22470 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 152, Pt. 17 December 5, 2006 Civil Engineering. He also obtained a license come. It is what we all become in the process In recognition of his considerable accom- as a Professional Engineer, PE, in the State of to embrace all of the opportunities this country plishments, Jerris was the recipient of the Life- New York. Soon after receiving his degrees has to offer is the real purpose. Alton A. Bur- time Achievement Award from Marquette Uni- and license, Alton A. Burton, PE, joined the ton continues to live his life with purpose. The versity Law School in 2000. In 1969 he re- staff of the Port Authority of New York and people of the City of New York, the United ceived the Belle Case LaFollette Outstanding New Jersey in design engineering. Mr. Bur- States of America and the world became a Professional Award from the Law ton’s assignments included contract plans for better place because Mr. Burton has given us Foundation. He is the author of numerous arti- various facilities, including marine terminals. all his best; and he has created a mark in cles and was frequently invited to speak to Little did Mr. Burton know that he was being American history and the world that cannot be groups throughout the United States. positioned by the hand of destiny for some- erased. Jerris was one of the original true conserv- thing more. During the 1950s and 60s, Mr. Mr. Speaker, I believe that there are no atives, who championed core conservative val- Burton toiled in the eye of the storm of civil words too magnanimous to fully describe our ues throughout his career and through his and political unrest, a time of cultural, human gratitude; we thank former Chief Civil Engineer service in various organizations, such as Free and civil rights crisis. Against all odds, Alton A. Alton A. Burton for inspiring modesty, selfless Congress. His intellect and experience were Burton was able to understand the situation devotion of the advancement of humanity, invaluable to advancing the conservative and conditions of a racially charged environ- through his devoted service to the United agenda, and his engaging personality and en- ment and era that would have been deemed States of America. thusiasm for policy and politics were con- impossible. In 1962, the late Governor Nelson Mr. Speaker, I believe that it is incumbent tagious. Jerris was a true statesman who A. Rockefeller of New York, appointed Mr. on this body to recognize that in Alton A. Bur- made friends on both sides of the political Burton the Chief Civil Engineer in charge of ton, PE, we have an outstanding citizen wor- aisle. the planning phase of the multi-billion dollar thy of the highest respect and esteem, from His friendships extended well beyond the project known as the World Trade Center. his community, the City of New York and our realm of politics and career, however. He In the minds of most Americans, the deeply Nation. made friends in all walks of life. ‘‘He treated disturbing images of the inferno that engulfed f everyone the same, and that is what I think the Twin Towers and then the crumbling to the made him special,’’ said his daughter Kate ground after being hit by two hijacked com- TRIBUTE TO JERRIS LEONARD, A Leonard. On the day he was to be sworn in mercial airliners 5 years ago on 9–11–01, will GREAT AMERICAN by President Nixon as an assistant attorney never be forgotten. Most of us are unaware general, Jerris gathered his children and in- that over 40 years ago, Chief Civil Engineer HON. RALPH M. HALL structed them that they were going to meet Alton A. Burton designed and fortified the in- OF TEXAS the President, but they were to remember that frastructure, which accounted for the reliability IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the man who parks the car is just as important of the Twin Tower structures to withstand tre- and just as deserving of respect. mendous force, including that of an earth- Tuesday, December 5, 2006 Jerris was devoted to his wife, Mariellen, to quake. Chief Civil Engineer Alton A. Burton Mr. HALL. Mr. Speaker, I am honored today whom he was married for 52 years, and to his and his team of civil engineers had no idea to pay tribute to a great American, outstanding family. He took an active interest in the lives that some 40 or so years later, terrorists would public servant, and an esteemed colleague of his six children and attended countless fly jets into the towers. Because of the for- and good friend, the Honorable Jerris Leon- sports events and other activities in which they tification of the infrastructure, due to Mr. Bur- ard, whose sudden passing on July 27, 2006, were involved. In addition to Mariellen, he is ton’s vision and preparation for the unex- was mourned by his family and countless survived by his children, Mary Leonard Ral- pected, the towers as damaged as they were, friends whose lives he touched. Jerris’s life ston and husband David, Gib Leonard and managed to hold—giving our first responders, was devoted to God, family, country, and his wife Joni, John Leonard and wife Jeannine, EMS, NYPD, FDNY and other emergency fellow man, and he leaves a legacy of integrity Kathleen (Kate) Leonard, Francis Leonard and units a grace period to do what they do best, and service that will long be remembered and wife Kelly, and Daniel Leonard and wife Kelly, save lives. If not for Chief Civil Engineer Alton appreciated. 