Hal Rogers

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to rise today in recognition of the outstanding achievements of one of my constituents, the Head Football Coach of Belfry High School, Mr. Philip Haywood. Unparalleled among his peers, Coach Haywood was recently named Coach of the Year by the National High School Athletic Coaches Association. A native of Prestonsburg, he has coached Eastern Kentuckians for more than 40 years, and is the winningest coach in Kentucky history with a record of 417 wins and only 130 losses. Clearly, this is not the first major award Coach Haywood has received--far from it. In 2013, Coach Haywood was named USA Today's National Coach of the Year, an award voted on by fans, and a clear indication of how beloved he is by those who know and appreciate football, both inside the Commonwealth and beyond it. In 2014, he received the Blanton Collier School Coach of the Year award, an honor reserved for only the best coaches in Kentucky. In 2016, he was inducted into the Kentucky High School Coaches Hall of Fame. To the surprise of no one, Coach Haywood has been named the Courier-Journal Coach of the Year five different times. His successes are many, and his impact far-reaching. Accolades aside, what truly separates Coach Haywood from the rest of the field is his dedication to ``Faith, Family, and Football,'' the title of a book he recently authored that speaks to the eternal. Coach Haywood has been a longtime youth leader and choir director in his local church, and has served as a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Huddle leader at Belfry for over 30 years. As a coach and mentor, he has taught his student-athletes the value of self-discipline, to overcome defeat, to be gracious in victory, and to persevere through every test. He has mentored hundreds of students, guiding them along the straight and narrow path. An exemplary model of success and virtue, I thank Coach Haywood for his many years of service to the Fifth District. His efforts, past and present, are much appreciated.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my long-time adviser and expert caseworker, Sarah Meece, upon her much- deserved retirement after dedicating more than 40 years of service by my side. When I reflect upon Sarah's career, I stand in awe of her loyalty, her unwavering patience, her persistent advocacy, and undying compassion for those in need. As Congressman, I have the duty and the privilege of assisting the people of southern and eastern Kentucky as they grapple with Federal agencies. At the heart of those cases has stood Sarah Meece providing expert advice and staunch support for individuals in our region who need help with Social Security, disability, and retirement claims, among many other issues. In fact, over the last 36 years, Sarah has worked on approximately 150,000 cases, representing an unmatched record of assistance for more than 4,000 individuals each year. Sarah has gained so much notoriety in her field that staff from other congressional offices, and officials even from the administration, contact her for guidance in case work. And in this line of work, there are very few, if any, medals or certificates of honor to honor those worthy of recognition like Sarah; nonetheless, her drive and consistency has never failed. Day in and day out, Sarah has answered countless phone calls, set up personal meetings, listened to some of the most heartbreaking stories from families who were denied benefits on multiple occasions, those in desperate need of recouping benefits, others who lost hope in a mountain of Federal paperwork. Sarah's reward has been the simple words of appreciation from the thousands upon thousands of individuals who she has helped over the years. In my eyes, she deserves so much more. While I wish Sarah the best in her years of retirement, the absence of her daily presence in the office will be insurmountable. When I was elected Commonwealth's Attorney for Pulaski and Rockcastle Counties in 1969, Sarah Meece was there. When I was the Republican nominee for Lieutenant Governor in 1979, Sarah Meece was there. When I was elected to Congress in 1980, Sarah Meece was there. In fact, she has been with me every day since, even volunteering her personal time for campaign work along the way, ensuring we both could continue serving the public for another 2 years. During her tenure, Sarah welcomed U.S. Presidents and Vice Presidents to our region, befriended eight Kentucky Governors and their staffs, and assisted hundreds of local leaders across southern and eastern Kentucky as they navigated through Federal issues. However, it is the people living in the hills and hollers of Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District who have driven her passion- filled public service. With every call and every personal visit, Sarah offered an encouraging word of hope to our constituents. Very few people can find the silver lining in every cloud like Sarah does, or bring a smile and a laugh to a broken heart. Her comical candor and illustrative storytelling have been a bright spot in everyone's day. I am forever grateful to have such a great friend and loyal adviser over these last 4 decades. Sarah's life's work has given countless families hope in their darkest hour and comforted them through lengthy and complex Federal issues. Simply put, Sarah is irreplaceable, both her institutional knowledge of Federal casework and her kind, enduring spirit. Mr. Speaker, if every congressional office and Federal agency had a Sarah Meece, our Nation would operate much better. She has been the jewel of my congressional operations and the truest friend to the people of southern and eastern Kentucky. My wife, Cynthia, and I wish Sarah and her husband, Bud, many joyful and restful years of retirement with their children and grandchildren.