Jeff Miller

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Reclaiming my time, Mr. Chairman, again, please, I am going to continue the colloquy. You are saying there are misimpressions on our side. It was your side last night that blew up when this issue was brought forward, and you didn't have the votes to do it. So my next question is: If you had defended it all-day long, why did you allow it to be put in the bill in the first place?

Mr. MILLER of Florida. I thank the ranking member for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I would like to use my 2 minutes in a colloquy with the chairman of the full committee. If you believe what you've just said, why are we striking section 506 from your manager's amendment?

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Michael Varner upon receiving the Escambia County, Florida Teacher of the Year Award. For thirty-five years, Mr. Varner has been an inspiration to his students, his colleagues, and his community, and I am honored to recognize his achievements. After receiving his Bachelor of Science Education Degree and from the University of West Florida, Mr. Varner began his teaching career at J.M. Tate High School in 1975. For thirty-five years, Mr. Varner has been at the vanguard of teaching at Tate. He taught anatomy and physiology for eleven years, botany for ten years, and biology for thirty-five years. He has also worked as a Dual-Enrolled instructor with Pensacola Junior College for fourteen years. Since 2004, he has served as an adjunct professor at PJC. Mr. Varner is a member and a leader of the National Association of Biology Teachers (NABT) and the National Science Teachers Association (NSTA). Mr. Varner has been widely recognized and honored for his years of teaching the students at Tate High School. He received the Tate Teacher of the Year Award in 1976, 1990, and 2010 and has been nominated twice for the Presidential Award for Excellence in Science and Mathematics Program. From 1998 to 2004, he was a top ten finalist for the NABT Outstanding Biology Teacher in Florida, and in 2005, Mr. Varner earned the NABT Florida Outstanding Biology Teacher Award. Beyond the awards and the achievements, Mr. Varner is a top-notch teacher and a dedicated public servant. He goes above and beyond the call of duty to serve his students, utilizing real-world techniques to teach them concepts beyond the classroom. His students sign contracts, receive job orders, and earn paychecks for work completed. When the Tate administration was faced with canceling a dual-enrollment biology class because of low enrollment, Mr. Varner volunteered to sacrifice one of his planning periods to teach the class in spite of the cutback. His innovative methods of teaching have been adapted and utilized by dozens of other faculty members. Mr. Varner's tremendous efforts extend well outside of his biology classroom. He served as the Senior Executive Board Advisor for nine years, teaching students to lead others and inspiring them to achieve success. He has also served as a scoutmaster, youth and music minister, and a volunteer for Habitat for Humanity and Relay for Life. Mr. Varner is also known as the voice of Tate's band, the Showband of the South, and is commonly viewed as the custodian of the cultural history of Tate High School. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Michael Varner as the Escambia Teacher of the Year. He is a dedicated teacher, an inspiration to his students, and an honorable public servant. Vicki and I wish Mr. Varner, his wife Kathleen, and his sons, Jason and Brian, all the best for the future.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Virgil White Miller, who passed away on February 20, 2010 at the age of 68. Virgil spent his life serving his country, his community, his family, and his church, and I am honored to recognize his life of dedication and service. A native of Texas, Virgil Miller graduated from Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering in 1964. In college, Virgil met his wife, Kathryn Rogers, and he served in the Corps of Cadets. Upon graduation, he received a commission in the United States Air Force and moved to Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Virgil worked as a Mechanical Engineer for the Air Force Armament Laboratory at Eglin Air Force Base. He and his wife loved Northwest Florida so much that they decided to stay, and Virgil began his 32 year career as a civil servant with the Air Force Research Laboratory, retiring in 2000. In addition to his service to our country, Virgil was an active member of our Northwest Florida community. A dedicated member of Fort Walton Beach First Baptist Church, he taught Sunday School, church training, Royal Ambassadors, and was a deacon, serving as chairman of deacons for two terms. Virgil also participated in disaster relief efforts with the Florida Baptist Convention on numerous occasions. In 2007, Virgil was elected to the Fort Walton Beach City Council, where he served faithfully until his passing. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am humbled to recognize Virgil Miller as a veteran, public servant, community volunteer, and loving father and husband. My wife Vicki and I offer our prayers for his entire family, including his wife, Kathy, his children, Michelle, Kristyn, and Randy, his grandchildren, and entire extended family as we remember and honor the life of Virgil Miller. He will be truly missed by all of us.