16 grandchildren, and four great-grand- A. Burton’s vision of a fortified infrastructure, Jerris received his undergraduate and law children. He was greatly loved. the World Trade Center’s Twin Towers would degrees from , where he Mr. Speaker, many of our colleagues in the have immediately toppled to the streets below. was president of the Marquette student body House of Representatives knew and admired With steel beams heating to over 3000 de- and was elected to Alpha Sigma Nu, the Na- Jerris Leonard. I valued his friendship and ad- grees F, the infrastructure still managed to en- tional Jesuit Honor Society. Following gradua- vice, as did so many others, and we will great- dure. The North Tower held for 1 hour 42 min- tion from Marquette University Law School in ly miss him. It is impossible to fully grasp the utes and the South Tower for 56 minutes be- 1955, Jerris began his career in Wisconsin. breadth and depth of a life of someone like fore the total collapse. We note with regret He was elected to the Wisconsin Assembly in Jerris, who gave every project or responsibility that approximately 3,000 lives were lost that 1956, representing the North Shore suburbs of his very best effort and who lived his life with infamous day and we offer our sincere condo- . In 1960 he was elected to the boundless enthusiasm and compassion. He lences to their families. However, keeping in state Senate and became Senate majority was a role model and mentor to so many, and mind Mr. Burton’s efforts to fortify the infra- leader in 1967. In 1968 he was the Repub- he leaves a powerful legacy that will last for structure with the best materials known to ar- lican nominee for the U.S. Senate, but lost to generations to come. As we adjourn today, let chitectural and civil engineering at that time, incumbent Senator . us do so in tribute to this great American, between 10,000 and 20,000 individuals were In 1969 Jerris moved his family to Wash- dedicated public servant, and truly great safely evacuated from the towers and sur- ington, D.C., when he was appointed by Presi- man—Jerris Leonard. rounding areas, so many more lives were dent Nixon and confirmed by the U.S. Senate f saved. as Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights. PAYING TRIBUTE TO PHIL Chief Alton A. Burton’s prolific civil engineer- He served in that capacity until 1971, when WELLAND ing work carries with it profound moral and President Nixon appointed him the first Admin- philosophical insight, possessing power with- istrator of the Law Enforcement Assistance out arrogance, bringing redemptive clarity Administration, a position he held for the next HON. JON C. PORTER whose truths have never been more nec- two years. Jerris remained in Washington, OF NEVADA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES essary, as we honor the lives of those that where he has been actively engaged in the were lost and their legacy by how we live. practice of law and advocacy. Most recently, Tuesday, December 5, 2006 Alton A. Burton, PE, has risen at the age of in 2005, he launched The Leonard Group to Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 82 years-old to become a Great American focus on legislative and lobbying activities. He honor Mr. Phil Welland for his endless kind- Hero, and we claim him as one of our own, also served on the Bush-Cheney Transition ness to those members of our community who both in title and in spirit. As our Nation moves Department of Justice Advisory Committee, are less fortunate. forward with a unified purpose, we realize that which helped the Administration find key can- Phil spent hours dedicating his life to pro- purpose is perhaps more significant than out- didates for the agency. viding various items to charity organizations to

VerDate Sep 11 2014 14:53 May 19, 2017 Jkt 049102 PO 00000 Frm 00210 Fmt 0689 Sfmt 9920 E:\FDSYS\BOUNDRECORD\BR05DE06.DAT BR05DE06 ejoyner on DSK30MW082PROD with BOUND RECORD December 5, 2006 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS, Vol. 152, Pt. 17 22471 help those in need. He sewed blankets, hand- Jim worked as a corrections official with the self-sufficiency. Nancy has also served on and bags, smocks for kindergarten students for fin- Federal Bureau of Prisons for 25 years, hold- chaired several committees, including pro- ger painting, and even some graduation ing various assignments throughout eight grams of the Jewish Center Youth Camp and gowns for grade school students. states. K’ton Ton, where her children attended, not to Phil was born on March 27, 1913 and Prior to his death, he worked as a defense mention her many contributions to the CBI, worked for 40 years as a lithographer for Na- contractor and was scheduled to deploy to Af- where she currently serves on the school tional Can in Maspeth, NY, where he worked rica later this month in support of ongoing mili- board. Like David, Nancy has seen the impor- as supervisor. Under his direction, the com- tary operations worldwide. tance of the Jewish Federation’s annual fund- pany honored a contract to make bomb shells But Jim will be remembered most as a kind raising campaign, even serving as co-chair for and other can items during World War II. In and gentle soul, whose charisma and caring the campaign. Nancy’s commitment to youth 1988, he and his family moved to Las Vegas, nature endeared him to his many friends and and her willingness to share her time and tal- Nevada. family members. ents with her community is truly remarkable, When he was a young man, Phil learned to Although Jim left us at far too young an and for this, she is most deserving of the hon- sew and, from that, his passion grew, reaching age, he made the most of every day that he ors bestowed upon her. the lives of hundreds of less fortunate people spent on this earth. We can all learn from his While they remain truly committed to the through various charity organizations. After he example. Jewish community, David and Nancy’s great- retired and his wife passed away, Phil moved For his dedication, courage and service to est enjoyment is the time spent with their in with his daughter and her family where he our nation, he will be greatly missed. But he three beautiful daughters: Samantha, Rachel, purchased two separate sewing machines to will live on in the memories of the many peo- and Elly. David and Nancy’s commitment to accomplish his work. He began making bags ple whose lives he touched. improving the future for the youth and the en- and smocks for young people for Paragon May he rest in peace. tire Jewish community is surely an extension Pools, his son-in-law, Joe Vassallo’s company, f of their commitment to their daughters. which was doing