Mike Rogers

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask for the House's attention today to recognize Ruth Sarro who is retiring on March 31st. Mrs. Sarro began her career as a 4-H agent over 30 years ago. Working with the 4-H of Alabama was the fulfillment of her childhood dreams. As a child, Mrs. Sarro enjoyed participating in her local chapter. She competed in local, county, district and even state 4-H contests. Her fond memories led her to pursue opportunities within the 4-H system. In 1980, she graduated from the University of Montevallo in Alabama and began working in the Bullock County extension office as a 4-H agent. In 1982, Mrs. Sarro transferred to the Calhoun County Extension office in Anniston, Alabama. During her years as a 4-H agent she worked extensively with schools and teachers in Alabama. In fact, she worked with over 22,000 students between 1980 and 2004. In 2004, the Alabama Cooperative Extension System was restructured, and she became a Regional 4-H agent. She works with 97 volunteers in Calhoun, Cleburne and Randolph counties. Mrs. Sarro will be remembered for her dedication to the 4-H systems of Alabama. She is a true success story of what dedication to a cause can bring about. Countless students, teachers, volunteers and members of the community have been inspired by her. Mr. Speaker, we join her family and friends in celebrating Mrs. Sarro's retirement.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask for the House's attention today to recognize Jan Jennings who is celebrating her 60th birthday on Thursday, February 7th, 2013. Mrs. Jennings was born on February 7th, 1953 in Anniston, Alabama to Johnny and Ruby Reaves. She is one of seven children. She graduated from Saks High School and went on to attend Gadsden State University, where she got her degree in Nursing. She later received her Business degree from Jacksonville State University in 1989. In 1983, Jan married Jeff Jennings, also a native of Anniston, Alabama. Later, in 1987, they welcomed their only child, Jessica. In 2010, they adopted their beloved labradoodle, Tully. For almost 20 years, Jan practiced as a nurse at Regional Medical Center in Anniston, Riverview Medical Center in Gadsden, and Montclair Baptist Hospital in Birmingham. Jan then left to pursue her dreams of traveling the world when she joined the medical sales industry. Jan is still in the industry today, working as a Trainer for EndoGastric Solutions. After over 40 years of living in Anniston, Alabama, Jan and her family relocated to High Point, North Carolina, where they live today. Although she lives in North Carolina, Jan remains a dedicated fan of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide. Mr. Speaker, we join her family and friends in celebrating Jan's birthday and wishing her many more.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. ``He shall receive ambassadors and other public ministers; he shall take care that the laws be faithfully executed, and shall commission all the officers of the United States.'' Article II, section 4: ``The President, Vice President and all civil officers of the United States, shall be removed from office on impeachment for, and conviction of, treason, bribery, or other high crimes and misdemeanors.'' Article III, section 1: ``The judicial power of the United States shall be vested in one supreme Court, and in such inferior Courts as the Congress may from time to time ordain and establish. The judges, both of the supreme and inferior Courts, shall hold their offices during good behavior and shall, at stated times, receive for their services a compensation, which shall not be diminished during their continuance in office.''

