E1796 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 5, 2013 TRIBUTE TO ARLEIGH BIRK sity when she joined the Reserve Officer December 17–19, 2010 Bethlehem Mis- Training Corps. She graduated in 1987 and sionary Baptist Church celebrated its 150th HON. RICHARD M. NOLAN was commissioned as a second lieutenant in year anniversary with three days of festivities. OF MINNESOTA the Signal Corps and accepted a position in Dr. Samuel White penned the church’s history. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the Army Reserve. The Signal Corps develops The Bethlehem Baptist Church was orga- nized in 1860 by Rev. George White and other Thursday, December 5, 2013 and manages communications systems for the U.S. military and is integral to its strength and like-minded brothers and their wives. The Mr. NOLAN. Mr. Speaker, as we approach resilience. Church was organized to serve the religious the 72nd anniversary of the Japanese attack LTC Closs-Walford completed Signal Offi- and spiritual needs of freed blacks and ex- on Pearl Harbor on December 7, 1941, I rise cers Basic Course at Fort Gordon in Georgia slaves of the Cannonsburg community. Three to pay tribute to one of the true American he- and settled in Washington, DC. She studied at prominent families populated the area and be- roes of that day, and of the long World War National Louis University where she received came active in the early church. They were that followed—former Boatswain’s Mate First a graduate degree. After, LTC Closs-Walford the Whites, the Frisbys, and the Tylers. Even Class Arleigh Birk, United States Navy. transferred to the Quartermaster Corps which today, most of the church’s membership is re- Today, as Arleigh approaches his 94th birth- provides logistic support for the Army. lated to one or all three of these family lines. day, he and Marion, his lovely wife of 67 Later, LTC Closs-Walford served in the Later the Church’s population grew to include years, still live in their family home in the Army’s busy House Liaison Division where the Comptons, Coles, Clarks, Herringtons, northern Minnesota community of Hoyt Lakes, she was the first point of contact for Members Perrymans, Hawkins, Kahos, Prees, Washing- where they retired after Arleigh’s 25 years of and staff who called on the Army for assist- tons, Dorseys, Gambles, among others. employment at Erie Mining Company from ance. While there, she developed, coordi- The original church was located on property 1957 to 1982. nated, and executed Congressional Delega- lying between the Natchez Trace and the Seventy-two years ago, on Sunday, Decem- tions to Iraq, China, Israel, and Sudan, among Cannonsburg Road. In 1907, the Church Fa- ber 7, 1942, Arleigh was 4,028 miles west of others. Her professionalism, attention to detail, thers, Alfred White and James Compton, pur- Hoyt Lakes, stationed on the USS Honolulu, and hard work did not go unnoticed by Mem- chased a two acre tract of land from Gabe watching as Japanese warplanes filled the bers who were lucky enough to travel with her. Tyler to build a ‘‘Church House.’’ A white skies and the USS Arizona exploded in fire. LTC Closs-Walford’s extraordinary career wood structure was erected with a potbelly The Honolulu itself sustained damage in the afforded her the opportunity to serve in the ad- stove in the center for heat. In 1965, this attack, and Arleigh was transferred to the USS ministrations of President George W. Bush building was removed and the first brick sanc- Denver where he remained in the Pacific The- and President Barack Obama. She supported tuary was built. The church membership out- atre until the war’s end. the Deputy Assistant to the President and grew the facility; and, in 1984, a major renova- During those years in the Pacific, Arleigh Deputy National Security Advisor by serving tion and expansion project was undertaken and his mates on the USS Denver were part as a liaison to Members of Congress, the De- and completed to include a Fellowship Hall of the force that engaged and sank the Japa- partment of Defense, State Department, and and a Pastor’s Study. nese destroyers Minegumo and Murasame in the intelligence community by coordinating The current multi-purpose facility which was the 1943 Battle of Blackett Strait. strategic communications and global outreach. dedicated in April, 2005, represents the fifth In October 1943, they earned the Navy Unit From the White House, LTC Closs-Walford building erected for the Church Family. In Commendation for outstanding performance in moved to the