February 3, 2016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E103 clear of the Sedona as it was tossed about in IN MEMORY OF LT. COL. MICHAEL A life-long resident of Mississippi, Bernard is the violent seas, and carefully manage fuel MIERAU also a man committed to his faith and family. burn rates—giving Lieutenant Hess the ability He has been married to his wife, Gail White to focus all of his attention on keeping the air- HON. DAVID G. REICHERT Evans, for 24 years and together they have craft in a safe hoisting position. As CGNR OF WASHINGTON five children, 14 grandchildren, and one great- grandchild. He is a member of the Saltillo First 6033 returned to base, Lieutenant Vanderslice IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES communicated with air traffic control and the United Methodist Church. In his spare time his Wednesday, February 3, 2016 operational commander to coordinate arrival hobbies include antique cars, motorcycles, procedures and initiate medical treatment for Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to and traveling. He is a lifetime member of the the survivors. Lieutenant Vanderslice main- honor the life of Lt. Col. Michael Mierau, who American Legion, Military Officers Association tained exceptional composure for the entirety passed away just last week on January 29, of America, Vietnam Veterans of America, and of the mission. 2016. the National Rifle Association. He is also the Lt. Col. Mierau served in the U.S. Army for President of the Tupelo Veterans Park Coun- Lieutenant Vanderslice has since received 26 years. In 1956, he received a nomination to sel. orders to Coast Guard Air Station Sitka, Alas- attend the United States Military Academy, Veterans in the First Congressional District ka, where he continues to fly the MH–60T on where he later graduated in June of 1960, fin- of Mississippi were given invaluable guidance various Coast Guard missions. Lieutenant ishing ninth in rank of order of merit. Following and support from Bernard Evans. I would like Vanderslice is married to Stephanie, his wife his graduation, he was commissioned as an to take this time to thank Bernard for his con- of 3 years. In his spare time, he is a pas- infantry officer and was deployed overseas tinued commitment to providing assistance sionate guitar player and roasts the best cof- several times, including tours in West Ger- and care for our returning veterans. I know he fee in Sitka. many, Vietnam, and what is now South Korea. will continue to accomplish great things for the state of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise in honor of Lt. Col. Mierau had a decorated military ca- Lieutenant Matthew Vanderslice, who perfectly reer, earning the Parachute Badge, the Rang- f exemplifies the highest standards of the er Tab, the Combat Infantry Badge, the Silver IN RECOGNITION OF LIEUTENANT United States Coast Guard. I ask my col- Star, the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star and JOHN D. HESS leagues to join me in recognizing this distin- the Army Commendation Medal with V Device. guished member of our Armed Services and After Lt. Col. Mierau retired from the U.S. HON. WILLIAM R. KEATING wishing him the best of luck in his future en- Army, he founded a consulting company and OF MASSACHUSETTS deavors. continued to use his experience in the military IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES by serving as a volunteer member of the Wednesday, February 3, 2016 f Washington State Army Advisory Board, work- ing as a U.S. Military Academy Field Force Mr. KEATING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in CONGRATULATING BRIANNA DUDA member in the 17th Congressional District of recognition of Lieutenant John D. Hess of the ON RECEIVING THE CITIZEN Ohio, and joining the Board of Governors of United States Coast Guard and his extraor- SCHOLAR AWARD FROM MIS- the West Point Society of Washington and dinary actions on February 15, 2015. SOURI STATE UNIVERSITY Puget Sound. Lieutenant Hess, a native of Pittsburgh, Lt. Col. Mierau is survived by his wife Julie Pennsylvania, enlisted in the U.S. Coast Mierau and five children and stepchildren, sev- Guard after completing Coast Guard basic HON. BILLY LONG eral of whom have followed in his footsteps training in 1997. He went on to prove himself and joined the military. extremely capable on assignments aboard the OF MISSOURI Mr. Speaker, I thank Lt. Col. Mierau for his USCGC Victorious and at Coast Guard Sta- tions Ashtabula and Chatham. Upon receiving IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES service to our community and country and for his commission in 2004, Lieutenant Hess at- his friendship. My thoughts and prayers are tended Officer Candidate School (OCS) in Wednesday, February 3, 2016 with his family during this difficult time. New London, Connecticut, and went on to re- Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to rec- f ceive his wings of gold in 2006. ognize and congratulate Brianna Duda, an RECOGNIZING THE CAREER AND As an aviator, Lieutenant Hess’s first as- outstanding student at Missouri State Univer- RETIREMENT OF KARY ‘‘BER- signment was as an MH–60 Jayhawk pilot at sity, on her selection to receive the Citizen NARD’’ EVANS, MILITARY AND Air Station Clearwater, Florida. There, he Scholar Award. VETERANS AFFAIRS DISTRICT served as an Instructor Pilot and subsequently a Flight Examiner. He transferred to Air Sta- Each year, this prestigious award is given FIELD REPRESENTATIVE FOR tion Cape Cod in Massachusetts where he by Missouri State University’s Board of Gov- THE FIRST CONGRESSIONAL DIS- TRICT OF MISSISSIPPI served in the same role as well as Aircraft ernors to students who have contributed to the Commander aboard CGNR 6033. university, furthered the university’s public af- It was during this time, on February 15, fairs mission, and have been significantly en- HON. TRENT KELLY 2015, that