E1984 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks November 18, 2010 THE SOCIAL SECURITY WIDOWS ognize the recipients of the 2010 Volunteer of Spencer Disher was born in Darlington, AND SPOUSAL PROTECTION ACT the Year Awards. South Carolina, and graduated as Salutatorian NOVACO is committed to helping homeless of his class at Mayo High School. He earned HON. CHELLIE PINGREE victims of domestic violence become healthy, a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry OF MAINE secure, and self-sufficient. Victims of domestic from South Carolina State College, now Uni- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES violence often feel that they have no safe versity, and entered Meharry Medical College place to turn. Fear, financial uncertainty, and in Nashville in 1956. Following graduation, he Thursday, November 18, 2010 the feeling of isolation often imprison these trained for a year at Kate B. Reynolds Hospital Ms. PINGREE of Maine. Madam Speaker, I victims in abusive environments. When a vic- and served two years in the U.S. Army. While am here today to introduce a bill that address- tim breaks free, he or she can too easily end serving as an Army Captain, Dr. Disher was es a serious problem that affects many retired up homeless and alone. the Chief Physician for the Pentathlon athletes federal and state employees in Maine and Domestic violence affects every racial, eth- on the U.S. Olympic Team. across the nation. nic, and socio-economic group. Many of us In 1963, Dr. Disher returned to South Caro- Public servants have performed incredibly know a friend, neighbor, or family member lina and began his medical practice in Orange- important services for their communities and who has been victimized. More than 15 million burg. He has also served as the college physi- country, but sadly many are being driven into children in the United States live in families in cian at Voorhees College, Denmark Technical poverty because of the Government Pension which partner violence occurred at least once College and Claflin University, where he cur- Offset, GPO. Of the 5,300 workers in Maine in the past year. Each day, 3 women die as rently serves as Medical Director of Student subject to this provision, 3,700 lose all of their a result of domestic violence. More than 1 in Health Services. He also holds the position of Social Security widows or spousal benefits to 4 women will be the victim of domestic abuse State Grand Medical Director for the Masons the GPO. I just don’t think that’s fair for people in her lifetime; more than 3 of 4 Americans of South Carolina. who have devoted years to public service. know someone who has been victimized. In addition to practicing medicine, Dr. Disher The effects of the current Government Pen- For more than a decade NOVACO has pro- has been very involved in organizations that sion Offset formula are most dramatic on vided critical services to homeless families support and advance the profession. He has lower income women—79% of beneficiaries who have escaped domestic abuse and who served as the Chair of the Grants and Pro- posal Committee of the Board of Trustees of affected by the GPO are women. After raising are seeking to rebuild their lives and become the National Medical Association, and is a their families and serving the public, these self-sufficient. Assistance is provided in many member of South Carolina Board of Medical women are devastated by losing most or all of areas including transitional and permanent Examiners. He was the Chief of Staff at The their Social Security benefits after the already housing, counseling, childcare, education, job Regional Medical Center in Orangeburg. For overwhelming loss of their spouses to death or training, and life skills classes. Through the ro- divorce. eleven years, Dr. Disher served as chair of the bust support of area businesses and church- Executive Board of the Palmetto State Medical The legislation I am proposing is targeted at es, NOVACO has grown into a leader in lifting out of poverty those hardest hit by the Dental Pharmaceutical Association, PMDPA. breaking the cycle of domestic violence. He also served as president of the PMDPA in GPO. It would eliminate the GPO for bene- NOVACO has initiated a number of innova- ficiaries whose combined monthly pension and 1975. He chaired the Public Health and Con- tive programs that have resulted in significant sumer Affairs Committee of the National Med- Social Security widows or spousal benefits be- advancements for those in need. Their ‘‘Good fore offset is less than half the maximum So- ical Association, NMA, for over a decade. Neighbor’’ program connects client families Dr. Disher is currently a member of the cial Security benefit. Others would see a grad- with sponsors to assist them in transitioning to Meharry Medical College Board of Trustees, uated Government Pension Offset. Under this self sufficiency. Through the financial manage- and has been a staunch advocate of the formula, no one would see a reduction in their ment courses, women have learned how to school. Two of his sons have graduated from Social Security benefits and those in the lower manage their financial affairs, addressing one Meharry. He has established the Spencer C. incomes would have benefits raised to a liv- of the most daunting aspects of escaping do- Disher, Jr., M.D. Endowed Scholarship to en- able rate. mestic abuse. able students from South Carolina to pursue I am pleased that the legislation has earned NOVACO is strengthened by the dedication their dream of studying for Medical, Dental or the support of both the Maine Education Asso- of its volunteers. I am honored to recognize a Doctorate Degree in the Biomedical ciation and the Maine State Employees Asso- the following 2010 Volunteers of the Year: Sciences at Meharry Medical College. ciation. Lorraine Noel, President of the Maine Volunteer of the Year: Joen Schultz Dr. Disher has been recognized by many or- Federation of Chapters for the National Active Volunteer Group of the Year: Gracing ganizations including Alpha Phi Alpha and and Retired Federal Employees Association, Spaces Omega Psi Phi Fraternities. He is a member states, ‘‘This legislation is a good first step in Volunteer Business of the Year: Brookfield of the New Mount Zion Baptist Church. In ad- addressing the injustices caused by the Gov- Homes dition to his many professional affiliations, he ernment Pension Offset.’’ Outstanding Community Support Award: is a 33rd Degree Mason, a Shriner, and a Make no mistake, I remain committed to King of Kings Lutheran Church member of the NAACP. Dr. Disher is married completely repealing the GPO and the Wind- Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues to the former Annette Moorer, and is the father fall Elimination Provision, and have cospon- join me in recognizing NOVACO, its volun- of eight children. sored a bill to do so. But in a struggling econ- teers and other supporters for their tireless Madam Speaker, I ask you and my col- omy, measures to overturn these offsets are work on behalf of so many who feel stranded leagues to join me in celebrating the wonderful difficult. I hope this incremental reform will al- and powerless. NOVACO is making a dif- professional contributions of Dr. Spencer leviate the worst effects on those most dam- ference in our community, and I pledge to Disher. He has distinguished himself as doctor aged by the Government Pension Offset and continue working with NOVACO and similar who cares not only for the patient but for the bring our vulnerable public servants out of organizations to put an end to domestic community as a whole. He has been a tre- poverty. abuse. mendous leader and a consummate profes- Please join me in supporting the Social Se- f sional throughout his career, and I am proud curity Widows and Spousal Protection Act of to call him a friend. I wish him Godspeed in TRIBUTE TO SPENCER C. DISHER, 2010. We should not have someone’s years of retirement and know that he will continue to JR. M.D. public service be the cause of their poverty. play an important part in the Orangeburg com- f munity for years to come. HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN f RECOGNIZING NOVACO AND THE OF SOUTH CAROLINA RECIPIENTS OF THE 2010 VOLUN- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HONORING THE REPUBLIC OF TEER OF THE YEAR AWARDS Thursday, November 18, 2010 TURKEY’S 87TH REPUBLIC DAY HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY Mr. CLYBURN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding physi- HON. GERALD E. CONNOLLY OF VIRGINIA OF VIRGINIA cian and community leader as he retires and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES enters a new phase of his life. Dr. Spencer Thursday, November 18, 2010 Disher of Orangeburg, South Carolina, has Thursday, November 18, 2010 Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speak- served the medical profession and his commu- Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speak- er, I rise today to honor NOVACO and to rec- nity admirably for half a century. er, as a co-chair of the Congressional Caucus

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CONNOLLY Kemal Ataturk and his successors, Turkey North was buried in Wellfleet, Massachu- OF VIRGINIA transformed itself into a modern, secular state setts. During the ceremony, Air Force fighter IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES allied with the democracies of Europe and the jets streaked over Pleasant Hill Cemetery in a Americas. This alliance is enshrined in Tur- final salute. I now ask my colleagues to rise Thursday, November 18, 2010 key’s NATO membership, as evidenced in the with me so that we too may honor Brigadier Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Madam Speak- logistical and reconstruction efforts Turkey has General Kenneth North, a true American hero. er, I rise today to recognize St. Ambrose undertaken in Iraq and Afghanistan. f Catholic School for being named by the United In light of changing geopolitical develop- States Department of Education as a recipient ments, there have been questions about Tur- HONORING PAUL KELLEY of a 2010 Blue Ribbon School of Excellence key’s commitment to its friends in recent Award. years. While there may be bumps in the road HON. LYNN C. WOOLSEY The Blue Ribbon School award honors pub- in any friendship, differences that may exist OF CALIFORNIA lic and private elementary, middle and high between Turkey and the United States on cer- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES schools that have helped close the achieve- tain issues are evidence of mature and Thursday, November 18, 2010 ment gap and whose students attain and healthy democracies having differences of maintain high academic goals. The program is opinion. The bilateral relationship is still under- Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, I rise part of a larger Department of Education effort girded by the same long-term goals of peace, today with my colleague Congressman MIKE to identify and disseminate knowledge about security and prosperity. THOMPSON to recognize Paul Kelley who is re- best school leadership and teaching practices. I am confident that the relationship between tiring after 16 years as a member of the Each year since 1982, the U.S. Department of our two peoples will stand the tests of time, Sonoma County Board of Supervisors. Con- Education has sought out schools where stu- given our shared ideals. Moreover, our ties gressman THOMPSON and I have the distinct dents attain and maintain high academic are cemented by the presence and contribu- privilege of