S9648 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE September 26, 2008 County; Alpena 4–H Club, Boone Coun- ice Employment Program, SCSEP, HONORING EDWARD R. JOHNSON ty; Monette Buffalo Island 4–H Club, Participant. I want to congratulate ∑ Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, yes- Craighead County; Lakeside 4–H Club, Mrs. Johnson on receiving this award terday morning I met Edward Johnson Sevier County; Gaither-Valley 4–H and changing her life through partici- of Springdale, AR, who was selected by Club, Boone County; Olvey 4–H Club, pation in the SCSEP. Experience Works, the Nation’s oldest Boone County; Decatur 4–H Club, Ben- Prior to her participation in the pro- and largest provider of job training and ton County; Gravette Gleamers-4–H, gram, Mrs. Johnson’s sole work experi- employment opportunities for older Benton County; Chambers 4–H Club, ence was helping to run her family’s Americans, as the 2008 Outstanding Crawford County; Hilltop Kids 4–H sheet metal shop business for nearly 45 Older Worker from the State of Arkan- Club, Pope County; Carnall 4–H Club, years. She managed many of the day- sas. I want to take this opportunity to Sebastian County; Franklin County 4– to-day office tasks which included congratulate Mr. Johnson on receiving H Shooting Sports Club, Franklin sending and receiving invoices on be- this award and thank him for his stead- County; Hurricane Creek 4–H Club, half of the business. Unfortunately, in fast service to our country and my Franklin County; Franklin County 1986, her husband’s health began to de- home State of Arkansas. Teen Leaders Club, Franklin County; teriorate, and she suffered a heart at- More than 60 years ago, as an 18-year- Pulaski County Teen Leaders Club, Pu- tack herself. It was at this time that old young man, Mr. Johnson enlisted in laski County; Berryville 4–H Club, Car- their son began running the company the U.S. Army. Over the next 30 years, roll County; Atkins 4–H Club, Pope until it was eventually sold, when her he served our country in outposts from County; Shining Stars 4–H Club, Clark husband passed away in 1996. Japan and Korea to the Panama Canal County; Salem Superstars 4–H Club, After her heart attack, Mrs. Johnson and Vietnam. Upon his honorable dis- Saline County; Chapel Hill 4–H Club, was not employed for nearly 20 years. charge in 1978, he had earned the rank Sevier County; Spirit of 76 4–H Club, In fact, her husband’s death was very of sergeant major. Arkansas County; Batesville Pioneer 4– painful, and she rarely visited friends Without knowing what his next step H Club, Independence County; Hector or ventured out of the house. But at in life would be, Mr. Johnson went to 4–H Club, Pope County; El Paso 4–H the age of 77, realizing she needed addi- his local employment office to apply Club, White County; Towers 4–H Club, tional income just to make ends meet, for unemployment benefits. Upon ar- Union County; Magic Clovers 4–H Club, she contacted Experience Works. riving, he found his second calling and Saline County; Lion’s Pride 4–H Club, For those who are not aware, Experi- began a second 30-year career as the White County; Johnson County 4–H ence Works is the Nation’s oldest and local veterans representative in the Teen Leaders Club, Johnson County; largest provider of job training and em- Fayetteville office for the Arkansas Hasbrook Road 4–H Club, Craighead ployment opportunities for older Amer- Department of Workforce Services, County; Bethlehem 4–H Club, Columbia icans. Each year, Experience Works DWS. In this capacity, Mr. Johnson has County; H&S Dream Makers, Dallas serves over 20,000 older workers and assisted countless veterans find em- County; Small Stockers & More 4–H local communities through the SCSEP. ployment and helped disabled veterans Club, Marion County; Columbia County Shortly before her 78th birthday, find uses for their unique talents. He Livestock 4–H Club, Columbia County; Mrs. Johnson was placed with the has said that the pleasure of putting Haskell 4–H Club, Saline County; Prai- Amazing Grace Thrift Shop on a train- veterans to work and their excitement rie Grove 4–H Club, Washington Coun- ing assignment. She quickly learned to when hired is what motivates him. ty; Greene County 4–H Livestock Club, sort and fold clothes, as well as price Throughout his service, he has be- Greene County; Greene County 4–H and sell items. In a short time, she and come like a father figure and invalu- Club, Greene County; Hickory 4–H another SCSEP participant tripled the able member of the DWS staff. It is not Club, Cross County; Boone County 4–H sales at the store. uncommon for him to go above and be- Sharpshooters, Boone County; Phillips She soon was encouraged to take a yond to assist in a variety of capacities County 4–H Club, Phillips County; new job as a receptionist with the Ar- around the office. He is known to men- L’eau Frais 4–H Club, Clark County; kansas Rehabilitation Service, ARS. It tor new employees, especially veterans Dayton 4–H Club, Sebastian County; was not an easy transition, though. in the work/study program, and takes White County 4–H Leaders Association, Mrs. Johnson suffered from hearing it upon himself to recognize colleagues White County; Mountaineers 4–H Club, loss and was concerned about her abil- with awards when they provide an out- Franklin County; 4–H Busy Beavers, ity to answer the phone. In addition, standing level of service. Yell County; Lee County 4–H Club, Lee the phone system was rather intimi- At the age of 78, Mr. Johnson is show- County; Conway County 4–H Founda- dating, and she was unsure if she could ing no signs of slowing down, either. He