Kenny Marchant

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Olivia Harrington upon her retirement for her volunteer work and community involvement in Duncanville, Texas. Mrs. Harrington has been working with youth and volunteers for 25 years. She was the YW Teen Director for the YWCA for 13 years and also created and served as the Duncanville Teen Court Volunteer Coordinator for 12 years. Teen Court allows teens, who have committed Class C misdemeanors, to be judged by their peers in an authentic court setting with actual sentences being handed out. Teen volunteers serve as attorneys, clerks, bailiffs and jurors. Many students have contributed their success in adulthood to the lessons they learned from Mrs. Harrington's guidance participating in Teen Court. Besides Teen Court Coordinator, Mrs. Harrington is involved in other numerous volunteer organizations. She's a charter member of Theta Pi Chapter, Epsilon Sigma Alpha service fraternity, the Duncanville Genealogy Club, the Ellis County Genealogy Society, and the Duncanville Book Review Club. In addition, Mrs. Harrington is a life member of the Ellis County Art Association, the Historic Waxahachie Inc. and United Methodist Women. Mrs. Harrington has been recognized for her achievements when the Duncanville Teen Court received the TICA Spotlight Achievement Award for outstanding Teen Court in Texas in 2001. She was also honored by the Duncanville High School naming the Olivia Harrington Outstanding Volunteer Award for her in 2005. Mrs. Harrington has a husband, Fred, and two beautiful daughters, Angie and Teenya. Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Olivia Harrington for her community activism which has enriched the lives of so many in Duncanville, Texas. I applaud her efforts and wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to T.J. Lee Elementary and the Irving Independent School District Food Service Department upon receiving the first coveted United States Department of Agriculture Gold School award in the state of Texas. This honor was bestowed on Lee Elementary and IISD Food Service because of their strong commitment to the nutritional and physical well being of their students. Before an elementary school is granted this prestigious award, a stringent HealthierUS School challenge criteria must be met. Providing USDA nutrition standard school lunches, nutrition education to students, regularly scheduled physical activity and other lunch menu criteria are just a few of the measures required to obtain this recognition. Fighting obesity in school children in the United States is of utmost importance. Lee Elementary and IISD Food Service Department are to be commended for their commitment in improving the health and well being of their students. The leadership they have shown helping students learn healthy eating habits and maintain an active lifestyle is an example to all of us. Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor T.J. Lee Elementary and IISD Food Department for earning the United States Department of Agriculture Gold Award.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, today I rise to recognize Grapevine Opry in Grapevine, Texas on the occasion of its 20th Anniversary of continuous family entertainment. Originally built as Grapevine's Palace Theatre in November 21, 1940, this historic building was reopened in 1974 by a Grapevine dance instructor, Chisai Childs, for dance recitals. Its use evolved into a musical revue stage show and was dubbed ``Grapevine Opry''. After many failed business partnerships, Grapevine Opry doors closed in 1984 and its fate seemed doomed forever. However, one year later, a new owner began renovation of the theater only to see the stage, roof and building partially destroyed by fire due to contractor negligence. But renovations began anew and on November 14, 1987, Grapevine Opry reopened with Mr. Rocky Gribble as the new producer and bandleader. In 1990, ownership sold the property to a local attorney's company, Grapevine Opry, Inc. Bad times almost fell again on the Opry when in 1991, the Grapevine Opry, Inc. filed for bankruptcy. The show was in danger of closing and the future of the theater was in doubt, even to the point of demolition. However, the City Council of Grapevine, along with the overwhelming support of the Grapevine Opry Association members, voted to acquire the property if the anchor tenant, the Grapevine Opry, would continue to operate in the theater. A long-term agreement was forged with the city and Yellow Rose Productions, Inc. to operate the Grapevine Opry and the Grapevine Heritage Foundation was formed to manage the property. Due to the foresight of Yellow Rose Productions, Inc., Grapevine civic leaders and residents, the future of the Palace Theatre was preserved. In 1999, the Grapevine Opry underwent its most recent renovation and celebrated a grand reopening/homecoming show on June 2, 2001. The show continues to be a mainstay of family entertainment not only in North Texas but across the region and beyond. Many music industry performers attribute their success to experience gained on this landmark stage. Some of the best up-and-coming performers in country music can be found performing each weekend at Grapevine Opry. Madam Speaker, I am honored to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Grapevine Opry's on November 10, 2007. This beautiful and historic building, whose preservation is secure, is an important local landmark in Grapevine, Texas and surrounding areas. I sincerely wish the Grapevine Opry many more successful years of continuous family entertainment.