E1400 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks October 23, 2017 North America, which celebrates its 40th anni- to engage more deeply in the world around As she concludes her second term, Mayor versary on October 21, 2017. us. Sharief continues the county’s tradition of As a member of the Polish Highlanders Alli- WSRE has always and continues to dem- hosting the Mayor’s Gala to raise funds for the ance, the lodge aims to organize Polish High- onstrate an exceptional dedication to edu- United Way’s Mission United program, helping landers in the Chicago area into a cohesive cation and learning. veterans transition from active duty to civilian family. In addition to providing a meeting place From the very start, WSRE has partnered life. for Highlanders across the Chicago area, the with local school districts to provide edu- In addition to making Broward County a bet- lodge cultivates Polish Highlander arts, cus- cational resources that enhance learning in ter place for all business, Mayor Sharief man- toms, and traditions. The members also pro- the classroom. Through community partner- ages her own business, South Florida Pedi- vide material assistance to the church and two ships WSRE enriches the efforts of Pensacola atric Home Care Inc., which she built from the schools in the village of Maruszyna in Poland. in becoming ‘‘America’s First Early Learning ground up. She holds both a Master of The lodge, located at 4808 S. Archer Ave- City’’ and launched the 24/7 WSRE PBS KIDS Science in Nursing and an Advanced Reg- nue, is an important pillar of the community on channel and mobile app. By utilizing the latest istered Nurse Practitioner degree from Florida the Southwest Side of Chicago. Polish High- digital technology, the Imagination Station at International University, and is pursuing a landers come from all across the region for Wahoo Stadium, provides exposure for thou- Doctorate of Nursing Practice. In addition to celebrations at Maruszyna Kolo. On the first sands of children and guardians each year to her role as mayor, businessowner, and stu- weekend of August every year, the lodge the resources and value of early learning. dent, she is also the mother of five children- hosts a picnic on the same day that the village Television reaches a large number of per- Amanda, Zach, Alyssa, Meia, and Hailey. of Maruszyna hosts a fair celebrating its an- sons from all walks of life and WSRE keeps Mayor Sharief is an extraordinary public nual parish holiday. The picnic is attended by the community connected through its various servant whom I am proud to have worked over 400 guests annually. The lodge also local and national programs. WSRE’s commit- alongside for the betterment of the residents hosts a celebration during the second week of ment to the surrounding communities has of Broward County. I thank her for her dedi- January where members share Christmas wa- proven to be deeply valuable and has endured cated service, and I wish her much success in fers and mark the end of Christmas celebra- throughout the decades. all her future endeavors. tions by wishing one another well for the New By operating as a public television station, Year. WSRE also encourages an informed elec- f Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me torate by producing RALLY candidate forums HONORING NICK LARIGAKIS FOR in recognizing all that Maruszyna Kolo No. 35 and Legislative Review to connect the commu- HIS 30 YEARS OF SERVICE does to bring together Polish Highlanders in nity with lawmakers since the 1970s while also STRENGTHENING U.S.-GREECE the Chicago area and to support Poland. The broadcasting The Florida Channel. RELATIONS THROUGH HIS WORK I would like to extend my gratitude to all lodge’s dedication to community is admirable AT THE AMERICAN HELLENIC IN- who have served in any capacity with WSRE and I wish them the best as they continue STITUTE (AHI) their traditions and service for generations to throughout its 50 years. WSRE has been and come. One hundred years (Sto lat). will continue to be a steadfast and invaluable f contributor to the enhancement and growth of HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS our community and to all who have benefited OF FLORIDA RECOGNIZING THE 50TH from its services. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ANNIVERSARY OF WSRE Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States Monday, October 23, 2017 Congress, I am privileged to congratulate HON. MATT GAETZ WSRE on 50 years of providing quality pro- Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to OF FLORIDA gramming and educational outreach services recognize the extensive and unique contribu- tions that my friend, Nick Larigakis, has made IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to Northwest Florida. in strengthening the strategic alliance between f Monday, October 23, 2017 the United States and Greece throughout his Mr. GAETZ. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to HONORING MAYOR BARBARA impressive 30-year tenure at the American recognize the fiftieth anniversary of WSRE. SHARIEF Hellenic Institute. The American Hellenic Insti- WSRE–TV is viewer supported Public Broad- tute (AHI) is a non-profit Greek American pub- casting Station for the Gulf Coast. On Sep- HON. DEBBIE WASSERMAN SCHULTZ lic policy center which Mr. Larigakis has led tember II, 1967, WSRE began its over-the-air OF FLORIDA with his renowned passion for justice and the broadcast television station on UHF Channel IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES rule of law. He manages the day-to-day oper- l23 and today broadcasts four digital channels. ations of AHI and its affiliated organizations. WSRE was an early pioneer producing na- Monday, October 23, 2017 He is directly responsible for strategic plan- tional, quality programing beginning with Earl Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. Speaker, ning, policy analysis, public affairs, govern- Peyroux’s Gourmet Cooking to its most recent it’s my privilege to recognize my good