Jeff Miller

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with both profound sadness and deep gratitude that I rise to pay tribute to a fallen decorated American hero. On Friday, August 7, 2015, First Sergeant Peter Andrew McKenna Jr. of the 1st Battalion, 7th Special Forces Group, located in Florida's First Congressional District, tragically lost his life during an attack on a NATO facility in Kabul, Afghanistan. First Sergeant McKenna, now laid to rest in Rhode Island, was only 35 years old, but lived a lifetime marked by and full of service. Born to Peter and Carol McKenna of Bristol, Rhode Island, 1SG McKenna graduated from Mt. Hope High School in 1998. Upon his graduation, he followed his family's example of service, began his career as an Army infantryman, and then passed the grueling Special Forces qualifying course and earned his Green Beret in 2002. Upon completion of the Q-Course, he was assigned to the 7th Special Forces Group, now based at Eglin Air Force Base in Florida, as communications sergeant. During his selfless service, 1SG McKenna participated in six combat deployments to both Iraq and Afghanistan while serving our Nation with the utmost distinction throughout his 17-year career. Among his many awards and accolades are the Bronze Star with Valor, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Combat Infantry Badge, Master Parachutist Badge, Master Free Fall Badge, and the Special Forces Tab. He, however, was not only a consummate leader and selfless warrior in his professional life, but his personal life as well. He was recently recognized for having traveled the furthest distance to be at the 2015 Bristol Fourth Of July Celebration. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of a humble and grateful Nation, I thank Andrew's family, for the love, counsel, guidance, and support given to him, which helped make him the hero he became. His life stands as a testament that freedom is not free, and to that end, his legacy will echo in time as an example of the ultimate sacrifice. My wife, Vicki, joins me in praying that God be with his daughter Rebecca, parents Peter and Carol, and the rest of his family and friends during this time of great mourning, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to recognize the Rolin Family for being selected as the 2015 Escambia County, Florida, Outstanding Farm Family of the Year. SunnySlope Berry Farm, located in Pensacola, Florida, first began as a heifer farm, producing local dairy. However, after five years, Barry and Glenda Rolin decided it was time for a change, and the couple planted their first blueberry field in the winter of 2008. Once the blueberries had become a success, the Rolin family then planted several hundred blackberry canes, selling both berry varieties to local markets in Florida and neighboring Alabama. Finally, after a few years of allowing the crops to flourish, the family opened up SunnySlope Berry Farm to the public. Now, families from the surrounding areas can build their own memories by coming to SunnySlope Berry Farm and picking their own berries. The Rolin's first planted berries to teach their children--Kendra, Amy, Starla, and Shawn--about responsibility; and today SunnySlope Berry Farms is truly a family affair. The children wake up every morning and finish their chores before heading into school. For Barry and Glenda, married for 23 years, a typical day includes picking berries until late morning, packaging and delivering berries midday, picking again until dark, and packaging the remainder at the end of the day. Although many people may be unaware of the amount of work that goes into SunnySlope, the community certainly appreciates everything the Rolin family does to keep the farm running, from producing delicious berries to creating priceless memories. Mr. Speaker, Northwest Florida and our Nation share a proud agricultural tradition built by the hard work of farmers and their families. The Escambia County Outstanding Farm Family of the Year Award is a reflection of the Rolin's tireless work and their dedication to family and farming. On behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to offer my congratulations to the Rolin family for being outstanding in their field. My wife Vicki and I extend our best wishes for their continued success.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, today I attended the funeral of a fallen Air Force Special Operator from my district and missed the following rollcall votes: Nos. 495 and 496 on September 16, 2015. Had I been present, I would have voted: rollcall vote No. 495--H.R. 1214--National Forest Small Tracts Amendments Act of 2015, as amended, ``aye,'' and rollcall vote No. 496--H.R. 1949--National Liberty Memorial Clarification Act of 2015, as amended, ``aye.'' Personal Explanation

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of Okaloosa County, Florida, located in Florida's First Congressional District. Okaloosa County is situated along Florida's Gulf Coast and was established in 1915 through legislation sponsored by then-Florida State Representative William Mapoles from Laurel Hill. It is the 52nd county in Florida, flanked by Santa Rosa and Walton counties, and was carved out of portions of both counties. Sharing the namesake of a steamboat, ``The Okaloosa,'' meaning ``Black Water'' in Choctaw, Okaloosa County once consisted of small outposts and pioneers in Florida's wilderness, and its main economic drivers at the time of its founding were lumber, turpentine, and fishing. Over the course of the last 100 years, Okaloosa County, while still true to its agricultural roots, has transformed from a sparsely populated, simple, and rural pioneer county into a top tourist destination, with white pristine beaches and world-class fishing, and an essential area of support for our Nation's defense, which is due in large part to a local businessman and airplane enthusiast, James E. Plew. Plew's vision for the area at the height of the depression was one of opportunity and one that saw the advantages of attracting the military to the county. Plew proposed to donate 1,460 acres to the U.S. government for a bombing and gunnery range, which was accepted in 1937. A few short months later, the U.S. Army Air Corps mandated that the Valparaiso Bombing and Gunnery Base be renamed ``Eglin Field'' after Lt. Col. Frederick Irving Eglin. Upon establishment of the U.S. Air Force, Eglin Field would then bare the name of its present day, Eglin Air Force Base. Eglin Air Force Base, which extends across three counties is one of the world's largest Air Force bases and home today to several military major commands, including the 7th Special Forces Group, the Air Armament Center, the Air Force Special Operations Command, and the 33rd Fighter Wing. The residents of Okaloosa County, including the thousands of military servicemembers and veterans who call it home, are a resilient people, and even through the most challenging of times, they have united as a community to develop and maintain its place as a key area for business and tourism in the State of Florida and throughout the entire Gulf Coast region. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me great pleasure to commemorate the Centennial Anniversary of Okaloosa County, Florida. My wife Vicki joins me in congratulating all of those who are fortunate to call Okaloosa County home on its 100-year history and its proud achievements and continued success.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with both profound sadness and deep gratitude that I rise to pay tribute to a fallen decorated American hero. On August 27, 2015, Staff Sergeant Forrest B. Sibley, who was assigned to the 21st Special Tactics Squadron, 720th Special Tactics Group, 24th Special Operations Wing, Pope Army Airfield, North Carolina, tragically succumbed to wounds received during an attack the day prior while conducting operations in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel near Camp Antonik, Afghanistan. SSgt Sibley was 31 years old, but lived a lifetime marked by and full of service. Although a Louisiana native, born in Shreveport in 1983, Pensacola, Florida, would become home to Forrest. By all accounts of his loved ones, he lived his life to the fullest and always savored spending time with friends and family along the beautiful coastline of Pensacola Beach. After Hurricane Ivan struck Northwest Florida in 2004, Forrest and his friends worked to clean up the destruction in its devastating aftermath, helping neighbors rebuild and recover, with his jovial nature intact. Answering the call of duty, Forrest entered into the United States Air Force and upon completion of basic training in 2008 became an Air Force Combat Controller, serving alongside some of our Nation's most elite. Among his qualifications, SSgt Sibley was a military static line jumper, free fall jumper, an Air Force combat scuba diver, and a joint terminal attack controller. SSgt Sibley's military career would include four deployments to some of the most critical and sensitive areas of operation. His awards include four Bronze Stars, one with Valor Device, the Purple Heart, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Air Force Combat Action Medal. As exemplified by his extraordinary heroism, SSgt Sibley's life stands as a testament that freedom is not free, and his legacy will echo in time as an example of the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom. My wife, Vicki, joins me in praying that God is with Forrest's parents, Brent and Susan, and all of the beloved family and friends he held so dear, and we ask that God continue to bless them and the United States of America.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is my great honor and pleasure to wish a very happy birthday to Northwest Florida's beloved Oakland Ard on the occasion of his 90th birthday and to congratulate him on his many achievements and recognize his service to Northwest Florida and our great Nation. Born and raised in Geneva County, Alabama, Oakland answered the call of duty, while in high school, joining the United States Army in December 1943. After completing basic training, Oakland deployed to Europe, where he joined his brother as a member of the 2nd Armored Infantry Division, 41st Armored Infantry Regiment, seeing combat in France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany. While engaged in battle with German forces, Oakland's company came under heavy mortar fire, and his brother, Dalton, was tragically killed in action. Despite this devastating loss, however, Oakland continued to serve with honor and distinction until injuries sustained from severe frostbite forced him to be called back to the United States. After recovering from his injuries, Oakland continued to serve our Nation as a heavy machine gunner instructor at Fort Knox until his discharge on May 10, 1946. Oakland's military career proved to be a harbinger of many more years of selfless service to the Lord, his family, friends, community, and Nation. Following his discharge, he returned home and started working as a farmer to help put two of his siblings through school, and when his brother, Herman, was called to active duty to serve in Korea, Oakland moved to Port St. Joe, Florida, to fill his brother's position at the St. Joe Paper Company. In Port St. Joe, Oakland met his first wife, Marian and remained in the area until his brother returned from his military duties. In 1957, Oakland gained employment at the Container Corporation of America and settled in Jay, Florida. The Ards quickly planted strong roots in the Jay community, where they raised their two sons, Freddy and Ronnie. Oakland would remain at the Container Corporation for nearly four decades, until his retirement in 1996. While working, Oakland helped establish and lead several organizations including the Eastpoint Employees Federal Credit Union, where he served as both President and Vice President, and the Brewton CCA Federal Credit Union, where he served a term as president and many decades as a board member and treasurer. Outside of his working life, Oakland was also a leader in his church and civic communities. As a longtime member of Jay First Baptist Church, he served in countless positions, including Sunday School Director, Training Union Director, Brotherhood Director, and Church Treasurer, among many others. Oakland also contributed to the Northwest Florida community in myriad other ways. He was appointed by the Florida Legislature to the Board of Directors of Jay Hospital, served nearly two decades as a board member of the State Housing Initiative Program, and was a longtime member of the Board of Directors of the Santa Rosa County Chamber of Commerce. In addition, the people of Jay also elected him to the Jay City Council, where he served for four years. Still, all of these impressive accomplishments are only a small reflection on Oakland's selfless character and dedication to family, faith, and community. A dedicated family man, for more than 50 years, Oakland was a loving husband to Marian, until her passing from cancer. Today, Oakland enjoys spending time with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and his wife, Jackie, and he has always been around to lend a hand to his neighbors in times of need. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize Oakland Ard on his 90th birthday. My wife Vicki and I wish him and the entire Ard family all the best.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with both profound sadness and deep gratitude that I rise to pay tribute to a fallen decorated American hero. On August 27, 2015, Captain Matthew D. Roland, who was assigned to the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron at Hurlburt Field, located in Florida's First Congressional District, tragically succumbed to wounds received during an attack the day prior while conducting operations in support of Operation Freedom's Sentinel near Camp Antonik, Afghanistan. Captain Roland was 27 years old, but lived a lifetime marked by and full of service. Born December 24, 1987, at Ellsworth Air Force Base, Rapid City, South Dakota, Captain Roland is described as an avid outdoorsman, who enjoyed hiking, camping, and fishing, as his childhood saw him following his father's Air Force career across the country. After graduating high school, he continued in his family's footsteps of service and entered the Air Force Academy, graduating in 2010. Upon his commissioning, then-Second Lieutenant Roland entered the Special Tactics Officer Program attached to the 23rd Special Tactics Squadron and served as a team leader. Among his qualifications, Captain Roland was a military static line jumper, free fall jumper, an Air Force combat scuba diver, and a joint terminal attack controller. His military career would include leading his teams on three deployments, two to Afghanistan and one to Africa, and by all accounts he fulfilled his duties with the utmost selflessness. Among his many awards and accolades are the Meritorious Service Medal, Air Force Achievement Medal, Air Force Organizational Excellence Award, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border. As exemplified by his extraordinary heroism, Captain Roland's life stands as a testament that freedom is not free, and his legacy will echo in time as an example of the ultimate sacrifice in the name of freedom. My wife, Vicki, joins me in praying that God is with Matthew's parents, Mark and Barbara; his sister, Erica; his niece, Willamina; and all of his family and friends during this time of great mourning, and we ask that God continue to bless them and the United States of America.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the 100th anniversary of Sacred Heart Hospital in Pensacola, Florida. For a century, the dedicated doctors, nurses, health care professionals, and staff of Sacred Heart have provided world-class services to residents of Northwest Florida, saving countless lives and serving as an integral part of the Northwest Florida community. Sacred Heart Hospital, which opened its doors on August 31, 1915, is rooted in its founding as a partnership between local citizens and the Daughters of Charity. Its original mission to provide compassionate care to all in the community continues to serve as the hallmark of its success. In the hospital's first location, on Twelfth Avenue, a group of dedicated professionals staffed a 125 bed facility. Despite facing myriad challenges--ranging from hurricanes, a flu epidemic, the Great Depression, and both World Wars--Sacred Heart never wavered in its commitment to excellence, providing unparalleled care to Northwest Florida residents. During the Great Depression, the hospital often served patients who had no other means to cover medical services, and Sacred Heart's school of nursing, located next door to the original facility, trained more than 700 nurses to help serve the community. In the 1960s, when a growing community brought increased need for expanded health care services, Sacred Heart was there to answer the call. After assiduous planning, Sacred Heart moved to its current location on Ninth Avenue on March 13, 1965. In addition to expanding the hospital's overall capacity, Sacred Heart also built a series of units to provide specialized care to the community. Shortly after opening its new facility, Sacred Heart Children's Hospital was established in 1969, serving as the sole facility in Northwest Florida wholly dedicated to the treatment of infants and children. That same year, the hospital opened a coronary care unit, carrying out its first open heart surgery in 1972, and in the 1980s the hospital expanded further, opening a pediatric intensive care unit, family care centers, the Sacred Heart Surgical Center, and the Ann L. Baroco Center for Breast Health. In subsequent years, the hospital continued to grow, adding a new MRI facility, heart-catheterization facility, outpatient diagnostic center, outpatient surgery facilities, and the James H. Baroco Cancer Care Center, as well as the new Children's Hospital, Women's Hospital, Regional Heart and Vascular Institute, the Nemours Children's Clinic, and the Sacred Heart Cancer Clinic. To help mark the growth of the hospital, from its humble beginnings to a truly regional network, the hospital officially renamed itself Sacred Heart Health System in 1996. This change accurately reflects the care that Sacred Heart provides throughout both Northwest Florida and South Alabama. Today, Sacred Heart's health network provides care at all stages of life--from award-winning pediatric services to care at the Haven of Our Lady of Peace nursing home--across eight Gulf Coast