Ike Skelton

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 306, introduced by the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi). I would like to recognize the gentleman from Arizona for his efforts to bring forward this resolution honoring the service of Native American Indians in the United States Armed Forces. I also wish to recognize the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole), my colleague on the House Committee on Armed Services, for his support of this bill. We thank him for that. For over 200 years, Native American Indians have distinguished themselves in military action. Most Americans would be surprised to learn that since the founding of our country, Native American Indians have made substantial contributions to our Nation's defense. Our Nation is at war, and our troops are serving on the front lines in combat in the Middle East. Of those serving in uniform, nearly 19,000 are American Indians and Native Alaskans, and over 3,000 of them, Mr. Speaker, are women. There are more than 2,000 Native Americans and Alaskan Natives deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Over 1,000 American servicemembers have been killed while in service to our Nation; and while we honor all those who have given their lives to defend our freedoms, today we recognize the 13 Native Americans and Alaskan Natives among them that made the ultimate sacrifice. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Concurrent Resolution 306, introduced by Mr. Renzi. I would like to recognize the gentleman from Arizona for his efforts to bring forward this resolution honoring the service of Native American Indians in the United States Armed Forces. I would also like to recognize Mr. Cole, my colleague on the House Armed Services Committee, for his support of this bill. For over 200 years, Native American Indians have distinguished themselves in military action. Most Americans would be surprised to learn that since the founding of our country, Native American Indians have made substantial contributions to our Nation's defense. More than 12,000 American Indians are believed to have served in the United States Armed Forces during World War I. Nearly 600 Choctaw and Cherokee Indians from Oklahoma, assigned to the 142 Infantry of the 36th Texas-Oklahoma National Guard Division, distinguished themselves on the battlefields of France. Four American Indians from the 142nd were awarded the Croix de Guerre to recognize their bravery in the face of enemy action. Also lesser known during World War I was the use of the Choctaw language to encode military messages. When World War II dropped on the shores of America there were less than 350,000 American Indians, yet more than 44,000 volunteered to serve this nation in uniform. It is only relatively recent that Americans finally learned the valuable contributions Native American Indians made to the war effort. Nearly 50 years after the war, the veil of secrecy was finally raised and Americans learned the true story of the legendary Navajo Code Talkers. Navajo Code Talkers took part in every assault the U.S. Marines conducted in the Pacific from 1942 to 1945. In May 1942, the original 29 Navajo recruits helped to develop a dictionary of military terms that were required to be memorized during basic training. While the Japanese were able to decipher the codes used by the Army and Army Air Corps, they were never able to crack the Navajo code used by the Marines. Over the course of the war, nearly 500 Navajos served as code talkers, and it was not until September 17, 1992, that the United States finally recognized and appropriately honored the Navajos for their extraordinary contribution to the war. American Indians, however, served in both the Pacific and European theatre during World War II, and three were bestowed the Nation's highest military award--the Congressional Medal of Honor--Jack Montgomery, a Cherokee from Oklahoma; Ernest Childers, a Creek from Oklahoma; Van Barfoot, a Choctaw from Mississippi. Native American Indians also distinguished themselves in battle during the Korean conflict. Two American Indians were also awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for their actions on the battlefield. Mitchell Red Cloud, Jr. a Winnebago from Wisconsin; and Charles George, a Cherokee from North Carolina. Once again, our Nation is at war and our troops are serving on the front lines of combat in the Middle East. Of those serving in the uniform services, nearly 19,000 are American Indians and Native Alaskans, and over 3,000 of those are women. There are more than 2,000 Native American and Alaskan Natives deployed in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom. Over 1,000 American service members have been killed while in service to our Nation, and while we honor all those who have given their lives to defend our freedoms, today we recognize the 13 Native American Indians and Alaskan Natives among them that made the ultimate sacrifice. The most prominent is the first service woman killed in action. Army Specialist Lori Piestewa, a Hopi Indian, who grew up on the reservation near Tuba City in Arizona. She is also the first Native American service woman to be killed in combat. The 507th Maintenance Company to which she was assigned was ambushed by enemy forces on March 23, 2003, near Nasiriyah, Iraq. She along with the 12 other Native American Indians and Alaskan Natives will be remembered for their devotion to duty and sacrifice in service to this Nation. I am proud to be here to honor Native American Indians and all Native Americans for their rich tradition of strength, wisdom, and warrior ethos. And, I commend them and all those in uniform who have volunteered to defend the rights and freedoms that we all hold dear. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Cole) for his leadership on this as well as the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Renzi). I think it is very important that we recognize this very important segment of American society, the Native Americans and the Alaskan Americans. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Udall).

