Jeff Miller

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Mr. Jeff Nall upon receiving the Non Profit Communicator of the Year Award from the Pensacola chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association. Mr. Jeff Nall frequently goes above and beyond his responsibilities as the Vice President of Communications and Marketing for the Council on Aging of West Florida. To achieve the Council's mission of educating the community to the unique needs of seniors, Mr. Nall utilizes an assortment of media tactics. His innovative techniques include a weekly television show geared toward seniors and monthly email newsletters. Due to his proactive approaches to reaching the public, many senior residents have benefitted. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I proudly recognize Mr. Jeff Nall as the Florida Public Relations Non Profit Communicator of the Year. I am grateful for the positive work he does to improve the lives of seniors in my district. My wife Vicki and I wish Mr. Nall and his family all the best for the future.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate Ms. Jessica Morris upon receiving the For Profit Communicator of the Year Award from the Pensacola chapter of the Florida Public Relations Association. The people of Northwest Florida and International Paper have greatly benefited from Jessica's dedication to her work. Ms. Morris is highly deserving of the For Profit Communicator of the Year award for her ability to balance the unique needs of her job as Communications Manager to International Paper, located in Pensacola, Florida. Not only does Ms. Morris effectively fulfill her responsibilities of communicating with the mill's 530 employees, she routinely connects employees through a weekly employee newsletter of her own creation. Moreover, she goes the extra mile to reach the public. Ms. Morris has spent a great deal of time ensuring that the environmental concerns and contributions of International Paper are known throughout Northwest Florida. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I proudly recognize Ms. Jessica Morris as the Florida Public Relations For Profit Communicator of the Year. Her steadfast work ethic and creative ideas have benefitted many in my district. My wife Vicki and I wish Ms. Morris and her loved ones all the best for the future.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life of Brigadier General Harry C. Aderholt. General Aderholt's life of dedicated service to this country throughout times of conflict and times of peace is truly remarkable. It is a great privilege to recognize him on this day. General Aderholt was the epitome of a military officer, and he will always be remembered for the type of man he was--a natural leader, always ready to go above and beyond the call of duty. Growing up in Birmingham, Alabama as one of seven children, there is no doubt that his strong character began to take root during his childhood, fully blossoming into the virtues of integrity, discipline and diligence. General Aderholt's illustrious career as an Air Force officer is filled with numerous leadership and command positions throughout the world. From serving as a young pilot during World War II to being assigned Commander of the United States Military Assistance Command, Thailand, General Aderholt was a patriot that bravely served this country for over 30 years. Through his distinguished and decorated career, General Aderholt earned many awards including the Legion of Merit with two oak leaf clusters, Distinguish Flying Cross with one oak leaf cluster, and the Bronze Star Medal with one oak leaf cluster. On behalf of the United States Congress, Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize the life and deeds of Brigadier General Harry C. Aderholt. A true patriot, a committed community leader and loving family man--he will be missed by many, but his memory will remain. My wife Vicki and I extended our prayers and thoughts to the entire Aderholt family.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the retirement of a great man and a good friend. Mr. Frank Lay is the true measure of a man--through his humility, through his leadership, through his commitment to others; he is a shining example to us all. For that reason, Madam Speaker, I am privileged and grateful to honor Mr. Lay on this day. Mr. Lay has spent the last 21 years as the principal of Pace High School. During his years as principal, Mr. Lay has been a driving force for growth and improvement throughout the halls of Pace High School. To the students, he is a compassionate friend. To the faculty, he is an innovative visionary. To the community, he is a principled leader. Mr. Lay is a committed and caring educator. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Troy University in 1970. He later then earned a Masters in Physical Education from Georgia State University and a Masters in Administration from the University of West Florida. During his career, he was selected as the Georgia Teacher of the Year, Track and Field Coach of the Year, and Principal of the Year. Most recently, he was honored with the God in Government Lifetime Achievement Award. These accolades are a true testament as to the character and commitment of Mr. Lay. