Jon Porter

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Frances Wright, a resident of Henderson Nevada, who died at the age of 101. Born Fanny Schneider on Feb. 14, 1905, in Poland, she was the third of four children of Louis and Molly Schneider. Her family came to the United States when she was 6 months old. Her father was a tailor for an upscale men's clothier on Temple Street in Los Angeles. By the time she was 10, Frances was an aspiring child actress who took the stage name of Fanny Snyder. She claimed to have had a big part in the classic and controversial 1915 silent film ``The Birth of a Nation'' and often told friends that she enjoyed working on the film, which paid 50 cents a day and included a box lunch. Fanny attended Los Angeles Polytechnic High School where she lettered in volleyball, swimming and softball and was captain of those teams. She also was senior class president. Her yearbook listed her as most likely to become the ``first woman president of the United States.'' After graduating in 1921, Fanny became a part of the flapper scene while attending business school. In 1927 she married car salesman David Wright. They were married for 71 years. He died in 1998. Adept at poker, mah-jongg, canasta and pan, Fanny was a longtime regular in Southern California card rooms. From the early 1950s until the late 1990s, she would alternate residences between Los Angeles and Las Vegas. She worked at Bains and Sloats, a women's clothing store on the Las Vegas strip, but Fanny's real love was hanging around Strip resorts, getting a deep tan at the poolside and hobnobbing with celebrities. She was a frequent patron at the Sahara's Casbah Lounge when Louis Prima and the Mary Kaye Trio performed there. Unconventional to the end, Fanny took her doctors' advice last month to start using medical marijuana so she would get ``the munchies'' and eat to bulk up her thin frame. Fanny credited her longevity to being a good athlete in her youth, maintaining a good diet and taking a shot of bourbon at 4 p.m. every day. In addition to her daughter, Wright is survived by a son, Ronald Wright of Los Angeles; six grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and one great-great-granddaughter. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the life of Frances Wright on the floor of the House.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bob ``Chief'' Sears for his 40 years of service in the Fire ServIce. Bob Sears has vigilantly served in a number of different capacities in the fIre service in several different cities. Sears, a graduate of the National Fire Academy in Maryland, began his career in 1951 and was promoted to Fire Chief of the Richfield Township Fire Department in Ohio in 1960, at that time he was the youngest Fire Chief in the State of Ohio. He subsequently served for 5 years as the Fire Chief for Kerr- McGee Chemical Corporation in California. Bob has also served over 21 years as Boulder Cities Fire Chief, while in this role he designed innovative programs which increase the efficiency of the Department in terms of firefighting capabilities, community awareness, and staff management. Chief Sears is very active in the community, donating his time to many organizations; Bob is currently on the Board of Directors, Past President, Life Member and has served as interim Executive Director of the Boulder City Chamber of Commerce. He has also served as President of the Nevada Fire Chiefs Association and Charter President of the Southern Nevada Fire Chiefs Association. He has served as chairman for the American Heart Association's Nevada Affiliate, the local Salvation Army, and is a charter member of the Boulder Sumise Rotary Club. Chief Sears also serves on the Military Selection Committee for the United States Service Academies representing Nevada's Congressional Delegation. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Bob Sears for his long career in the Fire Service and for his dedication to many different community organizations. His record of professional service and devotion to the many organizations he was involved with serves as an inspiration to us all. I wish him the best in his retirement.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Angela Berg, whose passion for nursing has greatly improved the lives of children. Angela Berg began working as a licensed practical nurse in 1991 and subsequently got her nursing degree in 1992. She later earned her Bachelor of Science degree in nursing in 1999. Angela has worked with children throughout her career, and has looked for ways to assist parents to care for critically ill children. She has campaigning for their safety and creates plans to keep children with their families. Since 2001, Angela has been playing an advocacy role in the fight to immunize children from the threat of childhood disease. She has served as co-chair of the Southern Nevada Immunization Coalition and has created a number of campaigns to educate the medical community about the importance of immunization. Angela has also worked with the state of Nevada to create an electronic immunization database. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Angela Berg for her efforts to educate the public regarding the importance of childhood immunization. Her work as greatly contributed to the overall welfare of the children in the state of Nevada. I wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Kathy L. Batterman who became one of the first crew members for ``Flight for Life'' and was the first certified flight nurse in the United States. Mrs. Batterman's life was tragically cut short in the line of duty when, on April 4, 1999, the ``Flight for Life'' helicopter crashed in Indian Springs Nevada during a bizarre snowstorm after transporting a patient to a Las Vegas hospital. During her career Kathy flew over 3,000 rescue flights and is credited with saving thousands of lives. Kathy epitomized excellence in all aspects of nursing. Not only was she one of America's premiere flight nurses, she was a certified flight registered nurse, an advanced trauma specialist, and Nevada's first pre-hospital nurse practitioner. Kathy was a respected educator and a pioneer of EMS education in Nevada. Her contagious energetic spirit, encouraging smile, and enthusiasm inspired many others to do their best. Kathy was also instrumental in placing a second ``Flight for Life'' base in Pahrump, Nevada recognizing how crucial the response time is for those needing emergency care in the outlying rural communities around Las Vegas. Not only was she a magnificent flight nurse, she was also a caring and devoted wife and mother. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Kathy A. Batterman for her dedication to providing emergency medical service to the Las Vegas and outlying community. Her death is a profound loss to the community and the medical profession.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions of a special group of high school students in Henderson, NV, the members of Basic High School's Marine Corps JROTC Basic's JROTC unit was activated in 1977 and is one of over 200 plus units sponsored by the United States Marine Corps. Basic's MCJROTC has been designated as a ``Naval Honor School'' 14 times and has received State and national recognition and honors. The senior marine instructor and marine instructors are retired marines with over 80 years of combined military service and 30 years at Basic High School. The mission of the MCJROTC is to develop young leaders and responsible citizens with respect for constituted authority, to help individuals strengthen character and form habits of self-discipline, and to learn the importance of national security in a democratic society. Students that participate in the MCJROTC program at Basic learn self-discipline, self-confidence, personal responsibility and build their character. Basic's MCJROTC students participated in the Western United States National Drill Meet on April 1, 2006 and were deemed the overall winner for the West Coast. Other awards earned included: first place in Armed Inspection, second place in Unarmed Inspection, first place in 4 Person Unarmed, fifth place for 4 Person Unarmed, third place in Unarmed Inspection, second place for Color Guard Regulation, first place for 4 Person Armed, first place in Unarmed Exhibition, second place in Color Guard Regulation, fourth place for 4 Person Armed, second place for Armed Inspection, third place for Unarmed Exhibition, fourth place for Color Guard Inspection, Outstanding Unarmed Commander Cadet. Basic's MCJROTC students have won this prestigious championship twice in the last 4 years. Their commitment to this important program and devotion to excellence has helped them achieve these high honors, and I am proud to recognize them today for their accomplishments. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I salute the MCJROTC students at Basic High School.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of former Congressman Dan Schaefer, who succumbed to cancer on Tuesday, April 18, 2006. Former Republican Representative Dan Schaefer served as the Congressman from the 6th District of Colorado for 14 years until he retired in 1998. Congressman Schaefer served on the House Commerce Committee, while he was Chairman of the Energy and Power Subcommittee, and was the senior member of the Colorado congressional delegation when he retired. His long and distinguished political career began when he was elected to the state House of Representatives in 1977, then the state Senate in 1979 before running for Congress in 1983. Among the many causes he championed were mass-transit projects and the southwest light-rail line, and while in the Colorado State Legislature Schaefer sponsored several child protection laws. In Congress, he also helped found the House Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Caucus and for his efforts the main building at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory in Golden, was named in his honor. Schaefer was a major proponent of plans to deregulate the electric power, industry and to open it to competition. He fought for the cleanup of the decommissioned nuclear weapons plant at Rocky Flats, pushed for spending cuts, and worked on telecommunications issues. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor the life and legacy of former Congressman Dan Schaefer who served in the House of Representatives with honor and integrity. His death is a profound loss to the community and to the causes he most admirably championed.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Armenian-American Cultural Society of Las Vegas on this, the 91st anniversary of the Armenian Genocide. This organization was established in 1978, and since that time has grown in size and influence. They are now the largest non-political, non-denominational organization in Nevada. They have worked tirelessly to educate the general public about the atrocious acts committed against their people and also to help preserve the Armenian culture here in Las Vegas and America. I am proud to represent a large and vibrant Armenian community in the Third Congressional District of Nevada and I consider it an honor to have been invited to participate in the ceremonies commemorating the 91st anniversary of the Armenian genocide. These ceremonies offer participants an opportunity to honor the survivors and their descendants, and to remind the world of the tragedy that befell Armenians of the Ottoman Empire. It is estimated that one and a half million Armenians perished between 1915 and 1923 in a genocide planned and executed by the Turkish government against the Armenian population of the Ottoman Empire. The great bulk of the Armenian population was removed from Armenia and Anatolia to Syria, where the vast majority was sent into the desert to die of thirst and hunger. Large numbers of Armenians were methodically massacred throughout the Ottoman Empire. The entire wealth of the Armenian people was expropriated. After only a little more than a year of calm at the end of WWI, the atrocities were renewed between 1920 and 1923, and the remaining Armenians were subjected to further massacres and expulsions. While there are still many who deny that the Armenian Genocide ever took place, I am pleased to see more and more countries and states and even the media are now in the process of recognizing the genocide. It is critical that we reflect on this human tragedy and on the lessons of history and work to avoid the horrors faced by the Armenian people in 1915.