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ryan). (Mr. RYAN of Ohio asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, how much time do I have remaining?

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield for the purpose of making a unanimous consent request to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Owens). (Mr. OWENS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell), the dean of the House. (Mr. DINGELL asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis).

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Tauscher).

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, a distinguished career in Missouri State Senate will soon end. Missouri State Senator John T. Russell will retire at the end of the year. Senator Russell was born on September 22, 1931 in Lebanon, Missouri and grew up on a farm near Gasconade River. After graduating from Lebanon High School, he attended Drury College in Springfield, Missouri. Senator Russell has had an impressive legislative career. He first was elected to the Missouri House of Representatives in 1962 and served until 1974. During his time in the State House, he held the position of Minority Floor Leader in 1971 and 1972. Then, in November 1976, Senator Russell was elected to the Missouri Senate, representing the counties in south central and southwest Missouri. While in the State Senate he served as Chairman of the Senate Appropriations Committee, member of the Gubernatorial Appointments Committee and member of the Transportation Committee. In addition to his legislative work, Senator Russell has a record of service and leadership in the community. He received an Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree from Southwest Baptist University in 1979. The Missouri Chamber of Commerce presented Senator Russell with the Spirit of Enterprise Award. He received the Guardian of Small Business Award from the National Federation of Independent Business. In 1997, he was given the Community Service Award from the Lebanon Area Chamber of Commerce. Also, he is a member of the First Baptist Church in Lebanon, Missouri, and is a Veteran of the United States Air Force, serving in the Korean War. Mr. Speaker, I know the Members of this House will join me in thanking Senator Russell for his life of public service and in wishing him and his family all the best in the years to come.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that Olympic gymnast, Terin Humphrey, of Bates City, Missouri, received two silver medals at the 2004 Summer Olympics in Athens, Greece. Terin was born on August 14, 1986, in St. Joseph, Missouri. After graduating from Odessa High School in the spring of 2004, she now plans to attend the University of Alabama. While at Odessa High School, Terin trained at the Great American Gymnastic Express gym for daily six hour workouts. Terin was coached by Al Fong and his wife, Armine Barutyan- Fong. Terin trained with her Olympic teammate, Courtney McCool. Terin always has been a strong all around gymnast and has a strong record in the sport. Terin was a member of the 2003 gold medal winning United States World Championships Team. In 2004, at the Visa American Cup, Terin won bronze medals in three events: uneven bars, vault and floor. Terin then placed third in the all around at the 2004 United States Championships. In the summer of 2004, Terin made her Olympic debut at Athens, where she won two silver medals for the team competition and for the uneven bars event. Mr. Speaker, I wish to extend my congratulations to Terin Humphrey for her achievements at the 2004 Summer Olympics.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, let me take this opportunity to thank the gentleman from Arizona and especially the gentlewoman from Guam for bringing forth this resolution. Having visited that wonderful territory on two different occasions and having participated in a veterans' ceremony there in Guam, I know how very important it is that this piece of legislation commemorate the courage of the Guamanians in their struggle for freedom. I think it is certainly fitting and appropriate. I thank the gentleman for this opportunity to speak in favor of the measure.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Michigan for yielding me time. I do rise in support of this motion to instruct conferees on the National Defense Authorization Act. Madam Speaker, our Nation has seen far too many cases of violent criminal acts related to prejudice, bigotry, and intolerance. The Federal Bureau of Investigation has reported a significant number of cases involving violence directed against a member of a religious, ethnic, disabled, race-based, or gender-specific association. Statistics show that nearly 8,000 acts of violence have occurred annually since 1994. Society cannot and should not tolerate the cowardly, mean-spirited, and hateful acts that we call hate crimes. Indeed, such hate-based acts have a deeper impact on society than many other crimes. They are injurious to the community, and they are often committed by offenders affiliated with large extended groups operating across State lines. I