Pentagon and worked in the of- 1999, the Church Family initiated a five-year the battle of Empress Augusta Bay for helping fice of the Under Secretary of Defense for Pol- Building Plan to design, finance, and build a sink one enemy light cruiser and a destroyer, icy and focused on women and gender issues, worship facility that would accommodate and and heavily damaging two heavy cruisers and human rights, and international humanitarian serve the needs of a growing membership. two destroyers. policy. Under the leadership of a dynamic Pastor, the On July 4, 1944, Arleigh and the crew of the Currently, LTC Closs-Walford serves in the Rev. Percy Turner, and an activist Board of USS Denver bombarded Iwo Jima, fought nu- National Guard Bureau’s Strategic Plans and Deacons, this goal was achieved in 2005. Ad- merous battles throughout the Pacific, and Policy Directorate. She is responsible for help- ditional property was purchased from the fought off a Kamikaze attack on November ing to develop the National Guard’s outreach, Golden Mutual Aide Society and Mrs. Carrie 27th during action in the Leyte Gulf. communications, and messaging. Jackson Johnson on which to build the new In September 1945, Arleigh and the Denver LTC Closs-Walford was born in Louisburg, facility. Rev. John Hawkins, Deacon Charlie sailed from Okinawa to cover the evacuation North Carolina, located in Franklin County and Hawkins, Sr. and Bro. Dwayne Hawkins—act- of Allied forces imprisoned in the Wakayama in my congressional district. She is the young- ing as Hawkins Construction, were all mem- area before heading home to Norfolk, Virginia, est of 10 children born to William and Fannie bers of the congregation that constructed the where they arrived on November 21st. Closs. Her father bravely served the United new sanctuary and fellowship hall. Arleigh was honorably discharged from the The Church has held a prominent position in Navy on January 12, 1946—and honorably States in the military during World War II and was awarded a Purple Heart for his unflinch- the religious, social, and civic life of Jefferson married to Marion a little over a year later. County. Many of the early religious pioneers of On behalf of a grateful Congress and a ing and valiant service in the face of danger. the Black Baptist Movement in the county grateful nation, we honor and thank Arleigh She is married to Raymond L. Walford. were either members or pastors of Bethlehem, Birk for his service in the preservation of Mr. Speaker, I am so proud of LTC Closs- i.e. Rev. P. C. Rucker, Rev. P. E. Frisby, and American freedom. Walford’s distinguished career. As representa- tive of the congressional district that LTC Rev. W. N. Tyler. f Closs-Walford is a native daughter, we salute Bethlehem is also the site of the first Civil RECOGNIZING CAROLYN CLOSS- her on this special day. I ask my colleagues Rights mass meeting to be held in Jefferson WALFORD ON THE OCCASION OF to join me in thanking her for honorable serv- County. While others feared retaliation from HER PROMOTION TO COLONEL ice to the United States of America and con- those who would burn crosses and churches, gratulating her on her much deserved and the leadership at Bethlehem took the bold HON. G.K. BUTTERFIELD earned promotion. steps to host the NAACP and challenge the racial inequities that existed in the 1960s. As OF NORTH CAROLINA f a result, even today our community takes very IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HONORING BETHLEHEM seriously the right to vote and participates fully Thursday, December 5, 2013 MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH in the electoral process. Several members of Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rise this Church have attained the status of being today to recognize Army Lieutenant Colonel HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON the first of their race to be elected and/or ap- Carolyn Closs-Walford who will today be pro- OF MISSISSIPPI pointed to political positions at the City, Coun- moted to the rank of Colonel. Like many of my IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ty, and State levels. colleagues, I have had the pleasure of working Since the church has been at its present lo- with and knowing LTC Closs-Walford both per- Thursday, December 5, 2013 cation, the following individuals have served sonally and professionally when she served in Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- as Pastors: Rev. George White, 1902–1905; the Army’s House Liaison Division. er, I rise today to honor Bethlehem Missionary Rev. P. C. Rucker, 1906–1909; Rev. P. E. LTC Closs-Walford’s distinguished military Baptist Church, which is located at 2975 Frisby, 1909–1918; Rev. John Alexander, career began at Winston-Salem State Univer- Cannonsburg Road in Cannonsburg, MS. 1918–1928; Rev. W. N. Tyler, 1928–1931;

