Jeff Miller

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the U.S. Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today in recognition of the Gerald Brooks family for being selected the 2007 Okaloosa County Farm Family of the Year and for their contributions to the agricultural development of Baker, a city in my district in northwest Florida. For over 35 years, Gerald and his wife Mary have been actively involved in farming in northwest Florida. Gerald was born and raised on the farm and while being one of nine children, he was the only child who stayed in farming. The family business began around 1930, when Gerald's grandparents relocated from Evergreen, Alabama to Okaloosa County. They moved to the farm's present location in 1940. Sharecropping corn with his grandfather during his last year of high school helped to groom young Gerald for one day taking over the family farm. After serving in the United States Army from 1969 to 1971, Gerald began farming full time. He demonstrated his tremendous work ethic in all aspects of farming. He has worked tirelessly to improve the agricultural and farming practices for his community by serving on the Farm Bureau of Directors and the Okaloosa County Extension Advisory Committee for several years. Gerald continues to assist the local Extension office by offering his land for on-farm demonstrations, which includes a current project with a soybean Asian rust plot. Throughout the years, the Brooks family farm has produced cotton, peanuts, soybeans, wheat, and the largest selection of fresh vegetables in the area. Gerald personally plans, plants, and manages all growing of the crops in addition to other day-to-day operations on the farm, while his sister, Kathy, oversees the harvesting and marketing of the crops. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the U.S. Congress, I would like to offer my sincere commendation to a family that is a role model for all of us. A deep sense of civic contribution and values has been instilled through all the generations of the Gerald Brooks family. It is my hope that this family tradition continues for many more generations.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today in recognition of William John Nathey for his contributions to the settlement of Niceville, a City in my district in Northwest Florida. William Nathey, born in England in 1820, traveled to the United States on a timber ship. After settling in the community of Boggy, he built a large gristmill in 1857. He traveled as far as Mobile, AL, to retrieve gristmill stones, which he brought back by oxen. The stones from the Nathey Gristmill have been preserved and are now located at the Heritage Museum of Northwest Florida. The Nathey legacy extends much further than the gristmill stones. When he settled in Northwest Florida, he met and married a woman from North Carolina. Their first child, William John, born in 1846, carried on the Nathey family legacy and went on to be a key figure in the establishment of the City of Niceville. William John followed in his father's footsteps and set up his homestead in Northwest Florida. While his father had worked the land to support his family, William John sold carpentry shingles and often traveled to neighboring cities to support his family. Strong family values and a solid Christian foundation also carried on from generation to generation in the Nathey family. William John and his wife, Mary Jane, were two of the founding members of the First United Methodist Church in Niceville. The Nathey family tree continued to grow with their children and grandchildren and carries on today. Many of William Nathey's descendents still reside in Northwest Florida. To commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Nathey Gristmill, Governor Charlie Crist recently approved the designation of the William Nathey Bridge, which is to be celebrated with a dedication ceremony on November 12, 2007. Appropriately, the William Nathey Bridge crosses Boggy Bayou, which was the southern border to William John's original homestead. I would like to offer my sincere gratitude to a man and a family who have served as an inspiration to us all. Such a unique family history stretching back so many years is something to truly be admired and honored. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to honor the life and legacy of William Nathey, and as we celebrate the 150th anniversary of the construction of the Nathey Gristmill, our community reflects upon how this family has helped to create a home for so many. May God continue to bless them.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of renaming the Cantonment Post Office in Cantonment, FL, the Charles H. Hendrix Post Office. It is fitting that we rename this post office after Mr. Hendrix as he retired from the U.S. Postal Service as Postmaster of the Cantonment Post Office with 37 years of service. Charles Harold Hendrix was a man of service. He dedicated his life to the Lord, his family, and his community. Born and reared in Molino, FL, where he met his wife of 55 years, Barbara; they had three children: Chuck, Rusty, and Cheryl. He was a member of Highland Baptist Church, where he served as the church treasurer, chairman of the board of deacons, and as a Sunday school superintendent. Charles Barton, the current Sunday school superintendent, said that Mr. Hendrix ``had moral values that were exceptionally great, and that he was always willing to help everybody anytime, any way that he could.'' This sentiment was not only found around Highland Baptist Church. Charles Hendrix was a charter member of the Molino Volunteer Fire Department, where he served as fire chief, assistant fire chief, and secretary of the department's board of directors. Former fire chief Harry Nowlin was inspired by Charles: ``I've never met a finer gentleman in all my life.'' Mr. Hendrix was also a member of the Cantonment Rotary Club for 44 years. He served one term as president and was an active member of the Club Service Committee. He was presented the prestigious Paul Harris Award, and in 2003, he received the club's ``Gator Estes Service Above Self Award.'' Mr. Hendrix went to be with the Lord last October at the early age of 75. Madam Speaker, I, along with the residents of Northwest Florida, can think of no better way to honor this highly respected, admirable man than to dedicate the Cantonment Post Office in his name.