Harry Mitchell

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a member of the Armed Forces from my home state of Arizona. Every month, Scottsdale Healthcare honors military personnel who perform diligent service to this country. Scottsdale Healthcare has recognized U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Tim Copeland for the month of February. I commend Scottsdale Healthcare for paying tribute to such an outstanding service member for his bravery and service to our country. Copeland has served as an Information Systems Operator and Analyst for the Army since 1992. He has been deployed twice to Kuwait and is currently deployed for a two-year tour at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait. During his service Copeland has received numerous awards, all of which serve as a tribute to his honorable character. He has received the Presidential Service Badge, two Joint Meritorious Unit Awards, a Joint Service Commendation medal, two Army Commendation medals and seven Army Achievement medals. Staff Sergeant Copeland is the brother of Clare Copeland, who works in the Emergency Department Admitting Office at Scottsdale Healthcare. Clare is an avid supporter of the military partnership training program. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing the inspiring efforts of this courageous citizen who is serving our country and protecting the lives of his fellow service men and women in combat.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the fifth annual Dialysis Awareness Walk taking place Sunday, March 7, 2010. The Sunset Kiwanis Club of Fountain Hills and DaVita Patient Citizen's Group has organized this wonderful and exciting event. I would particularly like to honor Edward Stizza for his efforts coordinating this annual event, and for his tremendous commitment to educating the community about Chronic Kidney Disease and End Stage renal disease. The proceeds from the walk will benefit the Dialysis Patient Citizens Group, a non-profit organization that provides education for dialysis patients and their families. Additionally, the walk provides an invaluable forum for organizations to answer questions and provide pertinent information regarding diabetes, kidney dialysis, nutrition and organ transplants. More than 20 million Americans have chronic kidney disease, which if left untreated can lead to End Stage Renal Disease. However, with the help of individuals like Mr. Stizza, and particularly his work organizing the Dialysis Awareness Walk, we can raise the public awareness of this debilitating disease and the plight of the more than 400,000 Americans who rely on kidney dialysis today. Madam Speaker, please join me in applauding the fifth annual Dialysis Awareness Walk. I am confident that this event will do much to increase support and funding for those whose lives are intimately affected by chronic kidney disease.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Scottsdale's Little Red Schoolhouse. The schoolhouse has been a prominent pillar within the Scottsdale community since its beginnings and an important historic marker of how far the city has developed. Since its construction in 1910, the schoolhouse has continuously evolved to match the needs of a flourishing community. Originally designed as a school for eight students, the schoolhouse now serves as a historical museum under the leadership of the Scottsdale Historical Society. Over its many years, it has also served as a polling place, a Sunday school, a county court office and as Scottsdale's Town Hall. The schoolhouse fostered the growth of the community and symbolizes Scottsdale's continued prosperity. I am confident that the schoolhouse will continue to thrive and serve Scottsdale for the next 100 years. Madam Speaker, please join me in commemorating Scottsdale's Little Red Schoolhouse, and expressing gratitude to all of the volunteers and advocates of historical preservation who have made this special celebration possible.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor William ``Bill'' Kajikawa, a legendary former football, basketball and baseball coach at Arizona State University, who passed away Monday, February 15. Kajikawa began coaching at Arizona State in 1937 and retired after close to 40 years of dedicated service. Kajikawa served as head basketball coach from 1948 to 1957 and was head coach of ASU's club baseball team from 1947 to 1957. Additionally, Kajikawa worked as the freshman football coach under nine ASU head football coaches. Kajikawa took his only break from ASU during World War II, where he served with distinction in the Army's 442nd Regimental Combat Team. The 442nd was manned entirely by Japanese Americans and was the Army's most decorated combat unit. Kajikawa has been recognized on numerous occasions for his tremendous accomplishments. In 1995, Arizona State University honored Kajikawa in a ceremony that named the Sun Devil football practice field The Bill Kajikawa Practice Facility. He was inducted into the Arizona Basketball Hall of Fame in 1968 and the ASU Hall of Distinction in 1982. Moreover, the American Legion selected him in 1976 for the Americanism Award to applaud his service to young people. A true Sun Devil, Kajikawa possessed an enthusiastic personality that inspired student athletes to excel. He will long be remembered and honored for his strong leadership and passion for athletics. I am privileged to have known Coach Kajikawa and his wonderful family, and to have had the opportunity to represent such an incredible mentor. Please join me, Madam Speaker, in remembering his distinguished legacy.