Robert Wittman

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize our Nation's public servants and to thank them for their important contributions to our country. In every community across America, Federal employees work to make sure our government is effective and keeps us safe. Their daily contributions to their fellow citizens, and to the cause of freedom, are simply immeasurable. In America's First District, there are many hardworking and dedicated patriots who serve the people of this Nation every day. As we celebrate Public Service Recognition Week, which started on Sunday, May 6, and ends on Saturday, May 12, I want to express my utmost gratitude to the country's Federal employees, as well as our dedicated State, county, and local public servants for their tireless service. I am proud to represent the tens of thousands of Federal employees, retirees, and local and State government officials who live in the First District of Virginia. The Federal workforce is full of dedicated and committed citizens who exemplify patriotism in everything they do. I hope my colleagues will join me in honoring them for their service to ensure the security of our Nation.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Greg Reed, band teacher at Fredericksburg Christian School and Commander of the Enduring Freedom Honor Team. Under Greg's leadership, the Honor Team performs 30-50 events annually at a variety of different venues including the National D-Day Memorial; the National Museum of the Marine Corps; the Pentagon; Walter Reed Army Hospital; National Naval Medical Center; the Capitol; National Mall; and countless VA hospitals. The group has received recognition from military installations and the Virginia House of Delegates. Additionally, they support the Honor Flight Program, performing for more than 500 World War II and Korean War veterans as they visit the nation's Capital and the National Museum of the Marine Corps. Greg enjoys watching his students interact with veterans and grow from these experiences. The Honor Team's main missions are to bring awareness, gratefulness, and recognition to the United States Military and their families' sacrifices, past and present. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in thanking Greg for his leadership and continued desire to give back to veterans.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 24 Frederick, Virginia area high school seniors who plan to enlist in the United States Army after graduation. These students have excelled in their academic and extracurricular activities, and I offer my sincere congratulations upon their high school graduation. I commend these student leaders for their selflessness and courageous decision to serve their country as members of the United States Army. James Bradley; Edward Brown; Wesley Carter; Ashley Corker; Keat Cross III; Destiny Dunbar; Oscar Espinal; Daniel Ferguson; Dylan Fink; Ethan Frietze; Patrick P.J. Giannone; Canaan Grover; Elizabeth Jackson; Matthew Leitch; Chandler Long; Tylik Lucas; Austin Luck; Seth Raiford; Spencer Rasor; Jacob Riddle; Tyler Ryals; John Santoro; Shiyonna Shepherd; Clay Wilson. These students will be honored by the Greater Fredericksburg Chapter of Our Community Salutes at their 7th Annual Military Enlistee Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA. Mr. Speaker, I ask colleagues to join me in thanking these young men and women and their families for their dedication to serving this great Nation. We owe them and the many Americans who have served and will serve a debt of gratitude.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 90 Frederick, Virginia area high school seniors who plan to enlist in the United States Marine Corps after graduation. These students have excelled in their academic and extracurricular activities, and I offer my sincere congratulations upon their high school graduation. I commend these student leaders for their selflessness and courageous decision to serve their country as members of the United States Marine Corps. James Adkins; Duane Albertsen; Nicholas Aleman; Godfrey Ampong; Daniel Amurrio; Nathaniel Anthony; Miguel Apolinario; Ryan Barnes; Paul Belmonte; Benjamin Broyles; Jakob Burggraf; Edward Carrasco; Jacob Chance; Michael Chandler; Zachary Claypoole; Howard Cokkhoelscher; Rashaiya Coleman; Mark Colongonzalez; Gavin Cornell; Jonathan Crowder; Joshua Cruz; Laura Cruz; David Dejesus; Connor Delery; Nathaniel Diogo; Kelly Doyle; James Edwards; Diego Esparza; Brandon Friend; Sean Gaddy; Andrew Gagnon; James George; Joshua Gilber; Issiaah Green; Alexander Grissom; Rafael Guia; Dennis Guillen; Carrington Haggerty; Kohl Hammer; James Hartzell; Brandon Herzog; Rodney Hill; William Hofferek; Joshua Jackson; Dalton Jewell; Sebastian John; Andrew Johnson; Trevor Johnson; Tyler Johnson; Shaqwaun Johnson; Jonell Kaiwood; Peter Kelley; Dustin Keys; Benjamin King; Maverick Maroney; Giavante Mathieu; Cameron Mazhari; Keivon McIntosh; William McLeod; Carson