May 23, 2013 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E729 officer, in addition to patrol and field training, President of the University. But what he has The dedication demonstrated by Sarah he was also assigned to the Crime Abatement embraced most is performing the most basic Boothby is exemplary of the type of achieve- Team. He led the team to a record number of duties of a C.S.C. priest: saying mass; assist- ment that can be attained with hard work and quality felony arrest and crime prevention ef- ing the needy and giving voice to the voice- perseverance. It is essential students at all forts. less; serving the poor and the abandoned, the levels strive to make the most of their edu- Captain Burk received promotions to Ser- hungry and the homeless. cation and develop a work ethic which will geant, Lieutenant and Captain, and currently Father Hesburgh was called to serve the fu- guide them for the rest of their lives. serves as the Coordinator of Line Operations. ture of our country through his leadership in I extend my deepest congratulations to In this capacity he has shaped and directed the field of higher education. He led Notre Sarah Boothby for winning the Arvada Wheat the Department’s Comparative Statistic Model Dame for an incredible 35 years, yet his im- Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. of data-driven policing, directed the campus print extended further than a single campus. I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedi- high visibility campaign, and restructured the He demonstrated how to transform Catholic cation and character in all of her future ac- Field Training Program for all incoming offi- universities into exemplary institutions of high- complishments. cers. er education in modern times. He championed f All the while, he has worked on various uni- academic freedom and the pursuit of aca- versity committees, including the Commence- demic excellence. He has earned 150 hon- HONORING MR. RODRIC J. MYERS ment Committee and Major Special Event Co- orary degrees, more than any other person in UPON THE OCCASION OF HIS RE- ordination Committee. In serving as Coordi- history. TIREMENT nator of Line Operations, he also managed the Father Hesburgh was called to serve to ad- additional duties of Coordination of Auxiliary vance the cause of human dignity and justice HON. CANDICE S. MILLER Functions, handling budget and grant manage- in our society. Appointed by President Eisen- OF MICHIGAN ment, and human resource functions. hower to the Civil Rights Commission in 1957, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Captain Burk has received 52 Letters of Ap- he would shine a light on the need for voting Wednesday, May 22, 2013 preciation from citizens, two Presidential rights in the south. He would become known Award for exceptional service to the Univer- as an architect of the Civil Rights Act. He Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, sity, a Lifesaving Award, 14 Commendations would find himself hand-in-hand with today Ranking Member ROBERT BRADY and I for outstanding police work, a Merit Award for Martin Luther King Jr. at Soldier Field in Chi- join together on behalf of the House of Rep- exceptional service to the department, and a cago, singing ‘‘We Shall Overcome’’—a photo- resentatives to pay tribute to Mr. Rodric J. Valor Award for Heroic service. I applaud his graph of which is proudly displayed in the Na- Myers, Director of House Garages and Park- career and wish him a wonderful retirement. tional Portrait Gallery. ing Security with the Sergeant at Arms, on the occasion of his retirement on June 14, 2013. f Known as ‘‘Father Ted’’ to many, he under- stood the purpose behind the call to service, Rod has served this institution with distinction HONORING FATHER THEODORE once charging a gnpup of graduates to ‘‘be for over 40 years—both as an officer with U.S. HESBURGH the kind of person who not only understands Capitol Police and with the Office of the Ser- the injustices of this life, but is also willing to geant at Arms. His capable guidance, trusted HON. do something about them.’’ That is what Fa- mentorship, and steady leadership have been OF CALIFORNIA ther Hesburgh has done every day for the invaluable assets not only to his staff and col- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES past 70 years. leagues, but to every Congressional office. A native of Indianapolis, Indiana, Rod Myers Wednesday, May 22, 2013 His students have been inspired by his mes- sage. Our country has been blessed by his joined the U.S. Capitol Police in June 1972. Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, seventy years leadership. The people have been strength- He both began and ended his career with the ago, a young man was ordained as a priest of ened by his presence. We are all grateful that U.S. Capitol Police in the Capitol Division, first the Congregation of Holy Cross and imme- he answered the call to serve. as a uniform patrol officer in and around U.S. diately volunteered to serve as a Navy Chap- On the 70th anniversary of his ordination Capitol, and eventually as the Administrative lain in World War II. At the time, duty to his and as we approach his 96th birthday, we Specialist for the entire Capitol Division. Rod church and commitments to his studies pre- know that Americans will long be blessed by was responsible for time and attendance for vented him from serving in the Navy. Yet ear- the legacy of Father Theodore Hesburgh. approximately 100 officers, the daily roster as- lier this year, Father Theodore Hesburgh fi- signment of officers, as well as working an as- f nally realized his dream: earning recognition signment of his own outside of his administra- as an Honorary Navy Chaplain. PERSONAL EXPLANATION tive duties. Rod was—as everyone who ever This honor paid tribute to Father Hesburgh’s worked with him will attest—the man who extraordinary contributions—as a patriot of our HON. made the trains run on time. His 29 years of country, as a leader of his Church, as a teach- OF service with the department were marked by a er and mentor, as a champion of the civil remarkable devotion to detail and a dem- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES rights movement. He has been recognized by onstration of professionalism in the highest de- American presidents from Eisenhower to Wednesday, May 22, 2013 gree. Obama. President Lyndon Johnson awarded Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, During Rod’s long tenure with the U.S. Cap- him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom; May 21, 2013, I was unable to vote. Had I itol Police he had the honor of working ten President Clinton presented him with the Con- been present, I would have voted as follows: Presidential Inaugurations, as well as 40 State gressional Gold Medal, the highest honor Con- on rollcall No. 164, ‘‘yea;’’ on rollcall No. 165, of the Union addresses. Needless to say, he gress can bestow. These all paid tribute to a ‘‘yea;’’ on rollcall No. 166, ‘‘yea.’’ had the opportunity to meet and greet numer- life that exemplified and gave meaning to the f ous dignitaries and heads of state over the Navy Chaplain motto: ‘‘vocati ad servitium’’— years, but perhaps his most cherished mo- ‘‘called to serve.’’ SARAH BOOTHBY ment was a visit by his beloved Dallas Cow- It is only fitting that Father Hesburgh would boys football team. Rod—being the U.S. Cap- be honored by the Navy, which has a rich his- HON. itol Police administrative specialist—got this tory with Notre Dame. As he has noted in the OF assignment himself. past, during World War II, ‘‘The Navy came in IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES On July 9, 2001, Rod was appointed Direc- and kept us afloat until the war was over,’’ tor of House Garages and Parking Security using the Notre Dame campus for the Mid- Wednesday, May 22, 2013 with the Sergeant at Arms. Throughout the shipmen’s School, constructing drill halls and Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise past 11 years, he has worked tirelessly to es- headquarters at the school, and building class- today to recognize and applaud Sarah tablish parking protocols and procedures that rooms on the site of what is now the Boothby for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge enhance both the safety and security of Mem- Hesburgh Library. Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Sarah bers and staff. Rod has crafted a comprehen- Father Hesburgh was called to serve his Boothby is an 8th grader at Mandalay Middle sive on-going training program for all Garages faith and his fellow Catholics. He would take School and received this award because her and Parking Security staff, coordinating with his first job at Notre Dame as chaplain for determination and hard work have allowed her the U.S. Capitol Police and the Office of the married veterans and would rise to serve as to overcome adversities. Attending Physician to ensure that his staff is