tion, Conway County; Caney Creek 4–H adapt. The staff at ARS was impressed continues to learn how to use the new- Club, Conway County; Conway County with her, though, and they worked to est technology needed to perform his Livestock Club, Conway County; help her obtain new hearing aids. She job. He also likes to treat the staff by Hattieville Community 4–H Club, was also a quick study during phone grilling hamburgers and hotdogs in the Conway County; Heritage Run training. She not only developed the parking lot or bringing in his wife’s Homeschool 4–H Club, Conway County; skills to become a good receptionist homemade soup. Latino 4–H Club, Conway County; but also took the initiative to take a Beyond his work, Mr. Johnson is a Lucky Clovers 4–H Club, Conway Coun- phone list home so that she could learn valuable member of his community. He ty; Morrilton High School HOFNOD 4– employee names and extensions. Her is a 23-year member of the Noon Lions H Club, Conway County; Nemo Vista work ethic, people skills, and ability to Club, where he served as president from Pioneers 4–H Club, Conway County; learn new task set her apart. In fact, 1988 to 1989, and in 1999, he served as South of the River 4–H Club, Conway her training supervisor has requested the Rogers-Lowell Chamber of Com- County; Trailblazers 4–H Club, Conway that she become the office assistant. merce Ambassador of the Year. County; Union Chapel 4–H Club, It has certainly made a difference in In closing, I want Mr. Johnson to Conway County; Wonderview High Mrs. Johnson’s life. She says, ‘‘Being in know that he is an inspiration, not School 4–H Club, Conway County; and the program has made a complete turn- only to me and my colleagues but to Viola Loyal Longhorn 4–H Club, Fulton around in my life.’’ She displays a new- the millions of seniors around our County.∑ found confidence, and with some extra great State and across this country. f income, has returned to becoming an We are thankful for his many contribu- active senior. tions.∑ HONORING DORIS J. JOHNSON Mrs. Johnson, I want you to know f ∑ Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. President, yes- that you are an inspiration, not only to terday morning I met Doris Johnson of me and my colleagues but to the mil- TRIBUTE TO West Memphis, AR, who was selected lions of seniors around our great State ∑ Mr. VOINOVICH. Mr. President, by Experience Works as the recipient and across this country. Thank you for today I honor and congratulate an out- of the 2008 Changing Lives Award for all you do, and good luck in your fu- standing community member, distin- Outstanding Senior Community Serv- ture endeavors.∑ guished veteran of World War II and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 08:13 Sep 27, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00090 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G26SE6.115 S26SEPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with SENATE September 26, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S9649 Hall of Famer who played for Pearl Harbor in 1941. Putting his coun- touched and the people he has inspired my hometown team, the In- try first, he signed up just 2 days after with his amazing gift. Like so many dians, on his upcoming 90th birthday the attack, making him the first major other boys growing up in the and on November 3. leaguer to enlist in the military to 1950s, Bob Feller was one of my heroes. Bob Feller, also known as ‘‘Rapid fight in World War II. Getting to know Bob and observe his Robert,’’ was born in 1918, and grew up In the Navy, Bob was assigned to the down-home humility, enthusiasm for in humble beginnings during the Great battleship U.S.S. Alabama, where he led life and baseball and, more impor- Depression on a farm outside Van an anti-aircraft gun crew and attained tantly, his commitment to his country, Meter, IA. There he learned the impor- the rank of Chief Petty Officer. During has been a great joy for me during my tance of hard work, leadership and missions in the Atlantic and the Pa- time as mayor of Cleveland, Governor civic responsibility from his father cific, he fought admirably along with and now Senator for Ohio. I will never Bill, who worked the family farm, and his fellow shipmates in notable battles forget being on the mound with Bob his mother Lena, who was a nurse and in the waters off New Guinea, Guam and President Clinton on opening day a school teacher. and the Philippines. Though Bob of the inaugural season for Jacobs While doing chores around the farm— earned 5 campaign ribbons and 8 battle Field in 1994, and I still treasure the including milking the cows and taking stars, he’ll quickly tell you that he is baseball he signed for me that day. the hogs to market—Bob dreamed of most proud that the Alabama never lost Since retiring from baseball, Bob has becoming a a man to the enemy in battle. continued to touch countless lives, as player. With the encouragement of his While on the Alabama, Bob stayed in he has devoted himself to serving the parents—especially his father, who had shape by leading exercise classes twice community with the same passion and been a semi-pro —Bob honed his a day, and playing on the ship’s base- work ethic that made him one of the skills and worked to achieve his dream. ball team; but his dedication to his best in baseball history. He is Bob and his father spent countless mission and his shipmates was unques- well known for always taking time to hours playing pitch and catch on the tioned. In fact, Bob declined an invita- sign autographs and visit with fans and mound and a backstop his father had tion by Admiral Nimitz to leave the has