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Chairman, thank you for yielding the time. Congratulations to you on your maiden voyage in this role that you are occupying--very expertly, I might add. During the forced march that we undertook in the committee for the last 3 weeks, clearing all 12 bills through the full committee in a historically record time, we had a good drill sergeant, Mr. Frelinghuysen. Thank you for doing a great job. We held 74 oversight and budget hearings, heard from over 400 witnesses, with the overarching goal that each of the 12 bills we passed out of our committee addressed the needs of our constituents. I am proud to say that these bills do just that--advance our national defense and secure our borders, take care of our veterans, provide critical infrastructure funding, increase resources to combat the opioid epidemic, maintain our presence as a leader in global diplomacy--all the while maintaining fiscal discipline. I am disappointed that we won't consider all 12 of these bills before the August recess, but this security package is an important step forward. It will ensure that we, as the Congress, uphold our most sacred responsibility to provide for our Nation's common defense. Under the previous administration, our Department of Defense faced needless uncertainty. I am proud that we are now turning the tide, providing our troops and their commanders with the necessary resources to respond to threats from countries like Russia, China, and Iran, as well as crush the violent extremists who wish to do us harm. As promised to the American people, we are rebuilding and modernizing our military as an international powerhouse by better equipping our troops, strengthening counterterrorism efforts, and reestablishing confidence with our allies. At a time when our enemies continue to advance around the globe, the U.S. must remain at the forefront of military readiness and advanced technology to strengthen national defense at home and abroad. This bill also maintains our commitment to those brave men and women after their service has come to a close, providing for greater oversight and accountability at the VA and modernizing electronic health records to help our veterans receive the high quality of care they deserve. I am also pleased that this legislation includes the Energy and Water Appropriations bill, which funds many of our national security interests and builds upon our country's essential infrastructure needs. In particular, this bill protects the Appalachian Regional Commission, ARC, from proposed elimination, and ensures that its critical programs will continue in our hardest hit Appalachian coal communities. Since 1965, ARC has led efforts to innovate, partner, and invest in the region to build community capacity and strengthen economic growth. These investments have led to the creation of thousands of new jobs. It has improved local water and sewer systems, improved our schools, increased access to healthcare, and provided critical assistance to emerging businesses. After 8 years of strangulation by regulation in the Obama administration's war on coal, Appalachia needs the ARC now more than ever. Mr. Chairman, thank you again for allowing me to speak on behalf of this bill. Is it everything we wanted? No. It is critical that we prioritize our national security, and that is what this bill does. Mr. Chairman, the motto of our Appropriations Committee is this: ``A vision without funding is a hallucination.'' Now we have got a visionary leader in our chairman, but we have got to provide the funding to make the dreams that we have come true, and that is what Appropriations does.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate a remarkable leader in southern and eastern Kentucky, Mr. David Cox, upon receiving the 2017 Daniel Boone Visionary Award presented by the Boy Scouts of America Daniel Boone Council. The Daniel Boone Visionary Award was developed to recognize community leaders who make significant contributions to improve the local district, including Whitley, Laurel, Knox, Bell, Clay, Harlan and Jackson counties. The award recipients are recognized for their contributions to economic growth, education and leadership development in our youth. David Cox is a worthy recipient of this prestigious award due to the tremendous vision and leadership he has exemplified as Superintendent of the Corbin Independent School System. He has dedicated 25 years as an educator and administrator for the Corbin Independent School System and in less than two years at the helm, students are making marked improvements. Currently, the Corbin Independent School System is ranked fourth out of 173 school districts in the Commonwealth of Kentucky, based on the Kentucky Core Content Test, placing the district in the state's 98th percentile for achievement. Additionally, Corbin Redhounds consistently rank among the top in the state for College and Career Readiness preparation and average ACT scores. Not only do they excel in academics, but students achieve incredible success in arts and athletics as they rank among the state elite each year as well. Mr. Cox continues to lead his high performing students and staff by living the school's motto: ``Striving to be the Best!'' He has worked diligently to ensure students in our region have access to the most innovative technology, advanced facilities and the very best opportunities for education. Mr. Speaker, I applaud the outstanding contributions that David Cox has made in educating our future leaders in southern and eastern Kentucky, and the inspiration and drive he instills in them to give back to their communities--a core mission of the Boy Scouts. Congratulations to David Cox on receiving the 2017 Daniel Boone Visionary Award.