sign in sign up
<<
Home , Grace Napolitano

E1804 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 12, 2014 of the successful capital purchase program as ple of Alabama have given me here, brief in AbilityOne® Program. The AbilityOne Program a solution. the scope of our country’s glorious history, I partners with participating community-based However, if asked about my most satisfying have been able to contribute in some small nonprofit agencies that are dedicated to train- achievement, it would be debt relief. The bi- way to maintaining the Promise of America for ing and employing individuals with disabilities. partisan agreement that emerged from Con- our children, grandchildren, and the genera- Organizations like Achieve, located in every gress and the Clinton and Bush Administra- tions to come. state of our great nation, employ nearly tions to provide debt relief to the world’s poor- f 45,000 Americans who are blind or have sig- est nations has reduced hunger, poverty and nificant disabilities through this Program. disease and lifted tens of millions of children HONORING THE COURAGEOUS AbilityOne affiliated non-profit agencies offer and families from despair to hope. It is an ex- SERVICE AND SACRIFICE OF people who are blind or who have significant ample of what this institution is capable of STAFF SERGEANT MATTHEW R. disabilities opportunities to acquire the job doing at its finest. AMMERMAN skills and training necessary to receive good As Dean of the Alabama congressional del- wages and benefits that ultimately improve egation, I have been honored to be part of a HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS their quality of life. The value of these opportu- group of House Members and Senators that OF INDIANA nities cannot be overstated as only 21 percent works across party lines to promote the inter- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of individuals with disabilities currently have ests of our state as a whole. Some of the jobs. projects that stand out to me are the construc- Thursday, December 11, 2014 Achieve helps Americans with disabilities tion of I–22 and the Northern Beltline, the cre- Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I lead more productive lives, support their fami- ation of the Cahaba River National Wildlife rise today in tribute of a true American hero, lies, gain important work experience and share Refuge, the location of the National Computer Staff Sergeant Matthew R. Ammerman. Trag- in the same pride that each of us have after Forensics Center in Hoover, and especially ically, on December 3, Sergeant Ammerman an honest day’s work. Many of these individ- the construction of the Alabama National was killed when his unit came under fire in the uals work in support of our men and women Cemetery in Montevallo, a shrine to our vet- Zabul province of Afghanistan. I, along with in uniform, doing their part to improve our erans and their families. people from across the United States, stand in country and ensure safety and security for us One thing that Members of Congress learn eternal gratitude for the dedication, service all. quickly is that their effectiveness is greatly en- and sacrifice of this young man. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I hanced by a high quality staff. Over the years, A native of Noblesville, Indiana, Ammerman recognize the AbilityOne Program and to I have had many talented and dedicated indi- joined the Army in July 2004. He was de- Achieve Human Services. I also want to ac- viduals on my personal and committee staffs. ployed in 2006 to Iraq, where he served for 14 knowledge the dedication and commitment of In the past on this floor, I have noted the con- months. In 2009, he served as an assistant Ms. Carol Carr, the Executive Director of tributions of Larry Lavender, Warren Tryon, gunner, fire team leader and squad leader in Achieve, and her staff for helping individuals and Gerry Cashin. While time does not permit Afghanistan. In 2012, he volunteered for the who are blind or have significant disabilities me to name every staff member, I would like Special Forces and graduated in 2013 as a find employment opportunities. Such actions to acknowledge loyal staffers who have been Special Forces communications sergeant. Ser- greatly improve the lives of those less fortu- with me during my final year in office: Michael geant Ammerman again answered the call of nate and make our country a better place. Staley, Tim Johnson, Brett Quick, Philip duty in late 2014 in support of Operation En- f Swartzfager, Thomas Crockett, Summer during Freedom. HONORING THE LIFE OF CARY Bravo, Brooks McClendon, Katherine Runkle, His many