Jon Porter

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Chairman, I thank the chairman for his offer and look forward to working with him.

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Chairman, I rise to engage the chairman in a colloquy. Mr. Chairman, it is my understanding that included in the Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Act for fiscal year 2007 is $227 million for the Office of National Drug Control Policy's High Impact Drug Trafficking Areas Program, an increase of $2.27 million over last year's enacted level; is that correct?

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Staff Sergeant Emmanuel Legaspi, who died of injuries sustained in Tal Afar, Iraq on May 7, 2006. Sergeant Legaspi had lived in the United States for only a year when he signed up with the Army. At 32, he was much older than the typical recruit. But for the native of the Philippines, military service was a opportunity to show how much he appreciated a chance at life in America. Sergeant Legaspi, who was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 36th Infantry Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 1st Armored Division, Friedberg, Germany, was injured, and later died, when his unit came under enemy small arms fire during combat operations. For his valor, Sergeant Legaspi was posthumously awarded the Purple Heart and the Bronze Star. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of Staff Sergeant Emmanuel Legaspi. Sergeant Legaspi made the ultimate sacrifice for his country while fighting the War on Terror and defending democracy and freedom.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Sergeant John Griffith, who was killed in action May 5, 2006, while trying to rescue other soldiers in the mountains east of Abad in the Kunar province of Afghanistan. Sergeant Griffith's Chinook helicopter, to which he was assigned as a door gunner, crashed and none of the 11 men aboard survived. Sergeant Griffith was in the Nevada Third Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment, 10th Mountain Division (Light Infantry). Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of Sergeant John Griffith. Sergeant Griffith made the ultimate sacrifice for his country while defending democracy and freedom.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Billie Bates, who was recently honored in Boulder City, Nevada with a mayoral proclamation naming the 13th of May Billie Bates Day. Mrs. Bates, who is now in her 94th year, was born and raised in Aldrich, Missouri. At the age of 24, while working as a school teacher, Billie met and married Russell Bates in July of 1936. In 1942, Billie, her husband, and her two children, Cornelia and Laurel Jean, moved to Boulder City, Nevada. While working on the Hoover Dam Project, Billie's husband was injured and Billie had to return to the workforce. Billie began work for the Bureau of Reclamation and became the longest serving executive secretary in the local bureau's history. She served underneath six different Hoover Dam project managers in her 30 years of employment, and retired in 1975. Upon retirement, she became a champion for women's rights. Billie, along with the late Nevada women's rights activist Jean Ford, formed a non-profit organization in 1994. In 2005, the group was responsible for getting the statue of Northern Paiute Sarah Winnemucca placed in the hall of the United States Capitol building. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Mrs. Billie Bates on the floor of the House. I commend her for her contributions to Boulder City and continued service to the women's rights movement of southern Nevada.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Law Enforcement Exchange Program, sponsored by the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs. I am proud to recognize this organization for its progress in better training law enforcement officials in the prevention of and response to terrorist attacks. Since the events of September 11, 2001, the prevention of and response to terrorism have become important aspects of law enforcement training. While American law enforcement officials have been a vital asset in the war on terrorism, they require more training in order to become more effective in their fight to prevent terrorist attacks at home. Because they have had many years of experience and have developed specialized skills in dealing with all aspects of terrorism, the Israel National Police are considered the number one police force worldwide in prevention of and response to terrorist attacks. In 2002, the Jewish Institute for National Security Affairs (JINSA) created the Law Enforcement Exchange Program (LEEP) in coordination with the Israel National Police and other Israeli agencies to help improve the training for American law enforcement officers in the counter-terrorism realm. The program consists of three core aspects: a trip to Israel for selected high-ranking law enforcement officials to learn first-hand Israeli police tactics; conferences held in the United States to reach a broader law enforcement audience; and finally, a process of dissemination, in which the practices learned are extended throughout the law enforcement community to those unable to attend conferences. This three-part program will provide immediately useful information to law enforcement officials nationwide. I am pleased to say that one such conference will be held in Las Vegas, Nevada. A reception recognizing the program will be held on June 11, 2006 at the Bellagio Hotel, and I am honored to recognize a few of the distinguished guests of this event. The current Vice President of JINSA, David Justman, will offer the welcoming remarks. Steve Pomerantz, former Assistant Director of the FBI, now serves as the Director of counter-terrorism for JINSA. In 