Zack Space

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker, Whereas, Dana R. Hurst has served in the United States Army since 1982; and Whereas, Dana R. Hurst has commanded the Huntington District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, providing leadership and guidance across the Ohio River Basin; and Whereas, Dana R. Hurst has served in Korea, Kuwait, and across the United States; and Whereas, Dana R. Hurst is the recipient of the Defense Meritorious Service Medal; and Whereas, Col. Hurst's actions are in keeping with the finest traditions of the armed service and reflect great credit upon himself, the Corps of Engineers, and the United States Army; now, therefore, be it Resolved that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend and acknowledge Colonel Dana R. Hurst for his contributions to his community and our great nation.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of the FY 2010 Labor- HHS-Education Appropriations bill which contains $10 million for the continuation of rural facilities technical assistance. Among the grantees for this program are the six Rural Community Assistance Partnerships (RCAPs). The RCAPs have functioned as a national network of regional organizations for over two decades. They utilize public and private funds to provide technical assistance for a range of tasks: community-development, infrastructure expansion, pollution-prevention, environmental-compliance and others. Rural communities have billions of dollars of need for new and improved water and waste disposal facilities. Addressing this need is not just important for improving public health, but also for alleviating poverty. Lacking adequate water or waste disposal facilities, small communities cannot attract business, develop a housing subdivision or build a new school. I am incredibly pleased that Chairman Obey understands the unique needs of rural communities and worked to secure funding for the RCAPs which are so important to my District. RCAP has helped communities in Ohio's District 18 access over $8 million in 2009 alone, and is currently working with more than 13 projects to access available Recovery Act funding. In addition, RCAP has provided training to over 280 local officials from 60 communities in the district on managerial and financial issues to promote small system sustainability. Again, I want to thank Chairman Obey for his hard work on this important bill that will allow communities in my District to continue receiving necessary assistance in addressing their drinking water and waste water needs.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker, 35 years ago today, Turkish forces invaded the sovereign nation of Cyprus, killing 5,000 Greek Cypriots and displacing nearly 200,000 as refugees in their own country. This blatant disregard for international law and lack of respect for a country's right to self-determination is made even worse by the fact that Turkish occupation of the northern segment of Cyprus continues to this day. 35 years represents an entire generation of Cypriots expelled from their homes; their property taken, family members missing, and religious artifacts vandalized and destroyed. Nearly 37 percent of the island of Cyprus remains under Turkish military control, insistent on an illegitimate sovereignty that is unrecognized by any nation but Turkey. The legitimate, internationally recognized Republic of Cyprus stands firmly for peaceful resolution of the conflict. Cyprus wishes only to unify the island as a bi-zonal, bicommunal federation, in which Turkish Cypriots and Greek Cypriots are free to travel and participate in their own government. This path to a resolution calls for a single citizenship, a single sovereignty, and two politically equal communities. More than 35 rounds of talks between the parties have occurred since September, 2008, signaling slow progress toward this mutually-agreeable solution. Peaceful crossings between the two segments of the island have occurred. Yet, negotiations are consistently delayed and thwarted by Turkey, who must draw down its troops and free the Turkish Cypriot leaders to negotiate within the agreed-upon framework. The solution to proceed with a bi-zonal, bi-communal federation is, most importantly, Cypriot in design. Cyprus must be the author of its own path forward. Yet, the United States can and must do more to encourage our ally, Turkey, to support the process and the reunification of the island. Resolution will remove a major barrier to Turkey's accession to the EU, but it cannot be rushed by artificial timetables. We must provide support and assistance to the process and those working to move it forward. The House took a step in encouraging reunification by allocating $11 million for scholarships and activities that promote reunification and peace in Cyprus in the State and Foreign Operations Appropriations Act that passed this month. I hope that we might follow this step with additional support and assistance towards this important goal.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Clow Water Systems was founded on March 17, 1910 in the city of Coshocton; and Whereas, Clow Water Systems has grown from a two-man operation to employing more than 350 workers; and Whereas, Clow Water Systems has been at the cutting edge of pipe and fitting production, often trading and competing in discoveries that have both improved efficiency and lowered costs industry-wide; and Whereas, Clow Water Systems recently expanded their industry even further, exporting pipes to help in the effort to rebuild Iraq; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with their friends and family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Clow Water Systems Company on their 100 Year Anniversary. Their dedication to quality products and customer service has made them a dependable pillar of the Coshocton community.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, former Governor James Rhodes named Trumpet in the Land Ohio's Official Outdoor Drama; and Whereas, more than 2,300 actors and technicians have taken part in the drama; and Whereas, July 3rd marks the 40th Anniversary of the first performance of Trumpet in the Land; and Whereas, Trumpet in the Land is anticipated and enjoyed every year by hundreds of Ohio families and gives them a window into the historical beginnings of our great state; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with the friends and family of the Ohio Outdoor Drama Historical Association and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate the cast and crew of the 40th Anniversary production of Trumpet in the Land, as well as anyone who has been fortunate enough to experience and take part in this uniquely Ohioan historical drama.