Jon Porter

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rev. Robert Miller. Reverend Miller, a 4-year resident of Las Vegas, is a Vietnam veteran who works tirelessly to serve homeless veterans with a unique need, that need being that they need someone to give them a proper burial. Reverend Miller's interest in helping homeless veterans started about 23 years ago, when he was living in Detroit. He was shopping at a produce market when a homeless man asked him for 50 cents. When he gave the man some money he looked strangely familiar. The two realized that they had served together in Vietnam. Reverend Miller bought the man breakfast and quickly became involved with feeding homeless veterans through various organizations in Michigan. When he moved to Las Vegas he continued this work. About 2 years ago Reverend Miller started volunteering his time to conduct services for homeless and indigent veterans who are buried at the Southern Nevada Memorial Veterans Cemetery. He believes that all homeless veterans deserve to be laid to rest with respect and with the same honors that other veterans receive. About 1,650 veterans a year are buried at the cemetery. Most of the time, the service includes grieving families mourning their loss. But each year, about 120 homeless veterans are also buried there, and rarely does a family member attend. Reverend Miller, the chaplain for the Vietnam Veterans of America, Chapter 17, conducts services, and an honor guard is provided by the appropriate service branch. At the age of 57, Reverend Miller is not the only one to provide this greatly needed final farewell. But when he started handling the services 2 years ago, he was one of the most frequent unpaid volunteers conducting services. He drives 60 miles round trip from his home to the cemetery and often performs services for more than one veteran a day. On January 31st, he held services for six homeless veterans, only one of which had any family there to attend. Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege to honor Rev. Robert Miller on the floor of the House, today. He stands as an example to all of us by helping those who cannot help themselves. I commend him for his selfless acts of service.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Toni and Victor Chaltiel, who will be recognized this Sunday at the Milton I. Schwartz Hebrew Academy Annual Gala in Las Vegas, by receiving the First Dr. Miriam & Sheldon G. Adelson In Pursuit of Excellence Award. Longtime philanthropists and community volunteers, Toni and Victor Chaltiel are enormously active in Nevada's education, art and community outreach programs. Founder, chairman and CEO of Health Dad Insights, Inc., Mr. Chaltiel has 35 years of experience as an executive in the health care industry including 10 years as chairman and CEO of NASDAQ and NYSE publicly listed companies. He also currently serves as founder and chairman of RedHills Ventures LLC, a venture capital group focusing in claims integrity and market-driven health care. Born in Tunis, Tunisia, Mr. Chaltiel is a graduate of the Ecole Superieure Des Sciences Economiques et Commercials in Paris, France, and the Harvard Business School and actively supports the United Way, AIPAC, and ADL; he also serves as a member of the Board of Directors of the Nevada Ballet Theater and as chairman of the Board of Trustees of the Milton I. Schwartz Hebrew Academy. Mrs. Chaltiel is the cofounder and manager of RedHills Ventures LLC and was president of Total Insurance and Planning Corporation in Torrance, CA. A native of Dublin, Ireland, Mrs. Chaltiel graduated from Dublin City University and the Institute of Personnel Management in Dublin. She is active in several community and not-for-profit organizations, including the United Way, and serves on the Board of Directors of both the Nevada Ballet Theatre and the Jewish Community Center of Southern Nevada. The Chaltiels have three children, Oscar, Maxime, and Sarah, all of whom attend the Milton I. Schwartz Hebrew Academy. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Toni and Victor Chaltiel. I commend them for their services to Southern Nevada.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Rev. Patricia Spearman for an exemplary life dedicated to God and community. Patricia was born in Indianapolis, and spent much of her childhood traveling throughout the Midwest and South with her evangelist mother. They spent a week or so at a time at different churches and between her eighth grade year and second semester of her junior year she attended over 200 schools. Traveling so much fostered in her a curiosity of people and the roads they travel and gave her a healthy respect for human diversity. After 16 years, Patricia was tired of traveling and decided to finish high school in Kansas City, MO. She supported herself with after-school jobs and later, took her first pastorate in a small Kansas City church. After graduation, Patricia attended college in Dallas on a band scholarship for 1 year, and then transferred to Norfolk State University in Virginia on an academic scholarship. She majored in political science, planning on a career as a minister and attorney. Then, during her freshman year, Patricia enrolled in Reserve Officers Training Corps to fulfill a physical education requirement. She did so well, that during her sophomore year she committed to serving 2 years' active duty in the Army after college, followed by 4 more years in the Army Reserves. She served with the military police in South Korea, advancing through the ranks until leaving active duty in 1983 as a lieutenant colonel. Since then, as a reservist, Patricia has been recalled to active duty several times, and