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lou Emmert for her professional success and outstanding contributions to the community. Lou Emmert is the vice president and general manager for Sprint of Nevada, the primary local telephone provider for Clark County. In this role, she directs the efforts of local and state governmental relations, regulatory relations, public relations and community involvement activities, and is the main point of contact for key business leaders. Lou is also involved in many community organizations, including the Girl Scouts of Frontier Council, the Las Vegas Chamber Board of Trustees, the YMCA Board, the Nevada Development Authority Board, the Las Vegas Philharmonic Board of Directors, the Nevada International Women's Forum, the Clark County Public Education Foundation, the Clark County Department of Social Service Citizens Advisory Committee, the Henderson Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors and Desert Research Institute Foundation Board. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to honor Lou Emmert for her extraordinary record of professional and community service. I wish her the best in her future endeavors.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions of a special group of American heroes, those that have received the Distinguished Flying Cross. I honor them today for their service and dedication to our great Nation. The Distinguished Flying Cross was authorized by an act of Congress on July 2, 1926 and is awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the Armed Forces who has distinguished themselves during combat in support of operations by ``heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight.'' Since its creation the Distinguished Flying Cross has been awarded to some of America's greatest aviators and serves as a reminder of their heroic actions. This prestigious medal was first awarded to Charles A. Lindbergh, of the U.S. Army Corps Reserve, for his solo flight of 3,600 miles across the Atlantic in 1927. The first Distinguished Flying Cross to be awarded to a naval aviator was awarded to Richard E. Byrd, of the U.S. Navy Air Corps, for his flight to the North Pole. The contributions of these great aviators and those that followed are honored by this prestigious award. In 1994 the Distinguished Flying Cross Society was formed as a nonprofit organization whose members have been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. The society has established scholarships and benefits for organizations and individuals throughout the Nation that are seeking to make advances in aviation. In February of this year the Distinguished Flying Cross Society officially recognized a new chapter, the Las Vegas Wings Chapter in Southern Nevada. The great State of Nevada is home to more than 260,000 veterans many of which have been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. As a Member of Congress and a Nevadan, I would like to extend a heartfelt welcome, to the Las Vegas Wings Chapter, of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and heartfelt gratitude that I salute these great American heroes and the Las Vegas Wings Chapter of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Frank Scott, whose story of personal and professional success should serve as an inspiration for us all. Mr. Scott built his business empire after returning to Las Vegas from World War II where he had served as a second lieutenant in the Army in Japan. In the 1950s and 60s, Scott opened a wholesale building material company, operated a fixed base aircraft operation and founded Stocks Ready-Mix Concrete. In the 1970s, as chairman of the First Western Savings Association, Scott was credited with saving the bank from near financial ruin. And in 1983 Mr. Scott was named co-Convention Man of the Year by the Hotel Sales Management Association's Las Vegas Chapter. Scott was also the founder of the Plaza Hotel and Casino. Frank Scott was a bank chairman, director of Nevada Power and president of the Greater Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce and the Nevada Resort Association. Additionally, Scott was a board member of the local Boy Scouts chapter, a UNLV trustee, a captain of the Sheriffs Mounted Police and a board member of the Nevada Museum of Fine Arts. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to honor Frank Scott and his extraordinary career and I appreciate his efforts on behalf of the community. His death is a profound loss for the community and he will be greatly missed.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Patty Murphy, a volunteer from southern Nevada, who because of her time and efforts helping others, has earned the distinguished President's Volunteer Service Award. Patty is a volunteer nurse with the Medical Reserve Corps of Clark County. In September 2005 after the destructive forces of Hurricane Katrina tore through the Gulf Coast, she was deployed to Mobile, Alabama. There she worked on the M.S. Holiday, a cruise ship that temporarily housed evacuees following the Katrina aftermath. For 2 weeks Patty worked with a team of heath care professionals to provide medical care for the evacuees. The Medical Reserve Corps of Clark County is a committed and available reserve of practicing and retired health care professionals that can be rapidly mobilized to strengthen medical response capabilities during large-scale local emergencies. Although this organization was created by the local community for the local community, the leadership and experience provided by this group has proved to be a viable asset for a disaster on the opposite side of the country. In 2002, President George W. Bush called on all Americans to make a difference in their communities through volunteer service. He created USA Freedom Corps, an Office of the White House, to strengthen and expand volunteer service. The President's Volunteer Service Award is presented to outstanding individuals who have displayed an outstanding example of service and who have accumulated over 100 hours of service. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Patty Murphy on the floor of the House today. Her example of service testifies to all of us that we can all do a little more to help our neighbor. I applaud her for her efforts.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Carol C. Harter, who is retiring after serving as the president University of Nevada, Las Vegas for the past 11 years. Dr. Harter has dedicated herself to enriching the academic experience of the students at UNLV and expanding programs and enrollment at the university. Since Dr. Harter's appointment in 1995, UNLV has created more than 100 new degree programs. During her tenure at UNLV, more than 17 new buildings have been added, including the Lied Library. In addition, under her leadership, UNLV created the William S. Boyd School of Law, the School of Architecture, and the School of Dental Medicine-- the first professional schools in Nevada in these areas as well as professional programs in Physical Therapy and Public Health. As president of UNLV, Dr. Harter has received numerous national awards including the Presidential Leadership Award by the National Collegiate Honors Council, the President's Award by the National Association of Student Affairs Professionals, and the College President's Award by the All American Football Foundation. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Dr. Carol C. Harter and her distinguished career in service to higher education. I wish her the best in her retirement.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Daniel Skinkis for more than two decades of volunteer work in Southern Nevada. Daniel Skinkis has founded several outreach programs over the past 22 years and speaks publicly each week at homeless shelters to help addicted and disenfranchised members of society turn their lives around. From 1988 to 1993, Mr. Skinkis ran a private fellowship in Henderson, NV, for young people with addictions, called Witness Outreach. In addition, Mr. Skinkis started Desert Homeless Outreach over 20 years ago as a place where homeless people talk about issues they face and work toward resolving them. Most recently, these efforts to assist the homeless community have earned Mr. Skinkis the prestigious Jefferson Award bestowed by the American Institute for Public Service. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to honor Daniel Skinkis for his admirable work with the community in an effort to enrich the lives of disenfranchised and impoverished people. I wish him the best in his future efforts.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions of a special group of high school students in Henderson, Nevada, the members of Basic High School's Marine Corps JROTC. Basic's JROTC unit was activated in 1977 and is one of over 200 plus units sponsored by the United States Marine Corps. Basic's MCJROTC has been designed as a ``Naval Honor School'' 14 times and has received state and national recognition and honors. The Senior Marine Instructor and Marine Instructors are retired Marines with over 80 years of combined military service and 30 years at Basic High School. The mission of the MCJROTC is to develop young leaders and responsible citizens with respect for constituted authority, to help individuals strengthen character and form habits of self discipline, and to learn the importance of national security in a democratic society. Students that participate in the MCJROTC program at Basic learn self-discipline, self confidence, personal responsibility and build their character. Basic's MCJROTC students participated in the Western United States National Drill Meet on April 1, 2006 and were deemed the overall winner for the West Coast. Other awards earned included: 1st place in Armed Inspection; 2nd place in Unarmed Inspection; 1st place in 4 Person Unarmed; 5th place for 4 Person Unarmed; 3rd place in Unarmed Inspection; 2nd place for Color Guard Regulation; 1st place for 4 Person Armed; 1st place in Unarmed Exhibition; 2nd place in Color Guard Regulation; 4th place for 4 Person Armed; 2nd place for Armed Inspection; 3rd place for Unarmed Exhibition; 4th place for Color Guard Inspection; Outstanding Unarmed Commander Cadet. Basic's MCJROTC students have won this prestigious championship twice in the last 4 years. Their commitment to this important program and devotion to excellence has helped them achieve these high honors, and I am proud to recognize them today for their accomplishments. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I salute the MCJROTC students at Basic High School.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true American hero, Lt. Col. George Sherman (Ret.) who will be celebrating his 80th birthday on April 17, 2006. A distinguished member of the Las Vegas community, Lt. Col. George Sherman (Ret.) has dedicated his life to being a loving and devoted husband, father, and grandfather, achieving a brilliant career in the United States Army Air Corp-Air Force, and serving as a respected leader in his community. In the early 1940's, while serving in the Army Air Corp-Air Force, Lt. Col. George Sherman (Ret.) earned the distinct honor of becoming one of the famed Tuskegee Airmen. Throughout his 22 year service in the United States Military, Lt. Col. George Sherman (Ret.) served as Aircraft Commander, Launch and Control Training Officer, and Chief of Ordnance Safety. Furthermore, while serving, he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Sociology from the University of Illinois; and after retiring from the military in 1971, Lt. Col. George Sherman (Ret.) received a Masters of Arts in Public Administration. Over his distinguished life, Lt. Col. George Sherman (Ret.) has shown a passion for aviation and community service. He was awarded the Silver Beaver Award, the highest honor of the Boy Scouts of America; he was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, an organization that promotes minority brotherhood and leadership; he continues his connection to the Tuskegee Airmen Inc., represented on several occasions in the Las Vegas Sun and Review Journal newspapers; and has held memberships in Negro Aviation International (NAI), the Dadailians, and served on the Board of Directors of the Nevada Black Chamber of Commerce. Today, Lt. Col. George Sherman (Ret.) remains active in the pursuit of minority youth achievement in aviation, while maintaining his commitment of volunteer work within the Clark County community. Mr. Speaker, It is an honor to recognize Lt. Col. George Sherman on the floor of the House today. I thank him for his services to this country and congratulate him on a wonderful eighty years.