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Colonel William Simmons, a trusted friend of General George Washington, proved himself on the field of battle on numerous occasions; and Whereas, for his more than 40 years of service, Colonel Simmons was given 4,297 acres of land in Southeastern Ohio; and Whereas, Colonel Simmons laid out the plots of land in 1820 which were to become the town of Warsaw; and Whereas, Warsaw was named after the capital of Poland, a country then attempting to achieve its own independence; and Whereas, the official town charter dates back to June 3, 1834; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with friends, family, and the residents of Warsaw, as well as the entire 18th Congressional District, I congratulate the town of Warsaw on their 175th Anniversary. The town of Warsaw has been and will continue to be a shining example for those who are willing to fight for their freedom and liberty.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, SPC Danley was assigned as a machine gunner with Company D, 1st Battalion (Mechanized), 50th Infantry; and Whereas, SPC Danley was involved in a combat mission near Bong Song, Vietnam on December 10, 1967; and Whereas, SPC Danley repeatedly exposed himself to enemy fire in order to give his fellow soldiers time to evacuate their wounded comrades; and Whereas, SPC Danley went so far as to move his vehicle directly into the line of enemy fire in order to protect another disabled armored personnel carrier; and Whereas, SPC Danley was able to inflict numerous enemy casualties during the facilitation of his comrades' evacuation with no regard to his own personal safety; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate SPC Lester M. Danley on winning the Bronze Star with ``V'' Device for heroism and gallant action. We recognize the incredible determination, loyalty, courage, and valor he displayed for his comrades on that day in December 1967, and all the days of his service to the United States Army.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Staff Sergeant Solvey was assigned as a Private First Class to Infantry Company E, 104th Infantry Regiment, US Army; and Whereas, Staff Sergeant Solvey was involved in a morning attack near Bettborn, Luxembourg on December 22, 1944; and Whereas, Staff Sergeant Solvey refused an evacuation order and, though injured, put himself at substantial personal risk to eliminate a German tank threatening to break the American position; and Whereas, Staff Sergeant Solvey enabled his company to accomplish its objective by moving in the face of fire and showing great personal courage and valor; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Staff Sergeant Solvey on winning the Silver Star for gallantry in action. We recognize the tremendous sacrifice, determination, and courage that he displayed that day in December 1944, and all the days of his service to the United States Army.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker, Whereas, PFC Wood was assigned as a rifleman to Company C, 3rd Battalion, 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division; and Whereas, PFC Wood was involved in a combat mission in Vietnam on January 10, 1968; and Whereas, PFC Wood's company came under heavy enemy fire while moving to the aid of another company; and Whereas, PFC Wood saw a fellow soldier fall wounded in an open rice paddy between his position and the enemy position; and Whereas, PFC Wood completely disregarded his personal safety and immediately moved forward to treat his wounded comrade; and Whereas, PFC Wood sustained multiple wounds from automatic weapons fire while attending to his comrade but refused to retreat or stop his treatment; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Private First Class Eugene F. Wood on winning the Bronze Star with ``V'' Device for heroism and gallant action. We recognize the incredible determination, loyalty, courage, and valor he displayed for his comrades on that day in January 1968, and all the days of his service to the United States Army.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Corporal Easterday was assigned as a Private First Class to Company E, 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Infantry Division; and Whereas, Corporal Easterday was involved in a combat mission near Kumsong, Korea on August 8, 1951; and Whereas, Corporal Easterday exposed himself to two separate fixed automatic weapons positions in order to relieve his platoon from deadly suppression fire; and Whereas, Corporal Easterday eliminated both positions with expert use of both rifle fire and hand grenades while completely unsupported and exposed to enemy fire; and Whereas, Corporal Easterday's actions allowed his platoon to advance on the flank of their objective and quickly capture it, saving lives and material with the speed of its accomplishment; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Corporal Carlos M. Easterday on winning the Bronze Star with ``V'' Device for heroism and gallant action. We recognize the incredible determination, loyalty, courage, and valor he displayed for his comrades on that day in August 1951, and all the days of his service to the United States Army.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Ron VanVoorhis, initiated East Muskingum Middle School's annual trips to Washington, D.C.; and Whereas, Mr. VanVoorhis has been responsible for close to 4,000 students being able to see and experience Washington, D.C.; and Whereas, Mr. VanVoorhis has consistently attended each trip, missing only one year for the birth of his daughter; and Whereas, Mr. VanVoorhis has provided this service without stipend and consistently at very low cost, saving each student an average of $100 per trip; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend Mr. Ron VanVoorhis on his service to the East Muskingum Middle School, and congratulate him on his 30 years of service in bringing the students of EMMS to Washington, D.C. to give them a better idea of what it means to be an American citizen.