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize Frank Lay for his service to Northwest Florida. He is a dedicated educator and leader who will be sorely missed after his retirement. My wife Vicki and I wish all the best for continued success to Frank and his wife Nancy, his children, grandchildren, and entire extended family.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure I rise to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Shooters of Training Squadron SIX. Through times of war and through times of peace, Training Squadron SIX has served our country with great distinction and valor. For that reason, I am proud to recognize the Shooters of Training Squadron SIX for their exceptional training and excellent performance over the last 50 years. Training Squadron SIX has picked up the torch lit by their predecessors on May 1, 1960, and continued the legacy of producing the best combat aviators the world has ever seen. On that day, Training Squadron SIX was commissioned with the task of providing primary flight training to a younger generation of student naval aviators. Since being commissioned, more than 15,000 students have been trained and in excess of 1.1 million flight hours performed. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Training Squadron SIX for going above and beyond the call of duty on their 50th anniversary. To this day, Training Squadron SIX continues to provide the highest quality training to student aviators from the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and several Allied Forces.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I missed rollcall vote No. 248 on May 5, 2010. If present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain (Ret.) John C. Miko as he prepares to retire as Vice President of Government Relations for the Electronics, Intelligence, and Support Operating Group of BAE Systems. Captain Miko's life of dedicated service to this country throughout times of conflict and times of peace is truly remarkable, and it is a great privilege to recognize him on this day. Following the example set by his family's military service, Captain Miko attended the United States Coast Guard Academy and received a commission as an Ensign upon graduation. After serving aboard the Coast Guard Cutter Unimak for 16 months, he went to flight school at NAS Pensacola, Florida. Within his aviation specialty, he had a variety of important and challenging flying assignments. Captain Miko served as an instructor pilot and spent three years as an exchange pilot with the British Royal Navy. In addition, he commanded a large Coast Guard Group and Air Station in Oregon. Before being detailed to the Department of Homeland Security Transition team and the DHS Office of Legislative Affairs, Captain Miko served as the Coast Guard liaison to the U.S. Senate and as Chief of Coast Guard congressional affairs. Upon his retirement from the U.S. Coast Guard in 2004, Captain Miko accepted a government relations position with BAE Systems. Since then, he has continued to demonstrate his abilities as a passionate and effective public policy advocate on matters of national security. In his role as Vice President of Government Relations, he displayed even- tempered, professional leadership that consistently focused on helping others do what is best for our U.S. military members and veterans. Captain Miko has tirelessly supported this nation's military through his service in the U.S. Coast Guard and as a trusted voice within the defense community. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the U.S. Congress I am honored to recognize the efforts and accomplishments of this outstanding American patriot. I congratulate and thank Captain John C. Miko for his 33 years of service and wish him a happy retirement.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise to recognize the passing of one of Pensacola, Florida's most respected residents, Mr. Anthony Ciano. His life will not soon be forgotten. Instead, his life will be remembered as one embodying the purest virtues of loyalty, hard work and selflessness. For that reason, Madam Speaker, I am honored to recognize the life and deeds of Anthony Ciano on this day. Born in Akron, Ohio as the son of Italian immigrants, Mr. Ciano moved to Florida to begin his career. Starting out as an automobile mechanic in a new environment, it could have become very easy for him to lose heart and become discouraged. However, never losing sight of the American Dream, Mr. Ciano worked hard and eventually became the manager of several automobile dealerships. In 1968, Anthony Ciano moved to Pensacola and purchased his first automobile dealership. With much diligence and commitment, Mr. Ciano built his Ford dealership into one of the most successful in the region and in the entire country. In addition to understanding the importance of hard work, Mr. Ciano also knew the value of community service and charity. With an always grateful heart, Mr. Ciano eagerly looked for ways to give to others and contribute to the community. He was involved in numerous civic and charitable organizations throughout Northwest Florida. Whether it was his work to begin the Boys' Club of Escambia and his participation in the Rotary Club, or his support of local law enforcement and the Miracle League Baseball Park for handicapped children, Mr. Anthony Ciano was a leader who was ready to give selflessly of himself for the betterment of those around him and in his community. Madam Speaker, though Mr. Ciano may have passed, the impact of his life, actions and deeds will forever remain. My wife Vicki and I express the deepest sympathies to his loving wife Natalie and his children.