friend, ment relations, financial development and documentary They Were Our Fathers. The Honorable Barbara Sharief of Miramar, communications—essentially a one man show. WSRE is licensed to the District Board of Florida, on her successful tenure as mayor of During his many years of distinguished serv- Trustees of Pensacola State College. Its Broward County. ice, Mr. Larigakis has hosted 70 successful 43,000 square foot facility includes three stu- Mayor Sharief is the first African American legislative conferences and two trade con- dios that are used to produce local program- woman, as well as the first Muslim, to serve ferences. He has also hosted multiple Con- ming. The facility houses a full-time staff, as as Broward County mayor. She was first elect- gressional fact-finding trips to Greece and Cy- well as volunteers who contribute thousands ed to the nine-member County Commission in prus, and led nine summits on the Future of of hours of service on a regular basis. 2010, was elected mayor by her fellow com- Hellenism in America. Through his tireless ad- The mission of WSRE is to open doors to missioners in November 2013, and was re- vocacy and unwavering commitment to Hel- a larger world with quality programming and elected in 2015. As mayor, she oversees lenic causes he has molded AHI into a pre- educational outreach services for every person Broward County’s $4.3 billion operating budg- mier organization that regularly makes mean- on the Gulf Coast who desires to be more et, which operates the Fort Lauderdale-Holly- ingful contributions in the public policy arena. educated, informed and entertained. WSRE wood International Airport, Port Everglades, As Co-Chair of the Congressional Caucus on helps people make informed decisions with a and a variety of regional services, such as Hellenic Affairs, as well as Co-Founder and better understanding of the community and parks, libraries, public works, and transit. Co-Chair of the Congressional Hellenic Israel world in which they live. As a community-sup- Mayor Sharief has focused her mayoralty on Alliance, I, along with my colleagues have es- ported, outreach service of Pensacola State the theme of ‘‘Broward Means Business.’’ pecially benefitted from Nick’s counsel and College, WSRE brings forth culture and ideas Mayor Sharief understands that small busi- from the support of AHI in fostering mutually that enhance the quality of life and promote ness is the backbone of our economy and has beneficial relations between the United States, the joy of discovery and learning. steadfastly highlighted and promoted county Cyprus and Greece. His effective and re- The vision of WSRE is to positively influ- programs to ensure they succeed and thrive. spected political advocacy work has educated ence the daily lives of all on the Gulf Coast To that end, she has begun every commission and informed the U.S. Congress about the through broadcast programming and edu- meeting by recognizing the civic leadership of protection and promotion of Hellenic-American cational outreach services that encourage us one business in Broward County. interests. Furthermore, his efforts have helped

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:09 Oct 24, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K23OC8.005 E23OCPT1 October 23, 2017 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1401 form a strong bond within the Hellenic commu- a host of friends and those whose lives he has Roll Call No. 565, YEA on Roll Call No. 566, nity and served as an invaluable resource for impacted. NAY on Roll Call No. 567, and YEA on Roll Philhellenes throughout our great nation. Mr. Speaker, today I ask my colleagues to Call No. 568. I congratulate Mr. Larigakis on reaching this join me, my wife, Vivian, the nearly 730,000 f important milestone in his career and thank people in Georgia’s 2nd Congressional Dis- him for his outstanding service, which has trict, and all Americans, in extending our sin- RECOGNIZING MARGE MEDELLIN benefited our country, Greece, Cyprus and cerest appreciation to Lieutenant Colonel IN CELEBRATION OF HER 80TH Hellenes worldwide while helping to preserve Samuel Milton Selby Rollinson, for his dedi- BIRTHDAY our rich cultural heritage. I look forward to cated service to our nation and to his commu- working with him for many years to come. In nity. I ask my colleagues in the House of Rep- HON. JIM COSTA the astute words of Pericles, ‘‘What you leave resentatives to join us in extending our deep- OF CALIFORNIA behind is not what is engraved in stone monu- est sympathies to Lieutenant Colonel IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ments, but what is woven into the lives of oth- Rollinson’s family, friends and loved ones dur- Monday, October 23, 2017 ers.’’ Throughout his remarkable career, Mr. ing this difficult time. We pray that they will be Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in Larigakis has left behind a passion for perpet- consoled and comforted by an abiding faith honor of Ms. Marge Medellin’s 80th birthday uating the cornerstones of Hellenism: justice and the Holy Spirit in the days, weeks and celebration. Marge is the former mayor of and democracy. Axios. months ahead. Madera, California and a dear friend of mine. f f She has been an inspiration to many and trail- blazer throughout her career in public service. IN HONOR OF LIEUTENANT COLO- CELEBRATING ACCOMPLISHMENTS It is both fitting and appropriate that we honor NEL (RET) SAMUEL MILTON OF STAFF SERGEANT JAMES Marge as she celebrates this special mile- SELBY ROLLINSON HARRELL, U.S. MARINE CORPS, stone. RETIRED Margaret Medellin was born on October 8, HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR. 1937 to Mary and James Martinez. She is a OF GEORGIA HON. JOHN R. CARTER lifelong resident of Madera. Marge overcame IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF TEXAS adversity at a young age and went on to have Monday, October 23, 2017 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES a successful career at the Madera