Lieutenant Hess—along with the gaged in extra-curricular accomplishments OF MISSISSIPPI other three crewmembers aboard CGNR and/or in important service activities in the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 6033—responded to a distress signal picked community. Since the award was created in Wednesday, February 3, 2016 up by the Coast Guard Rescue Coordination 2007, only forty-seven students have been Center in Boston from the fishing vessel recognized for their stellar achievements. Mr. KELLY of Mississippi. Mr. Speaker, Sedona, which was floundering two hundred today I rise to recognize the career and retire- Brianna, from St. Louis, Missouri, was one nautical miles off the coast of Cape Cod. ment of Bernard Evans, who has served as of six exceptional students to receive the Lieutenant Hess and his copilot, Lieutenant the Military and Veterans Affairs Field Rep- award this year. She is currently a junior Matthew Vanderslice, showed exemplary aero- resentative for the First Congressional District nautical skill as they navigated through ex- socio-political communication major with a of Mississippi for the past five years. Bernard’s minor in political science. Brianna has been treme conditions, facing no overhead cover work is personal for him. As a Vietnam Vet- through ice, lightning, and unrelenting snow recognized for her skills in identifying intersec- eran, he served with the 173rd Petroleum Co. squalls, all of which resulted in very little visi- tions of identities and historically excluded in Phu Bai, Vietnam from 1968 to 1969. After bility. After finding the Sedona, he directed the groups. She has navigated these issues with 28 years of military service, he retired from the survivors to abandon ship and swim toward great maturity, while addressing the conflict Mississippi National Guard. Bernard had an the awaiting rescue swimmer, Petty Officer and barriers surrounding them with grace. impressive career with the Mississippi High- Staph. Upon failure of the primary hoist sys- Mr. Speaker, Brianna Duda’s accomplish- way Safety Patrol. During his 25 years of serv- tem, he expertly maneuvered the aircraft to ments have set a great example of what a Cit- ice, he performed a multitude of roles before coordinate with Petty Officer Suba, the on- izen Scholar should be, this award represents retiring with the rank of Lieutenant. He has board flight mechanic, to successfully lift Petty a great deal of her hard work and dedication. also worked with the Department of Correc- Officer Staph and the survivors out of the frig- I am proud to represent students like her and tions as a probation officer, the Lee County id, stormy seas. He then safely brought every- I urge my colleagues to join me in congratu- Sheriff’s Office as a deputy sheriff, and as the one back to the airfield, landing the aircraft de- lating her on this well-deserved achievement. Lee County Veterans Service Officer. spite whiteout conditions and extremely low

VerDate Sep 11 2014 05:02 Feb 04, 2016 Jkt 059060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K03FE8.002 E03FEPT1 emcdonald on DSK3SPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E104 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks February 3, 2016 visibility. Lieutenant Hess’ extraordinary skill and in the community-at-large. After receiving man and has gone above and beyond to lead and quick thinking under desperate conditions her education in Miami-Dade County Public the Victory Mission in their admirable goals. I were instrumental in saving lives. Schools and graduating from the South Dade urge my fellow colleagues to join me in appre- Today, Lieutenant Hess continues to serve Senior High School, she sought higher edu- ciation for his accomplishments. in the Coast Guard at Air Station Kodiak, Alas- cation and attended the Miami Dade Commu- f ka as a MH–60 Jayhawk Aircraft Commander. nity College. Following her academic endeav- His wife, Kimberly, is also a Coast Guard pilot, ors, Bishop Harris was employed at the Tur- HONORING THE VETERANS OF and they have four children. key Point Nuclear Plant for numerous years FOREIGN WARS WILLIE Mr. Speaker, I am proud to rise in honor of before hearing the call from God to embrace BARRAZA POST 9173 Lieutenant John Hess, who perfectly exempli- full-time ministry in the Lord’s Church. fies the highest standards of the United States After being licensed and ordained an Elder HON. BETO O’ROURKE Coast Guard. I ask my colleagues to join me by the House of God Saints in Christ, Inc., OF TEXAS in recognizing this distinguished member of Bishop Harris led the congregation of the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Greater St. Matthews Holiness Church where our Armed Services and wishing him the best Wednesday, February 3, 2016 of luck in his future endeavors. she extended the church name to include and f embrace the ‘‘Temple of Love’’. In October of Mr. O’ROURKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in 1997, Bishop Harris became the Shepherd of honor and recognition of the Veterans of For- IN RECOGNITION OF STAN MOR- Greater St. Matthews Holiness Church and eign Wars Willie Barraza Post 9173 in my dis- TON UPON RECEIVING THE DR. communicated to her congregation a message trict of El Paso, Texas. The Post was founded BETTYE MYERS HUMANITARIAN of dependence on the Word of the Lord. in 1949 and is named after Mr. Willie Barraza, AWARD Bishop Irene Staggers Harris has dedicated an Army Sergeant from an area in El Paso her life to the Call of God. Her invaluable con- known as Smeltertown who went Missing in HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS tributions to the Miami-Dade community serve Action during World War II. Smeltertown is OF TEXAS as the embodiment of her selflessness. I com- tied to El Paso as a historical location where IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES mend Bishop Harris for