2004, Yoram Hessel retired as Director of the Global Operations, Intelligence, and Foreign Relations Division of the Mossad, after holding the position for 4 years. ``Rolli'' is currently a Senior Officer of the Israel Security Agency, a department for which he has dutifully served 15 years. Assistant Sheriff Rod Jett of the Las Vegas Police Department, a Las Vegas native and distinguished law enforcement official, will share with us his experiences in the 2005 LEEP program and how he believes the conference will benefit the Las Vegas community. These fine men have all contributed immensely to this important issue and I am glad to have the privilege of speaking along side of them. I rise to acknowledge the hard work of these individuals and all who have participated in making LEEP a vital component of law enforcement training across America in the difficult fight against terrorism.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Debbie Dauenhauer for her outstanding service to the community of Laughlin, Nevada as a member of the Laughlin Town Advisory Board. Debbie served on the Advisory Board from 1999-2006, and served as the chairperson for 2 years. She has also served as a member of Rotary International, Kiwanis International, the Colorado Food Bank and the Close Closet Board of Directors. In 2002, Debbie was selected as the Laughlin Citizen of the Year. As a strong proponent for animal protection, Debbie has worked with numerous charities, civic organizations, and local private animal shelters. Debbie also began a campaign to place warning signs around Laughlin, to prevent people from leaving their animals in the car during the summer months. She also has helped rescue countless animals as well as homeless men and women in need of assistance in her community. Debbie was also member of the Southern Nevada Transit Coalition's Board of Directors. While representing Laughlin, she worked hard to see the coalition deliver superb bus service to the community. Debbie also initiated a move to build a truck ramp on SR 163 and Casino Drive, to prevent large trucks from having to cross the intersection in order to minimize accidents. She later became an officer of the board of directors and was appointed to the executive director position. Debbie has been a model citizen to the city of Laughlin and I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to bring attention to her remarkable benefit to the community. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Debbie Dauenhauer on the floor of the House. I commend her for her continued service to the residents of Laughlin, Nevada.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my dear friend Candy Schneider who is retiring after 33 years of service in the Clark County School District. Candy has been a teacher of art, humanities and the academically talented at the junior school level as well as a Visual Arts Administrative Specialist for grades K-12 for over three decades. During her career as an educator, Candy has served as the Assistant Director for the School-Community Partnership Program, Chairwoman of the Nevada Arts Council, and Chair of the Arts in Education. Among Candy's many achievements, she has been honored with the Nevada Educator of the Year award, the Excellence in Education Award and a National Gallery of Art State Scholarship. She is also a member of the Arts Council of Henderson and an honorary member of the Henderson Art Association. In addition, Candy has done a tremendous service to my office by coordinating the Congressional Art Contest for the Third Congressional District of Nevada. Through the years, Candy has served on a variety of local, regional, and national boards and committees including the National Art Educators Association, the National Endowment for the Arts, Nevada School for the Arts, and a host of Clark County School District committees. It is through her work with these institutions that she and I have become good friends. Candy is a lovely woman who pours all her heart and energy into expanding and enriching humanities and art-oriented programs for the children of Clark County. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Candy Schneider for her years of dedicated service to the students in the Clark County School District. Her passion for arts education has truly enriched the lives of the students, colleagues and community members who have been inspired by her over the years. I wish her the best in her retirement.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor ``Tante'' Gertrude Zahner on her 100th birthday. Gertrude was born in Stuttgart Germany on June 15, 1906. She had three brothers and was the only daughter in the Zahner family. In 1923, when Gertrude was 17 years old the family moved to the United States. Gertrude worked for a number of years at the Ford plant in Michigan. She greatly enjoyed her tenure with the company and even worked for Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ford in their home. In 1979 Gertrude's service to the Ford family ended with her retirement. Gertrude loved actively participating with her friends in the ``Women's Guild'', the ``German Society'', and the ``Card Club'' while she was living in Detroit. Every year several of the ladies in the ``Card Club'' would make a journey with her to Las Vegas, where Gertrude had a number of family members. In 1990, Gertrude moved to the greater Las Vegas area to be closer to her family. She has one nephew, Horst Maile, and a niece-in-Iaw, Elfriede Maile. Gertrude is also god- mother to Rolf and Marvin, her grand-nephews. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor ``Tante'' Gertrude Zahner on her 100th birthday. I wish her many more years of happiness with her family.