E464 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 1, 2008 history as well as its 50 years of international ‘‘Peace Through Strength’’ for which he al- father. As Don Thompson’s son, Blaze fellowship. The college and its graduates have ways worked. Bill Dickinson’s legacy is still felt Thompson has inherited his Dad’s talent and not only made a positive impact within the on many fronts, but today he is often credited skill for winning. In his first year as head greater Kalamazoo community and the State with having laid the political foundation that coach of the Blue Devils, the team played the of Michigan, but throughout the entire Nation kept the Second Congressional District in Re- toughest opponents in its division and went and the world at large. publican hands for so long. I add my voice to undefeated, winning its 5th state champion- f those who mourn his passing and remember ship. Blaze has already earned the love and the dedication of this exemplary congressman. respect of his players, fellow coaches, TRIBUTE TO FORMER CONGRESS- f Pahokee’s citizens and everyone who enjoys MAN WILLIAM L. DICKINSON high school football. PERSONAL EXPLANATION Many of the boys Don and Blaze have HON. TERRY EVERETT coached have gone on to successful careers OF ALABAMA HON. HOWARD COBLE in professional football. As the first father and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF NORTH CAROLINA son to win Florida state championships with Tuesday, April 1, 2008 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES the same football team, it is fitting that Don was inducted into the Palm Beach County Tuesday, April 1, 2008 Mr. EVERETT. Madam Speaker, I rise today Sports Hall of Fame and Blaze named Coach to honor the memory of former Alabama Re- Mr. COBLE. Madam Speaker, on rollcall of the Year on the same night. I have no publican Congressman Bill Dickinson who Nos. 147, 148 and 149, I missed votes be- doubt that Blaze will one day follow his Dad passed away last night at the age of 82 after cause my flight was delayed. into the Hall. I am pleased that both of these an extended illness. As many of my col- Had I been present, I would have voted fine gentlemen and the team they coach call leagues will remember, Bill Dickinson rep- ‘‘nay’’ on 147; ‘‘yea’’ on 148; and ‘‘yea’’ on the 23rd District of Florida their home. I am resented Alabama’s Second Congressional 149. very proud of them. On behalf of the Members District for 28 years. Barbara and I send our f of the U.S. House of Representatives, I ap- heartfelt condolences to Bill’s wife, Barbara, plaud coaches Thompson and Thompson for HONORING JOSHUA DANIEL PIATT their children, Christopher, Michael, Tara and their service and commitment to the people of Bill, Jr. and the entire Dickinson family at this my district and throughout South Florida. We time of personal loss. HON. SAM GRAVES are all very proud of them. A native of Opelika, Alabama, and a former OF MISSOURI f city, county and state judge before coming to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Congress, Bill Dickinson was a Republican in HONORING THE CONTRIBUTIONS the Deep South when being a Republican was Tuesday, April 1, 2008 OF MARY TAVERNA ON HER RE- not popular. Bill Dickinson came to Wash- Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly TIREMENT ington in 1964 as part of the Goldwater sweep pause to recognize Joshua Daniel Piatt of of the Deep South and gained a reputation as Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Joshua is a very spe- HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY a formidable legislator and a strong conserv- cial young man who has exemplified the finest OF CALIFORNIA ative voice for southeast Alabama. He served qualities of citizenship and leadership by tak- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES during a time of momentous change in this ing an active part in the Boy Scouts of Amer- House, from civil rights movements and polit- ica, Troop 1220, and earning the most pres- Tuesday, April 1, 2008 ical upheavals of the 1960s, through Vietnam, tigious award of Eagle Scout. Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, I rise with Watergate, and the Reagan Revolution. Joshua has been very active with his troop, great pleasure today to honor a leader in my A Navy veteran, Bill Dickinson was a stal- participating in many scout activities. Over the district who has done so much to help the ter- wart in national defense and was Ronald Rea- many years Joshua has been involved with minally ill and their families face end-of-life gan’s point man on the House Armed Services scouting, he has not only earned numerous issues. Mary Taverna is retiring after more Committee where he was ranking member for merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- than 30 years with the organization now over a decade. As the committee’s leading ily, peers, and community. known as Hospice By the Bay. She leaves be- Republican he gave his support to President Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join hind an enduring legacy of hope and compas- Reagan’s defense build-up of the 1980s which me in commending Joshua Daniel Piatt for his sion to the people of Marin County, the San made America more secure. Upon his retire- accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of Francisco Bay area, and across the United ment after 14 terms on the Hill, Congressman America and for his efforts put forth in achiev- States. Dickinson listed his greatest accomplishments. ing the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. When she first began working as a nurse, After nearly three decades in office you can f Mary was concerned about the terminally ill be sure the list is long, but here are some of and the lack of adequate care, so it was a nat- the things he was proudest of. He saw avia- HONORING COACHES DON AND ural step in 1976 for her to join what was then tion become a permanent full-fledged branch BLAZE THOMPSON OF PAHOKEE, Hospice of Marin, which had been founded the of the Army and Fort Rucker become the per- FLORIDA previous year. At that time Hospice of Marin manent home of Army Aviation. Furthermore, was only the second hospice in the United he secured Federal funding to help construct HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS States, the first on the West Coast, and most the U.S. Army Aviation Museum at Fort OF FLORIDA Americans were unaware of what the hospice Rucker which bears his name. He was cred- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES mission was. In fact, even the health care in- ited with getting Pentagon approval for the use dustry resisted it. of the Apache attack helicopter in the first gulf Tuesday, April 1, 2008 Mary was instrumental in changing all that, war. The Apache fired the first shot in the war. Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Madam Speaker, teaching that hospice was a specially de- He oversaw the transformation of Gunter Air I rise today to honor Coaches Don and Blaze signed program to address the comprehensive Force Station in Montgomery to an Air Force Thompson, father and son, who are true living needs of the whole family system at the end base before merging it with Maxwell to legends in the city of Pahokee, Florida and of life, and that it was part of—not instead of— strengthen it. He also saw Maxwell restored to throughout Palm Beach County. the health care support team. Two years after a major 3 star command and the establish- Don Thompson has been a part of the coming to Hospice of Mann, Mary became ment of the Air Force School of Law and the Pahokee Middle/Senior High School Blue Dev- president of the organization. Under her lead- Senior NCO Academy for the entire Air Force ils football team since 1984. As head coach, ership, Hospice nurtured community relation- at Maxwell-Gunter. he led the team to its first state championship ships as well as they did the families they Bill Dickinson also took pride in securing the in 1989. In all the years since, he has been a served, including building a partnership with initial funding for the ongoing Outer Loop mentor, friend and very important role model management of both county hospitals. Hos- Interstate Connector south of Montgomery for the young men of Pahokee. Still an assist- pice of Marin is such a model that health care linking I–65 to I–85. This project is still under- ant coach of the team, Don Thompson is rec- providers come here for training from all parts way. With the collapse of the Berlin Wall, the ognized and respected around the state of of the United States. Warsaw Pact and the entire Soviet Union, he Florida as an expert at the sport of football. ‘‘I feel a great sense of pride in our organi- witnessed the validation of the concept of He is also a loving husband, father and grand- zation’s leadership and participation in hospice

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:58 Apr 02, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A01AP8.013 E01APPT1 smartinez on PRODPC60 with REMARKS April 1, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E465 history,’’ Mary once said. ‘‘Twenty-five years goods, Di Lauro Bakery is a place the commu- consin, Competitive Wisconsin, Inc., the State ago, we never imagined the number of Ameri- nity will be able to enjoy for many more years of Wisconsin Unemployment Compensation cans who would be touched by our efforts.’’ to come. Di Lauro’s has become a long-time Insurance Advisory Council, and the School A recognized expert and leader of the hos- neighborhood fixture and a community anchor. for Workers Labor Faculty Advisory Board. pice movement, Mary helped pioneer the ad- Di Lauro Bakery has always strived to pro- Red will retire to country living in Wisconsin to vocacy efforts for legislation that led to the in- vide the Syracuse community with the finest spend time with his wife Mutzie, two children troduction in Congress of the Medicare Hos- baked goods, and I am proud to recognize Rick and Judy, and 3 grandchildren Shawn, pice Benefit in 1982. This bill provided public them here today. I congratulate current own- Samantha, and Collin. UAW Local 833 will health care insurance coverage for hospice ers Paul and Valerie Wavercak, and their honor Red this weekend to commemorate a services, allowing clients to receive compas- dedicated staff, both past and present, on career marked by commitment and dedication. sionate care and hospices to sustain them- reaching this milestone. On behalf of the peo- The celebration will feature a friendly roast by selves financially. In 1986, the Medicare Hos- ple of the 25th District of New York, I thank those who have had the pleasure of knowing pice Benefit became permanent, eventually them for 100 years of service that has been and working with Red. leading to private insurance coverage, as well. and will continue to be such a positive asset For his hard work, leadership, and service To further ensure the sustainability of hos- to the community. to the State of Wisconsin, I join all of UAW pice care in Marin County, in 1997, Mary f Local 833 in saluting and thanking Red Platz. helped create—and became the president of— I wish Red health and happiness in retirement. PERSONAL EXPLANATION the Hospice of Marin Foundation. The founda- f tion’s mission is to provide philanthropic sup- port to Hospice operations. HON. BRUCE L. BRALEY HONORING STANTON WILL Both the foundation and the hospice pro- OF IOWA RAGLAND grams continued to grow, and over the past IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES few years expanded into San Francisco and Tuesday, April 1, 2008 HON. SAM GRAVES Sonoma counties, as well. Consequently, Hos- OF MISSOURI pice of Marin no longer described the organi- Mr. BRALEY. Madam Speaker, on rollcall IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES zation and 2 years ago, the name was 147, H.R. 3352, I was not present. If I had Tuesday, April 1, 2008 changed to Hospice By the Bay. been there, I would have voted ‘‘yes.’’ On roll- ‘‘In recent years, we were invited into our call 148, H.R. 2675, I was not present. If I had Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly neighboring communities to share our experi- been there, I would have voted ‘‘yes.’’ On roll- pause to recognize Stanton Will Ragland of ence and resources with other hospice com- call 149, H. Con. Res. 302, I was not present. Liberty, Missouri. Stanton is a very special munities,’’ Mary said of the change, adding If I had been there, I would have voted ‘‘yes.’’ young man who has exemplified the finest that it evolved from a desire to be more inclu- f qualities of citizenship and leadership by tak- sive of the bay area, rather than imply a geo- ing an active part in the Boy Scouts of Amer- HONORING THE RETIREMENT OF graphic exclusivity. ica, Troop 1374, and earning the most pres- RONALD ‘‘RED’’ PLATZ And truly, there has not been a geographic tigious award of Eagle Scout. exclusivity to the effects of Mary’s work. The Stanton has been very active with his troop, National Hospice Organization in 1995 named HON. TAMMY BALDWIN participating in many scout activities. Over the her ‘‘the individual who has done the most for OF WISCONSIN many years Stanton has been involved with hospice in the national and international level.’’ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES scouting, he has not only earned numerous Since then, she has been selected to help Tuesday, April 1, 2008 merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- guide that organization as chair of its board of ily, peers, and community. directors. Ms. BALDWIN. Madam Speaker, I rise Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join Madam Speaker, Mary Taverna’s dedication today to honor Ronald Platz, or ‘‘Red’’ as he me in commending Stanton Will Ragland for to hospice services, her leadership of Hospice is known best by friends and colleagues. Red his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of By the Bay and her continued work as chair retired from the UAW International Union on America and for his efforts put forth in achiev- of the board of the National Hospice Organiza- Monday, March 31, 2008 after more than 30 ing the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. tion have left an indelible mark not only on the years of leadership and loyal service to the f Sixth District and the San Francisco Bay area, community. Over the course of a tenacious CONGRATULATING THE JEWISH but on areas throughout the United States. career, Red made a profound and lasting im- HERALD-VOICE ON THEIR 100TH And that is why, Madam Speaker, I honor pact on Wisconsin state and local politics. ANNIVERSARY Mary Taverna on her retirement after more Red began working in the Engine Division of than 30 years of service to a cause forever in the Kohler Company in 1969. He soon trans- her debt. ferred to the Enamel Shop 3 years later. In HON. GENE GREEN 1977, Red was elected to serve as Divisional f OF TEXAS Steward for UAW Local 833. Red served IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN RECOGNITION OF THE 100TH AN- Local 833 for the next 24 years, holding the NIVERSARY OF DI LAURO BAK- positions of Chief Steward, Vice President, Tuesday, April 1, 2008 ERY OF SYRACUSE, NEW YORK and President. He also served as a full-time Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Madam Benefit and Safety Representative from 1990 Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Jew- HON. JAMES T. WALSH until 2001. In total, Red was instrumental in ish Herald-Voice on their 100th anniversary on OF NEW YORK negotiating six labor agreements between the April 20, 2008. The Jewish Herald-Voice is the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Kohler Company and Local 833. As a health longest continuously running Jewish news- and safety trainer for the UAW International paper in the Southwest and one of the oldest Tuesday, April 1, 2008 Union, Red led workshops throughout the in the country. Founded in 1908 as The Jew- Mr. WALSH of New York. Madam Speaker, United States on issues such as workplace ish Herald by local printer Edgar Goldberg, the I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary safety, hazardous chemical handling, and har- Jewish Herald-Voice has continued through of Di Lauro Bakery in Syracuse, New York. assment. the dedication of 3 owners. Through its pages, Founded by John Di Lauro in 1908, Di Red’s unwavering political spirit led him to the Jewish Herald-Voice connects the commu- Lauro Bakery has become an integral part of the Wisconsin State CAP–PAC Board where nity to important causes, large and small, call- the Syracuse community. Although the times he remained active for more than 20 years ing its readers to action, and especially by have changed since the bakery’s opening, the and served 6 years as Chairperson. In August connecting its readers to issues affecting Jew- recipe and baking procedure have not. The 2001, he was appointed to the UAW Region 4 ish communities around the world. same oven installed by Di Lauro in the 1950s International Staff as the CAP–PAC Coordi- Over the past several decades, the Jewish is used today, and customers go out of their nator for a six-state area that included Wis- Herald-Voice has been recognized for excel- way to buy bread from this fine bakery. By de- consin, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Da- lence in journalism and in design by the Texas livering consistency and quality, this Syracuse kota, Montana, and Wyoming. Red has served Press, the Texas Gulf Coast Press, the Hous- institution pleases its loyal customers, while on numerous executive boards including the ton Press Club, and American Jewish Press attracting new ones. With its great baked Wisconsin AFL–CIO, Citizen Action of Wis- associations. For its community service, the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:58 Apr 02, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A01AP8.017 E01APPT1 smartinez on PRODPC60 with REMARKS