E2190 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 6, 2011 CONGRATULATING THE MISSOURI of solo albums, performed at Stax-related women religious, and she will be dearly CATTLEMEN’S ASSOCIATION ON events and reformed the ‘‘Soul Children.’’ missed. ITS 100TH ANNIVERSARY J. Blackfoot passed away on November 30, f 2011 at 65 years of age. Memphis, known for its rich musical heritage, mourns the loss of HONORING 1LT IVAN D. HON. BLAINE LUETKEMEYER LECHOWICH OF MISSOURI one of its unique voices. Mr. Speaker, I ask all IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of my colleagues to join me in honoring the contributions J. Blackfoot made to the music HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS Tuesday, December 6, 2011 community. As an artist and music maker, his OF FLORIDA Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise was a life well lived. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES today to recognize the Missouri Cattlemen’s f Tuesday, December 6, 2011 Association, which is celebrating its one hun- dredth anniversary this year. HONORING THE MEMORY OF SIS- Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to The Missouri Cattlemen’s Association began TER CATHERINE (MARY ISAAC) honor the life, sacrifice, and heroism of Army in 1911 as the Missouri Livestock Producers COLBY, DOMINICAN SISTER OF First Lieutenant Ivan Lechowich of Valrico, Association and adopted its current name in PEACE Florida. 1968. In the beginning, dues were only $2, 1LT Lechowich, a combat engineer, was un- and were reduced to a quarter during the De- HON. PATRICK J. TIBERI fortunately killed while conducting combat op- pression. OF OHIO erations for Operation Enduring Freedom on Missouri ranks third in the Nation in the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES September 28, 2011, in Ghazni Province, Af- ghanistan. number of cows, and the Missouri Cattlemen’s Tuesday, December 6, 2011 Association is the voice for the State’s 60,000 U.S. Army combat engineers are greatly ad- beef producers, focusing on issues that affect Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay mired for their fearlessness and diligence in beef production while also providing a safe, tribute to and honor the memory of Sister helping to tackle rough terrain in combat situa- abundant, and nutritious source of food. Catherine (Mary Isaac) Colby, O.P., Ed.D., of tions and for providing combat effectiveness to In closing, Mr. Speaker, I ask all my col- the Dominican Sisters of Peace in Columbus, maneuver forces. 1LT Lechowich personified leagues to join me in wishing the members of Ohio, who passed away suddenly on Decem- this bravery and dedication while he and his the Missouri Cattlemen’s Association con- ber 2, 2011. team worked to clear a roadway of explosive gratulations on reaching this significant mile- Sister Catherine Colby was a native New devices on the day of his death. During his stone. Yorker, and a graduate of St. Helena’s Ele- Army career, he has been awarded a Sapper f mentary School in the Bronx and Dominican Tab, the Purple Heart, Bronze Star, Army Academy in Manhattan. She entered the Novi- Commendation Medal, and NATO medal. HONORING THE LIFE OF ‘‘J. tiate of the former Dominican Sisters of St. Outside of the Army, Ivan was a loving hus- BLACKFOOT’’—JOHN COLBERT Mary of the Springs in 1960 and made her band and new father, whose daughter was Profession of Vows in 1963. Sister Catherine born during his deployment. 1LT Lechowich HON. STEVE COHEN earned a Doctorate in Education from Nova enjoyed reading, studying history, and was an OF TENNESSEE Southeastern University of Florida; an M.Ed. in avid fan of the University of Florida’s football IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Educational Administration from Xavier Univer- team. sity of Cincinnati; an M.A. in Pastoral Ministry Mr. Speaker, though proud to have such a Tuesday, December 6, 2011 from St. Joseph’s College of Connecticut; and fine example from the Tampa Bay community, Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to a bachelor’s degree in Education from the it is with great remorse that I rise to com- recognize and celebrate the life of John former College of St. Mary of the Springs, now memorate the life of 1LT Lechowich. I am in Colbert, better known as J. Blackfoot, a great Ohio Dominican University, in Columbus. awe of the young men and women like Ivan soul singer and entertainer from the city of A lifelong educator, Sister Catherine was an Lechowich who choose to serve their country- Memphis, Tennessee. J. Blackfoot was a spe- outstanding administrator and a compas- men in the armed forces. As professionals in cial talent known for his unique vocal style. sionate and perceptive preacher—the principle all that they do, they exhibit honor, courage, Born in Greenville, Mississippi, his family charism of the Dominican Order—as well as a and commitment in every pursuit. Their sac- moved to Memphis when he was two. Colbert division chair, faculty member, school principal rifices, like that of 1LT Lechowich, will not be earned the nickname ‘‘Blackfoot’’ as a child and teacher in New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania forgotten. because he would run barefoot through his and New Mexico. Additionally, she had been f neighborhood. Vocation Director and Director of Candidates J. Blackfoot began his music career after for her Dominican Congregation. RECOGNIZING MRS. DONNIE POW- meeting Johnny Bragg, founder of the 1950s- Sister Catherine was an Associate Pro- ELL FOR HER CONTRIBUTIONS era music group ‘‘Prisonaires.’’ Together they fessor of Education at Ohio Dominican for TO EDUCATION AND COMMUNITY recorded a ‘‘behind-the-walls’’ hit for Sun twenty-three years, and for seven of those she Records, after which J. Blackfoot embarked on served as Chair of the Division of Education. HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON a solo venture under his birth name. Strongly The founder of the Center for Dominican Stud- OF MISSISSIPPI pursuing his love for music, he eventually ies at ODU, Sister Catherine was also the Uni- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES found himself at Stax Records under the tute- versity’s first Vice President for Mission and lage of songwriter/producer, David Porter. Identity. In that capacity, she coordinated and Tuesday, December 6, 2011 In the late 1960s, J. Blackfoot auditioned at facilitated the university-wide process of sus- Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- Stax Records where David Porter and his taining, enhancing, and promoting its distinct er, I rise today to honor a true valued member song writing partner, Isaac Hayes, initially mission as a Catholic and Dominican univer- of our society, Mrs. Donnie Powell. Mrs. Pow- wrote many solo songs for him to perform. sity. ell has dedicated a great deal of her life to When the R&B duo Sam and Dave left Stax, Her passing is a great loss not only for the championing causes relative to education and Porter and Hayes decided to fill the stylistic Colby family, but for the Dominican Sisters of criminal justice. void. They paired J. Blackfoot with Norman Peace, the entire campus community, the Mrs. Powell received degrees in Criminal West, Anita Lewis and Shelbra Bennett to cre- twelfth Congressional District of Ohio, and for Justice from Coahoma Community College ate the ‘‘Soul Children.’’ They put out 7 al- Catholic education across this country. and Mississippi Valley State University; and bums over their decade long career and re- Mr. Speaker, I would like to extend my has worked 25 years for the Mississippi De- leased 15 R&B hits. deepest condolences to Sister Catherine’s partment of Corrections. In 1983, J. Blackfoot began a successful family, including her godson, John Colby, who She is an active member of the Tallahatchie solo career, scoring many chart successes in serves with us here as a United States Capitol County Parent Teacher Association and was both the U.S. and the U.K. He released sev- Police Officer, as well as to her Congregation, recruited to be a part of the parent-community eral hit songs, including ‘‘Taxi’’ from the 1983 Ohio Dominican University, the Dominican adhoc committee’s nationwide search for a album City Slicker, which was perhaps his big- Order, and her friends and colleagues during new Superintendent for the Tallahatchie gest solo career single. Over the last two dec- this most difficult time. Her legacy will stand School District in 2009. She has received Par- ades, J. Blackfoot continued to record dozens as an exemplar for all Catholic educators and ent of the Month awards from local elementary

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BLAINE LUETKEMEYER The King has also promoted sustainable ag- local Boys and Girls Club, in an effort to help OF MISSOURI ricultural practices along with soil resource management, to maximize economic success educate and deter the youth from engaging in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES counterproductive activities such as joining in rural areas and to help farmers become Tuesday, December 6, 2011 gangs and committing violence in their schools self-reliant. His economic advice based on the and communities. Mr. LUETKEMEYER. Mr. Speaker, I rise ‘‘Sufficiency Economy’’ philosophy, which calls She works in conjunction with the Mis- today to ask my colleagues to join me in con- on individuals and businesses to practice sissippi State Department of Health to orga- gratulating the Linn High School Wildcats moderation and reasonableness, and seek nize speaking engagements and forums on Boys Cross Country team for winning the self-immunity against external factors in their gangs and violence in Tallahatchie, Panola, Class 1 Missouri State Championship. pursuit of growth, has been embraced by rural Quitman, Sunflower, and Coahoma counties. The young men and their coaches should farmers and private businesses alike. Mrs. Powell believes that parents, teachers, be commended for all their hard work through- Agriculture, environmental conservation and and community members should work to- out the regular season and bringing home the sustainable development are among the many gether and maintain strong lines of commu- state cross country championship to their other areas of King Bhumibol’s initiatives to nication in an effort to ensure that the students school and community. The boys have relied contribute to the progress of Thailand and its of today receive adequate education and train- on each other throughout the season, pro- people. During the 1960s and 1970s, the King ing to thrive in an ever changing world. viding one another with encouragement and developed an opium crop substitution program displaying true team spirit. They won by a that encourages hilltribe people to grow cash Mr. Speaker, I ask you and our colleagues mere one point, proving that all seven boys crops so that they abandon the drug trade. His join me in recognizing Mrs. Donnie Powell for were truly needed in securing the victory. initiatives on health—started even earlier in her many