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:07 Dec 06, 2013 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A05DE8.014 E05DEPT1 pwalker on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REMARKS December 5, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1797 Rev. D. W. M. Johnson, 1931–1940; Rev. Wil- IN RECOGNITION OF CATHERINE With schools like Twin Groves, Tenth Dis- son Ford, 1940–1948; Rev. Jimmy Jones, ‘‘KATE’’ ERTZ-BERGER UPON trict students are building foundations for suc- 1948–1982; Rev. Percy Turner, 1983–Present. HER RETIREMENT cess in this ever-changing, competitive 21st Century. Over the years, the following persons have The education Twin Groves Middle School served as Associate Ministers: Rev. Alf White, HON. GEORGE MILLER OF CALIFORNIA students receive not only helps position them Rev. Marcus Frisby, Rev. Louis Frisby, Rev. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES for future success, but also prepares them for Louis White, Rev. Edgar White, Rev. Leon Thursday, December 5, 2013 the rigors of one of the area’s top high Dorsey, Rev. David White, Rev. George A. schools, Stevenson High. Tyler, Rev. Aubry Watson, Rev. Juanita Tyler, Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Mr. Mr. Speaker, I am so pleased to honor Twin Rev. Ernest Gaines, Rev. Andrew Dorsey, Speaker, I rise to recognize the outstanding Groves Middle School here today, and I am so career of Ms. Catherine ‘‘Kate’’ Ertz-Berger, Rev, Mandy Green, Rev. John H. Hawkins, proud to have such excellent schools in the Executive Director of the Contra Costa Child Rev. Charles Kaho, and Rev. John Tyler. Tenth District. I congratulate Twin Groves Care Council, and congratulate her as she re- once again on receiving this distinguished Some dynamic men have served as Dea- tires after twenty-eight years of dedicated award. cons; they include: Bro. Phillip White, Bro. service to the children and families of Contra f Jackson Tyler, Bro. Richard Tyler, Bro. Wilson Costa County. Tyler, Bro. James Compton, Bro. Sanford Kate’s deep passion for helping others was RECOGNIZING MORRIS COUNTY ‘‘Sam’’ White, Bro. Bivens Cole, Sr., Bro. Dan- evident early in her career, during her tenure SCHOOL OF TECHNOLOGY iel White, Bro. Juanita Tyler, Bro. Aubry Wat- with the Massachusetts Department of Social Work and the United Way of the Bay Area. son, Bro. General Jenkins, Bro. Leon Dorsey, HON. LEONARD LANCE She brought that same passion to the Contra OF NEW JERSEY Bro. Frank White, Bro. John Tyler, Bro. Mon- Costa Child Care Council in 1985 and has IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES roe Griffin, Bro. Leon Dorsey, Jr., Bro. Frank been the heartbeat of that agency for nearly Gamble, Bro. Charles Kaho, Bro. John H. three decades. Under Kate’s dynamic leader- Thursday, December 5, 2013 Hawkins, Bro. Jerome Herrington, Jr., Bro. ship the Council has grown to be one of the Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Willie J. Pree, Bro. Robert L. White, Bro. Sam- largest and most effective nonprofit organiza- recognize Morris County School of Technology uel L. White, Sr., Bro. Larry D. Tyler, Bro. tions in the San Francisco East Bay serving of Denville, New Jersey for being named a Charlie Hawkins, Sr., Bro. Roosevelt ‘‘Bill’’ families throughout our community. Blue Ribbon School by the United States De- White, Bro. Keith King, Bro. Joseph Cole, Sr., Kate has shown remarkable command of partment of Education. and Bro. Jerry Sims. the issues most critical to early education and The Department of Education acknowledges the needs of families with small children. schools where students attain and maintain Over the years, the Mother’s Board (Dea- Under her guidance, the Council has greatly high academic goals. Union Morris County coness Board) has included: Sis. Arnetta C. increased public awareness of the need for School of Technology is a proud example of Tyler, Sis. Lou Virginia White, Sis. Kizzie quality child care and early childhood edu- academic excellence where students have Tyler, Sis. Ella Tyler, Sis. Juanita Tyler, Sis. cation through the development of a wide vari- high levels of performance, stellar student Celeste Frisby, Sis. Irene Tyler, Sis. Jinice