Marilyn Musgrave

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, we have heard comments in this Chamber today that there are attempts on this side of the aisle to obstruct. I'll tell you what the attempt is that we are making over here. It is to shed light on a topic that is now of interest to Americans. We had a Member come into the Chamber last evening, and he was talking about an earmark that he had requested, the ``Bridge to Nowhere.'' There aren't a lot of people that understood our jargon. They didn't understand our acronyms. It seems like every occupation has its own language. But when the American people started reading about the ``Bridge to Nowhere,'' when it was on the cover of Parade magazine, when you were in the doctor's office waiting and you picked up the Reader's Digest trying to kill a little time, golly, here was an article in the Reader's Digest about the ``Bridge to Nowhere.'' So suddenly the term ``earmark'' has come to be understood by the American public. They started reading a little more, and they started finding out about earmarks and how people in Congress with seniority, with a great deal of power because of their seniority, had the ability to direct spending. It is like when I talk to a high school or a junior high or middle school class. I always tell them, Government has no money of its own. The only money that government has is the money that is extracted from its citizens. Mr. Chairman, I try to impress this upon young people and try to get them prepared for the first day after they have worked on a job. They get their paycheck and then they take a look at it, and they see how much government is taking out of their paycheck. I want them to start thinking right away about how government spends its money. I think a lot of Americans, whether Democrat, Republican, if you looked at the political spectrum, whether they were conservative or moderate or liberal, they got a little upset to think about how some individuals had that much power to take tax dollars from people all over the United States and spend them on a project that they deemed important. I will never forget the first time I was in a press conference, Mr. Chairman, with a number of other Members when we were looking at an omnibus bill, and the visual, just having all those pages right there on a chair was startling. There were all those things in there called ``earmarks,'' and some were just downright silly. I mean, the American public would groan when they would think that Members would take money from citizens around the country and then spend them that way. So as we worked through this reform process, as we talked about it, we had heroes in our midst that would get up time after time and try to go after some of these egregious earmarks and get beaten back. But you can't always determine who is going to win the war when you look at individual battles. Although those individual battles were lost, we are going to win the war on this earmark thing because the American people know right from wrong. They know there should not be an abuse of power where someone on their unelected staff, and I have to tell you, I admire the staffers on Capitol Hill, most of them are young, because we have long days and we have hard work and it takes someone with a sharp mind and dedication to work, but they are not accountable to anybody's constituent. When I go home to my district, I can read letters to the editor about me. People can call me personally on the phone. People can come to my office. Even though each of us represents over 600,000 people, we are approachable, and we have to be accountable. But staff is not accountable when you have power vested in one individual. In my family we have a little saying. We say, Does somebody think they are God? And because we are God-fearing Christians, we do not believe that we are talking about capital G-O-D. What we are talking about is G-A-W-D. Who does an individual think they are when they try to exercise this kind of power? The American public has an innate sense of right and wrong. The public's business should not be done in private, with one all-knowing individual surrounded by staff, getting in letters or comments whether this earmark is good or this earmark is bad. Maybe eventually we will have a sign that says ``thumbs up'' or ``thumbs down'' just to conserve time. That is not right. The American people know it, and we all know it. There has been a problem with earmarks for a long time. Today is the day that we need our friends on the other side of the aisle to admit what we know what they know, and what they know we know, and reform this process.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Chairman, today is the day that we know the American people deserve to know how their tax dollars are being spent. If we're going to have earmarks, let's have the whole Congress, 435 of us, duly elected by our constituents, give it an up-or-down vote and have individuals who want an earmark have the courage to stand up and convince them, again, whether Republican, Democrats, conservative, moderate, liberal, wherever you put them on the political spectrum, the American people's business should be conducted in public, and the American people know that.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Andrew Bartlett who was chosen as one of the 10 national winners in a Risk Management Agency sponsored essay contest for FFA members. Andrew is a member of the Merino, Colorado Future Farmers of America Chapter and he has recently been elected President of the Merino FFA Chapter and President of FFA South Platte District for the 2007-2008 school year. Andrew's parents are Charlie and Patty Bartlett and he is following the footsteps of his father who has been a farmer all of his life. Being a successful farmer today requires business and marketing skills, knowledge of advanced technology, and knowledge of crop and soil science. Farmers face the challenge of providing consumers with the safest, highest quality food at the lowest price. Andrew demonstrated his understanding of the demands and requirements of becoming a successful farmer is his essay detailing his farming experiences. For his FFA Supervised Agricultural Experience, Andrew planted, irrigated and harvested alfalfa hay, hay millet and winter wheat. In his essay, Andrew described his decision making process in determining which crops to plant in an area where 6 years of drought have posed numerous challenges for farmers. Andrew also discussed his decisions about the use of fertilizers and chemicals to eliminate risk and the importance of sound financial management and diversification of his crops and choice of crops that were intended for different markets to expand his marketing choices. He explained the importance of using specific and accurate record keeping to assist in monitoring his financial standing. He is aware of the need to carefully analyze each of his decisions. He also understands the importance of being vigilant in minimizing his costs while staying informed of local markets. Andrew has an impressive awareness of the many factors involved in becoming a successful producer in today's market. Andrew's family and his FFA advisor, Mr. Todd Everhart, are to be commended for their efforts in supporting, encouraging and mentoring Andrew and for their part in helping him develop the knowledge and skills necessary for him to be successful in his first farming endeavor. Andrew is the future for a way of life which honors the land while helping to feed the world. I am proud to honor Andrew Bartlett for his success as a Future Farmer of America. My heartfelt congratulations to him and his family.