E1182 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks September 19, 2019 work with our children. The bill also requires HONORING HARRISON HEUTINCK THE MODERN ASSOCIATION OF the U.S. Department of Education to make GRADUATES TAKES SHAPE: AOG these recommended standards and best prac- HISTORY PART III (1946–1995) SEC- tices electronically accessible, so schools, HON. SAM GRAVES TION B teachers, and policymakers around the coun- OF MISSOURI try can put them to use improving our schools. HON. JOHN SHIMKUS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES I urge my colleagues to support this legisla- OF ILLINOIS tion to help improve the quality of American Thursday, September 19, 2019 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES educators by bringing stakeholders together to Thursday, September 19, 2019 evaluate what is working, where we are defi- Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, cient, and to recommend the actions nec- I proudly pause to recognize Harrison Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, I rise to in- essary to elevate the education profession in Heutinck. Harrison is a very special young clude in the RECORD section B of the third in- stallment of an article by Keith J. Hamel hon- the United States to a standard that serves man who has exemplified the finest qualities our children best. oring the 150th Anniversary of the West Point of citizenship and leadership by taking an ac- Association of Graduates: tive part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop f WPAF DISSOLVED 1376, and earning the most prestigious award AOG celebrated its centennial in 1969, al- CELEBRATING THE 20TH ANNIVER- of Eagle Scout. SARY OF THE AMERICAN ASSO- though there is no mention of the Associa- Harrison has been very active with his tion recognizing its 100th year of existence in CIATION OF SERVICE COORDINA- any AOG publication that year (it wasn’t TORS troop, participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Harrison has been in- even brought up at the annual meeting!). In the first year of the Association’s second HON. STEVE STIVERS volved with scouting, he has not only earned century, two events occurred that signifi- numerous merit badges, but also the respect cantly changed the direction of AOG: First, OF OHIO of his family, peers, and community. Most no- Paul Thompson ’29 was elected President; IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tably, Harrison has served his troop as Senior second, Major General William Knowlton Thursday, September 19, 2019 Patrol Leader, earned the rank of Firebuilder ’43JAN took over as Superintendent from in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say, and become an Or- Major General Samuel Koster ’42. Thompson Mr. STIVERS. Madam Speaker, I rise today and Knowlton, as it turned out, were made on behalf of the people of Ohio’s 15th Con- deal Member of the Order of the Arrow. Har- for each other, as each was interested in re- gressional District to celebrate the 20th anni- rison has also contributed to his community organizing and reforming the work of AOG. versary of the American Association of Service through his Eagle Scout project. Harrison re- Weeks before his departure, Koster had an- Coordinators. moved and rebuilt a deteriorating staircase in nounced plans to raise $10 million through Service coordinators work in all U.S. states the basement of the Clay County Historical WPAF in order to endow cadet activities, and territories, but Ohio is where they look to Society Museum in Liberty, Missouri. calling the plan the ‘‘$10 Million Cadet Ac- tivities Endowment.’’ Ambitious (since, from for training, advocacy and support thanks to Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join its inception in 1961, the West Point Fund AASC. In 1999, Janice Monks founded the me in commending Harrison Heutinck for his had raised just $1.02 million), Koster’s plan membership organization out of her home in accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of reportedly resulted in a 369-percent increase Central Ohio, which was one of the first re- America and for his efforts put forth in achiev- in contributions over FY1969, but Knowlton suspended it in the spring of 1970 fearing gions where service coordinators joined the ing the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. staff of affordable housing properties with the ‘‘that there may be some duplication of our fund-raising efforts’’ and announcing that ‘‘a help of federal grants. f Over the past two decades, AASC has cre- study is being made to sort out our alumni- related fund-raising efforts.’’ A year later, in ated a documentation system for service coor- HONORING DOWNTOWN FLORIST the 1971 Annual Report of the Super- dinators to more easily track and report resi- FOR FIFTEEN YEARS OF BUSI- intendent, Knowlton declared, ‘‘Pending at dent outcomes and has collaborated with the NESS IN MASSENA, NY present is a reorganization and consolidation U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Devel- of the West Point Alumni Foundation and opment to create a formal guidebook outlining the Association of Graduates.’’ To hasten industry standards and practices. This year, HON. ELISE M. STEFANIK this shakeup, Knowlton had earlier intro- the organization hosted its largest annual Na- duced plans to remove the active duty officer tional Service Coordinator Conference in Den- OF NEW YORK from the Office of Assistant to the Super- intendent (Gifts Program) who had been ver, Colorado and membership exceeded IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES working for AOG, and thus limiting the As- 3,300. sociation’s ability to solicit funds for USMA, AASC’s purpose is to serve as a constant Thursday, September 19, 2019 and to establish the Alumni Affairs and Gifts support for service coordinators who empower Program Division, a precursor to today’s Di- their residents to live well. Service coordina- Ms. STEFANIK. Madam Speaker, I rise rectorate of Academy Advancement. tors serve as a lifeline for hundreds of thou- today to congratulate Downtown Florist on While Knowlton forced the merger between sands of low-income seniors and families who their 15th anniversary serving the Town of AOG and WPAF, it was up to Thompson to Massena. seal the deal. As noted in Lamb’s report, the need connected to vital supports that keep leadership at WPAF feared that funds raised them living independently or help them move Downtown Florist was founded in 2005 by would be directed to AOG ‘‘and that USMA up and out of poverty. In the course of that Patty and Kenny Wells. With their vision, they at most would get crumbs.’’ At a fall 1970 work, service coordinators also play an inte- transformed a long-vacant gas station into a meeting, Thompson convinced George gral role in realizing nationwide policy goals community staple. Small businesses like Olmsted and Cortlandt Schuyler, both Class such as reducing healthcare costs, keeping Downtown Florist are the backbone of the of 1922 and key WPAF Board members, that this would not be the case. Just a few years older adults in their communities and increas- North Country’s economy. They generate the ing self-sufficiency. earlier, Schuyler had served as AOG Presi- majority of employment and job creation, while dent, and his views were valued by Board In honor of AASC’s anniversary, service co- driving investment in our local communities. members of both organizations. Schuyler ordinators across the country are celebrating However, most small businesses do not make agreed to work with Thompson on the de- Service Coordinator Day today. My colleagues it longer than five years. For that reason, the tails of the reorganization, and the following may be hearing from service coordinators who 15th anniversary of a business is an achieve- fall they presented these details to the WPAF Board of Managers, who ultimately are recognizing the anniversary by sharing ment worth celebrating. with Congressional offices the profound impact ‘‘decided that it would be in USMA’s best in- this profession has on our nation’s most vul- On behalf of New York’s 21st Congressional terests to transfer its fundraising and pub- nerable. District, I want to congratulate Patty and lishing responsibilities and all its assets to Kenny Wells for reaching this impressive mile- AOG.’’ On February 8, 1972, AOG and WPAF I wish to congratulate President Janice signed two memorandums of agreement (one Monks and the American Association of Serv- stone. They are a great example of the entre- for fundraising and one for publishing) to ice Coordinators on this milestone anniversary preneurial spirit that defines New York’s 21st that effect. To that point in time, WPAF had and convey my most sincere appreciation for district. I look forward to their continued suc- raised $1.8 million for the Academy. It con- their dedication to service. cess. tinued its existence as a backup to AOG from

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:49 Sep 20, 2019 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19SE8.011 E19SEPT1 dlhill on DSKBBY8HB2PROD with REMARKS September 19, 2019 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1183 1972 to 1987, receiving more than $1,450,000 in Dozens of West Point Societies had been in RECOGNIZING STATESVILLE BRICK gifts and bequests, all of which were trans- existence by this time, most assisting the COMPANY FOR 115 YEARS OF ferred to AOG before the Foundation finally Academy with its Admissions efforts, but BUSINESS voted itself out of business on March 21, 1988. they had been relatively autonomous. The SEEDS OF ‘‘WPAOG’’ SOWN new program, which was finally imple- Stepping back a bit, one more significant mented in the fall