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Nevada Cancer Institute and their team of dedicated professionals who are committed to advancing the frontiers of knowledge of cancer through research and providing world-class cancer services to Nevadans and people throughout the Southwest. The facility opened late summer 2005, and this month the new John Robert Murren Research Wing will be dedicated. It is the overarching goal of the Nevada Cancer Institute to become a National Cancer Institute Designated Comprehensive Cancer Care Center. Facilities awarded this designation not only must perform first-rate research and exceptional patient care, but they must also demonstrate that the close integration of research and clinical efforts fosters an environment that stimulates new discoveries, and translates these discoveries quickly into better care to patients. Research in the area of cancer control and programs in community outreach and education are also essential for comprehensive status. With the opening of a new research wing and implementation of groundbreaking methods of prevention, detection and treatment of cancer, the Institute is well on its way to receiving this honor. Designated by the State Legislature as the official Cancer Institute for the State of Nevada, the Nevada Cancer Institute is a collaborative, statewide effort involving concerned citizens, the oncology community, academic leaders, legislators, corporations, healthcare advocates, and cancer patients and their families. The Institute is wholly committed to offering the residents of Nevada a facility that offers the most current and most advanced cancer treatment options. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize the Nevada Cancer Institute on the floor of the House today. I commend them for their efforts in fighting cancer and wish them the best with their new research wing.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the St. Rose Hospital and their team of dedicated professionals who are committed to providing compassionate, high-quality, affordable health services. Moreover, St. Rose Hospital has a proud history of service to the communities of Nevada. It is the principal goal of St. Rose Hospital to provide a health care ministry distinguished by excellent quality and committed to expanding access to medical care to deprived individuals. This mission is complemented by numerous community outreach programs, sponsored by the hospital, designed to assist those in need and improve the quality of life. Furthermore, St. Rose Hospital has a strong tradition of establishing programs to assist eligible uninsured patients gain access to government funded insurance programs, advancing their goal to help those individuals' access preventative and ongoing care beyond an emergency or acute health care need. St. Rose Hospital is dedicated to promoting the wholeness of body, mind and spirit in the Dominican tradition of working with others to improve the health status of the community, and does so by providing premium health care services through team work and innovation. Their professional staff members reach out to patients, their families, and those in need outside of the hospitals, while their services focus on the healing concept of physical restoration of the body and the healing of the mind and soul. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize St. Rose Hospital on the floor of the House today. I commend them for their efforts to provide high- quality health care and improve the quality of life of the community, and I wish them the best in continuing their mission.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Liliam Lujan Hickey who through her extensive and diversified experiences, has established herself as a successful small business owner, effective motivator, and professional, specifically in the Hispanic-American community. Through her ardent desire to serve others, she has been personally and extensively involved in promoting educational programs in Las Vegas, as well as the entire state of Nevada. She will be honored on April 19th, at the formal dedication of Liliam Lujan Hickey Elementary School, which was named in her honor. In the business world, Liliam has truly made a name for herself. She is owner and chief executive officer of Lujan development, a property management firm. In 1980, she formed L H System International, a business consulting and sales company with customized training for professionals. Although born in Havana, Cuba, Liliam has resided in Las Vegas, Nevada for over thirty-six years. As a resident of Nevada, her list of achievements and volunteer service is impressive. Liliam established Career Day for high school students, which has awarded over $300,000 in scholarships to hundreds of needy Hispanic students. She also served as cofounder and president of the Classroom on Wheels, a program which has facilitated educational, medical, and dental services to disadvantaged preschool children. Liliam was director for the Congressional Award Council of Nevada and co-chaired the Southern Nevada BEST Coalition, a non-profit organization working towards a drug and alcohol-free lifestyle in Las Vegas schools and communities. She also served as chairperson of the Urban Emphasis Committee for the Boy Scouts of America. She is co-founder, past president, and board member of the Latin Chamber of Commerce. She was one of only two professionals selected from Nevada to attend the White House Hispanic Leadership Reception held by President and Mrs. Clinton. Hispanic leaders throughout the United States were invited to attend this reception. The Governor of Nevada appointed Liliam to serve on the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday commission. She also served on the Job Training Coordinating Council and the United States Governor's Workforce Development Board. She is an active member of the Las Vegas Latin Chamber of Commerce and the Clark County Fair Advisory Council. Her efforts for the State of Nevada have been recognized through numerous awards. She received the Outstanding Hispanic Award from the Latin Chamber of Commerce. Liliam was named as one of the Women of Achievement in Government and Politics by the Las Vegas Chamber of Commerce. She was also identified by the Nevada 125th Anniversary Commission as one of the women who have played a significant role in making Nevada what it is today. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Liliam Lujan Hickey on the floor of the House today. She is an outstanding example of service and hard work not only to the Hispanic-American community but to all southern Nevadans.