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Duncanville High School Panther Baseball Coach Bob Rombach for 39 years of dedicated coaching and teaching. After graduating from Denton High School in 1961, Coach Rombach signed a professional baseball contract with the Houston Colt 45's organization. He spent the off-seasons studying for his Bachelor's Degree and graduated in 1968 from North Texas State University. His first coaching position was in Amarillo. Since then he has led five different baseball programs and is recognized as one of the most successful and respected coaches in Texas High School Baseball. Coach Rombach's accolades are not only numerous but prestigious as well. He has been named Texas Coach of the Year twice, received a number of district honors and was coach of the North-South All-Star Game. In November of 1990, Coach Rombach was elected into the Texas Baseball Hall of Fame after guiding the Panthers to the Class 5A State Championship. In 2000, he was selected by the Texas High School Baseball Coaches Association for the Hall of Fame. As coach of the Duncanville Panthers, Coach Rombach's teams have reached the playoffs 22 times in 23 seasons. They have earned a trip to the Texas State Tournament in Austin six times and won the state title in 1990. His career record is 859 wins and 362 losses and his record at Duncanville High School is 565 wins with 180 losses. During his distinguished tenure at Duncanville, Coach Rombach has seen thirty of his players drafted with nine playing in the big leagues. Coach Rombach and his wife, Deanna, have three children: daughters, Amy and Tracy and son, Deron, who is a national cross checker for the Baltimore Orioles. They have seven grandchildren. Madam Speaker, in closing I would like to commend and congratulate Coach Bob Rombach on all of his accomplishments. His dedication and commitment to coaching and teaching is worthy of recognition. I wish Coach Rombach a happy and healthy retirement and it is an honor to represent him in the 24th District of Texas.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Christ United Methodist Church on its 50th Anniversary for providing a place to worship, learn, assist those in need and gather in Christ's name. On January 7, 2007 a JUBILEE Worship Service was conducted on the 50th anniversary of the establishment of Christ United Methodist Church of Farmers Branch, Texas. The service was attended and conducted by twenty Charter Members, 500 congregants, a United Methodist Bishop, and eight robed ministers, gratefully celebrating the anniversary. The City of Farmers Branch is the oldest settlement in north Dallas County, but in 1956 it was rapidly expanding with new construction of homes. The desire for a new Methodist church in the area prompted a small group of Christians to petition the United Methodist Bishop William C. Martin for the extension of the church. Upon approval by the Bishop, the Reverend Bourdon Smith was appointed church pastor. The first worship service was held at Valwood Elementary School on January 6, 1957. The name Christ United Methodist Church was voted upon, and 44 members united with the church. Charter membership closed on Easter, 1957 with 135 members registered. Groundbreaking ceremonies for the first phase of future church facilities were held in January, 1959 with 300 members in joyful attendance. Over the years a uniquely oval shaped sanctuary was constructed, accommodating 500 people for praise and worship. The current campus contains 51,000 sq ft of education and office space, a gym, and a commercial kitchen--all of it used on a weekly basis. Dr. Victor Casad, Senior Pastor and Rev. Bob Spencer continue the message of those who served before them, and that is to live the mission statement, ``To Share the love of Christ''. Christ UMC provides ESL classes to the community, and financial aid to foreign missions. Child Development and Mother's Day Out programs provide a Christian learning experience. Three distinctively different worship services each Sunday morning welcome members and visitors. All ages are offered a variety of Sunday school classes and study groups each Sunday, and Bible Study groups throughout the week. Youth and Adult work teams tackle local assistance services, and travel far and wide to assist the Appalachia Service Project to make homes warmer, dryer, and safer. Men's Work Teams aid people impacted by disasters in Texas. Those early dreams of Bishop Martin and the Charter Members have been met; however, the goal of today's 1455 members is equally as forward- reaching as theirs were. As the trumpets blasted to proclaim the year of JUBILEE at Christ United Methodist Church in