VerDate Mar 15 2010 06:55 May 24, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A22MY8.011 E23MYPT1 pwalker on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REMARKS E730 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks May 23, 2013 prepared for any eventuality. He has worked March Award, and the Houston Sun Beacon of lence, promoting character development, and closely with the Committee on House Adminis- Light: Men of Valor Award. providing information for families and youth. tration over the years concerning every facet Finally, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Robinson will be From Gang Awareness Workshops to of the House parking regulations. Rod is also missed dearly by a multitude of family and Merced County’s first anonymous ‘‘text a tip’’ involved in continuity and contingency plan- friends. This family includes his mother, Dorris line, the Task Force has contributed greatly to ning efforts for the Sergeant at Arms. Ellis Robinson; brother, Sirrod Robinson; two the Merced community. Organizations like this Rod Myers’ profound compassion and deep sisters, Shuronda and Dorcaus Robinson; as Task Force are critical to stopping our citizens commitment to this institution are second to well as a loving extended family. Mr. Robinson from becoming victims. none. From events such as 9/11 and the an- will be remembered in Houston as a thoughtful Congressman COSTA’S fellow member of the thrax incident, to an earthquake, his gentle na- and intelligent young man who used the prime California Delegation, Congresswoman DORIS ture always projects a sense of assurance and years of his life to make his community a bet- MATSUI, a particularly active member of the calm to all who encounter him. His leadership ter place. Caucus recognized a leader in her community, by example and an ability to motivate are f Michele Steeb. Ms. Steeb, the CEO of St. benchmarks in a long and distinguished ca- John’s Shelter Program for Women and Chil- reer. HONORING HEROES FOR VICTIMS dren in Sacramento received the Allied Profes- Please join me in commending the out- 2013 CONGRESSIONAL VICTIMS’ sional Award for her dedication. Under Ms. standing service of Mr. Rodric J. Myers, to the RIGHTS CAUCUS AWARDS Steeb’s guidance, St. John’s Shelter Program Congress of the and congratu- has expanded into more than just a safe place lating him on his retirement. We wish you well HON. TED POE for women and children but a program to help in all your future endeavors. OF TEXAS victims thrive. The unique assistance offered f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES like parenting classes, financial management classes, and on-the-job training empower the Wednesday, May 22, 2013 IN MEMORY OF MR. LONAL XELA victims under Ms. Steeb’s care to take on the ROBINSON Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, RAINN, world. Leaders like Michele Steeb transform Merced’s Community Violence Intervention the lives of crime victims. HON. and Prevention Task Force, Michele Steeb, Like Michele Steeb, Martha Herm runs a do- OF TEXAS Martha Herm, LaWanda Hawkins, and Su- mestic violence program with innovative, com- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES zanne Beaudoin are six selfless individuals munity-based components that have lead to and organizations that have changed the lives Wednesday, May 22, 2013 the betterment of Peoria, IL for years. Ms. of innumerable victims around the country. Herm is the Executive Director at the Center Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I Recently, the Congressional Victims’ Rights for the Prevention of Abuse, which she has would like to honor the memory of a gifted Caucus honored these very special advocates lead for many years. The Center for the Pre- young man and community servant, Mr. Lonal and organizations during our annual VRC vention of Abuse is well known and highly re- Xela Robinson. With exceptional skill and pur- Awards Ceremony for going above and be- garded in Congressman AARON SCHOCK’S dis- pose, he dedicated his life to helping those yond for victims. trict. To honor Ms. Herm’s leadership, Con- around him and enlightening his community Congressman and I serve as co- gressman SCHOCK nominated this hero to vic- through the arts. chairs of the Victims’ Rights Caucus. tims with the Ed Stout Memorial Award for Mr. Robinson was born in Champaign, Illi- I nominated RAINN, the Rape Abuse and Outstanding Victim Advocacy. This award hon- nois on June 24, 1979. His parents instilled Incest National Network, for the Suzanne ors the memory of Ed Stout, the Director of within him a love for community service and McDaniel Award for Public Awareness. Just Aid for Victims of Crime of St. Louis, MO—one an evident compassion for all of God’s crea- like Suzanne, RAINN has pioneered efforts in of the nation’s three oldest victim assistance tures. While in high school, Mr. Robinson the victims’ rights community. organizations—who died in 2005 following a achieved the prodigious feats of writing the RAINN