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the nonprofit organization, Sew Much Comfort, which coordinates the efforts of volunteer seamstresses to adapt clothing for wounded servicemembers. This all-volunteer initiative formed in December 2004 as a 501(c)3 public charity and is the only organization that provides specially designed adaptive clothing to military hospitals. Ginger Dosedel founded the organization nearly 4 years ago when her husband was stationed at Eglin Air Force Base. Their son underwent treatment at Walter Reed Army Medical Center for muscular cancer and suggested to his mother that she may be able to help the many wounded soldiers they met while in Washington, DC. Their mission ``to design, create, and deliver customized clothing for these brave troops'' not only provides our heroes with a tangible symbol of our immeasurable support for them, but also helps to facilitate the healing process upon their return from military service. The Emerald Coast Chapter of the American Sewing Guild recently sponsored an event where numerous volunteers gathered in Baker, a city in my district of Northwest Florida, to sew for this wonderful cause. Over the past four years, thousands of volunteers have worked diligently to alter shirts, shorts, boxer shorts, and pants. All of which are shipped to a central distribution center in Ohio and then allocated to military hospitals throughout the United States, as well as Germany, Iraq, and Afghanistan Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize the remarkable philanthropic efforts of Sew Much Comfort and their volunteers for their generosity and commitment to service which has helped to create a better life for our brave servicemembers.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today on the occasion of the 50th Wedding Anniversary of Reverend Fred and Jacquelyn Rogers. As the love between Fred and Jackie grew throughout their fifty years of marriage, so did their love for the church and communities of Northwest Florida. A native of Milton, Florida, Fred Rogers has devoutly served Northwest Florida as Pastor of Milton First Assembly of God since 1960. He is a member of the Kiwanis Club and a member of the Santa Rosa County Ministerial Association. Out of her passion for teaching and love for children, Jackie Rogers has proudly served in the Santa Rosa County Florida school district, where she currently teaches Kindergarten and first grade Sunday school. Fred and Jackie continue to demonstrate their strong family values and unwavering faith in God as loving parents and grandparents. Through their leadership and dedication, Fred and Jackie honorably and spiritually served the church and the Northwest Florida community. Northwest Florida is truly blessed to have them as her own. Together, they have touched a number of lives, and the impact they have made on the community will leave a lasting impression. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is a great honor for me to recognize Reverend Fred and Jackie Rogers for their love and dedicated service to the communities of Northwest Florida. I would like to offer my sincere congratulations in celebration of their 50 years together and recognize that they serve as an inspiration to us all.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Jimmy Dale Spooneybarger for 30 years of service in law enforcement. Through his dedication and selfless sacrifice, Jimmy has contributed much to the efforts of working to keep our country a safer place. While born in Huntingdon, Pennsylvania in 1950, Jimmy Dale Spooneybarger spent the majority of his childhood in Niceville, Florida. Graduating from Niceville High School, Jimmy pursued a degree in Law Enforcement from the University of West Florida. Upon completion, he joined the local law enforcement community as a police officer in Pensacola, Florida. In 1977, Jimmy's career relocated to the West Coast, where he served as a U.S. Border Patrol Agent in San Diego. Throughout his career in law enforcement, Jimmy's passion for music only grew. As a professional musician, Jimmy has served as the Bivocational Minister of Music in five churches, including the First Baptist Church of Gulf Breeze, where he continues to serve today. Jimmy Dale Spooneybarger has proudly served the law enforcement and church community through his leadership and passion. But he is also a dedicated husband, loving father and grandfather. Northwest Florida is truly honored to have him as one of her own. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is a great honor for me to recognize Jimmy Dale Spooneybarger for his continued service to Northwest Florida and this great Nation.