January, the sanctuary was filled to capacity, and the spirit and energy was contagious. It was a day of genuine joy and appreciation for what has been accomplished and what lies ahead for each member of Christ United Methodist Church in Farmers Branch, Texas. In honor of this special anniversary, Christ UMC is culminating its celebration with weekend events beginning on October 13, 2007. There will be a pancake dinner on Saturday and a parade begins the Sunday celebration. Following a special church service where former CUMC ministers and Charter Members will also be present, an all-church barbeque dinner will be enjoyed. An afternoon concert in the sanctuary will close the activities. I am privileged to have had this time to honor the 50th Anniversary of Christ United Methodist Church of Farmers Branch, Texas.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mr. Joe Hennig on the occasion of his retirement on October 1, 2007 after fifteen years of commendable public service. Prior to his appointment as Euless City Manager in 1999, Mr. Hennig began working in Euless as director of development services, assistant city manager and deputy city manager. He also spent twenty-three years with Texas Utilities. A capable leader, Mr. Hennig has been a guiding force behind many businesses and economic developments in the City of Euless. He facilitated the transformation and improvement of the City's Main Street corridor as well as every major thoroughfare in Euless including Harwood Road, Industrial Boulevard, Pipeline Road and Glade Road. Mr. Hennig also brokered a deal with the Dallas/Fort Worth Airport securing millions of dollars in tax revenue, which in 2002, was used to construct a new police and courts building on Texas 10. Due to Hennig's strategic business foresight, numerous new businesses have opened along Texas Highway 121. Mr. Joe Hennig has been involved with numerous civic organizations such as the United Way, the Chamber of Commerce, the Boy Scouts of America, the Rotary Club and the YMCA. In addition, he has been an active member in many municipality associations, the most recent of which include North Texas City Management Association, Texas City Management Association, and International City Management Association. He and his wife, Jan, have a daughter, Shay and a son, Brandon. He also has six beautiful grandchildren: Isabella, Ava, Jack, Carlie, Claire, and Clint. Madam Speaker, in closing, I would like to extend my gratitude to Joe Hennig for his numerous years of service and dedication to the City of Euless. His leadership will be greatly missed but his vision for a brighter future for Euless will live forever. I am proud to serve him in the 24th District of Texas.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, today I would like to pay tribute to Dr. Annette Griffin, superintendent for the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD, as recipient of the 2007 Citizen of the Year Award presented by the Carrollton-Farmers Branch Rotary Club. Her foresight and dedication to the students, the teachers, the parents, the administrative staff and the Carrollton-Farmers Branch community is unparalleled and worthy of recognition. Dr. Griffin earned her Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education and Master's Degree in Reading from Louisiana State University. In 1985, she received her Doctor of Education Degree in Administrative Leadership at the University of North Texas. Never known to rest on her laurels, she continually stays abreast of current activities in her field through post-doctoral classes at Harvard University and Columbia University. Dr. Griffin began her career as a teacher in the Special Education Department of the Richardson ISD and after four years was promoted to principal within the Richardson ISD. In 1986, Annette joined the Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD advancing to become an assistant superintendent until 1990. Dr. Griffin's career then led her to serve consecutively as superintendent of the Carroll ISD and then in the Duncanville ISD. But as fate would have it, in 1997, Annette was offered the superintendent position of CFB ISD where she remains a steadfast champion for education today. Annette is an active member in community organizations such as the Rotary Club, the Irving Baylor Hospital Board, Texans CAN! Academy and the Farmers Branch Chamber of Commerce. Many accolades have been bestowed upon Dr. Griffin, most notably the Paul Harris Fellowship, the Texans CAN! Academy Mother of the Year, the University of North Texas alumni of the Year, the Texas Superintendent of the Year and the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce Citizen of the Year. She especially enjoys volunteering at the Rotary International Four Way Test Speech Contest where she can hear what local high school students have to say about important issues. Annette and her husband, Allen, have been married for thirty-five years and have a daughter, Alana, and a son, Tim. Carrollton-Farmers Branch ISD and the community are very fortunate to have Dr. Griffin leading our young people to a brighter future. She is a strong advocate for excellence in education and has continually enhanced the lives of many through her sense of commitment and progressive vision. It is truly an honor to represent Dr. Annette Griffin in the 24th District of Texas.