last fall completed a 30- month deployment working in counterterrorism at the Pentagon. From the days of that first posting in South Korea, Patricia continued working in ministry, sometimes unofficially, often under the auspices of overworked but grateful chaplains. Now she brings to Las Vegas skills learned during a lifetime of serving churches, working in campus ministry at the University of Louisville in Kentucky and serving as school board president in Texas. Last November, Rev. Patricia Spearman was named pastor of the Las Vegas's Covenant United Methodist Fellowship. While she has traveled extensively in her lifetime, she arrives in Las Vegas with the conviction that this is exactly where she's supposed to be. At the age of 50 she uses her experience to segue seamlessly from a story about everyday life into a Bible story. And in a time when many people segregate to worship Patricia holds firm to the idea that diversity is also one of God's creations and it must be celebrated. Anyone and everyone is welcome to attend her sermons and the average crowd that gathers to hear her words attests to Patricia's love of diversity. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Rev. Patricia Spearman on the floor of the House today.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Boulder Dam Hotel Association for their work in preserving the Boulder Dam Hotel. The Boulder Dam Hotel is an historic building constructed in 1933 located in Boulder City, Nevada. The building is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and stands in the center of the nationally registered historic district of Boulder City. By 1934 the hotel was accommodating a steady clientele which included Hollywood celebrities, politicians, European aristocrats and Far Eastern royalty. The hotel gained a worldwide reputation, and as a result there were not enough rooms to accommodate all who wished to stay. In the summer of 1934 a southeast wing with 18 rooms was added, and in the fall of 1935 the hotel was expanded a final time with the addition of a dining room and 30 bedrooms. Since that time the only changes have been the addition of a sun room off the dining room, and an elevator and swimming pool in the early 1980's. Throughout the 1930's and into the 1940's the Boulder Dam Hotel was maintained as southern Nevada's finest inn. As is often the case with historic structures, subsequent years were not as kind to the building and it went through a succession of owners. One of them was Senator Cliff McCorkle who attempted to restore it to its former glory. Though a significant amount of work was done, that effort was not successful and in later years it fell into disrepair and was largely unprofitable. A number of Boulder City citizens became concerned that the community might lose this beautiful structure, so they formed a group called Friends of the Hotel and investigated the feasibility of taking the building into public ownership. On December 15, 1993, 60 years to the date after the first opening of the Hotel, a newly formed organization, the Boulder Dam Hotel Association, Inc., formally took possession of the hotel. The Association is comprised of the city of Boulder City, the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce, the Boulder City Arts Council, and the Boulder City Museum and Historical Association. It has a 12- member board composed of 2 members appointed by each of the owners and 4 additional members who were selected from the community at large by the initial 8 members. Mr. Speaker, for more than a decade the Boulder Dam Hotel Association has worked to preserve and restore this beautiful and important part of southern Nevada's history. I am honored to recognize them on the floor of the House today.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Charles ``Doc'' Broadus for his contributions to the sport of boxing and to helping the youth of his community. At the age of 86, Las Vegas resident Doc Broadus is still active as a boxing trainer, spending his days at the Las Vegas Boxing Center. Although he is driven by his love of boxing, Doc strives to use the sport as an avenue for keeping kids out of trouble. He heads Doc Broadus Sports & Entertainment, a non-profit organization, which aims to improve the quality of life for local children by giving them the opportunity to compete and perform. One famous example of Doc's work is the 1968 Mexico City Olympic Gold Medalist, George Foreman. Doc met the young boxer in 1965 at a Job Corps center in Pleasanton, CA. George was headed to California State Prison for getting into a fight and Doc thought his punching ability could be better used in the ring. After effectively getting George out of his sentence by agreeing to work with him, Doc became a father figure of sorts. What followed were 30 years of training and some of the greatest fights of the 20th century. George became a legend and helped to further unite the Nation, when he won gold in Mexico after he chose to fight instead of caving in to the demands of a small radical group. Doc was in George's corner in the 1974 Rumble in the Jungle versus Muhammad Ali, in Jamaica a year earlier for the upset of Joe Frazier and still present in 1994 at the age of 74, when George defeated Michael Moorer to become the oldest heavy-weight champion in the history of the sport. Doc's goal is to have 12 kids win 12 gold medals. Although he may never reach this lofty goal, on the way there he will continue to have many successes of a greater value. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Charles ``Doc'' Broadus today. I commend him for a life of dedication to the sport of boxing and to serving the youth of Southern Nevada.