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, it is my great pleasure to rise and recognize the 50th anniversary of the Doerbirds of Training Squadron Two. Over the years, the Doerbirds have served our country with great distinction and valor. For their commitment to training outstanding student aviators, Training Squadron Two rightfully holds a place in the annals of naval history. For that reason, I am proud to recognize the Doerbirds of Training Squadron Two for their exceptional training and excellent performance over the last 50 years. The current Doerbirds of Training Squadron Two picked up the torch lit by their predecessors on May 1, 1960. On that day, Training Squadron Two was commissioned with the task of providing primary and intermediate stage flight training to select student aviators from the United States Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard and several allied nations. Each year Training Squadron Two graduates approximately 210 student aviators. Logging nearly 2,000 flight hours each month, they have flown in excess of 1,800,000 flight hours and trained more than 19,000 students since their commissioning. To mark this great occasion, the Doerbirds will be honoring a great man and one of their own. Major Daniel S. Haworth is one of the many distinguished pilots to be a part of Training Squadron Two. Major Haworth was an instructor pilot with the Doerbirds from 1981 to 1985. While Major Haworth logged over 1,000 hours in the T-34C Turbomentor aircraft and was honored by being named instructor of the month four times, his greatest legacy is one that will always be remembered for its level of courage and selflessness in the face of adversity. On October 4, 1987, Major Haworth was flying a night vision goggle shooting exercise in his UH-1N Huey helicopter. During the exercise, the aircraft suffered a tail rotor malfunction. Sacrificing his life, the courage and composure displayed by Major Haworth at the controls are solely attributed for the survival of all the crewmembers on board. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize the Doerbirds for going above and beyond the call of duty on their 50th anniversary. To this day, the Doerbirds of Squadron Two continue to provide the highest quality training to student aviators. As they remain resolute and steadfast to doing their part to defend our nation, we must do our part to remember their unwavering commitment with our hearts and minds.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to honor the life and service of Mr. Ron Yeakle on his 87th birthday. Mr. Yeakle is a true patriot. His story of extraordinary heroism and commitment to country has been an inspiration to many. Ron Yeakle was born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland. In World War II, Mr. Yeakle served as a bomber pilot. During a bombing mission near Vienna, Austria, his B-24 Liberator was shelled at over 22,000 feet. In a harrowing feat of courage and bravery, Mr. Yeakle survived the jump and was later captured by enemy soldiers and forced to spend 14 months in German concentration camps. In what must have seemed like a hopeless situation at times, Mr. Yeakle and the other captors managed to encourage each other to endure this horrific experience until they were liberated by General George Patton and his men. After the war, Mr. Yeakle and his wife Dorothy moved to Pensacola, Florida. In 1969, Mr. Yeakle was a co-founder of Piping and Equipment, Inc., where he still serves as a consultant. Additionally, Mr. Yeakle has served on the West Florida Hospital Board and the Ellyson Industrial Park Board. Ron and his wife have two daughters, Priscilla Carroll and Suzanne O'Meara. It is with great honor, Madam Speaker, that I recognize the life and deeds of Mr. Ron Yeakle on his 87th birthday. He has been a leader both at times of war and times of peace. My wife Vicki and I wish him a happy birthday and his entire family all the best for the future.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the founding of Pensacola's Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church. This remarkable milestone is a testament to the years of great work by the church. The year 2010 is a relatively small occurrence on the timeline of Orthodox Christianity, a faith that traces its beginnings all the way back to the apostles and dates many of its earliest traditions back to the days of St. John Chrysostom. 2010 also marks the 100th anniversary of Pensacola, Florida's oldest Orthodox congregation. The first Greeks to come to Pensacola were seamen who migrated during the 1860s. As the Greek community continued to grow, it was decided to build a church where Greek ideals and customs could be preserved as well as a place where spiritual needs could be met. Today, the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Pensacola is a place of worship for more than 150 families of various ethnic backgrounds. In thinking about the tremendous occasion before us and the countless good deeds that have been carried out in the name of the Father by this body, I am reminded of the words of the Apostle Paul. Paul wrote to the church of Galatia, ``And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.'' On this 100th year anniversary of the Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church of Pensacola, I ask that they too heed the words of the Apostle Paul. After all these years, I encourage the church not to lose heart in doing what is good, but rather continue to serve the Lord and accomplish His work. I ask that they don't give up, but continue to show the fruit of the Spirit which is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Madam Speaker, it is my great privilege to honor Pensacola's Annunciation Greek Orthodox Church on their centennial anniversary. These 100 years have been a testament to the compassion and good will that exists among mankind.