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dawn Pack upon receiving the Okaloosa County, Florida Teacher of the Year Award. Dawn is a dedicated public servant, and I am honored to recognize her on this achievement. Dawn's career as an educator spans over nineteen years. Since 2003, she has taught 5th grade students at Destin Elementary School in Okaloosa County. Dawn motivates her students, but goes above and beyond to inspire other teachers and the local community. From day one, she has advocated to integrate science into all of the curricula at Destin Elementary, conducting training to show other teachers how to use the scientific method. Additionally, she has reached out to the parents and the community to work with her students on science-related projects. Dawn is the kind of teacher who loves her students and loves what she does. She is truly an inspiration to all of those around her. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Dawn Pack as the Okaloosa Teacher of the Year. She is a great educator to students and teachers alike, as well as a passionate community leader. My wife Vicki and I wish Dawn and her family all the best for the future.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I missed rollcall Vote Nos. 17- 19 on January 26, 2010. Had I been present, I would have voted: Rollcall Vote No. 17, Expressing support for designation of January 2010 as ``National Mentoring Month'', ``aye.'' Rollcall Vote No. 18, Recognizing the importance of cervical health and of detecting cervical cancer during its earliest stages and supporting the goals and ideals of Cervical Health Awareness Month, ``aye.'' Rollcall Vote No. 19, Expressing support for the designation of January 10, 2010, through January 16, 2010, as National Influenza Vaccination Week, ``aye.''

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Mr. Russell ``Tony'' E. King upon the occasion of his 90th birthday. Mr. King has spent a lifetime serving his community and his family, and it is a privilege to recognize him on his accomplishments today. Known as Papa King to his family, Tony has lived in Florida for almost 70 years. He was married to Jonnie King for 62 years before she passed away in 2008, and the two are the proud parents of five children, ten grandchildren, and 22 great-grandchildren. Tony served his country in the U.S. Navy for two years before starting a career at the St. Regis Paper Company, now International Paper, where he retired after 33 years. He was a very active member of the community, serving as Assistant Chief of the Brent Volunteer Fire Department and spending fifteen years in the Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary. Tony also volunteers much of his time at the Gonzalez United Methodist Church, where he is still a member. Madam Speaker, Tony King is a Northwest Florida community leader who has spent a lifetime serving his country and his community. 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 recognize Reverend Herb Sadler, a northwest Florida leader who is retiring after fifty years of service to his church and to his community. Revered Sadler spent his life serving others, and I am proud to honor his dedication, faith, and service. After completing his sophomore year at Huntingdon College, Herb was called to pastoral service by the United Methodist Church at the age of 20. In 1962, then-superintendent Marshall Ford asked Herb to pastor six small churches in West Alabama. Herb became senior pastor of Gulf Breeze United Methodist in 1975, where he served until 2003. Over the course of his tenure, church attendance grew from a little over 100 to more than 2,000. In 1999, he oversaw the opening of the church's second campus--the Community Life Center--which provides support groups, recreational ministries, and workshops to thousands of local community members. Reverend Sadler was appointed as the Superintendent of the Dothan District of the UMC in 2003, ministering to 99 churches in Southeast Alabama. He returned to Gulf Breeze in 2008 as the interim senior pastor for a year as the church searched for a permanent senior pastor. The church honored his dedication by renaming the Community Life Center after Reverend Sadler. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize Reverend Herb Sadler for his fifty years of pastoral service to the United Methodist Church. He has been a dedicated pastor and a community leader for northwest Florida. My wife Vicki and I wish all the best for Herb and his wife Barbara as they embark on this next journey in their lives.