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor North Lake College in celebration of its 30th anniversary of educational excellence. North Lake College's main campus is set on 276 acres in Irving-Las Colinas business center. The college has expanded its facilities to provide diverse services and programs for its students. From the construction of an expanded Science and Medical Professions Building, a Workforce Development Center, and a General Purpose Building on the main campus to satellite campuses in downtown Irving, the South Irving Center and the Dallas-Fort Worth Education Center, North Lake is continually meeting the needs of its students and community. Since opening its doors in the Fall of 1977, North Lake has increased its enrollment from 2,823 students to 9,415 credit students in the Fall of 2006. It is an accredited public community college with an open door admission policy. As part of the Dallas County Community College District, North Lake is committed to ``Closing the Gaps'' a Texas state initiative to continually increase enrollment goals for all population groups. Today, North Lake College serves approximately 23,000 credit students and 12,000 continuing education students. North Lake College's expert planning and partnerships has contributed to its success in offering students a variety of occupational and degree programs preparing them for employment in the workforce or transferring to any Texas public university or college. North Lake offers degrees in Associate of Arts, Associate of Science, and Associate of Applied Sciences in more than 24 areas of study. In addition to the degree programs, students can earn certifications in more than 60 career fields. North Lake College's 30th anniversary is worthy of recognition. Its beautiful campuses, its diverse and growing enrollment, and its wide array of educational degree and certification programs are all a testament of educational excellence. I am honored to represent such a respected collegiate institution in the 24th District of Texas.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MARCHANT. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Chairman, my amendment would reduce funding in the bill for the International Labor Affairs Bureau to the President's requested level of $14 million. This would save $58.4 million in this category. The underlying bill provides $72.5 million for this account. This amendment would reduce funding for the International Labor Affairs Bureau by $58.4 million to match the President's request. The bureau was originally responsible for the Department of Labor's overseas research projects and international labor workers' rights, primarily research and advocacy. However, in recent years the bureau has taken on grant-making activities. The bureau's grant assistance is already provided for by the Department of State, and this amendment would restructure the bureau's activities to advocacy and research only. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. Madam Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. MARCHANT. I yield to the gentleman from Minnesota.

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. MARCHANT. I yield to the gentleman from Wisconsin.

Mr. MARCHANT. Reclaiming my time, Madam Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from Minnesota.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my gratitude to the contributions of the companies of the Safran Group and to commemorate the naming of Safran Drive in Grand Prairie, Texas. The Safran Group companies of Turbomeca USA, Microturbo Inc. and Sagem Avionics have played a substantial role in providing resources, jobs and business growth in Grand Prairie and have shown tremendous commitment to the community. All three companies show strong growth potential and together they already employ more than 500 people from the surrounding area. Once named, Safran Drive will adjoin these companies' headquarters and will facilitate the sharing of resources and personnel. Turbomeca USA has grown from a small, five-man operation in 1980 to a corporation that now employs more than 400 highly trained and dedicated people. It offers a wide range of overhaul and repair services for helicopter engines, modules and accessories and serves single aircraft operators and fleets of more than 100 aircrafts. Turbomeca has proudly provided the engines that power the U.S. Coast Guard HH-65 Search and Rescue Helicopter fleet and that of the U.S. Army Light Utility Helicopter fleet. Microturbo Inc. has also supported our armed services, shipping more than 1,000 turbojet engines to the U.S. Army and Air Force for their aerial targets programs. It also maintains, repairs and overhauls the gas turbine starting system installed in the U.S. Navy's T45 Hawk trainer aircraft and the Canadian Forces Hawk 100 NATO aircraft. Sagem Avionics supplements the products and services of Turbomeca and Microturbo, especially in the commercial sector as it provides technical support, MRO services and marketing and sales of commercial aerospace products. Sagem will soon be headquartered adjacent to the other two Safran Group companies on Safran Drive, creating a powerful hub of aircraft resources and greatly supporting the people of Grand Prairie with its expanding workforce. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I honor and recognize these three great companies in my district for the economic opportunities that they create and the outstanding community presence they provide. I am privileged to commemorate Safran Drive as a symbol of the great things to come from these esteemed corporations.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my gratitude and praise to Officer Robert Hodges of the Southlake Department of Public Safety for his invaluable contributions to his community and for his bravery in times of turmoil. Officer Hodges has loyally served as a police officer for more than 18 years. He began his career with a five-year stint at the Lake Worth Police Department, worked shortly for the Sansom Park Police Department and has spent his last 12 years with Southlake DPS. In 1997 Hodges obtained his Instructor certification and began teaching other officers the skills necessary to be a Motorcycle Traffic Officer. Over the past 10 years, Officer Hodges has taught many of the Traffic Officers throughout the Dallas/Fort Worth area such skills and his dedication has affected the lives of many officers in the region. Throughout his career, Officer Hodges has also touched lives in many other roles. In 2003 he initiated the first-ever police ``Motorcycle Rodeo'' to raise funds for Special Olympics. Through Officer Hodges' efforts and the Motorcycle Rodeo, more than $12,000 was donated to the Special Olympics. The following year, Hodges organized a second Motorcycle Rodeo and managed to raise another $7,000 for the cause. And 5 years ago, Officer Hodges was awarded the department's Life Saving Award and is credited for saving the life of a two-year-old child. In the incident, Hodges responded to a drowning call involving the small child who had been retrieved from a pool and was non-responsive. Officer Hodges cleared the child's airway and began administering CPR. Through his quick actions, he revived the child and kept her stable until medical help arrived. Madam Speaker, I am deeply honored to pay tribute to the life and accomplishments of Officer Robert Hodges. I would also like to recognize his wife, Beth Hodges, and his son, Bobby Hodges, for their immense courage during difficult circumstances. It is a privilege to represent the Hodges family in the 24th District of Texas and I pray for God's blessings upon them.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, today I rise to honor the Grapevine Rotary Club's 40th Anniversary. The Rotary Club organization was started in Chicago, Illinois in 1905 and currently has approximately 1.2 million members associated with 32,000 Rotary Clubs worldwide. In 1964, Grapevine Mayor, Ira E. Woods had the vision of starting a Rotary Club in the community. On June 22, 1967 a telegram was delivered from Rotary International with confirmation of their charter membership. Grapevine Rotary Club is an organization who benefits many people both near and far. Locally, they assist needy students at Grapevine Middle School with a mentoring program and sponsor many events, including: a yearly essay contest, the Special Olympics at Grapevine High School, the annual banquet for the Special Olympians, and the yearly Senior Citizens Banquet. In years past they built a pavilion at a local park. And, for the past 15 years, the Rotary Club has put up American Flags on holidays along Grapevine's Main Street. They have also supported local charities such as GRACE and Nash Farm. They have helped others across the country such as in New Mexico where they have worked with other Rotarians to purchase water rights at the St. Bonaventure Indian Mission and School on the Navaho Reservation. Globally, they have: helped donate fire trucks and ambulances to Acuna, Mexico, Grapevine's sister city; supported cataract surgeries and helped provide artificial limbs for the needy in India; assisted students at a school in Tanzania and helped drill water wells in Peru and Ghana. The club sponsors teacher exchanges throughout the world including Latin America, Eastern Europe and India. The Grapevine Rotary participates in the One World program with Russia to help promote world peace. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I recognize the tremendous contributions to the individuals, organizations and communities that Grapevine Rotary Club has benefited for the past 40 years. It is an honor to represent this humanitarian organization in the 24th District of Texas.