Mr. PORTER

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

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. McKeon).

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Chairman, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4057 as amended. I want to thank the leadership for bringing this important legislation to the floor. This bill, which has been introduced by myself, Government Reform Committee Chairman Tom Davis, Mr. Waxman, Mr. Davis from Illinois and Mr. Van Hollen, is intended to clarify that the Department of Justice attorneys are eligible to receive compensatory time off for time spent in travel status like all other General Schedule employees. In 2004, Congress approved this government-wide ``comp time for travel'' in the Federal Workforce Flexibility Act. After the bill had passed, the Department of Justice determined that the bill as written did not give it the authority to waive certain limitations imposed on its attorneys by a previous appropriations measure. H.R. 4057 now, through the technical assistance of the Justice Department, unequivocally clarifies congressional intent. This bill would allow Justice Department attorneys to be compensated for travel time during nonbusiness hours. This would greatly assist those employees who take early morning flights in order to attend to business away from the home office, but don't currently get compensated for their dedication. In light of the fact that quality-of-life programs are among the most effective recruitment and retention tools, I believe that Federal employees should receive compensation while traveling to do the Government's business. Mr. Speaker, I thank you once again for your attention to this bill, and I urge passage of H.R. 4057 as amended. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4057) to provide that attorneys employed by the Department of Justice shall be eligible for compensatory time off for travel under section 5550b of title 5, United States Code, as amended.

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jay W. Jeffers for his career as a teacher. Jay will be honored next week on Tuesday, March 21, at the dedication of Jay W. Jeffers Elementary School, which is named in his honor. Born in Milford, UT, on May 7, 1921, he grew up along the railroad, the son of a locomotive engineer. In 1939, he graduated from Milford High School where he participated in extracurricular activities such as the yearbook, newsletter, band, chorus, orchestra, and debate team. In 1939, Jay was accepted to the University of Utah. He worked part-time for the Bamberger/Utah Central Railroad, completing office work and loading cars, and as a stone mason helper, building flagstone fireplaces and barbeque pits. Before finishing his degree, Jay served a mission for the LDS Church in the Texas-Louisiana Mission, for 2 years. After returning, he went back to the University of Utah and graduated in 1946 with a teaching degree and a major in geology. The following year, Jay moved to Las Vegas and accepted a position as a seventh and eighth grade science teacher at the Fifth Street School for $2,600 per year. In December 1948, he married June Mac Farlane. The couple has 3 sons, 2 daughters, 18 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren. With the desire to further his own education, Jay entered a master's program at the University of Utah, and continued to teach full-time. At this time, he helped consolidate 13 individual school districts into the Clark County School District. In 1953, He received his master's degree in administration from the University of Utah and in the same year, he was appointed principal at the Washington School in North Las Vegas. Also in that year, he became one of four original instructors at UNLV, teaching geology and geography part-time, from 1953 to 1971. The new Twin Lakes elementary School opened in 1955 with Jay as principal. The seventh and eighth grades were still in the elementary schools so Jay developed and implemented new programs for those grades by departmentalizing subjects and instituting interschool athletic competitions. With Jay's support, the district's first elementary string music program was held there. In 1964, at a time when large numbers of Hispanic pupils were moving to Las Vegas Jay became principal of John S. Park Elementary School. He helped establish the ``English as a Second Language'' program with a philosophy that students needed to develop and maintain proficiency in basic reading and writing skills, along with learning to speak English. His final assignment was principal at Lincoln Elementary School in North Las Vegas. After 30 years of teaching, Jay retired in September of 1977. In addition to his contributions in education, Jay was a cofounder of the Clark County Teachers Federal Credit Union, now Silver State Schools Credit Union. He also worked with the Boy Scouts of America for 23 years. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Jay W. Jeffers. His career and life have been dedicated to the education of youth of Clark County. Thousands of current and former residents of Clark County cite his influence as a factor in their success in life. I thank him for his service.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker. I rise today to honor Laurie Richardson, who is the recipient of the 2006 Nevada Mother of the Year Award. At an early age, Laurie found that she had a gift for advocating for children. After marrying her sweetheart Sullivan Richardson, Laurie opened her heart and home to abused and neglected children as a foster parent, of which she adopted four. She also gave birth to three children of her own. Active in church programs, Laurie helped her children develop talents in music and sports, and encouraged their community involvement while serving as a Girl Scout and Cub Scout leader, leading to her son earning his Eagle Scout Award. She has organized several mother support groups, volunteered for PTA, and led many service opportunities. While raising special-needs children, Laurie helped communities and schools recognize the unique needs of children with academic, social, and emotional problems. For twenty-nine years, Laurie has voluntarily advocated for children within school districts, taught parenting classes and represented abused children in court. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Laurie Richardson on the floor of the House today. She is an outstanding example to all parents and I commend her for her service to the communities and children of Nevada.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the achievements of an outstanding young woman, Cabrina Gomez, and for her work with the Arthritis Foundation and Walk for A Cure. As a young woman, Cabrina was always active in cheerleading and dance, however, late in the summer of 2003, she began to experience severe pain in her legs, arms, and hand muscles. In January 2004, doctors diagnosed Cabrina with chronic inflammatory demylating polyneuropathy (CIDP). This nerve disorder enlarges the spinal column, which prevents brain signals from controlling muscles. Cabrina stopped cheerleading and dance classes due to the onset of CIDP. About 1 in 300,000 children are diagnosed with this disease. Cabrina fights this disease through several treatments including steroids and plasma phorenthis. However, these treatments do not have long-term results. Throughout her treatments, Cabrina continues to have a positive attitude, and she uses this disease to raise money for the Arthritis Foundation and Walk for A Cure. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the opportunity to recognize and honor Cabrina Gomez in front of my colleagues on the floor of the House of Representatives today.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lori Ann Foutz who is the recipient of the 2006 Nevada Young Mother of the Year Award. Lori graduated from Brigham Young University in 1989 with a bachelor's degree in art education and a minor in health. She and her husband, Tracy Foutz, moved to Henderson in 1990 where he has worked for Clark County and the city of Henderson as a city planner. They have four children: Lance Tracy, Travis Lee, Jaclyn Beth, and Victoria Jo. Lori has been a weekly classroom volunteer in her children's classes for the past 12 years, specializing in fun Halloween parties, campaign manager for her kid's student council elections and homecoming floats. She has served as chairman for the PTA Reflections Art contest for 10- year-olds. Lance and Travis have achieved their Eagle Scout award, run cross- country and played volleyball in high school. All four children have participated in soccer and basketball, and the girls attend dance classes. Lori is very active in the LDS Church and has served as president of the Young Women's Organization and is currently the president of the women's auxiliary, the Relief Society. She is responsible for more than 150 women, seeing to their temporal and spiritual needs. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Lori Ann Foutz today. She is a fine example of motherhood and I commend her for her service to the State of Nevada.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor The Nevada Women's History Project for their contributions to the community in promoting awareness of the historical contributions of Nevadan women. The Nevada Women's History Project (NWHP) was founded in the fall of 1994 to provide visibility and support for the gathering and dissemination of history about the roles and contributions of Nevada women of every race, class and ethnic background. The NWHP is a statewide organization, with active regions in the North and South. Currently the group has over 200 members. On March 5, 2005 the second statue from the state of Nevada, that of Sarah Winnemucca, was placed in the United States Capitol. The NWHP was the main factor in placing the statue, by raising the funds to make the statue and lobbying