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, It is a great honor for me to rise today to recognize the 40th anniversary of the University of West Florida. The vision of the University is to distinguish itself as the best regional comprehensive university in America, and it has achieved that mission. Situated on 1,600 acres, UWF is the second largest main campus in the State of Florida University system and is now home to nearly ten thousand students. UWF consists of 35 academic buildings, 21 student services facilities, 25 dormitories, 2 university village student apartment complexes and 20 plant support facilities. The University's contributions to Northwest Florida have been numerous and extremely beneficial to understanding the area's past and helping it move into the future. The highly-regarded anthropology department has been involved in extensive archaeological research, including excavating the prehistoric archaeological site Bernath in Santa Rosa County. The department is also at the forefront of underwater archaeology, excavating shipwrecks from different centuries off the Gulf Coast. The University's affiliations with other organizations such as the cutting-edge Institute for Human and Machine Cognition also help maintain UWF's presence as a leading institution for academic research. In addition, the Division of Criminal Justice and Legal Studies has partnered with the Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office to offer higher education opportunities for law enforcement officers. Over 100,000 students have passed through the University of West Florida, and more continue to do so each academic year. The last 40 years have established UWF as a regional leader, involving the community in its research and learning. I know the next 40 years will see further expansion of UWF's place as an outstanding academic institution. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize the 40th anniversary of the University of West Florida.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the 138th Session of the Florida Annual Conference for the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church. Every year, leaders of the AME Zion Churches throughout the State convene to discuss the Church's past and present, as well as establish a direction for its future. This year's conference will take place at Talbot Chapel AME Zion Church in my district in Northwest Florida, and I welcome the members of the conference to this beautiful area of the Gulf Coast. As these leaders gather to set a course for the AME Zion Churches in their respective communities throughout the State of Florida, I wish them God's grace in their decision making. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I send my sincere blessings for the success of the 138th Session of the Florida Annual Conference for the African Methodist Episcopal Zion Church.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. I thank the chairman for yielding some time just to ask very quickly for your assurance that there is nothing in this recommittal that affects the statutory change that we made last year that sets the military mission line in the eastern Gulf of Mexico.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the U.S. Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize Jose Lozano for being honored with the American Public Gas Association Personal Achievement Award. Mr. Lozano started working for Okaloosa Gas District in May of 1972 as a system engineer. He was later promoted to operations manager, then vice president of corporate services and subsequently senior vice president. Then in 2003, after dedicating over 30 years of service, he advanced to the top management position, chief executive officer for Okaloosa Gas District. Over the years Lozano has seen remarkable growth of Okaloosa Gas District. When he first came to work, the District had around 10,000 customers. Today the District has well over 37,000 customers. He has served on numerous committees and boards in regional, State and national associations such as American Gas Association, Southern Gas Association, Florida Natural Gas Association, and American Public Gas Association, APGA. From the start, Jose was an active participant in the APGA serving on committees such as Government Relations, Operations and Safety, Regulatory, and the Transmission Integrity Task Force. He has been a valuable partner in enhancing the prestige of the APGA in both the region and the Nation, and has made substantial contributions towards the attainment of APGA goals. As the APGA has grown so has Jose's involvement with the organization. He currently serves on the board of directors for APGA and as the second vice-chairman for the APGA Research Foundation board of directors. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the U.S. Congress, I am proud to recognize Jose Lozano for his exemplary career with the Okaloosa Gas District and wish him continued success.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, we continue to reserve.