Brown dedicated himself to both government and public service. He was a member of the U.S. Army during World War II, and afterward he served for 42 years as the postmaster in the towns of Burgaw and Wallace. He was active in several community organizations, including the Burgaw Jaycees, the Burgaw Lions, the King Solomon #138 Masonic Lodge, and was an original member of the Pender County Rescue Squad. He was chairman of the Pender Adult Services executive board. A man of faith, he was also a member of Burgaw Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. In honor of his extensive involvement and giving spirit, Brown was awarded the North Carolina Governor's Award for Volunteerism and Community Service in 2004. A father of three and grandfather of five, Brown leaves behind his wife of 57 years. Commissioner Brown's dedication to the town of Burgaw, both as a citizen and as an elected official, is an inspiration to us all. His record of service is a strong representation of what can be accomplished through devotion to a community and its people. May God bless his family, and may we always remember the leadership and life of Commissioner Gene Brown.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Sam Hill of Wilmington, North Carolina, for his 51 years of service on the Wilmington Fire Department. Since Hill joined the Wilmington Department in February 1957, he has improved and strengthened the department, which has nearly doubled in size. Hill has overseen construction of numerous new stations, and even helped to design new facilities. Most importantly, he has protected and served his community, often putting his own life on the line to save others. Many are impressed by his dedication and courage, and his strong religious faith; Hill is an also an ordained Advent minister. In recognition of his dedication to public service, Hill was recently inducted into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina's highest civilian honor. Madam Speaker, let us honor Sam Hill's inspirational commitment to his fellow citizens as his tenure as Fire Chief comes to a close. May his 51 years of enduring service remind us of what it means to be dedicated to one's community.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Pender County Commissioner R.E. Brown of Burgaw, North Carolina, who recently passed away at the age of 85. Affectionately referred to as ``Gene'' by those who knew him and those he served, Commissioner Brown had been a commissioner in the town of Burgaw for over 20 years, and was serving as mayor pro-tempore. As a native of southeastern North Carolina and as a public servant, he offered an unwavering service to everything he did and to everyone who knew him, and he had admirable commitment to his responsibilities as an elected official. Truly an asset to his community, Commissioner Brown understood the people he represented and cared deeply about making a positive difference in their lives. Over his lifetime, Brown dedicated himself to both government and public service. He was a member of the U.S. Army during World War II, and afterward he served for 42 years as the postmaster in the towns of Burgaw and Wallace. He was active in several community organizations, including the Burgaw Jaycees, the Burgaw Lions, the King Solomon #138 Masonic Lodge, and was an original member of the Pender County Rescue Squad. He was chairman of the Pender Adult Services executive board. A man of faith, he was also a member of Burgaw Baptist Church, where he served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher. In honor of his extensive involvement and giving spirit, Brown was awarded the North Carolina Governor's Award for Volunteerism and Community Service in 2004. A father of three and grandfather of five, Brown leaves behind his wife of 57 years. Commissioner Brown's dedication to the town of Burgaw, both as a citizen and as an elected official, is an inspiration to us all. His record of service is a strong representation of what can be accomplished through devotion to a community and its people. May God bless his family, and may we always remember the leadership and life of Commissioner Gene Brown.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Staff Sergeant Emanuel Pickett of Wallace, North Carolina, who lost his life while defending our Nation on April 6 during a mortar attack in Baghdad. In addition to his service in the North Carolina National Guard, Emanuel served as a captain with the Wallace, North Carolina, Police Department. He shall be remembered by all those whose lives he touched as the finest example of bravery, honor, and public service. Emanuel lived in Wallace his entire life, and throughout his 34 years, worked selflessly to make a positive difference in his community. Besides working as a captain with the Wallace Police Department, he also worked as a reserve deputy for the Duplin County Sheriff's office, where he led undercover drug investigations in several surrounding counties. Emanuel's giving spirit found many outlets. He also started a crime watch in his own neighborhood, helped to found a program to mentor kids without fathers, and coached youth basketball. Emanuel will be missed by his family and friends. He was the son of Harry and Merlese Pickett, the youngest of six children. He was the loving father of three children--two daughters, ages 17 and 10, and a 14-year-old son. Over his lifetime, Emanuel earned countless friends. Because of his thirteen years of service with the police department and his stint of more than 20 years employed at a local butcher shop, Emanuel owned one of the most recognizable faces in his community. He was so admired within his community, in fact, that his family has received condolences from thousands of people, including some that Emanuel helped send to prison. Emanuel Pickett was serving his second tour of duty in Iraq when his life was taken. His courage will continue to be an inspiration to us all. His life is a strong representation of what can be accomplished through devotion to a community and its people. May God bless his family, and may we always remember the life of Staff Sergeant Emanuel Pickett.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Chairman of the Brunswick County Commissioners, David Sandifer, of Holden Beach, North Carolina, for his commitment to his community and as a dedicated man of public service. Sandifer proved himself a devoted and effective public servant and a man of good character. He was also a devoted family man and dear friend. Sandifer passed away on April 4, 2008, and he will be dearly missed. Sandifer, who had been a Brunswick County commissioner since 1996 and chairman since 1998, also served on the board of health, the criminal justice advisory board, the Communities in Schools advisory board, the board of directors of Hope Harbor Home, the Brunswick County Jail Population Management Committee, the Lower Cape Fear Water and Sewer Authority, and many other committees. Driven by love for his community and its people, he was instrumental in implementing different programs and services throughout Brunswick County. He oversaw development projects in one of the fastest-growing communities in our Nation and helped it cope with growing pains along the way. In recognition of his devotion to public service, Sandifer was recently inducted into the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina's highest civilian honor. Sadly, he passed away just hours after this induction ceremony, as the result of complications brought about by cancer. Madam Speaker, may we never forget the goodness, humility, service, and character that defined the life of David Sandifer. May God continue to bless his beloved wife, Pat, and all of his loved ones, the work he did, and the greatness that he inspired within all who knew him.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and welcome to our nation's capital a special guest and great American hero named Eugene Starks Roberts, Sr. A former Marine, Vietnam veteran, and double amputee, Mr. Roberts joins us near the conclusion of his long and inspiring mission to run across America for Jesus. Mr. Roberts has run over 3,500 miles during the last nine months--miles that represent his commitment to Jesus Christ and the ideals central to his strong Christian faith. Throughout his journey, Mr. Roberts has sought to raise awareness and money for the less fortunate and for medical research for diseases such as cancer and diabetes. Making the cross-country trek on prosthetic legs, Mr. Roberts has also made it his goal to inspire wounded warriors in their recoveries. Indeed, his endurance of both body and spirit should be an inspiration to us all. Mr. Roberts has run through more than 80 different U.S. cities, including two in my district--Shallotte and Wilmington, North Carolina. Southeastern North Carolina is honored to have been included along the way. Mr. Roberts has reminded my constituents and countless other Americans, both those with and without disabilities, of the importance of perseverance. He serves as a testament to the phenomenal strengths and great characters of our men and women in uniform. Finally, he has reminded us of what it means to give of oneself in order to help others in need. His wife of 40 years, Marian Alicia, his three daughters, one son, and 11 grandchildren should be extremely proud of the man they call husband, father, and ``Poppop''. Madam Speaker, I stand today to honor Mr. Roberts' achievements not only over the last nine months, but also over his entire life, as he approaches the end of his run across our great Nation.

Mr. McINTYRE

Mr. McINTYRE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 991) recognizing the exceptional sacrifice of the 69th Infantry Regiment, known as the Fighting 69th, in support of the Global War on Terror.