Merkel; Renee Nicholson; Jackson Nordberg; Roman Orellana; Evelyn Ovandoflores; Dominic Pantovich; Daniel Pfender; Ryan Pickham; Joseph Poe; Jaime Quezadarios; Jonathan Ramirezcruz; Cain Reese; Dionte Reeves; Abbigail Reidysolorio; Allanys Rodriguezmediavilla; Justin Rouse; Thomas Rutigliano; Raymundo Salinas; Austin Sheets; Andrew Sigl; Christian Smith; Eric Standage; Hunter Stoner; Devin Sweeney; Joseph Thompson; Katrin Thompson; Adam Vanderhoof; Devon Vernon; Joshua Weiler; Benny Weng; Caden White. These students will be honored by the Greater Fredericksburg Chapter of Our Community Salutes at their 7th Annual Military Enlistee Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA. Mr. Speaker, I ask colleagues to join me in thanking these young men and women and their families for their dedication to serving this great Nation. We owe them and the many Americans who have served and will serve a debt of gratitude.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 19 Frederick, Virginia area high school seniors who plan to enlist in the United States Air Force after graduation. These students have excelled in their academic and extracurricular activities, and I offer my sincere congratulations upon their high school graduation. I commend these student leaders for their selflessness and courageous decision to serve their country as members of the United States Air Force. Jacob Aguilar; Jared Bouches; Victoria Brown; Reynaldo Campos; Kelly Freeman; Aaron Frimpong; Elyssa Galindo; Steven Gilbert; Samantha Guerrero; Sydni Jenkins; Trent Nicholas; Caitlin Odonnell; Edwin Ordonez; Bryan Perez Palacios; Dallas Pratt; Asiah Richardson; Skyler Steward; James Taylor; Jadon Unger. These students will be honored by the Greater Fredericksburg Chapter of Our Community Salutes at their 7th Annual Military Enlistee Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA. Mr. Speaker, I ask colleagues to join me in thanking these young men and women and their families for their dedication to serving this great Nation. We owe them and the many Americans who have served and will serve a debt of gratitude.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 47 Frederick, Virginia area high school seniors who plan to enlist in the United States Navy after graduation. These students have excelled in their academic and extracurricular activities, and I offer my sincere congratulations upon their high school graduation. I commend these student leaders for their selflessness and courageous decision to serve their country as members of the United States Navy. Hakeem Allen; Alejandro Ambrizrodriguez; Robert Ammen; Gregory Andrews; Patrick Ayala; Arlice Baker; Johannes Booysen; Kole Cacho; Joshua Campbell; Bobbie Dube; Nakita Dubrovin; Schaylene Liam Durso; Alexander Eshoo; Daeshawn Gallaway; Lauren Gruber; Stephen Guyton; Marcus Jomah; Allen Jones; Catherine Keller; Jacob Layton; Riley Lemison; John Lipscomb; Devin Majean; Austin Martin; Christopher Martin; James McCulloch; Tyler McElroy; Cole Minicucci; Ronnie Norton; Maria Pavon Bonilla; Emma Pierce; Hunter Rankin; Zachary Resch; Morgan Rizzo; Candace Romagna; Preston Short; Christopher Smith; Kyle Staymates; Dante Stephens; Zoltan Szombathy; Brianna Thompson; Noah Thompson; Brandon Tolbert; Dominic Traver; Nicholas Willging; Ethan Williams; Zoe Williams. These students will be honored by the Greater Fredericksburg Chapter of Our Community Salutes at their 7th Annual Military Enlistee Recognition Ceremony on Saturday, May 5, 2018 at the University of Mary Washington in Fredericksburg, VA. Mr. Speaker, I ask colleagues to join me in thanking these young men and women and their families for their dedication to serving this great Nation. We owe them and the many Americans who have served and will serve a debt of gratitude.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Heart's Delight Baptist Church, of Fauquier, Virginia, on their 150th anniversary. The church was envisioned in 1868 under the leadership of Jessie D. Howe and Noah Bumbry. During the early stages of planning the church, these trusted servants of God suggested an appropriate name for the new church, which was based upon the lesson taught them in the following lines: ``Though hell may rage, avenge and spite, still God will save his heart's delight.'' After two years on this journey, the land was purchased and the church was built. Pastor Jacob Byrd, who was then a young licentiate minister of the gospel, preached until Pastor J.D. Howe had been licensed to preach and was called to succeed Mr. Byrd in January of 1873. Since its creation, Heart's Delight Baptist Church has been led by 11 pastors in its 150 years. Through that time, Heart's Delight has provided a quality Christian foundation for many in the surrounding community. I am happy to say that in the last two years, Heart's Delight has been extremely active in the community and has held many events, including a Christian Bowling League, Hope Emergency Center and the Catlett Community Fair. Mr. Speaker, I pray for Christ's guidance as the congregation comes together in His name and fellowship. May God always bless Heart's Delight Baptist Church as they continue to spread Christ's word and remain a light within the community.