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask for the House's attention today to recognize Richard Henry Railey who is retiring from the United Parcel Service in Opelika after 34 years of service. Mr. Railey was born on October 18, 1957, in Ashland, Alabama, to Talma and Georgia Alberta Railey. He graduated from Wadley High School in 1976 as Class Salutatorian, lettering in both football and baseball and serving as Class President. He attended Southern Union State Junior College receiving an A.S. Degree and serving as President of the Student Government Association. He then attended Auburn University and graduated in 1981 with a B.S. Degree in Vocational Agri-Business with a teaching certificate. In November of 1978, Mr. Railey started working part-time at UPS while in school at Auburn. In 1979, he was promoted to part-time management and in 1984, to full-time management. In April of 1981, Richard married Debbie Renee Gilbert in Pine Mountain, Georgia, and later they had two sons, Patrick Ryan Railey and David Richard Railey. While at UPS, Richard has also volunteered at United Way, taught Junior Achievement at Opelika High School and Auburn High School and achieved many job promotions during his time there. Mr. Speaker, we join his family and friends in celebrating Mr. Railey's retirement and wish him the very best.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I would like to join my colleagues Congressman Spencer Bachus and Congresswoman Terri Sewell in asking for the House's attention today to recognize Dr. Phillip Hammonds who is retiring as the Superintendent of Jefferson County Schools after nearly 40 years of service to Alabama's school systems. Dr. Phillip Hammonds received his Bachelor degree in English Education from Evangel College in Springfield, Missouri. Soon after, he received his Master's degree from the University of Alabama at Birmingham. He went on to earn Doctoral degrees from both the University of Montevallo and the University of Alabama. While earning his numerous degrees, Dr. Hammonds also served Alabama schools in various capacities. From 1973-1983 he work for Sylacauga High School. In 1983, he began working for the Sylacauga City School System, where he stayed until 1996. He also served as the Superintendent of Sylacauga City Schools from 2001-2003. From 1996- 1997, Dr. Hammonds was the Superintendent of Education for Pell City Schools. In 1997, he began his work for the Jefferson County School System, and in 2004 he was appointed Superintendent. Because of his faithful service to Alabama's school systems, Dr. Hammonds has been the recipient of numerous awards. In 1989, he was honored as the Outstanding Graduate Student in School Administration at the University of Montevallo. In 1991, he received a Faculty Recognition Award from the University of Alabama. He was also named the Outstanding Alumnus in School Administration by the University of Montevallo in 1996. In 2007, he was recognized as the Outstanding Superintendent of the Year by the Alabama Congress of Parents and Teachers. Finally, in 2010, he was appointed to the Board of Directors for the The Capstone at the University of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, we join his family, friends and the state of Alabama in this celebration in his honor. We will miss Dr. Hammonds' leadership in Alabama, and wish him the very best.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend members of an outstanding family who have spent their lives building successful businesses and giving back to their community. Jimmy and Chris Pursell started Pursell Technologies, Pursell Farms and FarmLinks all located in or around Talladega County in Alabama. Jimmy Pursell grew up in Talladega, Alabama and graduated from Auburn University in 1952. In 1953, Jimmy married Chris Parker of Sylacauga, Alabama. Jimmy spent four years in the Air Force after college and then moved with his wife to Sylacauga to join his father-in-law in the fertilizer business at Parker Fertilizer. In 1964, Jimmy and Chris took over the business and focused mainly on fertilizer. In 1997, the consumer division of the company was sold and the remaining portion became Pursell Technologies. In 2001, the family established Pursell Farms, a 3,500 acre site in Fayetteville, Alabama and FarmLinks, an 18-hole golf course and nursery. FarmLinks has been the number one public course in Alabama and attracts visitors from all over. The Pursells have three children--Taylor, Chris and David--who have all worked for their company at some point. The Pursells have created over 250 local jobs and run their company with Christian values. The Pursells also have supported local schools and their community and created three student programs at Auburn University. On December 3rd, the Pursell family will travel to a special event held at the United Nations in New York City to be awarded this prestigious honor by Sylacauga native Jim Nabors. Mr. Speaker, I offer my congratulations to the Pursell family and thank Auburn University for educating outstanding students and citizens such as the Pursells.