September 8, 2004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1533 During a routine patrol on July 6th, Lance make her point. When the mayor proposed TRIBUTE TO BILL LAMBERT Corporal Engel’s light armored vehicle struck a cutting garbage pickup in Queens to once a roadside bomb. After a valiant fight that lasted week, while leaving Manhattan pickup at three HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN the better part of a month, Lance Corporal times per week, Gert suggested that Queens OF CALIFORNIA Engel passed away with his family at his side, residents should take their garbage to work. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES just one day before his 22nd birthday. I continue to be in awe not only of Gert’s Tuesday, September 7, 2004 Mark was an active young man. He at- contributions to the public good, but also of tended West Middle School, and later at- the level of energy and enthusiasm she brings Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, it is with great tended Cherry Creek High School, where he to her many activities. Mrs. McDonald’s life pleasure that I ask my colleagues to join me played varsity football as a fullback. By all ac- and accomplishments are a reflection of the in saluting my very good friend and an all counts, Mark was an avid athlete, an out- strength and vitality of New York City itself. around great guy, Bill Lambert, who for 40 doorsman, a neighbor and a friend. Mark was I would like to join Gert McDonald’s friends years has served the United Teachers of Los a bright star that will be dearly missed by his and family in marking this special occasion; I Angeles as their Political Director. His col- family, his friends, his fellow Marines, and our trust that she will be surrounded by the leagues will honor him at the UTLA Leader- community. warmth of happy memories, good cheer and ship Conference this summer. Bill has worked tirelessly for decades on be- Mr. Speaker, my deepest sympathy goes loving friendships. out to the family of Lance Corporal Mark Mr. Speaker, I request that my colleagues half of the teachers and the students of Los Engel. Mark served his country with distinc- join me in paying tribute to Gertrude McDon- Angeles. He has counseled me on the intrica- cies of many difficult education issues, pro- tion, making the ultimate sacrifice for freedom ald, a mother, grandmother, great-grand- vided special insights on many bills I’ve spon- and liberty in defense of a grateful nation. All mother and cherished friend of New York City. sored, and hounded me mercilessly to work of us owe him a great debt of gratitude. To Mrs. McDonald and her dedicated col- harder for his schools, find more funding for His dedication and bravery will not be for- leagues and friends at Queens Community gotten. his projects and solve more problems for his Board Two, I offer my continuing admiration, teachers. He has demonstrated a special com- f respect and support. mitment to improving vocational education for IN RECOGNITION OF GERTRUDE f students who are not college bound. MCDONALD ON THE OCCASION OF HONORING MICHAEL PHELPS When Bill began his involvement in Teach- HER 88TH BIRTHDAY CELEBRA- ers’ organizations in 1957, teachers in Los An- TION geles had no family health insurance plans HON. BENJAMIN L. CARDIN and no added bonuses for teaching over 30 OF MARYLAND years. He was a founder and key member of HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF NEW YORK advocacy groups including the Elementary Tuesday, September 7, 2004 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Teachers Association of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Teachers Association. An ex- Tuesday, September 7, 2004 Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Michael Phelps for his perform- tremely successful negotiator, he has suc- Mrs. MALONEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to ac- ance representing the United States in Athens ceeded in winning both an excellent salary in- knowledge the achievements of Gertrude at the Games of the XXVIIIth Olympiad. crease and improved benefits for Los Angeles’ ‘‘Gert’’ McDonald, a lifelong New Yorker and Michael Phelps, who was born in Baltimore teachers. dedicated public servant. On August 5, 2004, and now lives in Towson, is a lifelong resident Bill was born in the Bronx, but spent most many of Mrs. McDonald’s friends and col- of Maryland’s Third Congressional District. of his life in Los Angeles. An alumnus of leagues will gather in her longtime neighbor- So, we Marylanders have been following Mi- UCLA with a Masters Degree from Cal State hood of Sunnyside, Queens to celebrate her chael’s career long before these Olympic Los Angeles, he began his long career in edu- 88th birthday. I am very pleased to offer my games. At age seven, he joined the North Bal- cation in 1955 as a teacher at Montague Ele- best wishes to Mrs. McDonald for a truly timore aquatic club, and at age sixteen, he mentary School. He soon gained leadership memorable and enjoyable evening. won his first world title at the 2001 world positions among his fellow teachers and even- Gertrude McDonald’s decades of service to championships in Japan. This was only the tually became a legislative advocate on their our community are truly worthy of celebration. beginning of many recordsetting victories. behalf. He helped lobby along with United Born in New York City, Gert moved to Sunny- This August, joined by the rest of the world, Teachers of Los Angeles for the revolutionary side when she was seven years old. For more we watched with extraordinary pride as Mi- Rodda Act, which in 1975 became the first than sixty years, Gert has worked tirelessly to chael earned eight medals. collective bargaining bill for teachers in Cali- improve the well-being of her fellow New York- Through seventeen races in eight days, Mi- fornia history. ers. Gert has been a Democratic District Lead- chael did much more than beat his competi- Among his finest accomplishments is Bill’s er and a