her unyielding commit- workers of the American Smelting and Refin- ment to the word of God and love for all peo- ing Company (ASARCO) resided and from Wednesday, February 3, 2016 ple. She will undoubtedly continue to serve where many of these workers decided to Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to admirably as the president of the South East serve our country during WWII. The Willie recognize and congratulate Stan Morton on re- Dade Ministerial Alliance. Barraza Post is an important veteran service ceiving the United Way Dr. Bettye Myers Hu- f organization that has a longstanding tradition manitarian Award for his service to the local of aiding veterans, their families and the El community. RECOGNIZING JIM HARRIGER FOR Paso community. Prior to his retirement last month, Stan Mor- HIS LEADERSHIP OF THE VIC- The Willie Barraza Post is a leader among ton served as the President of Texas Health TORY MISSION OF SPRINGFIELD, El Paso’s veteran service organization com- Presbyterian Hospital, Denton since March MO munity, with 300 members dedicated to serv- 2003. His impact in the community rivals his ing Veterans, Active Duty, Reservists and their accomplishments as the leader of the hospital. HON. BILLY LONG families as well as others in my district. The Stan served on the board of directors for OF MISSOURI Post has helped fund and organize the VFW United Way of Denton County for nine years, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Voice of Democracy essay contest in the El is a past board chair and, upon completing his Paso region, providing scholarships for stu- Wednesday, February 3, 2016 service on the board, was honored with the dents and a chance for these students to com- distinction of Lifetime Member. Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pete and showcase their writing talents at the In addition to serving as United Way of Den- thank Jim Harriger for his role in leading the state and national levels. ton County’s board chair, Stan also served as Victory Mission of Springfield, Missouri, for the The Willie Barraza Post also works to en- the 2006 Campaign Chair. Under Stan’s lead- last 23 years. sure that Service Members at Fort Bliss are ership, the organization reached the $2 million The Victory Mission is a non-denominational supported. Recently, the Post adopted a regi- fundraising threshold for the first time in the ministry which offers educational and emer- ment from Fort Bliss and corresponded with organization’s history. gency services to the community of Spring- these Soldiers while they were stationed in Af- While serving on the Health Services of field. The ministry offers rehabilitative and con- ghanistan. Members also honor Active Duty North Texas Board of Directors, Stan was in- ciliatory services, as well as providing food Service Members with welcome back and strumental in positioning them to successfully and education for those struggling with finan- farewell picnics. apply for Federally Qualified Health Center cial turmoil. It is a certified member of the na- I am proud to know that great veteran serv- designation. tional Association of Gospel Rescue Missions ice organizations such as Veterans of Foreign Recipients of this prestigious Dr. Bettye and has been a pillar of the Springfield com- Wars Willie Barraza Post 9173 are present in Myers Humanitarian Award are dedicated to munity since its founding in 1976. my district. The Post strives year-after-year to helping others and promoting human welfare Under Harriger’s leadership, the Victory Mis- honor veterans, care for America’s Service and have shown active engagement in the sion has expanded and improved in significant Members and their families at Fort Bliss and community. I would like to congratulate Stan ways. He was instrumental in the establish- support our community, and for that I thank Morton who is well deserving of this award ment of the Victory Trade School, which has them. and thank him for his tireless service to our helped countless citizens on their way to ob- f community. taining a productive career. The Mission has IN RECOGNITION OF THOMAS P. f also drastically expanded their ability to help the needy in Springfield, feeding thousands of RUFER UPON HIS RETIREMENT PASTOR IRENE STAGGERS HARRIS hungry people and offering a safe and sup- FROM THE UNIVERSITY OF portive environment for those who needed NORTH TEXAS HON. CARLOS CURBELO help in their daily lives. OF FLORIDA Jim retired from his position as Executive HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Director of the Victory Mission after a 23-year OF TEXAS career. Far from being the type of man to sit IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wednesday, February 3, 2016 idly in retirement, Jim believes that his next Mr. CURBELO of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I step in life will be just as exciting as his time Wednesday, February 3, 2016 rise today to recognize Pastor Irene Staggers with the Victory Mission, and will likely involve Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Harris. Pastor Irene Staggers Harris was can- helping others improve their lives. recognize and thank Thomas P. Rufer for his onized a Bishop in December of 2013 and has Mr. Speaker, Jim Harriger is not only a dedi- service at the University of North Texas since been selected as the first woman president of cated member of the Springfield community, his arrival in August of 2006. Retiring as Asso- the South East Dade Ministerial Alliance. but an embodiment of the ideals that we hold ciate Vice President of Auxiliary Services, God placed Bishop Harris in a position to dear in Missouri. He has demonstrated com- Tom, as he is known on campus, has been re- make a difference in her family, her church, passion, a commitment to helping his fellow sponsible for the leadership and management

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