counties. Sacred Heart's Pensacola location has continued to grow, most recently adding the Bayou Tower in 2014 to expand the hospital's capacity in Pensacola to 566 beds. In addition, Sacred Heart further expanded to meet the health care needs of Okaloosa and Walton Counties by constructing Sacred Heart on the Emerald Coast-- a 58 bed hospital in Destin, Florida--as well as Sacred Heart Hospital on the Gulf--a 19 bed community hospital in Gulf County, in Port St. Joe, Florida. Today, a century after its founding, Sacred Heart has 78 facilities serving hundreds of thousands of residents along 350 miles of the Gulf Coast. While Sacred Heart Hospital and the community it serves have grown exponentially since it first opened its doors, Sacred Heart's dedication to its patients and commitment to compassionate care have never wavered. Sacred Heart's tremendous success is a testament to the thousands of individuals that have worked tirelessly over the last 100 years to serve Northwest Florida. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize and celebrate the Centennial Anniversary of Sacred Heart Hospital. My wife Vicki and I congratulate all those who have worked at Sacred Heart over the course of its history, and wish Sacred Heart all the best as it continues to serve the Gulf Coast community for the next 100 years and beyond.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to recognize the Marshall Family from Baker, Florida, for being selected as the 2015 Okaloosa County, Florida, Outstanding Farm Family of the Year. Marshall Farms has been a family affair for four generations, and their immense contribution to the Okaloosa County agricultural community is evidenced by their selection as the Outstanding Farm Family of the Year--the second time the family has received this honor. Today, the family's Row-Crop farm, led by James and his son, Nick, covers over 2400 acres and consists of cotton, peanuts, and corn. As leaders in the community in the use of advanced technology, the Marshall family understands the importance of time and efficiency and was among the first to use Precision Agriculture to sample, fertilize, and lime, as well as new Grid Soil Sampling and GPS-guided planting. Though always working to grow their farming operations, the Marshall family also understands the importance of community involvement, as demonstrated by its constant willingness to work with the Extension and Okaloosa County Farm Bureau, sharing agricultural techniques, and providing tours and agricultural awareness days. The family's involvement in their local community is not limited to their work on their farm. James and Nick support the community through their service to myriad agricultural organizations. James served on the Farm Service Agency (FSA) Committee for 13 years and as past president of committee and past director on the Farm Credit Board. Nick is the current Vice President of the Florida Peanut Producers Association, member of the Okaloosa County Farm Bureau Board, and was a past board member of the Okaloosa County FSA Committee. Nick and his family also are active members of Crosspoint Methodist Church. Together, James; his wife of 36 years, Helen; Nick; and his wife of 6 years, Maryann are pillars of our agriculture community. Nick hopes one day to pass the values instilled in him to his two children, Landon and Emery. Mr. Speaker, Northwest Florida and our Nation share a proud agricultural tradition built by the hard work of farmers and their families. The Okaloosa County Outstanding Farm Family of the Year Award is a reflection of the Marshall's tireless work and their dedication to family and farming. On behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to offer my congratulations to the Marshall family for being outstanding in their field. My wife Vicki and I extend our best wishes for their continued success.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commemorate the One Hundredth Anniversary of the DeFuniak Springs Woman's Club. Throughout the last century, the Club has served the local community, and I am privileged to honor and recognize their dedication to bettering the lives of the citizens of Northwest Florida. As one of the oldest civic organizations in the Florida panhandle, the Woman's Club was unofficially formed in 1915 when a group of 5 resourceful and determined women representing each of the churches in DeFuniak Springs gathered at the request of the mayor to take on the beautification and sanitation of the town. The group, which would later become the DeFuniak Springs Woman's Club, set about establishing sanitation standards by improving drinking water and sewer systems, as well as working to make the town as aesthetically pleasing as possible. They were able to secure extra law enforcement officials to prevent the free roaming livestock, and they beautified the parks and train depot by planting gardens. Once their original purpose was met, the Woman's Club began to provide care to women and children, a mission that continues today. In addition to promoting good health and home sanitation, the Woman's Club has taken on projects to provide food for school children, library books, quality woman's clothing at discounted prices, and, as a sponsor for the Children's Advocacy of the Emerald Coast, support for child abuse victims. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it gives me great pleasure to commemorate the centennial anniversary of the DeFuniak Woman's Club in DeFuniak Springs, Florida. My wife Vicki joins me in congratulating all the members past and present on one hundred years of exceptional service to the Northwest Florida community.