awards are a testament to the ex- MARIE FAIRCHILD and Blake Lasuzzo in my Washington office ceptional character of this incredibly talented and Christian Sanford, Ethan Vice and Pam and immensely brave young man. His accom- Cook in my Birmingham office. Both the insti- plishments include the Army Commendation HON. OF OREGON tution of Congress and bureaucracy of the fed- Medal with two Oak Leaf Clusters, the Army IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES eral government are large and complex, and Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense experience matters when you interact with Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Thursday, December 11, 2014 them on behalf of your constituents. Medal with Campaign Star, the Iraq Campaign Ms. BONAMICI. Mr. Speaker, I rise with One thing I cannot stress enough is that I Medal with Campaign Star, the Global War on Congressman and Con- would not have been able to achieve anything Terror Service Medal, the Non-Commissioned gressman to honor the life of without the support of my family. My wife Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Cary Marie Fairchild, an Oregonian who trag- Linda is my source of comfort, inspiration, and Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service ically lost her life as the result of a car acci- love. We are blessed with five wonderful chil- Ribbon and NATO Medal. He also received dent in October of 2014. dren—Candace, Warren, Lisa, Stuart, and El- the Special Forces Tab, the Ranger Tab, the Cary was a force of nature who served her liott—and seven delightful grandchildren— Combat Infantryman Badge, the Expert Infan- community with kindness, compassion, and Christopher, Madeline, Olivia, Rayner, Char- tryman Badge, the Parachutist Badge and the joy. Born in New York City, Cary moved with lotte, Braden and Lillie. With great eagerness, Driver and Mechanic Badge. her family, several times before moving to I look forward to having more time to spend Staff Sergeant Matthew Ammerman will for- Hammond, Indiana, where she was raised with my beautiful family. ever be remembered as a man willing to pay with her three younger siblings. Growing up, In conclusion, I leave with great respect as the ultimate sacrifice to defend the freedoms Cary was a natural-born leader. She was the well as with an abiding fondness for this insti- that we so cherish. However, I know his wife, center of her family who not only depended on tution. A departing hope is that while we vigor- Emily, and his mother, Susan, will always re- her, but enjoyed the wild ride. Cary graduated ously debate policy, as we elected to do, we member him as a loving husband, and a cou- from Hammond Morton High School and at- focus on doing so with respect and civility. My rageous son. I join all Americans in praying for tended Ripon College, studying language father gave me the advice, ‘‘If you can’t say their comfort in this time of grief and the safe abroad in Lausanne, Switzerland. Cary grad- anything nice about a person, don’t say any- return of all those continuing to protect the uated with honors from Indiana University and thing at all.’’ That’s not an easy thing to do in United States abroad. went on to receive her Masters in Psychology politics, but it’s a good standard to aspire to. f from Valparaiso University. She also com- A benefit, I believe, would be an increase in pleted the course work required for a Doc- public regard for this legislative body, which is RECOGNIZING ACHIEVE HUMAN torate in Clinical Psychology at the Illinois vital in a society where consent comes from SERVICES OF YUMA ARIZONA School of Professional Psychology in Chicago. the governed. We should strive to make the AND THE ABILITYONE PROGRAM After high school, Cary married Terry public proud of their Congress; as Members, Luchene. They had two children, Aaron and we should take personal pride in and honor HON. PAUL A. GOSAR Ann. Cary was a very devoted mother who the tradition of this essential institution. OF ARIZONA adored her children and her grandson, Logan. The people of America look to us for leader- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Cary met Jim, her husband of over 30 ship and, in turn, the nations of the world look years, when they both worked as therapists in to America for leadership. This is still Presi- Thursday, December 11, 2014 the same mental health center in Valparaiso. dent Reagan’s beloved ‘‘Shining City on the Mr. GOSAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to In 1989, they moved to Oregon. They sold ev- Hill.’’ My hope is that during the time the peo- recognize Achieve Human Services and the erything that didn’t fit into a rental truck and