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Master Sergeant Jerre S. Thomas, II. Master Sergeant Thomas served as a United States Marine, and was loved by all who met him. During his time in the Marine Corps, the Master Sergeant served his country with honor and pride. He would go on to work within the Department of Defense and the White House Press Corps under President's George H.W. Bush and Bill Clinton. During this time, as a Master Instructor of Photography, Jerre was able to teach hundreds of Marines the skills of photography and videography. Master Sergeant Thomas enjoyed the company of his community and was a member of the Quantico Town Council where he would serve the community until his passing. He loved his children and his country which I believe is evident by his commitment to public service. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me and countless others as we recognize the many contributions of Master Sergeant Jerre S. Thomas, II.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Lieutenant Edward W. Gohring, USN Retired. Ed selflessly served the nation and Virginia's First District for 40 years through the United States Navy. Ed began his career in service by enlisting in the United States Navy in 1976. He served aboard the USS Francis Hammond, in the STAR program for AEGIS, and was critical in the development of the Combat System Operational Sequencing System. Ed served as lead instructor for the SPY-1 and AEGIS Weapon System courses before returning to Dahlgren to serve as an instructor for AEGIS Training and Readiness Center. After retiring from the Navy, Ed served as the Director of Special Projects and AEGIS Training and Readiness Center from 1998 to 2002. During this time, he focused on Ballistic Missile Defense and littoral air warfare capabilities. Ed was transferred to the Center for Surface Combat Systems and assumed the role of Functional Integration, responsible for training of personnel for effective employment of surface Navy combat capability at sea. He later assumed duties as the Executive Director responsible for 15 training sites and detachments both domestically and abroad. In recognition of his contribution to Navy, Ed was awarded the Navy Distinguished Civilian Service Award, the highest honor awarded by the Secretary of the Navy to a civilian employee. Ed is survived by his wife, Doris; son, Michael; and numerous family and friends across the Navy. I am honored to have known Ed and serve as witness to the countless lives he touched through his selfless service and leadership.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Chaplain Scott Foust for his opening prayer and message this morning. Scott resides in Virginia's First District and serves as an Air Force chaplain at Arlington National Cemetery. He has answered the call to serve by helping Air Force families lay loved ones to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, both through coordinating funeral arrangements and providing grief counseling. He served as a pastor for 12 years before receiving a direct commission in 2007. God calls on us to serve Him in many ways, and I commend Chaplain Foust on his service to our Nation, our airmen, and their families. I pray for Christ's guidance as the House convenes and we try to do His will in serving the American people. May God always bless Chaplain Foust and his family as they continue to spread Christ's Word and remain a light within the community.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Commander (CDR) Eric Bromley taking command of VRC-40 Rawhides. CDR Bromley began his naval career upon graduating the U.S. Naval Academy in 2000, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Ocean Engineering. After graduation, he trained as a Naval Aviator and was assigned to VAW-120 Greyhawks based in Norfolk, VA for Fleet Replacement Training. Eric was then assigned to VRC-40 Rawhides in Norfolk, VA to serve as a Detachment Administrative Officer, Schedules Officer, and Assistant Operations Officer. He was later assigned to VA- 120 where he served as an Instructor Pilot, Aircraft Branch Officer, and C-2A Training Officer. CDR Bromley served on board the USS Carl Vinson as a V-4 and V-5 Division Officer, served as ``Top Cat'' Shooter, and was elected Wardroom President. In 2011, he returned to VRC-40 to serve as a Maintenance Officer and Detachment Officer-In-Charge with Detachment Three with the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower. He also served as a Branch Chief at U.S. Northern Command in Colorado. CDR Bromley currently serves as the Executive Officer for VRC-40 Rawhides after logging over 2,200 flight hours, earning the Navy Achievement Medal, Navy Commendation Medal (3), and Defense Meritorious Service Medal. Eric will be taking command of VRC-40 effective April 27, 2018. Eric served as my Congressional Defense Fellow in 2014. In this role, I relied on CDR Bromley for his subject matter expertise regarding the United States Navy in critical areas such as training, readiness, and manning. His work ethic, servant leadership, and devotion to duty represent what is best in our nation and military. He is respected by his sailors and is deserving of this leadership position. I would like to thank CDR Bromley for his service to the First District of Virginia and the Nation. May God bless Eric, his wife Jenny, and their three children, as they take this next step in their lives.