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with both profound sadness and deep gratitude that I rise to pay tribute to a fallen decorated American hero. On Monday, August 3, 2015, Technical Sergeant Timothy A. Officer, Jr., of the 24th Special Operations Wing, located in Florida's First Congressional District, tragically lost his life during a military freefall training accident. TSgt Officer was 32 years old, but lived a lifetime marked by and full of service. Timothy was born to Timothy and Linda Officer on August 8, 1982 in Huntington, West Virginia. After graduating high school, he followed in his family's footsteps of service and joined the Air Force in 2001. Upon becoming a Tactical Air Control Party Journeyman and ultimately a Joint Terminal Attack Controller, TSgt Officer earned his stripes as one of our Nation's most elite, both in training and in the ultimate crucible of combat. With multiple deployments around the globe and specifically in support of Operations IRAQI FREEDOM and ENDURING FREEDOM, TSgt Officer's leadership and devotion to duty served his fellow airmen and our Nation well over his prestigious fourteen-year career. Among his many awards and accolades are two Bronze Stars, one with Valor Device, the Joint Service Commendation Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Army Commendation Medal with three oak leaf clusters, Air Force Achievement Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Meritorious Unit Award with one oak leaf cluster, Combat Readiness Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with three oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Iraq Campaign Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, among many others. One fateful night in Iraq, on March 31, 2003, while serving as a Tactical Air Command and Control Journeyman in support of the 1st Armored Division, TSgt Officer and his unit were engaged by enemy mortar, artillery, and direct fire. After an artillery shell exploded near his vehicle, then Airman Officer engaged the enemy, killing two, while coordinating close air support. When his crew ran out of ammunition, the citation for his Bronze Star with Valor reads, ``He voluntarily dismounted his vehicle, ran across the battlefield through a hail of small arms fire to another vehicle, and returned with enough ammunition for his entire crew.'' Then Airman Officer assisted in the delivery of air support, resulting in 55 enemy killed. As the citation concludes, ``His tremendous bravery under constant enemy fire undoubtedly saved his fellow crewmembers along with countless members of task force 2-70, and directly aided in the defeat of the enemy.'' Mr. Speaker, this is the type of man we lost on August 3, 2015. Described as honest and loyal, he truly was a significant role model for those who knew him, not just by his words but by his actions. Adding more weight to our hearts, TSgt Officer is the second son and brother his family lays to rest upon the altar of freedom. His younger brother, Army Sergeant Justin Officer, tragically fell on the battlefield of Afghanistan while serving with the 101st Airborne on September 29, 2010. There are no words I, this body of Congress, or the Nation can say that might assuage the bereavement of the Officer family, as they endure the unendurable yet again. All I can say is on behalf of a humble and grateful Nation, we thank them for the love, counsel, guidance, and support given to Timothy and Justin, which helped make them the heroes they became. Their lives stand as a testament that freedom is not free, and their legacies will echo in time as examples of the ultimate sacrifice for all free people. My wife, Vicki, joins me in praying that God is with Timothy's parents, Timothy and Linda; his sister Kylea; and all of his family and friends during this time of great mourning, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the life and legacy of Northwest Florida's beloved James C. ``Buck'' Smith, who passed away peacefully in his home after a long battle with Alzheimer's on August 11, 2015. A longtime resident of Fort Walton Beach and former City Councilman, Buck had a deep love for his family and community, and his contributions, especially the impact on youth in the area, will be remembered. Born on January 7, 1936 in Columbus, Georgia to Red and Myrtis Clements Smith, Buck and his siblings moved to Florida's Gulf Coast following his mother's passing. Buck, who had a love for sports, which remained with him throughout his life, played football at Choctawhatchee High School, where he graduated Class of 1955, as well as played at Holmes Junior College in Mississippi. Upon his return home to Fort Walton Beach, Buck became an active member of the community. As a small businessman, Buck started Smith's Plumbing, Randall's Nursery, and Bucran Corporation. As a leader in the civic arena, he was elected to serve the area he loved as Fort Walton Beach City Councilman from 1983 to 1991. Buck also was a member of the Shriners and was a Free Mason. It was his passion for community and its youth, however, to whom he dedicated much of his life, by which many will remember Buck. He was instrumental in securing the Fort Walton Beach High School's field house and baseball field, as well as preparing the tennis courts for action at Bruner Middle School. He strongly advocated for the need of a vocational school in the area, helped found the Fellowship of Christian Athletes in Okaloosa County and the All Sports Association, which he was inducted into its Hall of Fame in 2004. Whether it was growing the love of softball in the area by starting a men's slow pitch softball team, which competed at National's in 1973; attending high school football games and cheering on players; or supporting Little League teams; Buck was inspired by the character and camaraderie built as a result of participating in organized sports. He believed in the youth and was dedicated to ensuring that they were afforded the opportunity to become involved. Without question, Buck lived a life full of love and giving back to those around him. He was a friend and mentor to countless individuals and one of the area youth's biggest fans. To his family, however, he will most be remembered as a loving husband, father, and grandfather, a great man who they were blessed to have as their own and share with the Northwest Florida community. On behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize the life of James C. ``Buck'' Smith. My wife Vicki and I extend our heartfelt prayers and condolences to his wife of 44 years, Billie; daughter, Tina and her husband, Ryan; granddaughters Amber and Ryleigh; brother, Rocky; sisters, Connie, Debbie, Sonya, and Rita; and all of the Smith family.