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise, like most of the delegation here, in memory of our longtime friend and colleague, the late Jim Bunning, who was an indomitable force on the pitcher's mound, a stalwart champion for the Commonwealth, and the proud patriarch of a remarkable family. Jim Bunning is the type of guy you always wanted in your starting lineup. With his multilayered talent, Jim valued strategic offense as much as staunch defense not only on the pitcher's mound, but in the Halls of Congress, where he fervently stood for conservative values. Jim once said: ``I have been booed by 60,000 fans at Yankee Stadium standing alone at the pitcher's mound, so I have never really cared if I stood alone here in Congress as long as I stood for my beliefs and my values.'' Jim was bold and headstrong, but also fiercely loyal, a combination that made him effective in every endeavor he undertook. He lived a courageous life that was highlighted by his Hall of Fame record and commitment to public service. Jim left an indelible mark on our State, on our Nation, and his legacy will endure for generations. My wife, Cynthia, and I extend our heartfelt sympathy to Mary and the entire Bunning family. We are forever grateful for Jim's courage of conviction to faithfully serve the people of the Commonwealth. I had the pleasure of serving with Jim in the House before he was elected to the U.S. Senate, and many times we would be on this floor when Jim's indomitable spirit would surface. He held strong beliefs and he had strong opinions, but, as Jim Host has said, you have never met a straighter arrow than Jim Bunning. We are going to miss you, Big Right-Hander.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support this legislation. I want to commend Chairman Frelinghuysen and Mrs. Lowey for a job well done. Mr. Speaker, the most important point that I think I could make for many in this Chamber is that if you reject this omnibus spending bill that you all put together during the year, the alternative is a continuing resolution for the balance of the year which will put into effect the spending priorities of the previous administration. The Obama plan will still be in effect if you reject this omnibus bill. For many of us, that is the most important point that we could make. Now, Mr. Speaker, this comprehensive bill responsibly funds key government programs through the rest of the fiscal year. As the battle against ISIS continues, funding for both defense and diplomacy must be a part of our national security framework. Along with strategic increases for the Department of Defense, the omnibus includes critical funding for the Department of State and Foreign Operations. Protecting our diplomats abroad is a top priority, and the bill provides $6.1 billion to carry out that mission. The legislation also upholds our commitments to key international allies like Israel and Jordan and establishes a new $100 million fund to support nations facing Russian aggression. We continue funding for global health, and humanitarian aid, and famine relief, including a new rapid response fund for emerging infectious diseases. And the bill dedicates significant resources to stop drug trafficking along our southern border with robust counternarcotic and law enforcement efforts in Mexico, Central America, and Colombia. No funds are provided for either the Green Climate Fund or the U.N. panel on climate change, and funding for the U.N. is reduced by $640 million. While national security is a key tenet of this legislation, the omnibus also promotes economic growth at home, particularly in my Kentucky district. Coal country came under siege under President Obama, with an onslaught of job-killing regulations. Our communities are working hard to recover, after losing nearly 12,000 mining jobs. In addition to rolling back several anticoal regulations, the bill permanently provides healthcare benefits to retired coal miners and their families. This gives the people who powered our Nation for generations the peace of mind that they deserve. The bill also provides Kentucky with $25 million to continue the Abandoned Mine Land Pilot Program, which creates jobs by reclaiming abandoned mine land for economic development. The Appalachian Regional Commission receives historic funding. With the $152 million appropriated, $10 million is dedicated to high-speed broadband cable in our region. EDA is also provided with $30 million to revitalize the coalfields. In addition to creating jobs, this bill builds on our progress to combat drug abuse. Like Operation UNITE in my district, we take a holistic approach to fund a comprehensive Federal response. An increase of $781 million is provided for fighting the opioid epidemic, including treatment, and prevention, and law enforcement. This bill, Mr. Speaker, will save lives. Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote. I commend the chairman and the ranking member for the great work they have put together in passing what is important to this Nation.