of 1986 with Morris Her- HON. TED BUDD event occurred closely after AOG’s centen- bert ’50 as its first Director (aided by James OF NORTH CAROLINA nial, but it’s unclear whether it had a direct ‘‘Skip’’ Wensyel ’52 as Deputy Director of In- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES impact on Thompson and Knowlton’s vision formation), sought to align the 75 or so ac- Thursday, September 19, 2019 to reorganize the Association. In 1972, AOG tive societies and encouraged them to assist received a $1.5 bequest gift from the estate of AOG in achieving its objectives toward the Mr. BUDD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to Leah and Clement Trott, Class of 1899. Ac- Academy, rather than their own individual recognize Statesville Brick Company for 115 cording to Lamb’s report, ‘‘The Trott gift objectives. On May 1, 1987, AOG held the first years of business. gave the AOG the financial flexibility and West Point Societies Presidents Conference, Due to the Southeast’s unique rivers that capability to expand program and activity a forerunner of today’s Leaders Conference, produce red clay deposits, North Carolina has support of the Academy, as the Cullum gift during which Denis Mullane ’52, Chairman of long been at the center of the brick making had provided graduates their administrative AOG’s Societies Committee, discussed four center and ‘alumni house’ at West Point.’’ key topics with the 53 society representa- economy. This includes company’s like States- Lamb would certainly know: Even though tives present: admissions support, informa- ville Brick Company which opened its doors in AOG was losing its active duty officer in the tion dissemination, community relations, 1904. As times changed though and the post- Superintendent’s office, who did a tremen- and strengthening support between AOG and World War II building boom began to slow, dous amount of work for the Association, the societies. Around this time, AOG also estab- brick makers began closing shop, and small, Trott gift allowed AOG to now hire and pay lished a new development program to assist local operations transitioned into large, inter- a full-time Executive Vice President, and the West Point classes in their efforts to support state corporations. Statesville Brick Company, person the Association hired was Robert the Academy, latter known as Class Giving, however, bucked that trend, and remains at Lamb. He retired from his position as Alum- complete with support from AOG Financial heart the same family-run operation it was ni Secretary on the Superintendent’s staff on Services to administrate the funds, ensuring August 31, 1972 and the next day reported to over a century ago. that interest on said funds was properly rein- For Statesville Brick Company President AOG in his new role, which he labels in his vested (Williams Harrison Jr. ’52 became report as ‘‘managing director.’’ The Trott AOG’s first Director of Financial Services and General Manager Michael Foster and Ex- gift also allowed AOG to hire Stephen O. and Treasurer). Finally, in 1992, AOG intro- ecutive Vice President Scott Rankin, the brick Fuqua ’33 as Director of Development, Mi- duced the Distinguished Graduate Award business is a generational affair. Scott’s chael Krisman ’39 as Director of Publica- (DGA), its second major annual award (the grandfather E.R. ‘‘Roy’’ Rankin joined the tions, and a handful more staff personnel for first being the Thayer Award). James Van company in 1916 and oversaw the construc- its offices on the lower floors of Cullum Hall. Fleet, Class of 1915; Matthew Ridgeway, The early 1970s were an exciting time for tion of an early iteration of the firm’s plant the Association. Its membership among Class of APR1917; Andrew Goodpaster ’39, while Michael’s father, H.B ‘‘Bob’’ Foster graduates was hovering around 97 percent, it and Thoralf Sundt Jr. ’52 were the first re- joined as a partner in 1969. Today, Statesville completed a record annual appeal in 1970 cipients of the DGA. Brick Company currently employees over 90 ($61,996), and in 1972 AOG’s Endowment Fund CONCLUSION—AOG’S NEW HOME people and their work can be found at some exceeded the $3 million mark, providing of our nation’s most prestigious academic in- more than $100,000 in interest and dividend By the end of the 1980s, AOG was taking in stitutions such as Princeton University, Ohio more than $5 million annually in donations, income to annually fund the Association’s State University, and Davidson College. operating expenses (in recognition of its sur- establishing a financial position that finally plus, AOG presented a gift of $25,000 to the allowed it to realize a decades-long desire to Statesville Brick Company’s 115 years of Academy). ‘‘By the summer of 1973, the basic eliminate membership dues, which it did business are a source of pride for our region, elements of the reorganization