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Gerard Francis Schiappa, director of federal relations for Turner Construction and former administrative assistant to Congressman Louis C. Wyman, who died of cancer March 17, in his home in Potomac Falls. Gerry was 67 years old. Gerry, who had a 50-year career in government affairs, also was special counsel to former Secretary of the Navy J. William Middendorf II from 1975 to 1976 during the Ford Administration. He began his career as an elevator operator and mailroom clerk in the U.S. House of Representatives. After serving in the Army, Mr. Schiappa returned to the House, where he served on the staffs of Representatives Arch A. Moore (R-W.Va.), Joe Skubitz (R-Kan.), William C. Cramer (R-Fla.) and finally Louis C. Wyman (R-N.H.). As Congressman Wyman's Chief of Staff, Gerry had a reputation on Capitol Hill as a brilliant political tactician who knew how to get things done. His counsel to Congressman Wyman, who served on the House Subcommittee on Defense Appropriations, helped save the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard from closure in the early 1970s. He served as a principal coordinator for Congressman Wyman's U.S. Senate campaign against John Durkin, a Democrat, in a 1975 runoff election, which is known as the closest Senate race in U.S. history. Gerry left public service in 1978 to join the Panax Corp. as its Vice President of Public Affairs. He founded a lobbying firm, the Capital Group, in 1981 and served as its president and chief executive until 1996. In 1997, he became managing partner of Middendorf & Associates. Gerry was born the third of 10 children in Scranton, Pa. He grew up in Mount Rainier, graduated from Northwestern High School in Hyattsville and attended Capitol Page School in Washington. He also attended Emerson Preparatory School and the University of Maryland. He served on the executive finance committee of the 1981 and 1985 Presidential Inaugural Committees, and President Ronald Reagan's 1981 Presidential Transition Office for Intelligence Operations. He also served on the boards of numerous organizations, including the Educational Film Center and Prevision Corp. He was also a member of the Washington Performing Arts Society, ALS Association of Washington, Great Falls Citizens Association, Defense Forum Foundation and the Reagan Alumni Association. Of all his accomplishments, Gerry was most proud of being a mentor to countless young men and women eager to begin their professional careers. John Dean, former White House counsel, wrote in his autobiography that Gerry helped him get his first job in government. Gerry is survived by his wife of 41 years, Jane Thompson Schiappa of Potomac Falls; two children, Brien Schiappa-Dunn and John Schiappa, both of Potomac Falls; a brother; eight sisters; and one granddaughter. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to recognize Gerard Schiappa on the floor of the House today.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the contributions of a special group of American heroes, those that have received the Distinguished Flying Cross. I honor them today for their service and dedication to our great Nation. The Distinguished Flying Cross was authorized by an Act of Congress on July 2, 1926 and is awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the Armed Forces who has distinguished themselves during combat in support of operations by ``heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight.'' Since its creation the Distinguished Flying Cross has been awarded to some of America's greatest aviators and serves as a reminder of their heroic actions. This prestigious medal was first awarded to Charles A. Lindbergh, of the U.S. Army Corps Reserve, for his solo flight of 3,600 miles across the Atlantic in 1927. The first Distinguished Flying Cross to be awarded to a Naval Aviator was awarded to Richard E. Byrd, of the U.S. Navy Air Corps, for his flight to the North Pole. The contributions of these great aviators and those that followed are honored by this prestigious award. In 1994 the Distinguished Flying Cross Society was formed as a nonprofit organization whose members have been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. The Society has established scholarships and benefits for organizations and individuals throughout the Nation that are seeking to make advances in aviation. In February of this year the Distinguished Flying Cross Society officially recognized a new chapter, the Las Vegas Wings Chapter in Southern Nevada. The great State of Nevada is home to more than 260,000 veterans many of which have been awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross. As a member of Congress and a Nevadan, I would like to extend a heartfelt welcome, to the Las Vegas Wings Chapter, of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and heartfelt gratitude that I salute these great American heroes and the Las Vegas Wings Chapter of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Charles W. ``Chuck'' Fulkerson, a retired U.S. Army Colonel, who will retire from the position of Executive Director of the Nevada Office of Veterans' Services, effective March 31, 2006. Born in Idaho, he graduated from the University of Nevada, Reno in 1958, with a degree in Agriculture Economics. As a Distinguished Military Graduate of the Reserve Officer Training Corp, he was commissioned as second lieutenant infantry in 1958. Chuck served in a wide variety of assignments in the U.S. Army until his retirement from military service in 1991. His active duty military career includes two combat tours in Vietnam as an Infantry Officer, assignments in Europe and a tour as the Assistant Professor of Military Science at the University of Nevada, Reno. After leaving active service, Chuck served with the Nevada Military Department. He was appointed by Governor Robert List as the Director of the State Selective Service from 1979 to 1985. Recalled to active duty by Governor Richard Bryan in 1985, Chuck concluded his military career as the United States Property and Fiscal Officer for the Nevada National Guard. He is a graduate of the National Defense University and his military decorations include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star Medal the Air Medal, the coveted Combat Infantry Badge and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with the Gold Star. Under Chuck's leadership, the Nevada Office of Veterans Services realized significant achievements benefiting Nevada's veterans and their families. The State's Veterans Service Officer staff doubled in size, making it possible for more Nevada veterans to receive their VA benefits and recognition for their service than ever before. His leadership was also instrumental in securing $9 million for the expansion of the State's two veterans' cemeteries; the Northern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Fernley and the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Boulder City. Chuck's efforts