John Shimkus

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, today I honor Ms. Shirley Schmitt, who is the fifth-grade teacher at St. Jacob Elementary School. Shirley was named the school Recycling Coordinator of the Year, otherwise known as the ``Recycling Queen'' because of her creative ways of cleaning up the world around her. As a former teacher, I know that you have to be inventive to grab and then maintain the kid's attention. Her recycling program is much more than separating glass and plastic, she makes it fun. Let me share with you some of Shirley's ideas: using pencil shavings as mulch or using 6 pack plastic rings along with a shish-kabob stick to make flowers. When you are creative in the classroom, and make projects fun, you dare a child to dream. That is the magic of teaching. Thank you Shirley.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, today I praise the human spirit. We have become a cynical nation. It has become cliche to say that a good person is hard to find. I don't believe that for one minute. I meet good people everyday. On this occasion, I would like to commend Mr. John Fridley, of New Baden, Illinois. John is a member of the Wesclin Community Unit School Board, the Kaskaskia Special School District Board and on the advisory board at Belleville Area College as well as active in his church. John also is a member of the Year 2000 Allocations panel for the United Way of Metro East. This father and grandfather, former teacher and retired member of the U.S. Air Force, now works as a civilian at Scott Air Force Base. By all indications, John is a success. He credits has sense of civic duty and volunteerism to his father, who instilled in young John what you owe your services to the community where you live. Mr. Fridley is a dynamic leader and an inspiration to all of us in the 20th District of Illinois.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I do want to commend my colleagues from Virginia for this work. A requirement on local broadcasters to obtain a license is to operate in the public interest. Emergency broadcasts and coverage is an example of their importance. The great flood of 1993 is an example of local broadcasters covering emergencies, covering the levees, around the clock, notifying the public when levees broke so that lives could be saved. In this new era of technology, last year we passed the Satellite Home Viewers Act to ensure that local broadcasts occur in local areas through direct satellite. Dropped on the cutting room floor was an assistance needed to assure local into local reaches all Americans. Rural America cannot be left behind. I am proud to be a cosponsor, have worked for its passage on the committee, and speak in support of the passage of this bill.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, today I commend two men in my district--Mr. Steve Wolters and Mr. Stephen Russell--who are heroes. Mr. Wolters, of Alton, Illinois, was on his mail route when he saw the home of Ms. Judith Freeman was in flames. Without hesitation, Mr. Wolters and Mr. Russell tried to gain entry into the house to rescue Ms. Freeman. Findings the doors to the home locked, Mr. Wolters broke a window so that he and Mr. Russell could get in. Once inside the home, both men brought the unconscious Ms. Freeman to safety. Mr. Wolters then performed CPR, until the fire-fighters and paramedics arrived. After discussing the situation with the emergency team, Mr. Wolters went back to his route. It is refreshing, Mr. Speaker, to see that the generosity of the human spirit is alive and well. Thank you Mr. Wolters and Mr. Russell for your quick thinking and heroic actions. You both symbolize the greatness that is America.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, today I commend the 2000 Golden Apple Scholar award winners from my district. The Golden Apple Scholars program is to recruit talented high school juniors who want to become teachers. I would like to take the opportunity to recognize Mr. Curtis Carpenter from Centralia High School in Centralia, Illinois. Teachers, like parents, have a unique opportunity--to touch the life of a child. I can't think of a more rewarding experience. As you know, Mr. Speaker, I was a former high school teacher. I want to wish Curtis all the same joy and success that I shared in my teaching career.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, today I commend the Okawville Rockets Girls basketball team who won the Class A state title. The Rockets were the number one ranked team this year. They finished the year with a 33-1 record and a 17-game winning streak. The Rockets, who won their first state championship in 1994, became the first Southern Illinois Team to win a state title since Carlyle did it in 1997. Okawville is the sixth Class A team to win at least two state titles, joining Carlyle, Nokomis, Teutopolis, Carthage and Quincy Notre Dame. In honor of a near-perfect season, I want to congratulate them and their head coach, Kathy Lanter on a job well done. We are all very proud of you. The Lady Rockets are: Head Coach--Kathy Lanter. Assistant Coaches--Carrie Stallings and Vicki Loquasto. Managers--Rachel Shubert, Shana Stricker and Erica Bergmann. Players--Jamie Schrader, Kelsey Klingenberg, Kristen Lehde, Natalie Shubert, Kelly Hasheider, Joan Miller, Erica Geppert, Cheryl Borrenpohl, Jenny Heckert, Megan Brockmeier, Erica Barkau, Justine Krueger, Lauren Borrenpohl, and Katie Hasheider.