E1966 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks December 19, 2012 founded by their ancestors 142 years ago has hired by David G. Volkert as a project engi- Sixth District of North Carolina, just won its contributed to our society. neer in 1960. third straight state high school football cham- The most notable member of the family was Over the last five decades, Mr. King has wit- pionship. This time, however, the title capped Colonel John Stevens III. During the Revolu- nessed many changes in the Mobile- a perfect 15–0 season. tionary War, he was appointed to be a captain headquartered engineering company which On December 1, 2012, the Nighthawks of in Washington’s Army at age twenty-seven. has grown to become one of the top-ranked Northern Guilford High School defeated Char- Later he was promoted to Colonel, and col- engineering, planning, and environmental con- lotte Catholic 64–26 to capture its third con- lected taxes for the American cause as Treas- sulting firms in the United States. secutive NCHSAA Class 3–AA championship. urer of New Jersey. After the war in 1784, he Keith served as president from 1983 until Senior T.J. Logan led the way by rushing for purchased land that is now Hoboken, and in- 2007 and CEO until 2011. Volkert, Inc. has an unbelievable 510 yards and scoring eight cludes the current campus for Stevens Insti- grown continuously and opened operations touchdowns. This was the third straight title for tute of Technology. centers in 11 States employing over 600 asso- longtime Head Coach Johnny Roscoe. In In 1798, Colonel Stevens was the first in- ciates. 2010, Northern Guilford went 14–2 to win the ventor to build and sail a steamboat on the As an accomplished professional engineer, first championship. In 2011, the Nighthawks Hudson River. The Colonel’s boiler design, his licensed in eight States, Keith King has ob- completed a 14–1 season to secure its second twin screw propellers, and the steam ferry he tained national recognition for many of the straight title. This year, no one stopped the ran between Hoboken and New York were projects he has engineered and managed. He Nighthawks on the way to a 15–0 season that among his many outstanding ‘‘firsts.’’ His was Chief Engineer for the Interstate 10 Twin culminated in their third crown in three years. steam ship, the Phoenix, captained by his son Bridges over Mobile Bay, which was named What is left for Northern Guilford to accom- Robert was also the first steamship to sail the one of the Ten Outstanding Engineering ocean, in 1809. On land, Colonel Stevens pur- plish following this three-year run? I’m sure Achievements of 1978 by the National Society Coach Roscoe, always the perfectionist, could chased the first American locomotive, the of Professional Engineers (NSPE). ‘‘John Bull.’’ The John Bull is now on display point to many areas for improvement during He was principal-in-charge of the Alabama the season and the title contest. But it is hard at the Smithsonian Museum in Washington, State Docks’ McDuffie Coal Export Facility DC. to argue against perfection. I think Ed Hardin, Project, which in 1984 received the Engineer- the outstanding sports columnist for the The Colonel’s sons also developed an apti- ing Excellence Award from the American Con- tude for innovative engineering. His son Rob- (Greensboro) News & Record stated it best: sulting Engineers Council of Alabama. ‘‘We might never see anything like this again ert invented the T-rail for railroads, which is In 1992, Volkert’s Cochrane/Africatown still in use today on railroads throughout the in these parts,’’ Hardin wrote, ‘‘and in the com- U.S.A. Bridge over the Mobile River was ing years we’ll look back and debate about world. Robert also invented the ferry slip, a named one of the Outstanding Engineering supporting iron rod for projecting guard beams this team. Was it the best we ever saw? Was Achievements by NSPE and received the Fed- the remarkably talented (T.J.) Logan the best on steamboats, and made several other im- eral Highway Administration Award of Excel- provements to ferries and steamboats. A sec- player we ever produced in Guilford County? lence. You could make that argument. The game ond son, Edwin A. Stevens, founded the uni- All three of these projects are in the State versity as a part of his estate. Edwin built and played out like the season. Fast start, con- of Alabama Engineering Hall of Fame. Mr. founding moments and then brilliance.’’ operated New Jersey’s first railroad. His ex- King, himself was inducted in 2001 and That brilliance was a team effort all the way periments also resulted in the iron-clad war- Volkert, Inc. was honored in 2002. and led by Coach Roscoe, who has been ship. A third son, John Cox Stevens, was a Keith has worked hard to improve the areas around football for four decades. Coach Ros- sailor and joined the syndicate that built the of licensure, continuing professional develop- coe was ably assisted by Brian Thomas, Ben schooner ‘‘America’’ and became the first win- ment, ethical standards, and professionalism. Hepler, Richard Burton, Todd Sharp, Lee ner of the famed America’s Cup racing series. His involvement includes two terms on the Meekins, Chris Vaughan, Chris Harris, and He also founded the New York Yacht Club Alabama Licensure Board, the Business Justin Davis. All of these coaches will tell you and this year was inducted into the Yachting Council of Alabama (Chairman, 2000–2001); that the Nighthawks’ perfect season was also Hall of Fame, on October 13, 2012 at a cere- Alabama Society of Professional Engineers due to the fine efforts provided by Team Train- mony held in New Orleans, Louisiana. (President); National Society of Professional er Justin Ollis, Assistant Trainer Valerie Smith, Other notable Stevens family descendants Engineers (NSPE) (Vice President-Southeast; Team Physician Kirstin Shepperson and Team throughout the years include former Member Chairman, National Membership Committee Managers Jenne Livingston, Sydney Monroe, of Congress, Millicent Fenwick (R–NJ), who and Licensure and Qualifications for Practice Taylor Phillips, Ashlyn Thomas, and Mercedes was also appointed by President Reagan as Committee); Fellow Member of American Soci- Wiglesworth, along with Ball Boy Britt Thomas. the first U.S. Ambassador to the Food and Ag- ety of Civil Engineers and NSPE; Member of riculture Organization in Rome, a U.S. Ambas- the American Consulting Engineers Council. Every one of the 2012 champion Night- sador to Spain, a casualty and a survivor from He remains actively involved with Auburn hawks can take pride in the completion of this the Lusitania, a member of the first class of University, where he has chaired the Auburn perfect season. They include: Tre Purcell, C.J. the Naval Academy in Annapolis, the current Alumni Engineering Council and served on the Freeman, Brett Welch, Cameron Harris, Mook CEO of Habitat for Humanity International and Auburn University Board of Directors. Reynolds, Robert Willcox, T.J. Logan, AJ more. On behalf of the people of south Alabama, Love, Nick Jones, Austin Coltrane, Justin Wal- I applaud the John Stevens Family for all of I extend heartfelt congratulations to Keith and lace, Daniel Kelly, Matt Page, Burney Sindab, their contributions and ask my colleagues to his lovely wife, Julia, as well as their entire Tucker Hord, Molick Scott, Chris Ripberger, join me in recognizing their great accomplish- family. Additionally, I wish them both a long Malik Parker, Matthew McGarry, Max May- ments. I wish them all continued success and and happy retirement, including plenty of nard, Rory Bergen, Bernard Sindab, T.J. Ruff, thank them for their dedication to making New deep-sea fishing. Josh Parker, Johnny Loflin, Jacob King, Ryan Jersey and our country greater for future gen- Johnston, Nick Fryer, Mason Monroe, f erations. TyShawn Reese, Austin Simmons, Josh Cov- f CONGRATULATING THE NIGHT- ington, Max Klietsch, Dylan Hakala, Trey HAWKS OF NORTHERN GUILFORD French, Eric Hong, Josh Steele, Kamen Smith, TRIBUTE TO KEITH KING HIGH SCHOOL Chris Forlano, Trevor McKee, Steven Branz, Jalen Hollins, Malik Hampton-Prioleau, An- HON. JO BONNER drew Keen, John Wagoner, Tristen Simmons, OF ALABAMA HON. HOWARD COBLE OF NORTH CAROLINA Alex Hasler, Carlos Williams, Terrell Headen, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Bret Unkel, and Duncan Taylordean. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wednesday, December 19, 2012 A winning season also requires support Wednesday, December 19, 2012 Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recog- from school administrators and leaders and nize and congratulate a distinguished member Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, there is an old Northern Guilford has a winning team there, of the Alabama business community, Mr. Keith saying that goes, the ‘‘third time is a charm.’’ too. Congratulations are appropriate for Prin- King, P.E., who is soon to retire from Volkert In the case of the football team at Northern cipal Will Laine, Assistant Principals Doug & Associates, Inc., after 52 years of service. Guilford High School, the new expression Foutty and Travis Ward, and Athletic Director A 1958 graduate of Auburn University’s should be, the ‘‘third time is perfection.’’ That Brian Thomas. All can take pride in three School of Civil Engineering, Keith King was is because this football team, located in the straight state championships.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:24 Dec 20, 2012 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K19DE8.004 E19DEPT1 smartinez on DSK6TPTVN1PROD with December 19, 2012 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1967 Last, but far from least, we have to mention In his best-selling 1998 book, The Greatest Rollcall 630—On Motion to Suspend the Nighthawk Nation. I am sure that everyone as- Generation, former NBC Television anchor Rules and Agree to the Senate Amendment— sociated with the football team will tell you that Tom Brokaw told the story of what he believed ‘‘yes.’’ Northern Guilford’s formidable fan base was the greatest generation any society has f spurred them on to victory. No doubt that the ever produced. ‘‘. . . These men and women students, parents, faculty, staff, and sup- fought not for fame and recognition, but be- IN TRIBUTE TO HOWARD AND porters of Northern Guilford football are beam- cause it was the right thing to do. When they SUSAN GROFF ing with pride following a third state champion- came back they rebuilt America into a super- ship. power.’’ HON. ELTON GALLEGLY The seniors on this team will move on to Harry Mason was a product of that historic OF CALIFORNIA their next adventures. For the returning Night- generation; a native of Southwest Alabama, a IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES hawks, I am sure they have already begun hardworking local businessman, and citizen Wednesday, December 19, 2012 their dreams of four in a row. If that happens, who stepped up to serve his country and his Mr. GALLEGLY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in trib- I plan to be back here again next year offering home town because it was the right thing to ute to my good friends, entrepreneurs and pa- my own congratulations. For now, on behalf of do. triots Howard and Susan Groff. the citizens of the Sixth District of North Caro- As an assistant engineer in the Merchant The Groffs have owned Northwest Exca- lina, we congratulate and thank the football Marine during World War II, Harry was aboard vating Co., Inc. since the 1960s. Howard’s fa- team at Northern Guilford High School for the S.S. Sea Porpoise when it landed 3,000 ther, Bob Groff, founded the company in 1959 showing us how perfection can be achieved. troops on the beaches of Normandy during the under the name ‘‘Northwest Compaction.’’ The The third time is a charm indeed. second wave of the famous D–Day invasion to company started out modestly, with two back- f liberate France. On July 5, 1944, the S.S. Sea hoes, an Arrow hammer, a skiploader, and a Porpoise was damaged by a German mine. Gradall. RECOGNIZING THE REPUBLIC OF The ship’s complement of 159 crew and pas- During the first few years, Northwest fo- CHINA (TAIWAN) FOR CONTRIBU- sengers, including Harry, were uninjured and cused primarily on renting equipment and op- TIONS TO THE RECONSTRUCTION the ship survived. erators to local grading and sewer contractors. EFFORTS FOR THE NE COAST OF When he returned stateside to civilian life, The company prospered during the 1960s due THE U.S. like so many others of our ‘‘Greatest Genera- to the ever-increasing construction throughout tion’’ Harry eagerly rejoined the workforce Southern California. While maintaining a con- HON. YVETTE D. CLARKE helping his father run the family business. He servative approach towards growth, the com- OF NEW YORK invested his life and his heart in Pine Hill, and pany slowly added equipment to its fleet. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES according to a recent article in the Thomasville During the mid- to late 1960s, Howard and Times, Harry wouldn’t have had it any other Wednesday, December 19, 2012 Sue bought the company. Howard often way. ‘‘Except for the war, I never even enter- worked as equipment operator, mechanic, Ms. CLARKE of New York. Mr. Speaker, I tained a thought of going somewhere else,’’ lowbed driver, or anything else that needed to rise today to recognize the Republic of China he told the paper. be done, while Sue managed the finances. (ROC), also known as Taiwan. Immediately It wasn’t long before Harry turned his pas- Howard, much like his father before him, un- after Hurricane Sandy hit the the Northeast sion to public service, first as a member of the dertook a conservative management approach coast on October 29th and 30th, many foreign Wilcox County Board