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with both profound sadness and deep gratitude that I rise to pay tribute to a fallen decorated American hero. On Monday, August 3, 2015, Technical Sergeant Marty B. Bettelyoun of the 24th Special Operations Wing, located in Florida's First Congressional District, tragically lost his life during a military freefall training accident. TSgt Bettelyoun was 35 years old, but lived a lifetime marked by and full of service. Born to Sonny and Christina Bettelyoun on October 18, 1979 in Eugene, Oregon, TSgt Bettelyoun graduated from Oregon City High School. After graduation, he answered the call and joined the Air Force in 2000. Enduring one of the most challenging training pipelines the United States military has to offer, TSgt Bettelyoun earned his stripes as one of our Nation's most elite. As a lead instructor in Survival, Evasion, Resistance, and Escape, and later as a Combat Controller with multiple training and combat deployments around the globe, TSgt Bettelyoun's leadership and devotion to duty served thousands of airmen and our Nation well throughout his prestigious fifteen-year career. Among his many awards and accolades are the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, Air Force Achievement Medal with two oak leaf clusters, Meritorious Unit Award with four oak leaf clusters, Air Force Good Conduct Medal with four oak leaf clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Air Force Overseas Ribbon Long, Air Force Expeditionary Service Ribbon with Gold Border, Air Force Longevity Service Ribbon with two oak leaf clusters, USAF Noncommissioned Officer Professional Military Education Graduate Ribbon with one oak leaf cluster, and the Air Force Training Ribbon. By all accounts, TSgt Bettelyoun was the consummate leader and selfless warrior in his professional life as well as his personal life. Described by close friends as being able to walk into a room of strangers and leave their friend, TSgt Bettelyoun surely lived a full, albeit too brief, life. A dedicated family man, it remains clear his family was the most important aspect in this young patriot's life. With five children to his beloved wife, Jennifer, TSgt Bettelyoun and Jennifer took in a young cousin as their own, after the cousin's parents tragically passed away. Mr. Speaker, this is the type of man we lost on August 3, 2015. There are no words I, this body of Congress, or the Nation can say that might assuage the bereavement of the Bettelyoun family and the six children Marty leaves behind. All I can say is on behalf of a humble and grateful Nation, we thank them for the love, counsel, guidance, and support given to Marty, which helped make him the hero he became both in uniform and as a father. His life stands as a testament that freedom is not free, and his legacy will echo in time as an example of the ultimate sacrifice for all free people. My wife, Vicki, joins me in praying that God be with Marty's wife, Jennifer; his children Kalyn, Olivia, Benjamin, Isabella, and Mollie; his parents, Sonny and Christina; brothers Luke and Adam; Stepmother Sharon and Stepfather Jim; and all family and friends during this time of great mourning, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I don't believe I have mentioned the unions one time, but I now think I understand why the disparity in the vote. The senior executive level that we passed the accountability for last year is nonunionized, and the people that we are talking about today are unionized. I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from the First District of Tennessee (Mr. Roe).

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I move that the Committee do now rise.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Benishek), chairman of the Health Subcommittee.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize the Centennial Anniversary of the Okaloosa County, Florida Sheriff's Department. As a former Deputy Sheriff, I understand the important and sometimes underappreciated role that law enforcement officers play in local communities across the Nation. In Northwest Florida, we are fortunate to have many world-class Sheriff's Departments and Police Departments that are working each and every day to protect their neighbors and community. For the last 100 years, the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Department has served a thriving community that has grown from a population of less than 10,000 when the department was created to a home for nearly 200,000 people today. Yet, while the population has increased nearly twentyfold over the past century, the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Department has always upheld their mission to ``ensure fair and equal administration of the law, safeguarding civil liberties and preserving public safety and doing so with professionalism and unity of purpose, while being good stewards of the public's trust.'' From the first Okaloosa County Sheriff, Benjamin Haywood Sutton, who initially funded the department with his own money, through to the current Sheriff, Larry Ashley, 15 different men have served as Sheriff, while countless have joined the force as deputies. Each and every one of those selfless men and women chose to stand up and serve their communities as officers of the law, and while they do not ask for any recognition in return, they certainly deserve our gratitude and thanks. There is no greater honor than to swear an oath to our Constitution to serve and protect the lives of your fellow man at the risk of your own either at home or abroad, and the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Department has shown over its 100 year history that it is dedicated to serving the people of Okaloosa County. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize the accomplishments and the service the Okaloosa County Florida Sheriff's Department has provided to the community over the last 100 years.