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I would just say H.R. 2874, as amended, would establish a number of meaningful improvements that would help VA to provide better care for our Nation's veterans. Once again, I support my colleagues to support this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I see that the chairman has other speakers that he may wish to yield time to, so we will reserve the balance of our time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, once again, the eloquence of our able chairman, he has done an excellent job in explaining the bill that's before us on the floor today. Mr. Speaker, this is an outstanding bill. It was a true bipartisan effort. I appreciate the chairman of the committee, Mr. Michaud's, able leadership in bringing this bill to the floor. It does all of the things that our chairman had talked about. It deals with veterans in rural and remote areas. It does deal with certain DOD biological and chemical warfare testing that was done during the Cold War. It also deals with domiciliary programs, providing adequate and safe environments to meet the needs of women veterans. This is not just a good bill. It is a very good bill that helps VA provide better care for our Nation's veteran, and I do urge my colleagues to support this legislation H.R. 2874, the Veterans' Health Care Improvement Act of 2007, as amended, has strong bipartisan support and I want to express my sincere thanks to Subcommittee Chairman Michaud for his leadership and hard work to develop this legislation. H.R. 2874, as amended, would establish a number of meaningful improvements that will help VA to provide better care for our Nation's veterans. Veterans in remote rural areas would benefit with the establishment of a grant program to provide innovative transportation options to access VA medical facilities. Readjustment counseling and mental health services for OIF/OEF veterans would be enhanced through programs that would provide peer outreach and support services, with special emphasis for Guard and Reservists. Veterans who participated in certain Department of Defense biological and chemical warfare testing during the Cold War would permanently be granted free VA medical care for conditions that may have resulted from their participation in such testing. VA domiciliary programs would be required to have adequate and safe environments to meet the needs of women veterans. Very low-income veteran families residing in or transitioning to permanent housing would be eligible for VA financial assistance for supportive services. This is a good bill that would help VA provide better care for our Nation's veterans. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. I thank the chairman again for his willingness to quickly move this legislation to the floor. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2623, as amended, is a bill that I am a sponsor of. It prohibits the collection of copayments for all hospice care furnished by the Department of Veterans Affairs. Hospice and palliative care is a continuum of comfort-oriented and supportive services provided across settings, including hospitals, extended care facilities, as the chairman said, outpatient clinics, and private residences. Under current law, a veteran receiving care in a nursing home is exempt from any copay. However, if they choose to take that care in their own home or in an acute-care facility, they could be charged a copayment. VA's current policy would penalize a veteran who chooses to remain in their own home for their end-of-life care or, out of medical necessity, receives their care in an acute-care setting. The bipartisan support of this bill is greatly appreciated. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time. General Leave

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize Dr. Charlie McFarland for being honored with a President's Call to Service Award from the President's Council on Service and Civic Participation. The award, presented by former quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner Danny Wuerffel, honors Dr. McFarland's years of volunteer service. The majority of his efforts have been dedicated to the Special Olympics program which he not only created for Okaloosa County but helped begin for the State of Florida and even the Nation. McFarland took his first group of disabled students to Special Olympics games in South Carolina in 1969. After seeing how beneficial the program was for that first group of 20 students, the school district applied for a charter from the Kennedy Foundation for the State of Florida. The charter was approved and in 1970 Florida held its first games, with 20 counties participating. Over the years, McFarland has taken every opportunity to raise greater awareness of the program and raise much needed funds for it. He has convinced such big-name artists as Kenny Rogers, Alabama, Reba McEntire, Glen Campbell, the Oak Ridge Boys and the late Lewis Gizzard to perform or support the local program, has successfully lobbied NASA and Congress to allow Col. Dick Covey to take the Special Olympics flag on the space shuttle Discovery, and has helped the special education Silver Sand School obtain both a new track and pool. In 1993, Dr. McFarland was named one of the charter members of the Florida Special Olympics Hall of Fame, and has kept serving with the Special Olympics even after he retired as an educator in 1995. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to honor Dr. Charlie McFarland for his tireless contributions to the Special Olympics program.