June 22, 2020 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E557 RECOGNIZING FIRE CHIEF AND Steve was passionate about politics, advo- Earnestine, affectionately known as ‘‘Warnet’’ EMERGENCY COORDINATOR cating for the Constitution, individual freedom, or ‘‘Net’’, was the eldest of five children. She STEVE LANDIN property rights, limited government, and the embraced the role of leader and ‘‘big sister,’’ right to bear arms. Steve was deeply involved often helping her mother with caring for her HON. in the community as a member of the Kiwanis younger brothers and sisters. OF TEXAS Club, Grange, PTA, local school board, Cattle- Upon graduating from ’s Mumford IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES men’s Association, and Washington Farm For- High School, Warnet moved to Miami, Florida to live with her late father, Hubert Lockett, and Monday, June 22, 2020 estry Association. He also served as the man- ager of the Ferry County Fair, the President of his wife, Dale Lockett, to attend Miami Dade Mr. CUELLAR. Madam Speaker, I rise today the Republic Chamber of Commerce, and a Community College. In 1969, she married the to honor the career and service of Fire Chief district court judge for 14 years. love of her life, Michael Davis, Sr., who pre- and Emergency Management Coordinator, A captivating storyteller, Steve often had lis- ceded her in death. They returned to Detroit to Steve Landin. Chief Landin has retired after teners laughing and crying. In 1994, at age focus on raising a family. Warnet and her hus- 30 years of service as a member of the City 75, Steve drew up plans to convert his ranch band were blessed with five beautiful children: of Laredo’s Fire Department. into a guest lodge. The foundation was com- Desmond Michelle, Michael, Dulcy Marquita, Chief Landin is an individual who showed pleted in 2000, and for the next 17 years Leigh Christine, and Robert Trevor-Blair Davis. true leadership and poise under great pres- Steve could be seen with a smile on his face, Determined and strong-willed, Warnet did sure. Since first becoming emergency man- working every day from dawn to dusk to com- not let the challenge of raising a large family agement coordinator in 2005 and eventually plete his dream lodge. deter her from accomplishing her life’s goal of Fire Chief, he helped lead the City of Laredo Steve Konz passed away at age 90 in the becoming a nurse. After the passing of her through three federally declared disasters as lodge he built, on the ranch he loved, with husband Michael, Warnet reenrolled in col- well as the ongoing pandemic. In addition, de- family at his side. lege. Focused and driven, Warnet juggled spite these difficult circumstances, he also Madam Speaker, on behalf of a grateful na- raising her children with long hours of study managed to be a devoted family man and ex- tion and Washington’s Fifth Congressional and hard work to realize her dream. In 1986, ample for his community. District may we rise to remember Steve and Warnet graduated with two degrees and with I have personally worked with Chief Landin his legacy. His service and passion will inspire Honors from the distinguished Nursing Pro- over the years and witnessed first-hand the generations to come. gram at Highland Park Community College. important work he has done for our area. Warnet’s passion for the healing arts drove f Through his efforts, he helped ensure that her to focus on passing her state licensing Laredo’s Fire Department was amongst the RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF JOE exams to obtain her professional licensing to best in the country. In addition, he has set the ‘‘CAPTAIN’’ HYDE become a License Practical Nurse (LPN) and standard for future fire department leaders. Registered Nurse (RN). Succeeding in her Chief Landin’s service to the City of Laredo HON. goal, Warnet enjoyed a long career in nursing, will never be forgotten. He cared deeply about specializing as a psychiatric care nurse at- OF the people he was serving and consistently tending to those with mental illness. Her love IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES showed what it meant to always put the safety for her career was evident to all who knew and well-being of others first. The dedication Monday, June 22, 2020 her. that he showed to us all should be a constant Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, Even while managing a busy career, Warnet reminder of how we should be in our daily I rise today to celebrate the life of Retired made the most of her time spent with family. lives. Captain Joe Hyde, who passed away in his She was known as the life of the party and However, Chief Landin’s service to others is home on June 10 surrounded by family. took joy in organizing large family gatherings not over. He will now be working for Webb Captain Hyde, a 1965 graduate of Inde- at her home. She held a keen appreciation for County as its new Emergency Management pendence High School, served with the the preciousness of life and always went out Coordinator. Once again showing his commit- Southaven Police Department for 31 years. He of her way to bring family together. This sensi- ment to others and devotion to our community. was one of the fast investigators and first bility extended into Warnet’s strong spiritual As we move forward, let us take the time to SWAT team members to serve the Depart- life. She served as a deaconess at Park appreciate the service of heroes like Chief ment and continued to serve the Senatobia United Presbyterian Church in Highland Park, Landin and all the individuals who risk their Police Department for another 10 years. Cap- for many years, where she orga- lives each day to keep us safe. However, in tain Hyde, also a part of the Mississippi Na- nized numerous community events. the words of President John F. Kennedy, ‘‘As tional Guard, was one of only two officers to Please join me