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure I rise to recognize the 50th anniversary the Red Knights of Training Squadron Three. Through times of war and through times of peace, the Red Knights have served our country with great distinction and valor. In their commitment and in their sacrifice, Training Squadron Three rightfully holds a place in the annals of Naval History as a squadron that took immense pride in preparing America's finest youth for the defense of our great nation and her ideals. For that reason, I am proud to recognize the Red Knights of Squadron Three for their exceptional training and excellent performance over the last 50 years. With World War II raging in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters the demand for trained pilots was at its zenith, and the first squadron to bear the name Training Squadron Three was created. Throughout the costly struggle with the Axis Alliance that claimed many young pilots, Training Squadron Three continued to train pilots for day-to-day operations and for the units needed to carry out the final campaigns against the Japanese mainland. After the terms of surrender were signed by the Japanese, there was little need for multiple training squadrons to train an enormous invasion force and Training Squadron Three was decommissioned. The current Red Knights of Training Squadron Three picked up the torch lit by their predecessors on May 1, 1960, and continued the legacy of ``Training the Best for America's Defense.'' On that day, Training Squadron Three was commissioned with the task of utilizing the T-28 Trojan to prepare a younger generation of student naval aviators in radio instruments, formation flying and air-to-air gunnery. In 1968, at the height of the Vietnam War, Training Squadron Three was at its peak size; consisting of 174 instructors, 494 students, 649 enlisted and 162 T-28 aircraft. During 1968, Training Squadron Three had flown almost 110,000 instructional hours and trained 902 students. These impressive figures set the record for any training squadron in the history of Naval Air Training command. In 1980, Training Squadron Three became the only primary fixed wing training squadron to be alternately commanded by a Navy and Marine Corps officer. The Red Knights were honored once again in 1994 when they became the Navy's first and only joint service primary flight training squadron. In 1997, the squadron was selected as the first Navy squadron to transition to and fly the T-6 Texan II. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize the Red Knights for going above and beyond the call of duty on their 50th anniversary. To this day, the Red Knights of Squadron Three continue to provide the highest quality training to student aviators from the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, Air Force and several Allied nations. As they remain resolute and steadfast to do their part defending our nation, we must do our part to remember their unwavering commitment with our hearts and minds.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, it is with both great honor and humility that I rise to recognize the life of Mr. Earl Durden. After 18 years, Earl succumbed to his battle with cancer and now rests in peace. Throughout his 78 years, Mr. Durden spent his days working as a community leader, and I am proud to honor his lifetime as a compassionate giver and visionary. Mr. Durden came from humble beginnings. He was born the son of a farmer outside of Dothan, Alabama, but became a powerful leader in the transportation industry. While he was a well known railroad magnate throughout Florida, Mr. Durden was perhaps best known as a local philanthropist and for his quiet charity. Earl Durden was a friend to many and was respected by even more. He was a man who always gave generously and has good deeds that will forever go unknown. Even during his fight with cancer, he never forgot what was important and what was worth living for. Earl Durden was a self-made man. He believed in being honest, working hard and making the most of life. His impressive list of accomplishments includes being named chairman of the state transportation commission under Governor Jeb Bush, CEO and Director of Rail Management Corporation and owner of Magic Broadcasting Company. At age 68, Durden was honored by being named one of the most influential people in Florida. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize and honor the life of Earl Durden. The size of Mr. Durden's heart was only matched by his love for family. My wife Vicki and I express the deepest sympathies to his loving wife Karen and their three sons.