E1778 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 10, 2014 HONORING LANDON MONTGOMERY In addition to his legislative achievements, less man who gave his life in service to those Rep. Smyre has also built a successful busi- who needed it most. I also honor his loving HON. SAM GRAVES ness career. In 1976, he joined Columbus and dedicated parents, Ed and Paula Kassig, OF MISSOURI Bank & Trust Company, the Columbus-based who live in Indianapolis. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES division of Synovus, as a Manager Trainee. Although he was only 26 at the time of his Wednesday, December 10, 2014 Two years later, he was promoted to Assistant death, Abdul-Rahman Peter Kassig dedicated Vice President and Marketing Officer. He his entire adult life to serving others. Born and Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I served as Assistant Vice President and Vice raised in Indianapolis, Kassig graduated from proudly pause to recognize Landon Mont- President of Corporate Administration for North Central High School in 2006. Upon his gomery. Landon is a very special young man Synovus from 1984 to 1990 and as Vice graduation, Kassig served as a soldier in the who has exemplified the finest qualities of citi- President of Corporate Affairs from 1992 to U.S. Army as a member of the 1st Battalion, zenship and leadership by taking an active 1994. In 1996, Rep. Smyre was named Senior 75th Ranger Regiment. Deployed to the Mid- part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 714, Vice President and Assistant to the Chairman dle East, he bravely served his country and and earning the most prestigious award of for Community Affairs. In 1999, he was pro- returned to the United States with an Honor- Eagle Scout. moted to Executive Vice President and has able Medical Discharge. Landon has been very active with his troop, served in this position ever since. In addition, After his tenure in the Army, Kassig at- participating in many scout activities. Over the he has the role of Synovus representative on tended Hanover College and Butler University. many years Landon has been involved with the Financial Services Roundtable, the leading During this time, he also trained as an Emer- scouting, he has not only earned numerous advocacy organization for the financial indus- gency Medical Technician. In 2012, after see- merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- try headquartered in Washington, D.C. ing the suffering of Syrian refugees in Leb- ily, peers, and community. Most notably, As former Chairman and CEO of the anon, he left higher education to use his med- Landon contributed to his community through Synovus Foundation, the organization that di- ical training by providing humanitarian aid to his Eagle Scout project. rects corporate and philanthropic gifts from those affected by the ongoing conflict in Syria. Mr. Speaker, I ask you to join me in com- Synovus, Rep. Smyre has been one of the He founded a non-profit, Special Emergency mending Landon Montgomery for his accom- driving forces in ensuring that the company Response Assistance (SERA), to provide Syr- plishments with the Boy Scouts of America creates goodwill in the communities that it ian refugees with medical supplies, medical and for his efforts put forth in achieving the serves. Synovus boasts approximately $26 bil- assistance, clothing and food. Kassig also highest distinction of Eagle Scout. lion in assets and provides commercial and re- taught trauma care skills to others and thus f tail banking and investment services to con- spread his knowledge and good works to IN RECOGNITION OF THE sumers in the southeast United States. The countless people. HONORABLE CALVIN SMYRE company has been named one of Fortune The compassion and selflessness that magazine’s ‘‘100 Best Companies to Work Kassig displayed is an inspiration to his fellow HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR. For’’ in America multiple times. Hoosiers and everyone who dreams of a more OF GEORGIA Although his business career and legislative peaceful world. The danger he faced did noth- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES duties have kept him busy, Rep. Smyre still ing to temper his resolve to help those who finds the time to serve his community in var- needed it most. Kassig and SERA were dedi- Wednesday, December 10, 2014 ious other capacities. He has held leadership cated to providing acute logistical support and Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise and membership positions on numerous assistance in areas too difficult for other hu- today to honor a distinguished public servant, boards, foundations and organizations. He is a manitarian organizations to effectively operate. principled business leader and dear friend to devoted Christian and has been a member of Abdul-Rahman Peter Edward Kassig will be my wife, Vivian and me, Georgia State Rep- Greater Ward Chapel A.M.E. Church for over remembered as a young man of tremendous resentative Calvin Smyre. Representative fifty years. courage and integrity by family and friends Smyre will be retiring this month as Executive Nelson Mandela once said, ‘‘For to be free from Indiana and across the globe. I join peo- Vice President of Corporate External Affairs of is not merely to cast off one’s chains, but to ple of all faiths in praying for the comfort of Synovus, a financial services company based live in a way that respects and enhances the those who mourn his death and a more in Columbus, Georgia. freedom of others.’’ Rep. Smyre embodies this peaceful world for all to live in. Representative Smyre earned a degree in statement thoroughly, for in light of his great f Business Administration from Fort Valley State personal success, he continues to fight to en- University in Fort Valley, Georgia. In 1974, he sure that every voice is respected and heard. HONORING REVEREND THADDEUS was elected to the Georgia House of Rep- Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join J. WILLIAMS resentatives as its youngest member at 27 me, my wife Vivian, and the Columbus, Geor- years of age. I was honored to have served gia community in honoring Georgia State Rep- HON. BENNIE G. THOMPSON with Rep. Smyre during my own tenure in the resentative Calvin Smyre for his decades of OF MISSISSIPPI Georgia General Assembly, and I feel blessed leadership at Synovus. While he leaves be- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to have gained a dear friend. hind a great legacy at Synovus, we have cer- Wednesday, December 10, 2014 A 40-year legislative veteran, Rep. Smyre tainly not seen the last of Rep. Smyre. He will has built a repertoire of legislative accomplish- continue to represent his constituents in the Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi. Mr. Speak- ments. He currently serves on the Appropria- state legislature and he will continue to serve er, I rise today to honor Reverend Thaddeus tions Committee and the Rules Committee the Columbus community with integrity and J. Williams, a native of Yazoo City, Mis- and is Chairman Emeritus of the House distinction. sissippi. Democratic Caucus. In 1983, Rep. Smyre Reverend Thaddeus J. Williams is married f transcended racial barriers when Governor to the former Teresa L. Buckner and the father Joe Frank Harris appointed him as Administra- HONORING THE HEROIC SERVICE to four children: Sam, Dante’, Philip, and Alex- tion Floor Leader, making Rep. Smyre the first AND SACRIFICE OF ABDUL- andria. He is a Licensed and Ordained Min- African American in history to hold this posi- RAHMAN PETER EDWARD ister of the Gospel and currently serves as tion. In 1985, he was elected to the Demo- KASSIG Minister of Membership Assimilation at Great- cratic National Committee, becoming the first er Fairview Baptist Church. African-American elected official from Georgia HON. SUSAN W. BROOKS Reverend Williams is currently enrolled in to serve on the Committee. Then, in 2001, OF INDIANA Mississippi Baptist Seminary and Bible Col- Rep. Smyre made history again when Gov- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES lege pursuing a Master in Christian Education. ernor Roy Barnes named him Chairman of the He earned a B.S. degree in Business Adminis- Democratic Party of Georgia, making Rep. Wednesday, December 10, 2014 tration from Mississippi Valley State University Smyre the first African American to chair the Mrs. BROOKS of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I in 1987 and a Master of Public Administration state Democratic Party. Nationally, Rep. rise today in honor of the service and sacrifice from the University of Mississippi in 1991. He Smyre is President Emeritus of the National of Abdul-Rahman Peter Edward Kassig. Trag- is a graduate of the Mississippi Certified Pub- Black Caucus of State Legislators (NBCSL) ically before his time, Kassig was taken from lic Manager Program, the John C. Stennis In- and the immediate Past President of the this earth by the hands of the terrorist group stitute of Government, Leadership Yazoo NBCSL Foundation. ISIL. He will forever be remembered as a self- City’s Inaugural Class in 1992, and the 2008