ety of innovative initiatives, programs and achievement and where educators facilitate a Sanders, Sis. Ora Clark, Sis. Mindy White, services. Most importantly, she has forged strong learning environment. Sis. Effie Turner, Sis. Henretta Compton, Sis. lasting partnerships with the community, par- I congratulate the students, faculty and com- Lillie Perryman Jackson, Sis. Virginia S. ents and child care providers. munity on this high honor. This is a prestigious I invite my colleagues to join me in com- White, Sis. Martha White, Sis. Mary E. Dor- award to receive and Morris County School of mending Executive Director Kate Ertz-Berger, Technology is a proud example of academic sey, Sis. Flordia Jones, Sis. Louella White, for her committed and diligent service to the Sis. Doris Kaho, Sis. Mae Rose Herrington, excellence and worthy of this national distinc- children and families of Contra Costa County. tion. Sis. Sarah Griffin, Sis. Carrie Jenkins, Sis. Au- I am pleased to call her my friend and wish f gusta Ballard, Sis. Lettie Irving, Sis. Gertrude her the very best as she begins a well-de- White, Sis. Cora White, Sis. Almeta Dorsey, served retirement. CELEBRATING THE ACHIEVE- Sis. Mamie Herrington, Sis. Edna Holmes, Sis. f MENTS OF MR. DARREN MILLER Laura Reed, Sis. Laura Tyler, Sis. Effie OF MURRYSVILLE, PENNSYL- CONGRATULATING TWIN GROVES VANIA Woods, Sis. Jean Hawkins, Sis. Levater MIDDLE SCHOOL ON BEING White, Sis. Lollie J. Doss, Sis. Johnnie R. NAMED A BLUE RIBBON SCHOOL Tolliver, and Sis. Sophronia Evans. HON. KEITH J. ROTHFUS OF PENNSYLVANIA The membership is proud of its rich history HON. BRADLEY S. SCHNEIDER IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and Christian traditions. We will continue to OF ILLINOIS celebrate the accomplishments of our fore- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Thursday, December 5, 2013 fathers, but more importantly, we are dedi- Thursday, December 5, 2013 Mr. ROTHFUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to cated to embracing God’s call to spread the Mr. SCHNEIDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today celebrate the accomplishments of Darren Mil- gospel of Jesus Christ. Our mission is to win to honor Twin Groves Middle School in Buffalo ler of Murrysville, Pennsylvania. souls to Christ through love, dedication, loy- Grove, Illinois, in the district I represent. This On August 29, 2013, Darren became the alty, and service to mankind. We humbly outstanding educational institution has been first American man and only the fourth person thank God for more than 150 years of service recognized as one of only 286 Blue Ribbon in history to complete the seven grueling open-water swims known as the Ocean’s and we pray for His continued blessings and schools in the entire country. Seven challenge. He spent over seventy-five divine guidance as we demonstrate to the This is the second National Blue Ribbon dis- tinction that Twin Groves has earned, one of hours braving frigid waters, treacherous world that Bethlehem is the place where ‘‘Our 21 awarded in the state, one of only three weather conditions, and dangerous wildlife Feet are on the Rock and Our Names are on awarded to Illinois middle schools and one of while swimming across bodies of water includ- Heaven’s Roll.’’ four awarded to schools in Illinois’s Tenth Dis- ing the English Channel, the North Channel Since the writing of this history in 2010, the trict. between Scotland and Northern Ireland, and name of the Bethlehem Baptist Association Good education is the foundation of any the Strait of Gibraltar. Darren is the only per- has changed to Jefferson County Baptist As- community, and it is essential to our success son to ever complete all of the swims on the first attempt. sociation. in the 21st Century. In Buffalo Grove, you will find some of the nation’s finest schools, filled A graduate of Franklin Regional High Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me with eager and curious students and pas- School in Murrysville and Pennsylvania State in recognizing Bethlehem Missionary Baptist sionate and engaging teachers. University, Darren is a product of the first- Church for its outstanding service to the com- In Illinois’s Tenth District, our communities class educational institutions in our Common- munity. are strong, in part, because of excellent edu- wealth. Darren used our beautiful lakes and cational institutions like Twin Groves. rivers in Western Pennsylvania to train for his

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