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Edward Pate upon receiving the Santa Rosa County, Florida Teacher of the Year Award. Edward is a dedicated teacher and public servant, and I am honored to recognize his Teacher of the Year achievement. Edward joined Gulf Breeze High School in 2005 following a career as an attorney and ceramics gallery owner in New York City. He currently teaches English III and Pensacola Junior College Dual Enrollment classes. These core classes have achieved a passing rate of 94 percent or better during his tenure. Edward also coaches the Boys Golf Team, this year's District 2A Champion and a state Academic Team Champion. The team had the highest cumulative GPA of the 251 schools in District 2A. Edward serves on the PTSO Board, the SAC Committee, and the Rtl Committee. He received his National Board Certification in 2008 and serves as the English Department Chair. As Department Chair, he is developing a new department-wide program to assess and improve student writing. He always imparts a positive attitude to his students and other teachers, and his high level of energy inspires the entire school. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Edward Pate as the Santa Rosa Teacher of the Year. He is a true public servant and a dedicated teacher. My wife Vicki and I wish Edward and his family all the best for the future.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Arthur Williams, a World War II veteran, a Tuskegee Airman, and a true American hero. Arthur spent a lifetime dedicated to his country, his community, and a loving father, and I am proud to honor his life of service. Born in 1918 in Hattiesburg, Mississippi, Arthur grew up and lived in Pensacola, Florida. He joined the Army Air Corps at the height of World War II in 1942, hoping to become a pilot. A color blindness kept Arthur out of the sky, but would not keep him from serving his country. He entered the Army Air Corps Mechanic Training School in Lincoln, Nebraska, and graduated number one in his class in 1943. Arthur became a mechanic for the revered Tuskegee Airmen out of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, where he served honorably until 1946. These Airmen flew 1,500 combat missions during World War II and received 95 Distinguished Flying Cross awards among them. For his service as part of the Tuskegee Airmen, Arthur was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, our nation's highest civilian honor, in 2007. After his military duty, Arthur continued to serve his country. In 1963, he became the first African-American supervisor at the Pensacola Naval Air Station Reworks facility. He went back to school to earn his Associate in Arts degree from Pensacola Junior College and became a licensed real estate broker. An active member of the community, Arthur enjoyed singing in the Mount Zion Baptist Church choir and being a part of the American Legion Post 193. In April of 2008, Arthur was one of the veterans who participated in the inaugural Emerald Coast Honor Flight Program to bring WWII veterans from Northwest Florida to Washington, D.C. to see their memorial. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am humbled to recognize Arthur Williams as a World War II hero and a community leader. Our nation is proud and grateful for his courage, service, and patriotism. My wife Vicki and I offer our prayers for his entire family, including his son, Charles, his six grandchildren, two great- grandchildren, and entire extended family and friends as we remember and honor the life of Arthur Williams. He will be truly missed.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Patricia Toy upon receiving the Walton County, Florida Teacher of the Year Award. Patricia is a dedicated teacher and public servant, and I am honored to recognize her achievements. Patricia Toy has an extensive career in education. She earned her bachelor's degree from Eastern Kentucky University and her Master's in Education from Georgetown College in Kentucky. Past teaching awards include the Who's Who Among American Teachers Award in 1998, 2000, and 2002, as well as the Outstanding Educator Award from the Kentucky Governor's Scholar Program in 2001. She has been a teacher for over 28 years. In her third year at Paxton School in Walton County, Patricia now teaches seventh grade language arts and high school Spanish. Her tremendous dedication to the students of Paxton has earned her the Walton County Teacher of the Year Award for 2010. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Patricia Toy as the Walton Teacher of the Year. She is a true community leader and a great educator. My wife Vicki and I wish Patricia and her family all the best for the future.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mrs. Deborah Lynn as the Walton County, Florida Educational Support Person of the Year for the 2009-2010 school year. I am honored to recognize her achievements and her dedication to the students and teachers of Northwest Florida. Mrs. Lynn, affectionately known as Ms. Debby by her students, is the school nurse for Freeport Elementary School. She supervises the school's clinic, provides first aid for injuries, maintains health records, and administers medicine. But what sets Mrs. Lynn apart from her peers is her initiative. She created Freeport's annual Summer Safety program for students which brings community organizations into the school to teach students about summer safety. Mrs. Lynn also coordinates with the Walton County Health Department all student health screenings, records, and H1N1 vaccines. Finally, she goes above and beyond to also serve the school staff by organizing a mobile mammogram bus to visit the school annually and arranging flu shots for teachers and school employees. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Deborah Lynn as the Walton County Educational Support Person of the Year. Her passion for her students is commendable and her dedication to her profession makes her deserving of this award. My wife Vicki and I wish Deborah and her family all the best for the future.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Deputy Curtis Cephas of the Escambia County Sheriff's Department upon receiving the Medal of Valor, the department's highest honor. Deputy Cephas risked his life in service to the community, and I am proud to recognize his selfless act of heroism. On July 3, 2009, while off-duty, Deputy Cephas was informed by a local citizen that a nearby house was on fire. Deputy Cephas ran to the house, noticed smoke pouring from inside, and began searching the home to determine if anyone was inside. After discovering that the home's occupant was inside and unable to escape the fire, Deputy Cephas proceeded to enter the burning house and found the resident inside and immobile. He succeeded in pulling the man outside and safely away from the fire. For his courage and bravery at extreme risk to his own life, Deputy Cephas is being awarded the Medal of Valor, the highest award of the Escambia County Sheriff's Department. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Deputy Curtis Cephas for going above and beyond the call of duty. He is a hero to the community and a true public servant. My wife Vicki and I wish Deputy Cephas and his family all the best for the future.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. I thank the gentleman for yielding. As we Members come to the floor from time to time to pass resolutions, to talk about resolutions supporting athletic events or special occasions, it is always difficult for us to come to the floor to talk about people who have given their lives in the defense of this country, who have been injured in the duty that they are performing for this Nation. Being at a forward operating base for someone within the intelligence community or the CIA is about as far outside the wire as you can get. In some of the most austere conditions, men and women are asked to ascertain intelligence so that we here in the United States of America can remain safe and secure in our homes and our business places. Seven individuals gave that ultimate sacrifice. It is altogether fitting that this House would pause to give honor to those seven individuals and their families, and to the individuals who have been injured. And as my colleagues have already said, I wish them a speedy recovery, but also to say thank you. Thank you to the men and women of the clandestine services who are willing to do what they do 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. We in this House, we as Americans, owe them a debt of gratitude that we will never be able to repay.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Officer Greg Gordon of the Pensacola Police Department upon receiving the Gold Medal of Valor, the department's highest honor. Officer Gordon is a dedicated public servant, and I am proud to honor his heroism and commitment. On July 3, 2009, Officer Gordon was en route to police headquarters when he responded to a call regarding a 9-1-1 hang up. Upon arriving at the scene, he saw smoke coming from the house and was told the resident was likely still inside the burning building. When he did not receive a response from the front door, Officer Gordon kicked in the door and crawled under the smoke to find the home's occupant. Officer Gordon pulled the man through the burning house and safely outside. Although Officer Gordon and the resident were treated for injuries, both came out safely. For this selfless act of heroism, Officer Gordon is being awarded the Pensacola Police Department's highest award, the Gold Medal of Valor. Officer Gordon is only the 10th police officer to receive the medal since the department was formed in 1821. He was first hired as a cadet in 1996 and was promoted to police officer in 1999. A former SWAT member, Officer Gordon is assigned currently to the Uniform Patrol Division. Part of his patrol jurisdiction includes my Pensacola office, and his service to our office has been outstanding. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize Officer Greg Gordon for going above and beyond the call of duty. He is a true American hero and an invaluable member of our community. My wife Vicki and I wish Officer Gordon and his family all the best for the future.