the Nevadan Legislature to give Sarah this honor. The NWHP has gone further to recognize Sarah by placing a replica of the original statue in Reno, Nevada. A second replica statue, which will reside in Las Vegas City Hall, will be dedicated on March 25. ``Life Among the Piutes,'' is Sarah Winnemucca's powerful legacy to both cultures, the Native Americans and the whites. It appeared in 1883, the first book ever published that was written by a Native American woman. Following the oral tradition of her people, she reaches out to readers with a deeply personal appeal for understanding, recording a portion of the history of the far west from the Native American perspective. The book was a monumental achievement, recording the Native American viewpoint of whites settling the west, told in a language that was not her own and written and published by a woman during a time when even white women were not allowed to vote. The achievement of her book is second only to the work she performed everyday to promote understanding across cultures. I applaud the NWHP for their efforts to recognize her. This year the NWHP is publishing a book entitled ``Skirts That Swept the Desert Floor.'' The book contains the biographies of 100 women from Nevada that were instrumental in shaping all aspects of Nevada's history. This unique encyclopedic collection pays tribute to an otherwise unrecognized group of individuals whose stories should not be overlooked. Mr. Speaker I am honored to recognize the Nevada Women's History Project on the floor of the House, today. I commend them for their service in recognizing the women in our history that have made special contributions to help make Nevada the great state that it is.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Jo Simpson for 30 years of public service, who will retire on March 31 after 9 years in Nevada. Jo began working for the Federal Government in 1976, as a public affairs specialist in the Washington headquarters public affairs offices for the U.S. Marshals Service and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. In 1994, she moved to the Bureau of Land Management, first working as public affairs officer for the California Desert District. There she distinguished herself as a dedicated public servant and exceptional citizen. In August of 1997, Jo served as the BLM's Chief for the Office of Communications in Nevada. In this role, Jo not only assured that key information was made readily available to the public regarding their public lands but more importantly, she served as the catalyst for assuring that public land stakeholders had a voice in how their public lands were managed. Jo has been instrumental in directing the work of the BLM's three Resource Advisory Councils in Nevada. These councils are made up of 45 individuals representing the diverse interest of public land stakeholders from throughout the state. This amount of citizen involvement set the tone for improved working relationship between Federal land management agencies and all Nevadans. She appeared numerous times before local county commissions and the State of Nevada's legislative Council on Public Lands to apprise them of public land proposals and to solicit their vital input. This is extremely important in a state where 87 percent of the land base is managed by the Federal Government. Jo and her staff helped members of the Nevada Congressional Delegation and local governments during the development of precedent- setting land bills and her assistance proved extremely beneficial in gaining the support of key officials within the Department of the Interior for legislative initiatives affecting public lands in Nevada. In the course of performing her duties, Jo earned the respect of countless people, for her integrity and sincerity. Her deeds represent what is good, righteous, and admirable in public service. For that, the state of Nevada is grateful for her exemplary service. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Jo Simpson on the floor of the House today. I thank her for her service and wish her well in retirement.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Theron and Naomi Goynes for years of service to the Clark County School District. Today the couple is honored at the formal dedication of Goynes Elementary School, which is named in their honor. Theron Hulan Goynes was born in Texarkana, TX, in 1929. After graduating from Dunbar High School in 1947, he attended Prairie View A&M University where he majored in business administration and minored in secondary education. He graduated in 1952 with a bachelor's degree. Later that year he entered the United States Air Force and served for 4 years. After an honorable discharge, he began his career in education as a teacher. In 1963, he was awarded a master of arts degree in education administration from Northern Arizona University at Flagstaff, AZ. Theron served as a teacher, elementary assistant principal, and principal during his career