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the Honorable Raymon Thomas, Chairman of the Holmes County Board of Commissioners, for his exceptional achievements. At the Florida Association of Counties annual conference, Chairman Thomas was awarded the President's Advocacy Award, an honor given to only six commissioners throughout the State. Thomas is a dedicated public servant who works tirelessly to enhance the life of Holmes County. At the same conference, he was one of twenty-six commissioners recognized for completing the advanced training provided by the Florida Association of Counties. The Chairman is now distinguished as the Advanced County Commissioner. The Florida Small Counties Coalition also recognized Thomas for his community leadership when they presented him with the Outstanding Legislative Service Award for the 2007 legislative session. In addition to his remarkable accolades, Thomas has been selected to serve on the board of directors for the Florida Association of Counties and has also accepted the role of Vice Chair of the FAC Rural Caucus. His recognition by various organizations confirms his commitment to excellence and the continuous advancement of Holmes County. I am proud to honor Chairman Thomas for his achievements and thank him for his dedicated service. As an extraordinary public official, Thomas's knowledge and commitment to service have helped to create a better life for the citizens of Northwest Florida. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize the Honorable Raymon Thomas for his exemplary service as Chairman of the Holmes County Board of Commissioners and wish him continued success throughout his career.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize Mr. R.L. Lewis for 23 years of dedicated public service. Mr. Lewis, a member of the Milton City Council, is a highly- regarded figure whose contributions to the advancement of the city of Milton are immeasurable. A native of northwest Florida, R.L. is the son of R.V. and Louise Lewis. After graduating from T.R. Jackson High School in 1957, R.L. attended Pensacola Junior College and later went on to serve in the United States Army for 2 years. When R.L. returned to Milton, he began his career with a local division of Monsanto Company, a multinational agricultural biotechnology corporation, from which he retired in 1995. In addition to being the first African American to serve on the Florida Highway Patrol Auxiliary in northwest Florida in 1972, R.L. was also the first to serve on the Milton City Council. He was first elected in 1984 and has been reelected in every subsequent election. As city councilman, R.L. currently serves as the chairman of the Public Works Committee and a member of both the Parks and Recreation Committee and the Insurance Committee. For the past 40 years, he has been employed as a funeral advisor with Lewis Funeral Horne. He also serves as chairman of the deacon board at Mt. Zion Primitive Baptist Church and chairman of Milton-Keyser Cemetery Committee. Through his leadership and dedication, R.L. has honorably and spiritually served the northwest Florida community. He is a longtime member of the NAACP and former member of numerous other church and civic organizations. These include: West Florida Planning Board, Islam Shrine Temple No. 182, Florida League of Cities Nominating Committee, and Review Board for Law Enforcement. Despite all of his professional success, R.L. would be the first to say he would not have accomplished so much without the support of his loving wife, Paulette Larkins Lewis. Madam Speaker, I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to a man who has served as a role model to us all, a true servant to the Milton community. I am thankful for his exemplary service and leadership in northwest Florida and recognize him for 23 years of dedicated public service on the Milton City Council.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the Tom and Peggy Rice for being awarded the WFTW Humanitarian Award for 2007. Radio station WFTW News Talk 1260, one of the oldest AM news and talk radio stations in Northwest Florida, has chosen Tom and Peggy Rice in recognition for their extraordinary contributions to countless local fund raising efforts. Tom and Peggy own the Magnolia Grill, a restaurant in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Located in a historic home built in 1910, the Magnolia Grill is revered as a local gem for its true southern charm, delicious cuisine, and local historic memorabilia. Over the past several years, Tom and Peggy have worked tirelessly to help raise funds for numerous non-profit organizations throughout the community. On Saturday mornings, they host pancake breakfast fund raisers and donate all the food, beverages, supplies, and labor for the event. The Humanitarian Award, an antique street corner clock, sits proudly on display in the lobby of the Magnolia Grill for restaurant patrons to see. On the face of the clock, is a plaque acknowledging Tom and Peggy for their involvement within the community. As remarkable philanthropists, the Rice's generosity and commitment to service have helped to create a better life for the citizens of Northwest Florida and have made an impression that will last a lifetime. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize Tom and Peggy Rice for their exemplary community service and wish them both continued success and happiness.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the accomplishments of one of my constituents, Derrick Brooks of the National Football League's Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Derrick will be inducted to the City of Champions Wall of Fame exhibit at Pensacola Regional Airport. The Pensacola Sports Association will join Pensacola and Escambia County to honor the Pensacola native on Thursday evening at the Pensacola Civic Center. At Booker T. Washington High School in Pensacola, Derrick excelled in both the classroom and on the field. By the end of his high school career he was named the USA Today High School Defensive Player of the Year, a Parade All-American, and was rated the best defensive player in the country by Super Prep magazine. Perhaps even more impressive for a football player of this stature, Derrick graduated with a 3.94 grade- point average. Derrick