in tribute to Earnestine we express our gratitude, we must never for- receive the Department’s Medal of Honor, its Warnet Davis, a generous soul who will be get that the highest appreciation is not to utter highest commendation, for valor, combat, and missed by her family and community. words, but to live by them.’’ life saving skills. f f Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Bar- INTRODUCTION OF THE COVID–19 HONORING STEPHEN KONZ bara; his stepchildren: Kim Mitchell (Ricky), HOSPITAL LOAN FORGIVENESS John Parker (Christy), and Christy McGregor ACT HON. CATHY McMORRIS RODGERS (Kevin); as well as many friends and extended family members. OF WASHINGTON HON. I am thankful for Joe ‘‘Captain’’ Hyde’s serv- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF ice to Mississippi. He will be greatly missed by IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Monday, June 22, 2020 his family, community, and all whom he en- Mrs. RODGERS of Washington. Madam countered. Monday, June 22, 2020 Speaker, I rise today to honor Stephen Stan- f Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, I rise to in- ley Konz for a life of service to his country, his troduce the COVID–19 Hospital Loan Forgive- family, and his community. IN MEMORY OF EARNESTINE ness Act to provide immediate, vitally needed Steve was born in Poland on September ‘‘WARNET’’ DAVIS relief to hospitals and health care providers 6th, 1926 to Lillian Kwiatkowski and Michael who are under water as a result of the Rosinski. As a three-month-old baby he came HON. COVID–19 pandemic. to America through Ellis Island in the arms of OF MICHIGAN Our nation’s hospitals have invested heavily a teenage mother. He joined the Navy at age IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to prepare for the coronavirus pandemic. They 17 where he served until the war ended in Au- canceled tens-of-thousands of elective sur- Monday, June 22, 2020 gust 1945. geries and non-emergent patient tests at the After the war, Steve moved to Republic, Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I rise today in government’s request to help ensure adequate Washington to teach fifth grade. During this honor of Earnestine Davis, a beloved resident hospital capacity, preserve gear and equip- time, he raised five children, built a log home, of the city of Detroit. ment, and reduce the risk of unnecessary pa- and grew a cattle herd. While the log home Earnestine Warnet Davis was born on Janu- tient spread. This major shift has put some of burned in 1978, it was rebuilt with the help of ary 18, 1951 to the late Dulcy B. Smith and America’s hospitals on the brink of financial friends and neighbors. Hubert Lee Lockett in Detroit, Michigan. disaster.

VerDate Sep 11 2014 03:48 Jun 23, 2020 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A22JN8.009 E22JNPT1 rfrederick on DSKBCBPHB2PROD with REMARKS E558 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks June 22, 2020 Without further support, hospitals will face grade. Congratulations to the kindergarten stu- somber period where African-Americans were another financial crisis just months from now dents of Marek Elementary for finishing their treated unjustly and were not afforded equi- as the government begins to withhold Medi- kindergarten year. table opportunities. Moreover, school segrega- care payments for services provided after the f tion made it such that African-American stu- pandemic fades and until the loans are repaid. dents were not sufficiently supported in terms While the $175 billion provider grant program, CELEBRATING THE LIFE AND of decent provisions in technology, infrastruc- designed to provide support to all providers, is SERVICE OF GEORGE WASH- ture, and even quality of education. helpful, much more support is needed, INGTON BIGGS Finally, on July 29, 1948, Civil Action 631 This legislation will provide Medicare Accel- set the stage for the construction of Ralph erated and Advance Payments loan forgive- HON. Bunche High School and provided much-need- ness to ensure the additional financial support OF ed relief for the students that attended the hospitals and other providers direly need. For- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES school. Just like other prominent civil rights giveness would be for health care related ex- leaders, the plaintiffs for this case faced the Monday, June 22, 2020 penses or lost revenues that are directly attrib- same dangers from radical segregationists. utable to coronavirus. And, just like the re- Mr. GALLEGO. Madam Speaker, I rise Nevertheless, the brave plaintiffs, composed quirement in the provider grant program, pro- today to celebrate the 95th birthday of George of pupils and concerned parents, persevered viders electing to have their advance payment Washington Biggs, and recognize his service and provided a great service to their commu- loans forgiven would be obligated to abstain as a veteran of Army Air Corps and Air Force. nity by advocating for equal financial distribu- from balance or surprise billing any patient for As a Tuskegee Airman and recipient of the tion for African-American students. COVID-related treatment. Congressional Gold Medal, he is an exem- The construction of Ralph Bunche High The bill outlines: forgiveness would be for plary American and Arizonan to whom we all School was a landmark event for King George health care related expenses or lost revenues owe a debt of gratitude. County. The school’s namesake has a note- that are directly attributable to COVID–19, pro- A native of Nogales, Arizona, Mr. Biggs worthy history in serving both his community viders electing to have their advance payment joined the Army Air Corps in 1944 and trained and country. For instance, his steadfast efforts loans forgiven would be obligated to abstain at the Tuskegee Institute, the all-black flight in achieving the 1949 Armistice Agreements from balance billing