Downstate Representative of the tors—he exemplified true sportsmanship. work for Children of the Dream, a program Steering Committee of the Women’s Political After winning his fourth individual gold that puts children of diverse backgrounds— Caucus; additionally, she continues to serve medal, Michael stunned the athletic world by Israeli and Arab, Pakistani and Indian—to- as the President of the Queens of Angels giving up his spot in the men’s 400 meter gether to help shatter stereotypes and create Senior Center Club and the Corresponding medley relay on July to team mate Ian Crock- understanding. In 1997 he won the NEA Ap- Secretary of the 108th Precinct Community er. The relay team won a gold medal, setting plegate Doros International Understanding Council. Mrs. McDonald is a member of Com- a world record. Michael’s words say it best, Award. munity School Board 24, the United Forties and show why for him ‘‘world-class champion’’ Bill and his wonderful wife, Lenore, have Civic Association, the Borden Avenue Vet- is an understatement. four fine, successful children. erans Residence Advisory Board, the Queens When asked about his decision, Phelps re- Please join me today in honoring my close Correctional Facility Advisory Board, the May- sponded, ‘‘Ian is one of the best relay swim- friend, Bill Lambert, for his outstanding con- or’s Volunteer Task Force and, significantly, mers in U.S. history . . . when we want to put tributions to our community and for his stead- has been a loyal member of Queens Commu- the four fastest guys up there, we look at ev- fast commitment to the education of our chil- nity Board Two for nearly thirty years. erything, all the past swims, and we make the dren and to their teachers. Gert has also been a prominent figure in best decision . . . we came into this meet as f local politics for decades. At a time when a team and we’re going to leave as a team.’’ RECOGNIZING THE SERVICE OF women were usually relegated to a supporting Those words demonstrate why Michael VERONICA ZASADNI (RONNE) role, Gert took the bold step of tossing her Phelps is recognized as an outstanding role FROMAN, REAR ADMIRAL, U.S. own hat into the ring. Her legacy as the first model, not just for athletes, but for all of us, NAVY, RETIRED woman to run as a Democratic candidate for no matter what our life’s work. public office in Queens is truly inspirational. As Michael leaves our state this fall to pur- HON. DUNCAN HUNTER Although Gert did not prevail in her 1968 can- sue his studies at the University of Michigan, OF CALIFORNIA didacy for the New York State Assembly, this we offer him our hearty congratulations and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES bold act encouraged other women, including best wishes for the future. me, to run for public office. I urge all of my colleagues to join me today Tuesday, September 7, 2004 With a quick wit and undeniable charm, Gert in thanking Michael Phelps for representing Mr. HUNTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to has a reputation for finding clever ways to our country with such honor and grace. recognize the service of Veronica Zasadni

VerDate Aug 04 2004 06:16 Sep 09, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07SE8.048 E08PT1 E1534 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks September 8, 2004 (Ronne) Froman, Rear Admiral, U.S. Navy Re- RECOGNIZING MARSHA COBB to join in their celebration and welcome them tired. into the new Huntsville High. Ronne Froman serves as Chief Executive HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS f Officer of the American Red Cross of San OF TEXAS CONGRATULATING TODD Diego and Imperial Counties. Froman joined IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HAMILTON the American Red Cross in 2003 and through Tuesday, September 7, 2004 her leadership quickly and decisively devel- Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to HON. LANE EVANS oped ‘‘The New American Red Cross’’ in San recognize Mrs. Marsha M. Cobb for her recent OF ILLINOIS Diego by refocusing the organization on its recognition by the Texas Council for the Social IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES core mission of disaster relief and emergency Studies as ‘‘Elementary Teacher of the Year’’ Tuesday, September 7, 2004 preparedness. for 2004. Mrs. Cobb is a second-grade teacher at Mr. EVANS. Mr. Speaker, today I would like Admiral Froman comes to the American Polser Elementary School in Lewisville, Texas, to congratulate Illinois native Todd Hamilton Red Cross from the San Diego Unified School located in my Congressional District. She is on his win at the 133rd British Open Cham- District, where she served as Chief of Busi- now up for consideration as the national So- pionship on Sunday, July 18, 2004. ness Operations for one-and-a-half years. As cial Studies Teacher of the Year award, given Born on October 18, 1965 in Galesburg, Illi- the Chief Business Officer, she was respon- by the National Council for the Social Studies. nois, Todd Hamilton was raised in the town of sible for the modernization and automation of Mrs. Cobb has 16 years of experience in Oquawka. He practiced golf at Hend-Co Hills the district’s finance, technology and logistics the classroom. Mrs. Cobb employs a ‘‘hands Golf Club in Biggsville and attended support operations and infrastructure. on’’ educational philosophy and strives to edu- Biggsville’s Union High School. At Union, he cate her students through experience rather petitioned the school to create a golf club, and She is a retired Rear Admiral from the than text books. If you were to walk in her then went on to win the Illinois state high United States Navy and the former ‘‘Navy classroom, you would most likely see her stu- school golf championships during his junior Mayor of San Diego.’’ Admiral Froman brings dents roaming the room looking at various and senior years. Next, Todd was an All- a wealth of knowledge and experience to the interactive displays rather than with their American golfer at the University of Oklahoma. American Red Cross of San Diego and Impe- heads buried in textbooks. Todd Hamilton went pro in 1987, and then rial Counties, with over 31 years of service as Mrs. Cobb is not the only recognized distin- spent 11 years golfing in Asia between 1992 a Naval Officer leading similar reform efforts. guished teacher in the Lewisville School Dis- and 2003, where he won tournaments such as trict. This is the third consecutive year a the Thailand Open, Singapore Masters, Ko- Her expertise is reorganizing, saving money Lewisville teacher has won the Texas Council rean Open, and the Japan Golf Tour’s Acom and improving services. Froman is a no-non- for Social Studies Elementary Teacher of the International. However, the esteemed PGA sense ‘‘efficiency expert’’ and whether she’s Year award. Last year, Linda Krause, a fifth- Tour eluded him. He finally made the PGA helping the military, education or human serv- grade teacher at Wellington Elementary Tour in December 2003 on his eighth attempt, ice organizations, Froman is always ready to School in Flower Mound received the award. tying for 16th in the qualifying tournament at meet any challenge head-on. And in 2002, Janet Davis, a second-grade the age of 38. Admiral Froman has received the Depart- teacher at Heritage Elementary in Highland The four most important tournaments in golf are known as the ‘‘majors.’’ They are the Brit- ment of Defense Distinguished Service Medal, Village, earned the award. ish Open, the U.S. Open, the Masters, and the and the United States Navy Distinguished I would like to commend Marsha Cobb, as well as Linda Krause and Janet Davis, for re- USPGA championships, which make up the Service Medal, as well as various service and ceiving this distinguished award. most important events in the golfing calendar. unit awards. f The British Open is golf’s oldest national In the civilian community she currently sits championship and the only one of the majors on the Board of Directors of 1st Pacific Bank A TRIBUTE TO HUNTSVILLE HIGH that is played outside the USA. of California, the Monarch School, and the SCHOOL When Todd Hamilton was given the oppor- San Diego Aircraft Carrier Museum. She was tunity to compete in the Open Championship, recognized by the San Diego Mediation Cen- HON. ROBERT E. (BUD) CRAMER, JR. as the British Open is known in the United ter with the Peacemaker of the Year Award OF ALABAMA Kingdom, he defeated some of golf’s best and most wellknown players, including Tiger (2004), and by San Diego Magazine as one of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Woods and Phil Mickelson. Winning this com- Tuesday, September 7, 2004 the ‘‘50 People to Watch in 2004.’’ In 2003, petition has elevated Todd Hamilton to rank she was honored to serve as the Chair of Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Speaker, on August 9th, among the world’s best golfers. Fleet Week and received the Girl Scouts’ Cool students and teachers in North Alabama offi- I am proud to represent the place where Woman Award. Other awards include: the cially ended their summer break and headed Todd Hamilton learned to play golf, and I think ‘‘YMCA TWIN’’ Award, (2002), the San Diego back into the classroom for another year of I speak for everyone in Oquawka and through- Soroplimists’’ Woman of Accomplishment study. It was also a special day for my high out Illinois when I say that we are so proud of (1998), the National Association of Women school alma mater, as the students and teach- Todd’s remarkable achievement in the Open Business Owners’ Advocate of the Year ers of Huntsville High School began classes in Championship. Todd Hamilton has dem- (1998), the San Diego Press Club’s Headliner a new state-of-the-art educational facility. onstrated the tenacity, perseverance, and skill Award (1998), and a San Diego Women Who The original Huntsville High School, built in of a champion in his long journey to the top, the 1950s, was no longer able to support its Mean Business Award (1997). and I wish him and his family the best of luck growing number of students. Mr. Speaker, the in this new chapter of his career. With 20-years senior executive experience new school encompasses 280,000 square f in complex, multi-functional, multimillion dollar feet, has 65 classrooms, a small practice gym, organizations; with extensive experience in op- a lecture hall of 140 seats, a large auditorium 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF erations, facility management, marketing and that can hold the entire student body, and a WILDERNESS ACT human resources; being skilled in building main gym that will seat 2,400. teams through collaborative management; I strongly believe that a firm academic foun- HON. TOM UDALL being a strategic planner and proven executor dation will help the young people of North Ala- OF NEW MEXICO of the plans; being a designer and bama achieve their goals and help raise the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES overall quality of life in our community. Having implementor of major organizational change; outstanding teachers with eager students in Tuesday, September 7, 2004 always being people and customer focused; this wonderful new facility will be a successful Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, and extremely comfortable handling commu- combination for the future. September 3rd marked the 40th anniversary of nity relations, I would like to take this oppor- Mr. Speaker, I was unable to join the admin- the Wilderness Act, which protects the Na- tunity to recognize Veronica Zasadni (Ronne) istrators and faculty, students, alumni, and tion’s enduring natural heritage as part of the Froman and commend her accomplishments friends at the official opening of the new National Wilderness Preservation System. Re- to my colleagues. Huntsville High School. However, I rise today vered by scores of Americans and visitors

VerDate Aug 04 2004 06:16 Sep 09, 2004 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A07SE8.052 E08PT1