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Marvin and Mary Lou Cohron on the occasion of their 75th wedding anniversary. Their 75 years of marriage is a testament to all American families, and I am proud to honor the Cohrons. Marvin and Mary Lou first met at Excel Junior High School in Monroe County, Alabama, around 1932. Both were the children of farming families and spent much of their free time going to church services and social functions. On a Sunday evening, December 23, 1934, Marvin drove Mary Lou and some of her family to the home of the Justice of the Peace where the two were married. Marvin was 16 and Mary Lou was 15. After their marriage, Marvin and Mary Lou tried their hand at farming. After 3 years of marriage, Marvin had saved enough money from the sale of collard greens they had grown to buy Mary Lou a wedding band. Marvin moved to Pensacola, Florida, in 1939 and started work at the Pensacola City Bus Company while Mary Lou continued working at Vanity Fair in Alabama until she was able to join her husband in Pensacola. In 1943, Marvin was drafted into the United States Navy where he served honorably in World War II. He then went to school on the G.I. Bill to learn refrigeration maintenance and repair. In 1950, Marvin began work at Navy Point stores before going into business for himself in 1958. He opened Cohron's Air Conditioning/Refrigeration Sales and Service and Mary Lou worked as the bookkeeper and secretary for the office. In 1986, the Cohrons retired. They now spend their days enjoying fishing, camping, and ballroom dancing. They belong to several seniors' dance clubs and Mary Lou belongs to the Red Hat Society. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize the 75th wedding anniversary of Marvin and Mary Lou Cohron. Their family has been an invaluable part of our community for over seventy years. My wife Vicki and I wish Marvin and Mary Lou, their 5 daughters, 10 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and great- great grandchild all the best.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise to honor Colonel Venetia E. Brown for 30 years of exceptional service and dedication to the United States Air Force and enduring contributions to our great Nation. She will retire from active duty on March 31, 2010. Colonel Brown grew up in Niceville, Florida and entered the United States Air Force in 1980 as a graduate of the distinguished Officers' Training School at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas. She has served in a variety of personnel assignments at the unit and headquarters level both stateside and overseas, and has excelled in all leadership positions throughout her career. Her unique leadership and managerial talents were evident early in her career, affirmed by her selection as a captain to organize and direct the wing survival and recovery center, a function normally performed by a colonel. As a testament to her leadership skills, Colonel Brown has been the commander of a military personnel flight, mission support squadron, and deputy commander of a large support group and has produced outstanding results during inspections as well as motivated her subordinates to achieve their dreams. Additionally, she is a distinguished alumnus of Legislative Liaison, Office of the Secretary of the Air Force, directing manpower and personnel legislative matters. Prior to her current assignment, Colonel Brown served as the Chief, Compensation and Legislation Division, Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, Headquarters United States Air Force. She developed the first-ever Air Force Bonus Review Board resulting in $125M savings during fiscal year 2006 and $1B in out-years. Additionally, Colonel Brown secured $20.7M from the Air Force Board for compensation legislative initiatives and ramrodded Transformation legislation on civilian pay/hiring flexibility. A powerhouse crusader and remarkable leader, Colonel Brown was consistently given the tough issues and never failed the men and women of the Air Force. In her most recent assignment, Colonel Brown served as the Director of the Secretary of the Air Force Personnel Council, Air Force Review Boards Agency, Andrews Air Force Base, Maryland. Over the past 5 and half years Colonel Brown guided the Secretary of the Air Force's Personnel Council through over 10,000 Board actions. Her excellent decisions ensured due process, equity, consistency, and fairness. Colonel Brown has the distinct honor of being consistently ranked as the number one of five directors in the Air Force Review Boards Agency. She has always upheld the highest standards of professional conduct and her warrior ethos has ensured complete success at every juncture and will be truly missed. I ask my Colleagues to join me in expressing our sincere thanks to Venetia, her spouse Michael, and their son Damone for their unwavering support of our country and the freedom we hold so dear. We congratulate Colonel Brown on the completion of an exemplary active-duty career and wish her well in the next phase of her life.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Jerry Eubanks upon his retirement from the United States National Park Service. Jerry has been a life-long public servant, and I am humbled to honor his service and commitment. A native of McCool, Mississippi, Jerry joined the National Park Service in 1960 after graduating from Mississippi State University with a degree in Civil Engineering. Since joining the Park Service, he has worked across the country from Missouri to California to Virginia to preserve and protect America's national parks. In 1976, Jerry became Assistant Superintendent of the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Tennessee and North Carolina. Jerry moved to the Gulf Coast in 1984 to serve as Superintendent of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, where he has remained ever since. As Superintendent of the Gulf Islands