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:03 Dec 14, 2014 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A11DE8.022 E12DEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS December 12, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1805 set out for Portland. Although they didn’t know dential campaign in Jackson County, OR. Always service oriented, John will continue anyone in Portland and didn’t have jobs, they John stayed in touch with my office through to volunteer in his community and was re- knew where they were meant to be and trust- similar political and community volunteer ef- cently appointed to the board of the Jackson ed in their ability to make a new life in a place forts. Soon, when a member of my staff de- County Retired Seniors Volunteer Program. In they loved. cided to return to school part time, I brought addition, he has been approached to serve on Cary worked at the Oregon State Hospital, John on to share the workload and the fol- the board of the United Way and the Jackson where she was employed as a Mental Health lowing year, John joined my team full time to County Veterans Advisory Committee. Specialist for almost 25 years. She was an handle veterans and military casework and Whether spending time with family, golfing outspoken advocate for her patients and fellow provide input on related policy matters. or volunteering it will always be easy to iden- workers. Cary championed patient rights and Bringing John onboard wasn’t without issue. tify John from afar in the University of Illinois fought to bring the option of alternative care to John Howard is a pretty common name for characteristic orange and blue, or overhear the hospital. She was instrumental in starting one and we already had a John on staff. The the words to the Songs of the Illini—from Illi- successful yoga and mindfulness meditation communication logistics could have been nois Loyalty to Hail to the Orange—which he programs at OHS. These programs were well- daunting, yet by chance House IT averted a loudly and proudly belt out with the slightest liked and well-attended. Many of Cary’s pa- crisis. John was bestowed with a non-standard provocation. tients sent her notes affirming how very helpful email address that had no ‘‘dot’’ between his Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me yoga and meditation are to their recovery. first and last name. Thereafter and forever- in honoring John’s 40 plus years of public One of Cary’s colleagues said, ‘‘Speaking more, John was referred to as NoDot amongst service and in wishing fair winds and following up for alternative care in the workplace can Team Walden. seas to a true gentleman, shipmate, and take courage. Cary treated her patients with During his ten years on staff, John has han- friend. Godspeed, NoDot! dled 4,144 cases for individual constituents compassion, dignity and respect, and they f loved her for it. She was fierce!’’ Cary’s family and veterans, almost 1/3 of all the cases han- PERSONAL EXPLANATION and friends will forever remember her for her dled in 16 years by my office. That doesn’t in- caring, compassionate, playful nature and for clude the countless other veterans and other the joy she brought to all their lives. Cary was constituents assisted on the side with informa- HON. CHRISTOPHER P. GIBSON loved by everyone who knew her and she is tion and guidance. OF NEW YORK Of course, it was hard for him to top the terribly missed. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES success of one of his first cases on staff Cary is survived by her husband Jim, and Thursday, December 11, 2014 where he showed an ability that surprised us mother, Eileen Zneimer of Portland; father, all, bringing veterans back to life. John was Mr. GIBSON. Mr. Speaker, on roll call no. Jack Zneimer of Sarasota, FL; son Aaron contacted by a veteran who had received a 555, I was unavoidably detained on official Luchene of Canby; daughter, Ann Klug of letter from the VA containing the shocking business. Merrillville, IN; brothers Peter Zneimer of Chi- news that he was deceased. Working with his Had I been present, I would have voted cago and John Zneimer of LaCrosse, WI; and contacts at the VA, John was able to get the ‘‘yea.’’ sister Maud of Mill Valley, CA. error corrected and brought the veteran back f We send our sincere condolences to her to life in the VA’s records. Over the years, HONORING THE LIFE OF JOHN H. family, and join in the celebration of her life. John has had a couple other similar cases, all KREBS f of which he found fascinating to resolve. TRIBUTE TO JOHN HOWARD As my veterans caseworker, and later as Di- rector of