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, it is with the deepest gratitude that I rise on this bittersweet occasion to recognize Will Smith, who is leaving Capitol Hill after more than two decades of distinguished service. Will has been my right hand in the halls of Congress for nearly two decades, and I cannot imagine a more thoughtful advisor, a more capable strategist, or a more loyal friend. A native of Beattyville, Kentucky, Will began his career on Capitol Hill in 1994, working for now-Majority Leader Mitch McConnell. In 1998, he brought his talents to my personal office, where he eventually became Chief of Staff in 2002. Over his 12 years in my personal office, the people of Kentucky could not have asked for a better advocate or a more capable public servant. Will's upbringing in his small eastern Kentucky hometown and his Appalachian roots have always been reflected in his work, and his legacy will be felt throughout the region for decades to come. He has championed numerous projects that benefitted the people of Kentucky's Fifth Congressional District from flood protection, to water and sewer expansion, to transportation improvements, and the like. He was instrumental in standing up Eastern Kentucky PRIDE, an organization focused on environmental clean-up, as well as our nation's pre-eminent regional anti-drug organization, Operation UNITE, that has become a model for nationwide replication. And holding true to Kentucky tradition, Will has always loyally cheered on the UK Wildcats from the Nation's capital. He has never forgotten where he came from or the people he came to serve. This remained true when I assumed the Chairmanship of the House Committee on Appropriations in 2011. Will stayed by my side--first as Deputy Staff Director for the Committee and then in 2013, was promoted to Clerk and Staff Director. During his tenure, he helped shepherd 70 bills to passage--bills that saved the American taxpayers more than $126 billion. His steady demeanor and strong leadership have been an asset to the Committee--particularly during some of the most trying times of the past six years. Even in the face of shutdowns, Will led with tact, professionalism, and thoughtfulness, working tirelessly to find a solution and get the job done. He is truly beloved by his colleagues and those congressional staff who have been fortunate enough to call him their boss and mentor. As we all know, these congressional staff work long hours, and often sacrifice weekends and holidays in order to keep this esteemed institution running smoothly. This inevitably takes a toll on personal commitments, and we also owe a debt of gratitude to Will's lovely wife, Kim, and his cherished children, Morgan and Matthew. Will is not going far away. But his absence will nonetheless be felt deeply throughout this institution. Will, on behalf of the Appropriations Committee and this Congress, I thank you for your service to our country. I wish you all the best in the future. Godspeed.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I congratulate the chairman on his assumption of the chairmanship of the full committee and for putting this bill together when he chaired the Subcommittee on Defense. This bill certainly represents the outcome of many hard choices. It prioritizes funding where our troops need it the most. It wisely invests in readiness, training, maintenance, and procurement, and ensures that our troops are prepared for the tasks before them. This bill also supports our efforts to defeat ISIL alongside our allies in the region as well as our continued focus on deterring Russian aggression. I am also pleased, Mr. Speaker, that this bill takes care of the troops and their families, granting them a long-awaited 2.1 percent pay raise. Time and again, our servicemembers put themselves in harm's way and respond to the myriad threats facing the Nation. This pay raise is one small way for us to honor their dedication and willingness to serve. As the threats we face continue to become more unpredictable, we must provide our troops with the tools that they need to win in uncertain times. This bill goes a long way toward restoring the shortfalls in manpower and readiness that our military has endured in recent years. In closing, Mr. Speaker, let me call attention again to Will Smith, who has been a clerk of this committee for 6 years and served as my chief of staff in my private office for many years before. This is likely his last appropriations bill on the floor to help manage and put together, and so I want to say to Will and all of you in behalf of saying something good about Will, what a great amount of service he rendered the Nation with a true Kentucky attitude, which he has. Will, we owe you a lot. Thank you for your service. You have been great. We wish you Godspeed.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. I thank the chairman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, President Obama made it his mission to bankrupt the coal industry when he took office, and through a slew of job-killing regulations, he has nearly made good on that promise. His administration spent 7 years and over $10 million in taxpayer dollars writing the stream protection rule. Even though the bipartisan 2016 omnibus appropriations bill directed the Interior Department to engage with the States before finalizing this rule, the agency refused to comply, leaving crucial voices out of the rulemaking process. Under this midnight regulation, at least half of the Nation's coal reserves would be restricted from mining, and one-third of current coal-related jobs would be at risk. This would mean more devastating job losses in coal communities across the country, especially in Kentucky, where we have already got nearly 13,000 miners out of work. It is time to end the madness and give our communities in the coal areas a chance to rebuild. I urge support of this resolution.