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations to the Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport, the United States Army's Personnel Assistance Point at DFW Airport, the North Texas Commission and to DFW Airport's dedicated staff and thousands of community volunteers for reaching the third anniversary of the ``Welcome Home a Hero'' volunteer campaign. In June 2004, the DFW International Airport and the North Texas Commission organized the ``Welcome Home a Hero'' volunteer campaign to honor and serve the brave men and women of the U.S. Army who travel through the DFW Airport on leave for Rest and Recuperation (R&R). The campaign has developed into one of the largest and most respected on- going community initiatives in North Texas and the U.S. The campaign involves a wide array of business, civic and volunteer organizations, including the USO, churches, corporations, chambers of commerce, the Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts of America and many veterans groups. ``Welcome Home a Hero'' has been so successful that it has been honored with the George Washington Honor Medal by the Freedoms Foundation at Valley Forge and it has received hundreds of messages of gratitude from our servicemen and women who appreciate the patriotism and hospitality of DFW Airport and its loyal volunteers in North Texas. This year more than 500,000 U.S. soldiers will have passed through the airport and participated in the R&R program and ``Welcome Home a Hero'' campaign. When these courageous soldiers arrive they are greeted with a warm reception and the thankful words of fellow Americans who wish to honor the enormous sacrifices made by all of our men and women in uniform. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I recognize all those who have made the DFW Airport and Texas an emblem of patriotism to countless troops from around the nation. I congratulate the ``Welcome Home a Hero'' campaign for three great years and I am proud to witness the raw emotion and thanksgiving that emanates from both the soldiers and those who come here to celebrate their resolve.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Mark Howe for receiving the 2007 Distinguished Friend Award from the Grapevine- Colleyville Education Foundation. This nonprofit foundation was created to help support the educational programs and activities for students and staff of the GCISD. Programs to assist students in skill and achievement development, acknowledge staff accomplishments and develop broader involvement within the community are all funded by the Grapevine-Colleyville Education Foundation. Mr. Howe has served on numerous GCISD advisory committees and for more than 6 years he has been the director for the Education Foundation serving as the Foundation's President for 2\1/2\ years. Mr. and Mrs. Howe donated a $25,000 endowment to the foundation in honor of Mr. Howe's mother, Inez Cannon Howe, a retired teacher. The Howe's children have all graduated from the Grapevine-Colleyville Independent School District. Madam Speaker, I congratulate Mr. Mark Howe on being recognized with the 2007 Distinguished Friend Award and thank him for his service, support and guidance to the Grapevine-Colleyville ISD and Education Foundation. His numerous contributions to the GCISD have no doubt benefited many and it is an honor to represent him in the 24th District of Texas.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Coppell High School Band for their accomplishments and commitment to the City of Coppell. The Coppell High School Band represents one of the finest organizations in Texas and in the City of Coppell. The band, which is composed of over 350 members, represents the school with pride and dedication that is shown through their hard work, perseverance, and achievements. The Coppell Band has received a variety of National and local awards and honors such as the Tournament of Roses Parade and has been a 7-year consecutive winner of the Texas State Solo and Ensemble Championship. I commend the Coppell Band of past and present for their dedication during challenging periods of growth and laud their accomplishments of becoming a premier north Texas organization for families and students to become involved in. I honor the Coppell High School Band on this milestone and look forward to the future as the city and this organization continues to be a shining example in north Texas. It is with pride that I serve such a distinguished city in my congressional district and give my sincere congratulations to the Coppell High School Band.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, it has been said that a hero is someone who understands the degree of responsibility that comes with their freedom. Specialist Ryan A. Bishop, 32 years old, certainly understood that degree of responsibility. Ryan enlisted in the United States Army out of a sense of service and duty to his country. As his wife of two years Melanie Bishop explained, ``He believed deeply in what he was doing, and he just wanted to do his part.'' The freedom we enjoy as Americans is due in large part to the patriotism of such humble citizens throughout our history. On April 14, 2007, Ryan was dismounted on combat patrol in Baghdad when his unit came under the attack of an improvised explosive device. Ryan pushed forward with his fellow soldiers as they searched for insurgents, terrorists, and others who seek to deny Iraq democracy. On that day, our nation lost a genuine hero. Ryan graduated in 1996 from Tyler Junior College and also attended Marshall High School where he was a member of the 1990 state championship football team. He will be missed by a loving family and a nation forever grateful for his service and humbled by his sacrifice.