National Seashore, Jerry has worked tirelessly to ensure the protection and viability of our area's natural resources and beauty. Over the past 25 years, he has led the park through numerous organizational and operational changes, resulting in substantial natural, cultural, and recreational program improvements. Among his many successes, Jerry helped lead recovery efforts during several damaging hurricanes including Hurricane Ivan in 2004 and Hurricane Katrina in 2005. He was able to bring operations back online quickly after the storms, ensuring the repair and protection of damaged resources and the restoration of major infrastructure. For his efforts over the course of his career, Jerry has received numerous awards for exemplary service including the Department of the Interior Meritorious Service Award in 2000. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize Jerry Eubanks for his service to Northwest Florida. He is a dedicated community leader who will be sorely missed after his retirement. My wife Vicki and I wish all the best for continued success to Jerry and his wife Anne, his children, grandchildren, and entire extended family.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Betty Salter upon being awarded the Habitat for Humanity International Lifetime Achievement Award. Betty has dedicated her life to serving others, and I am proud to honor her service and commitment to the community. Betty Salter is one of the founders of the Pensacola Habitat for Humanity and has served on the Board of Directors for 28 years. In the early years of the Pensacola affiliate, Betty served as chairman of the Family Selection Committee. In the late 1980's, when the affiliate could not afford to hire a director, she answered the call and volunteered as the Executive Director of Pensacola Habitat. Twenty years later, Betty remains the volunteer Executive Director. She and her husband James, also a volunteer, work six days a week building houses for low income families. When Betty took over as Executive Director, the Pensacola Habitat for Humanity had built a total of four homes. Five years later, under Betty's leadership, house production jumped to twenty per year. Today, the affiliate builds between 55 and 60 homes each year. Betty's enthusiasm, energy, and generosity have motivated thousands of volunteers in our community to donate their time and their money in support of Habitat for Humanity. In 2004 and 2005, Betty helped lead the Pensacola affiliate through Hurricanes Ivan and Dennis, making sure projects continued as scheduled. In addition to her service with Habitat for Humanity, Betty has been dedicated to all forms of housing assistance over the years. She served on the Board of Directors for Methodist Homes of Alabama and West Florida. She also served on the Board of the Children's Services Center for over twenty years. Betty has been awarded numerous honors over the years from many charity organizations. This year, Habitat for Humanity chose Betty as one of only four volunteers to award the first Habitat for Humanity International Lifetime Achievement Award. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize Betty Salter for her service to the people of Northwest Florida. She is a dedicated community servant who has sacrificed so much for others in need. My wife Vicki and I wish all the best for continued success to Betty and her husband James, children Gail and Jane, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and entire extended family.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Charles Hildebrand, a community leader and public servant who is retiring from over thirty-five years of service with the Social Security Administration. Charles spent his career serving others, and I am proud to honor this dedication and service. After graduating from South Carolina State College, Charles started his federal career in 1970 as a program specialist with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. He moved to the Social Security Administration in 1973 as a claim representative in Newark, New Jersey. From 1974 to 1977, Charles also served as the vice president of American Federation of Government Employees Local 2389. Over the course of his career with the Social Security Administration, Charles worked as an operations supervisor, a level 2 manager, an analyst for the Georgia and North Florida area office staffs, and a level 1 manager. He graduated from the Atlanta Leadership Development Program in 1991. The SSA twice awarded him the agency's highest honor, the Commissioner's Citation. Charles is also a community service leader. He serves as the 2009- 2010 Chairman for the EscaRosa Combined Federal Campaign local agency application review committee and the non-military agencies committee. He is also chair of the North Florida E-service and Integrity/Anti Fraud cadres. As chairman of the board of the Beach Institute Historic Association, Charles oversaw the development of a low-income rehabilitation project to serve the underprivileged in our area. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize Charles Hildebrand for his service to the people of Northwest Florida. He has been a dedicated public servant for forty years. My wife Vicki and I wish all the best for Charles, his wife, Iris, and his children, Nikki and Amii, as they embark on this next endeavor in their lives.