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the many contributions that the Mekong Plaza has made to the City of Mesa and surrounding communities. In just over a year since its Grand Opening, Mekong Plaza has proven to be a distinctive and uniquely wonderful element of Mesa's community. The grocery story and many shops and restaurants serve as a window into the Southeast Asian culture, showcasing Vietnamese food, clothing, culture and hospitality. I especially want to recognize that, this year, all of the proceeds from Mekong Plaza's annual Vietnamese Tet New Year Celebration--the largest such event in Arizona--will be donated to provide services to the needy and to assist public safety through the non-profit CARE Partnership and the Mesa Public Safety Foundation. I am truly privileged to represent such a strong cultural fixture in our district and will continue to treasure the plaza's addition to Mesa's diversity. As many in the Vietnamese community decorate their homes with flowers and share special cuisine to start the New Year, I am honored to share in their celebration. Again, I am proud to serve the Mekong Plaza and am eager to see its continued success and growth. I urge you, Madam Speaker, to join me in rising to congratulate the tenants and management team at Mekong Plaza for their tremendous service and contributions to Mesa and the surrounding community.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to once again urge my colleagues to cosponsor H.R. 4255, Stop the Automatic Pay Raise for Members of Congress in Fiscal Year 2011 Act. Representative Ron Paul and I introduced a bipartisan bill which has 117 cosponsors, because we think that at a time like this, it is simply unconscionable for Members to be seeking a pay raise. Unless Congress acts, that is precisely what will happen. Americans are struggling. They're not getting a pay raise and neither should Congress. President Obama has frozen pay for senior White House officials. Chief Justice Roberts recently announced that he is not seeking a salary increase for Federal judges this year. Congress should follow suit. We hear an awful lot about fiscal discipline in this Chamber. We talk the talk. Mr. Speaker, it is past time for us to walk the walk. I urge my colleagues to do the right thing by cosponsoring H.R. 4255 and stop Congress from getting a pay raise.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to applaud the tireless work of Arizona State Senator Carolyn Allen on behalf of women's reproductive rights. This week, Planned Parenthood will honor Senator Allen's commitment to ensuring all Arizona women have the right to seek reproductive services. In her 16 years of public service at the Arizona Legislature, Senator Allen has continuously displayed tenacity in promoting women's rights. Despite facing loud opposition and political pressure, Senator Allen has never shied away from separating from party lines to support reproductive freedom. A staunch believer in woman's right to choose, Senator Allen opposed legislation that would hinder a woman's ability to seek these vital services. Again and again, Senator Allen stood up against her party and stood with the women of Arizona. Her unwavering dedication has earned Senator Allen the respect and admiration of many of her peers. As the quest for reproductive freedom continues, Senator Allen's exhaustive efforts remind us of all the dedicated individuals who diligently work behind the scenes to promote and protect a woman's right to choose. I am humbled to have such a charismatic advocate as a colleague and a friend. Madam Speaker, please join me once more in congratulating Senator Carolyn Allen as she is honored with this well-deserved recognition.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Maryanne Weiss, on being named ``Woman of the Year'' by the National Bank of Arizona Women's Financial Group. This prestigious honor is given to women in business whose contributions and leadership positively influence our community. Ms. Weiss is deeply involved with promoting strong business values in the Valley. In 2008, she was named the first woman Chair of Greater Phoenix SCORE. Additionally, Maryanne is a Skills Commissioner for the Arizona Department of Education. Through these platforms, she serves as a positive mentor for Valley women, helping them reach their full leadership potential. In creating the foundation for business women to thrive, Maryanne has become a shining example of true community service. Her dedication to connecting women with the resources necessary to grow their businesses should serve as an inspiration to us all. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Maryanne Weiss as she is honored with this well-deserved ``Woman of the Year'' award.