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to commend a great organization in my district, the Highland Council Chapter of the Catholic Fraternal Life Insurance organization. Catholic Fraternal Life is a 115 year old, member owned, life insurance organization. It is also the largest volunteer organization in the United States, with 10 million members, representing thousands of volunteers. The Highland Council recently participated in the ``Hearts and Hands'' project by adopting a needy family for Christmas. They were able to donate $600 dollars in gifts for this family. Catholic Fraternal Life represents the true meaning of Christmas. They are a shining light for all of us to follow.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, today I commend the 2000 Golden Apple Scholar award winners from my district. The Golden Apple Scholars program is to recruit talented high school juniors who want to become teachers. I would like to take the opportunity to recognize Ms. Sarah Obermark from Bond Community High School in Sorento, Illinois. Teachers, like parents, have a unique opportunity--to touch the life of a child. I can't think of a more rewarding experience. As you know, Mr. Speaker, I was a former high school teacher. I want to wish Sarah all the same joy and success that I shared in my teaching career.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, today I commend the American Legion, Jefferson Post 141, from Mt. Vernon, Illinois and their Squad Chaplain, Mr. Howard Phillips. For 27 years, Mr. Phillips has been the Squad Chaplain. He has presided over 800 military funerals for our veterans. He never asks for any compensation for his time or services. I wanted to tell him that he makes this soldier very proud. Thank you Howard.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to commend the 2000 Golden Apple Scholar award winners from my district. The Golden Apple Scholars program is to recruit talented high school juniors who want to become teachers. I would like to take the opportunity to recognize Mr. Allen Dixon from Lanphier High School in Springfield, Illinois. Teachers, like parents, have a unique opportunity--to touch the life of a child. I can't think of a more rewarding experience. As you know, Mr. Speaker, I was a former high school teacher. I want to wish Allen all the same joy and success that I shared in my teaching career.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, today I commend a former constituent of mine, Michelle Rakers of Aviston, Illinois. Michelle now plays trumpet for the elite United States Marine Band. As one of eleven children, Michelle comes from a very musically inclined family where all her siblings played an instrument. Michelle's determination is a testament to her success. Let me explain. She auditioned five times before she was selected as a member of the band. She never took no for an answer. I want to congratulate her for her success and thank her for her determination--we can all learn a lesson from her example.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to commend the 2000 Golden Apple Scholar award winners from my district. The Golden Apple Scholars program is to recruit talented high school juniors who want to become teachers. I would like to take the opportunity to recognize Ms. Shalonda Carr from Lanphier High School in Springfield, Illinois. Teachers, like parents, have a unique opportunity to touch the life of a child. I can't think of a more rewarding experience. As you know, Mr. Speaker, I was a former high school teacher. I want to wish Shalonda all the same joy and success that I shared in my teaching career.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to commend Lindsay Nichols from my hometown of Collinsville, Illinois. Lindsay was named as one of Illinois' top student volunteers for the year 2000 in the fifth annual Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. Lindsay is a 17 year-old senior at Collinsville High School. She launched a month-long drive to encourage responsible pet adoption and to collect donations of soda cans, paper towels, pet food, and cash for the benefit of two Humane Shelters in our community. I heartily applaud Lindsay for her initiative in seeking to make our community a better place to live, and for the positive impact she has on the lives of others. She has demonstrated a level of commitment and accomplishment that is truly extraordinary in today's world. Lindsay's actions show that young Americans can and do play important roles in our communities and that the American spirit is alive and well in the actions of our younger generation. Thank you Lindsay.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to commend the 2000 Golden Apple Scholar award winners from my district. The Golden Apple Scholars program is to recruit talented high school juniors who want to become teachers. I would like to take the opportunity to recognize Ms. Rachel Ladage from Taylorville High School in Taylorville, Illinois. Teachers, like parents, have a unique opportunity to touch the life of a child. I can't think of a more rewarding experience. As you know, Mr. Speaker, I was a former high school teacher. I want to wish Rachel all the same joy and success that I shared in my teaching career.