VerDate Sep 11 2014 09:46 Dec 11, 2014 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K10DE8.008 E10DEPT1 smartinez on DSK4TPTVN1PROD with REMARKS December 10, 2014 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1779 Inaugural Class of FOCUS—DMH’s Succes- THE LEGACY OF THE JESUITS ON U.S. FOREIGN prioritizing projects focused on listening to, sion Planning/Accelerated Leadership Devel- POLICY TOWARD EL SALVADOR AND CENTRAL working with and helping lift up the poorest opment Program. AMERICA AND ON THE SOCIETY OF JESUS and most neglected Salvadorans, rather than Forum at the UCA: 25th Anniversary Observ- economic projects that support elite inter- Reverend Williams organized and has facili- ance of the Jesuit Martyrs ests. Even our Millennium Challenge Grants, tated T and T (Thad and Teresa) Food/Out- University of Central America Jose´ Simeo˜ n which are targeted at strengthening Salva- reach Ministry since 2000 where they have re- Can˜ as doran agriculture and related infrastructure, ceived both national and local recognition for Saturday, November 15, 2014 and now at supporting development projects their service to the community including the 10:00 AM–12:00 PM along the Pacific Coast, were held hostage to private sector interests for too long. But I’m Background: Panel presentations by Rep. 2014 ‘‘WJTV Jefferson Award’’ and the 2013 glad that all conditions have now been re- Jim McGovern, Fr. Charles Currie, Geoff Southern Christian Services ‘‘Hands of Provi- solved and I’m hopeful that development Thale, Fr. Tom Smolich, and UCA Rector dence Award.’’ projects that take into account the interests Fr. Andreu Oliva. Presentations will be in of the communities on the coast might now Reverend Williams has served as Chaplain Spanish/English with simultaneous trans- for the Mississippi Valley State University Na- move forward. lation provided. So, we Americans should not be surprised tional Alumni Association, employed with the REMARKS BY U.S. REPRESENTATIVE JAMES P. that we are now reaping what we have helped State of Mississippi since 1992 and currently MCGOVERN sow. It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to un- with Mississippi Department of Mental Health’s Thank you for that very kind introduction. derstand that had we invested significantly Central Office where he was voted by his I am here this morning because I am grateful over the past 20 years in jobs, education, peers as the 2012 Employee of the Year. to the Jesuits of El Salvador, and especially health care, food security, youth, women and Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me those who have served and those who con- families, fewer Salvadorans would have felt tinue to serve here at the UCA. You have forced to abandon their homes and seek a life in recognizing Reverend Thaddeus J. Wil- been my friends, my mentors and my teach- elsewhere. Not only did U.S. policies export liams. ers. How I think, what I believe, how I view gang violence to Central America, we did and evaluate what is going on in the world precious little to invest in preventing vio- f has been shaped by my relations with the Je- lence from taking root. suits, before, during and after the war. With all these families and unaccompanied 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE JES- The UCA itself was founded in the spirit of children arriving at the U.S. border—many UIT MARTYRS OF EL SALVADOR liberation. It is named after a Salvadoran with terrible stories to tell—it is time to de- priest, Jose Simeo´ n Can˜ as, who as a con- velop a policy that is good for the people of gressman in the Constitutional Assembly El Salvador, Central America and the United HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN championed and achieved the abolition of States. Will we help our friends and neigh- slavery in Central America in 1824. Abraham bors create jobs and greater opportunities OF MASSACHUSETTS Lincoln didn’t sign the Emancipation Proc- for young people and marginalized commu- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES lamation until forty years later, in 1863. So nities and towns? Will we help strengthen ju- it’s right that we in the United States look dicial institutions to investigate and pros- Wednesday, December 10, 2014 to and work with the UCA to advance human ecute those responsible for violence? Will we rights, human dignity, freedom and equality. help those same institutions root out corrup- Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, in mid-No- Many people look upon the deaths of Fa- tion and identify those among society who vember I was privileged to participate in the thers Ignacio Ellacurı´a, ‘‘Nacho’’ Martı´n- are in league with or benefit from criminal 25th Anniversary observance of the Jesuit Baro´ , Segundo Montes, Juan Ramo´ n Moreno, activity and violence? Will we invest in the martyrs of El Salvador. On November 16, Joaquı´n Lo´ pez y Lo´ pez, Amando Lo´ pez, and kind of citizen security and infrastructure 1989, the Salvadoran military carried out a Elba and Celina Ramos as crimes that epito- that benefits all Salvadorans, not just the joint operation with the specific purpose to mize the harsh reality of the war and the wealthy few? brutality of the Salvadoran armed forces. I President Sanchez Cere´n is in Washington enter the campus of the Jesuit-administered prefer to remember their lives. I remember right now, and he and the other Central University of Central America Jose´ Simeon how they lived, how they carried out their