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Northwest Florida State College Raiders' baseball team on their victory in the 2015 JUCO World Series, bringing home the school's first NJCAA Baseball National Championship. This hard-earned title is a testament to their dedication to excellence, commitment to teamwork, and unwavering work ethic, and all of Northwest Florida celebrates their tremendous success. While the Raiders capped their season with a dominant 15-1 victory over McLennan Community College in the championship game, the Raiders' players, coaches, and staff proved throughout the season that they had the mettle of true champions as they persevered through difficult stretches early in the season. Despite tough early season losses that saw the team drop to 4-5 in conference play, Raiders' Head Coach Doug Martin and his players were undeterred, and they continued to work hard each day in pursuit of a championship. Even after an impressive late season run--which saw the Raiders win 14 of their last 16 games, including a seven-game winning streak that included a sweep of the Gulf District/FCSAA State Tournament that qualified them for the World Series--the Raiders came into the JUCO World Series ranked 14th in the Nation. But, despite being an underdog, the Raiders pulled off impressive victories--defeating three top ten teams, including the number one ranked team in the country by a margin of 10-0--en route to a rematch in the National Championship game with the only team that defeated them during the World Series: McLennan Community College. In the rematch, the Raiders put in a true team performance and in the end they earned a well-deserved 15-1 victory to bring the national title back to Northwest Florida. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize the Raiders players--Aaron Palmer, Onix Martinez, Danny Blanco, Corderias Dorsey, Tra'Mayne Holmes, Will Luft, Mack Hathcock, Hunter Beard, Avery Geyer, Evan Hebert, Ryan Leone, Dakota Dean, Andrew Deramo, James Granat, Tanner Halstead, Ross Goforth, Shawn Feltner, Rex Rutledge, Carlos Alayon, Brian Browning, Lukas Holub, Trey Lang, Jarren Pinkney, and Hunter Bening--Head Coach Doug Martin, Assistant Coaches Andrew Franco and Brett Stewart, Athletic Director Ramsey Ross, and the entire Raiders staff and fans on their national championship. My wife Vicki and I congratulate the entire Raiders baseball program and wish them all the best for continued success in the future.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and add any extraneous material in the Record on H.R. 1994, as amended.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, my bill would provide the Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs with yet another tool to instill accountability, much-needed accountability at the Department of Veterans Affairs, by allowing him or her to remove or demote any employee for poor performance or misconduct. The bill also contains language to protect--and let me say that again to the Members here on the floor, to protect--whistleblowers by stipulating that an employee may not be removed under this new authority if they have an open claim at the Office of Special Counsel until that claim is closed. Now, to add even more protections for those who blow the whistle at VA, my bill would also set up a new process to be used in addition to any other process that is currently allowed by law, which would protect whistleblowers from retaliation by removal while they bring issues to light up through their chain of command. My bill also makes changes to the Senior Executive Service performance evaluation system. It also allows the Secretary to recoup a portion of an SES employee's retirement benefits if they are convicted of a felony related to their work performance and limits paid administrative leave to 14 days within a 1-year timeframe for any VA employee. H.R. 1994, as amended, would also extend to 18 months the probationary period for all new VA employees to ensure a complete evaluation before offering permanent status. Finally, Mr. Chairman, my bill requires that GAO do a study on time and space that is spent on union activities. I agree with all of my colleagues that a great majority of VA's employees are hard-working public servants who are dedicated to providing the quality health care and benefits that our veterans have earned, and I am sure that the majority of these employees who are dedicated to the mission of the Department are just as frustrated as most of us are that problem employees continue to be moved to new positions or placed in a corner as opposed to removing them from the payroll. We have seen how the presence of poor performers and misconduct ranging from unethical practices to outright criminal behavior can spread like a cancer throughout the workforce. When the Secretary comes across this presence of poor performance or misconduct, as we have seen time and time again across our country, such as Phoenix, Denver, central Alabama, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, in my home State of Florida, and in many other places across our Nation, it is nearly impossible to remove that cancer in a reasonable amount of time due to current civil service rules. This is not just my view. A recent GAO study found that it can take 6 months to a year, or sometimes significantly longer, Mr. Chairman, to fire poor performing government employees. More telling, last month, VA's Deputy Secretary Gibson sat before our Committee on Veterans' Affairs and admitted that it was too difficult to fire a substandard employee. We should all agree that it defies common sense for it to take many months or even years to fire a poor performing employee at VA. We, as Members of Congress, and the American citizens appreciate the sacrifices that our veterans have made and always argue that they deserve nothing but the highest quality care and treatment, but in my view, bad employees mean bad customer service and an impediment to the quality services that our veterans have earned. If we truly want for our veterans to have the very best, then the status quo simply is no longer acceptable. I know there are concerns that this bill will hurt the Department's ability to recruit and retain good employees and hurt employee morale, but I think nothing could be further from the truth. The best way to improve morale is to get rid of the causes of the dysfunction that we currently see at the VA. Nobody enjoys working for an organization that fails to hold poor performance accountable, and the only employees the VA should want to recruit are