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Vernon and Darlene Burk for their 55 years of marriage and for their service to the Boulder City community. Their 55 years of marriage exemplify a loving relationship. They both are hard-working, generous, compassionate, resourceful, wise and are outstanding role models for their four children, Dianna, Karen, Jackie, and Michael and six grandchildren. Vernon and Darlene's exceptional character is evident in their professional lives as well. Vern served the Clark County School District for 30 years, retiring as the Associate Superintendent of Facilities and Transportation. He now serves on the Boulder City Hospital Board. As a small business owner, Darlene ran the Burk Fine Arts Gallery for 25 years. Darlene not only participated in the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, she also served as President. During her time with the Chamber of Commerce, she was instrumental in creating the Old Town Merchants Association and was named ``Woman of the Year.'' Both Vernon and Darlene are extremely active in Bethany Baptist Church, where Vernon is on the Board of Elders and Darlene had served as treasurer. Five years ago, the Burk Horizon Academy, an alternative high school in Las Vegas, was named in their honor. They also managed the renovation of the Boulder City Dam Hotel, a historic landmark and place to be for the rich and famous during the 1930s. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Vernon and Darlene Burk on the floor of the United States House of Representatives. They are very good, personal friends of mine, and I thank them for their continued service to the State of Nevada.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Brigadier General Randall E. Sayre, who is retiring as the Commander of the Nevada Army National Guard. General Sayre has had a long and distinguished career. General Sayre earned his Commission through Army ROTC at the University of Nevada, Reno, graduating in 1975 with a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice. Over the next 2 decades, General Sayre served in a number of different capacities: his initial tour of duty was in Korea, serving as an Aviation Operations Officer; he also served tours of active duty as a pilot, commander and instructor pilot. In 1981, General Sayre was transferred to the Nevada Army National Guard, where he first served as an Evacuation Pilot with the 1150th Medical Detachment based out of Reno, and subsequently as a Section Leader, Flight Operations Officer, and Detachment Commander. General Sayre also served as Battalion Commander of the 151 Battalion, 113th Aviation, based in Reno, Nevada and as Deputy Commander, Nevada Army National Guard. In February 2003, General Sayre was appointed Commander, Nevada Army National Guard and Assistant Adjutant General for the State of Nevada. In this role, he was responsible for all policies, programs and plans for the Nevada Army National Guard. Over the course of his long career, General Sayre has also earned a number of accolades. He has been awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Army Reserve Components Achievement Medal (with 7 oak leaf clusters), and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Humanitarian Service Medal, and the Legion of Merit, along with many others. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the career of Brigadier General Randall E. Sayre. His long and illustrious record of service to his country shows that he is a true patriot and American hero. I thank him for his service and wish him the best in his retirement.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ronald and Wanda Martinson for their 25 years of marriage. Ron and Wanda are both from Minnesota and are career civil servants. Ron fIrst came to Washington in 1969 to work for Congressman John Blatnik of Minnesota, and subsequently went to work for a Congressman from Texas. After spending six years in the House of Representatives, Ron went to work for Marty Hoffman, the Sergeant of Arms for the Senate, as an Administrative Assistant for six years. Ron then accepted a position in the Executive Branch at United States General Services Administration (GSA). Toward the end of his service at GSA, Ron was detailed to Tom Davis, who was then Chairman of the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors, where he worked for three years. Following this detail, Ron retired. In 2003, after six years in retirement, Chairman Tom Davis of the House Government Reform Committee persuaded Ron to come out of retirement to be Staff Director for the Government Reform Subcommittee on Federal Workforce and Agency Organization. Wanda came to Washington in 1974 and worked as Supreme Court Justice Harry Blackmun's secretary for twenty-five years. Following her tenure at the Supreme Court, Wanda went to work at Immigration and Naturalization Service and Wanda now works for the Department of Justice. Wanda and Ron fIrst met at a bible study in Northern Virginia and began dating. Their courtship was not always ``smooth sailing''; in fact, the couple broke up two different times. In keeping with their dedication to civil service and love of the Washington, D.C. political culture, Ron proposed to Wanda in one of the House buildings one evening while returning from a political event Ron and Wanda were married on April 25, 1981 at the National Presbyterian Church in D.C. and their reception was held in the foyer of the Rayburn House Office Building. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the marriage of Ronald and Wanda Martinson. Their twenty-fIve years together is both impressive and inspiring. I wish them many more years of happiness together. I now yield the remainder of my time.