E518 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks March 17, 2011 Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the United States thousands of low-income residents receiving American family. That shouldn’t be hard in the Congress, I am privileged to recognize Marcia millions of dollars in tax refunds. This pro- richest country in the world, but it’s not a re- Carr as the Okaloosa County Educational gram, like so many others she influenced in ality for too many Americans. There is nothing Support Professional of the Year. Her passion her community, is still operational today. Ms. worse than having to worry about how you are for the students of Riverside Elementary is Walker was an active volunteer and board going to pay for something that you absolutely laudable and her dedication to her profession member on a number of national and local or- need like health care. is exemplary. My wife Vicki joins me in con- ganizations devoted to social services for low That is why for the past century, leaders gratulating Mrs. Carr, and we wish her all the income families. from Teddy Roosevelt, Richard Nixon, Lyndon best. Ms. Walker proved that one person can truly Johnson, Bill Clinton to President Obama have f make a difference in a world where small tried to advance varying forms of comprehen- deeds and individual strength can be over- sive health care reform. At every opportunity STATEMENT ON BILL TO APPROVE looked and underestimated. Clarissa serves conservatives have warned that ensuring com- DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS DE- as an inspiration to all of us and has shown prehensive care would be the end of freedom SIGNED TO TEST INNOVATIVE us that one person’s determination to help and usher in a new era of socialism. Despite STRATEGIES IN STATE CHILD those in need can truly change the world and this alarmism, Medicare passed in 1965 and WELFARE PROGRAMS the way we live in it. Her spirit of gracious for- thank God for that. Seniors and others such titude will be remembered in Minnesota, and I as people suffering from diseases like End HON. JIM McDERMOTT ask that we draw on her strength and strug- Stage Renal Disease have a low cost way of OF WASHINGTON gles in the work that we do for the American accessing high quality of care. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES people at large. With the passage of the Affordable Care Act (ACA) last year, the promise of more access Thursday, March 17, 2011 f and fairer rules are being realized for all Mr. MCDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, today, I re- IN HONOR OF PRIVATE FIRST Americans. We have more to do, though. introduced legislation that would allow the De- CLASS ANDREW HARPER There has been a lot of attention made to- partment of Health and Human Services to wards the supposed lack of flexibility in the grant State waivers from certain Federal re- HON. DAVID B. McKINLEY ACA. States argue, correctly in my view, that quirements under the foster care and adoption OF WEST VIRGINIA they are in the best position to evaluate and programs, so States can test innovative strate- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES address the specific needs of their commu- gies to serve children better. Representative Thursday, March 17, 2011 nities. The ACA gives states a great deal of GEOFF DAVIS (R–KY) is an original cosponsor flexibility, but some states believe they can Mr. MCKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, this past of the bill. The legislation is identical to the bill week, all of West Virginia experienced a tre- build on it to do even more to expand access, I introduced in September 2010, which passed mendous loss. 19-year-old Private First Class lower costs and raise the quality of health the House last fall by voice vote. Child welfare Andrew Harper died from injuries he sustained care. For example, in Vermont, there is a waivers will allow interested States to test while serving our country in Afghanistan. It grassroots movement that has swept into the interventions that help children and families, deeply saddens me to see anyone hurt while State House to move the State of Vermont to- but they are only a first step toward the com- serving our country, let alone lose their life wards a single payer system. prehensive child welfare financing reform that such as Private First Class Harper did. An- The people in Vermont are fed up with in- began with the Fostering Connections Act of drew was a dedicated hero who defended our surance companies and want more progress. 2008. Additional resources and improvements country with the utmost dignity and I am proud They think it’s ridiculous and shameful for in- are needed to ensure we provide critical serv- to call him a West Virginian. surance companies to post their highest profit ices to all children and families at risk. Andrew, a graduate from University High margins ever this year while also charging I look forward to working with my colleagues School, was stationed in Kandahar province higher premiums to consumers. on both sides of the aisle to achieve this im- when he sustained his fatal injuries during a The American Health Security Act I am in- portant goal. non-combat incident. This brave young man troducing today would give states the ability to f enrolled in the Army to protect our freedom increase quality and get control of costs by taking out the profiteering middle-man—insur- IN MEMORY OF CLARISSA MAE and our country’s fundamental beliefs. The ance companies—and letting doctors focus on ROGERS WALKER true heroes of our time will be these brave men and women who have stood up for Amer- what they do best: treat patients. I believe this ica and defended our freedom. bill builds on the ACA by offering states an ex- HON. KEITH ELLISON This young man who was from Maidsville, cellent option in moving our country towards a OF MINNESOTA West Virginia served our country with pride health care system that finally puts the patient IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and dignity. He represented our community in first. Thursday, March 17, 2011 that same manner. The admiration our com- f Mr. ELLISON. Mr. Speaker, it is with deep munity felt for this young man and his service TYLER MARTINEZ TRIBUTE sadness that I rise today to mourn the pas- are immense. Andrew’s passing has left so sage of my dear friend and fellow Minnesotan, many shocked and distraught. This brave HON. SCOTT R. TIPTON Clarissa Mae Rogers Walker. Driven by a de- young man’s life was so very promising. There is no question that Andrew left a great legacy OF COLORADO sire to change the world for the better, Ms. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Walker spent her life serving many in need in and his memory should be honored. the Twin Cities community. Andrew serves as a great example of the Thursday, March 17, 2011 American spirit. My thoughts and prayers are Clarissa Walker began working as an oper- Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to with Andrew’s mother, Deanna Wells of Mid- ating room technician at the University of Min- recognize Tyler Martinez of Alamosa, Colo- dleburg, Florida, his father, Steven Harper of nesota Hospital. A few years later, Clarissa rado. Mr. Martinez earned the Youth of the Maidsville, West Virginia, his extended family, began working for Sabathani Community Cen- Year award at the Boys and Girls Club of the friends, and his entire unit, the 3rd Squadron, ter in 1968. It was at Sabathani that she dis- San Luis Valley for the second year in a row. 2nd Stryker Cavalry Regiment as they con- covered her passion for social work and she It is rare to find a youth like Mr. Martinez tinue to protect our freedom in Afghanistan. moved up the ladder in the organization be- who is so involved in helping less fortunate cause of her dedication and drive. She began f kids. The Alamosa High Junior lends his effort as a youth supervisor, moving up the ranks to AMERICAN HEALTH SECURITY ACT and time to the Boys and Girls Club, though. become a counselor, assistant director, acting The fact that he was selected for the honor executive director, and finally agency director HON. JIM McDERMOTT two consecutive years is a testament to his of the Center. OF WASHINGTON dedication. As a student and player on the Ms. Walker strengthened the Sabathani IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Alamosa High basketball team, it is even more community by becoming involved in organiza- impressive that Mr. Martinez finds so much tions geared towards helping the disadvan- Thursday, March 17, 2011 time to volunteer. taged. For example: Ms. Walker created and Mr. MCDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, I believe Mr. Martinez will once again enter the state- led tax preparation programs which led to that there should be a family doctor for every wide competition for Colorado Youth of the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 06:36 Mar 18, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K17MR8.010 E17MRPT1 rfrederick on DSKD9S0YB1PROD with REMARKS March 17, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E519 Year. He joins many deserving honorees part of a prudent investment strategy. In par- the sacrifice our soldiers and their families across the state and will certainly be a serious ticular, inflation does not erode the value of make to ensure our freedoms. contender. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rec- precious metals is not eroded over time. Thus, Officer Mestas and his unit, Alpha Troop 2– ognize Tyler Martinez, today, and I have no precious metals can serve as a valuable ‘‘in- 17 Cavalry, were recently deployed into some doubt this young man will continue to be a flation hedge.’’ Precious metals also maintain, of the most dangerous territory in the world. leader in his community. or even increase, their value during times of They put their lives in danger every day so f stock market instability, such as what the that we may live safely and freely in America. country is currently experiencing. Thus, invest- The fact that officer Mestas has been de- HAPPY ST. PATRICK’S DAY ments in precious metals can help ensure that ployed five times in that pursuit is both hum- an investment portfolio maintains its value dur- bling and inspiring. We are truly indebted to HON. CAROLYN McCARTHY ing times of economic instability. these brave men. OF NEW YORK Federal employees could greatly benefit I also feel profound respect for the wives, children, parents and siblings of our American IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES from the protection against inflation and eco- soldiers. They are put through incredible dif- Thursday, March 17, 2011 nomic downturns provided by prudent invest- ments in precious metals. I therefore once ficulties and we owe them the same gratitude. Mrs. McCARTHY of New York. Mr Speaker, again urge my colleagues to cosponsor the Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to recognize Ste- Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Originally a religious Thrift Savings Fund Improvement Act. phen Mestas, today. He and his family keep this country strong, along with all of the other holiday, today St. Patrick’s Day is largely an f international celebration of Irish culture. I urge men and women we charge with protecting my colleagues and fellow Americans to em- HONORING SERGEANT the United States of America. brace this day. Today, one in four Americans KRISTOPHER JAMES GOULD f traces at least part of their ancestry to Ireland. RECOGNIZING THE CONTRIBU- Irish-Americans have provided the backbone HON. DALE E. KILDEE TIONS OF OUR DAILY BREAD of our workforce, enlivened our art and cul- OF MICHIGAN ture, defended our country, and served in this IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Congress and as President of the United HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY OF VIRGINIA States. Great Irish-Americans such as Eugene Thursday, March 17, 2011 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES O’Neill and F. Scott Fitzgerald transformed Mr. KILDEE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to