with the district. His last position before retiring was principal of the Madison Sixth Grade Center. In addition to his service with the school district, Theron served for 20 years on the North Las Vegas City Council, 12 of those years as mayor pro tempore. On September 16, 1981, he chaired the North Las Vegas City Council meeting in the absence of the mayor, thus becoming the first black elected representative to officially head a government body in Nevada's 117-year history. Theron's diverse, tireless involvement in and support of educational, civic, and community services has been exemplary. The Nevada League of Cities honored him as the ``1992 Public Official of the Year.'' He has also received numerous awards and honors from various local, county, and State agencies and organizations in recognition of his services to the people of Clark County, the State of Nevada, and the Nation. Theron continues to serve the community on elected and appointed boards and committees. Naomi Delores Jackson Goynes was born in Memphis, TN, in 1933. In 1956, she received her bachelor of science degree in home economics with a minor in chemistry from the University of Pine Bluff. Her first teaching assignment was in Nashville, AR. In 1970, she completed her master of arts degree in elementary education with a minor in music from Northern Arizona University at Flagstaff. She completed her educational specialist degree in educational administration with a minor in curriculum from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas in 1977. Naomi has served the Clark County School District as a teacher, Assessment Team member, Teacher Corps Team Leader, Kindergarten Task Force member, reading specialist, high school dean, and assistant principal. At the time of her retirement, she was the assistant principal of Jim Bridger Junior High School. Naomi has worked long and hard as an educator, wife, mother, grandmother, and campaign manager for her husband. In her 42 years as an educator, she was known as being tireless, dedicated, and sensitive in her efforts to meet the needs of students, parents, and staff. Theron and Naomi taught in Arkansas, California, and Arizona before moving to Las Vegas in 1964 to teach in Clark County School District. Collectively, they served 63 years educating youth in the Clark County School District. Theron retired in 1991 after 27 years and Naomi retired in 2000 after 36 years of service. Additionally, Theron and Naomi have been dedicated, active members of their church. They have been active leaders in the Girl Scouts of America, as well as the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, NAACP. Theron and Naomi have been married almost 48 years and have three children and five grandchildren. All three of their children are successful college graduates and have followed in their parents' footsteps. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Theron and Naomi Goynes.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dorothy Huffey as an outstanding citizen of Nevada who has lived a long life filled with dedication and service. Dorothy Howell Huffey was born in Reno, Nevada to a pioneer Northern Nevada family. She attended kindergarten in Reno until immediately following World War II when her father returned from serving in the South Pacific. Captain Jack Howell continued with his naval career and the family moved all over the world, where Dorothy participated in many exciting and unforgettable worldly experiences. Admiral Howell retired from the Navy in 1954 and the family returned to their Reno home. Dorothy finished high school at Reno High, and graduated from the University of Nevada in 1961. She then took employment in San Francisco. In 1964 she married Paul Huffey, a native Las Vegan she had met in college. Following the marriage, she moved to Las Vegas. She then taught at James Cashman Middle School until the birth of her son, Neil, in 1974. Over the 42-years of Las Vegas residence, her activities, board memberships and volunteer service has been extensive. She was a member of the Junior Mesquite Club, and was elected President of the Clark County Panhellenic Association in 1965. In 1983, she co-chaired the Inaugural Ball for Governor Richard Bryan. Also, in 1983, she accepted the position as society columnist for the Las Vegas Review-Journal and on the same day she was appointed chairman of the Nevada State Personnel Commission by Gov. Bryan, a position she held for 13 years. At the same time, she also served 13 years as a member of the Nevada Legislative Steering Committee for the University system. In 1999, she co-chaired the Inaugural Balls in Las Vegas and Reno for Governor Guinn. In 1994, Dorothy became Director of Development & Alumni for the University of Nevada, Reno's Southern Nevada office until her retirement in 2005, when the university granted her emeritus status. As a chronicler for the Las Vegas Review-Journal over the past 24 years, there is little that goes on in Las Vegas society without Dorothy's knowledge. Her reports on the many fund-raising events sponsored by local charities play a major role in those charities' success. Dorothy's honors include; Junior League's Sustainer of the Year Award in 1991, the President's Medal from the University of Nevada, Reno in 1992, and the Distinguished Service Award from the Clark County Pro Bono Project in 1999. Dorothy was invited to become a member of The Fraternity of Executive Chefs of Las Vegas in 1998 for her work with the Chefs for Kids, Inc. and has chaired their annual benefit raising hundreds of thousands of dollars for the nutrition program in the program's 12 at-risk schools. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to pay tribute to Dorothy Huffey on the floor of the House. She is an example of good citizenship to all Nevadans.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today today to honor Captain Daniel L. Van Kirk for his service in the military. Last month, Daniel was chosen to model for one of two bronze statues depicting a sailor and soldier from World War II, that were placed at an American Legion Memorial in Brinkley Park, Arkansas. Captain Daniel L. Van Kirk was born in St. Petersburg, Florida, on September 30, 1978. He was commissioned in 1998 as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, following graduation from the Marion Military Institute. He earned a Bachelors Degree in Business Administration from National University in San Diego. After completing the Armor Officer Basic Course in Fort Knox, Kentucky, Daniel was assigned to 4-64 Armor Battalion, 2nd Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Stewart, Georgia, where he served as Assistant Battalion Maintenance Officer. He was deployed to Kuwait in 2002 for Operation Enduring Freedom. In 2003, he was sent to Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom as the 1st Platoon Leader in Bravo Company and after returning he was sent again with Charlie Company as Executive Officer. After completing the Armor Officer Advanced Course in 2005, Daniel has been assigned to the 6th Recruiting Brigade Las Vegas, Nevada, serving as Brigade Assistant S3. Daniel's awards and decorations include the Bronze Star Medal with Valor, Army Commendation Medal, Army Achievement Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Army Reserve Components Overseas Training Ribbon, and Combat Action Badge. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Captain Daniel L. Van Kirk on the floor of the House today. He is a model of patriotism and a fine example to all members of the military and citizens of Nevada.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sergeant First Class Christopher P. Tovar for his service in the United States Army. Last month Sergeant Tovar was selected to model a statue depicting a soldier from World War II, which is now on display at an American Legion Memorial in Brinkley, Arkansas. Sergeant Tovar entered the Army in Houston, Texas, on April 13, 1993. He enlisted as a Human Intelligence Collector and received Arabic Language training at the Defense Language Institute before being assigned to Fort Hood, Texas. Following that assignment, Christopher received further training in Mandarin-Chinese before being assigned to the 500th Military Intelligence Group, Camp Zama, Japan. There he worked as a liaison between the U.S. and Japanese police and intelligence agencies. Following the September 11th terrorist attacks, Sergeant Tovar accepted an assignment to the U.S. Army Recruiting Command to assist in bolstering the U.S. Army's pool of linguists. Sergeant Tovar was assigned to Headquarters, 6th Recruiting Brigade in North Las Vegas, Nevada, in January 2002. He serves the recruiting command as the Foreign Language Advocate for the region, assisting the recruiting field force to identify and contract foreign language speakers into the Military Intelligence Field. His duties in this position include conducting presentations at high schools, community colleges, and specifically for high school language departments, attending heritage speaker festivals and acting as liaison between the field force and higher headquarters for language positions in the Army. Within the headquarters, Sergeant Tovar serves as the First Sergeant, in charge of the day-to-day activities of the soldiers working within the headquarters command; as Master Fitness Trainer, in charge of the physical training of the soldiers; and as the Equal Opportunity Representative, responsible for maintaining a positive work environment and conducting required training under this program. Sergeant Tovar's awards include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. He was also awarded the Military Intelligence Corps' Knowlton Award for lifetime service to the Military Intelligence Corps. Sergeant Tovar and his wife of 11 years, Lauren, live in Las Vegas with their one-year-old daughter, Madison. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Sergeant First Class Christopher P. Tovar on the floor of the House today. His exemplary service stands as an example to all military members and his continued service is greatly appreciated in this difficult time.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Marianne Blum, who, this month, will pass the 50-year mark in her career as a nurse. Enrolled in grammar school 2 years early and finishing high school a year ahead of her classmates, Marianne entered the Long Island College Hospital School of Nursing at age 16. After graduating in 1956, she began her career at the Manhattan Veterans Hospital, and then moved to Queens General Medical Center to be a surgical staff nurse. There, she met her husband Herbert, an emergency room physician. The two moved to California in the 1980s. Marianne is known for her compassionate, kind and level headed demeanor. Even in chaotic situations she can be counted on for excellent care. Patients will say that she does everything she can to make sure they are comfortable and keep their dignity and self esteem while being institutionalized. At the age of 66, Marianne is currently working at Del Mar Gardens Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, a long-term assisted care center in Henderson, NV. Retirement is nowhere in her near future and, at a time when nursing shortages are a nationwide concern, her continued service is greatly appreciated. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Marianne Blum on the floor of the House. She is a fine example of the workforce in Nevada and a good role model for aspiring young women.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, in Nevada we faced one of our worst nightmares a few weeks ago. One of our heroes, a law enforcement officer, a Metropolitan Police Department officer, Sergeant Henry Prendes, was shot down and brutally killed. He responded to a domestic violence call as a law enforcement officer, and as he appeared on the scene, a gentleman was waiting for him with an automatic weapon, and with over 50 rounds, brutally murdered Mr. Prendes. Yesterday, in the Children's Safety and Violent Crime Reduction Act, in the act there was a provision that would memorialize Mr. Prendes for his efforts as a great American hero, a loving father and a loving husband. In the bill, it provides for a mandatory 30-year sentence for anyone that brutally murders a law enforcement or public safety officer or who conspires or attempts to kill. This is an example of getting tough on crime. It is time to say enough is enough, and I applaud this House of Representatives for passing the act yesterday. Also in the act was another provision that I provided, which was for additional background checks and faster and streamlined background checks for school teachers across this Nation.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor American Legion Boulder City Post 31 which celebrates its 87th birthday this month. American Legion Boulder City Post 31 was organized October 12, 1931 by WWI Veterans working on the Hoover Dam project, with a charter membership of over 400. The permanent charter was granted March 28, 1932. After being without their own building for several years, the members decided to construct a permanent home for Post 31. They made extensive use of volunteer labor, including many recently discharged WWII Veterans, and used surplus building materials obtained from a number of government agencies. The building was completed in 1948 and has been the home of Post 31 since that time. Activities held in the new building, such as movies and dances with live bands, constituted some of the first entertainment in Boulder City. One of the most popular events put on by Post 31 is the well-known Fourth of July celebration and parade known as the ``Damboree.'' A symbol of the service to and involvement with the community, the parade is still popular, with the American Legion Post 31 Color Guard leading the event every year. Post 31 continues to give dedicated service the community and the military. They reinitiated the blue star program used in the Second World War so that families may show a banner in their windows when they have someone in the active military. When conflicts began in Iraq and Afghanistan, Post 31 had beautiful metal signs made to display names of members of the military from Boulder City that are on active duty. These signs are on every light pole along Veterans Memorial Drive in Boulder City. Each month Post 31 collects used ink cartridges and old cell phones to raise money that goes toward the American Legion Legacy Fund, which helps educate children of members of the military who lost their lives during the present conflict in the Middle East. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize American Legion Boulder City Post 31 on the floor of the House today. I congratulate them for 87 years of contributions to the veterans and citizens of southern Nevada and thank them for their continued service.