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jack Porrino for his years of dedicated military service and for his commitment to serving the community. Jack was born in Italy and came to the United States when he was 8- years-old. At age 18, he became a United States Citizen. Jack enlisted in the United States Air Force in 1969, and began what was to become a distinguished career in the service of this country. He served in the Air Force from September 1969 to May 1972. He then joined the Air National Guard, where he served until October 1989. After 20 years of service, Jack retired from the Armed Services with the rank of Master Sergeant. In 1993, Jack started working as a groundskeeper at the Southern Nevada Veterans' Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City, Nevada. Within a year, he was promoted to Superintendent of the Cemetery and maintains that position to this day. As Superintendent, Jack has had an overwhelming influence on the improvement of the Cemetery. He established an aggressive fundraising effort by instituting several programs to promote donations and recruit volunteers. As a result of the programs, countless individuals have donated time and funds that enabled the Cemetery to purchase trees, benches, pavers, floral vases and other items that have improved the aesthetic value and made it easier for individuals to pay their respects to the veterans who are interred at the Cemetery. During Jack's tenure as Superintendent, the Southern Nevada Veterans' Memorial Cemetery has undergone many expansions and has become the second busiest cemetery in the Nation. As part of the expansion and improvement efforts, Jack redesigned the monument section, converted several areas to water efficient desert landscaping, and assisted in the building of the Cemetery Chapel. As the final resting place for over 20,000 of our Nation's military heroes, the Southern Nevada Veterans' Memorial Cemetery has truly become a beautiful place to honor those veterans. This is due, in no small part, to Jack Porrino's dedication to making the Cemetery the best it can be. In addition to his dedication to the Veterans' Cemetery, Jack is committed to strong family values and community involvement. He and his wife Kathleen have been married for 36 years. Together, they have three children and one grandchild. Jack coaches Little League Sports and serves on the Board of Directors in his Home Owners Association. He also teaches Bible study classes at his church for children and adults and regularly speaks to Veterans' and civilian organizations. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Jack Porrino. He has dedicated his life to serving his country and honoring America's Veterans. As a result of his leadership and advocacy, the Southern Nevada Veterans' Memorial Cemetery has become a place of dignity, honor and beauty.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the contributions of the Nevada National Guard, and I honor them today for their service to the State of Nevada and our Nation. The Nevada National Guard is comprised of 2,072 soldiers and 994 airman totaling 3,066 members. The Nevada National Guard has participated in Operations Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom, and Noble Eagle. According to the Army National Guard's Bureau of Statistics, Nevada's contributions in support of these missions ranked among the top in the nation in overall percentages during 2003 and 2004. The following seven Units of the Nevada National Guard and Air National Guard have participated in the global war on terror: 1864th Transportation Company, Kuwait/Iraq; 1/221st Cavalry, Ft. Irwin, CA; D Company, 113th Aviation, Afghanistan; Detachment 45, OSA, Kuwait; 593 Transportation Company, Iraq; 152nd Airlift Wing & 152nd Intelligence Sqdn, Iraq; 192nd Airlift Sqdn & 152nd Maintenance Sqdn, Puerto Rico. In addition to their national mission, the Nevada National Guard serves the State through a number of regional missions which include firefighting, security assistance, and natural disaster response. In August of 2005 the National Guard responded to Louisiana's call for help in the wake of Hurricanes Katrina and Rita by providing emergency management assistance, security, and evacuation assistance to the gulf coast region. The Nevada National Guard is a key player in Nevada's drug control and prevention efforts. By partnering with Federal, State, and local officials and providing intelligence gathering expertise, the Guard is helping Nevada communities win the war on drugs. Nevada's Guard continues to serve our Nation throughout the world in the global war on terror and is ready to respond at a moment's notice whenever needed. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and heartfelt gratitude that I salute the members of Nevada's National Guard and their families, and I honor them today for their service and dedication to our great Nation.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a friend of mine, Cameron Stay, a friend from Henderson, Nevada. Cameron has been an inspiration for me. We had a chance to meet recently. He experienced a tragic motorcycle accident just a few months ago. Cameron is a friend of Nevada and a friend of the country. He is a Green Valley High School graduate from Henderson, Nevada, in my district and has a college degree in criminal justice. He also was a firefighter with the BLM and with the Hotshots 777 group and worked for TAB Construction. I mention Cameron today because he is an inspiration for me as a Member of Congress. As we look at issues ranging from world peace to education to health care to children and families, Cameron has been that inspiration for his courage, his enthusiasm, and his will to live a full life. He truly represents what this country is about; and today I would like to recognize Cameron and his mother, who is here today, Denice Olson and her husband, Stan, who are in the audience, and say thank you for sharing with us your son as an inspiration for us as Members of Congress.