E1332 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks June 24, 2005 IN RECOGNITION AND REMEM- ships to those who wish to become para- trict Attorney General, and we look forward to BRANCE OF THE LIFE OF U.S. medics, a dream of their son. Frankie Avalon’s many more years of his leadership in our civic ARMY CHIEF WARRANT OFFICER participation in the event has raised its profile and community organizations. MATTHEW LOUREY and has helped ensure the event was sold Mr. Speaker, it is because of men and out. women like Ron that America remains strong HON. BETTY McCOLLUM Frankie Avalon began his show business and free. God bless Ron and his family. OF MINNESOTA career as a child growing up in Philadelphia, f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES where his father inspired in him a love of play- ing the trumpet. By the time he was 12, APPLAUDING ASSISTANCE TO Thursday, June 23, 2005 Frankie Avalon was performing on national tel- MILITARY FAMILIES Ms. MCCOLLUM of Minnesota. Mr. Speak- evision. He also formed a dance band with an- er, I thank you for the opportunity to recognize other young musician, drummer Bobby Rydell. HON. MICHAEL BILIRAKIS and honor the life of U.S. Army Chief Warrant His first hit, ‘‘De De Dinah,’’ which he per- OF FLORIDA Officer Matthew Scott Lourey. formed on Dick Clark’s ‘‘American Band- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Matt Lourey, son of Minnesota State Sen- stand,’’ sold a million copies just as he was Thursday, June 23, 2005 ator Becky Lourey, was an Army helicopter turning 18. More million-record hits followed. pilot under the command of the Tikrit-based In 1960, Frankie Avalon began his movie Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, earlier this 42nd Infantry Division. He died May 26, 2005, career when he co-starred with Alan Ladd in week, ‘‘Operation Helping Hand,’’ a program from injuries received when the Kiowa Warrior ‘‘Guns of the Timberland.’’ In 1963 he and An- of the Tampa Chapter of the Military Officers helicopter he was piloting was shot down in nette Funicello began their series of surfing Association of America (MOAA), was recog- Baqouba, Iraq, while he was serving his sec- movies, ‘‘Beach Party,’’ ‘‘Muscle Beach,’’ nized for its efforts to assist the families of ond combat tour in Operation Iraqi Freedom. ‘‘Beach Blanket Bingo,’’ and several others. service members wounded in Operation Iraqi Matt was born July 28, 1964, in Laurel, Frankie Avalon continued to record during Freedom (OIF) and Operation Enduring Free- Maryland, grew up in Kerrick, Minnesota, and his movie-making years and in the summer of dom (OEF). graduated from Askov High School in 1982. 1985 teamed up with Bobby Rydell and Fa- The James A. Haley VA Medical Center is He had always wanted be in the military as a bian on a successful 50-city tour as the ‘‘The one of four designated polytrauma centers child, and after graduating from high school, Golden Boys of Bandstand.’’ In 1987 he re- within the Department of Veterans Affairs. joined the U.S. Marine Corps. When he was united with Annette Funicello to parody their Since the start of OIF/OEF, these trauma cen- not able to fly for the Marines, he left the mili- earlier beach movies with ‘‘Back to the ters have served as regional referral centers tary, trained as a private pilot in northern Min- Beach.’’ for individuals who have sustained serious dis- nesota, and joined the Army as an officer. Frankie Avalon continues to perform in abling conditions due to combat. Patients Matt Lourey flew Kiowa reconnaissance mis- nightclubs and concerts, often with two of his treated at these facilities may have a serious sions in Bosnia and elsewhere prior to going sons, one who plays guitar and one who plays Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) alone or in com- to Iraq. Matt was preceded in death by his drums. bination with amputation, blindness, or other brothers, Jay and Fernando. Frankie Avalon’s music and movies has al- visual impairment, complex orthopedic injuries, Matt Lourey grew up in a large, loving fam- ways presented him as a clean-cut, all-Amer- auditory and vestibular disorders, and mental ily, with 11 brothers and sisters, many of ican boy. In his case, however, it is not a Hol- health concerns. Because TBI influences all whom were adopted, in northern Minnesota. lywood facade. Frankie Avalon’s success in other areas of rehabilitation, it is critical that Matt was Sen. Becky and father Eugene the entertainment industry is equaled by his