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a true American hero who proudly served our country in World War II. Howard L. Brigham was born in 1925 in Denver, Colorado, the oldest of eight children. After serving our country in the war, Howard served Colorado for 37 years as an educator and administrator. In December of 1942, one year after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Howard joined the United States Navy at the young age of 17. He was unable to be present for his own high school graduation. Howard manned a 20 millimeter gun and served as a deck boss's mate on the Seaplane Tender, USS Matagorda. Howard served primarily in the Atlantic theater, but he also spent time in the South Pacific. He was briefly in port in Iceland, England, Wales, North Africa, and Brazil. He was away from his family the entire 4 years of the war and spent most of that time at sea. Howard's father passed away during this time and he was unable to leave his duties to attend the funeral. Seaman 2nd Class Brigham was awarded the American Theater Medal, the European Theater Medal and the Good Conduct Medal. Following his heroic service, Mr. Brigham attended the University of Denver earning both a bachelors and a masters degree in education. For the next 37 years he served as a teacher, counselor, and principal in the Denver Public School system and the Poudre School System in Fort Collins. He and his wife Jeanie will celebrate 60 years of marriage in June of this year. Together they raised three children, Jerry Brigham of Broomfield, and Randy Brigham and Kay Rich of Sterling. We are so fortunate to live in this great country where freedom is something that we rarely have to think about and often take for granted. It is simply a way of life for us, and we are truly blessed to live in a country whose citizens willingly volunteer to put themselves in harm's way to defend and protect our great Nation. I am proud to honor Mr. Brigham for his dedicated service to our Nation. Howard is an American hero who left his home to defend our Nation, and then returned home to be a valued member of his community, showing his children and grandchildren how to live meaningful lives of service. Howard is the embodiment of all the values that have molded America into the great Nation it is today. May God bless Mr. Brigham and his family, may God bless our precious veterans, and may God continue to bless America.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Speaker, my resolution, H. Res. 290, recognizes the goals and the ideals of the 30th annual Rocky Mountain Senior Games, which will be held in the next few weeks in my district in Colorado. The Colorado Senior Development Council began hosting athletic competition for adults 50 and older in 1978; and today, the City of Greeley, and the Greeley Department of Recreation have partnered with the Colorado Senior Sports Development Council to host this popular event in the Rocky Mountain region. The games originated in Colorado as a 1-day competition featuring four athletic events, including swimming, track and field, and basketball. Today, the Rocky Mountain games are among the oldest of its kind in the Nation and are among the most popular. This year's games will be held from June 6-10, and there will be a wide range of events that include basketball, track and field, swimming, billiards, tennis, badminton, cycling, weight lifting, skeet and trap shooting, archery, a 5k and a 10k road race, a triathlon, and many others. The popularity of these events are made most evident by the high number of competitors. Last year, for instance, there were more than 1,400 individuals who competed in the games, many of whom succeeded in qualifying for the bi- annual national games. In fact, Colorado will be well represented at this year's national games, which will be held later this summer in Louisville, Kentucky. There are 640 Colorado athletes who have already qualified. The individuals who participate experience friendly fellowship, camaraderie, and the exhilaration of competition. For a long time, fitness has been synonymous with Colorado. I think that's because of our wonderful sunny climate and our natural treasures that encourage people to get out and enjoy themselves. It's not surprising, then, that so many seniors continue exercising and seek out active competition, even as they begin to get older. My bill recognizes these competitors and the benefits they are making towards their long-term health. I am pleased my colleagues in Congress, especially those in Colorado, are joining me today to approve this bill. General Leave

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the entrepreneurial spirit of Mrs. Maury Dobbie and congratulate her on receiving the Small Business Administration's Women in Business Champion Award. At the age of 19 Mrs. Dobbie started her first business and began a life of entrepreneurship that would eventually lead to the establishment of five different companies. Mrs. Dobbie currently owns MediaTech Productions, a multimedia production company in Fort Collins, Colorado. Over the years, Mrs. Dobbie has served as President of the Women's Economic Development Council and has garnered recognition from a number of prestigious organizations. In 2005, Mrs. Dobbie was recognized as the Businesswoman of the Year by Office Depot in its annual recognition of the nine top businesswomen in the nation. She has also been honored as the first female recipient of the Emerging Entrepreneur Award in northern Colorado and was named the Woman Leader of Excellence in 1995. I am particularly impressed by Mrs. Dobbie's establishment of the Young Women of the West program. This program fosters entrepreneurship among female high school students and encourages these young women to begin their own businesses. Mrs. Dobbie currently serves as the Chief Executive Officer of Northern Colorado Economic Development Corporation. In her role as CEO, Mrs. Dobbie dedicates her time to strengthening existing employers, supporting expansion projects and marketing northern Colorado to new employers. Prior to her appointment as CEO, she served as both a board member and chairperson of this organization. In addition to her many professional accomplishments, Mrs. Dobbie has selflessly dedicated her time and talents by serving on the boards of a number of civic organizations including the United Way, Rotary and Hope Lives Cancer Center. She has also served on the advisory board of Front Range Community College. As a second degree black belt, Mrs. Dobbie has even earned a spot on the U.S. Olympic Taekwondo team. Mrs. Dobbie is married to Steve Dobbie and has two grown children. Madam Speaker, it is an honor to represent Mrs. Dobbie in Congress. Her entrepreneurship and commitment to strengthening the economy of northern Colorado are a demonstration of the American spirit and a testament to the American dream. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the varied accomplishments of Mrs. Maury Dobbie.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a man whose bravery in the face of danger is now being honored some 63 years later. Robert Speed served in the Air Force during World War II. During a bombing mission over the Ploesti Oil Fields on July 15, 1944, the B-24 that Mr. Speed and his crew were flying in came under heavy anti- aircraft fire. The plane lost an engine and lost contact with their squadron. Although the aircraft took on significant damage, the crew managed to evade enemy aircraft, complete its bombing mission and return to Pantanella, Italy. The Ploesti Oil Fields, located in eastern Romania, were a significant source of petroleum Hitler used to fuel his war machine. The bombing runs well into enemy territory were dangerous, but crucially important to the Allied effort. The very next day after the Ploesti bombing mission, Mr. Speed and his crew were shot down and held as POWs for the remainder of World War II. This turn of events resulted in an administrative oversight on the part of the Air Force and Mr. Speed and his crew went unrecognized for 63 years. The oldest in a family of 9 children, Mr. Speed was born May 21, 1922, in Blue Mountain, Alabama. After the war he moved to Mobile, AL to get a job at Brookley Air Force Base where he was employed as a civilian until he retired. He still lives in Mobile. His son describes his father as typical of his generation in that ``he never talked much about what happened in the war and never asked for anything. He really is just a regular guy who found himself in extraordinary circumstances while serving his country.'' I am pleased that Mr. Speed will finally be recognized with the Distinguished Flying Cross award on April 24. I congratulate Mr. Speed on the long overdue reception of his award and I thank him for his honorable service to our Nation.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Mr. John Waltershausen of Littleton, CO. Mr. Waltershausen was born in Chicago, IL, and served in the United States Army Air Corps during World War II from 1944-1946. During his military service, he played a heroic role in an incredibly significant moment in history, what many historians now believe to be the end of World War II. I believe his story is most worthy of being preserved in the Congressional Record. Five days after the bombing of Nagasaki, copilot John Waltershausen and the other nine crew members of the B-29B Super Fortress Boomerang flew, along with 142 other bombers, in what is now known as the ``Last Mission.'' Awaiting word of surrender from Japan, John and his crew were ordered on one last assignment, to bomb an oil refinery in Akita, Japan. The Japanese did not think that the U.S. could reach Akita from Guam and, as such, did not build strong defenses there. Even though the crew of the Boomerang knew they might not have enough fuel to get back, the crew proceeded in the mission to take out 67 percent of Japan's remaining oil refining capacity, as well as causing an air raid blackout alert. Unbeknownst to them, a group of Japanese officers attempted to prolong the war by staging a coup d'etat in seizing Japan's Imperial Palace and with it Emperor Hirohito. Upon the takeover of the Imperial Palace, the rebel leader Hatanaka learned that Emperor Hirohito had left the palace. Knowing that Hirohito had recorded a message of surrender that had not yet been broadcast on Japanese radio, the rebel officers hoped to sway the Japanese military into continuing the war with the U.S. However, because of the blackout caused by the U.S. bombing mission that included John Waltershausen's B-29B Boomerang, the rebel officers were unable to find the emperor's recording or to broadcast their own message to the Japanese people and soon lost their control of the situation. The message of surrender from Emperor Hirohito was broadcast the next morning. The ``Last Mission'' was 3,800 miles and the longest mission flown up to that time. By a bizarre twist of fate, it also marked the end of World War II. After the war, John married Sally Erwin and they had two daughters, Karen and Karoline. Today, they have 4 grandsons--Gregory, Benjamin, Jacob, and Samuel. John spent the last 45 years of his life in Colorado, with his happiest days being in the beautiful Colorado mountains. Madam Speaker, I am grateful for Mr. Waltershausen's selfless service to our Nation. His story should be preserved for posterity. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing a man worthy of our honor, Mr. John Waltershausen.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Dr. Karl Carson of Fort Collins, Colorado. Dr. Carson was quoted in 2005 saying he lived by a simple pledge: ``I hope, when I leave this place, I contributed to making it a better place.'' His legacy in Fort Collins was indeed a life of community service and devotion to family. Karl was born on September 27, 1915, in Wichita, Kansas, to Daniel and Clara Helfrick Carson. He was raised on the family dairy farm and every day before he went to school he milked cows and bottled milk. In high school, he met his lifelong sweetheart Wilma Schull and they married August 23, 1936. To this union five children were born: Allen, James, Daniel, Thomas and LuAnn. The Carsons also have eight grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Karl Carson attended Fort Hays State University in Kansas a music scholarship. He paid his way through college by singing at weddings and parties. He served in the U.S. Navy Reserve during World War II. Mr. Carson was a communications officer on the U.S.S. Strive, a mine sweeper. Following his military service, Mr. Carson attended the University of Nebraska and received his doctor of dental surgery degree in 1951. The Carson family moved to Fort Collins where Dr. Carson started his dental practice in 1954. His practice thrived and continued until his retirement in 1994. For 30 of those 43 years he practiced dentistry with his son, Tom. In 1991, the Colorado Dental Association gave him its Distinguished Service award. Dr. Carson was a member of the Fort Collins City Council from 1965 to 1973. He held the city's top post, mayor, for five terms from 1968 to 1973 at a time when City Council elected the mayor. He considered his support of adding fluoride to Fort Collins water supply among his greatest achievements. During his tenure, he started a program called Designing Tomorrow Today, which led to the construction of the Lincoln Center, city hall, and the downtown library. Dr. Carson's community service is legendary. He was the director of downtown Fort Collins development, president of Colorado Municipal League, and the Colorado League of Cities. He was also a member of Kiwanis since 1938. Continuing his love of music and youth, he lent his expertise to participants in the Kiwanis annual Stars of Tomorrow Talent Show. Madam Speaker, Dr. Karl Carson indeed fulfilled his legacy of leaving this world a better place. The citizens of Fort Collins, Colorado will never forget him. He was a man of love and commitment to his family and community. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dr. Karl Carson.