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of James ``Jim'' Maack, who succumbed to cancer on May 4, 2006. Jim was a newspaper carrier for the Boulder City News for 24 years, starting off with a small delivery route around Lake Mead Parkway and Van Wagenen Street, he took on larger routes until he was delivering papers to stands and stores throughout the Henderson and Boulder City area. Jim was a good guy, with a great sense of humor, who always had a smile on his face. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of James ``Jim'' Maack. He was a very special man who enriched the lives of all he encountered.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Professor Hal Rothman, who has recently received the President's Medal which is the highest honor awarded by the University of Nevada Las Vegas. Professor Rothman was selected for this honor based on the recommendation of a University Committee. The honor is granted only after serious consideration of a highly select group of faculty, and awardees must have demonstrated extraordinary qualities both as teachers and scholars and must have achieved national and international recognition in their fields of study. Professor Rothman joined UNLV's department of history in 1992 and served as chair from 2002-2005. During his tenure, Professor Rothman received numerous awards for his scholarship, teaching and contributions to the academic environment in Las Vegas, including the Marjorie Barrick Distinguished Scholar Award, the Harry Reid Silver State Research Award, and the Alumni Association Distinguished Faculty Award. Professor Rothman is also a prolific author and has published numerous books and articles on a variety of topics, including tourism in the Western U.S., Las Vegas history, and the environment. He has won five prizes for his books and been named to the Nevada Writers Hall of Fame. Professor Rothman is considered one of the Nation's leading experts on tourism and post-industrial economies. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Professor Hal Rothman for his receipt of the University of Las Vegas President's Award. His demonstrated academic excellence and skillful tutelage have greatly enriched the academic caliber of the University and the quality of education for the students. I congratulate him for receiving this distinguished award and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of the Honorable Bert M. Goldwater, who died on May 3, 2006. Judge Goldwater attended schools in Reno and Stockton, California. He attended Stanford University for three years, and because of his lifelong battle with asthma, returned to the University of Nevada, Reno, where he graduated in 1936. He received his law degree from the University of Colorado in 1939, where he was the Editor of the Rocky Mountain Law Review. Judge Goldwater was admitted to the Nevada Bar in 1939 and practiced both civil and criminal law. He was later appointed the United States Bankruptcy Judge in October 1979. After retiring from the bench in 1982, he joined Lionel, Sawyer and Collins Law Firm, where he practiced private law for more than a decade. Judge Goldwater was recalled to serve as a U.S. Bankruptcy Judge by the United States Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit in October 1994, where he served until his death. Judge Goldwater was also very active in the Nevada Bar. He served as President of the Washoe County Bar Association, Secretary and Chairman of the State Board of Bar Examiners and Chairman of the National Conference of Bar Examiners. Judge Goldwater was also very passionate about education, serving as the president of the B.D. Billinghurst Junior High School P.T.A. and Chairman of the statewide Save Our Schools Committee. In the 1960's, he was appointed by the Nevada Legislature to serve as Chairman of the Citizens Committee on Taxation and Fiscal Affairs. He also served on the Nevada State Gaming Commission, the Nevada State Human Rights Commission, and was a 1964 alternate delegate to the Democratic National Convention. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of the Honorable Bert M. Goldwater. His dedication to justice and community are admirable and should serve as an example to us all. He will be greatly missed by the community.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of First Sergeant Carlos N. Saenz, who died on May 5, 2006 in Baghdad, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and defending America. Sergeant Saenz was assigned to the 490th Civil Affairs Battalion, 321st Civil Affairs Brigade, U.S. Army Reserves, died when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle. Sergeant Saenz, who resided in Las Vegas, Nevada, was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of First Sergeant Carlos N. Saenz. Sergeant Saenz made the ultimate sacrifice for his country while fighting the War on Terror and defending democracy and freedom.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Corporal Shawn T. Lasswell Jr. who died on April 23, 2006 while in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and defending America. Corporal Lasswell, who was assigned to C Troop, 7th Squadron, 10th Cavalry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division, died in Taji, Iraq when an improvised explosive device detonated near his military vehicle. Lasswell, who grew up in Alton, Illinois was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of Corporal Shawn T. Lasswell Jr. Corporal Lasswell made the ultimate sacrifice for his country while fighting the War on Terror and defending democracy and freedom.