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention today to recognize Lew Watson who is retiring as Mayor of the City of Lincoln, Alabama, on the 40th anniversary of the day he first took the oath of office. Carroll L. ``Lew'' Watson was born in Norfolk, Virginia, to Carroll and Ruth Watson on May 9, 1943. He graduated from Lincoln High School in 1961 and graduated from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor's of Art degree in 1965. After graduation from college, he joined the United States Army where he served until September of 1969 when he retired at the rank of Captain. He later attended Birmingham School of Law and received his Juris Doctor degree on May 23, 1982. Watson was first elected mayor in 1972 at the age of 29 when Lincoln's population was a little over 1,100. Over the years, Lew was able to help build local infrastructure and help recruit industries like Honda Manufacturing of Alabama, LLC which helped the city grow and prosper to what it is today. During his time in office the city's population grew by over 450 percent. Watson's children include Carroll Lewis Watson and his wife Alyson, Samantha Bluhm and her husband Patrick, David G. Watson and his wife Azumi, and Jessica Laffosse and her husband Michael. Mr. Speaker, we join his friends and family in this surprise celebration in his honor. We will miss Lew's leadership in Lincoln, and wish him the very best.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention today to recognize Sergeant First Class Kito Kajuan Wilkins, who will be retiring from the US Army's 3rd Infantry Division, 3rd Combat Aviation Brigade. Originally from Anniston, Alabama, Wilkins entered the Army in 1992. Upon graduation from boot camp, he became a Bradley Vehicle Driver at Fort Benning, Georgia. Soon after, he became a Squad Leader and Platoon Sergeant in Illesheim, Germany. From 1999-2002, he was stationed in Fort Hood, where he served as a Technical Inspector. After serving as a recruiter in San Antonio, Wilkins was deployed to Iraq to support Operation Iraqi Freedom. After his deployment to Iraq, Wilkins served in Fort Eustis, Virginia as an Instructor. From 2008-2010, he was stationed at Fort Wainwright, Alaska, as a Platoon Sergeant and Section Chief. Currently, his duty location is Hunter Army Airfield in Savannah, Georgia. While stationed there he has deployed to Pakistan, where he took part in the Pakistani Humanitarian Mission Flood Relief, and Afghanistan, where he served his final deployment. Because of his dedication to our country, SFC Wilkins has received countless awards. These include: 7 Army Accommodation Medals, five Army Achievement Medals, six Army Good Conduct Medals, two National Defense Service Medals, one Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal, one Global War on Terror Service Medal, one Silver Recruiter Badge and one Basic Marksmanship Qualification Badge. In addition to his dutiful service to our country, SFC Wilkins is a tireless volunteer. He has logged over 1,500 volunteer community service hours teaching youth football, basketball and soccer. Because of his volunteer efforts, Wilkins has received two Humanitarian Service Medals, a Military Outstanding Volunteer Service Medal, an Army Service Ribbon and two Overseas Service Ribbons. Mr. Speaker, I offer my sincerest gratitude to SFC Wilkins, a true American hero, for his service to our nation.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask for the House's attention today to honor Mr. James ``Pappy'' Dunn. James ``Pappy'' Dunn was born in Georgia, and was married to the former Barbara Lawson, of Talladega, Alabama. Together they had five children (Jimmy, Claudette, Bertis and Anrae) and one grandchild. In 1939, after earning a bachelor's degree from Alabama State University and a master's degree from Fisk University, Pappy began his career in education as a teacher and coach at Hobson City's Calhoun County Training School. During this time he served in World War II and oversaw the school's integration. In 1973, he was elected as the Alabama Education Association's second black president. Students remember him as someone who defined servant leadership. In 1986, Mr. Dunn retired as the school's principal. After his retirement from education, Pappy was elected to the Calhoun County Commission. It was here that he was named ``The Anniston Star's'' Citizen of the Year in 1997. In 2005 he received the SCLC Calhoun County Chapter Humanitarian Award, and in 2008 he received the Association of County Commissions of Alabama Award for Outstanding Contribution to County Government. Mr. Dunn was involved in numerous other organizations. These include the National Association of Counties' Health Steering Committee, the Anniston-Calhoun County Fort McClellan Joint Powers Authority, the East Alabama Regional Planning Commission, the Epsilon Delta Lambda Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., the Community Action Agency, the Salvation Army, and the American Red Cross. Mr. Speaker, I honor Mr. Dunn today and thank him for his dedication to Alabama's Third District.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention today to recognize Colonel Timothy Sullivan who will have a change of command from Anniston Army Depot in August. Sullivan received a commission as an Ordnance Officer in 1988 after graduating from Jacksonville State University. He later earned a Master of Science Degree in Information Systems Management from Florida Tech University in 2001 and a Master of Strategic Studies from the Air War College, Air University in 2010. His previous assignments include Platoon Leader, 503rd Maintenance Company, 530th S&S Battalion, 1st COSCOM; Platoon Leader and Shop Officer, Charlie Company, 782nd Maintenance Battalion, 82nd DISCOM, 82nd Airborne Division, Fort Bragg, N.C.; Company Commander, 520th Maintenance Company, 194th Maintenance Battalion, 23rd Area Support Group, Camp Humphrey's Korea; Operations Officer and Brigade Executive Officer, 59th Ordnance Brigade, Redstone Arsenal, Ala.; RTD