American presidents met with U.S. Vice- Can˜as (the UCA) and murder the university pastoral work, their intellectual work and President Joe Biden yesterday. I hope that rector and several of its faculty. That evening, research, and how they interacted with their the Obama Administration and the U.S. Con- members of the Salvadoran Army shot and students, friends, colleagues and the Salva- gress will decide to make long-term invest- killed six Jesuit priests, including the rector, doran people. And if there is one lesson that ments in youth, in development, and in cit- along with two women, a housekeeper and they taught me, it was that faith is more izen security. I hope they will embrace the her teenage daughter, who were being shel- than ritual—it means action. ‘‘Feed the Hun- positive lessons learned from USAID’s recent gry’’ means feed the hungry. ‘‘Treat Every- programs on youth violence prevention. As tered at the university that evening. one with Dignity’’ means every person, and they work on these proposals, I hope the U.S. This year I traveled to El Salvador as part especially the poor, rightfully deserve a life and Salvadoran governments will make sure of a delegation led by the Washington Office with dignity. that programs are designed in partnership on Latin America (WOLA), which included One of the reasons U.S. policy changed to- with civil society and affected commu- many presidents and officials of U.S. Jesuit wards El Salvador in the 1990s was because nities—a real partnership. We in the U.S. government need to be com- colleges and universities. It was a very moving Jesuit university and college presidents from all around the United States—many who are mitted to reforming and strengthening insti- experience, one that strengthened both my here today—took up the challenge of the tutions, and we have to make sure that our faith and my commitment to stand up for murdered Jesuits and ignited their alumni partners in Central America, most especially human rights everywhere, including in my own across the country to take action, not to re- the regional governments, are also genuinely country. main silent. Those actions had tremendous committed to using these investments for I was invited to participate in one of the fo- power—the power of faith working to move real institutional reform, and for develop- ment that benefits youth and marginal com- rums organized by the UCA as part of the history in support of human rights, truth, justice and peace. munities. We need to make sure that civil 25th Anniversary events, The Legacy of the We come to El Salvador this weekend to society and affected communities are wholly Jesuits on U.S. Foreign Policy toward El Sal- commemorate the lives and the loss of our integrated into designing and evaluating vador and Central America and on the Society Jesuit brothers. But we are also here to re- these projects. And when I look around the of Jesus. Also appearing on the panel were flect on what has happened over the past 25 region, I feel like the most potential for cre- Fr. Charlie Currie, SJ, with Georgetown Uni- years. I believe that U.S. policy toward El ating these types of sensitive and genuine versity and executive president of Jesuit Com- Salvador has fallen far short in the after- partnerships is here in El Salvador. Such long-term investments not only need mons; Fr. Michael Sheeran, SJ, president, As- math of the war. In 1995, we all but aban- doned El Salvador, significantly reducing to be made, they will need to be sustained. I sociation of Jesuit Colleges and Universities/ our economic and development support just am very concerned that the Administration, AJCU (in the USA); Fr. Andreu Oliva, SJ, rec- when it was most needed to consolidate the and especially the new U.S. Congress, will tor, UCA; Geoff Thale, WOLA; and Fr. Tom peace. When we have seen increases in our try to do everything ‘‘on the cheap.’’ And Smolich, SJ, former president of US Con- development aid, it has mainly been in re- meanwhile, the questions remain whether we ference of Jesuit Provincials. sponse to natural disasters. in the United States will respect our own The U.S. should have helped lead a Mar- laws, as well as international humanitarian I would like to submit the remarks I pre- shall Plan for Peace in El Salvador over the law, and welcome those who come to our bor- sented at the UCA on how the murders of the past 20 years; instead, we did the opposite. ders in need of protection? Or will we con- six Jesuits and two women affected me and We still don’t have robust assistance ready tinue to spend money primarily on increas- how I see their legacy in El Salvador and the to support a national development strategy ing border security, expanding detention fa- United States. for El Salvador—and we certainly aren’t cilities, denying immigrants legal counsel,

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