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a member of the Armed Forces from my home state of Arizona. Each month, Scottsdale Healthcare recognizes service members who perform diligent service to our country. Scottsdale Healthcare has recognized Captain Joseph A. Iannitti for the month of January. I commend Scottsdale Healthcare for paying tribute to such an exceptional service member for his bravery and service to our country. Captain Joseph A. Iannitti is the son of Susan Iannitti who has worked for Scottsdale Healthcare for 23 years and is currently the Supervisor of Registration. Captain Iannitti has served in the Army for nine years and is currently the Executive Officer for the 286th Signal Company, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade at Fort Bliss, Texas. Next month, he will deploy to Kuwait where he will be serving a one year tour of duty as a Communications Officer for the 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade. During his service Joseph has received numerous awards, all of which serve as a tribute to his honorable character. He was awarded two commendation medals, an achievement medal, good conduct medal, national defense service medal, reserve mobilization medal and a global war of terrorism service medal. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing this courageous service member for his outstanding contributions and service to our country.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a member of the Armed Forces from my home state of Arizona. Each month, Scottsdale Healthcare recognizes service members who perform diligent service to this country. Scottsdale Healthcare has recognized Captain Joseph A. Iannitti for the month of January. I commend Scottsdale Healthcare for paying tribute to such an exceptional service member for his bravery and service to our country. Captain Joseph A. Iannitti has served in the Army for nine years and is currently the Executive Officer for the 286th Signal Company, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade at Fort Bliss, Texas. Next month, he will deploy to Kuwait as a communications officer. During his service Joseph has received numerous awards. He was awarded two commendation medals, an achievement medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Reserve Mobilization Medal and a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing this courageous service member for his outstanding contributions while serving our country.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, my colleague, Dr. Ron Paul, and I have once again introduced legislation to stop Members of Congress from receiving the next scheduled automatic pay raise. Earlier this year, we introduced legislation to block the fiscal year 2010 pay raise, and we were joined by a bipartisan coalition of more than 100 of our colleagues in the process. Thanks to their help, as well as that of our leadership, the fiscal year 2010 pay raise was blocked. With unemployment so high and so many families struggling to make ends meet, we believe that it would be wrong for Congress to now raise its own pay in fiscal year 2011. Right now, we need our focus to be on getting people back to work, shoring up the economy, and keeping our families and communities safe, not on giving ourselves a pay raise. The American people are not getting a raise. Neither should Congress. I encourage my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to do the same and join Dr. Ron Paul and me in stopping the next automatic pay raise from taking effect by supporting H.R. 4255, the Stop the Automatic Pay Raise for Members of Congress in Fiscal Year 2011 Act.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a member of the Armed Forces from my home state of Arizona. Each month, Scottsdale Healthcare honors servicemembers who perform diligent service to this country. For the month of December, they have recognized retired Master Sergeant Roger Cowart. I commend Scottsdale Healthcare for paying tribute to such an outstanding servicemember for his bravery and service to our country. Mr. Cowart served more than 25 years as a medic in the United States Air Force. He distinguished himself in the performance of outstanding service to the United States in numerous duties, culminating as Flight Chief, Pediatrics, 48th Medical Operations Squadron, 48th Medical Group, 48th Fighter Wing, and Royal Air Force Lakenheath, England. As an Independent Duty Medical Technician, he provided medical care and practitioner mentoring in the most austere conditions. He is now a member of Scottsdale Healthcare's prestigious Military Training Partnership Team. As the technician for the high-tech simulation lab, he expertly uses his military and medical experience to create realistic trauma training scenarios. This training gives military medical personnel an excellent idea of what to expect when deployed to a war zone and ensures that the men and women who accept the call to duty receive the best care possible. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing this Airman's outstanding contributions and for serving our country and protecting the lives of his fellow service men and women.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Dennis K. Burke on his investiture as the United States Attorney for the District of Arizona. I have had the honor of knowing and working with Dennis for many years on numerous issues. I have supreme confidence that his long and distinguished law enforcement career and record of public service will serve Arizona's 8 million residents extremely well as he faces his newest and most important challenge. Most recently, Dennis held one of the most important behind-the- scenes roles in Arizona state government as Chief of Staff for Governor Janet Napolitano. He also assisted Napolitano in her transition to Secretary of Homeland Security, serving as a senior advisor. He also worked in the Arizona Attorney General's Office and as an Assistant U.S. Attorney in the District of Arizona, where he prosecuted drug trafficking cases and organized crime. In addition, Dennis has served in the Department of Justice, as a staff member on the Senate Judiciary Committee and at the White House. Because of this truly impressive record of accomplishment and service, I was elated when President Barack Obama nominated Dennis earlier this year. Madame Speaker, please join me in congratulating Dennis Burke and wishing him well as he takes on the challenge of leading the District of Arizona as its newest U.S. Attorney.