was founded by my friend Scott 30+ year career of inspiring crime victims and play ‘‘CHANGE’’ for the National Association Berkowitz. It began with the creation of the those who serve them. of Negro Business and Professional Women’s National Sexual Assault Hotline and has Through Ms. Herm’s efforts, the Center has Club, Inc, as well as serving as vice president grown to assist and advocate for victims in a grown from serving mainly women and chil- in charge of programs for the organization. His variety of innovative ways. Although Scott is dren to serving all populations and working to play, ‘‘CHANGE,’’ won first place in a national from New Jersey, he’s a lot like a Texan, and stop violence before it starts. In the words of convention held in New York City, judged by that is why I respect him so much. Mike McCoy, the Sheriff of Peoria County, Broadway stage casts. Mr. Robinson later at- Scott and his organization RAINN do not ‘‘Martha Herm is a constant voice for those in tended Langston University where he distin- stop until they reach their goal. And their goal need.’’ guished himself further by founding the is to prevent sexual assault and serve the vic- LaWanda Hawkins is another one who Langston University Theatre and Drama Club, tims of this awful crime. RAINN never gave up helps those in need. Congresswoman KAREN as well as traveling the country doing mission advocating for the SAFER Act (Sexual Assault BASS nominated her for the Eva Murillo Un- work with the Wesley Foundation and United Forensic Evidence Reporting Act), a bill to end sung Hero Award. Ms. Hawkins is an inspira- Methodist Church. the rape kit backlog. This organization knows tion to her community and mothers around the After graduating college, Mr. Robinson went firsthand the importance of testing rape kits in country. on to lead and write for the Houston Sun. order to bring justice to victims and put per- I won’t forget the story Ms. Hawkins shared Under his leadership, the newspaper ex- petrators behind bars. Because of RAINN’s with us during the award ceremony. One day panded its presence and embarked on bold unceasing efforts, the SAFER Act was signed she was in her car, listening to a story on the community initiatives in Houston. He led the into law as part of the Violence Against radio about a young man that was murdered. organization in its adoption of Emancipation Women Reauthorization Act earlier this year. She prayed for the young man and his family Park to present back-to-school rallies and tal- RAINN’s National Sexual Assault Hotline the whole car ride, only to find out later that ent shows for children in the community. He has served more than 1.5 million victims, and it was her own son, Reggie. He had been started the Houston Sun Presents program, the number of victims affected by RAINN’s tragically murdered. which offered educational, instructive, and en- other services and advocacy are countless. Ms. Hawkins never wanted another family to tertaining programs and services to the com- Groups like RAINN turn victims into survivors. feel the pain she felt when she answered the munity. Along with his work in the community Merced’s Community Violence Intervention phone that day notifying her that the young and leadership of the Houston Sun, Mr. Robin- and Prevention Task Force, nominated by man she heard about on the radio was her son wrote two yet-to-be published works of VRC co-chair Congressman JIM COSTA for the son. She connected with other parents who poetry, ‘‘Pieces of Me’’ and ‘‘Poetry for all Lois Haight Award of Excellence and Innova- experienced similar tragedies. They realized Seasons.’’ He also served in various organiza- tion, is helping to prevent crime before it hap- that their cases were not being solved, and tions: ombudsman for the National Association pens. they were left out of the criminal justice proc- of Negro Business and Professional Women’s This organization is a collaboration of local ess. Ms. Hawkins knew that this was not right Clubs, Inc. and the National Council of Negro leaders formed in 2006 in response to gang and in 1996, founded Justice for Murdered Women. He also received a number of awards related violence in the Merced community. Children. Through her organization, she pro- for his contributions to the community, includ- The Task Force makes Merced a safer vides a variety of services to families of mur- ing the 4–H Club Spirit Award, Million Men place by educating the community about vio- dered children, including legal assistance,

VerDate Mar 15 2010 06:55 May 24, 2013 Jkt 029060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A22MY8.014 E23MYPT1 pwalker on DSK7TPTVN1PROD with REMARKS