dedicated countless hours to a built between the barn and the house. war zone and fly to Honolulu to pitch number of causes. Today he proudly When it was too cold to throw outside in the Army-Navy game, lists the Salvation Army, the Cleve- in the winter, they moved practice ses- telling the admiral that he had more land Indians Charities, the Little sions into the barn. important things to do. League of Gates Mills and the U.S.S. Bob missed all of the next 3 seasons— As he grew, Bob’s pitching speed in- Alabama Foundation among his favor- and nearly all of the 1945 season—but creased, and by the time he was in ite charities. Bob also remains very ac- he never had any regrets. His wife grade school he was regularly beating tive in the Major League Baseball Anne says, ‘‘For all that Bob accom- high schoolers. Word of his curveball Players Alumni Association and the and strong arm quickly spread, and plished in baseball, and all that base- ball means to him, I still think Bob’s Bob Feller Museum in Van Meter, IA. sports fans across the country began to Cleveland will be forever indebted to more proud about his service in the take notice of the kid with the ‘‘Heater Bob for his contributions and I am from Van Meter.’’ As interest in Bob’s Navy.’’ When the war was won, Bob returned proud he still fondly calls the area pitching grew, Bob’s father expanded to baseball. For many athletes, 3 years home. In fact, he currently lives with the pitching mound and backstop into off would be a difficult challenge to his beautiful wife Anne in nearby Gates a full field with bleachers and a conces- overcome, but not for Bob. He returned Mills, where he remains in close touch sion stand. A team was formed with to the Indians for the 1946 season and with his three sons and grandson. Bob as pitcher and his father man- had arguably the best season of his ca- Despite all that he has accomplished, aging. Hundreds of people traveled to reer, as he won 26 games, pitched a no- Bob remains the hard-working, down- each game at the farm to pay 35 cents hitter, two-one hitters and struck out to-earth, patriotic and compassionate to watch young Bob dominate batters 348. farm boy from Van Meter. When asked with his signature high windup kick After the 1946 season, Bob played a once if he could relive any one of the and blazing fastball. major role in the desegregation of many great moments of his life, Bob Bob began the first of his 18 seasons baseball. In a series of exhibitions answered without hesitation, ‘‘Playing with the after his played across the country organized by catch with my dad between the red junior year of high school when he Bob and his good friend Satchel Paige, barn and the house.’’ signed with the team and jumped the Bob Feller All-Stars matched up On behalf of a grateful Nation, I straight to the big leagues. In his first against the Satchel Paige All-Stars would like to congratulate Bob Feller Major League start, he backed up the from the Negro Leagues. These games on his upcoming 90th birthday, and hype and added to his legend by strik- offered a great amount of national ex- thank him for his service to his coun- ing out 15 in a four-to-one win over the posure, smoothing the path for Jackie try, his dedication to the community St. Louis Browns. At age 17, the win Robinson and other African Americans and for sharing his love of baseball and made him the youngest Major League who would later enter Major League the Cleveland Indians with so many. He pitcher to win a game—a record that Baseball. is truly a role model that all of us still stands today. Bob retired after the 1956 season as should strive to emulate. I wish him After his rookie season, Bob returned one of Cleveland’s all-time great play- continued health and happiness.∑ to Iowa for his senior year of high ers. Throughout his career he won 20 or f school, and the eyes of the Nation fol- more games in a season 6 times, TRIBUTE TO NANCY NEIGHBOR lowed him there. In fact, NBC covered pitched 3 no-hitters, was an integral RUSSELL his graduation live on national radio. part of the 1948 Indians team that won Back in Cleveland after graduation, the World Series and played in the All ∑ Mr. WYDEN. Mr. President, I wish to Bob went on to establish himself as the Star Game eight times. He still stands recognize a great Oregonian, Nancy premier pitcher in Major League Base- as Cleveland’s all-time leader in shut- Neighbor Russell. Not long ago, Nancy ball, as he led the league in outs, innings pitched, wins and strike- woke up and demanded that her family in 1938, won 24 games in 1939 and, in outs. take her to see the Columbia River 1940, threw the only Opening Day no- In 1962, Bob’s achievements were rec- Gorge. It was not an unusual request hitter in major league history. That ognized when he was elected to the because Nancy has been a tireless and year he also won a league best 27 games Hall of Fame in his first year of eligi- fearless defender of the gorge for more with an ERA of 2.61 and 261 strikeouts bility, becoming the first pitcher to than a quarter century. The scenic to win the pitcher’s Triple Crown. enter the Hall in his first year of eligi- beauty of the gorge was her passion Despite being at the height of his ca- bility since charter member Walter and protecting it was her crusade. reer, Bob traded his cleats and baseball Johnson. What made this trip different was cap for a Navy uniform without a sec- More important than all of the that Nancy suffered from amyotrophic ond thought after the Japanese bombed records Bob holds are the lives he has lateral sclerosis, ALS, often referred to

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