any patient for COVID-re- training school in Alabama. He was one of two between the Arab states and Israel culminated lated treatment, and criteria for transparency Arizonans to graduate from the program. After in his award for the Nobel Peace Prize in and accountability of the loan forgiveness, in- training during World War II, Mr. Biggs re-en- 1950. In addition, during the Civil Rights cluding no executive compensation. listed in the Army Air Corps as a non-commis- Movement, Dr. Bunche played a significant Hospitals across my district have shared sioned officer and subsequently received di- role by participating in iconic events, like the that in the absence of more financial support, rect commission as an officer in the newly 1963 March on Washington. including this forgiveness, it is possible some formed Air Force. He went on to To sum up, the legacy of Ralph Bunche hospitals will be forced to close or significantly achieve the rank of major and flew B–47 and High School lives as strong today as it did in scale back operations. This would be a tragic B–52 bombers in the Korean and Vietnam 1949. Among the first cases to be brought for- consequence, especially if the country is hit wars. ward, Civil Action 631 begun a series of cases with another round of the viral epidemic in the Since retiring from the military, Mr. Biggs that ultimately led to the integration of African- near future. I thank my colleague and fellow has lived and worked in Nogales for the U.S. American students nationwide and mandated Ohioan Representative for his bi- Customs Service. He has raised a family and that the latter receive equitable educational partisan work on this, and our growing list of since retired. In 2007, Mr. Biggs and other support. Having the school named after Dr. bipartisan cosponsors—we look forward to Tuskegee Airmen received the Congressional Bunche proved highly commendable and the working with the Senate to further action on Gold Medal, the highest civilian recognition school’s designation as a State and National hospital loan forgiveness. awarded by Congress, for the group’s ‘‘unique Historic Landmark was well-deserved. f military record that inspired revolutionary re- Therefore, Madam Speaker, I ask that you form in the Armed Forces.’’ rise with me in remembering the history of MAREK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL I believe that Mr. Biggs’ character and ac- Ralph Bunche High School, the heroes that CELEBRATES THEIR 2020 KINDER- tions truly embody what it means to serve participated in its birth and those who continue GARTEN CLASS one’s country. Not only did he fly in multiple the legacy to preserve educational equality. wars, he rose above expectation and obliga- f HON. PETE OLSON tion as a pilot and an officer. In addition to his OF TEXAS time in the Army Air Corps and Air Force, his RECOGNIZING THE LIFE OF JASON TERRELL IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES integrity, modesty, and principled character are values that we can all learn from and Monday, June 22, 2020 should strive to emulate. HON. TRENT KELLY Mr. OLSON. Madam Speaker, I rise today I would like to express my personal appre- OF MISSISSIPPI to recognize Marek Elementary School in ciation for the service of George Washington IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Alvin, Texas for their work making their kinder- Biggs, and my hopes that he has a happy Monday, June 22, 2020 garten class’ graduation special amid the 95th birthday. COVID–19 pandemic. f Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Madam Speaker, Students and parents were caught off-guard I rise today to celebrate the life of Jason by schools closing their doors for the rest of IN RECOGNITION OF RALPH Terrell, who passed away on Tuesday, June the school year in March due to the BUNCHE HIGH SCHOOL 9, after a long battle with cancer. coronavirus. Many worried that their students Jason was born on July 10, 1974, in would not experience their last days of kinder- HON. ROBERT J. WITTMAN Indianola, Mississippi. Shortly after graduating garten. However, the staff at Marek Elemen- OF VIRGINIA high school, Jason joined the United States tary came up with a creative way to stay safe IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Marine Corps and fought our nations enemies while celebrating its younger learners: a drive- during Operation Restore Hope Somalia. He by parade. Monday, June 22, 2020 went on to obtain the rank of Corporal, and The Marek Elementary staff held the parade Mr. WITTMAN. Madam Speaker, I rise later joined the Mississippi Highway Patrol. so that the students had a fun way to say today in recognition of the great history of Jason not only patrolled Mississippi highways, goodbye to their kindergarten year without Ralph Bunche High School in King George but also served as an expert marksman for going inside the building. Music, decorated County, Virginia. As one of the first African- the Mississippi Highway Patrol SWAT team. cars and costumes filed in outside of the American schools to receive equitable con- When Sargent First Class Terrell was not pa- school to let students know the pandemic tributions in its funding, Ralph Bunche High trolling Mississippi highways, he was hunting, would not stop their graduation. set the standard for our nation in addressing fishing, or worshipping at First Baptist Church On behalf of the Twenty-Second Congres- racial inequality. of Vardaman. sional District of Texas, I thank the staff of At the time of Ralph Bunche High School’s Left to cherish his memory is his wife, Tara Marek Elementary for making sure these stu- inception, America was still under the wing of Winter Terrell; daughter, Maddie Terrell; moth- dents were able to celebrate moving onto first the discriminatory Jim Crow laws. It was a er, Beverly Charlotte Mitchell; step-father,

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