made possible additional burial plots, columbariums, and new maintenance and administration buildings, greatly increasing the Cemeteries' ability to properly honor those who served. Additionally, the State's Guardianship Program was expanded under his leadership, affording care to many more indigent veterans residing in the State of Nevada than ever before. Of his many achievements during his tenure as the Executive Director of the Nevada Office of Veterans Service, Chuck is most proud of his efforts to bring skilled nursing services to Nevada veterans in need of long term care through the construction of the Nevada State Veterans Home in Boulder City. Prior to the opening of the State's Veterans Home, Nevada was one of very few states in the U.S. that did not have a state veterans home to care for veterans in need of 24-hour skilled nursing care. Chuck's leadership not only dramatically increased the State's offerings to Nevada veterans, but created a road map for future increases in services for veterans. Chuck has been actively involved in veterans' issues throughout his career. He is a founder and officer of the Veterans Hospital Foundation in Reno and a life member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the Disabled American Veterans, the Vietnam Veterans of America, and the U.S. Army Retired Officers Association. Active in the community, Chuck belongs to the Reno Sunrise Rotary Club where he has been designated a Paul Harris Fellow. He also serves on the Executive Board of the Nevada Area council of the Boy Scouts of America and is a guest lecturer at the UNR and UNLV military departments. Chuck is married to Mary Lee Metzker and has three children and five grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Chuck Fulkerson on the floor of the House. He is a fine American and a true hero to those who have had the honor of knowing and serving with him. He has an unwavering spirit for the veterans of yesterday, today and tomorrow. I wish him the best in retirement.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Andrea Marie Perea, who is a two-time State Champion in the sport of Gymnastics. At 12 years old, Andrea has achieved more in the sport of gymnastics than many athletes will accomplish in a lifetime. In the 2005 Nevada State Championships in Reno, Nevada, Andrea scored first place in 4 of the 5 events that she competed in, including uneven bars, balance beam, floor exercise, and best all around performance, leading her to win her first Nevada State Championship. She became a two-time title holder at the 2006 Nevada State Championships in Las Vegas, Nevada, where she took home first place on the vault, balance beam, and again received the title of best all around. Andrea's athleticism does not stop with gymnastics. She takes ballet and belly dance lessons, and participates in a Fiesta Flamenca dance troupe. In addition to her athletic achievements, Andrea gives back to the Las Vegas community by volunteering with Salud en Accion, a program that provides outreach to the Hispanic community on Medicare, Medicaid, and basic health services. Furthermore, Andrea acts as an altar server for the Guardian Angel Cathedral Catholic Church in Las Vegas, Nevada. Andrea is committed to maintaining her public service, and would like to get more involved with events in her local Las Vegas community. A straight ``A'' student, she intends to maintain her grades while continuing to practice dance and violin in her spare time. She has set her sights on participating in the 2012 Olympic Games in London, and then taking her gold medal to West Point where she will study medicine, and eventually become a surgeon. With more young women like Andrea Marie Perea, who strive to meet their goals with great ambition and pride, I see a bright future for America. Mr. Speaker, I am grateful to honor Andrea Marie Perea and her outstanding accomplishments. I wish her the best in her gymnastics career, as well as with all of her future endeavors.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would first like to thank my colleagues, Mr. Andrews from New Jersey and Mr. Renzi from Arizona, for joining me in offering this commonsense, bipartisan amendment. Many students graduate from college and professional schools, including those of social work, nursing, medicine, teaching and law, with crushing debt burdens. With the median entry-level public service law salary at $35,000, a mortgage-size debt will bar most graduates from pursuing public service jobs, such as those with government agencies or legal services programs. Among the graduates who take such positions, many are forced to leave after 2 or 3 years of employment due to financial constraints. The Porter-Andrews-Renzi amendment amends section 421, the Loan Forgiveness for Service in Areas of National Need, of H.R. 609, by allowing public service employees to access funds in the loan forgiveness program. Specifically, the language expands section 428K of the Higher Education Act to provide up to $5,000 in loan forgiveness for individuals who have completed a baccalaureate or advanced degree and served for 5 consecutive years in areas of public service. This amendment will help encourage highly trained individuals to enter and continue in areas of public service by reducing the burden of student debt for Americans who dedicate their careers in areas of public service. This amendment is especially important in rapidly growing communities like Southern Nevada. In my district, we have over 5,000 new people moving into our State each month, and it is critical that we ensure our workforce staff is equipped to handle our population growth. For example, Federal agencies such as the Department of Justice, Social Security Administration, and the U.S. Attorney's office are continually faced with staffing needs to address the increased growth in our communities. By providing these incentives, we can help our communities staff positions for which there are significant needs such as public service employees. This is an opportunity for Congress to make an existing Federal program more useful by providing an incentive for students to enter the fields of public service. It is a fiscally responsible solution that will support individuals who choose to enter areas of public service without imposing costly new mandates that will eat into our ability to provide other student benefits through higher education. Mr. Chairman, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi).