individuals receive care for their TBI prior to, Lourey’s second son. success as a husband and father and his suc- or in conjunction with, rehabilitation for their Three years ago, Matt Lourey married a fel- cess in giving back to his community. additional injuries. low soldier, Army Capt. Lisa Lourey. They Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join ‘‘Operation Helping Hand’’ provides assist- lived in Lorton, Virginia. me in thanking Frankie Avalon for decades of ance to the families of the very seriously There have been 22 members of the military entertainment and in paying tribute to him for wounded and injured service members who from Minnesota who have died in Iraq since retaining and promoting the American values were deployed in either Iraq or Afghanistan 2003. I honor Matthew Lourey for his coura- we all hold dear. and are now receiving treatment at the James geous service to this country, and his commit- f A. Haley VA Medical Center. The average ment to protecting our freedom. hospital stay for the injured is approximately TRIBUTE TO CAPTAIN RONALD 45 days. The families of these injured service f DAVIS, U.S.C.G. members travel from all over the country to be TRIBUTE TO FRANKIE AVALON with their loved ones at this critical time. HON. MARSHA BLACKBURN ‘‘Operation Helping Hand’’ assistance HON. ELTON GALLEGLY OF TENNESSEE ranges from providing rental or leased cars, OF CALIFORNIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES bus or taxi fares, cell phones or phone cards IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to the families of wounded service members. Thursday, June 23, 2005 The program also provides tickets to local Thursday, June 23, 2005 Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, for more amusement parks, movie theaters and res- Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in trib- than 20 years Ronald Davis has served Ten- taurants to make these families more com- ute to musician, vocalist, actor, community ad- nessee and the Nation as a member of our fortable while they are in Tampa waiting for vocate and friend Frankie Avalon. Armed Forces and a dedicated District Attor- their loved ones to recuperate. The assistance Frankie Avalon is a show business icon. In ney General for the 21st Judicial District. provided allows families to focus on their loved some ways he is also a show business anom- And today, looking back on those years of ones’ recovery. aly. Frankie Avalon has been the loving hus- faithful service, it’s fair to say that we in Ten- This year marks the sixth year that New- band of 43 years to Kathryn, and the devoted nessee have been truly fortunate to count Ron man’s Own Inc., Fisher House Foundation father to his eight children, four boys and four as a friend and neighbor. Inc., and the Military Times Media Group have girls. He is also a firm believer in giving back It is with pride and thanks that we recognize joined forces to present the ‘‘Newman’s Own to his community. A resident of the city of Captain Ronald Davis as he retires from the Awards’’ which seek to reward ingenuity and Thousand Oaks in my district, he will exhibit United States Coast Guard. Ron’s service his- innovation for volunteer organizations working that quality once again when he appears as tory is truly inspiring. He served in Vietnam, to improve the quality of life for military per- Master of Ceremonies at the Awards Dinner Operation Desert Storm, Operation Allied sonnel and their families. These organizations following Monday’s 2nd Annual Michael Force, Operation Enduring Freedom, and Op- issued a challenge to all private organizations DiRaimondo Foundation Golf Tournament and eration Iraqi Freedom. The commendations serving our military communities: ‘‘present an Silent Auction. and medals awarded to Captain Davis are innovative plan to improve the quality of life for U.S. Army medic Michael DiRaimondo died simply too many to mention here, but among your military community and receive funding to when his medical helicopter crashed in Iraq those he’s received is the prestigious Defense carry out that plan.’’ after being hit by a rocket-propelled grenade Superior Service Medal. This year, 177 organizations submitted in January 2004. His parents, Tony and Carol, Williamson County and middle Tennessee nominations for the award. I am pleased that launched the foundation to provide scholar- are thankful Ron will continue his work as Dis- ‘‘Operation Helping Hand’’ received the top