charity work for Street Teens Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask that you and at the time. Over the years, he donated at TRIBUTE TO DR. AND MRS. DAVID my other distinguished colleagues join me in least 500 bags to Street Teens. Other charity AND NANCY GROSS congratulating Dr. and Mrs. David and Nancy organizations that he donated his handiwork Gross as they are honored for their service included Child Focus, the Red Cross, the Sal- HON. PETER J. VISCLOSKY and dedication to the Jewish community. Their vation Army, St. Jude’s Ranch for Children, OF INDIANA years of service have touched and improved CCSD Title 1 HOPE education resource orga- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the lives of all whom they have served. Their nization for homeless students, NECHN Partial Tuesday, December 5, 2006 unselfish and lifelong dedication is worthy of Care—a New Jersey hospital servicing the the highest commendation, and I am proud to mentally challenged—and New Jersey’s St. Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with represent them in Congress. Thomas preschool/kindergarten. great pride and sincerity that I take this time f What made Phil’s work unique, though, was to honor Dr. and Mrs. David and Nancy Gross the tag he placed inside each finished product. of Schererville, Indiana. On Sunday, Decem- RECOGNIZING THE DEDICATION OF Each little tag read, ‘‘Made Especially for You ber 3, 2006, David and Nancy were honored THE NEW FAIRFIELD CORDELIA by Phil Welland.’’ He always thought ahead for their years of service and many contribu- LIBRARY and, even though he recently passed away, tions to the Jewish Federation of Northwest In- his final donation of bags and blankets will be diana and the community it serves. The Jew- HON. ELLEN O. TAUSCHER this Christmas to Child Focus. ish Federation of Northwest Indiana honored OF CALIFORNIA Mr. Speaker, I gladly rise today to honor a David and Nancy at the 2006 Northwest Indi- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES selfless citizen who dedicated his life to help- ana Israel Dinner of State, which was held at Tuesday, December 5, 2006 ing others. His warmhearted acts of kindness the Jewish Federation Community Building in will truly be missed by those he touched. Munster, Indiana. Mrs. TAUSCHER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to rec- f David Gross, originally from Canton, Ohio, ognize the Grand Opening of the new Fairfield has always proved himself to be a dedicated Cordelia Library in the City of Fairfield, Cali- PAYING TRIBUTE TO LT. COL. member of the Jewish community. From a fornia. (RET.) JAMES M. GRECO very young age, David realized the need for On December 14, 2006, at 10:00 a.m., the community participation in causes aimed at new Fairfield Cordelia Library, located on 5050 HON. JOHN T. SALAZAR supporting the State of Israel. As a fourth Business Center Drive, in Fairfield, will open OF COLORADO grade student, David’s abilities in this regard its doors to the public. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES began to emerge, as he organized an event Constructing a library in the Cordelia and that would raise over one thousand dollars for Lower Green Valley area of Fairfield was iden- Tuesday, December 5, 2006 the Jewish United Fund (JUF). Throughout his tified as a top priority in the Solano County Li- Mr. SALAZAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to youth, David was committed to the goals of brary’s 20-year Facilities Master Plan that was pay tribute to the life of retired Lieutenant the JUF, to help provide for the survival and developed in 2000 and was also listed as a Colonel James M. Greco of Canon City, Colo- welfare of the Jewish people and to benefit all top priority of the citizens in the area. rado—a beloved husband of 37 years, father mankind. Since relocating from to The new library will provide access to the of two, corrections official and veteran, who Northwest Indiana, following completion of his residents of the Cordelia and Green Valley passed away on November 27th. residency in Ophthalmology, David has contin- areas of Fairfield, which due to their location It was a privilege to know Jim and I offer my ued to spend much of his spare time working and traffic conditions are far removed from deepest condolences to his family and friends. with the Jewish community. He has served on convenient library access. Jim was born in Pittsburgh and graduated numerous committees with the Congregation The two-story, building will provide a civic from Immaculate Conception High School in Beth Israel (CBI), and he has also contributed presence that includes a library and city of- Washington, PA. After graduation, Jim enlisted a great deal of time working on the Jewish fices for residents in the area. as a United States Marine and served in Viet- Federation’s annual fundraising campaign. The City of Fairfield partnered with the nam in 1965. Nancy Gross, a native of Highland Park, Illi- County of Solano and the State, to build the Jim earned his B.A. from Northwestern nois, has always shared the same compassion $14.5 million, two-story 29,000 square foot fa- Oklahoma State University, an M.A. from and willingness as her husband to serve. cility. Oklahoma City University, and an M.A. from Nancy has made her commitment to the Jew- As the lead agency, the City of Fairfield will the Army Command and General Staff Col- ish community known through her contribu- be the owner of the facility and the County of lege. He received an Army Reserve Commis- tions to several organizations, including ORT, Solano through the Solano County Library will sion in 1974 and retired in 2004, after having which strives to educate communities with the provide library services. served a decorated and distinguished military skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in The Solano County Library’s mission state- career. an ever-changing environment and to foster ment reads: The Solano County Library offers

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