of the Acad- starting with the Class of 1994. What’s more, demonstrating how an operation dedicated to emy’s alumni affairs were in place,’’ noted in 1990, Thomas Russell ’59, a Planned Giving high craftmanship with deep local roots can Lamb in his report. Despite these positives, Officer, took a phone call from the son of succeed and thrive in a changing landscape. there were still challenges for the reorga- graduate who was inquiring about how much Madam Speaker, please join me today in nized AOG, none bigger than trying to con- money it would take to have a building at celebrating Statesville Brick Company for 115 vince more and more graduates to support West Point named for his father, James K. years of business. the Academy with a donation. Most of these Herbert, ’30. Russell explained that the f graduates had served in an Army for which names for public buildings at the Academy almost all recreational activities and facili- were made by the Secretary of the Army and HONORING GRANT OWEN ties were paid by appropriated dollars, and not named for donors, but that AOG would they did not comprehend why the Academy be willing to name its long-desired alumni needed private funding. Lieutenant General center after his father. Thus, upon his death HON. SAM GRAVES Sidney Berry ’48, the 50th Superintendent, in 1990, Herbert bequeathed $3 million to OF MISSOURI addressed this matter in his March 1976 AS- AOG, which became the lead gift in a cam- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES SEMBLY letter, stating: ‘‘Public funds sup- paign to build what became known as the Thursday, September 19, 2019 port the necessaries of cadet life, education Herbert Alumni Center. Ground was broken and training. Privately contributed funds for AOG’s new home on April 8, 1993, and its Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, augment programs and activities supported cornerstone was dedicated on October 12, 1993 I proudly pause to recognize Grant Owen. by public funds, provide extracurricular op- during Homecoming ceremonies. When the portunities for cadets, and in general im- Grant is a very special young man who has AOG staff moved into Herbert Alumni Center prove the quality of education and training exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship on March 1, 1995, the Association had just at West Point. In short, they provide the and leadership by taking an active part in the completed two banner years: its Develop- margin of excellence we desire and expect for Boy Scouts of America, Troop 1376, and earn- ment staff raised $11.04 million from 14,454 the Military Academy and the Corps of Ca- ing the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. dets,’’ coining a phrase that is essential to gifts in 1994, with graduate participation in- creasing to 24 percent, an all-time high; and, Grant has been very active with his troop, AOG’s mission today. participating in many scout activities. Over the More changes familiar to today’s AOG a year earlier, it stood up its Office of Alum- came in the 1980s. As the new decade began, ni Support (derived from the West Point So- many years Grant has been involved with AOG had just inaugurated its new travel pro- cieties Program and complete with Society, scouting, he has not only earned numerous gram with a cruise from Texas and added Classes, and Communication divisions). But merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- new trips (three-to-five annually) in the this was just the start of some amazing suc- ily, peers, and community. Most notably, Grant coming years, and it had launched the West cesses for AOG. Now that it was working out has served his troop as Senior Patrol Leader, Point Preparatory Scholarship Program, of Herbert Alumni Center, it was about to re- earned the rank of Warrior in the Tribe of Mic- which provided funds to deserving candidates alize a goal it had established for itself at O-Say, and become an Ordeal Member of the who needed additional instruction at a mili- the 1990 Board of Trustees strategic planning Order of the Arrow. Grant has also contributed tary junior college to ensure success at West conference, a goal to raise $100 million for Point. In 1981, AOG President George Dixon USMA in 10 years, a goal that became known to his community through his Eagle Scout Jr. ’40 convened a long-range planning con- as the Bicentennial Campaign for West project. Grant built a shelter and rain barrel ference in Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania, Point, and it’s the opening subject in the system over an information kiosk at Martha one of the outcomes of which was the estab- next and final installment of AOG’s 150-year Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary in Liberty, lishment of a West Point Societies Program. history. Missouri.

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