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the Committee on Rules and commend them for the work they have done. We worked in a bipartisan manner with a group of Republicans and Democrats, myself, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Lazio), the gentleman from California (Mr. Condit), and the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Cramer) to try to reach across the divide to address an issue that would do two things: It would increase the minimum wage, while protecting those jobs that could be lost through the increase of a minimum wage. In this rule, the will of the House will be heard. I think that is the important thing. If we want to judge the fairness of a rule, the question is, does the House have the ability to have their will heard on votes? We will have a debate, and we will have a vote on the tax cut portion of this bill, so those who believe that it is important to cut taxes to help offset the cost of small business can vote yes, and those who do not can vote no. Not many people in the 20th District of Illinois read the Washington Post. I have great respect for the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Moakley), but they do read the Herald and Review from Decatur, Illinois. In an October 26, 1999, editorial, it reads: ``Minimum Wage Tax Break Sensible.'' I will quote just a portion of it. The paper stated that ``When the minimum wage increases, someone has to pay for it, because business owners have to maintain a profit level. The result could be higher prices or fewer jobs at minimum wage. Just as a worker will offer his labor at an acceptable wage level, an employer will pay workers a wage that will permit his company to earn a profit. That is why a minimum wage increase alone won't work, and why a bill to raise the rate linked to some tax breaks for small businesses makes sense.'' Again, that is from the October 26 Herald and Review from Decatur, Illinois. So we are going to have a vote on the tax cut. We are going to have a vote and debate on an issue that me and my friends on the conservative side want, State flexibility. We are going to have a debate. We are going to have a debate and a vote, and the will of the House is going to move forward. We are going to have a debate and we are going to have a vote on the increase, whether it should be $1 over 3 years or $1 over 2 years. The will of the House will have an opportunity to be spoken. I think the rule is pretty fair and pretty balanced, but what I really appreciate about the rule is that I think it respects the work that we tried to do over an entire year of keeping a balance, trying to get to the center ground to raise the minimum wage and cut taxes and protect jobs, a group of two Republicans and two Democrats that worked long and hard to get to the point where we are here today. I want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier), the chairman, I want to thank the Committee on Rules, and I urge all my colleagues to support the rule.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce H.R. 3846, a bill to raise the minimum wage $1 over 3 years, which is a complementary bill to the small business tax relief in H.R. 3832. In 1996, I ran for this seat in Congress as an opponent of the minimum wage. My Democratic opponent and I debated this issue 13 times throughout the 20th district. In the last debate in Centralia, Illinois, a portion of the debate was for questions from the audience. A man raised his hand and went to the microphone wanting to address the issue of the minimum wage. What he said there in that question solidified my position on this issue. He said, because of the increase in the last minimum wage, I lost my second job. This story reflects the reality that our decisions here have a direct impact, sometimes a negative impact, on the very people we are trying to help. Mr. Speaker, I join the gentleman from New York (Mr. Lazio), the gentleman from California (Mr. Condit), and the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Cramer) in crafting this bill, H.R. 3842, for two reasons. One, it is a political reality that the minimum wage is going to be increased during this Congress. While some may not like to hear it, it is true. However, if we are going to raise the minimum wage, I want to take an active role to ensure that no one loses their job as a result. These bills merged together will do just that. My second reason for joining in this effort was to show my colleagues, my constituents, and even myself that we can work in a bipartisan fashion to address the issues that face our Nation. I am pleased that H.R. 3846 is truly a bipartisan product which encompasses all interested parties in the debate over raising the minimum wage. The bill includes an increase of $1 over 3 years which is a compromise between the small business community who settled for $1 over 4 years and the labor community who fought for $1 over 2 years. H.R. 3846 also amends the Fair Labor Standards Act to clarify