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Moyer Foundation and its Camp Mariposa. Since 2000, the Moyer Foundation has reached thousands of children impacted by grief or addiction in their families. Among other successful endeavors, the Foundation started Camp Mariposa, a free weekend camp focused on mentoring and addiction prevention for youth impacted by the substance abuse of a family member. In 2015, Camp Mariposa helped over 960 students ages 9 through 12 have fewer feelings of isolation and guilt, understand the reality of addiction as a disease, and make positive life choices. Just last week, the Addiction Policy Forum recognized Camp Mariposa in their ``Focus on Innovation'' program. Sadly, the children of eastern Kentucky have been at the very heart of a nationwide opioid abuse epidemic that has claimed more than 165,000 lives since 1999. They've borne witness to a generation of addiction and overdose, often times among those on whom they rely for financial, educational, and emotional support. I am proud that Camp Mariposa will open its twelfth location next month in Buckhorn, Kentucky, its first rural location, and continue spreading awareness and hope to our region. I thank the Moyer Foundation and its local partner Buckhorn Children & Family Services for their dedication to changing the lives of America's at-risk youth. With their continued help, we can break the cycle of addiction and instill newfound hope in our communities

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Texas (Mr. Carter), who chairs the all- important Homeland Security Subcommittee on our committee.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 949, I call up the bill (H.R. 2028) making appropriations for energy and water development and related agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2016, and for other purposes, with the Senate amendment thereto, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I have a motion at the desk.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the further consideration of H.R. 2028, and that I may include tabular material on the same.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to present the second Fiscal Year 2017 Continuing Resolution this year, which will fund the Federal Government through April 28 of 2017. This bill is a necessary measure to continue vital government programs and services, like our national defense. It keeps the lights on in our government, preventing the uncertainty and harm of a shutdown. Our current continuing resolution expires tomorrow, so we must act today. This continuing resolution is a responsible compromise, making only limited adjustments where required to preserve the security of the Nation, to prevent serious lapses in government services, and to ensure the careful expenditure of taxpayer dollars. To highlight a few of these changes: we take care of our troops by increasing overseas contingency operations resources, and include provisions that accelerate production rates for critical defense equipment and systems, like the Ohio replacement submarine, the Apache helicopter, and the KC-46A tanker. The bill also maintains adequate funding for the Department of Homeland Security to keep our Nation safe. In addition to these changes, the bill includes necessary funding to help communities recover from recent natural disasters, like Hurricane Matthew, flooding in States like Louisiana and West Virginia, and devastating droughts. The legislation also includes $170 million for important health and water infrastructure improvements, as well as $872 million for the House-passed 21st Century Cures Act, including $500 million to respond to the opioid abuse epidemic. These items are both fully offset. As I have said on this floor many times over the past 6 years, standing in this exact spot, a continuing resolution is a last resort. It is not what I would prefer to bring to the floor as my final bill as chairman of the Appropriations Committee. At the end of the day, a CR is simply a Band-Aid on a gushing wound. This is no way to run a railroad. It is bad for Congress, bad for the Federal Government, and bad for our country. A CR extends outdated policies and funding levels, wasting money, and preventing good changes from being made. A CR also creates uncertainty in Federal budgets and in our economy. Lastly, it diminishes the Congress' power of the purse, giving away the people's voice in how the government uses their tax dollars. I truly hope that in the near future we can stop lurching from CR to CR and return to regular order, for the sake of our national security, our economy, and the well-being of all Americans. However, at this point, this is our best and only path forward. It is absolutely imperative that we complete the work on the 11 remaining appropriations bills as soon as possible when Congress returns. This is a good bill, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on the CR. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH081216.001 [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH081216.002 [GRAPHIC] [TIFF OMITTED] TH081216.003

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Frelinghuysen), who will assume the chair of the Appropriations Committee come January and in whom I have great confidence and pride.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole), who chairs the largest civilian piece of the Federal budget, the Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies Subcommittee, on our committee. The gentleman is the most articulate member of our committee, I would say, and one of the great Members of this body.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Will the gentlewoman yield?