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Madam Speaker, I rise tody to honor Dixie Loucks of Fort Collins, CO. She has led a life of service to her family, community and country. Dixie was the third of nine children born to Charles and Netha McFarlane. She was raised on the family farm in Chugwater, WY, where she learned the value of family and hard work. Dixie's family moved to Cedaredge, CO, when she was sixteen. It was there Dixie met the love of her life, her husband Jack Loucks. He was the boy next door and they married on February 22, 1948. Jack joined the Air Force in 1949 and left for Korea in 1951 as an F- 80 fighter/bomber pilot. He flew 101 missions. During this time Mrs. Loucks continued to live on the family farm and raised their daughter, Cristine. She provided support to her husband by sending him letters and pictures of their new daughter. These letters were a constant inspiration for Jack. Throughout Jack's military career, Mrs. Loucks served her family and community. She began her community service at McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey at the local hospital, coordinating Red Cross blood drives. As their daughters Cristine and Erylene began school, Mrs. Loucks was a tireless volunteer at their school and with Girl Scouts and Campfire Girls. When the family as stationed in Tripoli, Mrs. Loucks made dresses for the local girls from flour sacks provided through the U.S. Agency for International Development. After Jack's retirement the family moved to Fort Collins. Mrs. Loucks worked in the Public Trustee's office and served on the U.S. military academy selection committees. Additionally, she served as a volunteer at the family's church, Harbor Hope First Free Methodist Church. She has served as a Sunday School teacher, a nursery leader and as a member of the leadership council. For the last 2 years Mrs. Loucks has been a member of the `Knit and Knot' group who make fleece blankets, hats and layettes for babies of mothers in the Alpha Center for Women. Madam Speaker, our country is certainly better because of Mrs. Loucks' commitment to her family and the years of volunteer service within the military, her community and her church. Hers is a life well lived and a pattern for others to follow. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Dixie Loucks.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dennis Everhart of Woodrow, Colorado, for his impressive contributions to Colorado agriculture. Dennis touched many lives and shared his love for agriculture as a Vocational Agriculture teacher for 26 years. Recently, Dennis received the high honor of induction into the Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame. Dennis was raised on a ranch in New Raymer, Colorado, where his family ran a cow and calf operation. After working several years in the oil fields and with his parents in a custom haying operation, Dennis joined the Marines. Following 52 months of active duty, Dennis returned home and earned his bachelor of science degree from Colorado State University in 1970. Dennis taught Vocational Agriculture at Woodlin School in Washington County from 1970 to 1998, taking 1 year off to teach in Golden and 2 years off to manage a commercial hog operation. After retirement, Dennis ran for county commissioner and is currently serving his ninth year as Washington County Commissioner. Dennis and his wife Evelyn are the parents of three grown sons: Doug, Todd and Dennis. Dennis taught a complete program in vocational agriculture, including crop science, livestock science, agricultural mechanics, marketing and management, and leadership skills. Both he and his students enjoyed a great deal of success. Twenty-six of his students earned the American Farmer/FFA degree; 81 students received the State Farmer/FFA degree. There were also a number of State winners of proficiency awards as well as several State officers from the Woodlin Future Farmers of America chapter. Several of Mr. Everhart's students are currently teaching agriculture education in Colorado. Dennis was a mentor to other young educators as well, supervising student teachers for 23 years. Additionally, Dennis was a sponsor of a successful Colorado Young Farmers Education Association Chapter. As an individual, Dennis earned many awards through the years, including: honorary membership in the Woodlin FFA chapter; Honorary State Farmer Degree; Honorary American Farmer Degree; Friend of Washington County; 4-H Outstanding Young Farmer Advisor; Outstanding Young Member of Colorado Vocational Ag Teachers Association; Outstanding Region II Teacher for National Association of Ag Educators; Distinguished Service Award from Production Credit Association and officer of the Colorado Vocational Agriculture Teachers Association (serving as president 1987-1988). Dennis was also named U.S. Steel's Ag Teacher of the year and 1998 Ag Teacher of the year by Western District Ag Education. Dennis led by example and his enthusiastic community involvement demonstrated his passion for making a positive impact on the world around him. I am extremely proud to have the opportunity to honor Dennis Everhart today for his commitment and devotion to Colorado agriculture.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a remarkable American, William E. Hudson, and congratulate him on his promotion to the rank of Brigadier General. During my time in Congress, I have come to greatly respect and admire Brig. Gen. Hudson's profound patriotism and sense of duty to his country. Brig. Gen. Hudson is currently the Acting Chief of the Joint Staff of the Colorado National Guard and Commander of the Space Operations Group of the 140th Wing at Buckley Air Force Base. In a matter of days Brig. Gen. Hudson will assume the role of Assistant Adjutant General for the Colorado Air National Guard. As the former commander of the 137th Space Warning Squadron at the Greeley Air National Guard Station, Brig. Gen. Hudson was responsible for ensuring the squadron performed its vital--and unique--mission of providing immediate, global missile warning and space launch detection in the event of an attack against our Nation. Brig. Gen. Hudson received his commission from the Reserve Officer Training Corps at New Mexico State University. Over the course of his illustrious career, he has served our Nation in a variety of capacities. He was recently the Battle Watch Captain at European Command's Joint Operations Center in Stuttgart, Germany. Additionally, Brig. Gen. Hudson has served as Weapons Controller, Chief of Training, Chief of Plans, Chief of Intelligence, Chief of Communications Operations, and Director of Operations for the 154th Air Control Group at Buckley Air National Guard Base. As an officer, husband, and father, Brig. Gen. Hudson is truly an extraordinary American. I am humbled by his patriotism and sincerely grateful for his life of service to our Nation. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing and thanking Brigadier General William E. Hudson.