and update minimum wage and overtime exemptions for computer professionals, inside sales and funeral directors. The bill originally drafted included the State flex option, which I oppose, but allowed to be placed in to move the process to the floor; and I want to thank the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. DeMint) for pulling that with a unanimous consent earlier today. We have heard and will continue to hear about how today's economy is running at such a break-neck speed that a minimum wage can be easily increased. Yet, the facts are that increasing the minimum wage has a significant impact on the ability of our Nation to create and sustain entry-level and second jobs. Multinational corporations and all of those listed with the stock exchanges appear to be doing extraordinarily well in terms of their profits. However, most minimum- wage jobs and most new jobs in general are created by small business owners. In fact, small businesses not only account for nearly 60 percent of the jobs in our Nation's workforce, small businesses created two-thirds of all new jobs since the early 1970s. So let us keep in mind, it is not Bill Gates who is paying the minimum wage and creating new jobs, it is our neighborhood pharmacist creating new jobs. It is our local grocer. It is our favorite restaurant. These small business owners are struggling every day to exist and expand in a market over which they have little control. Through their own blood, sweat, tears, and self-determination, these men and women are working to survive, expand, and provide jobs and a sense of community for our neighbors and our families. H.R. 3846 is a bipartisan solution which provides a $1 increase in the minimum wage over the next 3 years. If we look back to the last increase in 1996, this $1 increase that we are proposing actually gives a greater increase to the recipients than if we tied their wage to the CPI, the consumer price index. The CPI estimates that if the wage were to increase from 1996 to 2005 using the CPI, minimum wage workers would actually receive less than what our proposal provides. This increase is a fair, phased-in proposal that allows us to protect the jobs of those who earn a minimum wage while gradually increasing it at the same time. A key factor in helping to protect minimum wage jobs is that H.R. 3846 and H.R. 3832 do not gouge small businesses. In the Herald and Review of Decatur, Illinois, the editorial headline on October 26, 1999, read ``Minimum Wage, Tax Break Link Sensible.'' The paper stated that, when the minimum wage increases, someone has to pay for it, because business owners have to maintain a profit level. ``The result could be higher prices or fewer jobs at minimum wage. Just as a worker will offer his work at an acceptable wage level, an employer will pay workers a wage that permits his company to earn a profit. That is why a minimum wage increase alone won't work and why a bill to raise the rate linked to some tax breaks for small businesses makes sense.'' Mr. Speaker, I learned a lesson in 1996 when that constituent told us how he lost his job due to the increase in the minimum wage. I also learned many lessons working with my colleagues from both sides of the aisle in fashioning this bill: Our actions have consequences, some intended, some unintentional; some thought out, some never considered. We have worked for the last year to put together a package that has arrows coming from all sides, but workers get a raise, small businesses get much-needed tax relief, and this Congress will have shown that we have addressed our Nation's issues in a bipartisan manner with a sense of purpose and civility. Mr. Speaker, I am just sorry that we cannot address an issue of another group that is going to be severely impacted by increasing the minimum wage. That is our nonprofit organizations, those who go and ask for money to run the blood banks, to run the food pantries, to run the clothing stores. They will also be mandated to pass an increase in the minimum wage, and no real benefits to recover that, other than asking donors for additional support. I congratulate the gentleman from New York (Mr. Lazio) and my colleagues on the Democratic side, particularly the gentleman from California (Mr. Condit) and the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Cramer), all of whom are owed a debate of graduate for putting aside partisan and ideological differences for the purpose of doing the Nation's business. They certainly have my deepest gratitude. Once again, I strongly urge my colleagues in Congress to support this sensible increase in the minimum wage.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, at 22 years old, a young man, a loving husband, with yet an unborn child, was called to serve the United States Government in the Army. He served 21 months active duty, 11 months in Korea. During that time in Korea, his first son was born. He served and returned home. Upon his return, he continued being a model citizen, raising seven children. The young man in this story is my father. He is emblematic of all our Nation's heroes who served and then went home. I voted ``yes'' commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Korean War to thank my dad and all those dads and granddads in our country who laid down their lives for the cause of freedom. Well done. We will not forget you, and we will not forget your sacrifice.