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the State of Arizona's gift to the U.S. Capitol and to the American people. The Capitol Christmas Tree has been a tradition at the United States Capitol since 1964. This is the first time that Arizona has gifted the Capitol Christmas tree, and it is also the tallest ever. On December 8th, 2009, this majestic 85-foot Blue spruce, originally harvested from the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests in Eastern Arizona, was unveiled on the west lawn of the United States Capitol. The Capitol Christmas Tree, also known as ``The People's Tree,'' is decorated with more than 6,000 holiday ornaments made by Arizona's school children. These ornaments were made from recycled materials and were made specially to survive the winter elements of this colder Washington climate. The tree's journey to the United States Capitol began when it was cut down on November 7th, and embarked on a 10-day tour of Arizona, during which the tree stopped in 28 of our communities. The tree eventually travelled over 4,600 miles before arriving at its final destination in Washington, D.C., but before arriving, it stopped at cities across the nation so that thousands of Americans could marvel at the seven-story, 9,000-pound spruce. Moving such a large tree for so great a distance was a challenge, and was successful due to the efforts of Harry Baker and his crew from Southwest Industrial Rigging. Madam Speaker, please join me in thanking the U.S. Forest Service, and especially the employees of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, for their devotion to this wonderful project. These employees gave up their Thanksgiving holiday with their families to assist with the transportation of the tree to Washington, D.C. I would especially like to thank Rick Davalos, the District Manager of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests, and Jim Payne, the Forest Service's Public Affairs Officer, who headed up this extensive project. And lastly, I would like to commend the Steering Committee of the Capitol Christmas Tree 2009 Project, and the project's many volunteers, for their time and hard work.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Bradley Garr, a young Eagle Scout from my district, for his inspiring and conscientious efforts to protect Arizona's fragile Sonoran Desert. Bradley, an 8th grader at Copper Ridge Middle School in Scottsdale, recently developed and led a day-long conservation effort to remove and relocate cacti and other delicate desert plants along a major power line corridor. The plants would otherwise be destroyed to provide maintenance access to the lines. Bradley first built a partnership between the Boy Scouts, the McDowell Sonoran Conservancy, Arizona Public Service and the City of Scottsdale. He then led a team of more than 50 volunteers to complete the work. This was Bradley's fourth major conservation project completed as part of his Eagle Scout responsibilities. In addition, Bradley is also a past winner of the Boy Scouts Medal of Heroism for helping his father, Bill Garr, pull a woman from a wrecked and burning vehicle two years ago. For his outstanding conservation and environmental efforts, the Boy Scouts of America have nominated Bradley for the prestigious Silver Hornaday Medal. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating Bradley on these outstanding accomplishments and in wishing him well in his future endeavors.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate John ``Hut'' Hutson, William C. Jenkins, David F. Lucier, Peter Martinez, Pat Chorpenning, Joan E. Sisco and Carl G. Schneider, the Class of 2009 inductees to the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame. These citizens are recognized for their exemplary service for our country. For both bravely serving our country and inspiring those outside their military service, 19 Arizona residents were selected to be part of the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame. In a state boasting more than 600,000 veterans, I am truly honored to represent five of this year's recipients. The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society annually rewards and honors veterans for their continued service to the community. Each recipient of the prestigious award is personally selected by the Office of Governor Jan Brewer in partnership with the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services. These veterans represent the courage and patriotism that is so revered by many Americans. It is people like this that I am continuously thinking of and am proud to serve. As members of the Hall of Fame Society, I am sure these veterans will carry on inspiring and serving our community. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognition of John ``Hut'' Hutson, William C. Jenkins, David F. Lucier, Peter Martinez, Pat Chorpenning, Joan E. Sisco and Carl G. Schneider's exceptional service.