think all of us at one point or another in our lives have seen the ugly face of prejudice, bigotry, and discrimination. When hatred is a motivating factor in the commission of a crime, I believe it should be an aggravating factor that is taken into account in the sentencing process. Moreover, Madam Speaker, as a former trial lawyer and State prosecuting attorney, I do not view the Senate proposal lightly. Although the ability to prosecute crimes against individuals exists today, the Senate bill would provide prosecutors with more tools with which to fight crimes and in which bias, prejudice, and discrimination are motivating factors. The Senate bill is narrowly tailored. A hate crime would occur only if the person charged deliberately committed or tried to commit an act of violence resulting in bodily injury to another person. In addition, the Senate language only speaks to crimes involving the use of fire, a firearm, an explosive, or an incendiary device. So this is not a case which would criminalize free speech or would address a broad range of conduct. Madam Speaker, agreeing to the Senate language is simply the right thing to do, and I urge my colleagues to support this instruction.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation, and I certainly commend the gentlewoman from Kansas City, Missouri, the fifth district of our State, for her foresight and her effort to expand the boundaries of the Harry Truman Farm. As we all know, Harry Truman is very special to us in the State of Missouri, and expanding the farm is all the more important because the Park Service wishes to continue to build and preserve the land and to make it a historical part of the farm area. The land will be used to plant vegetation and to shield the site from encroaching modern development. The Truman Farm was Harry Truman's home in his younger days when he was forming his character and opinions behind the plow. The Truman family purchased this land in 1840. He farmed it from 1906 to 1917. In 1980, there was speculation that financial difficulties would force land to be sold, compelling a group of concerned citizens to form the Harry S Truman Farm Foundation which saved the farm. We certainly hope that this body will pass this legislation. It is very important to the State of Missouri. I think it is very important to the history and to the memory of the great President from the State of Missouri, Harry Truman, and I again compliment the gentlewoman from Missouri (Ms. McCarthy) for her foresight in this legislation.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I have a concern, it is a deep concern, dealing with the conference between the House and the Senate on the defense bill. You see, immediately upon passage of the bill in the Senate, the conferees were appointed. We passed our bill here in the House a good number of months ago, and, as of yet, we have had no official conferees appointed to meet with the Senate. Despite that, we are holding informal panel discussions with the Senate trying to resolve a number of issues, but it would certainly help for us to be legal and have the conferees appointed so we can stand in the shoes of the House of Representatives properly. I have had no explanation from anyone regarding this. It is something I do not understand, and I am not by myself. Others do not understand it. I would like very much for the appointment of the conferees to come just as quick as possible, so we can officially act and officially make decisions on behalf of the House regarding national security.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, Missouri State Representative James T. Seigfreid, a dedicated public servant, will be leaving the Missouri House of Representatives. He is retiring after eight years of serving the people of the 26th district. After graduating from Warrensburg High School in 1963, he attended Central Missouri State University where he received Bachelor of Science in Business Administration in 1972. He served in the United States Navy from 1968 to 1974. During his tenure, Mr. Seigfreid had many legislative accomplishments, one of which was the passage of an election reform bill. He also worked tirelessly for the improvement of Missouri's state roads. In addition to his dedication to public service, Jim is a member of the First Christian Church of Marshall, the State Corn Husking Committee, Marshall Chamber of Commerce, Optimist Club, and Saline County Unit, American Cancer Society. Mr. Speaker, Jim Seigfreid has served the people of the 26th District for eight years. As he prepares for the next stage in his life, I am certain that my colleagues will join me in wishing him all the best.