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time, and I rise in support of Senate Concurrent Resolution 91. As cochairman of the House Baltic caucus, I am delighted that the House is joining the Senate in recognizing the 10th anniversary of the reestablishment of Lithuania's independence. Yes, the reestablishment. The original independence celebration actually goes back 80 years, when they first had freedom, prior to the Soviet aggression. I have been down on this floor many times talking about the turbulent histories of the Baltic nations. I am pleased that today we are recognizing accomplishments. Over the last 10 years, Lithuania has worked diligently to ensure the human rights of its citizens, develop a free market economy, and pursue a course of integration into the European Union and NATO. Additionally, the stability and peace which Lithuania brings to the Baltic region as it develops into a free and democratic nation is something that we all should be thankful for. It is my hope that Members of this body realize that, while we are celebrating just Lithuania today, Latvia and Estonia are also on the right path. While they all have turbulent histories, we should focus on the strides they have made to correct past injustices within their own borders. These are countries we should be proud of and embrace their burgeoning democratic ideas.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in celebration of another year of independence for Lithuania. While some may consider this the 10th anniversary of the day many brave Lithuanians faced the Soviet tanks to restore freedom, it is truly the 82nd anniversary of Lithuanian Independence Day. As a Lithuanian American, I am proud of my ancestry and what Lithuania stands for, such as resilience, determination, tenacity and pride. What I find especially promising about the Lithuanian people is how far they have come after reestablishing independence just 10 years ago. Today, Lithuania is a vibrant economic power in central Europe. In 1998, Lithuania had the lowest inflation rate in Central and Eastern Europe and privatized 344 companies. I am sure that the 1999 numbers will be just as encouraging. Additionally, Lithuania continues to contribute to the security of the Baltic region by implementing key defense programs and priorities. First of all, the Seimas has already approved a 10-year defense spending program which will reach 2.5 percent of the GDP by 2005. This increase in spending will ensure that appropriate equipment will be procured and critical troop reforms will be made. The additional spending will also secure Lithuanian interoperability with NATO forces. While Lithuania already participates in some NATO forces, interoperability will again prove Lithuania's readiness to join NATO as a full-fledged member. However, entrance into NATO and defense spending are only one aspect of such a diverse country. Trade, economic development, and foreign investment will help to strengthen Lithuania not only in Europe but across the globe. Today, out of the top 10 foreign investors in Lithuania, only three are American companies: Williams, Phillip Morris, and Coca-Cola. As the government continues to privatize industries and services throughout the country, American companies must make the first step and begin investments. Right now Lithuania is an untapped resource of money, goods and a capable workforce. The possibilities are endless as to what can be done in this burgeoning economy. The United States and Lithuania must work together to encourage this investment. The possibilities are too great for American companies to miss by sitting on the sidelines. Again, I would like to congratulate the Lithuanian people on not only their independence but on the strides they have made over the last 10 years to make their country what it is today. Through continued perseverance, they have shown in the past Lithuania will be an outstanding addition to NATO and an economic powerhouse in central Europe.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join my colleague, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LaHood), and the entire Illinois delegation in supporting H.R. 1451 to create the Lincoln Bicentennial Commission. As we near the 200th birthday of one of America's greatest presidents, it is important that we celebrate and commemorate his legacy. There can be no doubt that it was Abraham Lincoln's resolve that kept our Nation together during its most turbulent period. To forget or overlook that resolve and the sacrifices that President Lincoln and millions of others made, and many continue to make, would be wrong. It is said that the 1700s were about creating a Nation, the 1800s were about preserving a Nation, and the 1900s about bringing a Nation together. Let us dedicate this next 100 years to building on the Lincoln legacy, to move our Nation forward as one people committed to freedom. Lincoln said at Gettysburg that the world would not long remember and would soon forget what he and others were doing to preserve our Nation. Well, I say that we have not forgotten the sacrifices made and we will not take President Lincoln's legacy for granted. We thank him for his service and the example of the ends to which we must go to preserve this Nation and the rights of all citizens. Happy birthday, Mr. Lincoln. I ask my colleagues for a favorable vote.