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Barbara S. Austin Elementary, ``Home of the Austin Mustangs'' for its 20th anniversary of providing a superb education for the students of Coppell, Texas. Barbara S. Austin Elementary School is proud to celebrate 20 years of excellence in education. Nestled in the center of Coppell, Texas, Austin Elementary is a neighborhood school that has provided thousands of students with an outstanding learning experience over the years. Named after Barbara S. Austin, an actively involved community leader who served on the Coppell Independent School District Board of Trustees, Austin Elementary opened its doors in the fall of 1987 with over 500 students. Once a small community with one school housing kindergarten through twelfth grade, by August of 1987 Coppell had grown to include three elementary schools, two middle schools, and one high school. Austin Elementary was the first elementary school built with the new architectural plan that led the way for the additional seven elementary schools added over the next 10 years. Mustang pride and the school motto, ``Just for today, I will do my bestl'', are part of Austin's heritage. It has a student body comprised of a diverse mix of energetic students, parents who are supportive and involved in their children's education, and a dedicated and committed staff who do everything in their power to ensure success for all students. In honor of this special anniversary, Austin Elementary is creating a ``Thanks for the Memories'' personalized brick patio to commemorate the many teachers and families that have been a part of Austin Elementary over the past 20 years. On April 29, 2007 at 2:30 p.m., a dedication ceremony will take place and all current and former staff, students and parents are invited to share in this celebration. Madam Speaker, I am honored to have had this time to honor the 20th anniversary of Barbara S. Austin Elementary School.

Mr. MARCHANT

Mr. MARCHANT. Madam Speaker, I rise today to extend my congratulations to the Omega Environmental Technologies company. In today's corporate world, they have distinguished themselves as a thriving business that is passionate about helping others. An eighteen year old company, Omega Environmental Technologies was built from the ground up to become a multi-million dollar corporation. Founded in 1989 in Texas, the company has grown to include a worldwide customer base for their distribution of automobile air conditioner parts. Although they routinely export A/C components to 75 countries, around 75 percent of their products come from the U.S. This helps to support the American economy and has provided a welcome boost to the Dallas/Fort Worth area marketplace. Using a 65,000 square foot warehouse, the business has grown 50 percent in the last 3 years. It is no surprise that Omega Environmental Technologies has been recognized twice as one of the 100 fastest growing companies in D/FW. Although Omega Environment Technologies serves as a model to those in the business community, the life story and achievement of the company's founder and President, Grace Davis, is an example that all of us would do well to study. Born and educated in Panama, Ms. Davis strived for excellence early on, graduating from college after studying business. After time spent in the finance industry, she looked for a new challenge and attempted to get a job in the banking world. No matter her success or qualifications, Ms. Davis found only disappointment as employer after employer offered her only secretary jobs. In need of a paycheck, she eventually accepted a secretary position only to discover the grim truth of her circumstances later on. After hearing the commercial needs of clients who called the office, she approached her supervisor with a plan to improve their international sales. Regardless of her initiative, she was ignored and told to remember her place as a secretary. Grace Davis went on to leave that company and start her own international sales company. As one of her employees put it, she proved so trustworthy and talented a saleswoman that a company grew up around her. Today, she serves as a proud role model for minority women who are looking to succeed in life and the business world. For her part, she has made it a point never to discriminate against potential employees because of their nationality or primary language. Omega Environmental Technologies currently employees 14 nationalities with several of them political refugees. They also rely on Catholic Charities as a primary source for employee recruitment and last year received the accomplishment of being a certified Minority Company. I could not be more proud that Omega Environmental Technologies chooses to call the Dallas/Fort Worth area home, and I congratulate them on receiving this prestigious award.