was a 4-year letterman at Florida State University where he compiled 274 tackles, 5 interceptions, 8.5 sacks, 13 passes deflected, 4 forced fumbles, and 3 fumble recoveries. His senior honors included: First Team All-America by American Football Coaches, UPI and Walter Camp, GTE Academic All-America choice, First Team All-Atlantic Coast Conference, and Senior Bowl selection. Derrick was a finalist for the Vince Lombardi Award, symbolic of the Nation's top lineman/linebacker, for two straight years. As a junior, he was named First Team All- America by Football Writers' Association and Walter Camp, and he was a consensus First Team All-ACC choice and that conference's defensive player of the year. Derrick also earned Sophomore All-America honors from Football News and was a First Team All-ACC choice that year as well. Derrick graduated from Florida State with a bachelor of arts degree in business communications and recently went back and earned his master's degree in the same subject. Derrick is now the unquestioned leader of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and arguably the most respected player in the NFL. Long considered the NFL's best linebacker, he has been selected to a team-record nine total Pro Bowls. Derrick was honored as the NFL's Defensive Player of the Year in 2002 and the 2006 Pro Bowl's Most Valuable Player. Following the 2002 season, Derrick was the instrumental team captain that led the Buccaneers to their first Super Bowl championship, and he is ranked as the franchise's most prolific tackler with 1,775 stops. Derrick has always given back to his community and he is considered one of the most philanthropic players in the NFL. In 2000 he was the co-recipient of the Walter Payton/NFL Man of the Year Award, and in 2004, was the winner of the prestigious 38th annual Byron ``Whizzer'' White Award for his dedication to serve his team, community, and country in the spirit of the late Supreme Court Justice. In March 2003 Derrick established his own foundation--Derrick Brooks Charities, Inc.--which focuses charitable endeavors on children and has done considerable work with March of Dimes, D.A.R.E., and the Belmont Heights, Ybor City, and Brandon Boys and Girls Clubs. Derrick is constantly distinguishing himself with achievements that are unmatched by any other player in NFL history and the city of Pensacola is recognizing this great man by inducting him to the City of Champions Wall of Fame exhibit; an honor that is shared by only three other people: Don Sutton, Emmitt Smith, and Roy Jones Jr. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize Derrick Brooks for his many outstanding accomplishments throughout his life, on and off the field, and wish him continued success throughout his career.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize the dedication of the Betty J. Pullum Family YMCA in Navarre, Florida. This celebrated facility is named in remembrance of a tireless leader who devoted herself to improving her community and who saw the good in everyone. Ms. Betty J. Pullum was known to her family as ``Big Deal.'' It was her vision and desire to give back to the Navarre community that has made it the close-knit community that it is today. Because of her generosity, it is only fitting that the Navarre YMCA is named in honor of her. On August 19, 2006, the newly constructed Betty J. Pullum Family YMCA building opened to serve the community of Navarre, Florida. The state- of-the art facility was conceived by Bart Pullum, President of the Navarre Beach Area Chamber of Commerce. As a Navarre native he believed that the youth of Navarre needed a YMCA of their own where they could come together to have fun in a safe environment. He brought the idea to his friend Henry Loper and they presented it to the directors of the Pensacola YMCA. It was there that the project grew. Bill and Jeannie Pullum donated the land for the project and the Bill and Martha Pullum Family Foundation donated a lead gift of half a million dollars. The rest of the fundraising was organized by groups and individuals in the community who loved the idea of having a family- oriented facility that promotes active and healthy lifestyles. The Betty J. Pullum Family YMCA is the perfect place for a family to balance a healthy lifestyle with fun and games. All the exercise equipment is new and free fitness assessments and personalized exercise programs are offered. There are also gymnasiums for shooting hoops and a children's playroom that allows parents to exercise while children are supervised by the attentive staff. The YMCA also offers classes such as aerobic kickboxing and kids' cardio for children ages 3-6 to make a healthy and active lifestyle a lifelong habit. The biggest draw for children is the outdoor pool which features lanes for lap swimming, water slides and a wading section for small children featuring baby slides and fountains. The Navarre YMCA has about 700 membership units, which represents about 1,600 individuals. Now that we are into the heat of summer, the Navarre YMCA is expecting its membership to grow. This facility will allow families to build healthy lifestyles together and have fun at the same time. It is a safe place for children to play and is an enormous benefit to the community of Navarre, Florida. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize the dedication of the Betty J. Pullum Family YMCA in Navarre, Florida.