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3791, the Fire Grants Reauthorization Act of 2009. Firefighters are often the first and the last to leave an emergency scene. Whether it's putting out a house fire or wildfire or responding to terrorist attacks or a car accident, we depend upon firefighters every day. But firefighters also depend on us. They depend on the public and their elected officials to make sure they have the resources, equipment, and training they need for their jobs. Without those tools, we put them and all of us at unnecessary risk. H.R. 3791 reauthorizes the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program, or AFG, and the Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response program, or SAFER. This bill also makes several key improvements to those programs to assist the cities and towns in Arizona and across the country which are facing major budget shortfalls and cuts in services. Since the AFG program was established in 2000, this program has provided more than $5 billion directly to fire departments through competitive award grants. These FIRE grants have also provided critical support to Arizona's fire departments. Between 2005 and 2008, Arizona received 165 AFG grants for a total of approximately $22.5 million. These grants are made available to local fire departments to purchase response equipment, training, and fire trucks. The AFG program also supports fire prevention and safety grants, which are used for smoke detectors, fire prevention education, and research to reduce the causes of fire-related injuries and death. The SAFER program provides competitively awarded funds for the hiring, recruiting, and retention of firefighting personnel. Over the past 4 years, this program has provided nearly $700 million to local fire departments nationally, and Arizona has received 26 SAFER grants for a total of approximately $16 million. This funding is especially critical during these difficult economic times. Based on testimony that the Science and Technology Committee heard from fire service representatives, H.R. 3791 makes several key improvements to this legislation. First of all, this bill will change the matching requirements to enable fire departments with the greatest need to take advantage of the programs. The bill sets the matching requirement for the Assistance to Firefighters Grant program from 20 percent to 10 percent, with fire departments serving populations under 20,000 paying a 5 percent match. This greatly benefits rural and less urban areas. H.R. 3791 also modifies the matching requirements for the SAFER program. Based on the recommendations of fire service organizations, reflecting the hardships faced by our State and local governments, SAFER will require instead a 20 percent match for each of 3 years. This bill also gives the administrator the authority to waive the matching requirements for both programs in case of exceptional economic hardship. Such waivers may also be given for the programs' budget maintenance requirements and SAFER provisions that restrict the funding to hiring only additional firefighters, rather than retaining current firefighters. This is a necessary step at a time when fire departments in many areas of the country are confronted with the prospect of laying off firefighters. This bill is the result of a consensus among the fire service organizations, including the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Association of Fire Fighters, the National Fire Protection Association, the National Volunteer Fire Council, and the Congressional Fire Services Institute. I would like to take a moment to thank Chairman Gordon, Chairman Wu, and the Science and Technology Committee for their tireless work on this legislation. In particular, I would like to thank Meghan Housewright, Mike Quear, Louis Finkel, and Lori Pepper for their hard work. I would also like to thank the majority leader, Mr. Hoyer, and Congressman Pascrell for their leadership on this important issue. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation that provides vital resources to our Nation's firefighters. During these tough economic times, this support is crucial to our public safety.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, as the holiday shopping season approaches, I want to urge my colleagues to consider the benefits of buying local, and join me in sharing your support for strengthening our local economies, creating local jobs, and ensuring local, sustainable economic development in our communities. Buying locally strengthens the viability and competitiveness of local businesses. For every $100 in consumer spending, the total local economic impact is only $13 when goods and services are purchased at a national chain store. The same amount spent with a local merchant, small business, or retailer yields more than three times the local impact, nearly $45 for every $100 spent. Buying locally benefits small businesses, retailers and merchants who maintain a healthy and competitive marketplace for goods and services. Doing so ensures choice, diversity and competition in the marketplace for goods and services. Moreover, as a former Mayor, I know that buying locally from independent businesses raises the standard of living in local neighborhoods because they take their profits and buy products and services from other local businesses in the area. As a result, local jobs are created in the community and the unique character of our neighborhoods and towns is preserved. I want to recognize the work of Local Arizona First, a non-profit organization consisting of independent businesses, in making Arizona communities aware of the economic impact independent businesses have on local economies. Their mission is to promote, support, and celebrate a vibrant and sustainable Arizona economy by educating citizens about local business ownership, social equity, cultural diversity, environmental kinship, and collaboration. On Friday, November 27, 2009, Local Arizona First will be launching their ``Buy Local Week'' in Arizona. I applaud their work and wholeheartedly support their efforts in showcasing the economic benefits of buying locally in our community.