Team Chief, 351st Infantry Battalion, 158th Infantry Brigade, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla.; Support Operations Officer and Battalion Executive Officer, 13th Corps Support Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division, Fort Benning, Ga.; APMS, Auburn University Army ROTC; Commander, 13th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion, 3rd Sustainment Brigade, 3rd Infantry Division; Chief, Logistics Division, Special Operations Command, Joint Forces Command (SOCJFCOM), SOCOM, Suffolk, Va.; and, most recently, graduate of the Air War College, Maxwell AFB, Ala. While at Anniston Army Depot, he safely helped execute millions of direct labor hours while helping overhaul and maintain our nation's critical combat equipment. His hands-on leadership for the workforce helped ensure our nation's military was provided the best possible equipment available to keep them as safe as possible while allowing them to accomplish their vital mission. Mr. Speaker, we will miss Colonel Sullivan in Anniston, but wish him the very best.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to a very special occasion today--the 60th wedding anniversary of Kyle Austin and Orelee Clements Kirby. Mr. Kirby was born in Halls Chapel, Alabama on February 1, 1932 and Mrs. Kirby was born in Blue Mountain, Alabama, on November 30th the same year. They were married on September 8, 1952 in Columbus, Mississippi and from there moved to Springfield, Massachusetts. They later moved where Mr. Kirby was stationed at Hickham Air Force Base, Tennessee, and to Florida. They currently reside in Anniston, Alabama. The Kirbys have raised four children, and have 11 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren. They will have an event in Anniston on August 25th to celebrate this milestone. I salute this lovely couple on the 60th year of their life together and join their family in honoring them on this special occasion.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention today to recognize Aretha Thurmond. Aretha will participate in the 2012 Olympics in London. Thurmond, of Opelika, Alabama, qualified for her fourth Olympic team, becoming 16th U.S. woman to do so. Aretha is known as one of the most consistent American throwers over the past decade. In 2007, she returned to compete only 18 days after giving birth to her son, Devon Theoppolis. Thurmond will be participating in the 2012 London Olympics discus throw. Mr. Speaker, I offer my congratulations to Aretha and best wishes in the Olympics.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention today to recognize Sandra Uptagrafft. Sandra will participate in the 2012 Olympics in London. Uptagrafft, of Phenix City, Alabama, is a Petty Officer 1st Class in the United States Navy Reserves. This will be her first time as an Olympic athlete when she shoots in the women's 25m sport pistol and 10m air pistol events. Uptagrafft's husband, Eric, will also be participating in the 2012 London Olympics. The couple will celebrate their anniversary while in London on August 5th. Mr. Speaker, I offer my congratulations to Sandra and best wishes to her and her husband in the Olympics and a happy anniversary.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention today to recognize Sgt. 1st Class Eric Uptagrafft. Eric will participate in the 2012 Olympics in London. Uptagrafft, of Phenix City, Alabama, is the rifle instructor for the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit. He competed in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics finishing 30th. Uptagrafft spent seven years engineering a new rifle with gunsmiths and through the U.S. Army Marksmanship Unit's custom firearms unit. Uptagrafft's wife, Sandra, will also be participating in the 2012 London Olympics. The couple will celebrate their anniversary while in London on August 5th. Mr. Speaker, I offer my congratulations to Eric and best wishes to him and his wife in the Olympics and a happy anniversary.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to a very special occasion today--the 50th wedding anniversary of Thomas Reeves and Carolyn Finley Smith. Thomas Reeves Smith was born on October 31, 1939, in Lineville, Alabama to John William and Velma Reeves Smith. His wife, Carolyn Finley Smith, was born on October 8, 1940, in Anniston, Alabama to Claude and Nile Finley. Dr. and Mrs. Smith were married on June 23, 1962 at First United Methodist Church of Weaver. Together they raised two children, Alicia Ann Smith Simmons, married to Steve Anson Simmons, and Thomas Reeves Smith, Jr., married to Jill Valocik Smith. They have three grandchildren, Lindsey Marie Smith, Thomas Reeves Smith, III and Mia Liane Smith. Tom is a retired Methodist minister and retired Colonel in the United States Army for which he served as a Chaplain in Viet Nam and throughout the U.S. and Europe during his career of service. Carolyn worked in civil service, for government contractors and in higher education throughout her career. Tom and Carolyn are active members of First United Methodist Church of Anniston in Anniston, Alabama. On June 23, 2012, a reception was held in honor of their 50th wedding anniversary with approximately 300 of their friends and family members in attendance. I salute this lovely couple on the 50th year of their life together and join their family in honoring them on this special occasion.