American literature, innovators like Henry Ford pay tribute to the memory of Sergeant Thursday, March 17, 2011 helped revolutionize American transportation, Kristopher James Gould of Frankenlust Town- Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, I and who can forget Presidents like Andrew ship in Michigan. Kristopher paid the ultimate rise today to recognize Our Daily Bread, and Jackson, John Fitzgerald Kennedy, and Ron- price in service to his country on February 27, to congratulate them on their 26 years of serv- ald Reagan, each Irish-American alike. Irish- 2011 in Afghanistan. ice in the Northern Virginia community. Americans continue to contribute to our nation Sergeant Gould joined the Michigan Army Our Daily Bread is a volunteer-based orga- as they ably serve in their communities in nu- National Guard in 2003. He served in Iraq nization dedicated to providing critical services merous capacities. It is for all of these reasons from 2005 to 2006. He joined the US Army in to families and individuals suffering from finan- that I support the designation of March as 2007 and was serving his second tour of duty cial hardship. Through robust community sup- Irish-American Heritage Month and encourage in Afghanistan when his unit was struck by an port from local faith-based groups, community Americans to celebrate Irish-American herit- improvised explosive device. Kristopher was organizations, local businesses, schools and age. I’m proud to stand today with my col- assigned to the B Company, 2nd Infantry universities, Our Daily Bread has grown to leagues, those lucky enough to be Irish-Amer- Regiment, 1st Infantry Division, Fort Knox, provide food, financial literacy education and ican, as well as those who aren’t, and honor Kentucky. He was a 2004 graduate of Valley assistance, school supplies, and holiday cheer this group that has been so important to our Lutheran High School and his funeral was to thousands of people in our area. nation on this St. Patrick’s Day. held at Bethlehem Lutheran Church on Satur- Our Daily Bread’s mission is to identify and f day, March 12th. address the unmet fundamental needs of Fair- James and Ann Gould, Kristopher’s parents, fax area residents, and to empower the com- INTRODUCING THE THRIFT SAV- would like to thank the Casualty Assistance munity to help our neighbors maintain self-suf- INGS FUND IMPROVEMENT ACT Officer, Sergeant Angelina Saldana, of the ficiency. This mission of sustainability and self- Michigan Army National Guard for her assist- sufficiency evolved from humble beginnings. HON. RON PAUL ance during this time. She escorted them to Our Daily Bread was founded in 1984 as a OF TEXAS Dover Air Force Base, and coordinated the temporary homeless shelter that rotated IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES military honors with the church. Mr. and Mrs. among several area churches. When Fairfax Gould were touched by her compassion and County opened a county-run shelter in the Thursday, March 17, 2011 her support of the family during this time. Reston area, Our Daily Bread refocused its Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to introduce Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Represent- energies on feeding the homeless and opened the Thrift Savings Fund Improvement Act. This atives to stand with me in a moment of silence a soup kitchen to serve those most in need. legislation expands the investment options and remember the life of Kristopher James Recognizing the difficulties faced by those pa- available to congressional and other federal Gould and the service he rendered to our trons unable to benefit from this service, Our employees by creating a precious metals in- country. His sacrifice for the United States of Daily Bread again reinvented itself first by de- vestment fund in the Thrift Savings Plan America cannot be measured, and we owe livering sandwiches made by volunteers and (TSP). Adding a precious metals fund to the him our thanks and gratitude. Please join me later to delivering supplemental groceries di- TSP will enhance the plan’s ability to offer in offering prayers and condolences to his par- rectly to homeless families who were living in congressional employees a wide range of in- ents, sister and family for their loss. motels along Route 50 in Fairfax. vestment options that can provide financial se- f Our Daily Bread has a history of being dy- curity even during difficult economic condi- namic in the face of changing demographics. tions. STEPHEN F. MESTAS TRIBUTE Beginning in the 1990’s and largely fueled by The Thrift Savings Plan is one of the most the high cost of rental housing, a new urgent important benefits offered to Congressional HON. SCOTT R. TIPTON need emerged. Families who were not home- employees. A strong TSP can obviously play OF COLORADO less, families in which one or both parents a key role in attracting and retaining talented IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES were often juggling multiple jobs, were finding individuals to serve in the legislative branch. themselves unable to meet their basic needs Adding a precious metals option will strength- Thursday, March 17, 2011 and were just one crisis away from homeless- en the TSP. In the last year, the price of gold Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ness. Our Daily Bread rose to meet this chal- rose by over 23 percent and silver by over 94 recognize Chief Warrant Officer Stephen F. lenge and began a program offering emer- percent, while the Dow Jones and S&P 500 Mestas of Pueblo, Colorado. Officer Mestas is gency financial assistance in the form of a each only rose by around 8.5 percent. a helicopter combat pilot who just finished his modest one time grant of up to $350.00. More Recent gains aside, precious metals have a second tour of duty in Afghanistan, and his recently, Our Daily Bread expanded their serv- number of features that make them a sound fifth tour overall. His return is a reminder of ices to provide financial mentoring, a back to

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