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, sportfishing provides outdoor recreation for more than 47 million Americans each year. In Virginia, we are blessed with some of the best fishing opportunities in the nation. From fishing for striped bass on the Chesapeake Bay, to fly fishing for trout in the Blue Ridge, to throwing beetle spins for smallmouth bass on the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers, to chasing Cobia and Tuna off Virginia Beach--we have great waters and angling throughout our state. Fishing provides opportunities for youth and families to get into the great outdoors and enjoy our public lands and waters. Like many outdoor industries, sportfishing is often overlooked as a significant job generator and economic engine. Nationwide, it is estimated by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service that recreational fishing generates $48 billion in retail sales, $115 billion in total economic activity and 828,000 jobs. I should note that in 2016 Congress passed the Outdoor Recreation Jobs and Economic Impact Act--The REC Act. In 2018, for the first time the U.S. Commerce Department's Bureau of Economic Analysis included outdoor recreation's impact, including fishing and boating, in our nation's Gross Domestic Product. Maybe the most important aspect of recreational fishing is that sportfishing manufacturers, anglers and boaters pay for most of state fish and wildlife agencies fisheries conservation and boating programs. Through special federal excise and fishing license sales, anglers and boaters are providing more than $1.2 billion a year in funds that are allocated to the states. As a member of our Committee on Natural Resources, I'm well aware that sportsmen and women pay a large part of the bill rather than the U.S. Treasury. Much of the this is due to the leadership of J. Michael ``Mike'' Nussman, president and CEO of the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), the trade association that represents the recreational fishing industry. Since 1993, Mike has served with distinction first as head of ASA's Government Affairs program then as President and CEO. While ASA has been a trade association since 1933, it has really been in the past 25 years that the organization has assumed a leadership role for not only manufacturers of rods, reels, lures, flies, waders and related apparel, but now for the overall fishing community. I might note with some pride that ASA is headquartered in Alexandria, VA. With the leadership of former House members such as John Dingell and John Breaux and with the support of ASA, the excise taxes I mentioned have been expanded to cover programs such as wetlands restoration, boating safety and infrastructure and the establishment of the Recreational Boating & Fishing Foundation (RBFF). In fact, Mike Nussman lead the effort to establish RBFF to turn around a decline in recreational fishing which started to appear in the 1990s. The most recent USFWS data indicates an upward trend in recreational fishing including more diverse and urban communities. Mike Nussman's success should come as no surprise. He worked for the Commerce Committee and Chairman Fritz Hollings of South Carolina over in the other body. Mike was the lead professional staff for the Subcommittee that oversees fisheries policy, NOAA and the Coast Guard. Prior to that he worked for the South Carolina Sea Grant program, earning undergraduate and graduate degrees in science, and an MBA from the University of South Carolina. Mr. Nussman's tenure at ASA improved the `business side' of his trade association. The sportfishing industry's annual trade show is now the largest in the world. His leadership made the organization financially strong, helping weather it through economic downturns. He has served on numerous boards of directors and advisory groups from the Theodore Roosevelt Conservation Partnership, to Blue Ribbon Panel on Sustaining America's Diverse Fish & Wildlife Resources. He also found time to serve as a United States Commissioner on the International Commission for the Conservation of Atlantic Tunas. Mike Nussman bought special expertise as a former Senate staffer to the recreational fishing industry and the conservation community. So, I think it's appropriate that he be recognized today for a job well done. Anglers and businesses across this nation can be thankful that he was at the helm.