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention today to recognize a special organization that is near and dear to me, The United Way. The United Way Worldwide is the leadership and support organization for the network of nearly 1,800 community-based United Ways in 45 countries and territories. In East Alabama, we are home to three different United Way locations--The United Way of Lee County, The River Region United Way and The United Way of East Central Alabama. United Way focuses on helping people reach their full potential in education, income and health while also encouraging volunteerism and service. June 21st is United Way's Day of Action and June 28th is the official United Way Founders Day. The United Way of East Central Alabama, in particular, is a special organization to me because I had the honor of working there from 1982 to 1986 as the Director of their Dislocated Worker Program. I saw and participated first-hand in the organization's efforts to help laid-off workers go back to school for retraining. Mr. Speaker, I offer my congratulations to this organization that has touched so many lives and offer a very happy 125th anniversary.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this bill and urge all of my colleagues to vote for it. I also want to congratulate my friend and colleague from Alabama, Chairman Aderholt, for all his hard work on this bill. He has shown the American people how to craft a bill that is strong on homeland security, helps protect us from terrorist attacks, funds vital programs and grants, and does so in a fiscally responsible manner by spending almost $500 million less than last year. The bill helps protect our borders and prioritizes funding for immigration enforcement. It provides critical grants funding for our first responders, our heroes on the frontline of attack or disaster. For transportation security, the bill takes on TSA's bureaucratic mess. It cuts $61 million from TSA managerial overhead. It caps full- time screening personnel at 46,000, and it emphasizes the private sector's role in airport security screening operations. Importantly, it does not increase any fees that would fall on the traveling public, which would threaten jobs in the aviation industry. I know firsthand of Chairman Aderholt's dedication and leadership on these issues. I also know of his commitment to reducing wasteful spending and restoring fiscal sanity in Washington. Again, I commend my friend and colleague from Alabama and his fine staff for their hard work and dedication and urge all my colleagues to vote for the bill.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention today to recognize the 50th wedding anniversary of James and Mary Brewster. James Harvey Brewster was born on January 6, 1939, in Ohatchee, Alabama. Mary Emma Smith was born on March 17, 1943 in Ohatchee, Alabama. On June 2nd in 1960, James and Mary were united in marriage in Calhoun County. James worked for 21 years before retiring with Alagasco Gas Company in Anniston and Mary stayed at home raising their family. They had six children, three boys and three girls: Gregory Lynn Brewster, Paul Harvey Brewster, the late James Rossie, Janice Denise Tillman, Connie McKinzie Redwine and Sharron Redwine. They are also blessed with 11 grandchildren and 16 great grand- children. James is an Auburn Tigers fan while Mary cheers for the Alabama Crimson Tide. Mr. Speaker, I offer my congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Brewster on this milestone and wish them many more happy years together.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I would like to request the House's attention to pay recognition to the Saks High School Lady Wildcat's softball team in Saks, Alabama, who recently won the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 3A State Championship. Pitcher Taylor West along with her teammates was able to pull off a perfect game to clinch this year's championship title. This is the first State Championship for the Lady Wildcats. They are lead by Head Coach Mike Tucker. All of us across Calhoun County and East Alabama are deeply proud of these talented young Alabamians. I'd like to congratulate the team, their coaches and Saks High School on this outstanding achievement.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention today to recognize the 125th anniversary of Parker Memorial Baptist Church in Anniston, Alabama. Parker Memorial Baptist Church was founded on July 3, 1887, in Anniston, Alabama, and has faithfully shared the love of God with the city of Anniston and Calhoun County. The beautiful Worship Center that was constructed in 1891 is one of the best known landmarks in downtown Anniston. It stands majestically along one of the busiest streets in the city, proclaiming to both residents and visitors that faith in God is a hallmark of the city. The beauty of the physical structure serves as a testimony to the love and ministry of the people of Parker Memorial who have given, and continue to give, of their time, talents and resources to touch lives in the Anniston area and across the world. In three different centuries, the congregation at Parker allowed the teachings and love of their Lord to transform lives and give a message of hope to a needy world. On July 1, the Parker Memorial Family will gather to commemorate their 125th year of ministry. Former pastors, leaders and members will join the present Parker Family to express appreciation for the past and to affirm a new vision for the future. Mr. Speaker, I offer my congratulations to Parker Memorial Baptist Church on this milestone and encourage them to continue their outstanding service to Anniston.