of Education during the toward the company. During the late 1960s governments and non-governmental organiza- tumultuous 1960s and 70s. In 1991, he left his and into the early 1970s, the company grew at tions offered generous help to the United family business of running the Economy Store a steady pace. States. The Republic of China government and instead ran for mayor. As a result of the company’s early experi- (Taiwan) offered $1.3 million to aid in relief Looking back at 20 years of leading his ence working for underground sewer contrac- and reconstruction efforts. town, he has much for which to be proud. An tors, Northwest began an underground utilities On November 16th Taiwan donated $1 mil- expansion of the Pine Hill’s water and sewer division. This division dug trenches for power lion to two charities, United Way International system and city limits come to mind. Perhaps and telephone lines by the foot, then backfilled and Habitat for Humanity International, two of most notably during his last year in office, and compacted the trenches. Howard did all the leading relief agencies. The rest of the Pine Hill landed one of the largest industries the estimating and ran most of the jobs. He is funds were distributed to the state govern- to come to Southwest Alabama in years. Harry now acting CEO while his son Robert has ments of New York and New Jersey, which joined state and local officials in welcoming taken over the daily management duties. Sue were among the hardest hit areas. Golden Dragon Copper to the Pine Hill area in has stepped aside from the financial end. A ceremony marking the transfer of funds to February. When completed, this new factory is Howard and Sue owned and operated, the two charities was held in Washington, DC, expected to employ 300 workers with the po- along with their son Michael, Northridge on December 6, 2012. On behalf of the cur- tential to reach 500. Equipment Rental in five locations in Cali- rent 11th Congressional District, soon to be An active presence in the community, Mayor fornia, which they sold in 2005. The Groffs the 9th Congressional district of New York, I Harry Mason has also served as a member of have also developed, owned, and managed recognize the ROC for their generous con- the board of the Bank of Pine Hill. However, office and industrial buildings throughout the tribution and show of good will towards the of all his many accomplishments, Harry points San Fernando Valley. United States. As parts of the Northeast coast to his 20 years’ service as chief of the Pine For more than 30 years, the Groffs owned continue to rebuild, on behalf of my constitu- Hill Volunteer Fire Department as his greatest. their own auto racing teams with their sons as ents, I am grateful to those who have offered On behalf of the people of south Alabama, drivers, which included racing in the Indy 500 their assistance. I thank the ROC and look for- I wish Harry and his wonderful wife, Mittie, the for several years. Howard and Sue also are ward to continuing a long lasting and fruitful very best for a well-deserved and duly-earned major supporters of our military and veterans friendship. retirement. and have been a major sponsor of my U.S. f f Rep. Elton Gallegly and Friends Operation Toy Drop at Naval Base Ventura County. In TRIBUTE TO MAYOR HARRY PERSONAL EXPLANATION addition to voting in every election, they also MASON actively support candidates who share their HON. PAUL RYAN fiscal conservative convictions. HON. JO BONNER OF WISCONSIN In addition to their sons Michael and Robert, OF ALABAMA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Howard and Sue have a daughter, Debra, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES seven grandchildren, and four great-grand- Wednesday, December 19, 2012 children. Wednesday, December 19, 2012 Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, yes- Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues join me Mr. BONNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor terday, I missed rollcall votes 629 and 630. in paying tribute to my friends Howard and the contributions of a remarkable public serv- Had I been present, I would have cast the fol- Susan Groff for proving that conservative ant and dear friend, Mayor Harry Mason. In lowing votes: growth can build successful businesses and November, Mayor Mason retired after 20 Rollcall 629—On Motion to Suspend the for proving their love for America by their gen- years as chief executive of Pine Hill, Alabama. Rules and Pass—‘‘yes.’’ erosity to our military men and women and by

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