VerDate jul 14 2003 05:48 Jun 25, 2005 Jkt 039060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A23JN8.024 E24PT1 June 24, 2005 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1333 prize of $10,000. Ten other organizations deep and enduring love of animals. In 1970, through in the last year. As most of us know, shared $40,000 in grants. she founded Animal Birth Control, a non-profit the Caribbean was devastated by destructive I want to congratulate the Tampa Chapter of organization established for the benefit and hurricanes and extreme flooding in late 2004. the MOAA and all the individuals involved in welfare of cats and dogs. Today, the organiza- The region incurred billions of dollars in dam- ‘‘Operation Helping Hand’’ for winning the tion continues to successfully operate with age, and is only now starting to recover. In Newman’s Own Award. I also want to com- Commissioner Anderson as President. particular, the vital tourism sector is just start- mend them and all the other award winners Commissioner Anderson’s innovative spirit ing to get back on its feet. If true, the fore- for their outstanding work in support of our and dedicated approach to public service has casts by the WTTC spell further hard times military personnel and their families. benefited and touched people in all walks of ahead for our neighbors. f life and has resulted in her being recognized The American Society of Travel Agents and honored by countless organizations, in- (ASTA) also cited statistics from the WTTC PERSONAL EXPLANATION cluding NCCJ, American Jewish Congress, during the recent Senate hearing, where it Humane Society of Broward County. Addition- stated that several Caribbean nations will be HON. PATRICK J. TIBERI ally, Commissioner Anderson was inducted in ‘‘seriously impacted’’ by the Initiative. The OF OHIO March of 1999 into the Broward County Wom- ASTA provided statistics that show nearly 80 en’s Hall of Fame. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES percent of U.S. visitors to some islands, such A resident of Hollywood said of Commis- as Jamaica, do not currently utilize passports. Thursday, June 23, 2005 sioner Anderson in a recent Miami Herald arti- With passport processing times of up to 2 Mr. TIBERI. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, cle, ‘‘No one owns Cathy; no one from old months, and processing fees which can ex- June 22, 2005, I was not present for rollcall Florida, new Florida, no developer. Cathy is ceed $100.00, scores of U.S. tourists may votes 299, 300, 301, 302, and 303. just Cathy.’’ She has made and continues to choose vacation options that entail less has- Had I been present I would have voted make an indelible mark on the development of sle. The group further added that imposing the ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall votes 299, 300, 301, and 302, South Florida, and she is due a tremendous new requirements on the Caribbean earlier and ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 303. debt of gratitude for her foresight, courage and than other regions would likely cause a ‘‘diplo- leadership over the past 30 years. f matic controversy.’’ f ASTA also asserted that the early require- TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE ments will have negative implications for com- CATHLEEN ‘‘CATHY’’ ANDERSON, MOUNTING EVIDENCE OF WEST- ponents of the U.S. travel industry, such as HOLLYWOOD CITY COMMIS- ERN HEMISPHERE TRAVEL INI- cruise ships, airlines, and travel agents, due to SIONER TIATIVE’S NEGATIVE IMPACT the forecasted reduction in U.S. travelers to the region. ASTA highlighted the particular HON. KENDRICK B. MEEK HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL case of the cruise industry, where unlike land OF FLORIDA OF NEW YORK based travel, substantial advance booking is IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES commonplace. Thursday, June 23, 2005 Thursday, June 23, 2005 With many cruise packages to the Carib- bean selling for as little as $400.00, the Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, at a recent Sen- Mr. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise to $100.00+ passport processing fees that WHTI ate hearing on the Western Hemisphere Trav- pay tribute to a trailblazer and community icon would necessitate, would represent an addi- el Initiative, Senator NORM COLEMAN wisely as- in South Florida politics, Hollywood, Florida tional 25 percent in the original vacation price. serted that ‘‘if you studied the Constitution, City Commissioner Cathleen ‘‘Cathy’’ Ander- With such a large and unexpected increase, you will not find a section entitled, ‘The Law of son. Commissioner Anderson is celebrating many U.S. travelers may cancel their existing Unintended Consequences.’ But it might as her 30th year of uninterrupted service as a reservations. With over 3,578 cruises ships well be there.’’ member of the City Commission, making her visiting the region in 2004, representing Indeed, in the course of policymaking, unin- the longest serving member in the history of 6,380,021 in total passenger potential, this is tended consequences can arise. It is thus the that body. no small consequence. The first woman to serve on the Hollywood responsibility of lawmakers and policy practi- City Commission, she was originally appointed tioners to account for and mitigate these un- Also of note, the Advanced Notice for Pro- in June of 1975 to fill the unexpired term of foreseen effects. This seems to be the case posed Rulemaking (ANPRM) process for the Thomas Wohl. A Broward County native, An- as it relates to the Bush Administration’s pro- WHTI—where the public and industry are pro- derson justifiably takes great pride in a family posed Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative. vided the opportunity to give their input and history that is intertwined with the history of The Initiative will require all travelers to and concerns on the proposal—has yet to be initi- our state—all the way back to 1896, when her from the Americas, the Caribbean, and Ber- ated by the appropriate government authori- great grandfather and great uncle traveled on muda to have a passport to enter or re-enter ties. This is the case despite the fact that the the first Flagler train to Broward County. That the United States in order to strengthen border new travel requirements for the Caribbean are pioneering spirit has since been a family tradi- security. However, the Initiative is to be imple- set to go into effect in little more than 6 tion and a trademark of Anderson’s career in mented in region specific phases, with travel months. Even if the process does proceed, Public Service. to the Caribbean being affected by the end of most entities in the U.S. travel industry will not She was an early leader in the Broward 2005. Travel to Canada and Mexico will not be have the time, or budget, to adequately inform County Environmental Movement which affected until the end of 2007—two full years the public by the Dec. 31, 2005 deadline. As brought one-half of Hollywood’s Barrier Island later. It is expected that the early requirements such, the travel industry is urging the Adminis- into public ownership. She was a founding Di- will be a significant disincentive to U.S. trav- tration to push back the timetable for the rector of the Broward Chapter of the National elers planning trips to the Caribbean, as this WHTI, especially as it relates to the Carib- Conference of Christians and Jews in 1979 group is currently not required to utilize a bean. (now the National Conference for Community passport. Mr. Speaker, all these facts, statistics, and and Justice); served for more than 20 years A recent article in the New York publication opinions suggest that with the proposed West- as a trustee of the Broward County Historical CaribNews points to growing evidence of the ern Hemisphere Travel Initiative we are getting Commission; and served seven years as Initiative’s substantial negative impact. The ar- a lot more than we bargained for. Fortunately, chairperson of the Broward County Historical ticle cited forecasts released by the World we have an opportunity to make the appro- Preservation Board. She is currently a long- Travel Tourism Council (WTTC) which re- priate modifications to ensure that this policy time Board Member of the Broward County vealed that as much as $2.6 billion of travel not only strengthens the security of the Amer- Tourist Development Council; and Honorary related export earnings, and 188,000 travel ican people, but also protects the interests of Board Member of the Hollywood Police Ath- and tourism jobs could be lost in the Carib- the American traveler, and the economic inter- letic League. bean due to the Initiative. ests of the United States and our regional Since early childhood, Commissioner Ander- These are sobering statistics, especially neighbors. More than an opportunity, it is an son has been an animal rights activist, with a considering what the Caribbean has been obligation.

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