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. J.E. ``Gene'' Smith, a national and community leader who is retiring from almost thirty years of service with the Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative. Gene spent his career serving others and giving back to our community, and I am proud to honor this dedication and service. As the son of a gas utility worker, Gene became interested in utility work at a young age. He began his career with Huntsville Utilities in Huntsville, Alabama before moving to another utility job in Jefferson City, Tennessee. By the time Gene was 28, he was manager of a Sweetwater, Tennessee utility. In 1978, he moved to the world of electric cooperatives and went to work as the general manager of Escambia River Electric Cooperative in Jay, Florida. Three years later, Gene moved a few miles east to DeFuniak Springs to work for the Choctawhatchee Electric Cooperative (CHELCO). He has served as Chief Executive Officer and General Manager of CHELCO since 1981. While at CHELCO, Gene has made a lasting impression on the electric cooperative community. He served on the board of the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation from 1988 to 1993 with two years spent as the board's president. He also served on the board of the National Cooperative Services Corporation from 1995 to 2003 and as a trustee on the PowerSouth Energy Cooperative Board, representing CHELCO since 1981. Gene has been chairman of the Florida Electric Cooperative Association and the National Food and Energy Council Board. Because of his outstanding work on behalf of electric cooperatives, Gene was featured in American Executive Magazine in 2007. In February, the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association's Board of Directors will present Gene with the Clyde T. Ellis Award. This award recognizes an individual who goes above and beyond the call of duty in furthering the principles and progress of rural electrification and the development and utilization of natural resources. Beyond his expansive career accomplishments, Gene Smith has spent a lifetime dedicated to community service. He serves on the United Way of Okaloosa and Walton Counties, the Board of Trustees of Northwest Florida State College, the Okaloosa County Economic Development Council Executive Committee, and the Rotary Club. He is also a very active member of the All Sports organization which raises money for local youth-oriented non-profit organizations with an emphasis on sports. Local beneficiaries include the YMCA, Boys & Girls Club, and Special Olympics. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize Gene Smith for his service to the people of the United States. He is a dedicated community servant and national business leader. My wife Vicki and I wish all the best for Gene and his family as they embark on this next endeavor in their lives.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. W.A. ``Jake'' Jernigan, a Northwest Florida leader who passed away on October 9, 2009. Jake Jernigan spent his life serving our community and our country, and I am proud to honor his lifetime of dedication and service. Born on October 20, 1919 in Baker, Florida, Jake Jernigan was the second child of Walter and Addie Cobb Jernigan. He lived on the Cobb family farm until moving to Crestview, Florida to attend grade school. In 1937, Jake enrolled at the University of Florida. However, the call of duty interrupted his education, and Jake joined the United States Army to serve during World War II. After his distinguished military service, he returned to the University of Florida where he met the future Senator George Smathers, working as a volunteer on Smathers' student body president campaign. After graduating in 1942 with a degree in education, Jake returned to Crestview and taught for a short time at Laurel Hill before founding the Jernigan Insurance Agency and the Jernigan Construction Company. In 1950, he married Claire Covell of DeFuniak Springs, Florida. Jake developed the first affordable housing subdivision in Crestview in 1954 and he also founded the First National Bank of Crestview in 1956, where he served as its first chairman for ten years. Jake also continued his life of public service as a member of the Crestview City Council and as a founder of the Okaloosa County Island Authority. In 1950 and again in 1960, he served as his old friend George Smathers' Northwest Florida Senate campaign chairman. Later in 1960, he served as John F. Kennedy's Northwest Florida campaign chairman. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize the life of Jake Jernigan. He will always be remembered by all of us in Northwest Florida as a true community leader. My wife Vicki and I offer our continued prayers for his children, Jill, Jan, Jack, Jenny, Tracey, and George, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and entire extended family as we remember and honor the life of Jake Jernigan.