contributions to education and serv- I ask that you join me in recognizing the the 1950s—helped Thailand’s efforts to eradi- ing her community. Linn Wildcats for a hard fought victory and a cate and combat diseases such as leprosy, job well done. cholera, tuberculosis and smallpox. These and f f the scholarship programs he created to sup- HONORING SERGEANT-AT-ARMS port Thais to study medicine and medical ad- OUR UNCONSCIONABLE NATIONAL WILSON ‘‘BILL’’ LIVINGOOD vancement overseas have contributed to the DEBT development of the country’s public health system—today one of the most advanced in HON. STENY H. HOYER HON. MIKE COFFMAN Southeast Asia. OF MARYLAND OF COLORADO King Bhumibol’s values, initiatives, and pas- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sion for improving life for all Thais have earned him the respect of the people of Thai- Tuesday, December 6, 2011 Tuesday, December 6, 2011 land. He has also been recognized internation- Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, next month this Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, ally for his unique leadership, which has up- House will lose a dedicated public servant. on January 26, 1995, when the last attempt at lifted the people of Thailand during difficult Wilson ‘‘Bill’’ Livingood, our Sergeant at Arms, a balanced budget amendment passed the times. will retire after seventeen years keeping us House by a bipartisan vote of 300–132, the Mr. Speaker, I am honored to join the peo- safe. Since 1995, he has stood watch over the national debt was $4,801,405,175,294.28. ple of Thailand—America’s friend and oldest People’s House and all of its members, staff, Today, it is $15,068,133,903,969.13. We’ve treaty ally in Asia—as they pay tribute to King and visitors, overseeing the security of this added $10,266,728,728,674.85 dollars to our Bhumibol and celebrate his 84th birthday this chamber, the Capitol, and Congressional of- debt in 16 years. This is $10 trillion in debt our week. fice buildings. nation, our economy, and our children could f have avoided with a balanced budget amend- Under Bill’s leadership, the House has ment. HONORING MR. JEREMIAH JOSEPH adapted its security measures to meet new f O’KEEFE FOR HIS CONTRIBU- challenges faced since September 11. He has TIONS AND SERVICE TO COMMU- been a driving force in enhancing screening HONORING THE BIRTHDAY OF NITY AND COUNTRY procedures while ensuring that Americans can KING BHUMIBOL ADULYADEJ OF still easily visit the Capitol and meet with their THAILAND representatives. HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON OF MISSISSIPPI Bill Livingood’s life has been spent in serv- HON. DAN BURTON ice to our nation and to protecting the institu- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF INDIANA tions of our democracy. Before his long serv- Tuesday, December 6, 2011 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ice as Sergeant at Arms, Bill was an agent of Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- the U.S. Secret Service for thirty-three years, Tuesday, December 6, 2011 er, I rise today to honor a World War II hero, placing his life on the line to protect our com- Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I rise entrepreneur, philanthropist and outstanding mander-in-chief. today to express my congratulations and best public servant, Mr. Jeremiah ‘‘Jerry’’ Joseph While I have no doubt that the strong voice wishes to the world’s longest serving monarch, O’Keefe. with which Bill has welcomed U.S. presidents King Bhumibol Adulyadej of Thailand, on the A native of Ocean Springs, Mississippi, and foreign dignitaries into the House cham- occasion of his 84th birthday this past Mon- Jeremiah Joseph O’Keefe was born July 12, ber has become iconic, I believe he will be re- day, December 5th. King Bhumibol is beloved 1923, in a gracious antebellum home con- membered here most for his warmth and kind- by his people and esteemed for his great hu- structed by his grandfather. When Jeremiah spirit and for his deep love of country. I have mility, compassion and proactive engagement O’Keefe was 13 years old, the family lost their been fortunate to call him a friend and can at- with everyday Thais. home during the Depression and relocated to test to the attention and respect he commands King Bhumibol has spent decades in vir- Biloxi, Mississippi. In Biloxi, Mr. O’Keefe at- from all who have known him. It has been a tually every corner of Thailand, engaging with tended Sacred Heart Academy high school, pleasure serving with Bill throughout his ten- the Thai people face-to-face, seeking new and where during his senior year he was co-cap- ure, and I wish him all the best in his retire- improved ways to make their lives better. tain of the school’s football team. ment. Since the early years of his now 65-year reign, Mr. O’Keefe was attending Soule` Business I join with my colleagues from both sides of he has been mindful of the livelihood of farm- College when the Japanese bombed Pearl the aisle in thanking Bill for his long career of ers and others dependent on agriculture. He Harbor in 1941 and he quickly offered to serve distinguished service to the people of the made water management a key priority in his country by enlisting in the United States United States and, in particular, to their royal development projects, with the first such Navy. He would join the Aviation Cadet Pro- House. project initiated in 1963. Taking a holistic ap- gram of the United States Navy in June 1942,

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