E56 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks January 23, 2012 result in billions of dollars in investment, tens and the world of music and entertainment in the wake of World War II, he was commis- of thousands of construction jobs, and thou- mourn the loss of an extraordinarily gifted sioned as an officer in the Philippine Army and sands of permanent jobs. It would also create man. was soon inducted into the United States jobs across the region and across the eco- A musical prodigy, Larry Butler began his Armed Forces of the Far East (USAFFE) as nomic spectrum. A cracker would increase the distinguished career at the mere age of six, an infantry line officer. On April 9, 1942, he local tax base, allowing local school districts to when he made a guest appearance singing was captured by Japanese Forces in the prov- have more funds available to improve the edu- with the Henry James Orchestra. At the age of ince of Bataan, Philippines, and was held as cation offered to our children. nine, he had his own show on Pensacola’s a prisoner of war in the Capas Concentration Attracting a cracker to the region will benefit WEAR–TV3; and by his twenty-first birthday, Camp. Later that year he was released as a all of our states and the country as a whole, Mr. Butler was already recording with musical POW and resumed his military duties shortly but my hope is that West Virginia is successful legends such as , , thereafter. In 1945, he completed studies from at gaining this exciting opportunity. I believe , , and Johnny the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General that West Virginia has everything that a com- Cash. He later collaborated with both Johnny School for commissioned officers at University pany desiring to build a cracker could want. Cash and , on some of their of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Upon his return West Virginia has a strong budget picture, an most well known hits. Mr. Butler is a two-time from JAG school, he assumed the role of improving tax climate, a ready and able work- Grammy Award Winner with over 100 gold Chief of Claims Branch under JAG, Philippine force, and a strong history in the chemical in- and platinum awards. He won his first Army, where he was responsible for the adju- dustry. I want my constituents to know that I Grammy for writing B.J. Thomas’ hit song, dication of all types of war claims in favor of am working with other leaders from West Vir- ‘‘(Hey, Won’t You Play) Another Somebody heirs. ginia to attract a cracker. A cracker would give Done Somebody Wrong Song.’’ His second In 1951, Judge Diaz retired from the Phil- West Virginians what they want the most: Grammy was for Producer of the Year. ippine Army as Captain. Throughout his distin- good paying jobs that will allow them to put In addition to his celebrated musical career, guished military career, he received various food on the table and live the American Mr. Butler has contributed his hard work and awards, including the United States and Phil- dream. talent to improving Northwest Florida. After ippine Presidential Unit Citation and the Phil- Additionally, production in the Marcellus Hurricane Ivan devastated the Gulf Coast in ippine Presidential Military Merit Medal. Shale gives us the opportunity to revive our in- 2004, Mr. Butler played a crucial role in or- Judge Diaz was involved in many commu- dustrial base. This is especially the case in re- chestrating and producing three sold-out con- nity organizations throughout his life. He was gions that have historically been dominated by certs with musical friends, Kenny Rodgers, among the first ordained permanent deacons the steel and chemical industries. In order to , and Will Hedgecock, which to- in the Archdiocese of Agana and was instru- actually produce the sources available in the gether raised more than a half million dollars mental in organizing the Knights of Columbus, shale we must first have steel and industrial for community rebuilding efforts. Guam Council and Assembly. Further, he was equipment. The new demand for these mate- To some, Larry Butler will be remembered a founding member of the Catholic Social rials will hopefully allow previously shuttered as a musical genius; to others, he will be re- Services, and was active in the establishment facilities to reopen, new facilities to be built, membered for his charitable work in the North- of St. Dominic’s senior care home and the Do- and existing facilities to increase production. west Florida Community; and to his family and minican Catholic schools on Guam. All of this will create jobs. friends, he will always be remembered as a Judge Diaz was also heavily involved in the We are blessed in West Virginia to have loving father and spouse. He touched the lives founding of the Filipino Community of Guam, abundant, natural resources that power our of many, not only with his music, but also with where he served as President. He also helped country. The Marcellus Shale will undoubtedly his devotion and commitment to his family and establish the Marianas Audubon Society, the play a major role in the future of the energy community. UST Alumni Association of Guam, and the industry, moving us toward energy independ- On behalf of the United States Congress, I Chapter of Bataan-Corregidor Veterans on ence and creating jobs in ancillary industries am honored to recognize the life and deeds of Guam. as well as the energy industry. Larry Butler—a talented musician, committed Judge Diaz was married to Josefina de la Of course we must develop these resources community activist and loving family man. He Concepcion for 66 years and together they in a responsible manner that ensures our will be missed by many, but his memory will raised 10 children: Marilu Martinez, Carl Diaz grandchildren have clean air and water. It is live on through the timeless legacy he left. My (deceased), Mariles Benavente, Marilen essential that a proper regulatory structure is wife Vicki joins me in extending our thoughts Artero, Maribel Chandler, Mariann Carr, in place, one that balances exploiting this tre- and prayers to the entire Butler family. Maricar Davis, Tony Diaz, Vicente Diaz, and mendous resource with environmental con- f Ramon Diaz Jr., and have been blessed with cerns. However, it is not necessary for the 19 grandchildren and 13 great grandchildren. federal government and bureaucrats in Wash- HONORING THE LIFE AND SERVICE I join our community in mourning the loss of ington to balance these concerns. I fully sup- OF RETIRED SUPERIOR COURT Judge Ramon Diaz. His contributions to the port States being able to regulate the natural JUDGE RAMON V. DIAZ Guam Judiciary and our community will be re- gas industry without undue interference from membered by the many citizens he helped Washington bureaucrats. I am confident that HON. MADELEINE Z. BORDALLO throughout his life. We extend heartfelt condo- states have the ability to regulate this industry, OF GUAM lences to his many family, friends, and loved West Virginia showed that it had the ability to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ones. do so when it passed comprehensive legisla- Monday, January 23, 2012 God bless Judge Diaz. He will be missed. tion regulating shale gas production. f I urge my colleagues to continue fighting to Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today ensure that we are able to take advantage of to honor the life and service of retired Superior RICHLAND SPRINGS COYOTES our domestic resources to create the jobs that Court of Guam Judge, Ramon Valero Diaz. STATE CHAMPIONSHIP Americans so desperately need. Judge Diaz passed away on January 15, 2012 f at the age of 93. HON. K. MICHAEL CONAWAY Judge Diaz was born on October 13, 1918 OF TEXAS HONORING THE LIFE OF NORTH- in Manila, Philippines and is the son of Dr. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES WEST FLORIDA’S BELOVED Vicente Lozada Diaz and Bibiana Valero Diaz. LARRY BUTLER He came to Guam in 1951 to work and make Monday, January 23, 2012 a living for his family. In 1956, he was admit- Mr. CONAWAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to HON. JEFF MILLER ted to the Guam Bar Association, and in 1958, congratulate the Richland Springs Coyotes on OF FLORIDA became a naturalized U.S. citizen. an outstanding 2011 football season. On De- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES In 1980, Judge Diaz became the first person cember 9, 2011, the Coyotes won the Class of Filipino descent to be appointed as a judge A, 6-man Division II State Championship with Monday, January 23, 2012 for the Superior Court of Guam. After 15 years a dominant 76–28 performance over the Mot- Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on be- of government service, he retired as a family ley County Matadors. half of the United States Congress, I rise court judge. The victory capped a perfect season, where today to recognize the life of Northwest Flor- Judge Diaz graduated from the University of 14 of the Coyotes’ opponents were subjected ida’s beloved Larry Butler. Northwest Florida Santo Tomas in Manila, Philippines. In 1941, to the 45-point mercy rule—the Matadors were

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