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Bert Sutton, a Northwest Florida leader who passed away on November 12, 2009. Dr. Sutton spent his life serving our community, and I am proud to honor his lifetime of dedication and service. Dr. E.W. ``Bert'' Sutton was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama and grew up in Port St. Joe, Florida. After graduating from the University of Alabama and then Tulane Medical School, Bert opened his first practice in 1960 in Santa Rosa County, Florida. In 1979, Bert was appointed Director of the Santa Rosa County Health Department, where he served for over 24 years until his retirement in 2003. He oversaw public health in the county for more than two decades. In addition to his day-to-day duties at the Department of Health, Dr. Sutton was instrumental in the opening of the Rehabilitation Institute of West Florida in 1978, now a part of the West Florida Hospital System. The institute serves people recovering from accidents and those suffering from neurological or orthopedic conditions. He also helped found the Rehabilitation Foundation of Northwest Florida which provides financial support for disabled people to receive physical therapy and prosthetics. In 2001, Dr. Sutton helped establish the Santa Rosa Community Clinic providing medical services to the poor and uninsured. He always put service to others first, and he will be missed by all of us in Northwest Florida. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am privileged to recognize the life of Dr. Bert Sutton. With close to 50 years of faithful service to Northwest Florida, Bert will be forever remembered as a part of the fabric of our community. My wife Vicki and I offer our prayers for his wife, Fran, children, Karen, Sherman, Steven, Patsy, Erin, Stacy, and Tracey, grandchildren, great- grandchildren, and entire extended family as we remember and honor the life of Bert Sutton.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, it is a privilege for me to rise today to extend congratulations to the Marty Majors family for being selected the 2009 Holmes County, Florida Farm Family of the Year. The Majors family is an integral part of the Northwest Florida community, and I am proud to honor their achievements. Marty and Tiffany Majors married in 1992. They have been farming full-time since 1996, but the land on which they farm has been owned by the Majors family for over 100 years. Their son, Blake Majors, is a 7th grader at Bethlehem High School and a member of the Future Farmers of America. Together, the family grows soybeans, peanuts, corn, oats, and wheat. By using strip till farming practices, the Majors are one of the area's best soil conservationists. The family also manages a significant acreage of timberland and does custom grain harvesting as part of their agricultural enterprise. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I would like to offer my congratulations to the Majors family's tireless work and dedication to family, faith and trade. They are an outstanding example of the farm families that make up the backbone of our nation. My wife Vicki and I wish Marty, Tiffany, and Blake best wishes for continued success.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Paul Dennis Shuman, a Northwest Florida leader who is retiring after a lifetime of public service to his country and his community. Dennis spent his career serving others, and I am proud to honor this dedication and service. After graduating from the Naval Academy in 1965, Dennis Shuman began a career in the United States Navy. He earned his Naval Aviator Wings of Gold in December of 1966, and his first operation was as a bombardier in Observation Squadron Sixty-Seven in Vietnam. Subsequent Navy tours took Dennis across the globe in service of his country. For his efforts, Dennis earned the Meritorious Service Medal, three Air Medals, the Navy Commendation Medal with Combat V, the Navy Achievement Medal, the Navy Expeditionary Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal with four stars. In May of 2008, Dennis and the other surviving members of Observation Squadron Sixty-Seven were presented with the Presidential Unit Citation at the Navy Memorial in Washington, DC for their actions over the jungles of Southeast Asia in 1967 and 1968. This is the highest award given to a United States military unit. Dennis retired from the Navy in 1985 after twenty distinguished years. He graduated from the Florida State University College of Law in 1989 and began his second career as a public servant by joining the Office of the Public Defender in Pensacola, Florida. For twenty years he served the people of Northwest Florida, and he retires as the Chief Assistant Public Defender for the First Judicial Circuit. In addition to his professional life, Dennis serves on the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention State Advisory Committee, a governor-appointed position. He is also actively involved in several local community service organizations including the Boy Scouts of America and First Baptist Church. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am honored to recognize Dennis Shuman for his service to Northwest Florida and the United States of America. He has been a dedicated public servant for over forty years. My wife Vicki and I wish all the best for Dennis and his family as they embark on this next journey in their lives.