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of James Kelly, who died Saturday, May 12, 2006. James served the city of North Las Vegas for decades in a number of different capacities. He was a Justice of the Peace for 24 years, a former city council member, past President of the North Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce, and a past President of the Nevada Judges Association. James lived in North Las Vegas since 1959 and was very community-minded. He quietly led a life of public service. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of James Kelly. His long and distinguished record of public service is admirable and should serve as an example to us all. He will be greatly missed by the city of North Las Vegas.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Cameron Stay, a young man who exemplifies what it means to be a noble citizen. Cameron, who is 29 years old, was recently involved in a life changing motorcycle accident. I had the pleasure of visiting Cameron while I was in Las Vegas and can personally attest to his courage and his character. Cameron is a history buff, who graduated from Green Valley High School in 1994, and subsequently attended Community College where he earned a degree in criminal justice. His strong work ethic and commitment to the greater Boulder City community serve as an example and an inspiration. Having met Cameron, I was struck by his magnetic personality and extremely friendly demeanor. Cameron is an enthusiastic and positive individual. As the eldest son, he has set a good example for his younger brothers and has always been a positive influence. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Cameron Stay, a young man who personifies what it is to be a civically minded individual and a good man. I wish him a speedy recovery.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Captain Clayton L. Adamkavicius, who died on April 21, 2006 in Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Captain Adamkavicius, who was assigned to Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 149th Armored Brigade, 35th Infantry Division of the Army National Guard was killed by small arms fire in the Uruzghan Province in the central part of Afghanistan. He was in the process of investigating a weapons cashe when he fell. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the life of Captain Clayton L. Adamkavicius. Captain Adamkavicius made the ultimate sacrifice for his country while fighting the War on Terror and defending democracy and freedom.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. William F. Harvey who donates his optometric services to the Paiute Tribe Health Services, and the Las Vegas Blind Center. Dr. William F. Harvey was born in Las Vegas, Nevada, on November 2, 1948. Dr. Harvey attended Western High School in 1967 before finishing his undergraduate education at Brigham Young University in 1972. Dr. Harvey graduated at the top of his class at Illinois College of Optometry in 1976 and moved back to Las Vegas to start his private practice. Dr. Harvey works hard in his private practice and is a devout husband, father of three, and grandfather of six; however, he still reserves time to serve the community. Since 1993 Dr. Harvey has donated his time to the Las Vegas Blind Center and continues to serve the Paiute Tribe Health and Human Services, giving their patients free optometric care. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Dr. William F. Harvey on the floor of the House. I commend him for his continued service to the residents of southern Nevada.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Patty Sue Hutchinson to celebrate the anniversary of the McFadden Insurance Agency, which she started 25 years ago. Patty Hutchinson was born on March 25, 1933 in Springfield, Missouri. After graduating as Valedictorian of her high school in 1950, she started in the insurance business the very next week. Her first time out of her small town she had no formal education on the insurance business she received on the job training due to the lack of insurance education classes at the time. In 1952, she married Bob Hutchinson, and due to his Air Force career they were transferred first to Anchorage, Alaska then to Nellis Air Force Base in Las Vegas, NV. Patty worked for various independent agents and adjustors after moving to Las Vegas. After the birth of her first child she went to work for Farmers Insurance Company when they opened their first claims office in Las Vegas. When her second child was born she decided to work part time for Key Adjustment Company. When deciding to return to full time employment Patty returned to work for Peccole Insurance Agency. In 1960, she was rehired at Key Adjustment Company. In 1966 she was requested by a former Key Adjustment Employer, to move with him to Horsey Insurance Agency as an office manager and commercial underwriter. In 1979, she took insurance courses, receiving her Certificate for General Principles of Insurance from the Insurance Institute of America. She soon after took the State test and became an agent. Patty then joined with John McFadden opening McFadden Insurance as a 50 percent partner in 1981. Her commendations include: the Insurance Women's Association of Las Vegas' Woman of the Year, President of the Nevada Independent Insurance Agents from 1983-84, Education Chairperson for the Nevada Independent Insurance Agents, the Nevada Insurance Education Foundation Trustee, and was the first woman to go through the chairs and serve as President of the Independent Insurance Agent's of Southern Nevada. Patty has received many awards with the Nevada Independent Insurance Agents, and most recently in 1996 was Insurance Person of the Year for the University of Nevada Las Vegas's Institute for Insurance and Risk Management. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Patty Sue Hutchinson for her years of service and her many successes in the insurance industry.