those who want to work in an environment where they know everyone is respected and can be held accountable for their actions. Some have also said that this bill is not needed because VA fires employees all the time, but the raw numbers, Mr. Chairman, just don't tell that story. Following a year in which we witnessed the biggest scandal in VA history, only three--let me repeat, three--employees of a workforce of over 340,000 people have been successfully fired for wait time manipulation. These numbers, or lack thereof, make it clear that more work needs to be done to turn the tide at VA and change the culture within the Department. That is why this legislation is not punitive but is necessary if we truly want the Secretary to make the changes this Congress, the American people, and, most importantly, our veterans expect to see made. I know that the unions oppose this and continue to compare my bill to current law in an attempt to illustrate what they think my bill is lacking, in their opinion; but comparing my bill to current law ignores the far too often egregious effects of current civil service laws which have contributed to the scandals at VA. Yes, the bill before us today is different from current law, because the current law needs to be changed, and that is what I and many of my colleagues are trying to accomplish with this legislation. Despite our attempts to reach a measure of common ground with the unions, they have made it clear from the beginning that pretty much anything but the status quo will not garner their support. Well, we have proven that the status quo is not working. It is failing the mission of the Department of Veterans Affairs, and it is failing the veterans the VA is supposed to serve. Mr. Chairman, it is time for a change. The Secretary needs the ability to make real reforms, and he needs to be able to do it quicker than the current average timeline of 6 to 12 months to remove a single employee. It has also come to my attention that the administration has recently come out saying that they strongly oppose the bill and could potentially veto it if it arrives at the President's desk; but this removal authority for all VA employees is modeled after the same authority provided in the Choice Act that was passed by the House and the Senate and signed by the President last summer, the same authority that, at the bill signing almost exactly this time last year, the President said: ``If you engage in an unethical practice, if you cover up a serious problem, you should be fired . . . It shouldn't be that difficult.'' Mr. Chair, I am not sure why the President has changed his position almost exactly a year later. The voice of the unions should not be heard over the voice of our veterans. We need to continue to push for the same change we pushed for last year. Now is not the time to change our belief in the need for greater accountability within VA. Our veterans still expect us to continue to advocate for them as more and more of VA's missteps are brought to light every single day, whether they are on the front page of the paper or not. We cannot continue to put the needs of employees whose performance or misconduct would not be tolerated in the private sector ahead of our Nation's veterans because we are scared of change or because we don't want to upset the unions. Ladies and gentlemen, if we do not at least try to give the Secretary the tools he or she needs to hold VA employees accountable, then we as a Congress are just as culpable for any future VA failures as the antiquated civil service laws that foster those failures now. There is not a doubt in my mind that all of my colleagues here today care for our Nation's veterans; but today, we can decide to stand with our veterans or we can decide to stand with the status quo, which I believe has failed them and the American public for far too long. I reserve the balance of my time. House of Representatives, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Washington, DC, July 27, 2015. Hon. Jeff Miller, Chairman, Committee on Veterans' Affairs, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: I write concerning H.R. 1994, the VA Accountability Act of 2015, as amended by the Committee on Veterans' Affairs. As you know, the Committee on Veterans' Affairs received an original referral and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform a secondary referral when the bill was introduced on April 23, 2015. I recognize and appreciate your desire to bring this legislation before the House of Representatives in an expeditious manner, and accordingly, the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform will forego action on the bill, as amended. The Committee takes this action with our mutual understanding that by foregoing consideration of H.R. 1994, as amended, at this time, we do not waive any jurisdiction over the subject matter contained in this or similar legislation. Further, I request your support for the appointment of conferees from the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform during any House-Senate conference convened on this or related legislation. Finally, I would ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration, to memorialize our understanding. Sincerely, Jason Chaffetz. Chairman.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chairman, it is amazing that every single Democrat in the Congress last year voted in favor of the very same rules and regulations. I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Lamborn), from the Fifth Congressional District.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. MILLER of Florida. I thank my good friend for yielding, but I would also say that the Constitution of the United States protects even a single individual. So to say that it is only a small group should not be anything in this discussion. I would assure you that the President of the United States would have had ample time to be able to go through and review it before he signed it into law.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bilirakis), vice chairman of the full committee and my colleague from the Second Congressional District of Florida.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Will the gentleman yield?