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, a distinguished career in the Missouri House of Representatives will soon end. Representative Bill Ransdall will be retiring at the end of the year. Rep. Ransdall was elected to the Waynesville City Council in 1978. He dedicated the next 18 years to serving the people of Waynesville, taking the position of Mayor Pro Tem in 1982. He then was elected Mayor, a position he held from 1988 through 1996. The people of the 148th district first elected Rep. Ransdall to the Missouri House in 1996 and reelected him to the maximum four terms allowed under state term limits laws. His leadership was recognized in the legislature and he was elected to the post of Assistant Minority Floor Leader. His advice and counsel have been sought in the legislature and in the administration on the complex issues of the state budget and legislative procedure. In addition to his legislative work, he has a record of service and leadership in the community--including the United Methodist Church, Association of the United States Army, Masonic Lodge No. 375 AF and AM, Abou Ben Adhem, Scottish Rite, Sojourners, Committee of Fifty, Missouri Cattlemens Association, Farm Bureau, Ducks Unlimited, and the National Wild Turkey Federation. He also has been a successful businessman and farmer. Rep. Ransdall has earned the respect of many throughout his district and the state. He received of the Outstanding Civilian Award with Medal by the Department of the Army. He also has been recognized as Legislator of the Year by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, earned the Legislative Recognition award from the Missouri Association for Career and Technical Education, and received the Missouri Vocational Special Needs Association Distinguished Service for Community Involvement Award. His tireless work on behalf of his constituents created many opportunities for economic expansion in the 148th district and beyond. He has been an effective advocate for his neighbors in their issues with the state agencies in Missouri. Mr. Speaker, Representative Ransdall's dedication to public service is an example to us all. He has devoted many years of his life to taking care of the needs of others. I am sure the other Members of the House will join me in thanking my friend Bill for his hard work and in wishing him and his wife, Pat, all the best in the years to come.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, Missouri State Representative D.J. Davis is retiring at the end of the year. He has served the people of the 122nd district since 1996. A graduate of North Andrew High School in Rosendale, Missouri, Representative Davis graduated with a bachelor of science degree in secondary education from Northwest Missouri State University in 1962 and a master's degree in secondary administration in 1970. Before serving in the Missouri House of Representatives, Representative. Davis worked in the field of education for more than 30 years. He retired as the principal of Odessa High School in Odessa, Missouri. As an educator, Representative Davis was recognized for his contributions to the field. He received the Missouri Association of Secondary School Principals Silver Service Award in 1991 for 25 years as a secondary school principal. Additionally, he received awards from the Lafayette County Farm Bureau, the Mighty MO 4-H Club, the Missouri Association for Career and Technical Education and the AARP. Mr. Speaker, whether as an educator or a legislator, Representative Davis has worked on behalf of others and is truly a role model for young Missourians. He has made important contributions to both fields. I know my fellow Members of the House will join me in thanking him for his many years of service and in wishing him all the best in the years ahead.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that Don Arth of Malta Bend, Missouri, will soon retire from the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council and the Missouri Corn Growers Association Board. Let me take this means to pay tribute to this outstanding American who has contributed much to Missouri agriculture, especially the corn growers of our State. Don Arth graduated from Corder High School in 1957 and worked for several years at Mason Chevrolet in Lexington, Missouri, and at Ford Motor Company in Claycomo, Missouri. With his brother Bob Arth and Uncles Lewis, John, and Frank Arth, he began farming in 1962 in the Missouri River bottoms of Waverly and Grand Pass, Missouri, an area known as White's Island. Don continues to farm these fields today with his youngest brother, Michael Arth of Grand Pass, Missouri. Throughout his career in agriculture, Don has exhibited tremendous leadership in the corn producer community. He has served as a board member and chairman of the Missouri Corn Merchandising Council and a board member of the Missouri Corn Growers Association. He also serves as Vice President of Mid-Missouri Energy, Inc., a producer-owned ethanol plant that is currently rising from the fields of Saline County, Missouri. Don was instrumental in reaching out to farmers throughout central Missouri to create Mid-Missouri Energy, Inc. In addition to his positions in agriculture, Don is active in his community and is a man who cares deeply for his family. Since 1964, he has been a member of the Waverly Jaycees and since 1985 has been a member of the Waverly Lions Club, serving as president of both organizations. Don is a member of the Waverly Rural Fire Department and has served on the board for Lafayette County Regional Health Center for 12 years. Don has also served on the Carrollton Country Club board of directors and held the office of president of the board. Don is a member of St. Peter Catholic Church in Marshall, Missouri, and a member of the Knights of Columbus. Don and his late wife Donna Lieser were married in Dover, Missouri, in 1964, and have two children and three grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, through the years, I have been lucky to know Don Arth as a friend. He is truly an expert in Show-Me State agriculture and a role model for young Missourians. As he prepares to retire from these agricultural boards and to dedicate more time to his community and his family, I know that all members of the House will join me in paying tribute to this outstanding American.