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Cody Cannon showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Cody Cannon was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Cody Cannon always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the court; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Cody Cannon on winning the Boys' Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship he has demonstrated during the 2008-2009 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Michael Evans showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Michael Evans was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Michael Evans always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the court: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Michael Evans on winning the Boys' Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship he has demonstrated during the 2008-2009 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Westen Hale showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Westen Hale was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Westen Hale always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the court: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Westen Hale on winning the Boys' Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship he has demonstrated during the 2008-2009 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Chris Fairchild showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Chris Fairchild was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Chris Fairchild always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the court; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Chris Fairchild on winning the Boys' Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship he has demonstrated during the 2008-2009 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Wade Howard showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Wade Howard was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Wade Howard always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the court: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Wade Howard on winning the Boys' Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship he has demonstrated during the 2008-2009 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Kyle Ondera showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Kyle Ondera was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Kyle Ondera always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the court: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Kyle Ondera on winning the Boys' Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship he has demonstrated during the 2008-2009 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, J.D. Hale showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, J.D. Hale was a supportive team player; and Whereas, J.D. Hale always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the court: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate J.D. Hale on winning the Boys' Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship he has demonstrated during the 2008-2009 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Jesse Slone showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Jesse Slone was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Jesse Slone always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the court; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Jesse Slone on winning the Boys' Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship he has demonstrated during the 2008-2009 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Jordan Strickland showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Jordan Strickland was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Jordan Strickland always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the court; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Jordan Strickland on winning the Boys' Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship he has demonstrated during the 2008-2009 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Coach Jim Slone showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Jim Slone was a leader and mentor for the Oak Hill High School Boys' Basketball Team; and Whereas, Jim Slone has been a role model for sportsmanship on and off of the court; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Assistant Coach Jim Slone for leading the Oak Hill High School Boys' Basketball Team to winning the Boys' Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and leadership he has demonstrated during the 2008-2009 Basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Drew Cannon showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Drew Cannon was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Drew Cannon always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the court; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Drew Cannon on winning the Boys' Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship he has demonstrated during the 2008-2009 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Travis Blevins showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Travis Blevins was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Travis Blevins always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the court; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Travis Blevins on winning the Boys' Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship he has demonstrated during the 2008-2009 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, Ryan Borden showed hard work and dedication to the sport of basketball; and Whereas, Ryan Borden was a supportive team player; and Whereas, Ryan Borden always displayed sportsmanship on and off of the court; now, therefore, be it Resolved, that along with his friends, family, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I congratulate Ryan Borden on winning the Boys' Division IV State Basketball Championship. We recognize the tremendous hard work and sportsmanship he has demonstrated during the 2008-2009 basketball season.

Mr. SPACE

Mr. SPACE. Madam Speaker: Whereas, the 2009 class of Tuscarawas Leadership seeks to encourage community service among the county's youth; and Whereas, the Pay It Forward Challenge is being held in conjunction with Global Youth Services Weekend and the Tuscarawas County United Way's Day of Caring; and Whereas, the Tuscarawas Leadership has found willing participants in each of the county's public school superintendents to allow students to take part; and Whereas, both adults and youth will be participating in many different community service projects across the county throughout the weekend; and Whereas, research has shown that volunteerism plays an important role in shaping skills, social development and a sense of empowerment in young people everywhere; now, therefore, be it Resolved that, along with the friends and family of the Tuscarawas Leadership Class of 2009, and the residents of the 18th Congressional District, I commend the Tuscarawas Leadership for leading the way in encouraging youth community service involvement, and declare April 24, 2009 to April 26, 2009 to be ``Tuscarawas County Pay It Forward Challenge Weekend.''