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Madam Chairwoman, union salting is used by labor union bosses to deliberately insert one of their members into a nonunion company, very often to simply destroy the business. A ``salt'' typically employs tactics such as sabotaging equipment in work sites, deliberately slowing down work, and intentionally creating unsafe working conditions and filing frivolous unfair labor practice complaints or discrimination charges against the employer. The brutal practice of salting is extremely harmful to an employer who is acting in good faith and wants to provide a service, make a living and create jobs and provide wages for a family in a community. This is why we must put an end to the destructive practice of salting, which is why I urge my colleagues to support Representative King's amendment.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor former Colorado State Senator John Evans. A fifth generation Coloradoan, Mr. Evans's contributions to the State of Colorado are innumerable. After graduating from Lakewood High School, Mr. Evans earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Denver. He later completed his Masters of Education and Ph. D. at Georgia State University, in Atlanta. In 1986, Mr. Evans graduated from Valparaiso University School of Law. For over twenty-three years Mr. Evans devoted his talents to serving in both the public and higher education arenas. Drawing on this experience, he served as an at-large member of the State Board of Education for four years. During his tenure Mr. Evans was a leader in making Colorado a national leader in school reform. Mr. Evans continued his work as a champion of Colorado school children in the state Senate. In addition to his work on education issues, he also served as Assistant Majority Leader, Chair of the Legal Services Committee, and Vice-Chair of the Finance Committee. Madam Speaker, Mr. Evans's service to the people--especially the students--of Colorado will not soon be forgotten. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. John Evans.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Arnold Germann on the occasion of his retirement from the Farm Service Agency after 35 years of service. Since December of 1971, when he began as a County Office Manager trainee, he has dedicated his professional life to the Farm Service Agency. He became very effective in his first position as the Office Manager in El Paso County. After serving in El Paso County for a short time, he decided to give up his position and go to Weld County to manage the county office with the largest workload in the State. Arnold has seen the office through numerous changes. When he started, farm programs in Weld County were limited to dryland farms. Through the years, the situation has changed dramatically and now nearly every farm in Weld County is enrolled in some sort of farm program. Over the years, Mr. Germann has served on many State and National Committees to help develop ways to administer Farm Programs more efficiently. His impressive efforts earned him numerous leadership positions including President of the Colorado Association of County Office Employees from 1979 through 1982 and the Legislative Committee chair from 1987 to 1991. His outstanding work has been acknowledged with numerous awards including the 1976 Pro Employee award and the 1983 Service to Colorado Association of County Office Employees distinguished service award. Mr. Germann has served the Farm Service Agency and the agricultural producers of Weld County with great dedication over these many years. I extend my heartfelt thanks to him for a lifetime of service.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. I thank the gentleman for yielding time. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to this nonbinding resolution. This is not even an honest debate that we are holding here; we didn't have an open rule. This is the wrong resolution; it sends the wrong message to our troops, to our enemies and to our allies. Today, like many Members of Congress do on a regular basis, I visited Walter Reed. While I was there today, I visited with a young man from my district. He had severe injuries. As I sat and talked to him, his empty eye socket teared. He had damage to his face. He had horrific damage to his arm that he used to protect his face. He was in a Humvee when an IED exploded, and he actually turned the Humvee towards the IED to protect the other men in the Humvee. His sacrifice is incredible. I talked to another young man from Pennsylvania who had been on three tours in Iraq, and on his third tour, while training, he lost his hand. I also spoke to a young man from Texas, only 20 years old; and this young man had severe injuries, specifically to his arm. So we all know that the cost of war is very high. Many of us Members of Congress have also attended funerals and wept with mothers and fathers, families. People in my age group look at these young soldiers and they are the age of our kids. It touches our hearts, and we know the sacrifices that are made are incredible. These people need to feel the gratitude from the entire Nation, gratitude and respect. And I believe that this resolution, again, sends the wrong message. What is not being considered adequately in this country is the cost of failure in Iraq. When we think about our enemies being emboldened, when we think about the vast resources that our enemies will have access to acquire biological and nuclear weapons, the horrific effects are just almost immeasurable. As I think about this cost of failure in Iraq, and indeed, on the global war on terror, I think about how we Americans make an assumption. We assume, most of us, when we go to bed at night that when we wake up, tomorrow is going to be like today, that things are going to go on like they have gone on and we will have the liberties and the freedoms that we enjoy. But I would say this wonderful thing that we have in the United States of America, these freedoms and liberties, are very fragile. They are very fragile when we face radical jihadists that would murder us, thinking that it will take them straight to paradise. We have to fight this war on terror. We have to win in Iraq. I talked to a retired general yesterday, and I believe he said it all. He said, ``You're down there debating, aren't you? You're talking about the united-we-quit resolution.'' I believe that we have a choice: United we stand or united we quit, and our choice will echo down the halls of history.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. I thank the gentleman from Arkansas. Madam Speaker, I come today with many other colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support House Concurrent Resolution 5, expressing our support for Hire a Veteran Week. Many people go into the military and gain incredible life experiences and discipline. They have so many skills to offer when they come home, and many of them come home wanting to resume a normal life. An important part of a normal life is having a job. I really believe that the public sector and the private sector can express our gratitude for the sacrifices that these veterans have made on our behalf. Many of these men and women have made economic sacrifices while they have been serving this country, and they need to come home and have encouragement from all of us. So a great way to say thank you is to promote the Hire a Veteran Week. I am encouraging the President to issue a proclamation in support of this. This is very personal to me. My father-in-law is a veteran, my uncle was a World War II veteran that was captured during the Battle of the Bulge, and my son and daughter-in-law are currently serving in the military. And I think so many families are affected by this that we benefit, and the veterans and their families will benefit, if we encourage this.