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me take this means to honor and pay tribute to Mr. Joel D. Hedenstrom who retired September 3, 2004, from the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command at Fort Monroe, Virginia, after more than 35 years of service to our Nation. Mr. Hedenstrom served in the United States Army from 1969 until 1973 with the United States Army Military Personnel Center in Alexandria, Virginia. His military service included an assignment with the Office of the Secretary of Defense to support a study-group that established the Survivor Benefit Plan. Following his military service, he resumed duties with the United States Military Personnel Center, in a civilian capacity. He later accepted a position with the Secretary of the Army's Chief of Legislative Liaison, where he subsequently became a team chief and carried an additional duty as the Congressional point of contact for mass casualties. In 1988, Mr. Hedenstrom was selected to serve as Congressional Affairs Specialist for the United States Army Training and Doctrine Command. Mr. Hedenstrom displayed the highest level of expertise in his field and was respected throughout the Command and the Department of the Army for his sound guidance and advice. In recognition of his dedicated service, he was awarded the Meritorious Civilian Service Award for his outstanding performance of duties. I commend Mr. Hedenstrom for 35 years of honorable service to the Nation and the United States Army and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, a distinguished career in public service is coming to an end in the Show-Me State. Missouri State Senator James L. (Jim) Mathewson, a member of the State Senate from Sedalia, Missouri, will retire at the end of the year. He has served the people of the 21st District since 1981. Senator Mathewson was born and raised in Warsaw, Missouri. After graduating from Warsaw public schools, he attended Redding College and then California State University at Chico. Before being elected to the state Senate, Jim Mathewson served in the Missouri House of Representatives. The people of his district chose to send him back to the state House in 1976 and 1978. First elected to the Missouri Senate in 1980, Senator Mathewson is currently serving the people of the 21st district for his fourth term. Earning the respect of his party, Senator Mathewson was elected Majority Floor Leader of the Senate in 1984 and 1986. He earned unanimous support among his fellow senators in 1989 and was elected the President Pro Tem of the Missouri Senate. He remained in this position through 1996. Through the years, Senator Mathewson has been successful in many impressive legislative initiatives. He is admired for his knowledge and courage. When the history of the Missouri Senate is written of this era, the name of Senator James Mathewson will have a prominent role. I am proud to call him my friend. Mr. Speaker, I am sure the Members of the House will join me in thanking Senator Mathewson for his years of public service. I wish the Senator and his wife, Doris, all the best in the years ahead.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep sadness that I inform the House of the death of Judge H.A. Kelso of Nevada, Missouri. He was 92. H.A. Kelso was born on September 6, 1911, in Alma, Nebraska, a son of John W. and Mariam Belle Hereford. He attended SMSU, then known as Springfield Teacher's College and the University of Colorado in Boulder. He received a Doctor of Jurisprudence Degree in 1937 from the University of Arkansas. In 1938, he came to Nevada, Missouri, and was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Vernon County. During World War II, he served in the United States Army as Tech Sergeant with the Judge Advocate's Office. In 1948, he was elected to the post of Probate/Magistrate Judge and Acting Juvenile Judge. Governor John Dalton appointed Judge Kelso to the bench as Judge of the 28th Judicial Circuit. He served in this position until his retirement in 1976. During his tenure, he also was an Honorary Colonel on Govenor John Dalton's staff. Judge Kelso was a member of the United Methodist Chuch of Nevada and served there as a Sunday School teacher. Also, he was a member of Ducks Unlimited, Vernon County Bar Association and the Missouri Bar Association. Judge Kelso was a charter member of the Nevada Jaycees, served on the steering committee for the Nevada Centennial Celebration and was a leader in the Boy Scouts. He dedicated himself to conservation and was voted Farmer-Sportsman of the Year in 1966. Mr. Speaker, Judge H.A. Kelso will be missed by all who knew him. I know the Members of the House will join me in extending heartfelt condolences to his family, his wife Doradee and his three daughters, Maridee Kelso Devore, Constance Kelso Beaver and Sylvia Kelso Tucker.