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Colonel Frank Mann Jr., upon the occasion of his 90th birthday. Colonel Mann has spent a lifetime serving both country and community, and it is a privilege to recognize him on this special day. Throughout the span of his nine decades, Colonel Mann has lived as a shining example to show all what the virtues of patriotism and voluntarism truly mean. I know that as he continues to live out his days, the life of Colonel Mann will serve as a reflection for all to gaze upon to find the exact measure of a man. Frank was born in Bayonne, New Jersey, on May 2, 1920. As a young pilot, Colonel Mann spent time in the service as an instructor pilot and in England as a B-24 and B-29 aircraft commander during World War II. After leaving the service, he returned to the University of Wyoming and earned a Bachelor of Science in Geology. As war broke out in Korea, Colonel Mann was recalled to active duty and stationed at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming. After a few short months, Colonel Mann was assigned as the Chief of Combat Operations for the 19th Bombardment Group based at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa. During this time he flew B-29 bombing missions over Korea. By the time the war ended in 1953, the 19th had flown 645 missions, 5,950 sorties, and had dropped more than 52,000 tons of bombs on enemy targets. For their display of ability, the 19th was awarded a Presidential Unit Citation. They were also awarded the Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation. Colonel Mann spent the later portion of his illustrious career as an Air Force officer in numerous leadership and command positions throughout the world. Some of those posts include Commander of the 705th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, Director of Flight Operations at Wright-Patterson AFB and Commander of an Air Defense Command Radar Station at Mt. Laguna, California. In 1973, after 37 long years of selfless service, Colonel Mann retired. Through his distinguished and decorated career, Colonel Mann earned many awards including the Bronze Star, Air Medal and the Air Force and Army Commendation Medals. Colonel Mann's record of military service alone is enough to merit a lifetime of achievement. However, after retiring from the military he did not quit his commitment to service. Instead, he continued to go above and beyond the call of duty and put his service-oriented lifestyle to work in the community. Colonel Mann helped co-found the local Lions Club in the 1980s. He also became a volunteer at the Chamber of Commerce where he remains active today. As a civilian, Colonel Mann worked with local retired military personnel and advocated on their behalf at the national level as a member of the Board of Directors and President of the Ft. Walton Beach Military Officers Association of America. In addition, Colonel Mann is a member of the Order of Daedalians. In this capacity, he worked to enroll high school youth in ROTC programs, and sponsored an annual scholarship for ROTC students. Frank is married to the former Margie Hatton of Malone, Florida. Together they have two daughters, Cindy and Karen. It is with great honor, the highest respect and much personal pride, Madam Speaker, that I recognize the life and deeds of Colonel Frank W. Mann, Jr. on his 90th birthday. He has been a leader both on the battlefield and in northwest Florida. My wife Vicki and I wish him a happy birthday and his entire family all the best for the future.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I missed roll call Vote Nos. 204-211 on April 15, 2010. Had I been present, I would have voted: Roll Call Vote No. 204, Providing for consideration of the bill H.R. 4715, ``nay.'' Roll Call Vote No. 205, Recognizing the Coast Guard Group Astoria's more than 60 years of service to the Pacific Northwest, ``aye.'' Roll Call Vote No. 206, On Motion to Refer the Resolution, ``aye.'' Roll Call Vote No. 207, On Agreeing to the Amendment to H.R. 4715, ``nay.'' Roll Call Vote No. 208, On Motion to Recommit H.R. 4715 with Instructions, ``aye.'' Roll Call Vote No. 209, Final passage of H.R. 4715, the Clean Estuaries Act of 2010, ``nay.'' Roll Call Vote No. 210, Congratulating the Duke University men's basketball team for winning the 2010 NCAA Division I Men's Basketball National Championship, ``aye.'' Roll Call Vote No. 211, On Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 4851, ``nay.''

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Sandy Palmer upon receiving the Hurlburt Air Force Association Chapter 398's Overall Teacher of the Year Award for 2010. Ms. Palmer has been a dedicated educator for 27 years, and I am proud to recognize her achievement. Currently teaching third grade at Shalimar Elementary School in Okaloosa County, Florida, Sandy has taught at every grade level and in a variety of subjects over the course of her illustrious career. She is known for her enthusiasm for and commitment to incorporating space and aviation into her daily classroom instruction. After attending Space Camp for Teachers in 2001, Sandy changed her way of thinking to integrate these ideas into math and science curricula. She uses paper airplane construction to introduce concepts such as distance, angles, and measurements. Sandy also thinks outside the box to keep her students involved, including an annual play that involves launching the International Space Station. The performance provides parents with the unique opportunity to learn what their children are doing in the classroom with Ms. Palmer's innovative teaching methods. For her outstanding efforts, Sandy is this year's AFA Hurlburt Chapter nominee to the Florida State/Regional Teacher of the Year Competition. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am humbled to recognize Sandy Palmer as the Hurlburt AFA Chapter 398 Overall Teacher of the Year. For 27 years, she has inspired her students and her colleagues, and she is highly deserving of this honor. Vicki and I wish Sandy and her family all the best for the future.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Jeffrey Baugus upon receiving the Hurlburt Air Force Association Chapter 398's Middle School Teacher of the Year Award for 2010. Mr. Baugus is an innovator and an inspiration to his students, and I am honored to venerate his achievement. Jeff is an 8th Grade Math and Advanced Algebra 1 Honors Teacher at Woodlawn Beach Middle School in Santa Rosa County, in my district in Northwest Florida. In only his second year of educating, Jeff is rapidly becoming known as an innovative thinker. He uses real world techniques such as crime scene investigations, sports, and cooking to explore math concepts. Jeff also created an educational math blog entitled ``Mr Bloggus' Mathlete Corner'' for his Algebra students that contains video lessons on the skills learned in the classroom. The blog concept has proven so popular that other math courses in the school and throughout the school district have used Jeff's work as a model for their classrooms. Additionally, he introduced Google Sketchup into his math instruction, allowing his students to visualize three-dimensional objects manipulated live on the computer. For his innovation, Jeff received the 2009 Woodlawn Beach ``Rookie of the Year'' Award. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to acknowledge Jeffrey Baugus as the Hurlburt AFA Chapter 398 Middle School Teacher of the Year. He is a dedicated educator, an inspiration to his students, and an honorable public servant. Vicki and I wish Jeff and his family all the best for the future.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Amy Davis upon receiving the Hurlburt Air Force Association Chapter 398's Elementary School Teacher of the Year Award for 2010. Ms. Davis' students have truly benefited from her inventive lessons and the passion she exudes for her profession. I am honored to acknowledge her contributions today. Amy teaches third grade at Kenwood Elementary School in Okaloosa County, Florida. In her six years of teaching she has enthusiastically pursued opportunities to develop lessons that motivate student learning. For instance, Amy was inspired to introduce aviation sciences into her classroom after attending a Teacher Workshop hosted by the Hurlburt Air Force Association. Amy thoughtfully incorporated flight charts into her lessons in order to teach her students how to measure distances and angles. Likewise, Amy enhances her lessons with space- related material inspired by a Space Camp for Teachers she attended in Huntsville, Alabama. Her method of combining tangible materials and advanced concepts in every lesson has greatly promoted student success. Amy has recently received her certification as a Gifted Instructor and is working toward her National Board Certification, with which I wish her the best of luck. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I proudly recognize Amy Davis as the Hurlburt AFA Chapter 398 Elementary School Teacher of the Year. Her passion for learning truly makes her a great asset to her students and colleagues. Vicki and I wish Amy and her family all the best for the future.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Walter Richardson, a veteran, a Tuskegee Airman, and a true American hero. Walt has spent his life dedicated to his country, his community, and his family, and I am proud to honor his achievements and life of service. A Pensacola, Florida native, Walt Richardson is first and foremost an American patriot. During his thirty years with the United States Air Force, Walt served in many of our Nation's wars and conflicts. Walt joined the revered Tuskegee Airmen, training at Tuskegee Army Airfield in a variety of disciplines that would serve him throughout his entire career. During his time with the Tuskegee Airmen, Walt was part of ``Operation Happiness,'' the first all-military troupe to entertain at air bases. His military service also took him to Vietnam, and while stationed at Dover Air Force Base, Walt became the first African- American to be promoted to master sergeant in the field maintenance squadron. He retired as a chief master sergeant, the highest enlisted rank in the Air Force. Beyond his full-time career with the Air Force, Walt is a dedicated community servant in Northwest Florida. For the past 29 years, he has served as a permanent deacon of St. Mary Parish in Fort Walton Beach. He also recently completed a book about his life story entitled ``How Great Thou Art: A Black Boy's Depression-era Success Story.'' In 2009, Walt traveled to Washington, DC, as a special guest of the President for the inauguration. For his service to his country as part of the Tuskegee Airmen, I have the honor of presenting Walter Richardson the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor in the United States. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am humbled to venerate Walt Richardson as an American hero and a community leader. Our Nation is proud and grateful for his courage, service, and patriotism. My wife Vicki and all wish all the best to Walt, his wife, Helen, his eight children, his grandchildren, and his entire extended family.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this flawed health care bill.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, this bill does, in fact, make important and much-needed adjustments to the Federal land provisions to allow for better management of both Federal and State lands. This bill provides for the interchange of Federal and State land to make land management more contiguous for both the State of Florida and the U.S. Department of Forestry because, within our national forest system, adjacent land has become intermingled over the years, and allowing Florida to interchange land with Federal land would make land management much more efficient for both sides. The Florida National Forest Land Adjustment Act permits both the U.S. Department of Forestry and the State of Florida to, in fact, better manage their forest systems. As the vice chair of the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus, I do know how vital Federal and State land management is in the protection of wildlife and resource conservation. So H.R. 3954 is a significant step toward better forest management, and I do urge my colleagues to vote in support of this bill.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, the health care reform debate has become a farce, and I am outraged. I am outraged at this proposed law. I am outraged at the process. I am outraged at the majority party's sham of a health care bill. But I'm not the only one. The American people are outraged. Americans have marched, they have protested and they have written letters and they have made phone calls. Americans have spoken, Madam Speaker, and they do not want this health care bill. But the worst part about it is that we may not even vote on it. The majority party wants to deem the Senate bill passed and then hope that the Senate changes the bill later. Was this the hope and the change that we can all believe in? Madam Speaker, this has become a legislative sleight of hand, a gimmick, a parlor trick. I urge my colleagues to listen to the American people and kill this bill.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Dan Henry, a Northwest Florida community leader. Dr. Henry has spent his life serving others, and I am proud to honor his dedication, passion, and service. Adopted at the age of seven by Sam and Helen Henry, Dan was raised in Crestview, Florida. He met his wife, Melinda, as an undergraduate at Florida State, and then went on to earn his Doctor of Dental Surgery degree from the University of Maryland in 1975. His family moved to the Pensacola area in 1977 and have remained an active part of our community ever since. Dan has received countless awards for his work as a dentist, and served as President of the Florida Dental Association in 2006 and 2007. While Dr. Henry's list of honors, awards, and achievements are impressive by any standard, his most important work happens while serving the underprivileged. For 23 years, Dr. Henry has led dental missions overseas in association with the Methodist Church. In founding, inspiring, and orchestrating these missions, Dr. Henry has faced daunting challenges. Many of the areas in which he performed missions are without electricity or basic necessities needed for dental hygiene. Dr. Henry created portable equipment and invented power systems that allow the dental teams to set up clinics overseas. The missions are able to provide dental care to some of the poorest areas of the world because of Dr. Henry's dedication and service. He has inspired a generation of volunteers to participate in similar overseas missions. In addition to yearly missions overseas, Dr. Henry never forgets those in need throughout our local community. Dr. Henry leads a Dental Fair at Chumuckla United Methodist Church, providing free dental care for children, youth, and adults of the surrounding area. Hundreds of people are able to receive proper dental care because of the Healing Springs Dental Fair. Dr. Henry and the countless other volunteer dentists, dental assistants, and hygienists who give their time and their services deserve special recognition for all they do to ensure any member of our community can receive proper dental care. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Dr. Dan Henry as a Northwest Florida leader and international inspiration. My wife Vicki and I wish Dan, his wife Melinda, and his children Matthew and Kelly, all the best for continued success.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Thank you, sir. Reclaiming my time, that is exactly what I am trying to put forth to the public today. You talk about our being entitled to our own opinions but not to our own facts. Facts are facts. The facts are the chairman of the committee had this put into the bill. The chairman of the committee is now having it pulled out of the bill, which is the way they want to go.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Reclaiming my time, why did you do that?