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the patriotism and military service of Mr. Keith Nelson of Fleming, Colorado. Mr. Nelson was born in Sterling, Colorado, and served in the Army in the Pacific theater during World War II from 1944 to 1946. During his military service, he witnessed an incredibly significant moment in history, the end of the Battle of Okinawa. I believe his story is most worthy of being preserved in the Congressional Record. It was close to the end of the fighting in Okinawa, when L Company, 32nd Regiment, 7th Infantry Division had been assigned the task of taking a grove of trees near the southern tip of the island, one of the last pockets of Japanese resistance. Mr. Nelson's platoon was led by a former marine who wanted the glory of reaching the ocean first. As they entered the trees, an American flame throwing tank came up behind them; it had probably been assigned the job of burning the brush and flushing out any concealed Japanese soldiers. Being the scout of the platoon, Mr. Nelson was assigned the job of stopping the tank. He went warily back, and walked up very close to the tank, and shouted at the soldiers inside. They hadn't seen Nelson, and when they heard him, they threw the flamethrower in his face. He jumped back and began yelling so they would know he wasn't the enemy and, fortunately they calmed down. When Nelson got back to his company, his platoon leader rushed them through the grove as fast as they could go. If enemy soldiers had been in there, they would all have been dead. They kept moving until they could see the edge of the cliff bordering the water; their leader had achieved his objective. As platoon scout, Mr. Nelson was the first to look upon that glorious scene, the end of the Battle of Okinawa. And though he didn't know it at the time, that made him the first to see the end of fighting in World War II. After the war, Keith returned to Colorado and married Wanda Moncrief in 1948. They had four sons, Dennis, Brett, Elon, and Gary. Mr. Nelson currently resides in Fleming, Colorado. Madam Speaker, I am grateful for Mr. Nelson's selfless service to our Nation. His story should be preserved for posterity. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing a man worthy of our honor, Mr. Keith Nelson.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the patriotism and military service of Mr. Charlie Campion of Loveland, Colorado. He joined the United States Navy on September 7, 1954, and was sent to Great Lakes, Illinois, for boot camp. In 1958, Mr. Campion's ship, the USS Summit County, pulled into Chennai, Korea where Mr. Campion served as a gunner's mate during his first enlistment. Shortly after arriving, Mr. Campion and 2 other soldiers were ordered to drive a jeep from the base to pick up supplies at a different military supply location off base. While on this mission Mr. Campion's jeep hit an explosive device throwing out the Lieutenant and the Seaman, flipping the jeep and himself upside down in the canal nearby. The jeep ended up landing on Mr. Campion and he sustained several injuries, including a broken back. At the age of 21, Mr. Campion re-enlisted and started his studies at the Hospital Corps School in Great Lakes, Illinois. Mr. Campion went on to serve a total of 16 years in the United States Navy as Hospital Corpsman and FMF Corpsman with the Marine Corps. For ``conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action'' while serving with Company C, 1st Battalion, 3rd Marines, 3rd Marine Division near the village of La Chau, Republic of Vietnam on 5 June 1965, Mr. Campion was awarded the Silver Star. While giving medical aid to several sick villagers, Mr. Campion was attacked by other villagers at the same time that his platoon was attacked by the Viet Cong Fighting his way free, he ran to the platoon position and immediately began medical treatment of two wounded Marines. In order to protect the wounded men, Mr. Campion seized an automatic rifle from one of the men and turned it against the enemy, killing one Viet Cong and driving the others to flight. After the wounded men were evacuated he fearlessly exposed himself to heavy enemy fire so he could render aid to a critically wounded Marine and assist in his evacuation. Additionally, he was awarded four good conduct medals and 12 further medals for his service to our country in the Korean War and in Vietnam. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for Mr. Campion's selfless service to our Nation. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing a man worthy of our honor, a true American hero, Mr. Charlie Campion.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise with a very heavy heart and I wish to ask the Members in this Chamber to join me before we end the 109th session of Congress tonight in honoring a fallen sailor from Longmont, Colorado. This week, Hospitalman Christopher A. Anderson was killed in action while serving our Nation in Iraq. He was a patriot that believed strongly in the freedoms we enjoy here in America and he joined the Navy to help defend the rights of citizens in Iraq. I have contacted his family, and they are heartbroken about their loss, undoubtedly. They are to be admired for their courage and continued dedication to America's military forces who are fighting terrorists in the Middle East. As a mother of an enlisted sailor, my heart goes out to Christopher's family. I would like to take a solemn moment to reflect on the life of Christopher and share the thoughts of his parents Rick and Debra Anderson. They released the following statement: Christopher was a son of which any parent would be proud. He was a natural leader in the truest sense: warm, giving, thoughtful and caring. He went well out of his way to assist family, friends and neighbors with everything from the sweat of his brow to sound advice that many commented held wisdom beyond his years. He was consistently elevated to leadership positions by his actions. This same thought process was at work when he chose to join the U.S. Navy. Chris comes from generations of Navy men and women. I myself am retired Navy. The Navy is, in general, an exciting career, however Christopher was not content to settle for anything less than being at the tip of the spear. He chose the career path of Hospital Corpsman (the Navy equivalent to a Medic in the other services). He requested the additional training of a Combat Medic, and to be assigned to the front lines with the United States Marine Corps. The Marine Corps does not have their own medical personnel, and Navy Sailors fill that role on a voluntary basis. He was an ``encourager'', and ``uplifter'' with a truly unique ability to empower others to rise to success they themselves did not think possible. He attracted many, many close friends into his circle. These are fine young men and women, who I was proud to be introduced to and invite into my home. In August of 2005, Christopher joined the Navy. While in Longmont awaiting his formal Navy school start date, he aggressively pursued high visibility leadership positions within his group of peers attached to the Longmont Navy Recruiting Office. Chris