Constituent Services, John worked HON. with veterans organizations across the district OF HON. GREG WALDEN to make sure that I heard their concerns and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF OREGON let them know I was available to assist. John Thursday, December 11, 2014 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES was a familiar face at veterans meetings and Mr. COSTA. Mr. Speaker, I rise with my col- events in southern Oregon. Further, he was Thursday, December 11, 2014 leagues, Congressman , Con- instrumental in developing a presentation for Mr. WALDEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to gressman , Congresswoman JULIA civic groups on what goes on in congressional honor John Howard, an indispensable member BROWNLEY, Congresswoman , offices, making my services more known and of my staff and good friend who will soon re- Congressman TONY CA´RDENAS, Congress- available to constituents. tire after ten years of faithful service to me A good naval officer is always concerned woman , Congresswoman ANNA and the people of Oregon’s Second District. about the morale of his sailors. John carried ESHOO, Congressman , Congress- John has had a long, dedicated career serv- that approach with him and became the de woman , Congressman JARED ing his country. In fact, this actually marks facto Morale Officer in my Southern Oregon HUFFMAN, Congresswoman , John’s second retirement. In 1994, John left District Office. Combining this with a firm belief Congressman , Congress- his beloved United States Navy after a thirty in the importance of quality community out- woman , Congresswoman GLO- year career, rising from enlisted seaman to reach in politics, John founded ‘‘Rope Yarn/ RIA NEGRETE MCLEOD, Congressman JERRY Commander. A passionate Fighting Illini alum- Veterans Outreach Wednesdays’’ which are MCNERNEY, Congressman GEORGE MILLER, nus, John received his commission in 1970 as weekly after hours gathering for staff and local Congressman RICK NOLAN, Congresswoman a graduate of the Navy ROTC program at the veterans to discuss local veteran’s issues and GRACE NAPOLITANO, Congresswoman NANCY University of Illinois. John served on five partake in the occasional fermented bev- PELOSI, Congressman SCOTT PETERS, Con- ships, including command of the USS Sagi- erage—as any good sailor would! gresswoman LUCILLE ROYBAL-ALLARD, Con- naw (LST–1188) and several shore assign- During his tenure, John took the reins of my gressman , Congresswoman LORET- ments, including two tours in Washington D.C. service academy selection process, changing TA SANCHEZ, Congressman , After a few years of retirement—and a brief and building it into the strong program it is Congressman , Congress- stint as a dotcom millionaire gone bust with an today. He constructed a board of retired mili- woman , Congressman ERIC independent software development com- tary officers to interview all candidates that SWALWELL, Congressman MIKE THOMPSON and pany—John and his wife Cathy relocated from was decidedly ‘‘Purple,’’ ensuring all service Congressman to pay tribute to Virginia Beach, Virginia to Medford, Oregon in components were fully represented. This sys- the life of former Congressman, John H. September 2001. In fact, the closing on his tem has proven to be highly successful. In Krebs. home was delayed because of 9/11. He per- fact, nine of the 18 students I nominated last John Krebs was an honorable man, and a severed through and settled in to the Rogue year received an appointment to the class of community leader whose unwavering service Valley getting involved in his community 2018. will be greatly missed. In addition to his two through the United Way and several military As John heads into retirement, he is looking terms in the from organizations. I first met John when he was forward to some increased time with his exten- 1975–1979, Mr. Krebs was a civic and Demo- the president of the Rogue Valley Council of sive family, which includes his wife Cathy, his cratic Party leader in Fresno, California. Addi- the Navy League where he presented me with son, five daughters; soon-to-be 13 grand- tionally, he worked as an attorney for over 30 an honorary Navy League membership. children—including two newborn fraternal twin years, he was an apprentice diamond cutter A lifelong Republican, John stepped up to granddaughters—along with 2 foster grand- during his youth in Tel Aviv, and he served in volunteer with the 2004 Bush/Cheney presi- children. the U.S. Army.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 07:03 Dec 14, 2014 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K11DE8.009 E12DEPT1 emcdonald on DSK67QTVN1PROD with REMARKS