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend Shipman Elevator Company's chemical plant in Shipman, IL, for winning a 1999 Environmental Respect Award from Dealer Progress Magazine. Shipman Elevator Company has taken pro-active steps to ensure that their operations are safe and environmentally sound. For example, they use a combination of a computerized mixing program and the facility manager to ensure the processing and measuring of their products is always accurate. They also routinely conduct training and education classes for all of their employees to ensure the completion of environmental and efficiency goals. I would like to express my gratitude to Shipman Elevator Company for producing agriculture products that are environmentally respected.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Capps) yielding to me. To my friend and colleague, Jim Ford, let it be known that for 18 years he served as chaplain of West Point, 20 years here in this body. As a member of the Chaplain Search Committee, I thought it was necessary to go back to the Bible and look at the qualifications. And paraphrasing I Timothy 3, Bishops should be blameless, sober, given to hospitality, apt to teach, rule at his own house, not a novice, and of good report. Jim Ford embodies all those principles of I Timothy, with the added benefit of a love for his country, his military, this body, and West Point. Of all the great leaders he has known, and he has known many of those, his greatest love has been to his God, his family, this body, our armed forces, and West Point. Like General MacArthur, I think Chaplain Ford's final words will be these: ``But in the evening of my memory, I come back to West Point. Always there echoes and reechoes: duty, honor, country. Today marks my final roll call with you. But I want you to know that when I cross the river, my last conscious thoughts will be of the corps and the corps and the corps.'' I bid you farewell, Chaplain Ford. The House, the corps, and this great Nation bid you a fond farewell.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to express my gratitude and admiration for Admiral Archie Clemins, commander of the United States Pacific Fleet. His leadership and courage during his thirty-four years of military service was outstanding. Since his retirement on October eighth, he has been greatly missed. I would also like to take this time to show my appreciation for the time he has spent with Scott Wagner's fifth-grade class at Horace Mann School in Mt. Vernon, Illinois. Admiral Clemins has found the time to share his skills and knowledge with these impressionable students. Utilizing stories and souvenirs from his travels, he has both educated and entertained these pupils. In addition, he has funded trips for them to the Great Lakes Navy Base as well as the base in San Diego, California. I would like to again express my sincere appreciation for Admiral Clemins' generosity and commitment to our country and its future.

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to express my admiration for Ms. Elsie Coates of Camp Point, Illinois. Her accomplishments should inspire us all to never stop living life to its fullest. Celebrating her 85th birthday this last July, Elsie is proof that age is not necessarily a barrier in carrying out life long dreams. In the last ten years, Elsie obtained her drivers license and completed the requirements for the GED, the equivalent of a high school degree. Last year, she added to her list a tandem skydiving excursion at the 1998 World Free Fall Competition. Amidst all these exciting activities, Elsie still finds time to participate actively in the church and community. Elsie is a true inspiration. The significance of her achievements is perhaps said best in her own words. ``Age is just a number . . . If you set down and feel sorry for yourself, you're going to get old awfully quick.''

Mr. SHIMKUS

Mr. SHIMKUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to express my heartfelt gratitude and admiration for Ralph Hettick. His commitment to the country is demonstrated by his service in the infantry during World War II as well as his continued patriotism. Born on a farm in Macoupin county, Ralph was drafted to fight in the South Pacific Islands during World War II. Proudly serving his country, he was appointed to a demolitation crew which routinely handled heavy explosives to fight enemy soldiers. Ralph returned home after a serious chest injury caused by a Japanese sniper. Since his service, he has worked in Illinois and raised a wonderful family. He is a member of the American Legion and the Disabled American Veterans. Ralph's patriotism is evident in his constant urging for children to respect the flag and our country. He also generously shares with them his personal experiences and the history of World War II. I would like to thank Ralph Hettick for being a true example of what a great citizen can do for our country.