was already a good athlete, but chose to compete with the Navy SEAL candidates for even greater athletic excellence. He additionally excelled in his Navy-oriented academics, and was ultimately promoted from E-l to E-3 before ever leaving for the Recruit Training Center (Boot Camp). Once at Boot Camp he again excelled in academics, athletics and leadership, completing the program as the ``Honor Graduate'' the number one person in his class, as voted on by both his peers and the senior staff. He then attended his actual Hospital Corpsman medical training, ``A'' School, followed by Advanced Combat Medical Training, ``C'' School. Working with experienced combat veterans, he reaffirmed his desire to provide a critical service to those in harms way. He knew full well that he too would be at the forefront of the action. Christopher deployed to Iraq in September of this year. The moment his aircraft's door opened to the 120 degree heat, he knew this would be the start of his greatest challenge. He loved the people of this country, however he began to see immediate action, and was soon credited by senior medical staff for saving the life of a Marine sergeant seriously wounded on patrol by an improvised explosive device (IED). Christopher earned the affectionate title of ``Doc.'' This title is only given to Navy Hospital Corpsmen who have impressed their U.S. Marine Corps counterparts with medical excellence under field combat conditions. His colonel also credited him with the compliment, ``The most squared away `Marine' we have in this Unit.'' Christopher gave his life in the defense of his nation, his local community, his Marine brethren and his family. Christopher wanted all his life to make a difference in this world and in his short 24 years accomplished more than most will ever accomplish in a lifetime. Mr. Speaker, we are so fortunate to live in this great country where freedom is something that we rarely have to think about and often take for granted. It is simply a way of life for us, and we are truly blessed to live in a country that honors citizens for their spirit, their ideas, their individuality, and their courage. We can maintain the blessings of our freedoms only because we have citizens like Hospitalman Christopher A. Anderson who are willing to fight to defend them for us. My most sincere condolences go out to Rick and Debra and the entire Anderson family for loss of their beloved son.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the patriotism and military service of Specialist Kasey M. Feauto of Norfolk, NE. Kasey was born in Sioux City, Iowa on September 9, 1982. He is the son of Michael Feauto and Joy Kleinberg and the brother of Amy. Kasey graduated from Westwood Community High School in Sloan, Iowa in 2002 where he was an honor roll student and played on the football team. After graduation he joined the Army National Guard in 2003. Mr. Feauto was deployed to Iraq on October 7, 2005, with the Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 147th Field Artillery. On December 4, 2005, Kasey was driving the lead truck of a three vehicle convoy when a roadside bomb exploded and hit the second truck in the convoy causing the truck to cross oncoming traffic and crash into a concrete wall. After realizing what had happened, Kasey turned his truck around to go help. The third truck was called to lend medical assistance but was hit by another roadside bomb. SFC Richard Schild, the gunner in the second truck, was killed instantly. SGT Allen Kokesh, the driver of the second truck, was seriously injured. Kasey pulled Kokesh out of the truck and performed life-saving medical attention, putting a tourniquet on his wounded arm and leg. This medical care saved Kokesh's life long enough for him to return home and see his family. SGT Kokesh passed away in February 2006 from other wounds sustained that day. SSG Daniel Cuka, the truck commander in the third truck, was also killed from the explosion. SPC Corey Briest, the gunner in the third truck, was wounded. Private First Class Kasey M. Feauto, of Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 147th Field Artillery was awarded the Bronze Star Medal for exceptionally meritorious heroism in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and the life-saving aide he performed on SGT Allen Kokesh. His exemplary selfless service and outstanding dedication to duty during combat operations in Iraq contributed to the overwhelming success of the Command's mission. His actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Army. Through this entire trauma Kasey has maintained his heart and sense of humor and his ability to be there for his family and friends in their time of need. He maintains that the real heroes are those who have given their lives for this country. Specifically the men of Charlie Battery who gave their lives: SGT Allen Kokesh Jr., SSG Daniel Cuka, SFC Richard Schild, and SSG Greg Wagner. Home from Iraq, Kasey is living in Norfolk, NE with his fiancee Maria Vandersnick. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for Mr. Feauto's selfless service to our Nation. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing a man worthy of our honor, Specialist Kasey M. Feauto.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions and life-time achievements of Mr. W.D. Farr. Mr. Farr was recently inducted into the Hall of Great Westerners, which honors those who have embodied and perpetuated the heritage of the American West through their exemplary lives, careers, and achievements. Mr. Farr, a man of many talents, excelled in ranching, government, and banking. After inheriting the family agricultural business, Mr. Farr remained a cattle rancher for many years. During this time Mr. Farr worked to improve livestock and farming methods. His innovative ideas became a catalyst for improved irrigation on the eastern plains and influenced ranching methods throughout the United States. Mr. Farr was also a statesman. While working for the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Mr. Farr advised three U.S. Presidents and traveled the world as an advocate for the U.S. agricultural industry. His dedication to the agricultural community earned him induction into the Colorado Agriculture Hall of Fame in 1995. Another one of Mr. Farr's successful endeavors was in the banking industry. He directed banks in Greeley and Denver. He also co-founded and chaired the Affiliated Bankshares of Colorado. Mr. Farr's life epitomizes the courageous and innovative spirit of Colorado and the greater American West. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent Mr. Farr in Congress. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating W.D. Farr for his many accomplishments and his service to the community.