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, as we return to session following a productive August among the people we represent, it is worth remembering that for the most part, the staff of the House has been here and working through the month. I believe we do not recognize often enough those dedicated public servants, who get lumped into that antiseptic word ``staff.'' Among the staff of the House are leading experts in their fields, prize winners, men and women noted in their own right for achievements both professional and prosaic. Many know far more in their fields of expertise than any Member of Congress ever will. And yet they bite their lips and say ``Yes, sir,'' when we hear their counsel yet choose to go another way. Perhaps the greatest tribute to the selflessness of the staff is the fact that almost any one of them could leave this place tomorrow for jobs with better pay, better recognition, and much better hours, yet their dedication to the common weal binds them to this House. And we Members all wind up looking the better for it. Fortunately, while we may not say ``thank you'' often enough, others sometimes take up the slack. And so it is with Debra Wada, a member of the Armed Services Committee staff. Debra handles matters concerning military personnel for the committee, and does so with zeal and knowledge and grace. She is always looking out for the common soldier. Millions of Americans in uniform owe the improvement of their pay and benefits to Debra and her foresight and dedication. I trust her guidance, and even more admire the energy with which she works and lives. I am not alone in that sentiment. Not long ago, Debra was recognized by the National Guard Association of the United States, who presented her with their Militia Award. In their words, she was selected ``for her exceptional dedication and effort to improve the status, welfare and professionalism of the enlisted members of the National Guard of the United States.'' That is indeed an honorable achievement, particularly at a time when military personnel are working so hard on our behalf. While the Association did not formally recognize the effervescent personality that suffuses her work and brings joy to those around her, I have no doubt that those qualities played a role in her selection as well. Debra has overcome a great obstacle to get where she is today; she was formerly employed in the other body of Congress. I compliment her on surmounting this challenge. Mr. Speaker, people wonder how Members of Congress can vote one minute on education, the next on health, the next on defense, and understand so many issues in enough depth to make good decisions. The answer is that we are all fortunate to be surrounded by an ocean of talent. People like Debra Wada make our job possible. I salute her not only for her award, but for the unrecognized work that she and other staff professionals perform all year round.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it is with sadness that I inform the House of Representatives of the passing of my friend, The Honorable Harry Wiggins of Kansas City, Missouri. He was 71. Harry, a son of Dr. John and Helen Murphy Wiggins, was born in Kansas City, Missouri, on August 1, 1932. He spent the entirety of his life in Kansas City, attending grade and high schools and then Rockhurst College. Harry achieved many honors while at Rockhurst. He was elected the president of the student body. He joined Alpha Delta Gamma fraternity and was president of his chapter and then national president three times. When he was a senior he was chosen to be a member and served as president of the university chapter of Alpha Sigma Nu, the National Jesuit honor society. He also was selected for Who's Who in American Colleges and Universities. After he graduated from Rockhurst College with an AB, he was awarded a three year scholarship to attend law school at St. Louis University. From 1957 to 1959, Harry served in the United States Army as a legal advisor to the 2nd United States Army Missile Command at Fort Hood, Texas. Upon his discharge, he received a Certificate of Achievement for Distinguished Service. After his discharge, he came back home to Kansas City and began to practice law. Soon he became a part of John F. Kennedy's 1960 presidential campaign, serving as Kansas City's chairman for the campaign. It was during this time that he met and became good friends with Robert F. Kennedy. Once John F. Kennedy became president, Robert Kennedy became United States Attorney General and then appointed Harry as the assistant U.S. Attorney for the Western District of Missouri. He held this position for over five years and during his tenure he handled