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, I rise today on behalf of H.R. 3360, the Cruise Vessel Security and Safety Act of 2009. This is important legislation that will significantly improve the safety and security of cruise passengers. A Senate version of this bill has earned committee approval earlier this year, and in October, the House overwhelmingly approved this measure by a bipartisan vote of 385-11, as part of the Coast Guard Reauthorization Act of 2010. The bill will bring many of the same, commonsense security measures to cruise ships that a lot of us take for granted in major hotels-- things like latches and peep holes for guest rooms and video surveillance to document criminal activity. In addition, the bill will ensure that cruise ships are equipped to provide emergency assistance to victims of sexual assaults. Finally, and perhaps most significantly, the bill will require that serious criminal incidents on board are reported to the proper authorities. I want to thank Representative Doris Matsui for her leadership on this legislation. I also want to thank Kendall Carver, an Arizonan whose tireless efforts on this issue have been truly incredible. As many of you know, in 2004, Ken's daughter, Merrian, mysteriously and tragically disappeared aboard a cruise to Alaska. And, as the Arizona Republic recently reported, ``Instead of reporting her absence, the ship's staffers packed up her belongings and cleaned up her cabin. They did nothing for five weeks and only filed a missing-persons report with the FBI after being questioned by a private detective.'' This is not just wrong--it's beyond wrong. Cruise passengers deserve better. Their families deserve better. That's why I want to encourage my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Mesa Fire Department Volunteer Corps for winning the 2009 Award of Excellence. Sponsored by the International Fire Service Training Association, this award recognizes the department's outstanding performance in delivering fire and emergency services. The Mesa Fire Department created the Volunteer Corps in 1998 in order to better connect residents to vital community services after recognizing a gap in their own service. After emergency personnel responded to an initial 9-1-1 call and left the scene, residents were often unaware of further resources available to them. What began as a small cadre of 10 committed volunteers has since grown into a far- reaching program of 130 volunteers responding to over 3,800 calls every year. The Volunteer Corps is made up of several programs which provide services such as emergency scene transport, grief support, and home safety inspections. In 2008, the Corps provided 29,000 hours of service and saved the community $585,599. Particularly during these tough economic times, it is heartening to see so many members of our community devoting their time and energy toward serving one another. I think these volunteers should be proud of what they have accomplished, and know that we are all grateful for their service.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding member of the Armed Forces from my home state of Arizona. Each month, Scottsdale Healthcare honors military personnel who perform exceptionally in the medical field in defense of our country. Scottsdale Healthcare has recognized Major Nancy J. Johnson for the month of November. I commend Scottsdale Healthcare for paying tribute to Major Johnson for her life-saving expertise and honorable service to our country. Major Johnson distinguished herself through her outstanding performance as a Chief Nurse in Qatar. She led her team and provided superior medical support to more than 8,000 deployed military members. Her clinical expertise and management skills guaranteed expeditious transport of critically wounded soldiers to higher levels of care that saved lives, limbs and eyesight. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing this courageous Air Force Nurse Corps leader for serving our country and protecting the lives of her fellow service men and women in combat.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Don Brandt, who was recently named Utility CEO of the Year by the Solar Electric Power Association. This award honors Don's exemplary leadership and the outstanding progress the Arizona Public Service Company has made under his guidance. Don has spent more than 25 years in the electric power industry, most recently as the Chairman and CEO of APS's parent company, Pinnacle West Capital Corporation. Under his leadership, APS has undertaken significant solar initiatives including the construction of Solana, which will be the world's largest solar plant near Gila Bend, Arizona. At the same, APS has committed to invest $500 million to develop 100 megawatts of utility-owned solar generation, and created the Community Power Project, a pilot program to install solar panels on customer homes with no upfront cost. Don also partnered with the National Park Service to power the Grand Canyon Visitors Center with solar panels. According to Solar Electric Power Association Executive Director Julia Hamm, ``Don Brandt has positioned APS to take full advantage of Arizona's most abundant natural resource, the sun. APS is creating viable business models around solar energy that not only push the envelope but also push our industry forward.'' Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Don Brandt's contributions to making Arizona the solar capital of the world, and congratulating him on this prestigious award.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Arte Moreno, who has been honored by the Tempe Community Council with this year's Guiding Light Philanthropy Award. The Tempe Community Council seeks to recognize individuals who have a direct impact on the success of Tempe programs and services through generous financial support, and Arte's contributions to the community have been outstanding. As a lifelong resident and former mayor of Tempe, I am incredibly proud of Arte's incredibly generous gift to the Tempe Community Foundation, which will create positive and dramatic impacts now and for generations to come. Arte is also the founder of the Moreno Family Foundation, which is dedicated to supporting non-profit organizations in the area. Through the foundation, Arte has made significant contributions to many notable organizations, such as the American Heart Association, the Heard Museum, the Society of St. Vincent De Paul to name only a few. In addition to Arte's inspiring philanthropic efforts, he has become a towering figure in the world of sports as the owner of the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim baseball team, which conducts its spring training in Tempe, and which has won the American League Western Division championship in 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, and 2009. Through the kind gifts of Arte Moreno, Tempe is a more prosperous and successful city to benefit all of its residents. Madam Speaker, I hope you will join me in recognizing Arte's remarkable benevolence and goodwill towards his community.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate John ``Hut'' Hutson, William C. Jenkins, David F. Lucier, Peter Martinez, Pat Chorpenning and Carl G. Schneider, the Class of 2009 inductees to the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame. These citizens are recognized for their exemplary service for our country. For both bravely serving our country and inspiring those outside their military service, 19 Arizona residents were selected to be part of the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame. In a state boasting more than 600,000 veterans, I am truly honored to represent five of this year's recipients. The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society annually rewards and honors veterans for their continued service to the community. Each recipient of the prestigious award is personally selected by the Office of Governor Jan Brewer in partnership with the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services. These veterans represent the courage and patriotism that is so revered by many Americans. It is people like this that I am continuously thinking of and am proud to serve. As members of the Hall of Fame Society, I am sure these veterans will carry on inspiring and serving our community. Madam Speaker, please join me in recognition of John ``Hut'' Hutson, William C. Jenkins, David F. Lucier, Peter Martinez, Pat Chorpenning and Carl G. Schneider's exceptional service.

Mr. MITCHELL

Mr. MITCHELL. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Susan ``Sue'' Ringler, who has been named as the 2009 Humanitarian of the Year by the Tempe Community Council. The Tempe Community Council was founded in 1972 with the mission of ``connecting those in need with those who care,'' and has been honoring exceptional individuals with the Don Carlos Humanitarian Award for the past 26 years. Sue exemplifies the definition of a humanitarian, and is incredibly deserving of this award. Sue has worked to serve her community and the city of Tempe in numerous and incredible ways. Currently a faculty associate with Arizona State University's School of Nursing and Healthcare Innovation at the West Campus, Sue is also the pastor of Guardian Angels Catholic Community. In the past, Sue was the manager of Paz de Cristo food kitchen in Mesa when it began in 1988, and worked to make sure that this kitchen had a permanent location to feed the homeless. Sue also served as manager of Ten Thousand Villages, a non-profit fair trade shop that sells crafts made in third world countries and sends the profits directly back to the artists. Sue also played a critical role in the development of both the Interfaith Hospitality Emergency Lodging Program and Tempe Homeless Connect. Sue has contributed so much to the Tempe community with her unwavering devotion to helping the homeless and those in need. She is a role model for our community, and demonstrates what it truly means to be a humanitarian. Please join me, Madame Speaker, in congratulating Sue for receiving the Don Carlos Humanitarian Award, and for recognizing all of her past achievements.