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Honorable Craig D. Johnston on his retirement from a career in public service. Craig received his bachelor's degree from Dickinson College before serving as an infantry officer during the Vietnam War. After returning home, Craig earned a law degree from the University of Virginia. He practiced law in Manassas for 30 years where he was a board member and past president of the Prince William County Bar Association. Additionally, he represented Prince William County on the Virginia State Bar Council for two terms. In 2004, Craig was appointed as a judge of the Prince William General District Court of the 31st Judicial District of Virginia. In recognition of his leadership and knowledge, Craig was appointed to the Prince William Circuit Court of the 31st Judicial Circuit of Virginia in 2009. Craig was selected to serve as chief judge of both the Prince William General District Court and the Prince William Circuit Court. Mr. Speaker, please join me in thanking the Honorable Craig Johnston for his service to Virginia. I wish Craig and his wife, Joyce, the best as they spend more time with their children and grandchildren in retirement.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of Colonel Dwight Lawrence Taylor. Colonel Taylor served the nation as a bombardier in the Army Air Corps during World War II. After the war, Colonel Taylor entered the Air Force Reserves, retiring in 1984 as a Colonel. Colonel Taylor took great pride in his involvement in the community. He was a member of Coan Baptist Church in Heathsville, VA where he was a past Deacon. Additionally, he served as a past Master Mason of Heathsville Masonic Lodge number 109 AF and AM and was a member of Westmoreland Royal Arch Chapter number 41. He belonged to many civic organizations including the Northumberland Lions Club and Historical Society. Colonel Taylor had a deep love of the Northern Neck and spent many years at his beloved home, ``Wheatland,'' where he loved to garden and work on preserving the historic antebellum home. Colonel Taylor typified a genuine Virginia Gentleman in his character and charity to others. Colonel Taylor continued to serve his community as Chairman of the Northumberland County Republican Committee and as a member of the First Congressional District Committee. Colonel Taylor is a graduate of The College of William and Mary. I had the pleasure of knowing Colonel Taylor for many years and witnessed his contributions to the community. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in extending thoughts and prayers to his wife, Catherine; daughters Mary Catherine and Jennifer; five grandchildren; and their families during this difficult time.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. James B. Howard, a citizen of King George County and Virginia's First District, on his retirement from the King George County Board of Supervisors. Mr. Howard served his community well as a member of the Board of Supervisors for the James Monroe District from 1976 to 1978. Additionally, Mr. Howard served as a member of the King George County School Board from 1988 to 1991, and the County Supervisor for the James Monroe District from 2000 to 2009 and 2014 to 2017. During his tenure, Mr. Howard furthered the education of our youth through leading the development of Sealston Elementary School, construction of the new King George High School, the expansion of the King George Middle School, and renovation of the Potomac Elementary School, in addition to other leadership successes. Mr. Howard served as the Chairman of the King George County Board of Supervisors for multiple terms and dedicated 21 years to serving the county in local government. In addition to his service in local government, Mr. Howard worked at Naval Surface Warfare Station Dahlgren for 37 years. Mr. Howard began as a Contract Negotiator, earning several promotions before establishing the Work for Private Parties Program. Mr. Howard retired from Dahlgren and entered the private sector. His awards include the Navy Meritorious Civilian Award for his contributions to the Navy, NAVSEA Award for Outstanding Contributions to Work for Others: NSWCD, and the NAVSEA Navy Acquisition Reform Award. I would like to thank Mr. Howard for his many contributions throughout his 21-year career. I wish him and his wife, Sheila, the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sergeant Major Jobe on his retirement from the United States Marine Corps after 30 years of service. SgtMaj Jobe enlisted in April 1988 and attended the school of infantry at Camp Pendleton, California before reporting to 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines. SgtMaj Jobe served as a machine gunner, machine gun team leader, Troop Handler, Recruiter, and participated in several deployments before earning the rank of Staff