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, it is an honor for me to rise today to recognize Linda Holloway for being honored as the 2007 Southern District Elementary School Physical Educator of the Year by the National Association for Sport and Physical Education, NASPE. As a National Board Certified Teacher in Physical Education, Linda has dedicated 34 years of faithful service teaching in the Okaloosa County public school system. She received both her bachelor's and master's degrees from the University of West Florida. Out of her passion for teaching and her love for children, Linda encourages all of her students to set and actively pursue personal goals that focus on healthy lifestyle behaviors that promote physical wellness. Throughout her career, Linda has maintained active membership in numerous professional organizations. These include the National Association for Sport and Physical Education/American Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, NASPE/AAHPERD; the Florida Alliance of Health, Physical Education, Recreation, and Dance, FLAHPERD; and the United States Tennis Association. As an extraordinary educator, Linda's leadership and knowledge have helped to create a better life for the youth of the community by giving them the confidence, knowledge, and inspiration needed to succeed. When discussing her teaching techniques, the award-winning physical educator explains, ``I offer positive experiences in my classes that encourage students to succeed and enjoy physical activity. By devoting time to skills instruction, it increases the chances that students will use the skills throughout life and will maintain health and fitness.'' Madam Speaker, on behalf of the United States Congress, I am proud to recognize Linda Holloway for exemplary service in Physical Education at Valparaiso Elementary School and wish her continued success throughout her career.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, it is an honor for me to rise today to commemorate the 80th birthday of Mr. Jimmie Golden. Mr. Golden is a highly-regarded figure and establishment in the ``McDonald's Coffee'' group, and his contributions to the group are immeasurable. The McDonald's Coffee group meets every morning in Milton, a city in my district in Northwest Florida. It is there that a regular group meets to discuss news and current affairs, and Jimmie Golden is a consistent presence. Jimmie is not just there to listen, though- his knowledge in both domestic and foreign affairs is vast. His awareness of the events going on, how the past has affected these events, and the possible implications for the future is worldly by any standard. Those that listen to his input pay close attention as they know Jimmie puts a lot of thought and knowledge into what he says. Jimmie Golden is not only a great contributor of knowledge and information; he is also a great listener. This listening is not just at the McDonald's Coffee group, either. Jimmie is someone always willing to help others, and he would bend over backwards to better the life of another. Calling Jimmie a humanitarian could be an understatement; he would help every single person if he could. In fact, his service in the United States Navy protecting the freedom our country enjoys accomplished that goal. Madam Speaker, it is not often enough that a person of Jimmie Golden's caliber comes along, and I am grateful that he calls Northwest Florida home as we recognize and congratulate him on his 80th birthday. Our Nation is a better place because of people like Jimmie.

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I would like to offer a personal explanation of the reason I missed rollcall vote No. 453 on June 12, 2007. If present, I would have voted: rollcall vote No. 453, Crowley Amendment on Homeland Security Appropriations to increase terrorism prevention funding in urban areas by $50 million and decrease funding for the Office of the Secretary and Executive Management by $15 million and the Office of the Under Secretary of Management by $35 million, ``nay.''

Mr. MILLER of Florida

Mr. MILLER of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor one of Florida's finest, Mr. Stephen Townley, upon his retirement from the public service system. May 9, 2007 marked Townley's 30th year of duty under the United States Judicial Branch. After graduation from the University of South Carolina in 1973, Townley began his career as a probation officer in Milton, Florida. Advancing rapidly, Townley was appointed a United States Probation Officer in 1977 then was promoted 8 years later to United States Probation Officer in the Northern District of Florida. At the request of District Judge William Wilkins, the first Chairman of the U.S. Sentencing Commission, Townley aided the development of the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines. In this position, Townley worked to guide fair criminal sentencing, ensuring just punishment and the safety of his community. Later, Townley served on the Probation Officers Advisory Group to the U.S. Sentencing Commission. In 1990, Townley was named Supervising U.S. Probation Officer and was promoted 2 years later becoming the Northern District's first Deputy Chief Probation Officer. During his last 8 years of service, Townley held the position of Chief Probation Officer of the Northern District of Florida. To his community, he embodies the epitome of loyalty, as he strove daily to keep danger away from the public. Madam Speaker, I would like to offer my sincere and heartfelt congratulations to Mr. Stephen Townley on his 30th anniversary in serving the public. For the past 30 years, he has dedicated himself towards helping the residents of Northwest Florida and for that we will be forever grateful. I wish him the best in his retirement.