representing Sonoma County and goals, including those that beat the odds. This tions of over 150,000 Turkish Americans, both of our tenures in the House have coin- year St. Ambrose is one of only 314 schools whose ranks are growing every year. Through cided with Mr. Kelley’s tenure on the Board of nationwide, public and private, to receive this diverse fields ranging from music to science— Supervisors. award and is the only school in the 11th Con- and increasingly through politics—Turkish Supervisor Kelley represents the northern- gressional District of Virginia to be so honored Americans contribute to the vibrancy, health, most supervisorial district in Sonoma County, this year. and advancement of our society. We are fortu- which is home to one of the finest wine grape- Quality education is an important compo- nate to have them as our fellow citizens. growing and wine-producing regions in the nent to our community in Northern Virginia, In closing, my congratulations again to all world. His support of agriculture and agri- and it gives me great pride to represent a Turks everywhere on the commemoration of culture-related industries is deep seated. He school as committed and effective at attaining the 87th Turkish Republic Day. grew up on a small farm outside of Santa high achievement goals. St. Ambrose is com- f Rosa and spent his summers as a youth work- mitted to teaching faith and life skills to stu- ing on neighboring ranches and farms in the dents from kindergarten through 8th grade. IN HONOR OF BRIGADIER area. As a supervisor, his work included help- Through rigorous academic programs, robust GENERAL KENNETH W. NORTH ing to bridge the gap between the water needs activities, excellent staff, and a committed of farmers and fisheries, in supporting meas- community, St. Ambrose exemplifies the HON. JOE COURTNEY ures that guaranteed that 22,000 acres in his strong fabric of our shared community here in OF CONNECTICUT district would be protected under the county’s Northern Virginia. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Agricultural Preservation and Open Space Dis- Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues trict acquisitions and encouraging businesses Thursday, November 18, 2010 join me in recognizing and congratulating Prin- and farmers to embrace green technology. cipal Barbara Dalmut, her staff, and the St. Mr. COURTNEY. Madam Speaker, I rise Supervisor Kelley also helped create new Ambrose Catholic school community for their today to honor Brigadier General Kenneth W. parks and recreational facilities throughout his efforts toward earning this prestigious award. North, who passed away on September 21, district, including the Boys & Girls Club in f 2010. Kenneth North fought for his country Windsor, and renovate existing youth facilities and survived seven years in a Vietnamese in Cloverdale, Healdsburg and Larkfield- TRIBUTE TO CAROLYN E. POW camp, and I am honored to stand in trib- Wikiup. DALLINGER ute to him. He was the key proponent of returning com- General North was born in 1930 in Rock- mercial air service to the Charles M. Schulz/ HON. TOM LATHAM ville, Connecticut, and graduated from the Uni- Sonoma County Airport. The regional airport OF IOWA versity of Connecticut in 1953. In 1974, he now has daily flights to four western cities. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES completed studies at the Naval War College at Supervisor Kelley’s special assignments on Newport, Rhode Island. In Vietnam, North the board included membership on the Thursday, November 18, 2010 served as a fighter pilot and flew 33 combat Sonoma County Transportation Authority, the Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today missions before being downed by enemy fire North Coast Rail Authority, the Water Agency to recognize Carolyn E. Dallinger of Huxley, on August 1, 1966. Committee, the Local Agency Formation Com- Iowa, as the recipient of the 2010 Iowa Pro- Kenneth North repeatedly faced down his mission (Chair), the Eel Russian River Com- fessor of the Year award. She was honored at tormenters during his seven years at the mission (Chair), the Redwood Empire Associa- a reception in Washington, D.C., on November Hanoi Hilton. North was often beaten and tor- tion, the North Coast Air Pollution Control Dis- 18. tured; he endured guards jacking his bound trict, the North Coastal Counties Supervisors’ The U.S. Professors of the Year program, arms behind his back until the shoulder joints Association, the Public Policy Facilitating which is sponsored by the Council for Ad- split. He suffered through these torturous ses- Committee, the Sonoma County Advertising vancement and Support of Education and the sions and defied his captors through bouts of Program, the Sonoma County Indian Gaming Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of solitary confinement. Local Community Benefit Program and the As- Teaching, is the only national program to rec- North, the son of a Vernon mill worker, was sociation of California Water Agencies (Presi- ognize excellence in undergraduate teaching released with 100 other POWs in August 1973 dent). and mentoring. and was the first man off the plane on March Madam Speaker, after 16 years of public Carolyn is currently an Assistant Professor 7 when he reunited with his family. service to the people of Sonoma, Paul Kelley of Social Work and Criminal Justice at Simp- General North’s military decorations and deserves to enjoy the riches of this new phase son College. She enjoys incorporating service awards include the Silver Star, Defense Supe- of his life as a water and transportation con- learning components within her classroom rior Service Medal, Legion of Merit with oak sultant. We wish him well. teaching whenever possible. An example of

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