Sergeant. After his promotion to Staff Sergeant, Jobe served as Platoon Sergeant and Platoon Commander in Company K, 3rd Battalion, 5th Marines, completing deployment with the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit. Post deployment, Jobe served as the Chief Instructor and Faculty Advisor for Career Course at the Staff Noncommissioned Officer's Academy in Japan. As a Gunnery Sergeant, he was assigned the Future Operations Chief for III Marine Expeditionary Force before reporting to 1st Battalion, 7th Marines to serve as Company Gunnery Sergeant and later First Sergeant. During this assignment, Jobe participated in ``The March Up'' to Baghdad during Operation Iraqi Freedom. During the latter part of his career, Jobe served as the Inspector & Instructor First Sergeant for Company B, 4th Light Armored Reconnaissance Battalion deploying to Iraq. After selection to Sergeant Major, Jobe served at Recruiting Station Dallas until becoming the Regimental Sergeant Major for the Eight Marine Regiment at Camp Lejeune. While there, Jobe deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Jobe was then transferred to 1st Marine Division serving as the Division Sergeant Major where he served as the SgtMaj of the Blue Diamond. SgtMaj Jobe's decorations include the Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal with gold star, the Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal with Combat ``V'' and three gold stars, the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal with Combat ``V'' and three gold stars, and the Combat Action Ribbon with Gold Star. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in thanking SgtMaj Jobe and his family for their 30 years of service to the nation. I wish Dave, his wife, Kerri; and their sons DJ and Tyler, the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of George David Jones, II. David was a resident of the First District of Virginia and my hometown, Montross. David was a self-employed farmer who served the community as a member of the Westmoreland County Volunteer Fire Department. Additionally, David was a member of the Westmoreland Hunt Club, Virginia Dog Hunting Alliance, Pantico Run Hunt Club, and Eastern Virginia Young Farmers Association. I had the pleasure of knowing David for many years and was a witness to his dedication to his family and community. David is survived by his partner, Alexandra Jones; sons, George David Jones, III and Jeffrey Flynn Jones. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you extend your thoughts and prayers to David's family and friends as they mourn the loss of their loved one. I pray that God is with David's family and friends during this difficult time.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. James B. Howard, a citizen of King George County and Virginia's First District, on his retirement from the King George County Board of Supervisors. Mr. Howard served his community well as a member of the Board of Supervisors for the James Monroe District from 1976 to 1978. Additionally, Mr. Brown served as a member of the King George County School Board from 1988 to 1991, and the County Supervisor for the James Monroe District from 2000 to 2009 and 2014 to 2017. During his tenure, Mr. Howard furthered the education of our youth through leading the development of Sealston Elementary School, construction of the new King George High School, the expansion of the King George Middle School, and renovation of the Potomac Elementary School, in addition to other leadership successes. Mr. Howard served as the Chairman of the King George County Board of Supervisors for multiple terms and dedicated 21 years to serving the county in local government. I would like to thank Mr. Howard for his many contributions throughout his 21-year career. I wish him and his wife, Sheila, the best of luck in their future endeavors

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to use this time to recognize my constituent and friend, Mr. William Eric Herr for over 40 years of federal service beginning as a Reserve Officer Training Corps cadet in 1977 and culminating on January 14, 2018 with his retirement from federal civil service. Mr. Herr received his engineering degree from the University of Colorado and was commissioned in 1981. He excelled as an Air Force pilot with most of his flight time in the F-15 Eagle, single-seat, air superiority fighter. Mr. Herr reached the pinnacle of his tactical training by graduating from the United States Air Force Fighter Weapons Instructor Course; as in his other flying training courses, he received top academic honors and was recognized as a Distinguished Graduate. He served 26 years in the Air Force including command, combat time over Iraq, duty on The Joint Staff, and senior positions on The Air Staff and the Under Secretary of Defense for Policy Staff. Today, Mr. Herr serves as the Low Observable/Counter Low Observable (LO/CLO) Systems Program Director in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics. He