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory and courageous patriotism of Mr. Charles ``Buster'' Bowen. As a navigator on a B-25 Bomber, Mr. Bowen proudly served his country in the Army Air Corps during the Second World War. The sacrifices he made to ensure the liberty and freedom of future generations will never be forgotten. In the late autumn of 1941, Buster Bowen was a senior studying accounting at the University of Texas. He was undoubtedly eager for graduation and full of enthusiasm for the future. However, like many young men and women of his generation, Mr. Bowen's world was unalterably changed following the attack on Pearl Harbor. After graduating from the University of Texas in June 1942, Mr. Bowen volunteered for military service. His military career began in the spring of 1943 at Kelley Field near San Antonio, Texas. After completing his training, Mr. Bowen was assigned to the 345th Bombardment Group and sent to the Pacific. In a letter to his concerned mother, Mr. Bowen assured her he was assigned an office job--he didn't mention that his office was a small table under the turret of a B-25 Bomber. The crews of the 345th frequently flew low-level bombing runs over enemy targets. On one such mission over Formosa on June 15, 1945, a 40 millimeter explosive shell struck the escape hatch of Mr. Bowen's B-25 Bomber. The shrapnel from the shell pierced the fuselage and badly injured Engineer Harold Warnick and Mr. Bowen. Mr. Warnick sustained injuries to his foot and Mr. Bowen to his back. Even after being injured, Mr. Bowen plotted a course to an auxiliary air base in northern Luzon so that Mr. Warnick could receive the medical attention he needed. For the injuries sustained by Mr. Bowen in June of 1945, he was awarded the Purple Heart. His squadron commander even displayed Mr. Bowen's bloodied shirt in the squad room to emphasize the importance of flight crews wearing the uncomfortable flak jackets. Following his injuries, Mr. Bowen was taken off flying status, but began flying once again before the end of the war. After hostilities in the Pacific ended, Mr. Bowen was stationed on the northern Japanese island of Hokkaido as part of the American occupation force. Mr. Speaker, like so many other young members of this Greatest Generation, Mr. Bowen set aside his ambitions and risked his life to ensure the continued freedom of our great nation. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing the patriotic service of Mr. Charles ``Buster'' Bowen.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the patriotism and military service of Mr. Ralph Bozella of Longmont, Colorado. Soon after graduating with his teaching certificate during the tumultuous years of the Vietnam war, Mr. Bozella's life forever changed one Monday in the late summer of 1970. The ink was barely dry on the teaching contract he signed the Friday before when Mr. Bozella received notice that he had been drafted for service in Vietnam. Before long, Mr. Bozella found himself at Bien Hoa Air Base near Saigon, Vietnam. From there he was sent to Chu Lai and assigned to a light infantry brigade within the Americal Infantry Division. Mr. Bozella was assigned to search and patrol the area to protect nearby villages during the rice harvest. On these patrols into the Vietnamese jungles Mr. Bozella courageously volunteered to be the patrol's point man. In this capacity he walked first to find booby traps before they found the rest of the patrol. Eventually, Mr. Bozella transferred to the U.S. Army Education Center where he taught and tested soldiers in a GED program. With his background in education, Mr. Bozella was grateful that he was able to positively impact soldiers in such an incredibly difficult situation. Following Mr. Bozella's return from the horrors of the war in Vietnam, he encountered an unsupportive society and was ostracized by his peers. Despite these difficulties, Mr. Bozella earned a masters degree in adult and community education from Colorado State University and went on to serve his community in various roles as an educator and administrator. Mr. Bozella has been intimately involved in several veterans' organizations, serving as chairman of the Colorado Board of Veterans Affairs and as a State officer with the American Legion. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful for Mr. Bozella's selfless service to our Nation. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing a man worthy of our honor, Mr. Ralph Bozella. I am deeply saddened by the way he was treated when he came home from Vietnam. After the passing of the years I hope that the respect and honor that his is afforded today will help heal those wounds.

Mrs. MUSGRAVE

Mrs. MUSGRAVE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the past and current members of the community that have made the Sugar Plant in Fort Morgan, CO, a success. They are now observing the plant's Centennial Celebration. For 100 years the sugar plant has significantly impacted the economy of northeastern Colorado. Sugar beets became a major crop in the Fort Morgan area in 1905. People in the community realized the potential impact of the sugar industry and began a drive to get a sugar factory constructed. A contract for construction was made with the provision that area farmers would agree to raise 1,500 acres of beets the first year, increasing to 3,500 acres the following years. On August 31, 1905, the last day to contract the required beet acres, the committee was short 1,500 acres. Fort Morgan Mayor Farnsworth issued a proclamation for all business places to close from 2-2:30 p.m. so the entire community could focus their efforts to ensure a successful campaign. The first beets were sliced on December 26, 1906. The campaign lasted 55 days and 17,000 tons of beets were sliced. Lack of adequate water was a handicap in the early days, but in 1912 a well system and pumping plant was provided at the South Platte River to end the trouble. The establishment of the sugar plant had several economic advantages for the area. The value of the land was increased, irrigated acreage jumped from $40/acre to $200-250/acre. Cattle feeding started in the area that used beet tops and beet pulp, giving year round employment to hired hands who had previously been out of work during the winter months. The first beet crop brought $1,000,000 in cash into the county and the population of the county grew during that year by nearly 2,500. The Tate & Lyle company acquired 6 operating plants from the Great Western Sugar Company in 1985 and 1986, including the Fort Morgan Plant. In the late 1990s Tate & Lyle decided to sell their sugar holdings in the United States. The growers in the four state area decided that if they were going to keep the sugar beet industry they would have to become owners themselves. The Western Sugar Cooperative was formed when over 1,000 individuals stepped forward and invested their trust and dollars into the purchase of the Western Sugar Company. After a number of false starts and many frustrating months, the purchase was closed on April 30, 2002. The 2006 campaign saw 745,169 tons of beets sliced in 139 days, producing a net 1,660,132 hundredweight of refined sugar. The payroll for fiscal year 2005 in Fort Morgan was $5,325,349 for 90 year-round workers and approximately 98 seasonal workers. Throughout the years there have been 21 other sugar factories under various companies in Colorado. Today, there is one remaining--the Fort Morgan plant. Many changes have taken place during the past 100 years, however, the sugar factory remains an integral part of the agricultural and business communities. I am proud to honor the Great Western Sugar Cooperative and the Fort Morgan Sugar Plant for 100 years of successful sugar production and the positive impact it has had on families and communities in northeast Colorado.