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor John Tartan and his career as a teacher, coach, counselor, administrator. He is recognized today at the formal dedication of John Tartan Elementary School, which is named in his honor. John was born November 6, 1924, in Ruth, Nevada. His parents were immigrants from Yugoslavia. In 1925, the family moved to McGill, Nevada, where John attended McGill Grade School and later White Pine High School in Ely. John graduated in 1943, and he enlisted in the Army-Air Corps. After the war, John won a spot on the ``Ogden Reds'' baseball team, a farm team for the Cincinnati Reds. There he earned the nickname ``Buck'' because he could run like a buck deer. That experience helped secure a baseball scholarship to Utah State University, where he earned his Bachelor of Science Degree in 1952. John was hired by White Pine High School to teach, before he was recalled into the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. John coached and played for the Walker AFB in Roswell, New Mexico. He deployed to Mendel, England. He was discharged from the armed services in July 1953. One month later, he accepted a position at Basic High School in Henderson, teaching general science and biology. He also became head baseball coach and assistant football coach. Under John's direction, Basic won two State Championships in baseball. Basic won the Tri-State championship and then competed in the C.I.F. tournament in Southern California. This was a first for a Nevada school. In 1955 John was named the ``Helms Athletic Coach of the Year.'' John also introduced the slogan ``Home of the Basic Wolves'' on the school scoreboard. In addition to the scoreboard, John was the first coach to dress in team uniform, along with the bat-boy. This started a precedent at all the high schools in the Las Vegas valley. In 1957, John left Basic to pursue a Master's Degree at Arizona State University. He returned to Las Vegas and Rancho High School. John led the Rancho Baseball Teams to Three State Championships in a row. John moved out of the classroom and into administration. As a counselor at Rancho, John made it a point to help every student secure a scholarship. He handled all the senior class for twelve years. At Rancho High School, John served as Head of Counselors, and eventually as Assistant Principal. In 1976, John transferred to Valley High School as Assistant Principal and in 1978, he requested to be transferred to Las Vegas High School, because it was so similar to his own Alma Mater. He retired from Las Vegas High School in 1980. John is married to Judy Breeding Tartan for forty-two years. He has three children, five grandchildren and two great grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to pay tribute to John Tartan on the floor of the House today. I thank him for his service.

Mr. PORTER

Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Attorney Robert E. Jones, who passed away on January 28 of this year, at the age of 93. Robert was a resident of Las Vegas for 39 years and a resident of Salt Lake City the last 22 years of his life. While living in Las Vegas, from 1947 to 1951, he served as the Clark County District Attorney. He also was the general counsel for the Clark County Housing Authority for 37 years, held a similar post at the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority for 14 years and was the first attorney for the Colorado River Commission. He became the Convention Authority's first attorney in 1958 when the agency was known as the Clark County Fair and Recreation Board. There, Robert was credited with putting together 6 bond questions, 4 of which passed, that helped shape the powerful Convention Authority during its formative years. Before moving to Las Vegas Robert served as an FBI Special Agent in Savannah, Georgia, and Birmingham, Alabama, from 1940 to 1945. Robert is the father of U.S. District Judge Robert E. Jones, and the Clark County Housing Authority's Jones Gardens was opened and named in his son's honor in 1985. Mr. Speaker, It is an honor to recognize and pay tribute to Robert Jones today, on the floor of the House. He was a great American and he will be remembered as a philosophical man whose kindness and involvement in the community stands as an example to all of us.