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I would like to request the House's attention to pay recognition to the Oxford High School Yellow Jacket baseball team in Oxford, Alabama, who recently won the Alabama High School Athletic Association Class 6A State Championship. This is the first State Championship for the Oxford baseball team after coming in as runners up in 1978, 1989 and 2009. They are led by Head Coach Wes Brooks. All of us across Calhoun County and East Alabama are deeply proud of these talented young Alabamians. I'd like to congratulate the team, their coaches and Oxford High School on this outstanding achievement.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I ask for the House's attention today to honor Christopher T. Jones as he retires from the Center for Domestic Preparedness (CDP) in Anniston, Alabama. Dr. Jones joined the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as Superintendent for the CDP on August 3, 2008. He began his public service career with the Department of the Army Medical Command, following successful completion of active duty as a U.S. Naval Medical Service Corps officer. Dr. Jones then served as Deputy Under-Secretary of Defense (Environmental Security) liaison to the U.S. Public Health Service's Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry, where he worked collaboratively with Federal and State agencies addressing high-risk public health issues arising from releases of military compounds, to include weapons of mass destruction components and military munitions. Dr. Jones earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences from Fairmont State College and a Master of Science degree in Occupational Health from West Virginia University. Additionally, he holds an MBA from Florida Institute of Technology, with an emphasis in federal procurement and earned a Doctorate of Education from George Washington University's Executive Leadership Program. He graduated in 2010 from the Executive Leadership Program, Center for Homeland Defense and Security at the Naval Postgraduate School. He's a member of the Academy of Management and a recipient of The Surgeon General of the Army Commander's Award for Civilian Service. As Superintendent for the CDP, Dr. Jones brought leadership to workforce, operational and contracting challenges. Dr. Jones greatly helped in achieving the mission of the National Training Program and institutionalizing the CDP as the Nation's premier first responder training center in the United States. A native West Virginian, Dr. Jones is married with three children. Mr. Speaker, I offer my congratulations to Dr. Jones and thank him for his outstanding service to our community and our Nation.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I respectfully ask for the House's attention today to honor Mr. Oscar T. Kadle. Oscar T. Kadle was born April 2, 1921 in Four Mile, Alabama. He married Martha Brooks on February 22, 1958 and they have always lived in the Saks community. He was drafted into the Army in 1941 first stationed at Fort McPherson, Georgia and then Fort Bliss in El Paso, Texas, for boot camp. He left Fort Bliss and went to Hawaii on his way to the South Pacific where he served his country during World War II. Oscar took part in the invasion of Saipan in 1944. After Saipan he was sent to Iwo Jima. In 1945, he was on a ship headed for mainland Japan for an invasion there. The ship was stopped before arriving in Japan, and the soldiers were left sitting in the ocean for two days waiting for orders. The first Atomic Bomb was dropped on Hiroshima at this time. Oscar's ship was ordered back to Iwo Jima. The war ended not long after this and Oscar was headed home to be discharged from the Army at Fort Shelby, Mississippi. After returning home Oscar went to work for Seven Up Bottling Company for 25 years. He left Seven Up to go into the plumbing business and later went to work for Davis & Daniels Construction where he worked for 15 years until his retirement. Oscar was very active in the construction of Harvest Media Center in 1995 and later in the construction of the Harvest Church of God Sanctuary. He was saved in 1985 while he was driving back home from a job in Tuscaloosa. Oscar started attending Harvest Church of God in 1985. Mr. Speaker, I honor Mr. Kadle today and thank him for his outstanding service to our country.

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama

Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a personal friend of mine, Reverend Everett Kelley, upon his retirement from the Anniston Army Depot and the Federal Government. Mr. Kelley was born on February 24, 1957, in Goodwater, Alabama. In 1971, his family moved to Sylacauga, Alabama, where he graduated from Sylacauga High School in 1975. Later he enlisted in the United States Army and served three years at Fort Campbell in Kentucky. In 1981, Everett began working at the Anniston Army Depot and on March 2, 2012, retired from Federal services with 34 years of service. While employed with the Anniston Army Depot, Everett was Program Specialist for the High School Co-Op Program and President of the AFGE Local 1945 for nine years. During his career he also held positions of Shop Steward, Chief Steward and Vice President of AFGE Local 1945. During his career, Everett has served as Senior Pastor at St. Mary Missionary Baptist Church for the past 25 years. Upon his retirement, Rev. Kelley will continue assisting Federal employees as National Vice President of AFGE District 5. Mr. Speaker, I offer my congratulations to Reverend Everett Kelley and thank him for his outstanding service to our community and our nation.