is responsible for managing the Department of Defense process for focusing LO/CLO technology development and reviewing requests for the release of LO/CLO technologies to U.S. allies and foreign partners. Mr. Herr has been an active and involved citizen of Stafford County, Virginia. He served five years on the county's Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission including multiple terms as chairman and vice- chairman. An active member of the Stafford County Branch, National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, Mr. Herr currently serves on their executive board and as their political outreach chair. He has been a frequent speaker at meetings of the Stafford County Board of Supervisors and has been engaged at all levels of his local government and across the First Congressional District. Mr. Herr and his wife Lisa will be moving to Texas after his retirement where he will continue to support our Nation's defense in a leadership role in the private sector. Both he and Lisa will enjoy being closer to family but will never give up their ties to the Old Dominion. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in applauding Mr. Herr's service to Stafford County, to the Commonwealth of Virginia, and to the United States of America, and wish him and his wife the best in their future endeavors.

Mr. WITTMAN

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I echo the sentiment of my colleagues on the other side of the aisle. This truly is what makes our Nation great: individuals willing to give of their time to work on these refuges. Many times, the ability to access those refuges is dependent upon those volunteers. We take a few resources and stretch them across the Nation on many of these refuge lands, and it is our volunteers who, many times, help in maintaining these lands and making sure that there is access and making sure that people who come to visit understand the true value and nature of the resources that are there. It is, truly, I think, a great example of what makes our country great: people willing to put their time and effort into these refuges and making sure they, indeed, can be enjoyed by all. This is why I think this bill enjoys the support of folks on both sides of the aisle. This truly is, I think, an issue that should bring us all together. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3979, the Keep America's Refuges Operational Act, reauthorizes the National Wildlife Refuge System volunteer, community partnership, and education programs for fiscal years 2018 through 2022. I am proud to have joined with my good friend from New York (Mr. Jeffries) to support conservation efforts at our Nation's wildlife refuges in a way that is also fiscally responsible. Each year the refuge system's volunteer, community partnership, and education programs facilitate more than 1.4 million hours of service from more than 40,000 volunteers in support of our Nation's wildlife refuge system. The valuable contributions of these volunteers help maintain our Nation's 566 refuges, 14 of which I am proud to say are in the Commonwealth of Virginia. These programs help ensure that Americans can visit, explore, fish, hunt, and study wildlife for generations to come. As a kid, I spent most of my time outdoors, and today, I still frequently visit the Rappahannock River Wildlife Refuge in my district. I have long appreciated the value of nature and wildlife in our society as well as the importance of environmental stewardship. Volunteers perform a wide variety of tasks to assist with our refuge operations. Examples of these tasks include habitat improvement projects, laboratory research assistance, leading refuge tours, conducting fish and wildlife population surveys, and much more. All of these tasks help the Fish and Wildlife Service more efficiently fulfill its mission while also providing an opportunity for individuals and groups to contribute to the preservation and protection of our Nation's wildlife and public lands. H.R. 3979 reauthorizes the cost-efficient resource that helps the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service fulfill its mission to protect and preserve the Nation's fish and wildlife. These volunteer programs are very popular with folks throughout the country, with more applicants than available volunteer slots. This legislation has broad support from several recreational and conservation organizations, as well as bipartisan support across the Congress. I thank Chairman Bishop for moving this legislation and, again, extend my great appreciation to Mr. Jeffries for sponsoring this important legislation. Mr. Speaker, I urge adoption of the measure, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3979) to amend the Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956 to reauthorize the volunteer services, community partnership, and refuge education programs of the National Wildlife Refuge System, and for other purposes, as amended.