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. The answer is yes.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. McKinley) for the purpose of a colloquy.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Yes, that is my understanding. Just across the river from you, in my home State of Kentucky, there are thousands of retired miners who will be impacted by the expiration of these healthcare benefits, many of them in my district. These miners have worked hard their entire lives to earn these benefits, and they deserve to know that the promises made to them, while working day in and day out in the mines, will be honored. I am committed to working with you and other Members representing coal country to arrive at a lasting solution to this problem in the new Congress and to provide some lasting relief to our coalfields, which have suffered so much in the last 8 years.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Upton), the outstanding chairman of the House Energy and Commerce Committee.

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky

Mr. ROGERS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th wedding anniversary of a beloved couple in Eastern Kentucky, my dear friends, Cal and Sandy Runyon of Pikeville. Cal and Sandy's commitment and love for one another is equally as strong as their devotion and loyal service to the people of Eastern Kentucky. I say that with confidence due to their combined decades of service in multiple capacities to our nation, our commonwealth and our region. Sandy faithfully served as my Field Representative for nearly a decade. In fact, she still tries to keep me in line, advising and providing guidance about projects and politics in the Big Sandy region. She is a friend to many and has mentored countless young people and rising leaders by taking them under her wing. Sandy started in public service at a young age, landing her first job with former Pike County Commonwealth's Attorney Thomas Ratliff, and continuing on with the State Highway Department in Pikeville, serving as a former representative for the Southern Labor Union, and finally earning a gubernatorial appointment as former Pike County Circuit Court Clerk. Today, her heart of service reaches Floyd, Johnson, Magoffin, Martin and Pike Counties as Executive Director of the Big Sandy Area Development District. She has diligently sought out economic development opportunities and infrastructure enhancements to expand clean water and sewer service to people living in some of our most rural communities. She's known for getting things done in a no-nonsense approach and doesn't accept excuses. Sandy is tenacious and fights for projects that will improve the lives of Eastern Kentuckians. For those reasons, former Governor Louie B. Nunn designated Sandy as a bonafide Kentucky Colonel. While Sandy has worked tirelessly for project funding, Cal has spent a lifetime serving and protecting our way of life. As a Corporal in the U.S. Marines, Cal served in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba and a number of other posts around the world. He later served as a member of the United States Army Security Agency (USASA) in Kushiro, Japan, working in cryptography communications. When Cal returned to U.S. soil, he continued to serve through the Pike County Sheriff's Department, Pikeville City Police Department, and as a Deputy U.S. Marshal Court Security Officer. He is also a Shriner and 32nd Degree Mason in Pikeville. As individuals, they have helped transform Kentucky's Appalachian region. As a couple, they have conquered the obstacles of life, upheld their wedding vows for 50 years and shared a love that so many people spend a lifetime searching for. As a result, they have one son, Eddie, a daughter-in-law, Yvette, and two wonderful grandchildren, Triniti Shae and Jonah Brock Runyon. My wife, Cynthia, and I wish Cal and Sandy a happy 50th Anniversary and many more years of marital bliss.