County Of- Monday, October 23, 2017 fice of Education. She worked there from July Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise 1956 to December 2002. today to pay tribute to a respected public serv- Mr. CARTER of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise Marge was married in 1957. She was ant, outstanding citizen, and hero to his com- today to celebrate the accomplishments of blessed with four children, eight grandchildren munity, Lieutenant Colonel (Ret) Samuel Mil- Staff Sergeant James Harrell, U.S. Marine and four great grandchildren. ton Selby Rollinson. Sadly, Lt. Col. Rollinson Corps, Retired, who served his country and A call to service and the desire to help the passed away on Friday, September 22, 2017. continues to selflessly serve his fellow vet- community led Marge to run for the Madera A memorial service will be held on Saturday, erans and his community following his retire- City Council. She was first elected in March October 28, 2017 at the Fort Benning Infantry ment. He is a fitting recipient of a Congres- 1978, serving two terms from March 1978 to Chapel at 2:00 pm. sional Veteran Commendation. December 1986 and another term from De- A native of Jacksonville, Florida, Samuel SSG Harrell served six years in the United cember 1988 to December 1992. Marge was born to Sam and Ruth Rollinson, as the States Marine Corps, including two tours in served the city of Madera as mayor, beginning fourth of five sons. After graduating from the Vietnam. During his service, SSG Harrell was in 1982, for two consecutive terms and an ad- U.S. Military Academy at West Point, in 1982, a recipient of numerous awards and recogni- ditional four-year term. She was recognized by he was commissioned as a ranger and later tions, including the Marine Combat Action Rib- the state as California’s first Latina Mayor. promoted to an infantry lieutenant, where he bon. After being Honorably Discharged, SSG Aside from her career in office, Marge has received his Airborne badge. Harrell returned to Texas where he rose to be- served on countless boards and commissions Following his retirement from the Army as a come the Assistant Chief Deputy for throughout the years. She is a founding mem- Lieutenant Colonel, Samuel served as a gov- Williamson County’s Sheriff’s Department. ber of the Pan American Club which provides ernment civilian by becoming Fort Benning’s SSG Harrell’s love for his country is college scholarships for young Hispanic stu- first Protocol Officer. He then served as the matched only by his commitment to his fellow dents. She is also a founding member of Civilian Deputy Chief of Staff, and ultimately, service members. After recognizing the needs Latinas Unidas, an organization that empow- the Deputy TRADOC Capability Manager for of our county’s less fortunate veterans, SSG ers young Hispanic women. the Stryker Brigade Combat Team. His co- Harrell joined his good friend Major Barry One of her proudest moments came in De- workers and fellow servicemen cherished his Richard, United States Air Force, Retired to cember 2016, when Marge swore in her son seasoned wisdom and passion for reveling in help over twelve Williamson County veterans Andy Medellin as the mayor of Madera. Marge the beauties of life. by rebuilding homes, bringing them up to and Andy are believed to be the first mother George Washington Carver once said, ‘‘No code, doing repairs, and more for over five and son elected mayor to the same city in individual has any right to come into the world years. Together, they’ve made real and lasting California. and go out of it without leaving behind him impacts on the lives of their fellow veterans. Marge is a true pioneer. She is known as an distinct and legitimate reasons for having SSG Harrell serves his fellow men with the advocate for equal rights and always leads by passed through it.’’ Although his passing was same dedication, honor, and humility with example. Marge has served as a mentor and tragic and before his time, Lt. Col. Rollinson which he defended his country. He exemplifies inspiration to many. She has made an indel- proved to us all what it truly meant to be a what it means to be an American, consistently ible mark on Madera and our Valley. hero. He left this world doing what he loved placing his country and fellow men before him- Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I most—serving the people of Fort Benning and self. I thank and commend SSG Harrell, a ask my colleagues to join me today in recog- Columbus, Georgia. His impression on this passionate leader with a servant’s heart, for nizing Marge Medellin as she celebrates her earth extends beyond himself to the very his dedication and service. 80th birthday. I ask that you join me in wishing her and her family continued health and happi- wellbeing of his community, and for that he f will be remembered for time to come. ness. For his outstanding selflessness to the Co- PERSONAL EXPLANATION f lumbus community, he was awarded the Ro- IN RECOGNITION OF THE LIFE OF tary Club Mary Reed Award. Beyond this HON. STEVEN M. PALAZZO FREDERICK SPENCER CRITTENDEN achievement and the respect held for him by OF MISSISSIPPI servicemen and civilians, he was an honorable IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN human being who loved deeply and, in return, OF VIRGINIA was deeply loved. Monday, October 23, 2017 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Lt. Col. Rollinson is survived by his mother, Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, I am not re- Ruth; wife of 32 years, Sarah; children, Sam, corded because I was absent due to a family Monday, October 23, 2017 Michelle, and Zack; daughter-in-law, Kath- commitment. Had I been present, I would Mr. WITTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in erine; brothers, Jon Martin, Matt and Jim; and have voted NAY on Roll Call No. 564, YEA on remembrance of Frederick Spencer

VerDate Sep 11 2014 02:15 Oct 24, 2017 Jkt 079060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A23OC8.003 E23OCPT1