cases involving federal grand jury probes into organized crime. During his tenure, he also prosecuted a group of liquor and prostitution cases. Then Governor Warren Hearnes appointed Harry as state supervisor of liquor control. After serving as state supervisor of liquor control from 1967 to 1970, he returned to Kansas City to run for western judge of Jackson County and won. In 1973, Governor Kit Bond asked Harry to serve in his administration as general counsel for the Public Service Commission. After holding this post for a year, he came back to Kansas City in 1974 to run for the 10th District seat in the Missouri Senate against a two-term Republican incumbent. Harry won by 6,000 votes and would be elected six more times. After serving 28 years in the Missouri Senate, Harry retired in 2002. During his time in the Missouri Senate, he was Kansas City's first majority floor leader from 1980 to 1984. He never missed a roll call vote during his tenure--logging a total of more than 17,000 consecutive roll call votes. Harry's legislative record is a testament to his commitment to public service. During his time in the Missouri Senate, he had many legislative accomplishments including the creation of 911 emergency calling, laws requiring DNA profiling of convicted felons, anti methamphetamine legislation that would become a national model, legislation to fund and protect the Truman Sports Complex, the establishment of the Parents as First Teachers Program, which would become a national model, and many others. Mr. Speaker, Senator Harry Wiggins will be greatly missed by all who knew him. I know the Members of the House will join in extending heartfelt condolences to his family.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, let me take this opportunity to honor Alewel's Country Meats for their contribution in shipping more than 1,000 pounds of beef jerky to provide our Missouri National Guardsmen serving in Iraq a taste of home. Alewel's Country Meats was started in the year 1932 by Hugo and Emil Alewel of Concordia, Missouri. Originally called Alewel Brothers, the name was later changed to Alewel's Country Meats in 1964. The plant grew to enormous size and in 1974 they expanded to Warrensburg, Missouri. My good friend, Roger Alewel, once ran Alewel's Country Meats, and his able son, Randy, now runs the company. Alewel's Country Meats is known for their prize winning country hams, bacon, and sausage which are produced from the freshest meat of mid- Missouri. With a legacy of over 70 years, Alewel's Country Meats has become known not only for their quality meats but also for their charitable donations to rural Missouri. Mr. Speaker, the generous contribution by Alewel's Country Meats is inspirational to all of us. I know the Members of the House will join me in paying tribute to the outstanding commitment to our service members shown by the men and women who work there.

Mr. SKELTON

Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, it has come to my attention that Colonel Donald R. Curtis, Jr. is retiring after a long and distinguished career. Colonel Curtis' outstanding service to the nation has been marked by meritorious service in increasingly demanding command and staff positions in both the United States and overseas. Throughout his career, Colonel Curtis demonstrated strong, outstanding executive ability, and dedication to the spirit and mission of the United States Army. Colonel Curtis was commissioned from the United States Military Academy in 1979. He is a graduate of Ohio State University, holding a Master of Science Degree in Civil Engineering. He also graduated from the Engineer Officer Basic and Advanced Courses School, the United States Army Command and General Staff College, and the United States War College. He is a registered Professional Engineer as well. Colonel Curtis served in command and staff positions over the past twenty-five years. He served as a platoon leader in the 902nd Engineer Company (Assault Float Bridge) at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. He was commander of B Company, 44th Engineer Battalion in the Republic of Korea. Then he did a tour as Assistant Resident Engineer for the Fort Leonard Wood Resident Office, Kansas City District. He served as Battalion Operations Officer, 12th Engineer Battalion, 1st Armored Division at Mannheim, Germany, and served in a joint assignment with the Defense Intelligence Agency. He was the commander of the Walla Walla District from 1996-1998, and then did a tour on the Army Staff. He now is retiring from the Army after having served his last assignment as the District Engineer for the Fort Leonard Wood Resident Office, Kansas City District. Colonel Curtis's awards and decorations include the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Anny Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Humanitarian Service Medal, Parachutist Badge, Ranger Tab and the Army Staff Identification Badge. Mr. Speaker, I know the Members of the House will join me in paying tribute to Colonel Donald R. Curtis, Jr. for his exceptional commitment to the United States Army and the United States of America.